Travelling Like The Talented Mr. Ripley

In the Footsteps of The Talented Mr. Ripley

We love unearthing creative experiences across Italy. It’s highly likely this article contains links to products or services that we believe in from one of our affiliate partners – Trip.com. Mission accomplished if we’re paid for any link you click on. Read here.

Flashback to 1999, and it’s Matt Damon as The Talented Mr. Ripley on screen. As Tom Ripley, Damon reminds us that traveling like the Talented Mr. Ripley in Italy is a timeless pursuit, filled with subterfuge and exceptional elegance.

Pack your best linen suit, your most convincing fake passport, and learn to lie better than a politician at a press conference. We’re offering you a DIY tour to relive the deception and intrigue of Tom Ripley, and where we’re going, we don’t need morals – just a good camera and an iron stomach for both pasta and duplicity.

Day 1: Rome – Where the Deception Creeps In

We start our journey in the Eternal City, where Tom Ripley first dons the green jacket that will become his ticket to a life of luxury and deceit. Rome, much like Ripley himself, is a city of layers – ancient ruins beneath baroque facades, much like the lies beneath Ripley’s charming exterior.

Scene: Ripley, our anti-hero, attends a rooftop party posing as Dickie Greenleaf’s Princeton classmate. The city sprawls beneath him, a playground of possibilities and potential victims.

Why Visit?

Rome offers a photographer’s buffet of opportunities, richer than a carbonara and more layered than Ripley’s dishonesty.

1. The Colosseum at Dawn: Capture the play of light on ancient stones as the sun rises. It’s a metaphor for Ripley’s facade – beautiful on the surface, with a bloody history underneath.
2. Trevi Fountain at Night: Long exposure shots of the fountain will blur the water and tourists, much like how Ripley blurs the lines between truth and fiction. Just don’t toss in three coins – you’re supposed to be leaving Rome, not ensuring your return.
3. Vatican Museums: The twisted figures of the Sistine Chapel ceiling are a perfect representation of Ripley’s tortured psyche. Just remember, unlike Ripley, you can’t steal the art.
4. Roman Forum: Capture the ruins at sunset, when long shadows create dramatic contrasts. It’s visual poetry about the fall of empires and morality.
5. Street Scenes in Trastevere: Practice your street photography in this bohemian neighborhood. Look for characters as intriguing as Ripley himself – just don’t follow them home.

Hotels:

• UNAHOTELS Decò Roma: As stylish and deceptive as Ripley himself, this art deco hotel offers a perfect blend of 1950s glamour and modern amenities.
• The Inn at the Roman Forum: A well-kept secret where Ripley would’ve felt right at home, plotting his next move amidst ancient ruins and luxurious comforts.
• Hotel Isa: A rooftop terrace with views that would’ve given Ripley ideas about pushing people off buildings, if he weren’t so damn charming about it.

Restaurants:

• LA PERGOLA: A place where Ripley could perfect his refined palate and practice his upper-class mannerisms, all while plotting his next move over a panoramic view of Rome.
• Roscioli Ristorante Salumeria: The kind of authentic Roman joint where Ripley would study the locals, perfecting his Italian accent over plates of exquisite salumi and pasta.
• Armando al Pantheon: A classic trattoria where Ripley could blend in with the Romans, savoring traditional dishes while eavesdropping on unsuspecting tourists.

Getting There: Fly into Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. Take the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini (30 minutes). From there, the city is your oyster – or should I say, your plate of carbonara.

Day 2-3: Positano – Sun, Sea, and Sociopathy

We move to the stunning Amalfi Coast, where Ripley first meets the golden couple, Dickie and Marge. Positano, with its pastel-hued buildings tumbling down to the sea, is as seductive as Ripley’s guiles.

Scene: Ripley “accidentally” encounters Dickie and Marge on the beach, insinuating himself into their gilded lives with the ease of a gecko climbing a sun-warmed wall.

Why Visit?

Positano is a vertical town, offering endless opportunities for stunning shots that are as layered as Ripley’s deceptions.

1. Dawn at the Beach: Capture the iconic beach umbrellas at first light, their colors as vibrant as Ripley’s imagination. The long shadows will add a touch of noir to your shots.
2. Sunset from the Church of Santa Maria Assunta: The dome of this church against the setting sun creates a silhouette as dramatic as Ripley’s plans.
3. Boat Tour: Take a boat out at golden hour to capture Positano from the sea. The town rising from the water is as improbable and beautiful as one of Ripley’s well-crafted falsehoods.
4. Path of the Gods: Hike this trail for panoramic views that are to die for – hopefully not literally, in Ripley’s case. Capture the vertiginous drops and winding paths as a metaphor for Ripley’s precarious situation.
5. Street Scenes: The narrow, stepped streets of Positano offer countless opportunities for candid shots. Look for moments of everyday Italian life that contrast with the glamour of Ripley’s adopted world.

Hotels:

• Hotel Poseidon: Perched on Positano’s cliffs like Ripley’s ambitions, offering views that would make even the most jaded sociopath pause in awe.
• Hotel Palazzo Murat: A former royal residence where Ripley could’ve easily passed himself off as a long-lost Italian prince.
• Le Sirenuse: As seductive and dangerous as Ripley, with a view that could make you forget your own name, let alone someone else’s.

Restaurants:

• Ristorante La Sponda: The epitome of Amalfi Coast glamour, where Ripley would feel right at home among the jet-set, sipping Champagne and plotting his next identity theft.
• Al Palazzo: Nestled in the Hotel Palazzo Murat’s garden, this restaurant offers a setting as picturesque as Ripley’s careful dishonesty.
• Il Tridente: A rooftop haven where Ripley could admire the Positano views, cocktail in hand, while contemplating his next elaborate lie.

Getting There: From Rome, take a train to Naples (2 hours), then a ferry to Positano (1 hour). Alternatively, hire a car and drive the winding coastal road – just keep your hands on the wheel and off any potential victims.

Day 4: Anzio – Where Ripley’s Web Unravels

We venture to Anzio, where Ripley and Dickie’s fateful boat trip begins. The tension is as palpable as the salt in the air.

Scene: Ripley and Dickie set sail from Anzio’s harbor, their relationship about to take a deadly turn.

Why Visit?

Anzio offers a photographer’s feast of contrasts – ancient ruins juxtaposed with WWII history and modern beach life.

Photographic Opportunities:

1. Dawn at the Harbor: Capture the fishing boats setting out, their silhouettes stark against the rising sun. It’s a scene of innocence that contrasts beautifully with Ripley’s dark intentions.
2. Ruins of Nero’s Villa: Frame the ancient stones against the sea, playing with the layers of history much like Ripley’s layered deceptions.
3. Anzio War Cemetery: The orderly rows of graves offer a poignant composition, reminding us of the consequences of violence – a theme central to Ripley’s story.
4. Beach Life: Capture the carefree holidaymakers, blissfully unaware of the darkness that once sailed from these shores. The juxtaposition of joy and menace is pure Ripley.
5. Sunset at the Lighthouse: Use the lighthouse as a focal point, with the setting sun casting long shadows – a visual metaphor for the long reach of Ripley’s crimes.

Hotels:

• Grand Hotel Dei Cesari: The kind of place where Ripley could’ve reinvented himself a dozen times before breakfast, each identity more convincing than the last.
• Hotel Lido Garda: A beachfront property where Ripley could’ve perfected his tan and his talent for deception in equal measure.
• Serpa Hotel: A seaside sanctuary where Ripley could’ve gazed out at the Mediterranean.

Restaurants:

• Al Turcotto: A seaside spot where Ripley could indulge in fresh seafood, all while keeping an eye on the horizon for any signs of his past catching up with him.
• Il Porticciolo: The perfect place for Ripley to savor Michelin-starred cuisine, pretending to be a food critic while charming unsuspecting fellow diners.
• Romolo al Porto: A dockside eatery where Ripley could watch the boats come and go, planning his next escape over a plate of freshly caught fish.

Getting There: Take a train from Rome to Anzio, a 1-hour journey. As you board, resist the urge to dramatically announce, “I’m going to San Remo!”

Day 5-6: Venice – The Masquerade Continues

We glide into Venice, where Ripley’s web of fabrication begins to unravel faster than a cheap gondolier’s sweater.

Scene: Ripley, now impersonating Dickie, navigates the labyrinthine canals of Venice, always one step ahead of discovery.

Why Visit?

Venice, with its masks and mysteries, is the perfect backdrop for Ripley’s final act of deception.

Photographic Opportunities:

1. Misty Canals at Dawn: Capture the ethereal quality of Venice’s canals in the early morning mist. It’s as if the city itself is conspiring to hide Ripley’s secrets.
2. Masks of Carnival: Even if it’s not Carnival season, Venice’s mask shops offer a perfect metaphor for Ripley’s assumed identities. Capture close-ups of intricate masks, each one a potential new Ripley.
3. Reflections in the Canals: Use the still waters of smaller canals to capture perfect reflections of the buildings above. It’s a visual representation of the double life Ripley is leading.
4. The Rialto at Night: Capture the famous bridge lit up at night, its arch like the rising tension in Ripley’s story.
5. Empty Piazza San Marco at Dawn: Arrive before the crowds for a shot of this iconic square devoid of people – as empty as Ripley’s moral compass.

Hotels:

• Anda Venice Hostel: The sort of place Ripley would’ve stayed before he got a taste for the high life, plotting his ascent while surrounded by backpackers.
• Ai Mori d’Oriente: A Venetian hideaway where Ripley could’ve lost himself in the labyrinthine streets and found a new identity around every corner.
• Hotel Heureka: As full of surprises as Ripley’s suitcase, this boutique hotel offers the perfect blend of Venetian tradition and modern luxury.

Restaurants:

• Trattoria Antiche Carampane: A hidden Venetian gem where Ripley could lose himself in the labyrinthine streets and local flavors, momentarily forgetting his web of deceit.
• al Paradiso: A cozy spot where Ripley could practice his Italian, chatting with locals over simple yet delicious fare, all while keeping his guard up.
• Ristorante Quadri: An opulent Venetian institution where Ripley could rub elbows with the elite, perfecting his upper-class persona over exquisite risotto and fine wine.

Getting There: Take a train from Rome to Venice, a 3.5-hour journey. As you arrive, practice your best “I’m not panicking” face.

Day 7: Palermo – The Final Curtain

We end our journey in Palermo, where the final, haunting scene of the film takes place in the Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio church.

Scene: Ripley, having escaped detection, finds himself in a church, surrounded by the weight of his crimes.

Why Visit?

Palermo’s blend of cultures and histories provides a fitting end to our Ripley-inspired journey.

Photographic Opportunities:

1. Byzantine Mosaics: Capture the intricate mosaics of Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio, their golden glow a stark contrast to the darkness of Ripley’s soul.
2. Catacombe dei Cappuccini: These eerie catacombs offer a chilling backdrop, reminiscent of the ghosts that now haunt Ripley.
3. Markets of Ballarò: Capture the vibrant life of Palermo’s markets, a world away from the rarefied existence Ripley has been chasing.
4. Mondello Beach at Sunset: End your journey with a shot of the Art Nouveau pier at Mondello Beach, the fading light symbolizing the end of Ripley’s journey.
5. Palermo Cathedral: Use the cathedral’s mix of architectural styles to represent the many facades of Ripley’s character.

Hotels:

• Best Western Ai Cavalieri Hotel: The kind of unremarkable hotel where Ripley might’ve laid low, blending in with tourists while planning his next grand deception.
• Hotel Principe di Villafranca: A princely establishment where Ripley could’ve easily convinced the staff he was a long-lost member of the Villafranca family.
• Eurostars Centrale Palace Hotel: As grand and imposing as Ripley’s ambitions, offering a taste of the high life he so desperately craved.

Restaurants:

• Osteria dei Vespri: A Palermo hideaway where Ripley could immerse himself in Sicilian culture, savoring innovative dishes while plotting his next move.
• Gagini Social Restaurant: With its casual atmosphere and simple menu, this spot provides the perfect backdrop for Ripley to blend in with the locals.
• Osteria Trabucco: The excellent service and superb food under the awning create an ambiance where Ripley could savor the dolce vita, plotting his next move while indulging in the flavors of coastal Italy.

Getting There: Fly from Venice to Palermo, a 1.5-hour flight. As you land, resist the urge to assume a new identity.

Plot Summary

The Talented Mr. Ripley follows Tom Ripley, a charming sociopath who cons his way into the life of wealthy playboy Dickie Greenleaf. What starts as a simple deception spirals into a web of lies, identity theft, and murder as Ripley becomes obsessed with Dickie’s lifestyle.

Why It’s a Blockbuster

The film’s intoxicating blend of suspense, gorgeous Italian locations, and stellar performances made it a hit. It’s a psychological thriller that’s as seductive as it is unsettling, much like Ripley himself. Plus, it offers a masterclass in how not to behave on your Italian vacation. 

Remember, as you trace Ripley’s footsteps through Italy, keep your wits about you. And if a charming American offers to take you boating, maybe consider a nice espresso instead. Ciao, bella.

Want to download this article in PDF?

If you enjoy reading about DIY movie tours, here are some other articles you might enjoy:
A 10-Day Italian Adventure Inspired by Netflix’s Ripley
Venetian Whirlwind: A 7-Day Adventure Through ‘The Tourist’ Movie
From the Arena to the Aperitivo: Five Days Retracing Gladiator