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Rome's Secret Sauce: Uncovering the City's Hidden Mysteries!

Rome's Secret Sauce: Uncovering the City's Hidden Mysteries!

Rome, the Eternal City, has seen it all. From gladiator fights to papal coronations, the city has a rich and storied past. But beneath the surface, there are secrets that have remained hidden for centuries.

Deep beneath the Colosseum, there are winding tunnels and hidden chambers where the gladiators and animals were kept before the battles. It is said that some of the tunnels lead all the way to the Vatican, allowing for secret passage between the two sites.

Rome Colosseum

In the heart of the city, the Pantheon stands as a testament to ancient Roman engineering. But there are whispers that beneath the marble floors lies a hidden room where the emperor Augustus conducted secret meetings.

The Vatican, the seat of the Catholic Church, is also home to many secrets. In the Sistine Chapel, the famous frescoes painted by Michelangelo hide a mysterious symbol that has yet to be deciphered.

 

And in the catacombs beneath the city, there are ancient tombs and underground chapels that have been sealed off for centuries. Who knows what secrets they may contain?

But perhaps the biggest secret of all is the true identity of the city's founder, Romulus. Legend has it that he was raised by wolves and went on to found the city that bears his name. But historians have long debated whether he was a real person or just a myth.

Despite the many secrets that lie hidden beneath its streets, Rome remains a city of wonder and awe. Its ancient ruins and timeless beauty continue to captivate visitors from all over the world.

Reasons Why Italy is the Capital of European Summer

Reasons Why Italy is the Capital of European Summer

Italy’s great food, beautiful countryside, fabulous wine, and long history make it an excellent country to visit. I fall in love with it every time I go. The vineyards in Tuscany, the history of Florence, the ancient streets in Rome, the laid back nature of Southern Italy, the gorgeous Cinque Terre, and the romantic canals in Venice all make the country irresistible. Italy leaves no one underwhelmed and, with so much to do and see, you better download the Italy Travel Guide and Offline Map to help you plan your trip.

1.  Tuscan Hills

Tuscany has a timeless familiarity with its iconic Florentine cathedral dome, gently rolling hills dipped in soft morning mist and sculptural cypress alleys. Get out, explore, hike and ding your bicycle bell, as this rousing landscape demands. Then there's the food. No land is more caught up with the fruits of its fertile earth than Tuscany, a gourmet destination whose residents spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about, discussing and consuming food and wine.

2. The Ruins of Pompeii

The ghostly ruins of ancient Pompeii make for one of the world's most engrossing archaeological experiences. Much of the site's value lies in the fact that the town wasn't simply blown away by Vesuvius in AD 79 but buried under a layer of lapilli (burning fragments of pumice stone). The result is a remarkably well-preserved slice of ancient life, where visitors can walk down Roman streets and snoop around millennia-old houses, temples, shops, cafes, amphitheatres, and even a brothel.

3. Venetian Grandeur

The Grand Canal, reflects the glories of Venetian architecture lining its banks. At the end of Venice’s signature waterway, the Palazzo Ducale and Basilica di San Marco add double exclamation points. But wait until you see what’s hiding in the narrow backstreets: neighbourhood churches lined with Veroneses and priceless marbles, Tiepolo’s glimpses of heaven on homeless-shelter ceilings, and a single Titian painting that mysteriously lights up an entire basilica.

Italy Guide for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch

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Top 3 Must-sees in Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy

Top 3 Must-sees in Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy

The U-shaped Palazzo degli Uffizi was built between 1560 to 1580 that was used to house government offices. Today, it houses the world's greatest collection of Italian Renaissance art. The collection, which was originally the Medici family's private collection, was bequeathed to the city in 1743. The expansive collection contains some of Italy's best-known paintings. Download the Uffizi Gallery Travel Guide and Offline Map and discover art at its finest.

1.     Tuscan Masters: 13th to 14th Centuries

As you arrive in the Primo Corridoio on the second floor, you will be greeted by Rooms 2 to 7, which are dedicated to pre- and early Renaissance Tuscan art. Among the 13th-century Sienese works displayed in Room 2 are three large altarpieces from Florentine churches by Duccio di Buoninsegna, Cimabue, and Giotto. These clearly reflect the transition from the Gothic to the nascent Renaissance style.

2.      Renaissance Pioneers

Florence's victory over the Sienese at the Battle of San Romano, near Pisa, in 1432, is brought to life with outstanding realism and increased use of perspective in Paolo Uccello's magnificent Battaglia di San Romano in Room 8. In the same room, don't miss the notable Madonna con Bambino e due angeli (Madonna and Child with Two Angels) by Fra' Filippo Lippi, a scandalous Carmelite monk who married a nun from Prato.

3.     Botticelli Room

The spectacular Sala del Botticelli is one of the Uffizi's most visited rooms. Of the 18 Botticelli works displayed in the Uffizi in all, the iconic La nascita di Venere (The Birth of Venus), Primavera (Spring) and Madonna del Magnificat (Madonna of the Magnificat) are the best known by the Renaissance master known for his ethereal figures.

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Reasons to Visit Turin, the Italian Center of Innovation

Reasons to Visit Turin, the Italian Center of Innovation

With boulevards elegantly lined with trees, you'll find Turin, even more appealing with its in its stately art nouveau cafes. The industrious Turin culture has paved the way to first saleable hard chocolate and Italy's most iconic car, Fiat. Today, contemporary Turin is booming with art and architecture with its live-music scene just as exciting as its innovative food and wine culture. Download the Turin Travel Guide and Offline Map and discover Turin in your next adventure to Italy.

Turin Travel App

1.     Castello di Rivoli

Established in 1984 Castello di Rivoli Museum of Contemporary Arts to help build a new identity for the city. Its permanent collection has a sizeable number Arte Povera works are beautifully displayed in the historic setting, along with pieces from the Transavanguardia, Minimal, Body and Land Art movements. So it comes to no surprise that it is the envy of Milan, Venice, and Rome's art worlds.

2.      Museo Egizio

This Turin institution houses the most important collection of Egyptian treasure outside Cairo. The museum officially opened in 1824 and among its many highlights are the statue of Ramses II and the world's largest papyrus collection. There are also 500 funerary and domestic items from the tomb of royal architect Kha and his wife Merit, dating to 1400 BC and found in 1906. Both coffins are incredibly beautiful, but Merit's image, rendered in cartonnage, gold leaf and glass inlays, is one of the most hauntingly beautiful ever displayed.

3.     Basilica di Superga

Built on a hill across the Po river, the basilica was built by Vittorio Amedeo II in the 1700's as a promise in honor of the Virgin Mary if Turin was saved from besieging French and Spanish armies. The Basilica is also the final resting place of the Savoy family whose lavish tombs are displayed for viewing. The Basilica made recent news when a plane carrying the entire Turin football team crashed into the church in thick fog, killing all on board.

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Reasons that will Compel You to Visit Palermo, Italy's Most Flamboyant City

Reasons that will Compel You to Visit Palermo, Italy's Most Flamboyant City

The capital of Italy's picturesque island paradise is equally as stunning as the rest of the entire island itself. Here, you'll get to venture in 12th-century royal tombs, huge neoclassical theaters, and stroll around a 9th-century royal palace. But history and architecture aren't the only things that Palermo has to offer. Explore busy street markets and get lost in its endearing culture that will surely perk up your senses. Download the Palermo Travel Guide and Offline Map now and start your next adventure!

1.     Cappella Palatina

Palermo's extraordinary chapel is the city's top tourist attraction. And it's no wonder having been designed by Roger II in 1130. Located on the mid-level of Palazzo dei Normanni's three-tiered loggia, prepare to be awestruck with its glittering gold mosaics, inlaid marble floors, and wooden muqarnas ceiling. The latter is considered a masterpiece Arabic-style honeycomb carving reflecting Norman Sicily's cultural complexity.

2.      Teatro Massimo

Can you imagine walking into a palatial neoclassical opera house that took 20 years to complete? Well, imagine no more. At Europe's second-largest opera house located in Palermo, you'll get to visually experience first-hand it richly decorated interiors. And if you're a fan of the Godfather series of movies then you'll be extra thrilled to know that the ending scene of The Godfather: Part III was filmed within its walls.

Palermo Travel Guide for iPhone, iPad and AppleWatch

3.     Mercato di Ballarò

What better way to experience the culture of a certain city than to explore its markets? Several blocks southeast of the Palazzo dei Normanni is Palermo's busiest market. It's so busy that you literally it comes alive with its throbbing vibrancy from the early morning to the evenings. Mercato di Ballarò is a fascinating at best and the certainly the epitome of street life. Here you'll find everything you need for cheap, from Chinese products to fresh produce.

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There's More to Sardinia than its Picturesque Coastlines

There's More to Sardinia than its Picturesque Coastlines

Sardinian is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and has nearly 2,000 kilometers of coastline. But beyond its famous sandy beaches and rugged landscapes, Sardinia also offers a mountainous interior crossed with hiking trails. Its landscape is dotted with thousands of mysterious Bronze Age stone ruins called Nuraghi. These ruins are shaped like beehives and one of the oldest and largest Nuraghi is said to date back to 1500 B.C. What are you waiting for? Take that trip to beautiful Sardinia with the Sardinia Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      Nuraghe Su Nuraxi

What's a trip to Sardinia without visiting its sole UNESCO World Heritage Site and the island's most famous Nuraghi. The Su Nuraxi is a 1500 B.C. tower. It once stood on its own but was later incorporated into a fortified compound. Many of the neighboring buildings were erected in the Iron Age and this makes the beehive of circular interlocking buildings that tumble down the hillside. The Nuraxi tower, the oldest part of the complex, originally rose to a height of 18.6m and had three floors.

Sardinia awesome guide for iPhone, iPad & AppleWatch

2.      Alghero

Like the rest of Italy, Sardinia is home to many medieval cities, but Alghero is probably one of the best on the island. Its picturesque historic center is one of the best preserved in Sardinia and is a great place to wind down and relax with an abundance of restaurants and bars to choose from. It is enclosed by robust, honey-colored sea walls; it's a tightly knit enclave of cobbled lanes, Gothic palazzi and cafe-lined piazzas. Alghero makes an ideal place to stay between exploring the beaches and the nearby Riviera del Corallo.

3.      Costa Smeralda

Famous for its brilliant green-blue waters, Costa Smeralda or the Emerald Coast's beauty has drawn millionaires, royals, and business moguls to its coastline. Starting at the Golfo di Cugnana, the Costa stretches 55 kilometers northwards to the Golfo di Arzachena. The most famous spot among the yachties is the Porto Cervo, although Porto Rotondo comes to a close second with its attractive seafront promenade.

Travel to Sardinia with a guide in your pocket

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Things You Must Experience at the Vatican

Things You Must Experience at the Vatican

Right in the heart of Rome, Italy is Vatican City, a city-state that is considered the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. However, it isn't just known for being the Pope home, but it also houses a trove of iconic art and architecture. The Vatican Museums that hold ancient Roman sculptures, Michelangelo's masterpiece of the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Raphael rooms' stunning frescos are just some the most notable art that you will see in the Vatican. Explore the seat of Catholicism with the Vatican Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      The Sistine Chapel

Experience the rush of religious grandeur within the walls of the chapel in the Apostolic Palace. Revel in the grandeur of the official residence of the Pope and be stunned by the famous The Last Judgment ceiling by Michael Angelo himself. Along with the Sistine ceiling, the fame of the chapel lies mainly in the frescos that decorate the interior. Between 1470's and 1480's a team of Renaissance painters that included created a series of frescos depicting the Life of Moses and the Life of Christ.

Awesome Sistine Chapel at Vatican City

2.      The St. Peter's Basilica

Experience the Pope's liturgies at the St. Peter's Basilica. Not only is St. Peter's regarded as one of the holiest Roman Catholic shrines, but it is also the largest church in the world. With that being said, it is famous as a place of pilgrimage where the pope holds liturgical functions throughout the year, drawing crowds of 15,000 to over 80,000 people at a time. The Basilica is also the burial site of the first Pope, Saint Peter, who is also one of Christ's Apostles. His tomb is said to be directly below the high altar of the Basilica.

Vatican City Travel Guide for iPhone, iPad and AppleWatch

3.      The Vatican Museums

Experience artistic history by visiting the Vatican museums, which holds an immense collection of more or less 70,000 pieces and 20,000 of them on display. The museums' collection was built up by the Popes and throughout centuries has included some of the most celebrated masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world. It is one of the largest museums in the world and was visited by 6 million people 2013 making it the 6th most visited art museum in the world.

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Best places to to put your feet on at the Amalfi Coast!

Best places to to put your feet on at the Amalfi Coast!

Italy has become one of Europe's most popular Summer destinations and with beauties like the Amalfi Coast, it's really no surprise as to why. With its steep, picturesque cliffs, and sparkling views that's been considered an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape by UNESCO, it has fast become one of Italy's most popular destinations. And you've probably seen it all over social media these days as there are picture perfect moments at every turn. Download the Amalfi Coast Travel Guide and Offline City Map and start planning your next Summer escapades.

1.      Positano

This famed Italian destination is every photographer and travel blogger's dream. The village is home to tiny, winding roads that run down to the sea and are lined with restaurants, shops, and a cascade of pastel-colored boutiques and hotels. It's the most photogenic town you'll ever see. Positano is a popular destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway as well as families and groups stopping through on day tours. Spend hours wandering the winding roads of the village and explore the beach path that hugs the mountainside and ends up at the watch tour castles. Every turn brings something new and exciting into view. As you meander through Positano, the charm of this otherworldly town is intoxicating.

Travel to Amalfi Coast with eTips Travel Guides

 

2.      Amalfi Cathedral

You might ask yourself why Amalfi, for such a small place, has its fair share of monuments, not least the spectacular cathedral. It was, of course, one of the four powerful Maritime Republics and established many commercial relationships not least with traders from the Orient. The Cathedral complex is formed of the 'Cloister of Paradise', the 'Basilica of the Crucifix', which houses the Museum, the 'Crypt of St. Andrew' and the Cathedral. Concealing the original Romanesque church, the Baroque interior we see today dates from the early 18th century as do a number of paintings celebrating St. Andrew. Look out for a canvas by Andrea D’Asta on the main altar showing St. Andrew on the Cross. Two superb antique granite columns from Paestum support the triumphal arch of the main apse.

Amalfi Coast Travel Guide for iPhone, iPad & AppleWatch

 

3.      Amalfi Paper Museum

Located in an ancient XIV century medieval paper-mill, along the road to the Ferriere Valley, Amalfi's Paper Museum is, no doubt, one of the most original museums on the Amalfi coast. It was founded in 1969 by Nicola Milano, owner of the paper-mill and member of one of the most famous families working in the paper production. It hosts machineries and instruments used in the ancient paper-mills. The ancient technologies, restored and active, reconstruct the entire production cycle of the paper. Among the century-old tools in the Museum it is possible to admire the ancient wooden mauls, operated by an hydraulic wheel, the press used to remove the water in excess from the paper, the continuous printing machine and the Dutch machine.

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Copenhagen, the Stylish Danish Capital

Copenhagen, the Stylish Danish Capital

Copenhagen, Denmark is one of the emerging tourist destinations today with many people from all over the world getting captivated by its dreamy design, luscious foods, and beauty. Here are some of the many reasons you should visit Copenhagen. And don’t forget to download the Copenhagen Travel Guide Offline and City Map for maximum experience. The Restaurants

Copenhagen is home to Noma, rated 2-stars by Michelin and is considered one of the 50 best restaurants in the world and the pinnacle of super gourmet dining. There are also numerous other notable eateries such as:

  • Fiskebar – serves a wide variety of fish dishes
  • Kiin Kiin – a Michelin-starred Thai restaurant
  • Retour Steak – home of half kilo rumps
  • Relae – informal eatery ideal for dates
  • Bodega - a cafe-cum-bar near the city cemetery and the number one destination for brunch

Street Food

If you prefer going through food stalls and tasting as much variety of food as you can over sitting on a dining table, Copenhagen has you covered with its rapidly growing street food scene. The Paper Island houses the city’s first street food market where you can sample food from all over the globe, pull and deck chair, sit by the water, and enjoy the assortment of good food. Artists and musicians also often frequent the area to give free live performances to diners.

Yammi! Copenhagen Cinnamon Rolls
Yammi! Copenhagen Cinnamon Rolls

The Hygge

Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a toasty, warm, cozy atmosphere so unique to the Danish winter the word does not have a direct English translation yet. It is all about a serene environment of good life, candles, friends and laughter, and a sheepskin blanket. Spending a few winter days in Copenhagen will be a perfect bonding activity for couples and families.

The Tivoli Gardens

The Tivoli Gardens amusement park, founded in 1843, is considered as a national treasure and a must-visit for anyone visiting Copenhagen. It is like a place from fairytales with its lush gardens, exotic architecture, and thousands of multi-colored lights that come alive during the night.

Enjoy Tivoli Gardens
Enjoy Tivoli Gardens

Cycling Culture

Bicycles are the primary mode of transport in Copenhagen which means no traffic, no noise, and no pollution. You can rent a city bike with built-in GPS or a traditional bike from one of the many ubiquitous shops and start exploring.

For easier time navigating Copenhagen or any other famous city, get a corresponding guide from eTips.

Florence, One of Italy’s Tourism Trinity

Florence, One of Italy’s Tourism Trinity

When one thinks of must-see places in Italy, one of the country’s tourism trinity of Rome, Venice, or Florence is often the first city to come into mind. This post will be focusing on the reasons why you should visit Florence. To make things easier and simpler you can also refer to this Florence Travel Guide and Offline City Street Map. Duomo - Santa Maria del Fiore

The Duomo of Florence is the 4th largest cathedral in the world beat in size only by St. Peter's in Rome, St. Paul's in London, and the Duomo of Milan. You can see at least part of it from almost any part of the city as it seems to tower over every other structure. This beautiful church is an architectural wonder you need to feast your eyes on.

OMG! Florence Duomo ceiling!
OMG! Florence Duomo ceiling!

Piazzale Michelangelo

You can have the best view of the city after you climb the stairs of the Piazzale Michelangelo. The panoramic view of the whole city is truly remarkable and unforgettable. It is also the best place to take photos with the elegance of the city in the background.

Old Town

Old town is the best shopping destination in the city. It is a huge area with narrow winding streets and shops and cafes every few corners. You can find plenty of local foods and goods here. It is the perfect place to get souvenirs and just wander around taking photos.

Be amazed by Florence skylines
Be amazed by Florence skylines

Museums

Florence has a few famous museums with the Uffizi Gallery being the most popular. The huge building in itself is amazing but its art collection of paintings and sculptures is simply jaw dropping. You can spend half a day looking at the artworks and you will still not be able to see everything. The huge size of the museum also allows it to accommodate huge crowds thus eliminating the need to queue in line.

Wine Tour

If you love wine then you need to take one of the several wine tours offered in Florence. A wine tour will allow you to taste several authentic Florence wine at a very low budget. You will also learn plenty of things about the history of Italian wine while on the tour.

Want more details that can help you in your Florence adventure? Just visit eTips and you’ll have all the information you need to make the most out of your travels.

3 Great Reasons to Visit Milan, the Italian City of Many Hidden Secrets

3 Great Reasons to Visit Milan, the Italian City of Many Hidden Secrets

Milan is often overlooked because tourists often prefer the more popular Italian destinations such as Florence, Venice and Rome. The fact that not that many tourists visit Milan has enabled the most of its traditions and culture to remain untarnished by tourism. It also has a plethora of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Below are a few reasons to go and visit Milan. Refer to the Milan Travel Guide and Offline City Map & Metro for more information.

1. The Trendy Navigli District

Milan is also a city of canals like Venice or Amsterdam. Compared to the latter that try to remain unchanged so as to not risk losing their immense appeal to tourists, Milan’s most popular canal district, Navigli, is rapidly evolving. It is regarded by many as the trendiest Italian city because of how it becomes more and more hip with each passing day. Navigli is quite accessible. You can get to this part of the city by tram, metro, bike, or on foot. Numerous establishments such as vintage shops, artisan shops, boutiques, coffee joints, gelato spots, and local restaurants can be found along the canals. Local street art is everywhere and there are numerous hidden courtyards to discover.

Visit Milan Navigli District
Visit Milan Navigli District

2. Delicious Food

The various eateries in Milan offer a perfect combination of traditional and modern cuisine. The modern gourmet market Eataly Milano Smeraldo is the city’s most popular source of authentic Italian cheeses with the soft burrata cheese and the cured speck cheese being its specialties.

For pizza, you can go for the Da Rita e Antonio for traditional Italian pizzas or the DRY for more creative and original pizzas. If you are very particular with the ambiance, then the Segheria is the perfect pizza house for you.

3. The Bike Culture

Milan is also called a city of bikes. A majority of its population prefers bicycles as the primary mode of transport. The city streets have also been modified to be more accommodating to bikes. The mild climate and flat terrain makes biking in Milan a pleasant experience regardless of the time of year.

Move around Milan by Bike
Move around Milan by Bike

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5 Good Reasons to visit Tuscany, Italy’s Center of Artistic Heritage and Landscapes

5 Good Reasons to visit Tuscany, Italy’s Center of Artistic Heritage and Landscapes

If you love traveling because of the beautiful landscapes and artistic heritage found on various locations around the world then Tuscany should definitely be on your bucket list. It is an enchanting region with a mild weather all year round. And don’t forget to download the Tuscany Travel Guide with Offline City Street Map so you won’t have to carry huge maps or think travel guides during your vacation. Centennial History

The historical, cultural, and artistic heritage of Tuscany is unparalleled in the whole region. Countless hamlets, cathedrals, castles, churches, walls, domes, and ruins showcase this rich history. The region is a treasure throve for historians and archaeologists as most of its ancient structures are well preserved with some dating as far back as the Paleolithic era when humans first inhabited the area.

Artistic Legacy

Tuscany is the birthplace of the Renaissance. Countless pieces of art can be seen all over the region primarily in museums, churches, art galleries, and sometimes even on the streets. Famous Tuscany-born personalities include:

  • Painters Giotto and Botticelli
  • Sculptors Brunelleschi and Michelangelo
  • Musician Puccini
  • Writer Dante Alighieri
  • The “father of modern physics” Galileo Galilee
  • The polymath Genius Leonardo da Vinci

Historical Cities

If you plan on going on a long vacation and visit as many splendid cities as possible then you can’t go wrong with Tuscany. The region has three UNESCO World Heritage sites namely:

  • The historic center of Florence and Siena
  • Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa
  • Medici Villas and Gardens
Visit Siena Historic Center
Visit Siena Historic Center

Ancient Hill-top Hamlets

There are numerous villages in Tuscany that are set on the top of a hill or the side of a mountain. The unique environment in these villages leads to unique city features. The elevation also provides a distinct panoramic view of the surrounding hills and mountains as well as the nearby cities.

Breathtaking Landscapes

Tuscany is made up of such a wide variety of landscapes you can spend a week traveling around the region and still not manage to visit all of them. A few of the most popular landscapes include:

  • The gentle rolling hills of Val d’Orcia
  • The Chianti wine region
  • The Apennines, the ski area of Tuscany
  • The gentle hills around Pisa
  • The coastal area of the Etruscan Coast
  • Bolgheri, home of the Super Tuscan wine
  • The Apuan Alps
  • The beautiful unknown regions of Lunigiana and Garfagnana
Be awe with Tuscany Chianti Region
Be awe with Tuscany Chianti Region

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Top 4 Reasons to Visit Venice, the City of Love

Top 4 Reasons to Visit Venice, the City of Love

Venice, Italy is one of the top destinations in the world that couples want to visit as it is considered the most romantic city on earth. This, however, does not mean that it appeals only to people who are in love. Before visiting the place, be sure to visit Venice Travel Guide and Offline City Map Support Below are four reasons why you should visit Venice even if you are single.

1. The Restaurants

Venice is quite popular with tourists and so most of the restaurants near the known tourist spots have started catering more to foreigners. Cuisine from various countries can be found in these establishments, giving you a chance to taste various foreign dishes. If you prefer tasting local cuisine, just go to parts of the city with few tourists. Restaurants in these areas are frequented mostly by locals so their foods remain unchanged by the booming tourism.

Venice Restaurantes by the canal
Venice Restaurantes by the canal

2. The Markets

The markets are a great way to explore the rich culture and traditions not only of Venice but the whole of Italy. Goods from all over the country can be found here. The vendors and friendly and cheerful and will happily tell you about the history of any item you ask about. The shops and stalls are vibrant and colorful and will certainly make your shopping a very pleasant experience.

3. The Alleys

Venice has so many attractions just thinking where to look can be quite overwhelming. The best way to truly appreciate the beauty of the city is to simply get lost. Just keep walking around wherever your feet take you all the while paying a close look at each alley, bridge, and canal. This method of exploration is also cheap as you don’t need to buy tickets or get a taxi. When you finally decide to go back to your hotel just ask the friendly locals for directions.

Colourful Venice alleys
Colourful Venice alleys

4. The Traditions

The Ghetto is the part of town where you can experience real genuine Venice culture and traditions. The Ghetto is a small part of town that is somewhat isolated from the rest of the city. It is barely affected by the ever growing tourism industry and you can observe the locals go about their daily lives as always have.

These are a few of the lesser known reasons that make Venice a great tourist destination. You can learn of the primary reasons people visit Venice at eTips.

The Art of Meriggiare: How to Leisurely Travel Rome in One Day

The Art of Meriggiare: How to Leisurely Travel Rome in One Day

If there is one person who knows the right way to see Rome, it’s Italian poet Eugenio Montale. In his famous work, Meriggiare, he talks about spending the day in deliberate languidness - observing the cracks on the pavement and watching the ants march in a single file - and the pleasure derived from doing it.

Meriggiare means “to pass the hottest hours of the day in a shady outdoor place.” It has no direct translation in English, but if it did, it would simply mean “the best way to enjoy Rome,” which is to say purposefully unhurried.

Even if you’re only in Rome for a layover, all you have to do is download the Rome Travel Guide and Offline City Map find a cozy café using its offline maps, order an espresso, and check out eTips suggestions on how to travel in Rome based on the art of meriggiare.

Take A Walk

Rome is notorious for its bad traffic. In fact, it’s widely recognized as one of the worst places to drive in the world. So, if you only have a few hours to spare in the city, forget about traveling by car.

There is no better way to see Rome than by foot. Take a stroll in the alleys of the Jewish Ghetto,

the oldest Jewish community in Europe, and indulge in the community’s historic and picturesque charms.

One of the ghetto’s must-see attractions is Bocca della Verità or the Mouth of Truth located in the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedia. Legend has it that it was used in ancient times as a lie detector during trials.

The way it works is that the accused will place his hand inside the mouth. If he’s telling the truth, he gets to keep his hand. If he lies, the Mouth of Truth will punish him by biting off his hand.

You’ll probably recognize the Mouth of Truth from Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck’s film Roman Holiday.

Rome best places to visit
Rome best places to visit

Visit A Local Market. But first, a grattachecca.

As Anthony Bourdain would tell you, if you want to know a city, you have to visit its local market.

Found just south of Piazza Navona, Campo de'Fiori is known as one of the best open-air markets in Rome. It has everything from fruits, vegetables, spices, cheese, flowers, even tableware. There are also stalls that hawk unique souvenir items.

But the highlight of any market are the food stalls. Snack on some porchetta, pizza al taglio, deep fried cod, supplì, and even a cone or two of gelato for a pre-pub hopping fill, before Campo de’Fiori transforms from midday market to an open-air pub at night.

But first, get yourself a refreshing glass of grattachecca, a dessert made from shaved ice, syrup, and fruit toppings, to start your day.

Don't miss Rome amazing markets
Don't miss Rome amazing markets

Nightcap at Trastevere

Trastevere translates to “across the Tiber” is a laidback neighborhood which seamlessly combines Rome’s medieval past and bohemian present.

Indulge in its hipster neighborhood vibe while getting a bite from a trattoria or sipping on wine in an outdoor cafe.

You can start your day with a walk through Trastevere’s winding cobblestone streets. Get your aperitivo on while admiring the well-preserved Medieval architecture, before heading to Piazza Santa Maria to do some people watching.