Jenny Henion

Where to travel to after Fraser Island

Posted on August 25, 2020 by Jenny Henion

Fraser Island is truly an extraordinary place to visit, bursting with white sandy beaches, thick greenery, and sapphire blue waters.

Moreton Island

Guests can spend time in this unspoilt region, trekking through the bushland and dipping into the refreshing waters. Seeing an explosion of wildlife, with glorious landscapes free of any urban development. However, once visitors have seen all they can on this picturesque island, where to next? Here are our top picks on places right nearby Fraser Island for an even greater adventure in this tropical region of Australia!

Brisbane

By far the most popular spot guests go to when also visiting Fraser Island, with many using Brisbane as a base point. The city is renowned for being constantly sunny and bustling with activities. Home to iconic landmarks, stunning parklands, award-winning eateries, and immaculate views, Brisbane city is truly a worthwhile spot on your Australian adventure. Learn about the city’s history and culture at the galleries, museums, and art centres dotted about. Or enjoy a beach day at the country’s only city man-made beach! Once the sun sets you can stroll along with South Bank and see the bright purple flowers covering the arched boardwalk ceiling, while you choose which restaurant or bar you want to park yourself at for the night!

Moreton Island

After Fraser Island, this attraction is one of the most popular day trip adventures from Brisbane. It is known as the third-largest sand island in the world, a haven of wildlife and paradise island scenes. On the island, Tangalooma Island Resort is one of the main hotspots, offering a range of activities and attractions for the whole family. Visitors can snorkel at Tangalooma Wrecks, a group of fifteen junk ships purposely sunk into the shallow shores of the island to create a safe harbour for small ships. Over time, the marine life has overtaken these ships, with green moss, and darting fish surrounding the rusting metal. Visitors can snorkel the ships and see how the wildlife has taken over the vessels, creating a brilliant contrast of marine life and rusting metal! After these visitors can hop on a canoe and explore more of the island, heading around the sandy beaches in search of the unique wildlife hidden about. To see some of the best wildlife up close and personal, guests can head to the Tangalooma Resort’s world-famous dolphin feeding extravaganza! Allowing visitors can stand waist-deep in the water and feed the local dolphins! Truly a once in a lifetime experience!

Gondwana Rainforest

Get lost in an ancient world of greenery, at one of the oldest rainforests in existence. Known as the Gondwana Rainforest, named after its original home in the supercontinent Gondwana, which was around 180 million years ago. This rainforest is a World Heritage-listed site, home to rare plants and animals, as well as extraordinary natural wonders!

Related article: Is Moreton Island worth visiting?

Recommended Brisbane Tours: https://brisbanetour.com.au/
Recommended Fraser Island Tours: https://fraserislandtoursaustralia.com.au/
Company: https://sightseeingtoursaustralia.com.au/

This post was originally posted on https://sightseeingtoursaustraliaonline.wordpress.com/2020/08/25/where-to-travel-to-after-fraser-island/

What is Brisbane famous for?

Posted on August 6, 2020 by Jenny Henion

Australia is home to a number of fantastic cities, with Melbourne famous for its night scene and Sydney known for its iconic landmarks, but what makes Brisbane so famous?

Brisbane

Brisbane, the state of Queensland’s capital, is known for its sunshine and culture, is the perfect mix of both Melbourne and Sydney. It is Australia third most populated city, an eclectic hub filled to the brim with some of the best attractions and activities Australian can offer.

Its Culture

Melbourne is typically known for being Australia cultural hub, but Brisbane is a close second. Home to excellent museums, galleries, and performance venues. Brisbane’s buildings host award-winning architecture which creates stunning scenery nearby the Brisbane River and picturesque parklands. and you’ll find plenty of things to do here for the whole family. Visitors can browse through the collections of the State Library of Queensland, be inspired by the treasures found in Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art and learn about the history of the are at the Queensland Museum. If you come at the right time, you may even get the chance to see world-famous shows such as opera, ballet, or comedy shows at the region’s Queensland Performing Arts Centre.

Its Weather

Brisbane is renowned for being a city endlessly drenched with sunshine, with 80% of the year blistering hot days! For those looking for both city adventures and the true Aussie weather, Brisbane offers both! Giving you the perfect weather for beach days, walking tours, and afternoon cocktails!

Its Attractions

Scattered about the city is an astounding amount of attractions, from bustling markets, boutique shops, and exciting events. South Bank is jam-packed with these attractions, known for its award-winning restaurants and bars, as well as its pop-up festivals and events along the riverfront. For sunny days, locals head to the man-made beach of Brisbane, featuring soft sands and sapphire waters to cool off at without having to leave the busy city centre. The Wheel of Brisbane lets visitors see the entire region, allowing you to marvel at the view either in the bright sunlight or during the stunning sunset.

Inner-city beach

Yes, it’s a little strange that Brisbane has a man-made beach in the middle of the city, but it’s a bit of a novelty that not many cities have so we’re taking it as a win. In the middle of a Brisbane heatwave, you’ll be thankful for bodies of water anywhere you can find them.

Its Activities Adventures

Brisbane is home to a number of exceptional activities within the bustling city, but one of the greatest adventures is found outside the city borders. With picturesque spots such as Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island, and the Tangalooma Wrecks all less than an hour away. Visitors can explore the reef spots, the warm waters, and historic spots Brisbane’s outer regions have to offer! Being perfect for those that want to escape the bustling city crowds of Brisbane’s for a breath of fresh air!

The Best Spots in Pompeii

Posted on June 2, 2020 by Jenny Henion

See how the ancient people of Pompeii lived by seeing all the greatest artefacts leftover!

Pompeii, Italy

Pompeii is truly an unforgettable sight to see in person, once being the home to the ancient Romans. The entire city is ruins, with each building and artefact found here thousands of years old! Discover all the best spots to see in this glorious tourist spot!

The Amphitheatre

Pompeii was once a thriving city, known as one of the wealthiest trading regions of the Roman Empire. Rich foods, fashion, and jewels were plentiful here, with many Romans using this as their summer vacation spot. Due to its popularity, the city created a fabulous amphitheatre, which held over 12,000 spectators in its prime. Hosting a range of games including gladiatorial tournaments, animal fights, and more! The Amphitheatre was built-in 80 BC, making it is one of the oldest buildings in existence today. The structure was carved into the ground, so it does not feature the underground networks like the colosseum, but the size and preservation of the amphitheatre will leave you in awe!

The House of the Vetti

The House of the Vetti is one of the best examples of a typical Roman mansion back in ancient times. Being a extremely well preserved home, with the main attraction being the series of frescoes displayed on the inside walls. These frescos have remained bright in colour, a striking red that is extremely stunning to see in person. Learn about the history and discover who the wealthy merchants who once called this spot home! allows you to see how the rich would have lived.

House of the Faun

It was once the richest residence of Pompeii, stretching out to over 30,000 square feet of space. The lavish home is worth the visit for its mosaics alone, with some so beautiful they have been moved to the National Museum of Naples. The House of the Faun was named after the statue of the dancing faun found in the house. Back in ancient times, Fauns were seen as creatures that symbolise wildness, vitality, and sexuality, with the statue most likely displayed to bestow these traits onto the household.

The Lupanar

One of the most unusual features of Pompeii was the overwhelming number of Brothels hidden about. Back then, it was a common occurrence for men to stop into these brothels for a quick visit, with the taboo much less apparent. Lupanar was the largest of all the brothels, and it can still be seen today! Erotic frescoes cover the inside walls, displaying intimate moments which historians believed acted as a certain ‘menu’ for visitors. However, the rooms of this ancient building show the dark side of the Brothels of Pompeii, with the small rooms with no windows and rock beds showcasing the hard and cramped lifestyle the women, who were typically salves, endured.

The Forum

Back in the day, this was the main centre for political, cultural and religious activities in Pompeii. It was the central square, bordered by buildings, shrines, and temples. Politicians would routinely discuss town matters in this centre, and markets popped up here on sertain days bringing in traders and tourists alike.

Temple of Apollo

The Temple of Apollo was known as the city’s most important religious building. It was built in the 6th century, with the temple surrounded by columns, statues, and stunning garden structures. Nowadays, it has crumbled quite significantly, but visitors can still easily imagine its grandeur back in its prime time.

The Antiquarium

Once you have strolled the crumbling streets of Pompeii, why not head to the museum to see the artefacts found over the many years of exploration. Housing many of the artefacts uncovered, with incredibly well-preserved furniture, artwork, and personal belongings. There are even the casts of the victims, which is a poignant feature for anyone visiting Pompeii. Created when historians preserved the remains of skeletons found in Pompeii with liquid plaster. The shocking casts display the last moments of these beings, with some cradled up in a ball, or others grasping their loved ones.

Related article: The Rediscovery of Pompeii

Recommended Pompeii Tours: Pompeii Tour from Rome
Price: €120
Company: Sightseeing Tours Italy

This post was originally posted on https://sightseeingtoursitaly.wordpress.com/2020/06/02/the-best-spots-in-pompeii/

Top Attractions in Gold Coast

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Jenny Henion

From theme parks to mountains, beaches to glow worms the Gold Coast has an entire world of fun for you!

Gold Coast, Queensland

Surfers Paradise

The Gold Coast is known for its stunning beaches, particularly a large stretch of surfing beaches known as Surfers Paradise. Home to some of Australia’s best local and international music festivals, bustling nightlife, and fantastic high-end accommodation and shopping facilities, Surfers Paradise is an icon of the Gold Coast.

Head to the sand and join a surfing lesson or lay down a towel for a relaxing afternoon in the sun. With 16 lifeguard towers lining the 16km stretch of beach there’s plenty of space between the flags to splash in the water and play in the crashing waves.

If you’re a keen fisher, Surfers Paradise is a fantastic place for beach fishing, with many locals lining the shores hoping to catch a bite. Walk the beach and set yourself up near local fishers as they’ve found all the best locations for reeling in a fish or two for dinner.

With temperatures rarely dropping below 20°, even in the middle of winter, it’s always the perfect time of year for a trip to the beach!

Mount Tamborine

From the sea to the sky, Mount Tamborine is less than an hour’s drive from the Gold Coast’s beautiful beachfront.

Mount Tamborine is home to an astounding array of native flora and fauna. The lush forests protect wildlife from the nearby hustle and bustle of the city and provide humans with an outlet to get close to nature and unwind.

Take a trip to the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. Set 30metres above the ground in the rainforest’s canopy, the walk is perfect for thrill-seeking nature lovers. In the Eco Gallery, you can learn all about the local animals and plants of the region and uncover the history of its Indigenous community.

Glow Worms

Some of the world’s most fascinating creatures call the Gold Coast home. Arachnocampa Flava, or Glow Worms, are endemic to Queensland. These captivating animals literally glow in the dark. Tucked away in caves or hidden under lush canopies, these small bugs emit a blue-green glow to attract mosquitos which they eat.

Join a guided tour of the caves where the glow worms live and learn more about these incredible creatures. Be careful to not shine any light at them or use flash photography since these tiny bugs are incredibly important to Australia’s eco-system and bright lights can stop them from doing their job!

Theme Parks

It’d be wrong to not mention that the Gold Coast is the theme park capital of Australia. It has no less than four fantastic parks, all boasting state-of-the-art rides and attractions.

Head to Hollywood on the Gold Coast by visiting Warner Brothers Movie World. With classic movie-themed rides and adrenaline-inducing rollercoasters, Movie World is perfect for visitors young and old. Cool down in the hot Gold Coast weather at Wet’n’Wild! With ten sides and attractions, there’s something for the thrill seeker to the relaxed swimmer. Or splash around in the wave pool for some contained water fun!

At Sea World Marine Park, you can learn all about marine animals and get up close and personal with the behind-the-scenes adventures. Get seats to the Thunder Lake Stunt Show and see water stunts like never before! Rounding out the selection is Australia’s biggest theme park, Dreamworld. Soar through the sky at 75km an hour on The Claw, one of Dreamworld’s best adrenaline-inducing rides!

The Gold Coast has an array of adventures waiting for you and the whole family!

Recommended Gold Coast Tours: Natural Arch & Springbrook Tour
Price: $98
Company: Sightseeing Tours Australia

How to enjoy the Blue Mountains with the kids?

Posted on April 26, 2020 by Jenny Henion

You don’t have to miss out on this region if you’re stuck with the kids, as there is plenty of fun family activities on offer!

Blue Mountains, New South Wales

Exploring the lush bushland of the Blue Mountains is a glorious experience. The region features an endless amount of attractions, such as stunning rock formations, unique wildlife, and epic lookout points. However, kids may find the endless bush and steep stairs a lot less cool than their parents, ending in some unhappy holiday moments for the whole family. However, we’ve made it a bit easier for you, listing our top favourite family-friendly attractions in the Blue Mountains, so everyone leaves happy!

Featherdale Wildlife Park

It doesn’t matter what age you are; Featherdale Wildlife Park is a true gem to visit. Featuring an array of local native wildlife, this park is conveniently just outside the Blue Mountains region. Making for the perfect stopover on the way from the big city. The park is jam-packed with natural bush, incredible enclosures, and friendly wildlife to make the whole family happy!

Treetop Adventure

What better activity is there for kids than scrambling up and down treetops? Blue Mountains’ Trees Adventure is Australia’s premier eco-adventure experience, which features an adrenaline-inducing course in the bushland’s tree canopy. Perfect for those thrill seekers, with endless swings, flying foxes, and leaping to tire even the most spirited kid!

Jenolan Caves

Hidden within the lush greenery of the mountains is a truly unique site! A limestone cave system that is listed as one of the world’s oldest and finest caves in existence. This underground labyrinth is the perfect place to visit with the family, with a long history for the adults to gasp over, and a mysterious feel to make the kids impressed. You can stroll through the caves, or even rock climb some regions, getting an up-close view of this underground world of limestone chasms, underground rivers, and a unique form of wildlife.

Scenic World

It is the biggest tourist spot in all of Blue Mountains. Known as the perfect lookout point to see the entire region at its best! Offering views of the mountains and bushland at every angle, featuring the iconic rides of the Scenic Railway, Cableway, Walkway and Skyway. Kids will love going on the steep railway, listed as the fastest passenger railway in the world. Where adults will be in awe of the fantastic skyway that raises you above the canopy to see the glorious bushland below!

Recommended Blue Mountains Tours: 1 Day Blue Mountains Tour
Price: $75
Company: Last Minute Day Tours

Related article: Where to go in the Blue Mountains?

This post was originally posted on https://lastminutedaytoursaustralia.blogspot.com/2020/04/how-to-enjoy-blue-mountains-with-kids.html

Where are the best places for whale watching in Australia?

Posted on April 18, 2020 by Jenny Henion

With over 25 thousand kilometres of coastline, there are bountiful opportunities to spot whales in Australia.

Whale Watching in Australia

So where are the best places to see these fascinating marine mammals and when should you go?

The waters of Australia offer plenty of opportunities throughout the year to observe whales as they migrate along the coast of the country during their annual migration. Travelling from Antarctica, the whales will follow their food to the warmer waters over the winter months as far north as the Kimberley and Great Barrier Reef. After the females give birth and prepare their young, the whales return to the Antarctic waters where they spend the summer months.

There are plenty of places to view whales along the Aussie coast, but their presence is seasonal so check when they are usually in the area before you plan your trip. Many coastal towns offer lookout points and viewing platforms to view whales from the shore, or enjoy a whale watching tour for an up close encounter.

Port Stephens

When: May – November
Migrating humpback and southern right whales can often be spotted from vantage points on the mainland including from the Tomaree Head summit and the whale-watching platform at Fingal Bay Beach. If you are after a closer experience, whale-watching tours depart from Nelson Bay, and day tours to Port Stephens from Sydney offer this as an optional extra during the whale-watching season. Bottle-nosed dolphins also inhabit the region year-round.

Moreton Island

When: June – October
Moreton Island, close to Brisbane, sits smack bang in the middle of the Humpback Highway, the migration path taken by the whale on their journey up and down the Australian coast. Enjoy a day trip from Brisbane to the island and include a three-hour boat cruise to observe humpback whales as they play in the warm Queensland waters. Last year over 1000 whales were spotted during the season from June – October.

Hervey Bay

When: July – October
Heading another 300 kilometres north of Brisbane and close to Fraser Island, you’ll find a town that’s home to the Hervey Bay Whale Festival. While whales can be spotted here from around July – October every year, visit during July and August to join in the festivities celebrating the marine mammals.

Esperance

When: May – December
Set on the Bay of Isles, Esperance offers opportunities to view whales from the mainland as they take shelter in the calm waters close of the bay. Lookout points along the coast offer great vantage points to spot humpback whales as they play in the water. Mothers will often use the sheltered water to give birth, so you may even be lucky enough to spot a calf with its mum.

Exmouth

When: July – November
Exmouth offers visitors not only a chance to spot humpback whales, but also to swim with them. Tours operate out of the town, and neighbouring Coral Bay, which allow snorkellers to swim within 30 metres of the gigantic marine mammals for an unforgettable experience.

Warrnambool

When: June – September
Travel to the end of the Great Ocean Road and arrive at the town of Warrnambool for amazing whale watching opportunities during the winter months. Here, southern right whales take advantage of the calm waters of Logans Beach to give birth to their calves. Whales can be observed in the ‘whale nursery’ from the viewing platforms on the shore, and often come within a hundred metres of shore.

Recommended Australia Tours: 1 Day Moreton Island Tour
Price: $99

This post was originally posted on https://sightseeingtoursaustraliaonline.wordpress.com/2020/04/19/where-are-the-best-places-for-whale-watching-in-australia/

How much is a gondola ride in Venice?

Posted on April 16, 2020 by Jenny Henion

A journey in this historical boat is an essential experience for anyone visiting Venice. So how much does it cost?

Venice Gondola Ride

If gliding down the Grand Canal or navigating the charming secluded waterways of Venice on a gondola is an experience you’ve always dreamed of, you have a couple of options to live out your fantasy. You can join a group gondola, which will take you to explore the canals and attractions from the water for around 30 minutes. This option will cost you around €29 per person, sharing your gondola with up to five other travellers. It’s a good option if you are travelling alone and want to share the experience with others, or don’t want fork out for the private option.

A private gondola tour will cost around €125 for up to six people for around 30 minutes. You’ll travel along through the canals and admire the beautiful city in your own private gondola, a great option for couples who want to make the most of this romantic experience, or groups of friends who want to share the fun.

What to Expect on Your Gondola Ride

Most gondola rides last for about 30 minutes and will take you winding through narrow secluded waterways and larger, impressive waterways including part of the Grand Canal. Have your camera ready as you enjoy a unique perspective of some of Venice’s well-known attractions including Mozart House, Peggy Guggenheim Collection, La Fenice Theatre and San Marco’s Bell Tower.

While you may have a vision of a gondolier romantically serenading you with an Italian aria as you gently row through the Venice canals, most don’t actually sing. The gondolier uniform consists of black trousers and a striped shirt, with some wearing the iconic straw boater hat. Nowadays, they have caught up with modern technology and your sightseeing narration is provided through an app in many different languages.

Gondolas are usually black with comfortable seats. There is no covering, so if you are travelling in summer, we recommend a hat to protect from the sun, and an umbrella or rain jacket if it is rainy.

Why You Should Take a Gondola When in Venice

It goes without saying that a ride in a Venice gondola is a one-of-a-kind experience that is uniquely Venetian. While you can get around the city more efficiently with the local vaporetti (ferries), enjoying a ride on an authentic gondola through the historical canals is something you can only do in Venice. The journey will offer you a different perspective of the city and a little piece of history.

Recommendation Venice Tours: Venice Gondola Tour
Price: €29
Company: Sightseeing Tours Italy

Where is Castelli Romani?

Posted on November 14, 2019 by Jenny Henion

Explore Castelli Romani on Our Pompeii Tour from Rome

Castelli Romani, also known as the Roman Castles, are Rome’s southeast countryside towns. These towns sprinkle the hills that are encircled by two volcanic crater lakes. Travel out of the hustle and bustle of Rome and discover the forty shades of green covering the countryside. How can you beat that?

Each town has their own history; however, the entire area was formed by a volcano. Monte Cavo, also known as Monte Albano, is an ancient volcano that extinguished around 10, 000 years ago. The eruption caused the formation of valleys, the regeneration of lush green to cover the hills, as well as two famous volcanic lakes. The Lakes are known as Lago Nemi and Lago Albano. The name Castelli Romani comes from the Roman nobles using this area as their summer dwellings. The Pope to this day still uses it as his summer home in Castel Gandolfo.

Only less than an hour’s drive from the city’s bright lights, Castelli Romani is a great weekend getaway or stopover on your way to the famous Pompeii.

Albano Laziale

In the heart of the Roman Castles lies Albano Laziale. One of the most popular towns in the region, this town is famous for its art, churches, history, and culture. Its history is rich, dating back to the first millennium BC.

Castel Gandolfo

One of the most popular summer destinations for past and current Romans. Bursting with beautiful churches, astonishing natural wonders, and spectacular villas. See the lake Albano sparkle in the sun as your stroll through the town’s colourful streets.

Nemi

The town the Lake Nemi was named after, the town overlooking the small volcano lake from above. Art and nature coexist beautifully in this small town, creating a tranquil atmosphere of winding alleys and bursting greenery. The town has flourished throughout history, said to be the birthplace of the first king of Rome, Romulus. Discover the ancient Nemi ships in this region, said to be incredibly developed for their time.

Frascati

A small town with villas scattering the area built mostly in the 16th century. The main villa, Villa Aldobrandini, dominates the town and draws many travellers to its gates. Take the weight off your feet and park yourself down at one of the local restaurants. Make sure to try the white wine as it is renowned in the area.

Rocca Priora

For a jaw-dropping view, venture up to Rocca Priora, the highest town in the province. Take in the view of the red cobblestone roofs and lush green carpet covering the breathtaking Castelli.

Castelli Romani is well worth the visit, with stunning scenery and rich history. Whether you want to relax near the lake or trek up to the highest peak, Castelli Romani is for you! Visit our Pompeii Tours to learn more about Castelli Romani!

To view our range of Pompeii Tours, please visit: https://www.pompeiitours.it/

This post was originally posted on https://sightseeingtoursitaly.wordpress.com/2018/09/18/where-is-castelli-romani/

What you should do on your holiday to Rome?

Posted on November 14, 2019 by Jenny Henion

Rome

Rome, known as one of the top tourist destinations worldwide. Known for its mouth-watering cuisines, enchanting ancient history, and inspiring artwork, it has a little bit for everyone. But where to start? It’s hard to know when with the entire region swarming with sites and culture. Dip your toes in the essentials and work out how to make the most of the Rome holiday.

Things to know Prior to visiting

The Foot Traffic

Rome has had a long reputation for being a crowded city. Being the largest city in ancient times, home to over 1 million people. Nowadays, it has grown even more, with the urban area having a population of 3.8 million, and the metropolitan area around 4.3 million people. It’s not just the locals that make it crowded, with travellers visiting throughout the year, swarming the popular sites to cause staggeringly long lines and expensive tours.

Beware of the Risks

Due to the surplus of tourists, shady characters are drawn to Rome. Con artists and pickpockets are Rome’s most common unsavoury folk, hanging about in the busiest sections of the city. Make sure you watch out for your bag and belongings, especially in crowded trains, lines, and sites. As it’s easy for these pros to quickly snatch one of your most precious items without you realising until much later. Con artists can range in a number of shades. Restaurants can scam you by confusing you with their menu and prices, and citizens who ask you to sign a petition and for your personal details can also have a secret engender.

How to Plan your trip

When to Visit?

Before visiting, most will imagine Rome as a sunny city bursting with blue skies and glorious greenery. However, sadly sometimes, mother nature has other plans. Giving you freezing cold, cloudy days pouring with rain. Summer is undoubtedly the best time to travel in, guaranteeing beautiful sunny days and glorious summer nights. However, July and August equal extreme heat and humidity, turning your tour unbearable when walking from site to site. June, July, and August are as well, the peak season for tourists, the tours and entry to locations bump up in price, so the holiday can get expensive. Typically, between September and November, or between April to May are the greatest times to travel. With smaller crowds, cheaper tours, and sunny but not overpowering days.

Public Transport

Depending on where your hotel is will determine if you’ll need public transport around. The closest hotels to the attraction are obviously the priciest, so if you’d rather walk you may have to fork out more extra cash. If not, bus’, metro trains, and trams are all scattered about the area, with hotels close to at least one of these transports stations and stops. There are one-day tickets, weeklong passes, or even monthly to annual available depending on how long you are staying.

Where to Go

Colosseum

It is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, as well as being one of the most ancient. Rome’s Colosseum is an olden landmark from the Roman Empire period, with an extensive and gruesome history. Once hosting popular games and tournaments containing animals’ hunts, gladiator fights, and chariot racing. The landmark has stood the passage of time, created in 80 A.D. with the majority of it still intact.

Palatine Hill

The most famous hill in Rome, home to a vast amount of history and culture. It holds a vast amount of the city’s history, including significant buildings, stunning frescoes and ancient artefacts. Being one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods back in the day, it’s guaranteed to have quite a few stunning attractions nestled on top. Not to mention it has a breathtaking view of the city!

Roman Forum

Another historic attraction is the famous Roman Forum, once the ancient city centre of the Roman empire. Like the empire, this area fell, with only a few ruins remaining. However, walking the grassy paths to see the marble and stone structures can give you a great snapshot back in time. With a local guide detailing stories that breath these great moments back to life.

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps have grown in fame over the years by appearing in many noteworthy films, books, and poetry. It is beautifully decorated in the Roman Baroque style, with both the stairs and the view holding great beauty. It is known as a hub for creation, with artists, musicians, and muse wannabes visiting to trigger their creative side. Hanging out on the steps is a popular past time for both locals and tourist, with interesting boutique shops, cafes, and look out points all littered about.

Centrale Montemartini

The city’s very first electrical power plant has now been transformed into one of the best galleries around. With ancient marble sculptures dating back to the 19th century scatter the factory floor. The difference between the leftover machinery and the marble sculptures create an inspiring contrast. With the coldness of modern machinery blending together with the detailed cultural artwork. The high glass windows of the factory produce a stunning light effect, with the concrete floors echoing everyone’s footsteps. Music events are also held here, which can be an enchanting and unforgettable experience.

Trevi Fountain

Make sure to bring some spare change on your trip for the Trevi Fountain. Water fountains were very popular back in ancient times, as it was once the only source of water in the city. The Trevi was the first fountain used for this, built in 19 B.C. However, in 1629, the fountain was redesigned by the artist Nicola Salvi, with large marble statues and stunning significant decoration. The tradition when visiting the Trevi fountain is to throw a coin into the water. If you throw one coin over your left shoulder from your right hand, it will ensure your return to Rome. If you throw two, you will begin a new romance, and if you throw three, you will guarantee marriage in your future.

Price: €39

This post was originally posted on https://sightseeingtoursitaly.wordpress.com/2019/09/03/what-you-should-do-on-your-holiday-to-rome/

Free things to do in the Eternal City

Posted on November 14, 2019 by Jenny Henion

Rome City

Villa Borghese

The Borghese Gardens are some of the most beautiful and intricate garden layouts you will find in Rome. A now famed attraction visited by many, the gardens sit on an area over 80 hectares of land close by to the Spanish Steps. These gardens are free to access so if you’re looking for a moment of quiet amongst the busy streets of Rome, this is it. The gardens began in 1866 by the Pope’s nephew Cardinal Scipione Borghese, however, it was given to the city in 1901 and was made into a public park in 1903. Now set in an English style garden, the beautiful grounds hold sculptures, monuments and a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Once a private vineyard, the Borghese Gardens is now the largest park in Rome and a central attraction in the heart of the city.

Pantheon

The Pantheon in Greece translates to ‘honour all Gods’, and this was what it once was for, as it had humble beginnings as a Roman temple over 2,000 years ago. Now a church, many are unsure how the Pantheon has survived several invasions and natural disasters over two millennia. It is known that Roman concrete was used to construct the building which is incredibly durable unlike the modernised version of concrete today. The Pantheon proudly boasts the largest unsupported dome in the world, with a giant hole in the centre of it that catches the light. It is also the resting place of Italian kings and notable figures. The most well-known person to be buried in the Pantheon is the master Renaissance artist; Raphael. Step inside the impressive structure and marvel at the grandeur of an intricate design that rivals even its own illustrious temple façade.

Spanish Steps

An iconic attraction in Rome, climb the 138 steps and you’ll be greeted with a stunning view of the street level below. A long-time meeting point since 1723, the Spanish Steps architectural beauty has been captured by many of the artists who made their way here to paint and sketch. Whilst models of the time tried their best to capture the attention of these artists, eager to be their muses. Named for the Spanish embassy that sits near the base of the steps, the location is in a prime spot for more attraction viewing. To the right of the steps, you’ll come across the Keats-Shelley museum, once the house of English Romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. A close distance away is also the Trevi Fountain. Be prepared for crowds, as it is quite a favourite amongst tourists for photo ops, so if you make your way there bright early, you’ll have the quietest time alone.

Trevi Fountain

Next take a visit to the Trevi Fountain, the largest baroque style of its kind in the city. Begun in 1732 by Nicola Salvi, his death saw that the project wasn’t finished, so it was then picked up by Giuseppe Pannini in 1761. The fountain’s origins dates to the 9th century BC, however, it was updated over history to complement the style of art that was popular at the time. Another crowded touristy spot, around 7 million people come to Rome each year just to view the magnificent fountain. Don’t let this deter you however, for the fountain is said to have magical properties. With your back facing the fountain, toss a coin from your right hand over your left shoulder, this is said to ensure you will make a return trip to Rome one day, who would turn down another holiday to the gorgeous city?

Jewish Ghetto

The culturally rich Jewish Ghetto was established in 1555, and remains one of the oldest Jewish communities outside of the Middle East. The people of the Jewish quarter have had a tumultuous history with the city of Rome, in the 16th century, for example, saw the ghetto walled in and a Papal Bull written out by the Roman Catholic Church listing the jobs that the Jews were allowed to keep. Despite the mistreatment of the Jewish community, the people have still brought much culture with restaurants, synagogues and the Jewish Museum of Rome. It would be a shame to miss walking the streets of the enchanting quarter that is laden with ancient artefacts such as La Bocca Della Verita, a circular marble object with a man’s face carved into it, which is said to be a powerful lie detector.

Trastevere

This medieval neighbourhood lies only a stone’s throw away from the heart of Rome, just a short walk on a footbridge over the River Tiber. It’s easily one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in the area, where cobbled streets lead out to dainty shopfronts and fine dining. There are lots of free sites in the area, the most popular being the Piazza Santa Maria where locals come to people watch, meet up with friends or make their way to one of the hip bars that have popped up in contemporary times. The first square you’ll find yourself in after you cross the bridge is Piazza Trilussa, named after one of the neighbourhoods’ poets who was known for his love of alcohol and beauteous writing. There are many wonderful things about Trastevere and since it’s a less explored part of Rome, the perfect getaway from the crowds to walk through a truly authentic district.

Giancolo Hill

One of the best free activities you can treat yourself to in the city is a walk through Giancolo Hill all the way up to the top where you will reach Piazza Garibaldi, named after one of Italy’s greatest generals. Wonder up at the Acqua Paola fountain, a mammoth structure that was built in 1612, or Bramante’s Tempietto where 14th-century citizens believed that St. Peter was crucified. The walk along the hill alone is worth a visit as its picturesque greenery on both sides provides a stunning border for the stunning landscape that you will look out on to. In the distance, you will see the gardens of the Villa Borghese and the Colosseum.

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This post was originally posted on https://sightseeingtoursitaly.wordpress.com/2019/09/03/free-things-to-do-in-the-eternal-city/