Rome is a destination that offers dozens of attractions and activities. From the legendary Colosseum to the Fontana di Trevi and from the semi-freddo Gelato to a ride on a Vespa, Italy’s capital holds the interest of every visitor unabated. The options are many, the only thing you have to do is dedicate time and be equipped with energy (for walking!). The secret passage of Passetto di Borgo and the oldest road in the world, Via Appia, await to captivate you…

Discover the most important attractions in Rome

The capital of the Renaissance keeps lots of secrets, attractions, as well as options/activities. Florence is an ideal destination for any season, as each one offers images of unique beauty. Some of the most important attractions are, of course, the Ponte Vecchio, the Cupola del Brunelleschi, the mysterious Palazzo Vecchio, the famous Ufizzi Gallery, the Michelangelo Square, with the most beautiful view of the city and more. You should also not miss out on a “dark” walk in the Vasari Corridor, a taste of the authentic Gelato and the chance to gaze at the marble statue of David, at the Accademia Gallery, for hours on end. Florence has a distinct kind of beauty that you will not find anywhere else in the world, while it offers lots of options to have a great time.

Discover the most important attractions in Florence

The Flavian Amphitheater, as it was initially named, is one of the most well-known monuments, not only of Italy, but of the entire world. The Colosseum has been standing in the heart of the city for more than 2 millennia, while its size was unimaginable for the era’s standards, as it could fit 70-90 thousand people. The spectacle it offered was quite barbaric, with the battles between gladiators and wild animals* being the audience’s favorite pastime. A walk around the living history of ancient Rome is a unique life experience, so the best you can do is follow the original** evening tour (April to October). This way, you will get the chance to walk on the wooden platform, go down to the catacombs, admire its lit interior and learn things that you cannot do during the morning visit.

*The list of wild animals, apart from tigers and lions, includes bears, giraffes, elephants, hyenas, hippos etc!
** With an official guide

Important: 1) So as to not be fooled by the dozens of “sellers” of skip line tickets and not wait in the endless lines, follow our tips. 2) Do not make the mistake of renting an audio guide, it’s money wasted.

Suggested visit time: 1.5-2 hours
Open: Every day 08:30-19:15 during the summer months. 08:30-16:30 during the winter. Closed: January 1st, May 1st & December 25th
Cost: 12€ for the standard combo ticket, 7.5€ for the reduced combo ticket, 20€ for the evening tour

 The know-it-all says: 50,000 spectators could leave the stadium in 5 minutes(!!), thanks to its many exits!!

Notice: Even if you have a Skip Line ticket, there is a chance you will wait in line for up to 30 minutes (during rush hours). Still, you will save yourselves from the two-hour wait.

The paved Ponte Vecchio bridge is a hallmark for Florence, while it is one of the most famous and beautiful in the world. The bridge, since the 16th century, is flooded with small shops –mainly jewelry stores-, which take away part of its quaintness and charm. If you want to enjoy it, you should visit it either early in the morning or late at night, as it is extremely crowded during the rest of the day. But the most delightful time is during sunset, when it is transformed into a Renaissance fairytale thanks to the amazing colors of the sun that embrace it. Its appearance remains magical, when the floodlights paint its reflection on the Arno River, with all eyes staying glued on it..

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know it all says: Hitler was so impressed by Ponte Vecchio that he ordered for all the bridges in the city to be blown up, apart from this one!

The cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore is an entire chapter of the city. Entrance to the temple’s main body might be free, but for the other parts, such as the dome, the bell tower, the crypt, the Baptistery of San Giovanni and the Opera Duomo Museum, there is a –standard- fee. The Duomo Square features the forenamed monuments and it is flooded with thousands of people throughout the whole day.

Cupola del Brunelleschi (Dome)

Brunelleschi’s architectural masterpiece is in almost every photograph of Florence and it is another one of the city’s hallmarks. Until today, it is the largest dome, made of bricks and mortar, in the world and the third largest in size (among religious spaces). Both its architecture and structural form leave no-one unimpressed, although we would not say the same for the ascent to the top, which is achieved via 463 narrow steps. Nevertheless, the view from the top is overwhelming! (Booking is required at least 2 days before the visit.).

Open: Monday-Friday 08:30-19:00, Saturday 08:30-17:00 & Sunday 13:00-16:00

Cathedral (Duomo)

Florence looks like a well-written fairytale, completed in the best possible way by the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. The temple is the most important religious monument in Florence and one of the most significant worldwide. Its interior adornment is simple and uninteresting, while its exterior beauty captures the visitor from the very first sight. For the temple’s main body entrance is Free, and there is a fee for the crypt and its famous dome.

Open: Monday-Saturday 10:00-17:00 & Sunday 13:30-16:30

Baptistery of San Giovanni

The Baptistery of San Giovanni is one of the oldest churches in the city. It is located in front of the Duomo and stands out due to its octagonal shape and stately marble architecture. But what draws all eyes –and flashes- is the door on the east side, created by Ghiberti, which Michelangelo labeled as “The Gates of Paradise” (the real ones are exhibited at the Opera Duomo Museum). Make sure you are there on the opening, otherwise the large crowds will not let you enjoy it.

Open: Monday-Friday 08:15-10:15 / 11:15-19:30, Saturday: 08:15-18:30, Sunday: 08:15-13:30

Giotto’s Bell Tower

This is probably the most beautiful bell tower in Italy. Giotto’s 85m tall masterpiece was designed more for decorative and not practical purposes, and there is a great emphasis on the exterior, with the dozens of reliefs that decorate its façade. But you should know that the 414 narrow, claustrophobic steps that you have to climb are not easy business. Nonetheless, at the top awaits a wonderful view of the city.

Open: Every day 08:15-19:00

Crypt

The crypt is in the temple’s basement and holds parts of the old temple, on top of which Santa Maria del Fiore was built.

Open: Every day 10:00-17:00

Opera Duomo Museum

The modern Opera Duomo museum merges perfectly with the classical showpieces and together they offer one –immeasurably- pleasant experience. Inside you have the chance to see the way that the Duomo was built, as well as important works of art from the Renaissance. The greatest of them are Battistero’s original doors! You can look at them for hours…nobody will blame you!

Open: Every day 09:00-19:30, except the first Tuesday of every month.

Extra Tip: Visit them in the following order so that you avoid any hardship. 1) Baptistery of San Giovanni (08:15) 2) Giotto’s Bell Tower (09:00) 3) Opera Duomo Museum (10:30) 4) Cathedral (11:30) 5) Cupola del Brunelleschi (12:30, it requires booking so there is always the same number of people no matter when you visit it).

Suggested visit time: 6-7 hours
Open: See above
Cost: 15€ (combo ticket), Free with the Firenze Card. Notice: in order to go up the Dome you must have made reservation via the official website at least 5 days prior to your visit.

  The know it all says: It took almost 140 years for the cathedral to be completed!

Tall cypresses rising from right and left along the road, endless vineyards, rustic houses, incredible quiet and wine gushing out from everywhere! Yes, we are talking about the luscious green countryside of Tuscany, which is a hallmark not only for the region, but the whole of Italy. Roaming around its narrow country roads you will see a landscape that seems like it was taken out of a fairytale, especially if the visit takes place during early autumn. The trip should have as the primary destination the famous Chianti with the renowned wine and the wonderful medieval castles. You can also have a picnic in one of the endless meadows, while you should not miss the wine tour, which will really immerse you in the region’s atmosphere.

Suggested visit time: Half a day
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know it all says: The neo-Italian language is based on the Tuscan dialect!

The world’s most famous fountain is a main attraction for thousands of tourists daily. This makes it the first in visit rates, free, attraction in the city. Every moment of the day, Fontana di Trevi has to offer a different image. But, at night, the lights make it look even more magical and captivating. But, your hopes for a romantic walk will probably stay unfulfilled, as it is jam-packed, with people literally climbing every possible spot for a good shot. To be honest, this is totally reasonable, as the fountain of rare beauty mesmerizes everyone with its shiny marbles, statues, size and turquoise water. The only thing you have to do is stand on its side and throw a coin*, above your shoulder, so that you return to the Eternal City soon. If you wish to take amazing photos like this one, then it would be best to visit it around 4-5 in the morning.

*The legend says that with one coin you return to Rome, with two you marry an Italian, while with three you break up with your partner to marry an Italian. Mind your coin tosses!

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The municipal service fishes out a sum of 700,000€ annually!

Florence remains ageless and unspoiled despite the centuries that have gone by. The city’s historic center is an open-air museum that can be explored effortlessly, always paired with a delicious gelato. In the center you will find temples, squares, statues and monuments as well as gelaterie, restaurants and modern clothing and footwear stores. But the secret is to escape the tourist crowds and get to know the narrow, untrodden –by tourists- streets. There, you will discover the magic of the Renaissance through big and small works of art, while you will also have the chance to drink some fine espresso. Finally, it is remarkable that in a city that the hordes of tourists flood its every street, cleanliness has a leading role.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know it all says: In Florence reside 1/3 of the world’s art treasures! (UNESCO)

The small state of the Vatican City is one constant question mark for the visitor. Concerns are many, about how to get inside, how much they will pay and many more. In this article, we will inform you about everything, so that you make the best choice.

First:

Searching on the internet, you will find dozens of “offers” for quick access, cheap tickets and other “bargains”. It would be best to close your ears to fake offers and know that there is an entrance fee only for the Sistine Chapel & the Museums, while for St. Peter it is free (there is a small fee for the dome).

Lines & access to the Sistine Chapel & the Museums:

The second matter is the endless lines and the way of access. Here you should know that you have two options. The first one is that you have to wait in line to buy the ticket and get inside the Sistine Chapel & the Museums. The second one is to book your tickets online from the official website, without middlemen and hidden charges. On the website, you can pick the time and date that suits you and, after you have printed the tickets, the only thing left is to skip the line and move towards the entrance! On your own…Without middlemen and “inflated” ticket prices..

Lines & access to Saint Peter:

The third important matter is access to Saint Peter’s Basilica. Here, too, you have two options. The first one is to be there around 10 in the morning on a weekday and, after a security check (15-20 minutes wait), enter the church without any extra cost. The second one is to book the Skip Line ticket and enter at the appointed time from the entrance marked on the ticket. Important: If you plan on visiting it during rush hours, prefer the Skip Line ticket, as the wait might take up to 2 hours.

Travelen recommends: The best choice (although the most expensive) is to book the combo ticket for breakfast in the gardens & entrance to the Sistine Chapel-Museums, two hours before the official opening! The cost may be hefty, but seeing the Museum and the unique pieces of the Sistine Chapel in private, is a life experience. Otherwise, you will have to get jammed with the thousands of other visitors trying to get photographed and see the exhibits.

a) Sistine Chapel – Museums

Across a distance of 2km (!), the Museums of the Vatican will impress you with the amount and the history of the artworks. Do not try to see them all, as you will have to devote many hours. Organize the walk (with the map that you will be given at the entrance) according to what interests you. The museums may stretch over a vast area, but what steals the show is the small Sistine Chapel. It is an oblong hall with quite the history, as it is decorated with pieces by prominent artists. The walls are adorned with one of Michelangelo’s greatest artworks “The Last Judgment”, while on the dome there is the equally famous work “The Creation of Adam”. Total silence prevails in the hall and photographs are forbidden. Finally, it is worth mentioning that it is the place where the Conclave elects the new Pope.

b) St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is the “home” of the Popes. It is Christianity’s largest church and it is said that it was built atop the tomb of Apostle Peter. A walk around its interior will make you grasp its grandeur, imposing bearing and uniqueness. But what stands out is another masterpiece by the great artist Michelangelo, its enormous dome, which is visible from many spots in the city. The dome was built with the ambition of bringing Man as close as possible to God! Important: Read all the Tips, so that you are informed and do not fall victims to the biggest tourist scam of Italy that listens to the name of Vatican City!

Suggested visit time: 5-6 hours
Open: 09:00-18:00
Cost: 16€ for the Cappella Sistina – Museums & Free for St. Peter’s Basilica

 The know-it-all says: The golden sphere on St. Peter’s dome can fit 12 people!

It is unimaginable to be in the land of pasta and gelato and not get a good dose of these classic flavors. Doused in authentic scent of Italy, you will find them everywhere…In every neighborhood, alley, central street, stand/kiosk and mall. You can taste them on the go or sitting at a store. The only thing you have to do is choose the best place and enjoy them. But you should be very careful, as 80-85% of the shops are tourist-targeted and do not pay heed to quality, but to profit. Get informed by our website or by locals, on where you can enjoy some genuine, hand-made pasta dishes, as well as where you can cool off with an original Italian gelato. And do not worry about the calories. Walking in the city will make you burn them very fast.

 The know-it-all says: The first shop that served gelato opened in Paris by the Sicilian fisherman Procopio dei Coltelli!

If it could be given a title this would be… “The entire city of Florence in a square”! The Michelangelo Square is to many –us included- the number one attraction of the city, and not unjustly. The climb up the hill might be a tad tiring, yet the view from above is what will take your breath away! In the center of the square, there is one more replica of the statue of David, but what steals the show is the unblocked view of the city. Furthermore, the relaxed attitude, the food trucks and the cafés around the square compose the ideal landscape for plenty of restful moments. But the epitome of magic comes at sunset! Just picture it…The Arno River, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio and Duomo all wrapped-up in the light of the setting sun…! Welcome to Florence.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know it all says: Michelangelo’s fortune was estimated to be 50,000 florins, approximately 35,000,000 dollars!

When one is walking among the living history of the world, it could never be described as something insignificant, quite the contrary. Even today, the heart of Rome beats inside the Ancient Forum. The enormous outdoor museum transfers the visitors many centuries in the past, offering them some unique historical moments. You should definitely have a guide with information with you, or reserve a spot in a touring group. Otherwise, the scattered “stones” might seem boring and pointless. The Palatine Hill is located inside the Forum and it is the most important of the seven ancient hills of the city, as it is the place where the imperial palace used to stand. Nowadays, it is the ideal destination to enjoy the breeze of the trees, the springs, the benches and, of course, the breath-taking view from the balcony. You should devote plenty of time and have strong lungs, as the walking is endless! Follow our Tips to make your life easier.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hour
Open: Every day from 08:30 to 16:30-19:15 (depending on the time period). Closed: January 1st, May 1st & December 25th
Cost: 14€ for the Colosseum-Forum-Hill (web price). 12€ from the ticket booths (1-2 hours waiting during rush hours)

 The know-it-all says: Its construction and expansion lasted for about a millennium!

In the heart of the historic center, at the Signoria Square, stands the city hall or otherwise known as Palazzo Vecchio. It is one of Florence’s most beautiful buildings, which is connected to the Ufizzi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti, through a secret passage (Vasari Corridor). The visit to Palazzo Vecchio is divided in three parts; the museum, the tower and the ancient roman theatre. Start at the museum with the famous hall of five hundred and the hall of maps, search for Dante’s mask and Inferno’s secret passageways. Then, go down to the basement to see the ruins of the ancient theatre, on top of which the old palace was built. Finally, climb the 416 steps of the tower to enjoy the wonderful panoramic view of the city. After you are finished with the tour, sit at the beautiful square for an espresso in the company of the statue of David (replica) and his gang! Make sure you also see it lit.

Suggested visit time: 3-3.5 hours
Open: Museum: Oct-Mar 09:00-19:00 / Apr-Sept 09:00-23:00 Every Thursday 09:00-14:00. Tower: Oct-Mar 10:00-17:00 / Apr-Sept 09:00-21:00 Every Thursday 09:00-14:00 (last entrance 30 minutes before closing time).
Cost: Museum: 10€, Reduced 8€ / Tower: 10€, Reduced 8€ / Combo: 14€, Reduced 12€, Free with the Firenze Card.

 The know it all says: Inside the palace “hide” 100 turtles and a UFO!

A different Rome starts to appear on the other side of Tiber, more romantic, quiet and quaint. Trastevere is an area, which puts its fancy clothes on at night, in order to welcome the hundreds of visitors who swarm it. In the city’s most “trodden” neighborhood, you will find dozens of trattorias with great food, bars where you can have a drink, as well as the gorgeous Piazza di Santa Maria, where shows by street artists are performed daily. For these and for even more reasons, which you will discover on your own, it is characterized as Rome’s most lively neighborhood. It should also be noted that tourists and Italians become one, roaming its cobblestone streets. On the other hand, during the day it presents a kind of solitude and a charm of a different hue, thanks to the colorful houses and its unique architecture. This is why, no matter when you visit it, it has something different to offer.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hour
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The paintings of Holy Mary in the alleys and on buildings of Trastevere “protect” the area from crime!

The Piazza di Spagna (formerly di Francia) is located in the heart of the “non-ancient Rome” and it is probably the most popular meeting point in the city. The square welcomes thousands of people daily, who visit it to admire the famous Scalinata and the fountain-boat. The 135 Spanish steps are never empty, as both Italians and tourists have turned them into resting spaces. It is worth mentioning that during spring they become even more romantic and lively, thanks to the moonlight and the wonderful decoration with colorful flowers. The only stain is the dozens of annoying street sellers, who sometimes become persistent and tiring. Finally, you should know that prices around the area are sky-high. Either you decide to buy an ice-cream, or a dress from a designer firm store (there are a lot of them), you will have to put your hand deep in your pocket.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hour
Open: Always
Close: Free

 The know-it-all says: On July 13th 2007 a drunken man tried to climb the Scalinata with a Toyota Celica, which resulted in destruction of a few of the 200-year-old steps!

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most important art spaces worldwide. The vast halls of the beautiful building feature important artworks by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and other great artists. The pieces transfer the visitor to the way of the Renaissance, while at the same time imbuing them with a sense of mystery about that era. The magic of Renaissance, with the painting colors and the perfectly carved sculptures, will entrance even those who are not friends of art. Of course, the first thing you have to do is the online booking, so that you do not have to wait in line for 2-4 hours or have purchased the Firenze Card (skip line). Finally, those of you who would like get additional information about what you see, should either buy a guidebook or pay for a tour guide.

Suggested visit time: 4-5 hours
Open: Tuesday-Sunday 08:15-18:35. Closed: every Monday – January 1st, May 1st & December 25th.
Cost: 2€ / person + 6€ (online booking) + 4.5€ for the Il Cosmo magico di Leonardo da Vinci, Free with the Firenze Card

 The know it all says: In 1911, the famous painting of Mona Lisa was taken back from the Italian robber Vincenzo Peruggia and was hosted in the gallery for a period of time!

This is Rome’s most sophisticated DoDo and it comes to you only by Travelen! The “secret” pathway, of a total length of 800 meters, starts at the basement of St’Angelo and reaches the Vatican. It was constructed in 1277 by Pope Nicholas III for the purpose of helping the Popes escape to and from the Vatican immediately, any time their lives were in danger. Today, through a full tour, you have the chance to walk along the secret pathway, the prisons, the pantries, the bathroom of the Pontifex and other secret places, privately or in a group*. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that only a few know, but you get the chance to live. Get away from the tourist paths and follow the ones traced by the illuminati! And who knows? Maybe you meet one of them..

* The groups have a maximum limit of 15 people. There are two tours conducted in English and two in Italian every day.

In a group:
In order to select the date, time and language of your choice, click HERE.
Private tour:
In order to book tickets, send an e-mail to segreteria@munus.com

Suggested visit time: 40 minutes-1.5 hour
Open: April-November (for the exact dates per year, click HERE)
Cost: General entrance 16€, EU citizens aged 18-25 11€, Children-18 y.o. 6€

 The know-it-all says: It starts from an underground alley and ends at the top of the walls that lead to the Vatican!

The secret passage that connects Palazzo Pitti with Palazzo Vecchio is one very special DoDo that is worth following*. Nowadays, the route starts at the Ufizzi Gallery and ends at the Boboli gardens. As soon as you leave the gallery and enter the Vasari Corridor, you will step into a different dimension, as the atmosphere is very quiet and completely different from the rest of the gallery. The once royal passageway goes over Ponte Vecchio and the Arno River, through the Santa Felicita church and through many neighborhoods, while it offers an amazing view of the hills, the river, and the bridges, palaces and churches of the city. You can explore it only with an organized tour in groups of 10-15 people (booking required). It is a –inferno– route that you will never forget.

*Notice: The Vasari Corridor will remain closed until March of 2018 for maintenance purposes

Suggested visit time: 30 minutes – 1 hour only for the Vasari Corridor & 3 hours for Ufizzi + Vasari Corridor
Open: Closed until March of 2018, visit the site.
Cost: 60€ (Including entrance and tour around the Ufizzi gallery)

 The know it all says: Along the path you will find more than 1,000 paintings of artists that do not exist in any other museum in the world!

The Sant’Angelo castle, carrying quite the history on its back, is one of the most DoDo attractions in the city. It was built by Emperor Hadrian as a family mausoleum and it has been one of the most important buildings in Rome, as it was used as a fortress, a prison, a military camp, a palace, even as a papal shelter. Nowadays, you will find narrow passages (Passetto di Borgo), prison cells and half-empty rooms that used to work as courtrooms, while from its top you can wonder at the panoramic view of Rome. In front of the fortress, you will see the most beautiful bridge of Tiber, which is none other than the Ponte Sant’Angelo. During the day it may be bustling with people, but after 23:00 it is transformed into a romantic bridge, perfect for walks and photographs.

Important: 1) Entrance is Free every 1st Sunday of the month. 2) Prefer to ascend via the spiraling pathway that starts at the south (underground) part of the castle. 3) Visit it during the afternoon, so as to avoid large crowds.

Suggested visit time: 1.5-2 hours
Open: 09:00-19:30 (last entrance 1 hour before closing) Bridge: Always
Closed: January 1st, May 1st, December 25th
Cost: Castle: General entrance 10€, EU citizens aged 18-25 5€ Children-18 y.o. Free. Bridge: Free

 The know-it-all says: The last act of the famous opera of Tosca was set in the castle!

Pisa is quite a small town, built around the Arno River, and it is yet another beautiful part of Tuscany. It has become known due to a construction error that created a huge impression all over the world. This is none other than the famous leaning tower of Pisa. The town has only 90,000 residents and bases its growth to the Middle Ages. Today, it makes for a pleasant excursion for those traveling to Florence or touring Tuscany. The most important attractions can be found in the lush green Square of Miracles (Piazza dei Miracoli) and they are the Baptistery (Battistero), the Cathedral (Duomo), the Tower of Pisa, the Cemetery (Camposanto Monumentale) and the Sinopie Museum. For those that want to devote some extra time, they can simply take a walk in the city center, where they will find palaces, medieval squares, bridges, the botanical garden, and dozens of options for coffee, gelato and good food.

Suggested visit time: 1 day
Open: Always
Cost: Square: Free – Tower: 18€ Camposanto: 5€ / Person – Monumentale: 5€ / Person – Duomo: Free – Battistero: 5€ / Person. Combo tickets: 1 Monument 5€ -> 2 Monuments 7€ -> 3 Monuments 8€

 The know it all says: All the structures of the Square of Miracles have a slight inclination due to the ground’s composition!

This is the world’s first leveled road, with a length of 513km, only 15 of which remain today. The Via Appia Antica was constructed by large volcanic rocks, which were placed without any gaps and unevenness, which made it look like it was asphalted. Nowadays, it may not have a lot to show, but the aura, the location, the few scattered country houses and the combination of the lonely road with the beauty of nature, establish it as a rare attraction. It is worth noting that the historic road does not attract a lot of tourists, as access to it is difficult. The Italians, on the other hand, use it for light trekking, jogging and bike-riding. You should under no circumstances miss the chance to walk on the living history of the world. Click Here for the ideal route.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: It was the first ringroad in the world!

A one-day excursion to Cinque Terre is enough to convince you that it is one of the best places in Italy (the best according to many)! The Five Lands or the five colorful villages of the Italian Riviera have been established by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The place constantly gains ground, firstly due to the huge advertising campaign and secondly due to the uniqueness they present. The five fishing villages that compose it –from south to north- are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. The thousands of tourists that visit it daily might have tainted the once pristine beauty of the area, yet they continue to gain –rapidly- ever more followers from all over the world, due to the wild, natural beauty, the picturesque trails and the crystal clear waters that invite you in.

Important: The villages are more beautiful early in the morning or late at night (i.e. when the thousands of visitors are not there). During those hours, your only company will be the locals and a few tourists that stay there (in reality they are quite a lot, but they will seem scarce compared to the hordes that flood the villages). If you can afford to spend 2-3 days, do it.

Suggested visit time: 1 day
Open: Always

 The know it all says: The paths connecting the villages are 9km long!

The Pantheon is located in the city center, between the Navona and Venezia piazzas and it dates back to the 1st century BC. The round structure (rotunda) is an architectural miracle of the era, as its 43-meter tall dome is self-supported (without columns), while the only natural source of light is the “Eye”. The famous round hole is at the top of the dome and it remains always open, so the rainwater pours inside the temple and is absorbed by the 22 holes that exist on the floor! Equally impressive is its interior adornment, consisting of colorful marbles, magnificent statues and imposing columns. The two biggest advantages compared to most monuments in the city are the free entrance and the non-existent wait. Finally, in front of the temple you will find the Piazza della Rotonda with the Fontana del Pantheon (fountain), while around it there are many “tourist” cafés and restaurants.

Suggested visit time: 1-1.5 hours
Open: Monday-Saturday 09:00-19:15 & Sunday 09:00-17:45 Closed: January 1st, May 1st & December 25th
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: Every 21st of June in the afternoon, during the summer solstice, the sunlight passes through the Eye and creates a 9m-diameter, glowing circle on the floor!

Florence is to many the capital of ice-cream! Its father is considered to be Buontalenti, who introduced it to the locals’ lives for the first time in 1559. From then on, the iced dessert was never absent from the Florentines’ palate! The dozens of gelaterie that exist in the city will make you eat two to three gelatos a day! Their quality is very good, the materials are first-class and the flavors infinite. Try some of the ones that Travelen recommends and you will not regret it. And as far as calories are concerned, do not worry at all, as with a walk around the Ufizzi Gallery you will burn them all! Important: Keep away from the shops with “Ice cream” signs. Regular ice-cream has no place in the city of gelato.

Suggested visit time: –
Open: Every day
Cost: 2-6€ / person

 The know it all says: Gelato contains less fat than ice-cream!

The title is not random at all, as Bologna is a city living in red! Red buildings (terracotta brick), red paths, red alleys, and blood pleasure also hits red with so much food from its delicious cuisine and entertainment. The city is full of students, who keep it lively, while they fill the shops and squares every moment of the day and, especially, of night. The 100,000 (!) students can feel nothing short of lucky, as they study at the oldest university of the Western world, from which Dante and Copernicus graduated and where the great Umberto Eco taught. Bologna is not included in the top destinations for foreigners, as it does not have really significant monuments, such as the tower of Pisa or great galleries, like the Ufizzi. Nonetheless, it is one of the three best destinations for Italians, as it is ideal for entertainment, good food and tourist-less quiet.

Suggested visit time: 2 days
Open: Always

 The know it all says: Bologna once had canals of 60km total length, which were covered up so that buildings and roads could be built!

It may not be the largest, most pompous and advertised church in the city, but it is certainly the most beautiful, plain and peaceful. Santa Maria degli Angeli is part of the Baths of Diocletian, which was morphed into a church by the great Italian sculptor Michelangelo. Its impressive entrance gives a small taste of what follows inside. There you will meet lots of statues, the well-known meridian line, the colorful glass dome, eight enormous columns and an organ. But the features that make it special are the warmth of the space deriving from the colors, the natural light and the plain decoration. Another important trait is the quiet, due to the low tourist traffic, which gives the chance for an unhampered tour of the place. The best time to visit it is on a Sunday around 11, so you can watch part of the service.

Suggested visit time: 40 minutes-1 hour
Open: Every day 06:15-12:40 & 14:30-19:30
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: Michelangelo was 86(!) years old, when he was asked to construct the church!

The 2,000-year-old former horse race track is, nowadays, the perfect place to relax and enjoy some coffee. Piazza Navona is shaped like a bathtub and it is considered by many to be the most charming square in the world, attracting large numbers of people, all day long. The square is adorned by three baroque fountains, with the one in the middle (of the four rivers) drawing all eyes and, of course, flashes. There you will find painters, photographers, street sellers, as well as the favorite of those with a sweet tooth, tartufo ice-cream. The square is especially beautiful at night, due to the lighting, the water, the songs and the street artists, who perform their own shows. Avoid the tourist shops around the square, as apart from low quality they add “strange charges” to the already high prices. Prefer the ones in the surrounding streets.

Suggested visit time: 40 minutes-1.5 hour
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: Around the square, there are entrances from the ancient stands of the race track (2,000 years old)!

The second in visit rates museum, not only in Florence but the entire Italy, is the Galleria dell’ Accademia. It is close to the cathedral (Duomo), and is almost always combined with a visit to the Ufizzi Gallery. It might not have the splendor, the collections and the organization of Ufizzi, but it has a unique exhibit, which is enough to form endless lines. We are talking, of course, about the impressive marble statue of David, which Michelangelo sculpted and has been drawing all eyes for the past five centuries. In the Gallery, apart from religious sculptures and paintings, you can also admire the collection of musical instruments. Unfortunately, the big fee as well as the long wait might disappoint even the biggest art enthusiasts.

Notice: Do not give money to random “tour guides” in order to avoid waiting in line!

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Tuesday – Sunday 08:15-18:50 Closed: Every Monday, January 1st, May 1st and December 25th
Cost: Standard 8€, Reduced 4€, Free on the first Sunday of every month, Free with the Firenze Card.

 The know it all says: Two accurate replicas of David exist in two other spots in the city, in plain sight (Palazzo Vecchio and Michelangelo Square)!
 

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The Villa Borghese makes for the most pleasant escape from the tourist hustle of the city center. In an area of 800 acres of greenery you have a chance for endless hours of walks, resting, picnics or a visit to the famous Borghese Gallery. The best idea for managing to see it all is renting a bike of 1-2-4 persons or the electric cart. But, the most playful of all is the two-seat “racing” kart with pedals. Now, if you would like to give a more romantic tone to your tour, go for a boat-ride in the artificial lake, located in front of the outstanding Temple of Asclepius. It is noteworthy that, despite its size and choices that it offers, it is not particularly well-kept, being far off from other parks equivalent to it, like London’s Hyde Park or Paris’ Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. The ideal seasons to visit Rome’s main oxygen source is spring and summer, during the afternoon hours.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: 500 artworks from the original collection of the Borghese family are in the Louvre!

Rome is the city where Vespa motorcycles and Scooters were born and spread. It is the most relaxing and smart way to tour the city. It is relaxing because everything is at a close distance (but not so much to be able to do it on foot) and smart because you can park wherever you want. It is also the most affordable way to discover every corner of the Eternal City. And the most important part? You do not have to search at all, as we have the best Store*, for you, with excellent prices. Even if you choose some other way for your transportation, make sure you live the two-wheel experience, even for a few hours. The main condition is that there are sunny days, as the rain makes driving extremely difficult in a city like Rome.

Important: The streets of the ancient city are not the best ones, as well as the Italians’ road manners. This is why you should be really careful and cautious with your moves, and always wear a helmet.

*You don’t need to give a down payment, security deposit, pay for the helmets or return it at an expected time with the same gas level! In other words, you are free to do whatever you want, without any commitments and hidden charges. The motorcycles are in a pretty good shape and provide extra storage space (luggage holder).

Suggested visit time: 1 day (at least)
Open: Store hours
Cost: 35-40€ per day for the 125cc model (Without security deposit, hidden charges or other commitments)

 The know-it-all says: The Vespa got its name from the wasp (=vespa in Italian), as its initial design reminded Enrico Piaggio of this insect!

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Travelen.eu is regularly updated on ticket costs and operating hours, but you should always visit your choice of destination’s official site for confirmation.