INSPIRATION & EXPERT ADVICE FOR INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS
One of my favourite days in Rome was the day I visited Palatine Hill. As I walked around this beautiful hill, past gardens and remnants of opulent palaces, I imagined how luxurious it must have been when it was ancient Rome’s most exclusive neighbourhood. History of Palatine Hill As Rome’s most central hill, the Palatine...
The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is probably the most incredible painting I have ever seen. Michelangelo’s masterpiece, painted from 1508-1512, illustrates nine episodes from the book of Genesis, the highlight of which is the Creation of Adam. I was intrigued by the illusionary architectural elements of the painting, the fictive moldings appearing as if...
One of my favourite archaeological sites in Italy is the Roman port town of Ostia Antica. You may not have even heard of it because it’s often overlooked by visitors to Rome, as evidenced by the lack of crowds. I know Rome has so much to see, but Ancient Ostia is only 45 minutes out...
A dramatic Baroque masterpiece, Rome’s Trevi fountain is considered to be the most famous fountain in the world. Each year, 7-10 million tourists make their way to Rome. One look at the crowds surrounding the fountain day and night, and it’s fair to assume most travellers to Rome make a visit to the iconic Trevi...
Rome is one of the most incredible cities I have ever visited. Everywhere you go, remnants of the city’s great history surround you. There is an impressive amount to see, do and learn about in Rome that even after a week I still didn’t see all I wanted to see. As I wandered around the...
The Pantheon was first built in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa (whose father-in-law was Augustus). The temple was rebuilt around AD 120 by Emperor Hadrian but Agrippa’s name was left inscribed over the entrance. The Pantheon is famous for its extraordinary dome, the largest masonry vault ever built. It’s considered the most important achievement of...
Nestled in a valley between Palatine and Capitoline Hills, the Roman Forum still impresses, just as it must have centuries ago when it was the centre of Roman public life. During my tour of the Roman Forum, I was engrossed in its rich history and fascinated by the remaining structures. Walking along the ancient streets,...
One of the biggest challenges of visiting Rome is dealing with the crowds of tourists. Everyone wants to see the most famous sites and I am no different. I’ve travelled thousands of miles to Italy, of course I am going to go see the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum, and Vatican. These places are popular...
In a city full of ancient ruins, no other structure in Rome is as iconic as the Colosseum. The Colosseum has been regarded as a symbol of Rome since the Middle Ages. The significance of the Colosseum was reflected in Bede’s writing when he wrote in 7th century, “As long as the Colosseum stands, Rome shall...
Everyone tried to talk me out of it. “Won’t you be scared? Lonely? What if you get robbed? What if you get lost?” What if, what if, what if…. Well, everyone was right. I was scared. I did get lonely. I didn’t get robbed, but that’s only because I didn’t have any money in my...
We are Rhonda and Mike, a Canadian couple who make it a priority to travel every chance we get!
We describe our travel style as "laid back luxe" and enjoy a mix of outdoor adventures and historic sites.
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