Photo of the Week: Brunelleschi’s Dome, Florence
Brunelleschi’s dome, and the cathedral it covers, is one of Florence’s most recognized landmarks. It dominates the skyline, still the tallest building in Florence over 600 years after it was…
Photo of the Week: Milan Cathedral Rooftop
What stands out the most from my 2006 visit to Milan, was the Duomo. For me, the inside was just a typical European cathedral, but the exterior really caught my…
Photo of the Week: Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius
The origins of Pompeii may be unfamiliar to most, but the city’s catastrophic demise is a story known around the world. Pompeii was founded by the Campanian Oscans in the…
Photo of the Week: Leaning Tower of Pisa
Standing on the sprawling lawn of the Campo dei Miracoli, is a collection of some of Europe’s best Romanesque architecture, and one of the world’s greatest architectural blunders- the Leaning…
Palatine Hill and Domitian’s Palace- Roman History, Mythology and Ruins
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…
Photo of the Week: Sistine Chapel, Vatican City
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…
Visiting Ostia Antica- Harbour City of Ancient Rome
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…
Photo of the Week: Ponte Vecchio, Florence
The Ponte Vecchio, or “old bridge”, is a highlight of any visit to Florence. The medieval bridge spans the Arno River at its narrowest point but is so much more…
Porto Venere and Cinque Terre, Italy
On the Ligurian coast of Italy, you’ll find five colourful seaside villages, nestled along a jagged coastline and surrounded by terraced vineyards. Known as Cinque Terre, or “five lands”, the…
Trevi Fountain- Getting to Know Italy’s Most Famous Fountain
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…
Rome in Black and White- Photo Series
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,…
Photo of the Week: The Pantheon, Rome
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…
Capri- Boat Tour and The Famous Blue Grotto
Capri’s craggy coast, turquoise waters, abundant sea caves and beautiful views of the Gulf of Naples make it a popular spot for day-trippers coming from Sorrento and Naples. In the…
The Roman Forum- History, Monuments and Tips for Visiting
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….
When in Venice…Ride a Gondola!
A gondola ride is quintessential Venice and a must-do for any visit to this city of canals. Some might turn their nose up and call it “touristy”, but I didn’t…
Off the Beaten Path in Rome- 4 Places to Escape the Tourist Crowds
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…
The Colosseum- Iconic Symbol of Rome
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…
Alone in Rome- Lessons Learned From My First Solo Trip
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,…