Piazza Navona

Dominitian’s ancient stadium, in the heart of the city, is now adorned with fine Renaissance and Baroque buildings, designed by the most famous architects of the 16C and 17C. The breathtaking magnificence of the piazza was meant to show the authority of Pamphili family, who had their own palace facing the square. The piazza is one of Rome’s liveliest squares, full of tourists, portrait painters, vendors, musicians, mime artists , shops and restaurants. Piazza Navona is considered one of Rome’s most beautiful squares. It displays the genius of Bernini, Boromini and Giacomo della Porta with its three amazing fountains and a church. The fountain of the moor, the Fountain of Neptune and the eye catcher in the middle is the Fountain of the four rivers, which is considered Bernini’s masterpiece. Right across the middle fountain you can find yourself in front of the impressive Sant’ Agnese in Agone Church, designed by Boromini and dedicated to the young Christian virgin Agnese, who was executed at the site of the church, because of her beliefs. Piazza Navona is featured in scenes in the 2000 movie Angels and Demons. I highly recommend you to include this in your itinerary. If you need assistance, I’d love to help you plan your trip to Rome so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email when you’re ready to start planning.

#rome #visitrome #visititaly #romelife #romecity #rometown #vacationplanning #wheninrome #rometravel #piazzanavona #baroquesquare #artistsquare #fountainofthefourrivers

The Different Types of Museums in Paris

For museum lovers, Paris is a dream come true. The challenge is choosing which museums to see and how much time to spend in museums, since there is so much else to see and do in this beautiful city. There are around 130 museums in Paris, France within city limits. There are Historical Museums, Personal Art Museums, Free Museums, Museums for the City of Paris, Museums of International Culture, Science Museums, Museums for Kids, Museums that are Monuments, Modern Art Museums, Special Focus Museums, Church Based Museums, Decorative Arts, Alphabetical List of Museums and Special Exhibitions.  I’d love to help you organize which museum to see in your trip to Paris! 

So be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email when you’re ready to start planning.

#paris  #visitparis #visitfrance #parislife #pariscity #paristown #vacationplanning #wheninparis #paristravel #museuminparis #museumlover

Roman Statues

While the Greeks made sculptures of idealized human forms, the Roman tended to make portraits. Romans made sculptures of gods, heroes, emperors, generals and politicians. They also used sculpted images to adorn the capitals of columns and the helmets of gladiators. Roman sculptures often reflected the fashions and lifestyles that were prevalent when they were made. Archaeologists can even date sculptures of Roman by their hairdos and clothing styles. During the Augustan Age, for example, women parted their hair in the middle with a central roll. The Flauvians and Antiones had more elaborate coiffures that resembled a honeycomb of curls. ["The Creators" by Daniel Boorstin] Sculpture were made spectacular-looking but hard to work stone such as porphyry from Gebel Dokhan in northeast Egypt, basanite granite from Gebel Fatireh in eastern Egypt, and blue, yellow, green, black and grey marble from elsewhere in the empire. If you need directions in finding these scupltures, I’d love to help you plan your trip so be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email when you’re ready to start planning.

#rome #visitrome #visititaly #romelife #romecity #rometown #vacationplanning #wheninrome #rometravel #romansculpture #ancientrome #romanstatues

Visiting the Louvre

The Louvre Museum is the most famous museum in the world. There are also many ways to get lost into it too! The best way to visit the Louvre Museum, first of all, not to enter by the pyramid entrance! It is constantly incredibly crowded and the queues are extremely long! Buy your ticket before going to the museum, so that you won’t have to wait in a super long line at the security entrance and in a ticket line inside the lobby. Parisians invade the museums during weekends, especially during Sunday afternoons. So, if you want to avoid the Parisian crowd, schedule your visit on a weekday Morning. The Louvre Museum is open every day at 9 am and closes at 6 pm. 

Be sure to reach out today and ask any questions you have at all about Paris. I’m ready to take your call or read your email!

#paris  #visitparis #visitfrance #parislife #pariscity #paristown #vacationplanning #wheninparis #paristravel #louvremuseum

Coffee in Italy

Coffee, and I mean great coffee, is on every street corner, available in every bar and café. They call it some different names, though, so if you’re ordering coffee in Italy, keep these tips in mind:

“Un café” will get you a shot of espresso. It’s a strong, dark and bitter shot of coffee. “Un café Americano” will get you a watered down espresso. It’s as close to a regular cup of coffee as it gets, and then you can add sugar.

Don’t make the mistake of ordering “un latte,” because you will get a funny look, and then receive a warm cup of milk. That’s what latte is in Italian — milk. Instead, “un café macchiato” is coffee with a stain of milk. You can also order a cappuccino in Italy, but only do so in the mornings for breakfast. The Italians believe that the milk will fill you up, so you don’t want to drink it after noon, otherwise you won’t be hungry.

Another excellent coffee drink is “un café shakirato.” It’s a shot of espresso, lightly sweetened and shaken with ice until it’s all foamy on top. I’d love to help you plan your trip to Rome so you wouldn’t miss anything delish!

Be sure to pick up the phone and call me or send me an email when you’re ready to start planning.

#rome #visitrome #visititaly #romelife #romecity #rometown #vacationplanning #wheninrome  #rometravel #italiancoffee #coffeeinrome

Visit Portugal

Top Tips for Your First Visit to Portugal

If you've never visited Portugal, some times you should know.

This southern European country certainly doesn't lack in natural or architectural beauty. It's no wonder you have a desire to visit Portugal. There's a never-ending number of things to do and see. So, where should you even begin? Here are some top recommendations for visiting this magnificent nation for your first time.

What places should I check out?

Lisbon

As the capital of Portugal, Lisbon is full of vibrant culture, historical sights, and friendly natives. Also, Lisbon is an ideal place in the nation to take delight in authentic Portuguese cuisine and to enjoy live entertainment. Lisbon is known for its traditional Fado performances. Don't miss out on an opportunity to listen to some of the best Portuguese folk music!

Batalha

One of the most phenomenal Gothic churches in all of Europe. The church preserve is protected as a World Heritage Monument due to its significance. As you enter the grand doors of the church, you'll immediately take notice to all of its architectural details and picturesque 16th Century stained glass windows.

The Abbey of Santa Maria

As Europe's most significant building of the Cistercian order, wander through this historical site for hours if you wish. There certainly is a lot to see, including a monastery, seven dormitories, the library, the kitchen, and of course, the church.

The Beaches

The coastline of Portugal provides some of the most stunning beaches you'll ever see. Don't shy away, take a break from your explorations to relax on the shorelines of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream. Some of the most popular beaches are in the Algarve region, Sagres, Aveiro, and the Praia da Adraga.

What are some of the most popular dishes and foods?

Arroz de Cabidela

It might seem daunting once you know what this dish derives from, but this chicken blood rice is a native favorite in Portugal. You can also get this dish made with rabbit and rabbit blood.

Alheira

This delightful lunch includes sausage, typically prepared with french fries and fried eggs.

Bacalhau A Bras

Cod is shredded and sauteed to perfection and served with onion, straw fried potatoes, eggs, parsley, and garlic.

Arroz Doce

As an authentic Portuguese dessert, this dish is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. This creamy rice pudding is topped with cinnamon and caramel custard to add to the burst of flavor.

Caldo Verde

On a chilly night, treat yourself with this fantastic soup. It's merely potato, onions, and shredded kale, cooked in garlic and olive oil, and yet it certainly doesn't lack in flavor!

Pastel de nata

Originating in Lisbon, this custard tart is an indigenous staple, and you certainly can't leave the country without giving it a try.

Now that you have some of our top tips for your first trip to Portugal, let's start planning your stay! You'll be amazed by the nation's delicious food options and breathtaking sights!

To book your Portugal vacation, contact us today: (909) 990-1124