Walks of Italy

31/12/2024

Have you ever heard of this good luck tradition that Italians do to ring in the New Year?

20/12/2024

While there are hundreds of things we could include on a bucket list for Italy, here’s a good starting place of 10 things you can’t miss (...in no particular order):

1. See David at Galleria dell’Accademia di Firenze. See the world-famous statue of David up close (which is even more incredible in person in any photo).

2. Walk the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Pompeii is a city that they say is frozen in time. Explore the ruins of walk in the footsteps of Romans from centuries ago.

3. Get to know wine country, a.k.a. Tuscany. If you’re a wine lover, you can’t skip a visit to Italy’s fabulous wine country: Tuscany. Hop around to stunning vineyards and taste your way through Italy’s rich wine culture.

4. Walk through the Colosseum. What’s a visit to Rome without stepping inside the Colosseum? See where gladiators once fought and get a glimpse into ancient Roman life and history.

5. Visit Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel. You can’t come to Italy and not make time to marvel at the magnificent artwork in the Sistine Chapel (and visit the smallest country in the world, Vatican City!).

6. Eat pizza in Naples. Naples is the birthplace of pizza, so you have to try a classic Margherita straight from the source.

7. Cruise the canals of Venice. Drift through Venice’s iconic canals on a gondola, speed boat, or even a public water taxi (vaporetto).

8. Visit the Amalfi Coast. Discover why this coastal area of southern Italy is on everyone’s bucket list.

9. Climb to the top of the Duomo. Make your way to the top of the Duomo in Florence for spectacular panoramic views of the city. It’s worth the 463 steps.

10. Eat gelato... every day! When in Italy!
What’s at the top of your list?

19/12/2024

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most beloved destinations—and for good reason. It’s incredible beautiful, with a plethora of things to see, do and explore. Plus, it’s a place to recharge from the hustle and bustle of bigger spots like Rome, Naples, or Venice.

Here’s a list of 10 things to see and do if you’re visiting the Amalfi Coast.

1. Take a scenic boat ride ⛵
Cruise along the Amalfi Coast to soak in the picturesque cliffs, colorful villages, and hidden coves.

2. Limoncello tasting 🍋
Visit a local limoncello producer, especially in Positano or Ravello, to sample this iconic Amalfi Coast liqueur made from the region’s famous lemons.

3. Try a Sfogliatella Santa Rosa 🥐
Yet another lemon indulgence: the Sfogliatella Santa Rosa. Sfogliatella come in many different flavors, but this one made with lemon, black cherry and custard is a must. Get one at the Pasticceria Pansa Amalfi.

4. Admire the views 🌸
The Amalfi Coast isn’t short on two things: lemons and incredible views. In Ravello, historic villas like Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone boast beautiful gardens and breathtaking coastal panoramas—but any high vantage point in the region will leave you amazed.

5. Swim in the sea 🌊
…Or at least walk along the coast. Take a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean, whether it's off a boat or from beaches like Spiaggia Grande in Positano or Santa Teresa in Salerno.

6. Wander through the towns 🚶
Wander the colorful, winding streets of Positano, lined with charming houses, boutiques, and art galleries. The walking and inclines are worth the views!

7. Try a citrus gelato 🍨
Lemons are abundant in the region, so lean in! Lemon is also a fabulous ingredient in pasta dishes. Look out for this, too.

8. Sip some local wine 🍷
With limited land and tough terrain, winemaking here is all about small, passionate producers resulting in exceptional quality. Keep an eye out for wines from these key areas: Furore, Tramonti, and Ravello.

9. Visit a cathedral ⛪
Yet more beautiful cathedrals in Italy! Explore the 11th-century Duomo di Salerno, dedicated to Saint Matthew, and its intricate architecture and mosaics, or the Cathedral of St Andrew Apostle in Amalfi.

10. Watch the Sunset 🌇
What better way to end a day at the Amalfi Coast?

Have you ever visited? What else would you add to the list?

19/12/2024

You’re likely familiar with the gondolas of Venice, but what about the many other types of boats in the city?

Venice relies on boats for everything—ambulances, fire departments, trash collection, police, parcel and cargo delivery, and general transportation.

When visiting, getting around the island isn’t limited to just gondolas.

There are boats specifically for crossing canals (if a bridge isn’t nearby), speedboats to cruise the city and reach nearby islands, and public water buses for easy travel.

Watch and save this video for your next trip to Venice!

19/12/2024

When in Italy, pizza is a non-negotiable—but with so many varieties, where do you start?

Finding “authentic” pizza in Italy depends on exactly where you are. ⬇️

1. Neapolitan pizza: Soft, chewy, and slightly charred, straight from Naples. While you’ll find it all over Naples, it’s also easy to spot in other parts of Italy and even across Europe these days.

2. Roman-style pizza: Thin, crispy crust, often with fresh toppings.

3. Pizza al taglio: Thick, rectangular pizza, sold by weight for a perfect snack. Can be found throughout Italy, but especially popular in Rome.

4. Pizza a portafoglio: Folded pizza, street food style, perfect for on-the-go. A class staple of Naples street food.

5. Pizza bianca: A simple, crispy white pizza with just olive oil, salt, and sometimes rosemary. Very common in Rome!

6. Pizza Siciliana: Pizza with a thick crust, topped with tomato, breadcrumbs, and anchovies. Popular in Sicily, of course, but can be found on the mainland, too.

What style of Italian pizza are you choosing?

19/12/2024

This year is extra special—it marks 15 years since we gave our very first tour in Italy! 🎉

What started as a simple Colosseum tour has since expanded into more than 20 destinations with over 800 guides worldwide.

In these 15 years, we've grown in every way—offering tours across new countries and cities, working with an ever-growing incredible team of staff, guides, and vendors, and creating top-notch exclusive experiences for our guests. We’re just as passionate as we were all those years ago, and can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.

From Italy to Spain to the U.S. and beyond, thank you to everyone who has joined us on tour (or rather, who’s ever Take[n] Walks with us)—we’re honored to be part of your travel memories! 🌍👣

We’re excited to share a behind-the-scenes look at how it all started with Stephen Oddo and the founding team.

Watch the full video: https://takewalks.co/4gMA1rq

19/12/2024

If you’re visiting the Vatican, don’t miss the chance to send a postcard from Vatican City, the world’s smallest country!

1. First, first the post office. After leaving St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll find the Vatican post office on the right. Postcards are available for purchase both outside and inside the post office (near the cash register or where stamps are sold). Buy your postcard and head to the writing area.

2. Then, it’s time to fill out your postcard. Use one of the big wooden tables to sit and write your message. It’s helpful to bring a pen, as they might not have them there.

3. Next, get in line to purchase a stamp. You can pay by cash or card, and current rates are posted on a sign near the window.

4. Once you have your stamp, attach it. Use the small stamp-wetting sponges on the tables to attach your stamp (Vatican stamps don’t have adhesive like in the U.S.).

5. Mail it! Once you’re ready, drop your postcard in the official Vatican post box outside.

Tip: Don’t use stamps from Italy! If you put a postcard in the Vatican post box with a stamp purchased elsewhere, it won’t be sent.

Have you ever sent a postcard from Vatican City?

18/12/2024

If you read travel content or follow any pages dedicated to Rome and/or Italy, you’ve probably heard the word “Jubilee” buzzing for quite some time now. But what exactly is the Jubilee, and what does it mean for you if you’re coming to Rome next year?

1. WHAT’S THE JUBILEE?
The Jubilee (or Holy Year) is a special year of forgiveness, spiritual renewal, and pilgrimage declared by the Pope, traditionally every 25 years. It’s deeply rooted in Catholic tradition and serves as a time for people to reflect, pray, and seek indulgences.

2. WHEN’S THE JUBILEE?
The Jubilee runs from December 24, 2024 to December 24, 2025

3. ROME WILL BE BUSY
Over 30 million visitors are expected to travel to Rome during the Jubilee year. This means crowded streets, popular sites like the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica will be busier than usual, and accommodations may book up far in advance.

4. PLAN AHEAD
If you're planning a visit, be sure to organize your trip well in advance. This is especially important for securing tickets to major attractions like the Colosseum or the Sistine Chapel. Booking these, along with your accommodation, ahead of time is essential to avoid disappointment.

5. ACCOMMODATION
For classic charm, book your stay in popular neighborhoods like Trastevere, Prati, or Monti. Prefer a bit more peace and quiet? Consider Aventine Hill, Monteverde, or Testaccio.

6. RELIGIOUS EVENTS
The Jubilee features special masses, processions, and ceremonies, particularly at the four major basilicas (St. Peter’s, St. John Lateran, St. Mary Major, and St. Paul Outside the Walls). Walking through the Holy Doors, which are opened only during Jubilee years, is a key spiritual experience for many pilgrims.

7. CITY PREPARATION
To accommodate the influx of visitors, Rome has been undergoing major infrastructure improvements, including enhanced public transportation, renovated roads, and updates to key tourist sites. The city is also working to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for travelers.

Are you planning on visiting Rome during the jubilee?

17/12/2024

What’s it like celebrating Christmas in Italy?

From ancient processions to beloved folklore, here’s a glimpse into some of Italy’s most unique Christmas customs:

🍭 La Befana: Italy’s “good witch of Christmas” delivers gifts on the night of January 5th, riding a broomstick and climbing down chimneys. Well-behaved kids receive sweets, while naughty ones find candy “coal” in their stockings. Her story dates back to pagan times and is linked to the journey of the three wise men.

🔥 The Ndocciata Festival: In Agnone, villagers carry towering torches (some up to 4 meters high!) through the streets in a spectacular fire procession that dates back to pre-Roman times. The night ends with a massive bonfire and nativity scene.

🎼 The Badalisc: In the Alps, a mythical creature is “captured” and paraded through town, revealing satirical (and often hilarious) secrets about villagers. The festival brings the community together for laughter, music, and dancing.

🎅 Babbo Natale: Italy’s version of Santa Claus has ties to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of Bari. His relics, said to have healing powers, rest in the Basilica San Nicola. These stories showcase the magic, history, and charm of an Italian Christmas.

Read more about these Christmas traditions in Italy:
https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/art-culture/italian-christmas-stories

Read on to discover some of the most extraordinary and unique Italian Christmas stories and legends, including Babbo Natale and La Befana.

17/12/2024

Walks began in Rome 15 years ago as Walks of Italy—the place where it all started.

The brand was born out of a simple idea: to change the way people see tours. We set out to create stand-out experiences in Italy, offering special access to some of the country's biggest and most legendary sites and landmarks, something that was a bit of uncharted territory at the time.

Fast forward to 2024: Walks has expanded beyond Italy to 25+ cities across Europe, the US, and Canada, and joined forces with Devour Tours and City Experiences to offer even more exceptional experiences worldwide.

But we know how special Italy is to so many of you. So, we decided to revisit our roots and create a new dedicated space where Italy enthusiasts can come to learn, share and soak up Italy content tutto il tempo.

Follow Walks of Italy here (and also on Instagram) for content in the cities we operate in: Rome, Vatican City, Florence, Venice, Naples, Pompeii, Amalfi Coast, Bologna...and everywhere in between. 🇮🇹