Where in the world are we?
Today we’re exploring _________ .
(Where are we? If you know, comment below! ⬇️)
Hints:
-This island is known for handmade lace passed down through generations.
-Its colorful houses make it one of the most picturesque spots around.
-We have our own tour here (and a Devour Tours one not far away 😏)!
#traveltheworld #TravelInspo #travelinspired #roadtrippers #RoadTripEssentials #italy_vacations #italytravel
What to know about gladiators in Rome
We’re back with part 3 of gladiator mythbusters, where we’re diving into whether Hollywood’s gladiator movies hold any truth or if they’re pure fiction. If you missed parts 1 and 2 be sure to check them out! Today, we’re finding out if the gladiators were blood thirsty, or it’s a common misconception.
Niccolò, a guide here at Walks and author of Gladiators: The Stars of the First Talent Show in History, is here to set the record straight. Not only does he lead our Colosseum tours in Rome, but he’s also written two books on gladiators, making him a true expert on the subject.
Looking to dive deeper into Roman history? Join us for a tour and explore the Colosseum and the world of gladiators with an expert guide: https://takewalks.co/3WIn9dx
#gladiators #history #rome #colosseum #walkstours #mythbusters #travelhistory #romanempire #tourguide #historicalfacts #romeitaly #romelovers #colosseumrome #gladiators
What Hollywood Gets Wrong About Gladiators
We’re back with part 2 of gladiator mythbusters, where we’re diving into whether Hollywood’s gladiator movies hold any truth or if they’re pure fiction. If you missed part 1, be sure to check it out! Today, we’re debunking myths about how gladiators ✨really✨ fought. Niccolò, a guide here at Walks and author of Gladiators: The Stars of the First Talent Show in History, is here to set the record straight. Not only does he lead our Colosseum tours in Rome, but he’s also written two books on gladiators, making him a true expert on the subject. Stay tuned for the final part coming soon! PS: Want to dive deeper into Roman history? Join us for a tour and explore the Colosseum and the world of gladiators with an expert guide. See all the tours on our website www.walksofitaly.com ❤️ #walkstours #gladiators #history #rome #colosseum #walkstours #mythbusters #travelhistory #romanempire #tourguide #historicalfacts #romeitaly #romelovers #colosseumrome #gladiators
Happy birthday (96!) Vatican City! 🎂We always hear about this little country inside a country... but what is Vatican City? How did it come to be? On February 11, 1929, the Lateran Treaty established the world's smallest independent state. Our guide Julia is here to share the history of this fascinating city-state, which has its own postal service, mint, armed force, and more. Despite its tiny size, Vatican City is one of the most visited places in the world—meaning it can get very crowded. Want to experience it in peace? Join our Alone in the Vatican tour for an exclusive, crowd-free experience. Visit our website to explore all our Vatican tours!#vaticancity #vaticanhistory #romeitaly #vaticanguide #laterantreaty #aloneinthevatican #vaticantours #visitrome #romeguide #takewalks
Gladiators in Rome: Truths and Myths
Is there any truth to the Hollywood gladiator movies?
Niccolò, a guide here at Walks and author of Gladiators: The Stars of the First Talent Show in History, is here to set the record straight.
Not only does he guide our Colosseum tours in Rome, but he’s also the author of two books on gladiators, making him an expert on the subject.
Stay tuned for parts 2 and 3, where Niccolò will continue to dispel more myths.
PS: For those seeking a deeper understanding of Roman history, join us for a tour in Rome to explore the Colosseum and the world of gladiators from a fresh perspective ➡️ https://takewalks.co/3WIn9dx
PPS: A special thank you to Niccolò’s son, Valerio, for contributing to the drawings for this reel, and to Gladiator school of Gruppo Storico Romano for the photographs.
#gladiators #history #rome #colosseum #walkstours #mythbusters #travelhistory #romanempire #tourguide #historicalfacts #romeitaly #RomeLovers #colosseumrome #gladiators #romeitaly
Venice is a city of canals, which means plenty of boats—but did you know there’s one designed specifically to get you from one side to the other?
Imagine you’re wandering Venice, following your maps app, when suddenly it tells you to cross the canal, with no bridge in sight.
Enter the traghetto: a boat that looks like a gondola but serves a much simpler purpose—ferrying you across the canal in seconds. No need to backtrack or hunt for a bridge—just hop on, hand over a couple of euros, and enjoy a quick, no-fuss ride to the other side.
Traghetto Tips:
✻ Stand to the right when lining up to let passengers exit first.�✻ Have your coins ready—fares are just a couple of euros.�✻ Sit or stand as instructed—boatmen may ask you to adjust to balance the weight of the boat.�✻ If standing, bend your knees slightly to keep your balance.
When in Venice. 😉
#venice #venicelovers #veniceitaly #venicetips #venicetravel #venicecanals #venicegondola #traghetto #gondola
8 things you didn't know about Vatican City
🇻🇦 Vatican City may be the smallest country in the world, but did you know it was born out of a standoff between the Pope and Italy? Or that its streets tell a story of political revenge? The Vatican Library holds the world’s oldest copy of the Bible, and Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel standing up for over four years. But that’s just scratching the surface of Vatican City.
Here are 8 incredible facts about this tiny yet powerful nation. 👇
If you’ve visited Vatican City, what was the most interesting thing you learned? And if you haven’t, which fact from this video surprised you the most?
Want to experience the Vatican without the crowds? Join us on our Alone in the Vatican tour for exclusive, after-hours access. All the tour info: https://takewalks.co/4jACs1I 🔗
#vaticancity #rome #history #travel #italy #sistinechapel #stpetersbasilica #michelangelo #wanderlust #europe
What to see at Vatican City
Did you know Vatican City contains over 70,000 works of art, with 20,000 on display? It's packed with treasures, and while the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s ceiling are absolute must-sees, there’s so much more to discover, too.
✨ Philosophy by Raphael (part of the Raphael Rooms—stunning!)
✨ The dramatic Laocoön and His Sons sculpture
✨ The vibrant Gallery of Maps
✨ The whimsical Hall of Animals
✨ All of the ceilings (seriously, they’re all masterpieces)
✨ All of the floors (don’t forget to look down!)
✨ The dome inside St. Peter’s Basilica (a Michelangelo design you can photograph!)
✨ Bernini’s Baldachin, the massive bronze canopy inside the Basilica
Don’t let the long lines and overwhelming options ruin your experience. Join us on a guided tour to skip the wait, dive deeper into the history, and see the Vatican through the eyes of an expert. https://takewalks.co/3EcROtf
It’s an unforgettable way to experience one of the most iconic places in the world!
#vaticancity #romeitaly #artlover #artandhistory #sistinechapel #travelwithpurpose #bucketlistdestination #italytravel #thingstodoinrome #michelangelo #stpetersbasilica #wheninrome #RomeLovers #historylovers #romeitaly #traveltips #Bernini
Florence's famous wine windows
Florence has so much to offer—seeing Michelangelo’s David, exploring the Uffizi Gallery, marveling at the Duomo, and falling in love with its history, architecture, and fashion. But there’s one more thing you should add to your list: visiting Florence’s wine windows! 🍷
Here are a few tips to save for later:
🔸 Check ahead: Many wine windows are closed these days, so even if you use an interactive map, you might come across defunct ones. (But we share 8 operational windows we love at the end of this video!)
🔸 Be respectful: The windows are often located in residential areas or near local restaurants. Keep noise to a minimum and be mindful of those around you.
🔸 How it works: Ring the bell or tap on the window to get the staff’s attention. Most windows have a small menu posted nearby, or you can ask the server what’s available.
🔸 Enjoy your drink: Pay through the window, grab your glass, and either stroll along the street or enjoy it nearby.
🔸 Don’t forget to return your glass: You can usually hand it back through the window, but if there’s a line, bring it inside the restaurant instead.
#winewindows #florencewinewindows #italianwine #exploreflorence #florencefoodtour #floreneceguide #visitflorence #italylovers #winelovers #florencelovers #florenceitaly
12 things you have to do when visiting Venice
Coming to Venice? There’s so much more to explore than just the canals! Check out this bucket list of 12 must-do activities when visiting Venice.
1. Those colorful buildings you see on your feed aren’t in the heart of Venice. they’re on the nearby islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is famous for glassmaking. Meanwhile…
2. Burano is known for lace-making and its iconic Bussola Cookies (a.k.a. Venetian butter cookies).
3. Explore the secret rooms and corridors of Doge’s Palace, including areas not usually open to the public, like torture chambers and Casanova’s prison cell!
4. Tour Venice by speedboat. It’s a thrilling way to cruise through the city and learn about its history.
5. Try the iconic bitter spritzes: Aperol, Campari, and Select. They’re an acquired taste you’ll (likely) come to enjoy.
6. Climb the Campanile Bell Tower on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore for stunning views of the city.
7. If your maps app leads you on a walking path that involves crossing a canal with no bridge in sight, don’t panic! Hop on a traghetto boat for just a few euros to easily get to the other side.
8. Did you know Venice has vineyards? The islands of the Venetian Lagoon are home to some, with a rare indigenous variety, Dorona di Venezia, surviving there. If you’re a wine lover, give this local variety a try.
9. A water taxi is a fun, inexpensive way to get around the city. Simply grab a ticket from the kiosk and enjoy the riding from one part of the city to the other.
10. Murano glass is a true treasure. When visiting Murano, don’t miss watching the glassmakers at work and purchasing authentic pieces (P.S., be wearing for of the fakes sold in touristy areas of center-city Venice).
11. Learn how Venetian masks are crafted by skilled artisans, another iconic symbol of Venice. Just like with Murano glass, aim to find the real deal!
12. Finally, stop by a canal-side café to sit back, relax, and watch the world go by.
#venicebucketlist #explo
Planning a visit to the Vatican? 🕊️ Here’s your ultimate checklist for a smooth experience:
✅ Plan your transport ahead of time, especially if joining a tour group. Public transit in Rome can be unpredictable.
✅ Arrive early to avoid long lines and ensure you have time to explore.
✅ Book a tour with an expert guide to help you navigate the vast Vatican and understand the art and history.
✅ Solo visitors: Aim for an early arrival and remember the Papal audience on Wednesdays closes St. Peter’s Basilica until noon.
✅ Visit on Tuesday or Friday for fewer crowds; avoid Sundays and Mondays.
✅ Take your time and enjoy the moment—don’t rush to see everything!
✅ Dress appropriately: Shoulders and knees covered, no sleeveless clothing, shorts, or hats.
✅ Send a postcard from the world’s smallest country!
#vaticancity #rometravel #italyvacation
#romeadventures #exploreitaly
#vaticanmuseums #wanderlustitaly
#visitrome #discovervatican
Florence is home to approximately 200 historic "wine windows" (buchette del vino).
These tiny, charming openings once served noble families to sell wine without opening a full shop. Today, some are still in use, offering everything from wine and beer to gelato and even fresh fish sandwiches.
Here are 8 must-visit spots in Florence where you can experience the magic of wine windows:
1. Babae�A cozy spot specializing in breakfast and appetizers. Babae was the first to reopen its wine window in 2019, letting you order a glass of wine during aperitif time through its charming little window.
2. Belle Donne�This elegant osteria serves up exquisite Tuscan dishes. You can enjoy a glass of wine through its window while savoring fine food on their beautiful terrace.
3. S-Malto Firenze�A pub known for its comfort food and craft beer. S-Malto uses its wine window to serve both beers and hearty dishes like burgers and pizzas—perfect for a casual meal with friends.
4. Il Latini�One of the oldest restaurants in Florence, Il Latini is famous for its Fiorentina steak. Grab a glass of wine from its window while waiting to enjoy one of Tuscany’s best dishes.
�
5. Cantina dei Pucci�Located in the historic Palazzo Pucci, this place offers a curated selection of wines by the glass which you can purchase through their beautiful wine window!�
6. Vivoli�A traditional Florentine gelateria known for its top-tier gelato. During the pandemic, Vivoli reopened its wine window, now serving gelato to-go with a touch of old-world charm.�
7. DiVin Boccone�A boutique in the Santo Spirito neighborhood that specializes in Tuscan food and wine. DiVin Boccone’s unique, hard-to-identify wine window adds a special touch.�
8. Fishmood Modalità Pesce�A family-run seafood restaurant where you can get fresh fish sandwiches straight from their wine window. Rumor has it that Leonardo Da Vinci himself once bought wine from this very spot!�
PS: We also visit wine windows
Expertly guided small group tours & experiences in Rome, Vatican, Florence, Venice, Pompeii, Milan, Naples and more.
