Walks

03/09/2024

You can’t talk about art in Barcelona (or Spain) without talking about Gaudí.

He profoundly influenced Spanish art and architecture with his unique, imaginative style. His work is characterized by vibrant colors, intricate tile work, and organic forms inspired by nature.

Gaudí's designs, such as the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló, broke away from traditional architectural norms, blending Gothic and Art Nouveau elements into something entirely new and distinctly Catalan.

His innovative use of materials, plus the integration of natural elements into design have inspired generations of architects and artists. Today, Gaudí’s masterpieces are not only iconic symbols of Barcelona but also serve as a testament to the power of creativity and originality.

Experiencing Gaudí's masterpieces is a must when visiting Barcelona. We offer several amazing tours that showcase his iconic works. Join us: https://www.takewalks.com/barcelona-tours/

📸 Pictured here are shots from our Alone in Casa Batlló: VIP Early Access Tour (one of our most exclusive tours).

28/08/2024

Tuscany is truly one-of-a-kind for its gorgeous landscapes of rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. The region's blend of rich history, art, and cuisine makes it a place where you can genuinely feel the heart of Italy. 🤎

Among Tuscany’s treasures are Chianti, Siena, and San Gimignano.

🍷 Chianti offers an authentic taste of Tuscany with family-run vineyards, ancient villages, and a slower pace of life that defines this rural part of southern Italy.

⛪️ Siena is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and historic charm, like the Siena Cathedral and the iconic Piazza del Campo, where the famous Palio horse race takes place. The city’s history and artistic heritage make it a real gem in Tuscany’s crown.

🇮🇹 San Gimignano is special for its striking medieval skyline, dominated by its well-preserved towers that earned it the nickname "The Manhattan of the Middle Ages." Its historic town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is made up of intriguing medieval architecture that will give you true that old-school Italy feel.

You can experience the beauty of these three places on our carefully curated day trip from Florence.

https://takewalks.co/3MmTAbP

25/08/2024

You’ve likely heard the legend that tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain guarantees your return to Rome—hence the steady stream of coins cascading into its waters.

But beyond this well-known ritual, the Trevi Fountain holds a trove of intriguing secrets that most people have never heard of.

Let’s dive into the fascinating details of this iconic Roman masterpiece that go far beyond a simple coin toss:

1. The Trevi Fountain dates back to ancient Rome, built at the endpoint of the Aqua Virgo Aqueduct (19 B.C.), named after a girl who helped who showed soldiers the spring. The fountain was built at the aqueduct's endpoint, where three roads converge. These three streets (tre vie) give the Trevi Fountain its name, meaning "Three Street Fountain."

2. Nicola Salvi wasn’t the first choice to design the fountain; Alessandro Galilei originally won but lost the commission due to public outcry favoring the Roman Salvi (Galilei was a Florentine, while Salvi was a native Roman).

3. The fountain’s construction was financed by money from a lottery reintroduced in Rome by Pope Clemens XII.

4. The fountain is built from travertine, the same stone as the Colosseum, sourced from Tivoli. Construction was dangerous, and some workers were injured or killed in the process.

Read the full list here: https://takewalks.co/3MlOXik

Which fact is most surprising?

You've seen photos and maybe even visited but how much do you really know about the Trevi Fountain in Rome? Read our 9 surprising facts about the fountain.

23/08/2024

At Walks, our guided walking tours delve deep into the heart of a city, uncovering rich history, stories, and special details in every place, familiar or brand new.

There’s a unique joy in wandering—through the local streets, beneath the grandeur of historic buildings, and observing every detail that makes a place truly special.

Whenever you’re exploring a city on a tour or doing it solo, we encourage you to slow down and savor the small details. Look up at the architecture, admire the layout of iconic sites, discover hidden squares, and soak in the colors and textures that make each place one-of-a-kind.

In this video we’re taking some walks through Athens, Seville, Madrid, Lisbon, and Jerez de la Frontera.

21/08/2024

“But why visit Milan?”

Milan’s a vibrant city rich in history and cultures, though it’s often overshadowed by Rome. It’s known as Italy’s fashion capital, and has an elaborate dining scene with its many, many great bars and restaurants and its celebrated tradition of aperitivo.

Campari, a key ingredient in the Campari Spritz (the bright-red cocktail, sister to the bright-orange Aperol Spritz), was created in Milan in the 1860s by Gaspare Campari.

The city is home to the stunning Milan Cathedral (the Duomo) and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, one of the most iconic and influential artworks ever created. The Last Supper is renowned for its revolutionary use of perspective and profound emotional depth, and is a masterpiece with immense historical and cultural significance.

When you visit Italy, make time for Milan—you won’t regret it. On our Best of Milan tour, you'll delve into the story behind The Last Supper with an expert historian, skip the line at the Duomo, and enjoy a guided stroll through the city’s highlights and history.

Best of Milan: The Last Supper Tickets, Duomo & City Highlights Tour https://takewalks.co/3yLZQqy

19/08/2024

When traveling in Italy, many people are eager to pick up souvenirs to remember their special trip.

Walking around major cities like Rome, Venice, or Florence, you'll find plenty of options: Italian leather goods, limoncello, Venetian masks, Murano glass, and watercolor paintings of famous landmarks.

However, what many might not realize is that a lot of these items are fake.

For example, the watercolor paintings are often not created on the spot, as the sellers might suggest.

The limoncello is often imported, and the same goes for much of the Murano glass and Venetian masks. Unfortunately, scams involving souvenirs in Italy are quite common.

One of the most prevalent examples is in Venice, where many of the Venetian masks and Murano glass items are actually mass-produced fakes from outside of Italy.

When it comes to masks, authentic, locally handmade ones have become increasingly rare in the city, despite deceptive stickers, packaging, and price tags.

Recently in Venice, we visited Najib, a local shop owner near Saint Mark's Basilica who has been handcrafting masks for years. He invited us into his workshop and shared the differences between genuine, authentic masks and the imitations.

Najib shared his reality about being one of the few remaining artists on the island making genuine masks and the challenges he faces competing against sellers who produce masks quickly and cheaply using machines.

Stay tuned for our upcoming video, where we interview Najib and learn more about these iconic symbols of Venice.

And, check out this post about 8 great options for 8 great artisanal souvenirs from Italy (& where to buy them): https://takewalks.co/4dsWuI5

17/08/2024

Can you guess where we are? 🧐

Here’s a hint: This city is one of the newer additions to our Devour Tours, and it's often described as a "mini" version of a much larger city in the same country.

Leave your guesses in the comments below...


15/08/2024

Mid August means lots of celebrations and holidays across Europe.

In the mix with summer vacation is an abundance of local holidays as well.

In Italy, the 15th of August kicks off Ferragosto. The name comes from the Latin Feriae Augusti, which means “Festivals of Augustus,” and was introduced by Emperor Augustus in 18 BCE to mark a period of rest and relaxation after the summer harvest.

People flock to the mountains, beaches or countryside, leaving big cities pretty empty and quiet.

The 15th also is the Assumption of the Virgin, celebrated in both Italy and Spain.

During this same window of time there are other regional celebrations as well.

A notable one in San Sebastián (Donostia) is the Semana Grande (or Aste Nagusia in Basque) which is the biggest annual festival in the region. It typically takes place in mid-August and lasts for about a week.

The festival is a vibrant celebration of the city’s culture, featuring a wide range of activities and events. (More about this celebration here: https://devourtours.co/4dJT9UB)

🇮🇹 ❤️ 🇪🇸 ❤️

13/08/2024

If it's your first visit to Dublin, your bucket list likely includes must-see attractions like the Cliffs of Moher, a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, and a visit to an Irish pub. While these are essential experiences, if you’re staying in the Irish capital for more than a few days, you might want to make time for some unique activities beyond the usual highlights.

💚 Walk the Camino de Santiago (well, sort of) – Many travelers start their journey to Santiago de Compostela from Dublin on the Saint James Way.

💚 Visit the Little Museum of Dublin – This quirky venue provides a unique look at the city’s history with a collection of artifacts and memorabilia contributed by local residents.

💚 Take a Dublin food tour – Experience the Dublin Ultimate Food Tour! Launching in early September, this tour, in partnership with All The Food will showcase the best of Irish cuisine—from sweet treats to savory dishes and snacks.

We also have a great Pubs & Pints tour that will help you historic pubs that hold a special place in Dubliners’ hearts.

Check out the full list 👇🏻

From a stop in a dank prison to exploring the mythical world of leprechauns, come along on our tour of very unique things to do in Dublin.

11/08/2024

Planning your first trip to Europe—or even your tenth—can be overwhelming. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to choose where to spend your time.

While visiting multiple countries is ideal, sometimes you have to pick just one.

So, if you could only choose between these big three—Italy, Spain, or France—where would you go and why?

Drop your choice in the comments .✌🏻

09/08/2024

You might be familiar with the British royal family, but have you ever delved into the rich history of Spain's own royalty?

Our Royal Madrid: Skip-the-Line Palace Tour with Gardens tour gives a great overview of the royals and their history in the Spanish capital.

You’ll get to explore ancient ruins that reveal Madrid’s early history, walk through the historic grounds surrounding the Royal Palace, taking in the Royal Opera House, Almudena Cathedral, and other key sites of Spanish royal heritage.

The highlight of the tour is an exclusive skip-the-line access to the Royal Palace itself, where you’ll be awed by its opulent rooms, exquisite art, and the fascinating history of the Spanish royal family.

If you're curious about Madrid's regal past and present, check this tour out. 👑 https://bit.ly/3KLdzA3

08/08/2024

Can you guess where we are? 💭

Here’s a hint: This area enjoy over 300 days of sunshine a year and is a top producer of seafood, almonds, figs and oranges. 🍊

Leave your guesses in the comments below. 👇

07/08/2024

When planning a trip to Italy (or anywhere else), you'll likely receive plenty of advice and be on the lookout for useful tips.

We’ve gathered some of our top travel tips for Italy, covering everything from traveling by car and train to packing, dining out, and more.

🚗 Car travel
- Use apps like Citymapper, Waze, and Maps.me in addition to Google Maps; when possible download maps for offline use
- Mobility issues? Find wheelchair-accessible routes under Options > Wheelchair Accessible in Google Maps
- Utilize parking location features in Google apps if you’re renting a car
- Don’t rely solely on Google Maps (research ahead of time!)�

🚈Train travel:
- Use apps like Trainline to see the best/cheapest routes
- Download your ticket beforehand (in case of offline access)
- Validate train tickets at machines labeled "CONVALIDA" (green/grey, sometimes yellow/orange)
- For digital tickets, scan the QR code to validate�

🍽 Dining out:
- Be cautious with daily specials and restaurants near tourist spots—quality like likely be low, even if the views are great
- Price-check menus in advance
- Avoid places with servers soliciting outside
- Research and save authentic, reasonably priced dining spots and save to your map ahead of time

👕 Packing:
- Pack light—carry-on luggage is ideal with small streets, cobblestones, hills and stairs
- Leave space for authentic souvenirs; do research to find out what’s worth purchasing, and what’s a sham

🎫 Tickets/attractions:
- Buy tickets in advance to skip lines and secure access—some require booking months ahead
- Opt for guided tours when purchasing tickets for certain attractions (totally worth learning from an expert!)

👛 Miscellaneous:
- Don’t leave your bags on chairs nor phones on tables when dining out
- Carry cash for small purchases where cards aren’t accepted (e.g., public toilets)
- Bring a reusable water bottle to refill at public fountains (which have amazing, clean, free water!)

Read more here: https://takewalks.co/3M1vxPn

Have any other great tips for travelers? Share them in the comments below!

04/08/2024

We love this series by the Musée du Louvre "Artwork of the week."

If you've ever visited the Louvre, what was a piece of art that stood out to you?

Similarly, if you've never been to the Louvre, but have been to another museum in Paris (like the Musée d'Orsay), what did you enjoy seeing there?

Share in the comments! 🖼

P.S.: Take a look at our top 13 picks for the must-see artworks at the Louvre: https://takewalks.co/46yGOAe

01/08/2024

Did you know that Vatican City has its own post office, and that it's the smallest in the world?

While it’s essentially a regular post office, it’s a unique experience because not many people can say they’ve used the smallest post office in the world!

Aside from being a bucket-list item for tourists, is there anything more to it?

Learn everything you need to know about using the Vatican City post office here: https://takewalks.co/3YrhZ7m

(P.S. The Italian post office is known for its slow service and long waits. However, the Vatican City post office is a great alternative, as it’s said to be faster and more efficient than the regular ones in Rome!)

Have you ever visited the Vatican City post office? Share your experience in the comments below!

Want to send a post card from the smallest nation in the world? Discover our top tips for using the Vatican City post office.

30/07/2024

Our favorite thing to drink in Italy? Water from the public fountains! 💧

While we love Italian wine and prosecco, we have to admit, our favorite thing to drink in Italy is…water from its iconic fountains!

We're kidding, but exploring Italy on a hot day is infinitely better with the ability to cool off at one of the country's public water fountains, known as "nasoni" (spout resembles a big nose) or "fontanelle.” 👃

These fountains provide fresh, cold, clean water that’s safe to drink. In Italy, fountain water is considered safe unless marked "acqua non potabile."

Public water fountains are an iconic part of Italian culture. You'll see people using them to fill bottles, wash hands or fruit, give water to their pets, or for a quick splash on a hot day. 🍎

To drink from a nasone without a bottle, simply plug the main hole with your finger and let the water sq**rt through a smaller hole on top. 💦

Maps of fountain locations in various Italian cities are available online, but with thousands scattered throughout, you're likely to stumble upon one as you explore.

Plus, the government encourages tourists to use these fountains instead of single-use water bottles (but many times people don’t know you can safely drink out of them). ♻️

26/07/2024

The 2024 Olympics in Paris are here! 🇫🇷

If you’re in the city during the games, it’s helpful to know not just where the events are happening, but also about any road and metro closures that could impact your plans.

We also have some great advice on what to do in Paris besides attending the games (a French walking or food tour, anyone? 👀).

From public transit alternatives to bike rentals, we’ve got plenty of tips to help you navigate the city and make the most of your time in Paris.

Read the article ➡️ https://takewalks.co/3zRrGBJ

25/07/2024

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!

24/07/2024

We’re excited to share that we’ve just launched a brand new food tour in Dublin! 🇮🇪

Not only is it a delicious way to explore the city, but you'll also get to learn all about Dublin's history and culture through the lens of its incredible, growing food scene.

If you’re headed to Ireland, be sure to check out this tour.

19/07/2024

Once a bustling port town with 20,000 residents, Pompeii was forever changed by Mount Vesuvius's eruption in 79 AD, leaving behind a remarkable archaeological site.

Today it’s one of Italy’s most fascinating places to visit and explore.

Its convenient location near major cities such as Rome, Naples, and Sorrento makes it easy for visitors to explore this must-see UNESCO World Heritage site.

Check out our blog post which will help you plan your visit to Pompeii's ancient Roman ruins and the city's hidden stories where so much ancient history unfolded.

Get detailed tips about reaching Pompeii from nearby cities, what to bring on your trip, exactly what to see on your visit, and more:
https://takewalks.co/4d4Akez

17/07/2024

One of our fantastic tours in Venice 💎🩵💚

17/07/2024

Thanks for the love, Nomadic Matt! 💚

In this review of Take Walks' Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty tour, I share my experience and highlight whether or not this tour is for you!

15/07/2024

Headed to Naples? Don’t miss our Ultimate Naples Food Tour! 🍕

“Experience the soul of Naples through its incredible cuisine! 🇮🇹 Start with sfogliatella and learn the secret behind the perfect Neapolitan coffee. ☕ Wander the vibrant streets of Pignasecca and the Spanish Quarter, tasting fried pizza and chatting with passionate local producers. Try hand-picked tomatoes, fresh seafood, and more. With exclusive tastings and local secrets, you'll see why the city is a food lover's paradise. 😋✨ More info: https://bit.ly/3RxQ5Cp”

14/07/2024

Check it out 👀

Reach new heights! Climb the Statue of Liberty pedestal for a view of the Manhattan skyline that will leave you mesmerized. 🗽😵 More info: https://bit.ly/3KGQKhp

12/07/2024

“Our team had an amazing time on the "Venice Boat Tour with Grand Canal and Tower Climb" by Walks 😍🛶

Learn about Venice's fascinating history as you cruise along the Grand Canal and witness the charm of everyday life in the smaller back canals. Includes a visit to the city's least-visited island to climb the bell tower for breathtaking panoramic views!

Book this tour at http://untolditaly.com/recommends/venice-boat-tour/“

11/07/2024

So, did George Washington have wooden teeth…or not?

Here are the answers to our game of Two Truths and a Lie, George Washington edition, following up on the original video we posted a few days ago.

Were you surprised by the answers, or did you know them already?

Let us know in the comments!

10/07/2024

Exploring Bologna’s rich history one bite at a time 😋

10/07/2024

❤️

09/07/2024

Can you guess where we are? 💭

Here’s a hint: One of the most striking features of this landmark is its floor, which includes a popular good luck tradition centered on one of the mosaics. ❤️

Leave your guesses in the comments below ⬇️

04/07/2024

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

Celebrating the beauty of the States from the streets of NYC and the historic charm of Boston to the iconic landmarks of Washington DC and the breathtaking views of Niagara Falls.

📸 Various moments from tours with us and Devour Tours in these destinations.