Monday 16 May 2022

What A Massive Structure: The Colosseum

 







The Colosseum is a Roman amphitheatre in the centre of Rome. It's a huge structure, capable of holding over 50,000 spectators at a time.


The Colosseum is one of the largest structures built by the Romans, and it was constructed between 70 and 80 AD on land that had been part of Nero's Golden House. It took over 10 years to complete, and it was opened by Emperor Titus on May 1st 80 AD.


The Colosseum was used for centuries to host events ranging from gladiatorial contests to animal hunts, plays and even naval battles reenacted with real ships. The last known event held there was an earthquake in 847 which damaged some parts of the building so badly they were never repaired.









The Colosseum is an ancient amphitheatre that was once used for gladiatorial fights, public spectacles and animal hunts. It was built in 72 AD by Emperor Vespasian as a gift to the Roman people. The structure is still standing today and is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome.


The Colosseum was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater after its architects, but it became known as the Colosseum after the Colosso, or Colossus of Nero, which stood nearby. This statue was eventually destroyed by Christians who thought it was sacrilegious because it depicted a pagan god (the sun god Helios). The statue was replaced by a statue of Christ on top of a column that still stands there today.



 It's a little hard to believe that the Colosseum, one of the most famous buildings in all of history, was built in the first century AD. It's almost as if it's always been there, like a cornerstone for Western civilization.









The Colosseum is an amazing example of how Roman architecture combined innovation and design to create something truly spectacular. In its day, it was the largest amphitheatre ever built—and if you visited today, you'd still think it was pretty impressive. The outer facade is covered with intricate mosaics and statues, which must have been awe-inspiring when they were new.


But what makes this building so special isn't just its size or appearance—it's what happened inside those walls that turned this building into an icon: gladiator fights! Gladiators would fight each other to the death in front of thousands of spectators (including emperors) who would watch from above or on balconies around the arena floor.


Even though historians know exactly how many people died at the Colosseum during these fights (over 5,000), it's still not clear whether they were voluntary fighters or prisoners of war who were forced into battle against their will. But either way, we have.



 If you've ever wanted to experience the Colosseum, Roma, and Italy in one fell swoop, well, your ship has come in.


The Colosseum is one of the most iconic structures in Rome and the whole world, but it's also one of the most difficult to visit because of its popularity. However, if you book a trip with us, you'll get access to the Colosseum without having to wait in line!


We also have other great packages that will let you explore other parts of Rome as well!

Sunday 15 May 2022

Venice: The Most Beautiful City in the World

 







Venice is a city in northern Italy, located on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. It has a population of 271,000 (as of 2014).


The city was founded during the Byzantine Era and became an important trading centre in the Middle Ages. It was ruled by the Republic of Venice until 1797 when it fell under French rule. In 1848, it became part of Italy.


The city is famous for its unique architecture and a large number of bridges. The buildings are built on wooden piles driven deep into the mud; most were originally constructed in the 16th century or earlier and have been renovated several times since then. The city itself is known for being one of the world's most breathtaking places to visit.








Ah, Venice. The city of canals, gondolas, and romance.


It's a magical place that seems to exist in a dreamy haze. So why not take the opportunity to explore it on a budget? Here are some tips for how to do just that:


-Stay near the water: Hotels in Venice are expensive, so try to find lodging closer to the canals if you can swing it. You'll save money on transportation and get an authentic experience of the city.


-Eat at local restaurants: The restaurants around St. Mark's Square are incredibly expensive, so look further down the street for more affordable options. You'll get better food and avoid crowds too!


-Take public transit: Using public transit throughout Europe is always cheaper than renting your own car or using taxis or Ubers. The only downside is that buses and trains don't run as often as they do back home (or even in other parts of Italy), so plan accordingly!


 You know that feeling when the world has stopped and everything is perfect?








That's what Venice is like.


It's a place where people get lost in their thoughts, and where all your worries seem to be washed away. The sun shines just enough to warm you up without making you sweat. And the breeze blows just enough to keep you cool and comfortable. There's something magical about this city: it's almost as though it was designed by a fairy godmother with a love for detail and beauty!


The buildings are unique and lovely, painted in bright colours, and decorated with intricate designs. You'll find no two windows that look alike in this city—instead, every window tells its own story in a way that makes you want to come back again and again. And when you look up at those sky-high ceilings, carved from stone and gleaming with gold leaf…you won't believe your eyes! It seems impossible that something so beautiful could exist on earth!


But Venice isn't just about its looks; it's also about what goes on inside these buildings. You'll find yourself surrounded by art everywhere—everywhere! From street corners to restaurants, churches to hotels…the works of master artists are everywhere you turn.




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Saturday 14 May 2022

 








Located in Rome, St. Angelo Bridge is also known as Ponte Sant'Angelo. It was originally built in the 16th century and connects St. Peter's Square with Borgo Nuovo.


The bridge is a popular tourist attraction and offers visitors the opportunity to see some of Rome's most famous landmarks up close, including Castel Sant'Angelo and the famous Trevi Fountain.


St. Angelo Bridge is known for its striking design that includes four statues that represent four angels with musical instruments: one holding a trumpet, another an organ, another a harp, and another a lute or guitar.


The original structure was destroyed by fire in 1823 but was rebuilt shortly thereafter using the original design but with more modern materials such as stone instead of brick and metal instead of wood.



 It's like a scene straight out of an Indiana Jones movie: the St. Angelo Bridge, which spans the Tiber River in Rome, is one of the city's most historic landmarks.


The bridge was built in 135 AD by Emperor Hadrian to commemorate his favourite general, Marcus Aurelius Antonius. It was originally called the Pons Aelius (or Aelian), but its name was changed to Ponte Sant'Angelo in 1277 when it became a prison for condemned criminals.


It wasn't until 1849 that Pope Pius IX decided to open up the bridge to pedestrians—now it's accessible via stairs on either side of the river. The bridge is made of travertine stone and has three arches that are held together by iron chains. At night, it's illuminated with spotlights so that passersby can enjoy its beauty even after dark!



The Ponte Sant'Angelo is one of the most famous bridges in all of Italy. It connects the old city to the Vatican City, and it's been there since the 5th century!


The name "Ponte Sant'Angelo" means "St. Angel Bridge." The bridge got its name because it was built by Pope Hadrian I in honour of his patron saint, who came from Milan.


The bridge has been damaged many times over the centuries, but it's always been rebuilt by someone who cared about its beauty and significance.


Today, you can visit the bridge and walk across it for free!




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Friday 13 May 2022

How The Tower Of Pisa Is Terrifying And Tempting






The Tower of Pisa is a bell tower in the city of Pisa, Italy. It is considered one of the most famous symbols in Italy. The tower stands at about 55 meters high and is famous for its tilt.

The Tower of Pisa was built in the 13th century to support the cathedral dome and prevent it from collapsing. It was built with white marble and limestone by Bonanno Pisano and Arnolfo di Cambio. The tower was designed to be taller than any other structure in its vicinity, but it began leaning after construction had begun. This was caused by uneven settling during construction that occurred because there were no proper foundations for the tower.

In 1990, after years of research, an international committee decided on a plan to stabilize the tower without removing it from its location or adding steel reinforcements inside the structure itself (which would have destroyed its beauty). They decided instead to build underground steel trusses around its base that would act as stabilizers while allowing visitors access to all levels of the structure without disturbing its historical integrity or aesthetic appeal. This project has been successful so far; however, it is still being monitored closely by experts who are worried about earthquakes or other natural disasters affecting it negatively over time.


 The Tower of Pisa is a landmark in Italy. The tower was built in the 12th century and it is leaning about 5 degrees. It is about 5.5 meters taller than the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. The Tower of Pisa has a height of 55.86 metres (183 ft) and it weighs about 15,000 tonnes.

The Tower of Pisa was built to be a bell tower for the Church of Santa Maria Assunta but it ended up being used as a monument rather than a church bell tower. It was built on soft soil and this caused it to lean over time because it was not supported properly by its foundation. This caused many people to think that the tower would collapse at one point, but luckily nothing happened!

 The Tower of Pisa is a bell tower in Pisa, Italy. It was built between 1173 and 1178 to celebrate a successful siege against the people of Pisa. The tower is leaning at an angle of 5.5' due to the soft ground underneath it. The tower was built on the unstable ground because they didn't want anyone to be able to attack them from the base of their tower.

When I first saw this tower, I was surprised by how tall it was and how many stairs there were. There are over 300 steps in this tower! You can see all of Pisa from up here, which makes it worth climbing all those stairs every day!

I think one of the most interesting things about this tower is that it leans over 2' farther than any other building in Europe. This means that some days are so windy that you can't even walk up without holding onto something!


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Thursday 12 May 2022

Sardinia Summer, Self-Drive (On Request) Italy



2 adult

2022 June
June 01. - June 08.
EUR 1 545

or

11BPO+ EUR 1 215


1 Week, 1 day
Very easy
Minimum age of passengers: 12



Welcome to Sardinia! Join this eight-day tour to discover the Italian island full of natural contrasts, white sand and clear waters. Explore small villages full of history and learn about their culture and ancient traditions. Wander around its most popular resorts, Costa Esmeralda and Porto Cervo. Taste the Sardinian delights and dive in the most beautiful sea of the Mediterranean.



Baja Sardinia is the land of adventure.


There's no place better to go when you're looking for an escape from the ordinary. Baja Sardinia is filled with stunning beaches, picturesque castles, and amazing restaurants. It's also filled with a rich culture that will make you feel like you're visiting another world.


If you're not into the whole "adventure" thing, then maybe it's time to try something new! Baja Sardinia has plenty of options for those who prefer more relaxing vacations. You can stay at one of their many luxury resorts or take a trip on one of their many boats for some deep-sea fishing or swimming with dolphins!


Whatever type of vacationer you are, Baja Sardinia has something for everyone!



Program


Day 1: ARRIVAL OLBIA – BAJA SARDINIA / CAR PICK-UP (46km – 1hr)

Welcome to Italy! Upon landing at Olbia Airport, meet with a rent-a-car representative to assist you in picking up the rental car, and drive to your hotel*. If you arrive in the afternoon, we invite you to stroll around the village of Baja Sardinia and at the end of your walk, enjoy an aperitif on one of the small sea-view bistros enjoying the sunset (own expense).  

*Due to COVID 19 security measures, the Meet & Greet service might not be given at the airport, so exact directions will be shared with the travellers upon booking.

Overnight in Baja Sardinia.



Day 2: BAJA SARDINIA – COSTA ESMERALDA – BAJA SARDINIA (50km – 1.5hrs)

Wake up to a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Today, we recommend you to visit Porto Cervo, a famous destination for its elite tourism, the haute couture boutiques, and the small port with majestic yachts. Do not miss to visit the small village of San Pantaleo, a typical centre of Gallura, with its granite houses. History lovers can visit the archaeological area of Arzachena, with superb examples of Nuragic Civilization, such as the Nuragic and Giant Tombs. Otherwise, you can swim in one of the most beautiful seas in the Mediterranean and relax on the white sandy beaches. 

Overnight in Baja Sardinia.



Day 3: BAJA SARDINIA – TEMPIO PAUSANIA – ALGHERO (160km – 2.5hrs)

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your hotel, then head to Alghero. On the way, do not miss to visit Tempio Pausania, the main town of the Region of Gallura, and famous for the cork production and Vermentino wine. We also recommend a shortstop in the village of Aggius, hidden by granite rocks and small cork wood. In the afternoon, arrive in Alghero, along the western coast of Sardinia, with its historic centre in Catalan style, its shops of coral woods, known as ‘Barceloneta’. 

Overnight in Alghero.



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 Alghero is a coastal town in Sardinia, Italy. It's one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island, and it offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.


The city has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The first traces of human settlement date back to the Bronze Age (around 1000 BC). In those days, Alghero was known as Argaria. The name comes from the Phoenician word "Argar", which means "rocky coast."


Over time, the city became a major commercial hub for southern Sardinia. In its heyday in the 16th century, Alghero was home to more than 20 churches and monasteries—a testament to its importance as a religious centre in that period.



Today, visitors can still see some of these monuments including the church of San Francesco d'Assisi (known locally as "Santo Francesco"), which dates back to 1497; Santa Maria Delle Grazie (which served as an orphanage from 1774 until 1867); Santa Maria di GesĂą (built-in 1521); San Giorgio Martire (constructed during the 16th century); San Pietro di Collemaggio (built between 1520




Day 4: ALGHERO – BOSA – MONTELEONE – ROCCA DORIA – ALGHERO (116km – 2hrs)

In the morning, after a delectable breakfast, visit Bosa, with its small house painted with many colours, and its paved alleys, where is still possible to see old ladies who practice the art of linen embroidery on net. You have to taste the Malvasia, a sweet wine which reminds of the wines of the Quarteron (Clairette and Muscadelle). In the afternoon we invite you to visit Monteleone, Rocca Doria, with its Museum of Bread, fundamental good of the Sardinia culture. 

Overnight in Alghero.





Day 5: ALGHERO – ORISTANO – THARROS – CAGLIARI (230km – 3.5hrs)

Recharge your energies with breakfast at the hotel. First stop at Santu Antine di Torralba, to visit the best-preserved Nuraghe of the island. Continue to Oristano (small stop to visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with its precious medieval statues and its Towers) and continue to the excavations of Tharros village of the Phoenician age. In the evening, you will arrive in Cagliari. 

Overnight in Cagliari.




Cagliari is a city in Sardinia, Italy. It is the capital of the Province of Cagliari and is the second-largest city on the island after Sassari. According to 2014 data, there are 267,200 people living in Cagliari (of which 133,800 are male and 133,400 are female). The centre of Cagliari has a population of 50,000 inhabitants and its metropolitan area totals 265,000 inhabitants.


Cagliari is divided into four main districts: Castello (the old town), Marina (the new town), Stampace (the main shopping district) and Villanova.


Cagliari has been inhabited since the Neolithic era. In Roman times it was known as Caralis or Karalis in Latin and Karale or Caralis in Sardinian, from which its current name derives. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, it became the capital of Sardinia until 1324 when Arborea became the capital. It then became a possession of various noble families; it was conquered by Aragon in 1353, becoming one of the numerous Spanish possessions in Italy. In 1596 Cagliari became part of the Kingdom of Italy along with all other former Spanish possessions on that.



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Day 6: CAGLIARI – PULA – NORA (80km – 1hr)

Have a rich breakfast at the hotel. Today you can spend the entire day visiting Cagliari, with its historical centre, the Elephant’s Tower, the Bastion Saint Remy, the small city of the Museums and the Royal Palace, where you can visit some of the monuments mentioned and in the afternoon go for a nice swim at the beautiful beaches of Pula or visit the excavations of the Phoenician city of Nora. 

Overnight in Cagliari.



Day 7: CAGLIARI – ORGOSOLO – OROSEI (252km – 3.5hrs)

Delight in a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Drive towards the heart of Sardinia, the region of Bargabia where you will find the true Sardinian pastoral tradition. Visit Orogosolo, a village sadly famous for the revenge between families in the past. Today, we can admire the murals that cover almost all the walls of the city, with stories of rural life but also episodes of modern history. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Orosei. 

Overnight in Orosei.



Day 8: OROSEI – OASI DI BIDDEROSA – DEPARTURE OLBIA (87km – 1.5hrs) / CAR DROP-OFF

Wake up to one last breakfast at the hotel. If your flight is scheduled in the afternoon, you may stop first along the beautiful beaches of the Oasi di Bidderosa (Paying access and limited to 120 cars). Alternatively, the beach of Cala Liberotto or Berchidda. Once you drop-off the car at the airport, you may continue with your travel arrangements. 



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