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Michelle — Travel Writer at Horizon Blog

Michelle

Travel Writer & Explorer
96 Articles
35+ Countries
10+ Years Exp.

I am a passionate travel writer with years of experience exploring Europe's most iconic cities and the world's most extraordinary destinations. From the ancient streets of Rome to the depths of the Amazon jungle, I believe that travel transforms the way we see the world — and ourselves.

At Horizon Blog, I share the stories, guides and insider tips that help curious travellers discover places that go beyond the guidebook. My writing is for those who travel not just to see, but to understand.

Behind every article is a journey taken, a culture encountered, and a story worth telling.

Articles by Michelle

The ancient theatre of Ostia Antica, the magnificent Roman harbour city at the mouth of the Tiber
Fiumicino and the Coast of the Emperors: Ostia, Trajan's Port, Cerveteri and the Tyrrhenian Shore

Beyond the airport, Fiumicino guards the gateway to an ancient world. Roman harbours, Etruscan necropolises, medieval ca...

A traditional plate of pasta alla carbonara with guanciale and pecorino romano, the soul of Roman cuisine
A Food and Wine Tour of Rome: Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe and the Flavours of the Eternal City

Walk with a Roman through the trattorias, the markets and the wine bars of the Eternal City. Discover the secrets of car...

The dome of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome at dawn, the greatest church in Christendom rising above the Vatican hill
A Day at Saint Peter's Basilica: The Complete Literary Guide to Rome's Greatest Building

A complete literary guide to Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome: the history of the site from the Circus of Nero to the pres...

Archaeological excavations for Rome’s Metro C line revealing ancient Roman structures beneath the modern city
The Underground City: Extraordinary Archaeological Discoveries of Rome’s Metro C Line

Beneath the streets of Rome, the construction of a subway line has uncovered an entire hidden city. Roman barracks, impe...

Fresh handmade orecchiette pasta drying on a wooden board in a sunlit alleyway of Bari Vecchia
A Food and Wine Tour of Bari: Ancient Recipes, Winding Alleyways and the Aromas of Apulia

Walk with a native Barese through the oldest streets of Bari, where the scent of frying polenta, simmering ragù and fre...

The seafront of Bari with the Basilica of San Nicola and the Swabian Castle overlooking the Adriatic Sea
Bari in 5 Days: A Native Guide to the Heart of Apulia

Join a native Barese guide for five days among the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, the Swabian Castle, the ancient alleys of...

The Cathedral of Palermo, a majestic stratification of Norman, Arab, Gothic and Baroque styles in the heart of Sicily
Palermo in 5 Days: A Literary Journey Through Sicily's Golden City

Join a native Palermitan guide for five days among Norman cathedrals, Arab domes, Baroque oratories, bustling markets an...

The Blue Walls Sanctuary discovered at Pompeii in 2024, its interior painted entirely in Egyptian blue, one of the rarest and most costly pigments of the ancient world
Pompeii 2024: The Blue Walls Sanctuary and the Children Who Drew Gladiators

In 2024, excavations at Pompeii uncovered two discoveries of extraordinary human resonance: a sanctuary whose walls are ...

The underground pyramids of Orvieto carved into the tufa rock beneath the historic centre of the Umbrian city
The Pyramids of Orvieto: The Underground Mystery Beneath Umbria's Most Dramatic City

Beneath the medieval streets and the magnificent cathedral of Orvieto, archaeologists have discovered a series of pyrami...

The historic centre of Verona with the Adige river and the Roman arena
Travel Notes Verona: The 3 Best Places to Visit and What to Eat

The three unmissable places in Verona, plus a complete guide to Veronese cuisine and wine: Amarone della Valpolicella, V...

A traditional Veronese meal featuring bigoli pasta, Amarone wine, and local cheeses on a wooden table in Verona
A Food and Wine Tour of Verona: Bigoli, Amarone and the Flavours of the Veneto

Embark on a gastronomic journey through Verona. From bigoli pasta to pastissada de caval, from Amarone wine to torta rat...

Villa Rotonda in Vicenza — Andrea Palladio's masterpiece of Renaissance architecture with four identical porticos and a central dome
Villa Rotonda: Palladio's Masterpiece and the Birth of an Architectural Ideal

Discover Villa Rotonda in Vicenza, the Renaissance villa that redefined Western architecture. Explore its perfect symmet...

Palazzo Mocenigo on the Grand Canal in Venice — where Giordano Bruno was betrayed and arrested by the Inquisition
The Ghost of Giordano Bruno at Palazzo Mocenigo: Betrayal, Heresy, and the Wandering Philosopher

Every year on the anniversary of his execution, the ghost of Giordano Bruno is said to wander the halls of Palazzo Mocen...

The permanently flooded crypt of San Zaccaria in Venice, tenth-century columns reflected in still water
Venice Underground: The Submerged Crypts, the Secret Passages and the Forest Beneath the City

Beneath the canals and churches of Venice lies another city entirely: the flooded crypt of San Zaccaria where tenth-cent...

Palazzo Grassi on the Grand Canal in Venice — the last great palace built before the fall of the Serenissima Republic
The Ghost of Palazzo Grassi: Legend, History, and the Silence of the Archives

Who is the veiled lady who whispers names in the halls of Palazzo Grassi? A journey through legend and historical docume...

A single red rose bud, the bocolo, symbol of the Venetian Festa del Bocolo on 25 April
Maria "Vulcana" and Tancredi: The Legend Behind Venice's Most Romantic Tradition

Before Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet, Venice had its own story of impossible love, war and a rose bud stained with ...

Traditional Venetian cicchetti and seafood dishes at a bacaro in Venice
Travel Notes Venice: The 3 Best Places to Visit and What to Eat

The three unmissable places in Venice plus a complete guide to Venetian cuisine: sarde in saor, baccala mantecato, bigol...

Venice at golden hour, the canals and palaces of the floating city
Spotlight on Venice

Venice is a city unlike any other in the world. From the Grand Canal and the Doge's Palace to the Basilica di San Marco,...

The perfectly preserved mummy of Rosalia Lombardo, the Sleeping Beauty of the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo, Sicily
The Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo: The World's Most Beautiful Mummy

Eight thousand mummified bodies line the walls of a Sicilian monastery, dressed in their finest clothes and frozen in ti...

Venice canals and bridges at golden hour, practical tips for visiting on a budget
Save Your Money When You Visit Venice

Venice does not have to be expensive. Discover how to save on accommodation, food, transport and attractions in one of t...

Masked revellers at the Venice Carnival in Piazza San Marco
Did You Know That in Venice in the 1600s Masks Were Worn Throughout the Year?

In the Venetian Republic, masks were not just for Carnival. They were a legal institution, a social equaliser and a phil...

The exquisite Gothic facade of Ca' Dario reflected in the waters of the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy
Ca' Dario: The Cursed Palace of Venice on the Grand Canal

On the Grand Canal stands a palace of breathtaking beauty and unspeakable tragedy. For more than five centuries, death a...

The roofless Gothic nave of San Galgano Abbey in Tuscany, with the sky visible through the towering windows
San Galgano Abbey: The Real Sword in the Stone in Tuscany

Deep in the Tuscan countryside lies a roofless Gothic abbey and a small circular chapel containing a sword embedded in s...

A boat cruise along the Brenta Riviera past magnificent Venetian villas
Cruising Along the Villas of the Brenta

Between Venice and Padua lies one of the most beautiful corridors in Italy: the Brenta Riviera, lined with Palladian mas...

The rolling hills of Tuscany in autumn — vineyards turning gold and cypress trees standing tall against the warm sunset light
Tuscany in Autumn: Wine, Truffles & Golden Hills

Golden hills, Brunello wine, white truffles from San Miniato and the most magical light you will ever see. Discover why ...

Etruscan artefacts and bronzes from Tuscany, one of the extraordinary ancient civilisations of Italy
Etruscan Tuscany: A Fascinating Journey Into the Past

Before Rome, before the legions, there were the Etruscans. From Volterra and its extraordinary museum to the rock-cut to...

Essential tips to remember before getting on a flight: airport, packing and travel advice
Nine Essential Tips to Remember Before You Fly

Whether you are heading off on holiday or a business trip, these nine tips will make every step of your journey smoother...

A family exploring one of the best holiday destinations in Europe for young children
Best Places to Holiday With Young Children: Why Holland Tops the List

Planning a family holiday with young children? Discover why The Hague and Holland are among the best destinations in Eur...

Traditional Swiss food and the Alpine landscape of Switzerland
Swiss Food to Savour: The Essential Guide to Eating in Switzerland

From the legendary fondue and raclette to handmade chocolate, golden rösti and the mysterious Rivella: a complete food ...

Sorrento perched on the cliffs above the Bay of Naples, Italy
What to Do in Sorrento: A Complete Travel Guide

From Piazza Tasso to Marina Grande, from day trips to Capri and the Amalfi Coast to the finest limoncello in Italy — a...

The Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, one of the city's finest free museums, near the Seine.
What Can You Do and See in Paris for Free? 19 Budget-Friendly Ideas

From hidden museums and historic cemeteries to wine tastings and outdoor cinemas, discover 19 wonderful and completely f...

The dusty but perfectly preserved interior of the de Florian apartment in Paris, frozen in time since 1942.
The Sleep of 68 Years: The Mysterious Madame de Florian Apartment

In 2010, an apartment near the Opéra Garnier was opened for the first time since 1942. Inside, a dusty time capsule of ...

The Eiffel Tower rising above the Seine at golden hour, with a bateau-mouche gliding on the river below.
What to See in Paris: The Ultimate Guide to Five Unmissable Treasures

Beyond the postcards lies a Paris of hidden histories, artistic miracles and architectural wonders. From the reborn Notr...

A golden, flaky croissant being pulled apart over a Parisian café table, with the Eiffel Tower blurred in the background.
Paris Snacking: The Ultimate Guide to Street Food, Markets and Casual Bites

Forget the white tablecloths. The real Paris eats on the street, at market stalls, from bakery windows and from paper co...

The Eiffel Tower and the Paris skyline — the city whose museums have led the world in addressing the selfie stick question and reforming photography policy for the digital age
Famous Parisian Museums May Ban Selfie Sticks: What You Need to Know

Paris's most celebrated museums including the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay and the Palace of Versailles have banned selfie...

The Flame of Liberty memorial at the Pont de l'Alma in Paris, covered with flowers, photographs and handwritten messages left by mourners for Princess Diana.
Princess Diana's Memorial in Paris: The Flame of Liberty

Hidden in plain sight at the entrance to the Pont de l'Alma tunnel is one of Paris's most visited unofficial memorials. ...

New York City at Christmas, with the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the festive lights of Fifth Avenue illuminating the holiday season in the world's most famous shopping destination
Christmas Shopping in New York: The Essential Holiday Guide

New York at Christmas is one of the greatest spectacles on Earth. From the windows of Fifth Avenue and the tree at Rocke...

The Manhattan skyline at twilight with the Empire State Building illuminated against a deep blue sky, viewed from across the East River.
10 Free Things to See and Do in New York City: The Ultimate Budget Guide

New York does not have to empty your wallet. From the High Line to the Staten Island Ferry, from hidden gardens to world...

The New York City subway, home to 1,688 types of bacteria and the subject of the groundbreaking 2015 PathoMap microbiome study by Weill Cornell Medical College
Anthrax and Bubonic Plague Found in the New York Subway

In 2015, researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College published the PathoMap: the first complete microbiome map of the N...

A paper cone of cuoppo, the quintessential Neapolitan street food, filled with golden fried seafood and vegetables, held over the ancient stones of Spaccanapoli.
Naples Street Food and Culinary Tour: The Ultimate Guide to Italy's Most Delicious City

From dawn espresso to midnight babà, from fried pizza to octopus sandwiches, Naples is a city that lives to eat. Join t...

The vibrant streets of Naples with Mount Vesuvius rising in the distance, capturing the energy and history of Italy's most authentic city.
Naples Travel Notes: Three Unmissable Locations in the Soul of Southern Italy

From the world's first pizzeria to the frozen city of Pompeii and Europe's oldest opera house, discover three experience...

The Palazzo Donna Anna rising from the rocks of the Posillipo coast above the Gulf of Naples, its unfinished baroque facade worn by centuries of sea air and legend
The Mysterious Palazzo Donna Anna in Naples

Rising from the rocks of the Posillipo coast directly above the sea, the Palazzo Donna Anna is one of the most extraordi...

The majestic facade of the Royal Palace of Caserta, the largest royal residence in the world by volume, with its grand staircase and sweeping gardens.
The Royal Palace of Caserta: Italy's Hidden Versailles

Larger than Versailles, richer than any royal residence in Europe, the Reggia di Caserta is Italy's hidden masterpiece. ...

The grand neoclassical facade of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts in Moscow, home to one of the world's finest collections of ancient art.
The Guardians of Nimrud: How Moscow's Pushkin Museum Fought to Save History

When ISIS destroyed ancient Assyrian treasures, Moscow's Pushkin Museum launched a social media campaign to keep their m...

Red Square in Moscow with the illuminated domes of Saint Basil's Cathedral — one of the most iconic views in the world and completely free to visit
5 Free Things to See and Do in Moscow

Moscow has a reputation for expense, but some of its finest experiences cost absolutely nothing. From Red Square and the...

The medieval streets of Verona with the Torre dei Lamberti rising above the red-tiled roofs.
The Eternal Kiss: Romeo and Juliet in Verona — A Time Travel Through the World's Most Famous Love Story

What would you see if you travelled back in time to Renaissance Verona? Walk the streets of Romeo and Juliet. Discover t...

The magnificent Duomo di Milano seen from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, with golden hour light illuminating the marble facade.
What to Do in Milan: The Ultimate Insider's Guide to Italy's Most Elegant City

Forget the usual tourist trail. Discover the real Milan: mysterious ossuaries, hidden canals, ancient bakeries, and the ...

The crystal-clear waters of Lake Garda with the mountains rising dramatically from the northern shore, one of the most beautiful lake landscapes in Europe
Travel Notes from Lake Garda: The Essential Guide

Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake and one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe: Roman ruins, medieval castles, le...

The magnificent Duomo di Milano, the largest Gothic cathedral in Italy, under a dramatic sky
Travel Notes from Milan: Three Extraordinary Locations You Cannot Miss

Beyond the fashion runways lies a Milan of hidden courtyards, Leonardesque mysteries and canal-side magic. Discover thre...

The Palazzo Italia at Milan Expo 2015 — the extraordinary air-purifying urban forest designed by Nemesi and Partners for the Italian Pavilion
Amazing Italy Presents an Eco Giant Air-Purifying Urban Forest for the Milan Expo 2015

For the Milan Expo 2015, Rome-based Nemesi and Partners designed the Palazzo Italia, a 13,000 square metre urban forest ...

Lake Garda in October with golden autumn colours reflecting on the calm water and mountains in the background
The Silent Season on Italy's Greatest Lake: Five Reasons to Visit Lake Garda in October

The crowds have gone home. The summer heat has softened into a golden, gentle warmth. The grapes are heavy on the vine, ...

A regal portrait of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Princess Sisi, in her iconic diamond-starred gown
What to Do in Malta: The Essential Travel Guide

The magnificent Grand Harbour of Valletta, Malta, with its ancient fortifications and golden limestone city rising from ...

A regal portrait of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Princess Sisi, in her iconic diamond-starred gown
The Princess of Solitude: The Life and Legend of Empress Elisabeth of Austria

She was born a Duchess in Bavaria, became the reluctant Empress of Austria, and was assassinated on the shores of Lake G...

The dramatic panorama of Luxembourg City with its ancient ramparts, the Alzette gorge and the UNESCO-listed Old Town
What to Do in Luxembourg: The Essential Travel Guide

Luxembourg is one of Europe's most extraordinary and most underrated capitals. From the 23-kilometre Bock Casemates and ...

The London Underground at night — beneath its tunnels lies a hidden city of extraordinary archaeological discoveries
3,000 Skeletons Found Under a London Railway Station

During excavations for the Crossrail Elizabeth line near Farringdon station, archaeologists discovered approximately 3,0...

The iconic Tower Bridge and River Thames in London — one of the greatest free views in the world
10 Free Things to See and Do in London

London is one of the most extraordinary cities on Earth, and some of its finest experiences cost absolutely nothing. Fro...

A signature dish by chef Felice Lo Basso — the Italian art of transforming the finest ingredients into something extraordinary
Recipes by Great Italian Chefs: Felice Lo Basso

Born in Puglia and based in Milan, Felice Lo Basso is one of the most passionate and innovative Italian chefs working to...

The magnificent Blue Mosque in Istanbul at dusk with its famous six minarets illuminated against the evening sky
What to Do in Istanbul — 5 Unmissable Experiences in the City of Two Continents

From the magnificent Blue Mosque to the Hagia Sophia, from the Topkapi Palace to the Grand Bazaar and the Bosphorus Stra...

Traditional dishes of Germany's Rhine region including sauerbraten, reibekuchen and Rhineland specialities
What to Eat in Germany's Rhine Region: A Rhineland Food Guide

Germany's Rhine region offers some of the most distinctive and deeply satisfying food in the country. From blutwurst and...

Traditional dishes of Baden-Württemberg and the Black Forest region of Germany
What to Eat in Baden-Württemberg: A Guide to Black Forest Cuisine

From the tang of sauerkraut with fennel to the drama of a Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte layered with kirsch, cream and cher...

A traditional Bavarian spread of pretzels, weisswurst, sauerkraut and steins of wheat beer
Bavarian Dishes to Sample: The Essential Food Guide to Bavaria

Bavaria is one of Europe's great food regions. From weisswurst and soft pretzels to schweinshaxe, sauerkraut, lebkuchen ...

A magnificent Burgundian table with local wines, escargots, cheese and gourmet specialities
Gourmet Dining in Burgundy: The Essential Food and Wine Guide

Burgundy is one of the greatest gastronomic regions on Earth. From the slow-cooked depths of boeuf bourguignon to the ga...

A stunning display of French pastries and patisserie in a Parisian shop window
French Delicacies: The Essential Guide to Eating in France

From buttery croissants to runny brie, from steak frites to a perfectly chilled glass of Champagne — the essential gui...

Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo: the Duomo, the Palazzo Vecchio tower and the Renaissance cityscape across the Arno valley at golden hour
Things to Do and See for Free in Florence

Florence charges admission for many of its greatest treasures. But the city that gave the world the Renaissance also giv...

The Port of Trajan near Fiumicino Airport: the extraordinary hexagonal imperial harbour of ancient Rome, just 3 kilometres from the terminal
Can See, Can't See: What to Do With a 3-Hour Stop at Rome Fiumicino

Three hours at Fiumicino is not enough time to visit the Colosseum or the Vatican. But it is more than enough to visit t...

Disneyland Paris at Halloween: the spectacular October decorations and illuminations that transform the park every autumn
Best Halloween Destinations in Europe: Where to Go in October

Halloween is a European invention, rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, and Europe celebrates it with extra...

Paris at Christmas: the illuminated Champs-Elysees and the magical winter atmosphere of the French capital during the Advent season
3 Christmas Markets to Visit in Europe: Paris, Strasbourg and Vienna

The Christmas market is one of the great European traditions, and the finest examples transform already beautiful cities...

The Burns Monument on Calton Hill in Edinburgh, with the city skyline and Edinburgh Castle visible behind
What to Do in Edinburgh: the Essential Travel Guide

Edinburgh hits you immediately and comprehensively: the castle on its black volcanic rock, the Royal Mile descending bel...

Dresden skyline from the Elbe: the Frauenkirche dome, the Semperoper and the Baroque palaces of the Altstadt reflected in the river
What to See in Dresden: the Essential Guide

Dresden was called the Florence of the Elbe, then it was reduced to rubble in four nights of bombing in 1945, and then i...

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne: one of the most visited and genuinely enjoyable museums in Germany, on the Rhine peninsula
Something Different to Do in Cologne

Cologne is far more than its famous cathedral. A world-class Chocolate Museum with a three-metre fountain of liquid choc...

The island of Capri from the sea: the famous Faraglioni sea stacks rising from the turquoise waters of the Bay of Naples
Beyond the Blue Grotto: What Else to See in Capri

The Blue Grotto is magnificent. But Capri is far more than one cave. The imperial ruins of Villa Jovis on the clifftop, ...

Bologna medieval city centre with the famous porticoes, terracotta rooftops and the towers of the Asinelli and Garisenda
Travel Notes: 3 Best Places to Visit in Bologna

Bologna is Italy's most underrated city. The finest food in the country, forty kilometres of medieval porticoes, two ext...

Berlin city skyline with the television tower and the Spree river, one of Europe's most historically significant capitals
What to See in Berlin: the Essential Sights Guide

Berlin cannot be summarised. It contains more history per square kilometre than almost any other place on Earth, and it ...

Belgian beer: the extraordinary variety of ales, trappist beers and lambics that define one of the world's great beer cultures
Dining Out in Belgium: the Complete Food and Beer Guide

Belgium is a small country with an outsized claim on the world's culinary imagination. Moules-frites and waterzooi, carb...

The Fira Barcelona Gran Via during the Mobile World Congress: the world's largest technology and mobile communications event
Touches of Quirkiness at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona

Every February, over 100,000 visitors from across the global technology industry descend on Barcelona for the Mobile Wor...

Barcelona waterfront with cruise ships and the city skyline: one of Europe's most spectacular Mediterranean port cities
5 Free Things to See and Do in Barcelona

Barcelona is an expensive city, but many of its greatest pleasures cost nothing at all. The Gothic Quarter at dawn, the ...

Hiking in the Austrian Alps: a mountain trail through alpine meadows with snow-capped peaks in the background
Hiking in Austria: the Complete Guide to the Alps

Austria has 50,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails, one of the finest networks of mountain huts in the world, and alp...

The Acropolis of Athens rising above the city at golden hour, with the Parthenon against the sky
What to Do in Athens: the Essential Travel Guide

Athens is where the idea of the West was first most completely articulated, and where it is still most tangibly present....

Amsterdam canal belt with iconic narrow canal houses and bridges reflected in the water
What to See in Amsterdam: the Essential Sights Guide

Amsterdam rewards the curious traveller at every turn. From the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum to the extraordinary...

Traditional Dutch food in Amsterdam: herring, stroopwafels, aged cheese and bitterballen
Dutch Delights: the Essential Food Guide to Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most rewarding food cities in northern Europe, and Dutch cuisine is far more interesting than it...

Traditional Venetian carnival masks in St Mark Square, Venice, a spectacle of colour, history and mystery
Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Venice Carnival: Tips, Masks and Magic

Planning to experience the Venice Carnival? Discover everything you need to know: best time to go, how to get around, wh...

The Anne Frank House on the Prinsengracht canal in Amsterdam, one of the most important places of remembrance in the world
Amsterdam: Why You Must Visit the Anne Frank House

On a narrow canal in the Jordaan neighbourhood of Amsterdam, a house stands that contains one of the most important stor...

Ravello on the Amalfi Coast: the hilltop village 350 metres above the Tyrrhenian Sea
Travel Notes: 3 Things You Must Do on the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is not merely beautiful. It is one of those places that reorganises something inside you, permanently. ...

Saint Peter's Square and Basilica in Vatican City, one of the three unmissable places in Rome
3 Must-See Places When Visiting the Eternal City

Rome has a thousand extraordinary things to offer, but three of them are not optional. The Colosseum, the Vatican and th...

Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City — one of the great free experiences in Rome
How to Enjoy Rome on a Small Budget: Tips and Free Things To Do

Rome is a generous city. Free churches full of Caravaggios, free viewpoints over the skyline, free drinking fountains on...

The ruins of Ostia Antica — the ancient port city of Rome, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world
Ostia Antica: the Ancient Port of Rome — Complete Visitor Guide

Just thirty kilometres from Rome lies one of the most extraordinary and least crowded archaeological sites in the world....

Rome in November: golden autumn light on the cobblestoned streets of the Eternal City
Visiting Rome in November: the Complete Travel Guide

November belongs to the Romans. Fewer crowds, lower prices, golden autumn light and the city at its most authentic. Ever...

The Monster Park of Bomarzo — the most enigmatic garden in Italy, near Viterbo in Lazio
Why Visit Viterbo in October Bomarzo, Thermal Baths and Medieval Splendour

Just 80 kilometres from Rome, Viterbo is one of Italy's most underrated autumn destinations. The Monster Park of Bomarzo...

The spirit of the Grand Tour — Italy as the journey that completes a life
A Man Who Has Not Been to Italy Is Always Conscious of a Lack — Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson said it in 1776 and it remains true today. Italy — and Naples above all — is the journey that complet...

Historic photograph of the Navigli canals of Milan — boats moored along the Naviglio Grande in the early twentieth century
Milan Was Once a City of Water Like Venice and Amsterdam

Milan was once crossed by a vast network of canals connecting the city to the Adriatic Sea. Discover the secret history ...

The Bay of Naples with Mount Vesuvius in the background
What to Do in Naples — 5 Unmissable Experiences in the City of Fire

From the UNESCO historic centre to Castel dell'Ovo, from the panoramic cliffs of Posillipo to the legendary islands of t...

The Colosseum in Rome — the greatest amphitheatre ever built, symbol of the Eternal City
What to Do in Rome — The 5 Unmissable Experiences in the Eternal City

From the Colosseum to the Vatican, the Spanish Steps to Capitoline Hill — a complete guide to the five experiences tha...

The entrance to the ancient Catacombs of Rome along the Appian Way
Ad Catacumbas — The Catacombs of Rome: A Journey Beneath the Eternal City

Beneath the streets of Rome lies a hidden city of the dead — more than 1,000 kilometres of underground galleries where...

Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City above the ancient necropolis where the Apostle Peter was buried
Petrus Eni — Beneath Saint Peter's Basilica: The Apostle's Tomb

Beneath the marble floors of Saint Peter's Basilica, a stairwell descends 1,600 years into one of the most extraordinary...

The Amazon Rainforest canopy — the most biodiverse ecosystem on Earth
Conquer the Jungle: The Ultimate Guide to the Amazon Rainforest

A tour or cruise of the Amazon Rainforest is a sublime journey into the heart of the most biodiverse place on the planet...

The Pantheon square in Rome, Italy
Travel Tips for Visiting Rome for the First Time

Planning your first visit to Rome? Essential travel tips, must-see landmarks and insider secrets for an unforgettable Ro...