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Is the Colosseum Underground Tour Worth it? My Honest Review
Visiting the Colosseum is one of the top things to do in Rome, if you really want to experience the Colosseum on another level, the Colosseum underground tour brings you on a personal level with the gladiators that fell or stood champion at the arena. On my trip to Rome, it was a no brainer that I wanted to visit the Colosseum but I felt the tour wouldn’t be complete without exploring the underground portion beneath the sands of the arena. If you are wondering, “Is the Colosseum Underground Tour even worth it?” My short answer is yes! The underground portion offers access to restricted areas and smaller groups. In this post, I’ll share my honest Underground tour review, what to expect, and why I believe it’s absolutely worth booking this tour in advance. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Rome’s Colosseum Rome’s most popular attraction and perhaps one of the world’s most known historical sites, is the mighty Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. Rome’s Colosseum was completed in 80 AD under Emperor Titus, although construction began earlier under his father, Emperor Vespasian. The Colosseum was built next to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. It was built as a grand symbol to show power and provide entertainment, such as gladiator contests, wild animal hunts, and even public executions. According to information learned while visiting the Colosseum, the original height of the Colosseum was 52 meters and was built out of travertine blocks. The interior of the Colosseum consists of 80 entrances, 76 were for the spectators and 4 were reserved for the Emperor and other ranking authorities. The arena itself was a wooden platform that was covered in sand. The Colosseum could hold anywhere from 40,000 to 70,000 spectators. Throughout history the usage of the Colosseum changed. In the 6th century it was under the property of the Ecclesiastical Institutions. Portions or rooms of the Colosseum were used as warehouses or purposed for other needs. If you look at the Colosseum today, you’ll notice it’s not perfectly symmetrical anymore and portions of it lie in ruins. This is due to damage done by earthquakes and it’s materials being removed to use elsewhere. What is the Colosseum Underground Tour? The Colosseum Underground Tour is a guided experience that gives visitors exclusive access to the restricted area beneath the arena floor of the Colosseum. Unlike the standard Colosseum ticket, the underground tour allows you to explore the hypogeum. The hypogeum is the underground network of tunnels, chambers, and passageways where gladiators awaited their brutal battles and wild animals were held before entering the arena. The underground portion is not open to general admission ticket holders, so booking a guided Colosseum underground tour is the only way to see this must visit attraction. The underground tours typically also include access to the arena floor, multiple levels of the Colosseum, and even the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. In my opinion, it’s highly recommended and you get so much more out of your Colosseum visit. Booking the Underground Tour Booking a Colosseum Underground Tour is actually kind of frustrating if you are trying to book through the Archeologico Del Colosseo website. The Archeologico Del Colosseo is the official website and they offer the perfect Full Experience – Underground and Arena tour for €32. It includes admission to the Colosseum, Underground Levels, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and all other Exhibits. The problem is, it’s almost impossible to get tickets through the website. Unless you are refreshing the page when they open for that day at lightning speeds, you’ll miss out. I did everything right, and still couldn’t get a ticket. I searched online hoping that I could at least get a tour booked through Get Your Guide and thankfully, I was able to book this Roman Forum and Colosseum Underground Exclusive Tour. The tour is more expensive then booking through the official website, but it guaranteed me a ticket to the underground portion of the Colosseum. Not only did I have access to the underground, but the tour included a guided tour of the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, and access to the Colosseum where we could explore on our own once the tour concluded. 👉 Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit the Colosseum Underground, check availability here. My Experience: What It’s Like Beneath the Arena After taking the underground Colosseum tour, I am glad I was able to get access to the underground portion of the arena. I feel like general tickets to the Colosseum just are not complete without seeing the underground. For me, I am obsessed with the show Spartacus, so I was able to imagine Gladiators awaiting their turn beneath the arena, and being there in person was surreal. I could almost hear the crowds from the arena! The Colosseum is busy, so right when you enter, you feel like overwhelmed and honestly tired of people. But as soon as our guide led us down into the hypogeum, the atmosphere shifted. The underground was much quieter and felt more intimate. We watched a brief film about the underground which explained the Ludus Magnus and how gladiators would walk from there through a tunnel to the Colosseum. A Ludus is a gladiator training school and Ludus Magnus was the largest in the Republic. While touring the Colosseum’s underground we walked on boardwalks throughout the network of passage ways, tunnels, and entered rooms passing by stone corridors, reconstructed wooden lifts, and holding areas where gladiators waited. Instead of being a spectator in the crowd, I saw the arena through the eyes of a gladiator. The underground provided a lot more information then I would have gathered had I just done the general admission. I learned about artifacts found in the drain systems, that she light on the life of the spectators. Archaeologists found evidence of women weaving during the spectacles or men playing board games with dice. Fans also got board and would carve drawings in their seats. There are even displays of actual graffiti carved into the seat on display. We learned more about the hunts that would take place in the arena. It seems like the movies glorified the Beast vs. Man combat. In fact, most animals in the arena were slaughtered during wild animal hunts. Sometimes tens of thousands of animals were slaughtered at the arena in a single day. They found evidence of bones to suggest this. After getting a chance to explore the Colosseum’s underground, we then made our way to the arena floor. From this vantage point, looking up at the towering walls of the Colosseum, it was crazy to grasp the true scale of the Colosseum. The Colosseum Underground Tours include smaller group sizes, so the whole time, I was able to hear the guide, ask questions, and take photos without feeling rushed. The Colosseum Underground Tour truly felt like an exclusive tour and I wouldn’t book a tour to the Colosseum any other way. Why the Underground Tour is Worth it If you are debating booking the general access Colosseum tour or the package that includes the underground tour, I’ve outlined a few reasons why I think spending the extra money on the underground tour is genuinely worth it. ✅ Exclusive Access That You Can’t Get with General AdmissionThe underground portion of the Colosseum is closed to those that have general admission. The only way to see beneath the arena is by booking a Colosseum Underground Tour. ✅ There is More Information You Don’t Read About on the Upper LevelsI Found there was quite a bit of additional information I learned about the Colosseum that I didn’t read when touring the Arena. ✅ Arena Floor AccessYou get to stand on the arena floor from a different perspective then others with a general admission ticket. ✅ Smaller Groups = Better ExperienceCompared to the crowded general areas, the underground tour felt more intimate and structured. The guide was easy to understand, I was able to ask questions, and take photos at my leisure. ✅ Skip-the-Line EntryIn Rome, any skip-the-line entry is a huge time saver. Rome is one of the world’s most visited cities and the Colosseum is one of the most popular attractions in the world. We avoided all long queues and had more time to explore the arena. ✅ The History Felt RealI stated earlier, I am a huge Spartacus (tv show) fan and being in the same space where gladiators once stood was a remarkable experience. I felt the crowds in the arena saw the dark passage ways, the same ones famous gladiators walked through. Know Before You Go! ✅ You Might Need to Buy Tickets Through Third-Party SitesI found it impossible to book tickets through the Archeologico Del Colosseo website. Instead, I had luck booking this Roman Forum and Colosseum Underground Exclusive Tour through Get Your Guide. ✅ Book in AdvanceColosseum Underground Tickets are limited each day. Tours often sell out days, weeks, even months in advance. ✅ Arrive EarlyEven if you have a tour, there is still security screenings you need to go through to access the inside of the Colosseum. Plus it can be confusing navigating to the meeting spot, especially since it can be so crowded. ✅ Wear Appropriate Shoes and ClothingWhen visiting the Colosseum and Rome in general, there is a lot of walking involved. The underground of the Colosseum does include uneven stone floors and historic walkways. There are stairs throughout the arena as well. ✅ Photos are AllowedTake as many photos as you want of the Colosseum. Photos are also allowed during the underground tour. ✅ Bring Your IDNames on the tickets are checked against identification. Our tour specifically told us to bring our passports because of this and yes, we did need to show our identification. Conclusion One of the main reasons I visited Rome was to see the Colosseum. For me, if you are traveling all the way to Rome, upgrading to the Colosseum Underground Tour is absolutely worth it. Tickets are limited each day and sell out very fast. Make sure to book your tour well in advance. I hope this post helped sway you in the right direction of booking an underground Colosseum tour. If you’ve been on the tour or plan on doing it, let me know! Safe travels! Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
How to Visit Vatican City: Best Tours, Tickets, & Insider Tips
When visiting Rome, a visit to Vatican City is an absolute must. The Vatican City is stunning, historical, and important but it also felt overwhelming. Between the crowds, long security lines, and sheer size of the Vatican Museums, I realized this isn’t an attraction you just “wing it,” if you want to appreciate the art, learn about the history, and get a sense of the iconic sites. Before my visit to the Vatican City, I debated whether to book a guided Vatican tour or to do it on my own. In the end, I am glad I decided to book a tour. The tour was a skip-the-line type tour and the guide explained everything thoroughly. In this post, I’m sharing what tours to book to get the most out of your Vatican City visit, whether it’s worth even booking a tour, the highlights included in the Vatican City tour, and some general tips and information. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Why I Chose to Take a Vatican Tour I visited Rome and right away, I wanted to visit the Vatican City. For several reasons, It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a sovereign city-state, and I’ve always been interested in the history of the Vatican and events that take place there. I spent some time researching, prior to my trip to Rome and decided it was best to take a guided tour. I figured I’d get more out of the tour then doing in on my own. Plus, the skip-the-line was a major selling point for me. In the end, I am glad I went with a Vatican tour. The tour guide was able to explain nearly everything and answer any questions I had. If I were to visit the Vatican on my own, I definitely would have missed a few important features and descriptions. After taking the Vatican City tour, I was amazed by how easy it was for us to enter the museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Reasons Booking a Vatican City Tour is Worth Considering You can certainly visit the Vatican City on your own. I was considering it but ended up booking a guided tour of the Vatican. I read online that lines can be long and you might miss out on important details. The Guided Tours I found and booked, claimed to skip-the-line (which they did) but also explained a lot of information and detail. I’d say, if you want to maximized your time at the Vatican without feeling overwhelmed, book a tour! If you are considering booking a Vatican City Tour, I’ve outline a few reasons below why a tour is well worth it. ✅ Skip the ticket line to access the Vatican Museums. ✅ Skip the line to access the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. ✅ Tickets for certain sites can sell out. ✅ The Vatican Museum is overwhelming. A guided tour guarantees the most important details and information. ✅ The Vatican City guided tour includes the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. 👉 Check availability for Vatican City tours here. The Tour I Booked My goal was to see as much of the Vatican as I could in a half day. This Vatican tour I booked online through Get Your Guide offered everything I had included on my Vatican itinerary with skip the line access. The Vatican City tour included a visit to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. The tour consisted of a knowledgeable guide, headsets, and skip the line access to the attractions and ticket line. Although some lines were unavoidable, due to the amount of visitors, we managed to save a lot of time with the skip the line access to the Sistine Chapel and ST. Peter’s Basilica. When booking this tour, just make sure to pay attention to the Meeting Point. Attractions and Sites Inside the Vatican Most tours that visit the Vatican will provide a similar itinerary, a visit to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and finish at St. Peter’s Basilica. After taking a tour and visiting the main attractions within the Vatican City, these are must-see sites and I highly recommend not missing out on any of these sites. Below you can find more information on each site. The Vatican Museums I didn’t know what to expect when visiting the Vatican Museums but it was like stepping into one of the most impressive art collections I’ve ever been to. There were galleries, famous sculptures, beautiful rooms, and one of my favorites as a geographer, historical maps of the area. The Vatican Museums are definitely overwhelming. Having a guided tour helped navigate the highlights efficiently and I was able to understand and appreciate what I was looking at. The Sistine Chapel In my opinion, visiting the Sistine Chapel was the highlight just because how familiar I am with Michelangelo’s famous painted ceiling at the Sistine Chapel and seeing the Last Judgement and The Creation of Adam in person was powerful. The Sistine Chapel was very crowded and you cannot take photos inside. There are guards here and people monitoring the area. I saw quite a few visitors try and snap a photo and were quickly withheld from doing so. Don’t be that guy! St. Peter’s Basilica The grand finale of our Vatican City tour was going inside St. Peter’s Basilica. St. Peter’s Basilica is considered one of the largest churches in the world and it’s impressive. I felt like I walked around the inside with my jaw open in awe. Every corner within the Basilica reflects centuries of history and beautiful art. I spent easily an hour inside St. Peter’s Basilica. I even got to walk through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica as it was during a Jubilee year. Additional Tips and Information Below you can find a few helpful tips and additional information for visiting the Vatican City. ✅ Book Your Tickets or Tours in AdvanceVatican City is one of the most visited places in the world. Tickets to certain attractions within the Vatican can sell out. ✅ Book Skip-the-Line ToursLines at the Vatican can be very long, although you will still find yourself in some lines, a skip-the-line Vatican Tour will save a lot of time. ✅ Go EarlyI think morning is the best time to visit the Vatican. There will be less crowds and the experience will feel a bit more relaxed. ✅ Dress AppropiatelyRemember where you are. The Vatican City is a religious site. Cover up and make sure the shoulders and knees are covered. ✅ Expect Security ChecksThere was at least one airport-style security check I went through at the entrance. ✅ Plan at least 2-4 hours minimumThe Vatican City is huge, the Museums alone can take a few hours to cover. Between getting there and seeing the sites, plan for a half day. ✅ Sundays are LimitedParts of the Vatican are closed Sundays. St. Peter’s Basilica and the Square are open but the Vatican Museums are closed, except for the last Sunday of the month. ✅ Vatican Post OfficeDon’t forget to visit the Vatican Post Office and send out a post card to friends and family. It’s a unique experience, you can purchase a post card, get as stamp, and drop it in the yellow Poste Vaticane bins outside. Conclusion Visiting Vatican City was easily one of my highlights from my time in Rome, Italy. I am glad I went with booking a Vatican Highlights tour as it’s not a place you want to approach without a plan because of the crowds and sheer size of the Vatican. It was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity being able to stand inside the Sistine Chapel and see St. Peter’s Basilica, booking this tour definitely made all the difference for me. If you are looking to skip the long lines, better understand what you are seeing, and want to make the most of your limited time in Rome, I highly recommend reserving your Vatican tour in advance. If you’ve been to the Vatican City and have other tour recommendations or personal experiences, let me know so we can all learn on our next experience, safe travels! Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Visiting Hadrian’s Villa from Rome: Day Trip Guide to Tivoli
One of the easiest and best day trips from Rome is visiting Hadrian’s Villa. It’s the perfect opportunity to escape the tourists in Rome without sacrificing history and sightseeing. When I was deciding on day trips and attractions to book beyond the Colosseum and Vatican, Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli stood out as one of the more interesting ancient sites near Rome. Hadrian’s Villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers visitors a peaceful, open-air experience with Roman baths, ruins, museums, and beautiful landscapes. I booked a guided tour from Rome paired with Villa d’Este and want to share my experience, what tour I booked, and if it’s worth a day trip from Rome. If you’re short on time, booking a guided day tour from Rome is the easiest way to visit Hadrian’s Villa without worrying about navigating on your own. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Why I Chose Hadrian’s Villa from Rome I was looking for day tours from Rome just to see as much of Italy as I could in the limited time I was there. I was looking for additional Roman sites around the city that were less crowded and touristy. I’ve heard of Hadrian, the Roman emperor. Honestly, I knew more about Hadrian’s Wall in England then I did his Villa just outside of Rome. I was curious and wanted to learn more about Hadrian’s life outside of Rome and visit the beautiful villa. Booking this full day tour to Hadrian’s Villa from Rome just made sense to me. It was close enough to Rome for an easy day trip and offered plenty of experiences, insights, and things to see. What is Hadrian’s Villa Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana in Italian) is a vast ancient Roman Palace that was built as a retreat for Emperor Hadrian around the 2nd century AD. The Villa is located in the town of Tivoli, about 30 km (20 miles) from Rome. Hadrian’s Villa is the largest and most complex known to date. Although most of it lies in ruins today, at the time of Hadrian, it was expansive, at least a square kilometer big. The site has sprawling ruins, temples, baths, libraries, gardens, reflecting pools, and so much more. On our tour, I was told that Hadrian built this Villa because he grew tired of the palace at Palatine Hill, new the Colosseum in Rome. Meant for rest and leisure, Emperor Hadrian, most likely did a good amount of work at the Villa as well. Today, Hadrian’s Villa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1999. It is one of the most impressive ancient sites you can visit on a day trip from Rome. Booking a Tour to see Hadrian’s Villa After visiting Hadrian’s Villa, I can honestly say that booking a guided day tour from Rome made this trip much easier and informative. Especially because I didn’t have to figure out transport and I was short on time. While it is absolutely possible to visit Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli independently, getting to Hadrian’s Villa from Rome does take longer then expected and a day tour did simplify everything. When booking a Hadrian’s Villa day trip from Rome, transportation, tickets, food, and times are all handled for you through the tour company. Why Book a Hadrian’s Villa Day Tour? Based on my experience, I found that a guided tour is ideal if you: ✅ Want direct transportation from Rome. ✅ Prefer skip-the-line entry. ✅ Are interested in learning as much as possible and asking questions. ✅ Are combining Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este in one day (highly recommended) ✅ Don’t want to navigate Tivoli on your own. Hadrian’s Villa is massive, and having a tour guide who knows the area and its history makes for a more pleasant journey. Recommended Tours to Hadrian’s Villa from Rome If you are considering booking a day tour to Hadrian’s Villa from Rome, here are some of the more popular tours: ✅ Tivoli Full Day Trip from Rome: Hadrian’s Villa and Villa D’EsteThis is the tour I took and really enjoyed it. I highly recommend visiting Villa d’Este. ✅ From Rome: Villa D’Este and Hadrian’s Villa Tivoli Day TourThis tour covers both Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este. Hadrian’s Villa Itinerary: What to See If you are visiting Hadrian’s Villa with a guided tour, you get anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to explore the Villa. I honestly think you could spend more time here just because the area is so massive. There is a little walking involved when visiting Hadrian’s Villa. After entering, you walk up a hill prior to entering the Villa. Our first stop on our itinerary included the Maritime Theatre, this was actually my favorite part of the tour. The Maritime Theatre is a circular shape with an island in the center surrounded by water. The island includes a domus (residence). We visited the Philosophers Hall which is a huge rectangular shape with columns. This Hall did house statues of seven philosophers. The Hundred Chambers, this was a section of the Villa that was potentially used to house the staff and storing goods. Smaller Baths, these were luxurious baths that were decorated with marble. Larger Baths, was another bath house that were used by a high number of users. The Canopus and Serapeum, this was one of my favorite areas to explore around Hadrian’s Villa. This was an elongated pool of water. Our guide mentioned this was created to honor his son who died. We then visited the Museum. The museum housed artifacts, a lot of which had to do with Egyptian artifacts and monuments. Other Must See Sites in Tivoli A day trip to Tivoli from Rome deserves a day trip. You could easily spend upwards to several hours at Hadrian’s Villa, but there is more to see in Tivoli that I feel you would not want to miss. Our Tivoli day tour, included a visit to Hadrian’s Villa, but we also had time for lunch, to walk around the historic city center, and visit Villa d’Este, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tivoli. Villa d’Este Villa d’Este is a beautiful Renaissance villa in Tivoli, famous for its spectacular fountains and terraced gardens. A visit to Villa d’Este is often combined with Hadrian’s Villa on a day trip from Rome. Villa d’Este is much different then Hadrian’s Villa. It’s elegant and feels more like a palace then anything. Make sure to stop and listed to the Fountain of the Organ, it’s rather underwhelming but it’s fun. While exploring the villa and gardens, make sure to get photos by Neptune’s Fountain, walk the terraces, and stop to enjoy the beautiful views. Explore Tivoli Our day tour to Tivoli gave us free time to explore the town of Tivoli and grab lunch. I think Tivoli itself is worth a quick walkthrough. I found the Piazza del Plebiscito to be nice and the narrow streets were fun to navigate. When in Italy, you have to visit a Gelateria for some amazing gelato. Right at the main Piazza, there was a place called Bar Gelateria da Maurizio, we were able to grab fresh gelato and enjoy being in the moment. Conclusion Taking a day trip to Hadrian’s Villa and Tivoli from Rome ended up being one of my most memorable experiences from my time spent in Italy. Walking through the impressive ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tivoli felt completely different then Rome, it was quieter, more open, and I learned so much! Visiting Hadrian’s Villa is a must and booking a tour is a hassle free option. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Tuscany Day Tour from Rome: Montepulciano & Pienza
Rolling hills, medieval towns, great food, and some of Italy’s best wines. A Tuscany day tour from Rome is the perfect way to spend a day and see the picturesque Italian countryside. I’ve always wanted to see those medieval towns in Italy perched on a hilltop that you see in travel guides. With limited time in Rome, I wanted to experience a little bit of Tuscany without changing hotels or renting a car. This Rome to Tuscany day trip turned out to be the perfect solution. I visited two charming hill towns, Montepulciano and Pienza which gave me a true taste of Tuscany in one day. If you are staying in Rome and share similar interests to see Tuscany in a day, I wrote this post to provide you with all the information you need to book a day tour and what to expect. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Why Take a Tuscany Day Tour from Rome? If you are in Rome and your dream has been to visit Tuscany or the Italian countryside, then a Tuscany day tour is easily achievable and very doable in a day. Instead of navigating train schedules or worrying about car rentals, let a guided tour transport you and explain the history of the two towns, Montepulciano and Pienza. In just one day, you’ll get the chance to visit two iconic towns in Tuscany, Montepulciano and Pienza. Soak in the views of the rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia, sample local wines, try Tuscan cuisine, and visit famous historic sites. For travelers who want a true taste of Tuscany but are short on time or just want to get outside of Rome for the day, a Tuscany day tour is perfect and a well planned experience. Overview of Our Tuscany Day Tour Itinerary I spent nearly a week in Rome and had a few free days on my Rome itinerary, and decided to book a day trip to see Tuscany. I’ve always wanted to see the medieval towns perched on the hilltops of the Italian countryside. Researching tours through Viator, I found this tour:Rome: Tuscany & Montepulciano Day Trip with Lunch& Wine Tasting. The itinerary for my interests were perfect, it included two towns in the Val d’Orcia region of Tuscany: Montepulciano and Pienza, an authentic Tuscan lunch with wine tastings from a local winery. The Tuscany day tour to Montepulciano was a full day tour, so it started early. We met the tour guide at Piazza del Popolo in Rome, hopped on a bus, and began the tour to Tuscany. There was a lot of driving, but there were breaks in between at local souvenir shops. For this tour, our Tuscany itinerary was as followed. ✅ From Rome, drive through the Val d’Orcia region. ✅ Montepulciano: A Renaissance hill town known for its wine, cobblestone streets, and beautiful views of the Italian countryside. ✅ Tempio di San Biagio: A brief stop at St. Biagio’s Church. ✅ Pienza: One of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. ✅ Ride back to Rome We booked this Tuscany day tour: Rome: Tuscany & Montepulciano Day Trip with Lunch & Wine Tasting. Exploring Montepulciano On our Tuscany day tour from Rome, our first stop was Montepulciano. Honestly, this was one of my favorite places in Italy and deserves a full day of exploration. Arriving in town, we met our tour guide who stopped us at the entrance, the views from the walled city looking out at the Tuscan countryside were enough to stop me in my tracks. Walking through the historic center and narrow cobblestone streets of Montepulciano, I loved the blend of Renaissance architecture and laid-back local atmosphere. A little background about Montepulciano. It’s a medieval and Renaissance hilltop town. It has a rich history dating back to the 3rd century BC. We visited the Piazza Grande, explored many of the narrow streets, shopped, and sampled food along the way. Though visiting Montepulciano from Rome was just a short stop on a day trip, Montepulciano made me want to come back on my own to explore more. San Biagio of Montepulciano After visiting Montepulciano, we went to the base of the town and spend a brief moment at San Biagio Church. The church was built between 1518 and 1540 and is an example of a Renaissance Greek cross central plan. Although visitors can’t access the church with the exception of certain times and days, it’s worth visiting in order to see the church and the beautiful Tuscan landscape. Tuscan Wine and Lunch at Ristorante Pulcino When you think of Tuscany, you probably think of wine. I personally am not a huge wine drinker, but I really enjoyed the wine from this region of Italy, in particular the Montepulciano wine. Our tour included a stop or lunch and wine tasting at a family owned vineyard and restaurant called Ristorante Pulcino. The staff gave us a brief tour of the restaurant to include the wine cellar. We then were served local Tuscan cuisine in the restaurant area with a wine pairing. Visiting Pienza We visited the historic centre of the city of Pienza, one of the region’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. According to UNESCO, Pienza was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1996. It was here where the Renaissance town-planning concepts were put into practice by Pope Pius II in 1459. He wanted to change the look of Pienza, his birthplace. Pienza was completely different then Montepulciano so I was glad that we were able to spend time in each town. The day we visited Pienza, it was much quieter then Montepulciano but it’s also much smaller. We enjoyed the peaceful streets, the architecture, and viewpoints. When walking around Pienza, we visited the Piazza Pio II, the Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, explored almost every narrow street, and gazed out over the Tuscany countryside from the Belvedere Via Gozzante. You’ve seen the movie Gladiator right? From the Belvedere Via Gozzante, you can see the famous Gladiator Homecoming Scene. The building and path that you see from the walls at Pienza was used as a filming location in the movie the Gladiator. Being a day tour to Tuscany from Rome, I felt our time was limited but our short stop at Pienza felt like a perfect snapshot of what I envisioned Tuscany to be like. Is a Tuscany Tour Even Worth it from Rome? If you are staying in Rome for more the two days, I feel like a Tuscany tour from Rome is absolutely worth it. Especially if you are short on time but still want to experience the classic Tuscan countryside. Seeing the historic towns of Montepulciano and Pienza on a Tuscany day tour from Rome gives you access to two of Tuscany’s most beautiful hill towns without the stress of renting a car and navigating the rural roads. Montepulciano was my favorite of the two towns and was worth it alone. You even get to try Tuscan wines and cuisine on this day trip from Rome. A day tour through the Tuscany countryside makes for a long day, but it is so worth it. The journey of driving through Tuscany is part of the experience. While you won’t see everything in one day, the our does provide a well balanced taste of Tuscany, it really does feel like an authentic, scenic, and worthwhile day trip from Rome. Conclusion After my Tuscany day tour from Rome, I couldn’t have asked for a better way to experience the Tuscan countryside in such a short amount of time. We got to visit two beautiful towns: Montepulciano and Pienza, and got to eat Tuscan cuisine and sample local wines. It has always been a dream of mine to see historic hill top towns in the Tuscan countryside, finally that dream came true. After scratching the surface, I feel the need to come back to explore more. If you are based in Rome, and like me dreaming of seeing the Italian countryside, booking a Rome to Tuscany day tour is one of the easiest ways to do it. If you’ve taken a day trip from Rome or have been to other historic hill top towns in Tuscany, let me and others know in the comments section. Safe Travels! Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Taking the High-Speed Train in Italy: Between Rome and Milan
Traveling between Rome and Milan is one of the most popular train journeys in Italy, and taking the Frecciarossa, Italy’s high-speed train, is in my opinion the best way to travel between the two cities. The journey with the high-speed train in Italy between Rome and Milan is just a few hours and offers speed, comfort, and convenience without the stress of flying or driving yourself. I wrote this post to help you travel within Italy using the high-speed train. I’ll go over how we purchased train tickets, how to navigate the stations, and what to expect on Italy’s high-speed trains between Rome and Milan. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Booking Tickets for the High-Speed Train in Italy There are two websites that are most popular to book tickets, they are ItaliaRail and italotreno. Personally, I found the ItaliaRail website to be much more user friendly and easier to navigate. When accessing the ItaliaRail website, you can search for train tickets by entering in your From and To locations, number of passengers, and date. You can filter by the classes (2nd Class, Premium, 1st Class, etc.) and Features (High-Speed Direct, Overnight, etc.). Afterwards, you can choose the best time that works for your travel schedule. For my personal trip between Rome and Milan, the travel time was around 3 hours on the Frecciarossa. You can then choose your class, flexibility, enter in your passenger details, select your seat, before purchasing tickets. Once the tickets are purchased, IntraRail will send a confirmation email with the train tickets information and e-Tickets with a QR Code. Why Take the Frecciarossa High-Speed Train in Italy Taking the Frecciarossa high-speed train in Italy is by far one of the most efficient, relaxing, and enjoyable ways to travel within Italy and between major cities like Rome and Milan. The Frecciarossa can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h and has an extensive network that connects to major cities and towns throughout Italy. If you are traveling within Italy, taking the high-speed rail is much more convenient and cheaper then flying and more relaxing then driving a car. The cabins are modern, the seats are comfortable, and there is Wi-Fi on board. The Frecciarossa high-speed rail offers a smooth, reliable, and stress-free travel experience. It’s the perfect mode of transportation in Italy to save time, avoid traffic, and just relax and look out the window at the Italian countryside, stress free. Rome to Milan by Frecciarossa: Our Experience Our Italy itinerary included a week in Rome and another week in northern Italy to include Milan. We booked our train-tickets from Rome to Milan then Milan back to Rome, a few months before our trip to Italy via the ItaliaRail website. Based on the length of the train ride (around 3-hours) from Rome to Milan and the price we decided to purchase 1st class tickets. Honestly, it was only about $100 extra, so well worth it. Honestly, the most and only frustrating aspect of our journey was at the beginning of our trip at the Rome Main Train Station (Roma Termini). We arrived at the train station early and could not figure out which platform our train was on. Of course, no one was very helpful, even the information staff wasn’t much help. We found out, there are electronic signs placed throughout the gates that update with the train number and platform about 15-20 minutes before the train arrival. So, it’s actually pointless to arrive at the Roma Termini early. When we finally boarded the Frecciarossa we had a train cart practically to ourselves. The first-class cabin was spacious, quiet, comfortable, and there was even a small meal service. The seats were spacious, comfortable, and reclined. There was an outlet at each chair, we were able to charge all our devices. There was a complimentary food and drink service in first-class. It included a sandwich, coffee, and water. Overall, I felt the high-speed Frecciarossa in Italy was an amazing journey, I highly recommend booking 1st class. It was such a relaxing journey. I can’t wait to explore more of Italy by train. Frecciarossa First Class: Is it Worth it and What to Expect The 1st class experience on Italy’s high-speed train, the Frecciarossa is well worth the extra cost. It’s not as expensive as booking first class on an airline, in fact it’s quite affordable. In my opinion, first-class on Italy’s high-speed train is 100% worth it. It’s worth spending a little more for extra comfort and being able to relax the entire journey. Expect comfort, decent service, and of course Wi-Fi on board. In 1st class, there is assigned seats and the environment is quieter, less crowded, and more peaceful. Travel Tips for Taking the High-Speed Trains in Italy For someone who took rode on the trains in Italy for the very first time, I made mistakes. So that you can learn from my mistakes and have a smoother ride, here are some travel tips for taking Italy’s high-speed train. ✅ Book your train tickets early. You might get a better deal on your train ticket. ✅ Don’t arrive at the train station to early, especially at Roma Termini. ✅ Do pay attention to how long security lines and crowds are though at Roma Termini or Milan Main Station. We had to run a bit to our gate in Milan, mainly because it was late at night and the only open gate was a few platforms away. ✅Choose the right class for your trip. We went with 1st class just to experience it and relax. But price out the classes to see what is right for you. ✅ There was plenty of luggage storage on board the Frecciarossa. ✅ There is Wi-Fi on board the Frecciarossa. ✅ The bathrooms on board the Frecciarossa were as expected. They were spacious and clean. ✅ Power Sockets and USB Ports were also included with every seat/table. ✅Choose a window seat if possible. The scenery between Rome and Milan was beautiful. Conclusion Prior to our trip to Italy, we were unaware of how easy, convenient, and quick the high-speed train was. Taking the Frecciarossa between Rome and Milan was easily the best way to travel between the two cities. Booking train tickets through the IntraRail website was easy and in my opinion cheap for what you get. I was surprised by the first class cabins and thoroughly enjoyed the journey throughout Italy on the Frecciarossa high-speed rail. Think about this, with so much to see and do in Italy, why waste your time navigating around taking the long route to get somewhere, when you could just hop on the Frecciarossa train and maximize your sightseeing opportunities in places like Rome. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Scaligero Castle, Sirmione: One of Lake Garda’s Must-See Sights
Scaligero Castle or Castello Scaligero in the town of Sirmione, is one of the most iconic sights around Lake Garda and a must visit for anyone exploring northern Italy. Guarding the entrance to the historic old town of Sirmione, this preserved medieval fortress is famous for it’s high towers, stone walls, and unique lakeside walled harbor. In this post, find out how to visit Scaligero Castle, where to get some of the best panoramic views over Lake Garda, and explore the charming streets of Sirmione afterwards. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is Scaligero Castle Scaligero Castle is at the very entrance of Sirmione’s historic old town. The castle and old town are positioned on a narrow peninsula that extends into Lake Garda. The natural moat surrounds the castle on all sides. Its strategic lakeside location makes Scaligero Castle one of the most photographed landmarks on Lake Garda and an easy stop while exploring the town on foot. We made a brief half day pit stop in Sirmione while on a road trip through the Dolomites to Milan. It was the perfect midway point that allowed us to explore one of the coolest castles in Italy. I don’t think car traffic is allowed beyond the castle gates into Sirmione’s historic town center. There is plenty of paid parking in designated parking lots on the peninsula leading up to Scaligero Castle. A Brief History of Scaligero Castle Scaligero Castle was built in the 14th century by the Della Scala family also known as the Scaligeri Family. The Scaligeri family ruled Verona and a lot of the surrounding area from the mid 1200’s to the late 1300’s. Castello Scaligero was initially built as a defensive stronghold and fortified port to control access to the peninsula. In the late 15th century, the castle was passed on to the Republic of Venice. Over the years the castle served many purposes by different families and regions. Today, it’s enjoyed by the public and offers the chance for visitors to check out the museum and see one of Italy’s best preserved lakeside fortifications. Visiting Scaligero Castle A visit to Scaligero Castle is a must when traveling around Northern Italy. It’s such a unique castle. Not only is the castle a great representation of a medieval castle, but the views of Lake Garda are stunning and Sirmione is a town worth exploring. I’d recommend a full day here on Lake Garda. But if you only have a few hours or a half day like we did, Scaligero Castle is a must. Below you can find information to help plan your perfect travel itinerary to Lake Garda’s fortress and the surrounding area. Admission and Hours It’s not necessary to book tickets in advance to visit Castello Scaligero. We simply showed up to the ticket office and purchased tickets. Below you can find more information on the admission and hours. For updated information, I recommend visiting the Tourism website for Sirmione. Admission Per Person: € 8.00 Hours Closed: Sunday & Monday Open: Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 – 19:15 What to See Inside the Castle When visiting Scaligero Castle, there is not a whole lot on display or museums to visit. You simply walk around the castle, check out the harbor, and climb the tower for impressive views of Sirmione’s old town and Lake Garda. The mix of medieval architecture and amazing viewpoints make visiting the inside of the castle well worth it. Highlights include the preserved castle walls, towers, historic drawbridge, and the harbor. You can walk up the towers of Castello Scaligero, which I highly recommend doing. The views are stunning, you get a 360° view of the surrounding area. The other highlight for me was the dock and harbor area. I think this is what Scaligero Castle is mostly known for anyway. The day I was there, the water was a turquoise blue, it was beautiful! When visiting Castello Scaligero, allow at least 1 hour to explore the castle. Panoramic Views Over Lake Garda The panoramic views from Castello Scaligero were one of the highlights of visiting the castle. From the castle walls to the high tower, you get incredible views of Sirmione’s historic old town, Lake Garda, and the Alps in the background. The elevated viewpoints make Scaligero Castle one of the best places in Sirmione and Lake Garda for photos. This alone make visiting Castello Scaligero worth it! Other Things to do Near Scaligero Castle Visiting the medieval fortress was not the only highlight of our trip to Sirmione. We had the chance to walk the historic town all the way to the Grotte di Catullo and Archaeology site. The area is more of a summer destination. Vacationers can spend the weekend on Lake Garda enjoying water sports, sightseeing, and just enjoying the atmosphere. We visited Sirmione for a few hours, I’d love to come back to see more, but here is our itinerary. Walk Sirmione’s Old Historic Town Sirmione Old Town is a charming area past the castle. It’s full of cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and lively shops and restaurants. While walking around the old town, you can find fun boutique shops, cafes, dessert shops, and so much more. When exploring the historic old town, take your time and enjoy the relaxed lakeside atmosphere. Chiesa di San Pietro in Mavino Just up the hill from the historic old town is the peaceful Romanesque church, Chiesa di San Pietro in Mavino. The church is open to the public during the day. It dates back to the 11th century and you can see remnants of the original church. There are memorials around the church and nice areas to relax and take in the beauty of Sirmione. Try Local Food Like anywhere else in Italy, you can find great food in Sirmione. In the old historic district you can find a wide variety of restaurants, dessert shops, gelaterias, and bars. I stopped by a restaurants right near Castello Scaligero called Pizzeria Scaligeri’s. They had nice outside seating with views of the castle. Is Scaligero Castle Worth Visiting? While on our road trip around Northern Italy, we debated if it was worth it to visit Scaligero Castle or just continue on to Milan. After visiting the castle and spending an afternoon in Sirmione, I am so glad we stopped here. So yes, Scaligero Castle is well worth visiting. It’s one of the best preserved castles in Italy and certainly one of the most unique castles. The views from the castle walls and towers alone make a visit worth it. I would honestly, go out of my way to visit Castello Scaligero and highly recommend it. Conclusion If you are driving around Northern Italy whether it be to and from Milan or around the Dolomites, I highly recommend adding Scaligero Castle to your Northern Italy itinerary. Visiting Scaligero Castle was well worth visiting and one of the most unique fortifications I’ve seen. You get a nice mix of medieval history and stunning views of Lake Garda and the surrounds Alps. After a visit to Scaligero Castle, wander the charming streets of Sirmione’s historic old town for a perfect blend of sightseeing and relaxing. Have you visited Scaligero Castle and Sirmione’s old town? If so, what did you think? Any recommendations in the area? Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology: Visiting Ötzi the Iceman
Visiting Ötzi the Iceman at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy is one of the most fascinating museums I’ve been to and a lifelong dream of mine. Home to Europe’s oldest mummy, this world-class museum offers visitors a rare chance to see the preserved body of Ötzi the Iceman along with weapons, tools, clothing, and other artifacts, that belonged to him. Whether you are planning a Bolzano itinerary, traveling through the Dolomites, or have somewhat of a morbid curiosity like me, then a visit to the South Tyrol Museum of Archeology to see Ötzi the Iceman is an absolute must! In this post, you can learn about Ötzi the Iceman, plan your visit to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, and explore more of what Bolzano has to offer. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Who was Ötzi the Iceman? Who was Ötzi the Iceman? This question is still being debated even today. Was he a person on the run? Was he a shaman? No one really know who Ötzi really was, where he came from, or how he ended up where he was. There are speculations and theories about who he was. I’ll cover everything I’ve learned and read about throughout the years. There are some known facts about Ötzi the Iceman. ✅ Based on Radio Carbon Dating, Ötzi the Iceman is around 4,000 – 5,000 years old. ✅ The name Ötzi was coined by journalist Karl Wendl. Ötzi is in reference to the Ötz Valley. ✅ Ötzi the Iceman has many names, he’s also known as the “Glacier Mummy,” “The Man from Hauslabjoch,” “The Man from Tisenjoch,” “Similaun Man,” “Homo Tirolensis,” and the “Man in the Ice.” ✅ Based on bone structure and characteristic changes, he was potentially around 45 years old at the time of his death. ✅ After examining his body, researches think Ötzi has around 61 tattoos. These tattoos were different then what we think of today. They were maybe done as a means of painkilling like acupuncture. Instead of using needles incisions were made in the skin and charcoal was rubbed within the cuts. ✅ Ötzi most likely died of a wound caused by an arrow. Was he on the run? ✅ It’s not 100% certain where Ötzi the Iceman comes from, but it’s possible that he’s from the first independent Alpine culture group. He potentially lived or came from the Eisack Valley in today’s South Tyrol, Italy. ✅ Ötzi the Iceman was around 160cm tall and weighed around 61 kg. Apparently, two of his ribs were missing as well, he was probably born that way. Discovering Ötzi I’ve always been fascinated with the discovery of Ötzi in 1991. What fascinates me the most is these human remains are upwards to 5,000 years old and when first discovered, they thought he was a victim of a mountaineering incident. Ötzi was discovered by two German hikers, Erika and Helmut Simon on Thursday, September 19, 1991. The hikers were in the Ötztal Alps descending from Finail Peak. I read that they veered off the marked trail and passed a rocky gully. There they saw the body of a human laying against a rock. They had no idea they just discovered one of the most significant archaeological finds in Europe. The two hikers quickly informed a landlord at a nearby mountain refuge and he notified authorities in both Austria and Italy, since the find was close to the border of the two countries. Several attempts were made to recover the body and other hikers did interfere with the body before professionals and archaeologists were involved to remove the body and relocate it to the Institute for Forensic Medicine in Innsbruck, Austria. Visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology When visiting Bolzano or anywhere in the Dolomites, visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology is a must! It’s home to Ötzi the Iceman. You can see his mummified body on display along with his belongings that were found. To make your trip easier and hassle free, I’ve done the planning, research, and spent time at the museum. Below you can find information on tickets and hours and learn about Ötzi himself. Tickets and Hours Below you can find updated information on the ticket fees and hours for the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. I found their hours to be a bit confusing, mainly because I was in Bolzano on a Monday in December. They were open but usually closed. So it’s best to double check the official website for updated hours and times. Admission Single Ticket: 13€Children under 6: FreeDiscount Ticket: 10€ For more information and updates, please look at the official South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology website. Hours Tuesday – Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00 (Last Admission is 17:30) Monday: Closed** Monday Closed except if Monday is a holiday, and in July and August the museum is open on Mondays. Ötzi’s Preserved Body When visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology most visitors including myself are looking for the opportunity to see the actual mummy remains of Ötzi the Iceman. Ötzi is on display at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology. He’s kept in a permanent “Icebox” and can be seen by visitors through a tempered glass window. According to what I learned at the museum, his body is housed in a unique room with two cold chambers. One cell has a temperature of -6°C with humidity of 99%. For us visitors, there is a 40×40 cm window so we can look at the mummy. Fortunately, when I was there the museum was not crowded so I was able to view the mummy without rushing. On busy days, there is a line. Artifacts and Tools One of the more interesting exhibits at the museum were the displays of all Ötzi’s weapons, tools, artifacts, and clothing materials. Most of his possessions were either on him or scattered around the archaeological site of discovery. At the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, you can view articles of clothing worn by Ötzi, equipment he used, weapons, first-aid supplies, and even his backpack. In terms of clothing, items that were preserved or found include a cap, garments, leggings, his belt, loin cloth, a cape, and pair of shoes. Most of the clothing was made of animal skins, tanned hides, and grasses. The coat was made of goatskin, the leggings were also made of goatskin, his belt was made of calf leather, and his fur cap was primarily made of bear fur. Regarding the equipment and weapons found at the discovery site, there was a axe made of copper. I read that it is the only intact prehistoric axe in the world. He had a dagger and sheath on his person, a retoucheur, which is an instrument to sharpen flint blades. One of the most important weapons he had was his longbow. It was a 1.82 m longbow that was made of yew. A quiver and arrow were also discovered. Ötzi the Iceman also carried a backpack. The backpack is on display at the museum as well. It was made of a U-shaped wood rod with wooden boards. Hide was used as a pouch to carry his goods. Ötzi also had a container made of birchwood. He had various wood pieces on him and minerals, meaning he probably was handy and could make tools and other resources by himself. Ötzi also had a first-aid kit. In the first-aid kit there was birch fungus which was most likely therapeutic. Gift Shop Make sure to stop in the gift shop at the exit of the museum. There are a lot of great finds here to include books, post cards, and fun souvenirs. The books come in various languages. What’s my Fascination with Ötzi the Iceman? I’ve been fascinated with Ötzi the Iceman for as long as I can remember. I’ve always had a morbid curiosity and enjoy dark tourism sites, which I think this classifies as one. His story has interested me and I still have so many questions about his life. I am always wondering why he’s the only mummy discovered? Are there more out there? Once glaciers melt, will we discover more? Visiting Bolzano? Other Things to do near the Museum Bolzano is one of the best places to visit in Northern Italy. I only had the opportunity to spend a day here during the Christmas holiday. Other then visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, top things to do in Bolzano include strolling the historic old town and Piazza Walther. If you have a day or two in Bolzano, here are some top listed things to do that I recommend. Piazza Walther Piazza Walther is the heart of Bolzano and a must visit attraction. Piazza Walther is surrounded by historical buildings, cafes, restaurants, and right next to the Bolzano Cathedral. If you are visiting around Christmas time, the bulk of the Christmas Market is here. Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta The Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta or Bolzano Cathedral is a beautiful cathedral located near the Piazza Walther. The cathedrals history dates back to the late 1100’s. It’s known for its beautiful glazed roof tiles, high altar, and treasury. Obstmarkt (Local Produce Market) The obstmarkt or local produce market, or farmers market, is a must when visiting Bolzano. It’s a large market on Piazza delle Erbe extending several blocks. You can find everything here from fresh fruit and smoothies, to cheeses and meats. The produce market is open Monday through Saturday, closed Sundays. Shopping Bolzano is a great place for shopping. Almost all the roads leading to and from Piazza Walther are lined with shops. We spent hours popping into random shops from shoe stores to shops selling outdoor gear. But you can find stores for children, souvenirs, clothes, from budget shops to high end stores. Bolzano Christmas Market The Bozner Christkindlmarkt or Bolzano Christmas Market is a magical time of year to spend in Bolzano. We were here for the Christmas Market and for being Italy, it was just as good as some of the large ones in Germany. Bolzano is surrounded by the Alps, the town has it’s charm, and Piazza Walther is surrounded by stunning architectural buildings, so it’s the perfect setting for a Christmas Market. I had Glühwein, Knödel suppe, a Bratwurst, and a few local craft beers from the area. The Christmas Market was set up traditionally with small wooden booths selling food, Christmas decorations, and local products. Conclusion Visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, Italy and getting a chance to see the mummy of Ötzi the Iceman has always been a travel bucket-list item of mine. Seeing Ötzi the Iceman up close was a memorable moment and seeing all his tools, equipment, and clothing was fascinating. I learned so much while visiting the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology and am happy to share my experience with you guys! Have you been to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano? If so, leave a comment, let me know what you thought or if you have other similar recommendations. Safe travels! Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
How to Visit the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano): Travel Guide
Planning to visit the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)? Unlike other cathedrals in Europe, you can’t simply walk in and explore Milan’s famous Gothic cathedral. Visitors wanting to access the Duomo must purchase tickets to enter. Fortunately for you, I’ll cover how to purchase your tickets to the Duomo di Milano and what to expect. In all honesty, the Milan Cathedral is a must-visit landmark in Milan and visiting the rooftop terrace is a unique experience. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is the Milan Cathedral The Milan Cathedral or Duomo di Milano in Italian is located in Piazza del Duomo, in Milan’s historic center. The Milan Cathedral sits at the heart of the city and is directly accessible via the Duomo metro station. The Duomo di Milano is the easiest and most central landmark to visit in Milan. Being accessible by metro, it’s within walking distance to many other notable Milan attractions like the Galleria, Castello Sforzesco, and numerous shopping districts. Brief History of the Duomo di Milano The history of the Duomo di Milano dates back to 1386. Like many historical buildings, the Milan Cathedral did not start out like the cathedral you see today. It took many centuries to built the magnificent Gothic cathedral we see today. Earlier on, there was St. Ambrose Basilica, then the Basilica of St. Tecla was added on. Over the course of many centuries, different architects and artists made their contributions to the cathedral. The final touches of the cathedral weren’t actually completed until 1965. Parts of the cathedral were damaged during WWII which did affect the completion date. Today, the Milan Cathedral is under constant renovations. When I visited in December of 2025, parts of the terrace were being cleaned and of course, like many famous buildings in Europe, there was scaffolding, which is always an eye sore. Visiting the Milan Cathedral When visiting Milan, the Duomo di Milano is an absolute must. If you don’t visit the Duomo, can you really say you’ve been to Milan? Word of advice, the Milan Cathedral and the whole Piazza del Duomo gets crowded, I mean very crowded! You can’t just walk inside the cathedral. Unfortunately, you need to buy tickets to enter. I had no idea, you needed tickets, so I wanted to write this post to help you better prepare for your visit to the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano). Below you can find information on getting tickets to visit the Duomo di Milano, visiting the Rooftop Terraces, and more. Tickets If you don’t plan ahead, you can buy tickets for the Duomo di Milano at the Piazza del Duomo. There are various entrances to the cathedral that are guarded. You can scan a QR Code near the gates and purchase the tickets using your mobile device. Or you can head to the Duomo Shop near the Palazzo Reale di Milano and buy tickets there. I purchased my tickets at the Duomo Shop without issues. You are given a number and have to wait until one of the registers opens up to your number. Duomo Shop Address: P.za del Duomo, 14a, 20122 Milano MI, Italy You can also buy tickets online ahead of time on through the Duomo Di Milano website. There are different tickets you can purchase. I highly recommend the ticket with access to the Rooftop Terraces. This is your chance to walk on the roof of a cathedral! There is a Fast Track Pass, a Combo Lift, Combo Stairs, and a Culture Pass. I went with the Combo Stairs. If you are a budget traveler or just love to exercise, then go with the Combo Stairs deal, you get to access the Terraces by climbing around 250 – 300 stairs. Through my website, you can also purchase tickets through online travel sites like Get Your Guide, Viator, and Klook. Below are a few recommend tours: ✅ Milan: Cathedral and Duomo’s Terraces Entrance Ticket ✅ Milan Duomo Cathedral and Rooftop Terrace Guided Tour ✅ Milan Super Saver: Skip the Line Duomo and Rooftop Guided Tour ✅ Milan Cathedral Ticket Visiting the Rooftop Terraces When purchasing my ticket to the Duomo di Milano with the Rooftop Terrace I had no idea what to expect, I certainly didn’t expect that I would be walking on top of the roof of a giant Cathedral! I’ve never seen this before but it was incredible and I highly recommend the Rooftop Terrace as part of your ticket or tour. There are several levels to the Rooftop Terraces, you get a chance to walk amongst the beautiful and intricate spires before gaining access to the actual roof where you get amazing views over the city of Milan. You can gain access to the Terraces by elevator or stairs, depending on the ticket type you purchased. I took the stairs and found it to be pretty quick and easy. I worked hard for that unbelievable view! Explore the Interior Every ticket to visit the Duomo di Milano will include a visit to the inside of the cathedral. I did the Rooftop Terrace first then found myself inside the cathedral. The Milan Cathedral is huge and the sheer scale of the interior is just as stunning as the exterior with its towering marble columns, vaulted ceilings, and colorful stained-glass. Within the interior of the Duomo di Milano, you can visit the Archaeological Area and the St. Charles Crypt. I enjoyed myself just walking around, being fascinated by the artwork, sculptures, and just massive size of the cathedral. Nearby Things to do After Your Visit The Duomo di Milano is just one of many attractions within walking distance of Piazza del Duomo. You can easily spend an entire day in the area visiting sites like the Galleria or Castello Sforzesco. Honestly, you can spend a whole day just shopping! Whether you are here to shop, eat, or check out some sites, here are a few things to do around the Duomo di Milano. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II Just steps from the Duomo di Milano, is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Although, I am not big into shopping, it’s well worth walking through. For someone that like high end shops, then this is a dream come true! Actually, all of Milan is a shopping paradise! The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a historic shopping arcade that is famous for its glass dome, elegant architecture, and luxury shops. Be warned, this attraction can get crowded! I visited twice and one time it was basically shoulder to shoulder traffic. Sforzesco Castle Another short walk from the Duomo di Milano, is the Sforzesco Castle or Castello Sforzesco. It’s an important historical landmark and the grounds are free to visitors. Besides walking the grounds, there are museums, art galleries, and a few historical artifacts and rooms linked to Leonardo da Vinci. The castle is also the gateway to the Parco Sempione, a huge urban park. A word of caution, there are several people from Africa that hang out here and try to give you a free bracelet. They basically harass tourists and locals alike. Simply ignore them and walk right by, don’t take the bracelets they try to offer you. Shopping Milan is known for fashion and shopping and there are shopping areas around the Duomo di Milano that put you in the heart of Milan’s fashion scene. Every street leading to and from the Duomo, there are shops. You can find everything from luxury brands to local Italian shops. Even if you are like me and not big into shopping, there is something for everyone. If not, the people watching is great! Conclusion Visiting the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) is a must and needs to be added to any Milan itinerary. It’s the heart of the city and it’s most well known landmark. Milan does get crowded, so to make the most of your visit, arrive early, book tickets to Duomo di Milano in advance, and allow plenty of time to explore the interior, museums, and rooftop terraces. The Duomo di Milano is a world-famous landmark and remains one of the best things to do in Milan. I hope this post helps with planning and you find the Milan Cathedral as beautiful and unique as I did. Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
5 Restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo: Must-Try Dining Spots
Cortina d’Ampezzo is not just a beautiful destination in the Italian Dolomites, it’s also a great town for food lovers. In Cortina d’Ampezzo, you can find everything from elegant Alpine restaurants, fine dining experiences, and even cheap beer halls. In this food guide, I’ve listed 5 restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo that are worth trying. These restaurants are perfect for visitors looking to eat well after a day of hiking, skiing, or just exploring the town. Whether you are craving fresh pasta, amazing pizza, or a memorable fine-dining experience, these top-rated restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo are worth trying. ** This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or widgets throughout the page, whether it be Viator, Booking.com, Agoda, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! 5 Must-Try Restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo I had the opportunity to spend a week in Cortina d’Ampezzo right before the 2026 Winter Olympics. Based on local recommendations and research me and family members went to several restaurants around Cortina d’Ampezzo. We went to a variety of restaurants around town to include a Michelin-Starred restaurant that was spectacular. We also dined at a few pizzerias, beer halls, and hotel restaurants. Here are 5 restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo that stood out and I highly recommend trying. Ristorante Tivoli Cortina Ristorante Tivoli Cortina is a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Reservations are recommended and I guarantee you that this will be one of the most memorable dining experiences you’ll ever have. Chef Graziano Prest combines elegant, inventive cuisine with alpine traditions. The staff was incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and very social. Ristorante Tivoli Cortina has a warm and cozy atmosphere with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The menu has set course meals, but also appetizers and A la carte. Everyone in my party ordered different course meals and the menu changes seasonally. I tried the Local Tasting Menu (Altogusto). It included Alpin Char, Frogs Soup, Tagliatelle, Plin Style Ravioli, Passeggiata nel Bosco, Braised Beef Cheek, and Apple Strudel. Every dish was beautifully created and the flavors were outstanding. This was a first Michelin-starred restaurant for me and now I can’t wait to try more around the world. My expectations are high now after dining at Ristorante Tivoli Cortina. Reservations are recommended. We tried dining at Ristorante Tivoli Cortina on our first day in Cortina d’Ampezzo. They were full but we managed to make a reservation the next day. Address: Località Lacedel, 34, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL, Italy Ristorante Franceschi Ristorante Franceschi is a fine-dining restaurant located within the Franceschi Park Hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo. We managed to dine here without making reservations in advance. The restaurant is very elegant, staff was professional, and everything we tried was outstanding, to include the several bottles of wine. Here you can find a lot of traditional Italian dishes and cuisine that is influenced by the local areas around the Dolomites. I ordered the Lamb Shank with Rosemary Smashed Potatoes. The meat was so tender and flavorful I absolutely loved it. Others in my party ordered the Veal Goulash, Grilled Australian Angus Flank Steak, and the Homemade Buckwheat Tagliolini with fresh Truffle. Everyone was satisfied. We dined here for a few hours and sampled a lot of wine which paired nicely with the meals. Address: Via Cesare Battisti, 86, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL, Italy Ristorante De LEN Ristorante De LEN is another restaurant we tried in Cortina d’Ampezzo that surprised us. Ristorante De LEN belongs to Hotel de LEN near downtown Cortina d’Ampezzo. Ristorante De LEN is modern, comfortable, serves craft beer, and known for their local ingredients and flavorful dishes. Ristorante De LEN offered all day-dining. Which was great, because a lot of restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo closed midday and open again later in the evening. It was a timing thing one day and we were looking to eat around 15:00. They were one of the only restaurants open at the time. They serve a nice mix of American dishes (burger, club sandwiches, etc.) but also local Italian dishes and regional dishes from the Dolomites. As an appetizer, we had the artisanal cold cuts and cheese, all which were delicious. For an entre I ordered the Chicken Breast with Seasonal Vegetables. The chicken breast was nice, it wasn’t dry and had a slight buttery flavor to it. What I loved about the dish was the Bok choy. Surprisingly, the best Bok choy, I’ve ever had! Others at the table tried the Lasagna and pasta with fresh truffles and loved it! Address: Via Cesare Battisti, 66, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL, Italy Pizzeria Porto Rotondo Cortina You can’t visit Italy and not have pizza! Thankfully, Cortina d’Ampezzo has several pizzerias and restaurants that prepare pizza. One of my favorite pizzerias in Cortina d’Ampezzo was Pizzeria Porto Rotondo Cortina. The pizza I ordered here was actually one of the best I had during my entire stay in Italy. We found it by chance looking for a pizzeria that had indoor seating. Happy Accident! Like most restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the interior was cozy and the staff was very friendly. The pizza menu is extensive, very hard to choose what to get. Ultimately, I went with the Paesana which included fresh tomato, mozzarella, and sliced suckling pig. The pizza was so delicious, I wanted to come back a second time to try more! Address: Via Don Pietro Frenademez, 2, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL, Italy Hacker-Pschorr Haus Hacker-Pschorr is a famous brewery from Munich, Germany. So I was surprised that there was a small Hacker-Pschorr beer hall in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The interior is small, but has a traditional German atmosphere. There are also a few standing tables outside. I stopped in mainly for a few beers, but I also ordered a side of fries. The beers are great here. On tap, you can find the standard Hacker-Pschorr beers, the Lager, Bitter, Weizen, and Keller bier. There are also a few local Italian beers as well. Food wise, Hacker-Pschorr in Corina d’Ampezzo had a lot of traditional German menu items and a few Italian dishes. On the menu there are items like Frankfurter sausages, warm sandwiches, and a variety of salads. Address: Via Stazione, 7, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL, Italy Grocery Stores in Cortina d’Ampezzo I know this is a post on my top rated restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo but I just wanted to add a few more options in case you are staying in an Airbnb or prefer to cook on your own. Listed below are two supermarkets that I frequented almost daily to stock up the fridge at the Airbnb, Conad City and Le Eccellenze di Esselunga Cortina. Conad City Conad City is more your traditional grocery store or supermarket, found throughout Italy. The Conad City in Cortina d’Ampezzo is downtown and in my opinion one of the best places to go to for fresh product, meats, snacks, and purchasing alcohol. I will warn you, the parking lot in front of Conad City in Cortina d’Ampezzo is horrendous. It has limited spaces and is kind of a one-way narrow road. I parked on the street and found it to be much easier. Address: Via Barone Franchetti, 1, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL, Italy Le Eccellenze di Esselunga Cortina Le Eccellenze di Esselunga Cortina is more of a high end supermarket. We came here a few times for their fresh pastries, baked goods, deli meats, cheeses, and fresh coffee. This supermarket is in the heart of Cortina d’Ampezzo, near the Basilica. You can simply park out front if there is an empty space. Address: Via Cesare Battisti, 11, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL, Italy Conclusion For a small mountain town, Cortina d’Ampezzo has some incredible dining options. I wrote this post because I found the food in Cortina d’Ampezzo to be incredibly delicious and the restaurants were all memorable. Getting the opportunity to eat at Ristorante Tivoli, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Italy was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had. Pizzeria Porto Rotono Cortina served one of the best pizzas I had throughout my entire stay in Italy. There were many excellent restaurants in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the five I listed in this post are among my favorites and I highly recommend trying them. If you’ve been to Cortina d’Ampezzo and know of more restaurants that are worth trying, please leave a comment so myself and others can try! Safe Travels! Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸 Plan Your Trip: 🗺 ✈️ 🇮🇹 Booking Accommodations ⛺️ 🛖 For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours 🏖 🚁 Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options. In need of a car rental? 🚗 🚘 I recommend checking with Rental Cars.
Exploring the Dark Side: Dark Tourism Sites Visited Around the World
Is dark tourism a growing trend among travelers around the world? Visitors seeking out attractions and locations that are associated with death, tragedy, bizarreness, and the macabre. Dark tourism includes visiting sites that are considered to be unordinary, tragic, and sometimes even scary. I myself have always been fascinated by dark tourism, even before it was a thing. I enjoy learning about the darker side of history and realizing that travel is not always pretty and perfect. This post we’ll take a look at some of the dark tourism sites I’ve visited around the world. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! ***Warning*** There are images and topics in this post some viewers might find disturbing. What is Dark Tourism? To me, dark tourism is defined as visiting attractions and places that involve some sort of tragedy or unusual place of interest. Everyone has their own version of what dark tourism truly is. To some it might be visiting a war museum and to others it can mean visiting a site of immense tragedy. Dark tourism generally involves traveling to places or visiting attractions that are associated with death, catastrophe, haunted places, locations where horrific events occurred, or even places with bizarre artifacts and unusual oddities. When it comes down to it, every traveler has visited a dark tourist spot whether it be the catacombs in Paris and ruins of Pompeii in Italy or the atomic bomb dome in Hiroshima. Dark Tourism Sites We’ve Visited I’ve always been fascinated by dark tourism. I’d say I have morbid curiosity when it comes to traveling. I enjoy learning and seeing as much as possible, both good and bad. Traveling is not always pretty. Many people travel to Poland just to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau or maybe to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology to catch a glimpse of Ötzi the Iceman. I’ve found myself traveling to destinations specifically for a dark tourist attraction, like the Mummies of Guanajuato in Mexico or paying a visit to the Yde Girl in Assen, Netherlands. If you are like me and curious about dark tourism, here is a list of dark tourism sites around the world that I have personally visited broken down by region. Asia Cambodia Siem Reap Killing Fields The Siem Reap Killing Fields are a tragic reminder about Cambodia’s dark history under the Khmer Rouge regime. Located between downtown Siem Reap and Angkor Wat is the Killing Fields of Siem Reap and this museum serves as a memorial to the victims of the Cambodia genocide. Today, visitors can go to the Killing Fields and learn about the atrocities that took place here. Some of the information and depictions are pretty graphic. There is well here on the site where upwards to 50 to 60 bodies were recovered from. There is also a mass grave site. Japan Aokigahara Forest (Japan’s Suicide Forest) When it comes to dark tourism, Japan’s Aokigahara Forest or informally known as Japan’s “Suicide Forest” is probably one of the world’s most famous sites. Known around the world as the “Suicide Forest,” Aokigahara Forest unfortunately received this name due to the high volume of suicides that occur at this location. Aokigahara Forest has been the subject of many horror films, folklore, and stories. Today, anyone can visit Japan’s “Suicide Forest.” Honestly, the forest is quite beautiful. There are hiking trails throughout the forest and visitors can even explore Narusawa Ice Cave and Wind Cave. Okinawa Battle Sites During the Battle of Okinawa, anywhere from 12,000 Americans and over 100,000 Japanese lost their lives. The island of Okinawa has a long history, unfortunately WWII is one of the most notable historical events that occurred on and around Okinawa. Some of the bloodiest battles of the Pacific occurred on Okinawa. There are many sites in Southern Okinawa related to the war that can be visited today. I’m surprised dark tourists don’t flock to Okinawa. Some of the famous sites include Hacksaw Ridge, the Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters, and the Peace Memorial Museum. The Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters is not to be missed especially if seeking out the darker side of history. Visitors can walk through the tunnels and view some of the special rooms. One room that stood out to me had holes all over the walls and ceiling from a grenade that was used by an officer to end their life. Hiroshima and Nagasaki Besides visiting Aokigahara Forest, dark tourists will most likely find themselves visiting either the cities of Hiroshima or Nagasaki. Both cities were devastated by atomic bombs during WWII and there are still remnants remaining around each city left as a reminder of the devastation that took place. If visiting Hiroshima, you can pay a visit to the hypo center, A-Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Honkawa Elementary School, and Bank of Japan. Although Nagasaki is less visited then Hiroshima, there are many sites related to the war that are of interest. Visitors can go to the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park. Sokushin-Butsu (Buddhist Mummies in Japan) Japan might be one of the last countries you’d think would have mummies. But in northern Japan in Yamagata Prefecture, there are Sokushin-Butsu, which is a Buddhist Mummy. I am definitely interested in visiting dark tourist sites in Japan. I visited the Buddhist Temple of Dainichibou while on a road trip through the Prefecture of Yamagata. This temple has the mummified remains of Shinnyokai-Shounin. According to information at the temple, Shinnyokai-Shounin was a Buddhist Monk during the Edo period who became a Sokushin-Butsu. These monks sacrificed their lives and practiced ascetic disciplines according to the temple. The monks would not eat grain, instead they ate nuts, tree roots, bark, wild plants, among other natural edibles. They then fasted on saltwater for 42 days and drank Urushi (An ingredient in lacquer) basically beginning the mummify process while still alive. After self mummification, Shinnyokai-Shounin buried himself alive. Again, according to the temple, after 1,000 days of being buried, the body would be exhumed. Today, visitors can go to Dainichibou and see the mummified body of Shinnyokai-Shounin sitting there. You can partake in rituals. Just be warned, photographs of the mummy are not allowed. Vietnam Hoa Lo Prison No trip to Hanoi, Vietnam is complete without a visit to Hoa Lo Prison. Vietnam has many dark tourist sites, mainly around Ho Chi Minh City but Hanoi has its fair share like the Vietnam Military Museum or the notorious Hoa Lo Prison. Hoa Lo Prison, or “The Hanoi Hilton,” is a historical prison that was built in the late 1800’s during the French occupation. First, the prison was built to house political prisoners. Then it was used by the Vietnamese as a prison for US prisoners of war. During the French occupation, Hoa Lo Prison was a place of nightmares. Prisoners were kept in horrendous conditions where sickness spread, food was poor, and the prison was at max capacity. Europe Croatia Froggyland More bizarre then dark is the Museum of Froggy Land in Split, Croatia. While exploring Split, we stumbled upon this museum by accident and of course our curiosity led us to visit one of the more bizarre museums I’ve ever visited. Froggy Land is a museum in Split, Croatia. The museum has taxidermied frogs on display. Each display has several taxidermied frogs that appear to be doing human day to day activities like going to school, working in a shop, or getting into some sort of trouble. According to the Froggy Land website, the collection consists of 507 stuffed frogs. Germany Berlin Wall The Berlin Wall was a 155 Kilometer (96 Miles) long wall that separated West Berlin from East Berlin. The Berlin Wall was nearly built overnight on August 13, 1961 separating neighborhoods and even families in an instant. The Berlin Wall was heavily guarded and guards were ordered to shoot on sight if anyone attempted to flee into Western Germany. Overall, around 140 people lost their lives before it finally fell on November 9, 1989. Today, there are portions of the Berlin Wall that still stand in certain parts of the city. Medieval Crime Museum (Rothenburg Torture Museum) Who doesn’t love a good torture museum? Well, the Medieval Crime Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber has thousands of exhibits related to history, humiliation, punishment, and torture. You can spend hours at this museum viewing the shame masks, torture devices, and other historical artifacts. There is even an Iron Maiden on display and various types of axes and swords used for beheadings. Italy Capuchin Crypt in Rome In Rome, visit the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini. This is the site of the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchin Friars. The museum itself was interesting, you get an audio guide and learn about the Capuchin Friars. But the reason I visited the church was to check out the crypt. The crypt is decorated with the skeletal remains of over 4,000 Capuchin friars. In the crypt there are interesting displays from bone chandeliers to wall art made from the bones of the Capuchin friars. Rome Colosseum If you think of the Roman Colosseum, you probably would not think of it as a dark tourist site. In my opinion, it fits the whole concept of “Dark Tourism” based on the historical events that took place. Think about it, you are visiting a monumental site known around the world, the Roman Colosseum which was home to brutal gladiator battles, public executions, and animal hunts where at times tens of thousands of animals were slaughtered. The colosseum although impressive is kind of a symbol of violence and human suffering. Netherlands Bog Bodies of Europe I took a road trip from northern Germany to Assen, Netherlands, just to visit the Drents Museum and see the Yde Girl. The Netherlands has plenty of dark tourist sites and seeing the Yde Girl, a Bog Body is one of them. Bog bodies are mummified bodies that have been discovered in bogs, primarily in Northern Europe to include the United Kingdom. Bog bodies can be thousands of years old. Many of them, so well preserved they have been mistaken for recent murder victims. The Yde Girl is a well preserved bog body at Assen’s Drents Museum, in the Archaeology Department. The Yde Girl was dug up in the Netherlands in 1897. Found with a noose around her neck, which appeared to be quite common among other bod bodies, she most likely died from being a victim of sacrifice or from wounds inflicted of being tortured. Veenhuizen: National Prison Museum Another dark tourist site in the Netherlands is the National Prison Museum in Veenhuizen. We stopped at the prison museum while en route to the beautiful city of Groningen. What we know and see today as the National Prison Museum in Veenhuizen was at one point an actual prison housing criminals. The prison is pretty interactive and starts off with torture and forms of punishments that date back hundreds of years. From here you can walk through the rest of the prison. Visitors can see what cells where like, get to know, more like read about some of the prisoners that stayed here in the past, and learn a little about the Netherlands past and current legal systems. Poland Auschwitz-Birkenau One of the most intense, sad, and chilling places I’ve ever visited has to be Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland. Auschwitz is huge, you can spend most the day here walking around the concentration camp. Visitors will see the “Arbeit Macht Frei” sign, Gate to Auschwitz, crematoriums, barracks, the “death wall,” gallows, and even the site where Josef Mengele performed medical experiments. Some of the rooms that really hit me hard were the evidence rooms showing piles among piles of items that