Venice

       Venice, Venezia, Venecia, Vedenik...

The city has a unique geographical structure, if you have the chance; try to see the city from a plane, then you will see the island with its charming characteristics including so many narrow canals and several islands from the top. As one may expect main transportation vehicles in the city are water buses, boats, iconic gondolas, and canal taxis.

Besides the unique geographical structure, you can easily see that the city had an important role in Middle Ages, Renaissance. Therefore, it has tones of artistic, and historic areas. This artistic city is also the birthplace of Antonio Vivaldi.

      

      

    The city is not so big however, one of the most crowded touristic cities. On the other hand, if you are tired of the crowd there are so many other options around the city which offer you pure nature experiences, such as islands, or rural areas.

    

    
       Must be seen/done:

1)      Piazza San Marco

         a.       St Mark’s Basilica (Basilica di San Marco) from 11th century

         b.      Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale di Venezia) from 14th century

         c.       The clock tower; Torre dell Orologio from the 15th 16th century.

         d.      Take the Elevator to the Top of the Campanile

2)      The grand canal tour by water bus or gondolas (The main canal is called the Gran canal)

3)      Rialto Bridge

4)     Ca d’Oro (a beautiful palace on Gran Canal) from the 15th century

  

     

    
       Other suggestions:

•     Islands (Murano the glass island, Burano, Torcello, Lido)
•     Some of the old churchs such as  Scuola Grande di San Rocco, San Zaccaria, San Giorgio Maggiore,
•     Museums (Ca' Pesaro, Ca' Rezzonico, Casa Goldoni, I musei di P. San Marco, Museo Correr, Museo del Merletto, Museo del Vetro, Museo di storia naturale, Palazzo Fortuny, Palazzo Ducale,       Palazzo Mocenigo, Torre dell'orologio, Museo Ca' Del Duca, Museo Col. Guggenheim, Museo ebraico, Museo degli armeni, Museo dei modelli ) 
• So many historic buildings, especially on the Gran Canal,
• The city is also famous for the glass art, masks of Carnavale, and its wine (if you like sweet wine, especially ask for it).  Besides the wine, Pizza, Gelato, and Seafood are strongly suggestible.
• Being lost in the small labyrinth city and while finding your way discovering small hidden beauties of the city is a favorite activity. If you prefer to do it with a guide, there are some walking tours too.
• Talking about the city without mentioning the traditional 11-day Carnival will be an incomplete description. It is held in February/March. Check before planning your trips depending on the year it changes.

            

      More tips

•  Another important clue is although at the first glance it seems like you cannot walk the whole city since it is divided by more than 150 canals,  there are 400 bridges over the canals so it is possible to walk the city except reaching to the other small islands :)
• Staying in the city center can be attractive to some people, but if you are so much into silence and nature then staying a bit outside of the city has a meditative effect with Italy's beautiful rural towns.
• Prepare yourself for a mosquito fight.
• For the city transportation, there are combined tickets besides the single and return tickets. You can buy these tickets at the airport or in the city centers. In order to avoid the long queues at the airport, carry some changes, so that you have the chance to buy from the vending machines.
• From the airport to the city there are boats and sea-taxi options, besides the city shuttle buses.
• Don't make strict plans, and keep in mind that the time schedule of buses and trains can be flexible. If you are in a hurry don't get into a restaurant or make it very clear in advance :) Since Italy by culture is the country of relaxation, being in a hurry/ being quick concepts are pretty relative in this country.
• For bus and train timetables, the days are divided into two groups as working days and holidays. It is not written anywhere but Saturdays are counted as working days. 
• Also keep in mind that in the area it is not so easy to find a wireless internet connection area, in some small cities around Venice finding a free/paid wireless connection is almost impossible.

     Day trip cities (the hidden gems):

    

   Beside the islands (Murano, Burano, Torcello, Lido), 

• Padua (Padova); from Venice to Padova take about half an hour by train.
• Treviso; from Venice to Treviso take about half an hour by train.
• Vicenza; from Venice to Vicenza take about forty-five minutes by train
• Verona; Venice to Verona takes just over one hour to 1 1/2 hours by train.

    

     For basic Italian: http://www.ielanguages.com/italian1.html

                                                                                                                 Ciao!

Bilbao & Getxo

Bilbao 

The city is located in the north part of Spain in the Basque country. Bilbao is famous for being an industrial and rainy city of Spain, as well as its unique Guggenheim museum. Bilbao is surrounded by green hills and it includes so many green parks. Although it is close to the ocean, it is not by the ocean. However, reaching the coasts of the ocean takes almost half an hour by train. Moreover, the river gives a cozy effect in the city.

The zone of the Guggenheim museum is impressive in many aspects (e.g. the architecture of the building, the big flower puppy, the exhibitions), as well as the parks and the old city. 

Besides Bilbao is famous for the cuisine in addition to the well-known pintxos which is the name of tapas given for this part of the region.

Bilbao is a small city, but it is a great place to see due to its cuisine, the old city (Casco Viejo), and the museum. Casco Viejo, the old city, is a perfect place to visit, in order to walk through the old streets among historical buildings, in order to eat and to shop. The tram allows you to go to that part of the city.

The airport is pretty small though the transportation is very well organized with the metros, trains, and buses.

Getxo 

There are so many close small towns that can be visited by metro, such as Getxo (sounds as Getcho) which is a town by the ocean. Getxo includes the first transportation iron bridge, Vizcaya Bridge protected by UNESCO, and also villas decorated by the famous architects for the reach people of Spain in the old days. In Getxo the elevator helps you to reach the beach and the bikes for rent allow you to travel by the coast easily.













Some of the suggestible close touristic cities are Santander, San Sebastian, Vitoria Gasteiz, La Rioja and Logroño.

Rome & Vatican City

Rome 

Rome is a fascinating city in terms of historical places, ruins, art, and museums. If you are interested in any of these, Rome is the right place to be in. During your visit, you will witness the history. The city includes so many places that shouldn't be missed. Here are the major ones:

  

Colleseoum

Palatino

Foro Romano

Piazza Venezia

Piazza Cavour

Quirinale Palace

Piazza Barberini

Spanish Steps

Villa Borghese

Fontana de Trevi

Pantheon

Palazzo Farnese

Piazza Navona

Piazza repubblica

Stazione Termini

Piazza Dell'esquilino (santamaria maggiore)

Via Nazionale

Piazza Agusto Imperatore

Via del Corso

Via Condotti (the most famous shopping street)

Piazza del Popolo

Castel S Angelo

Palazzo di Guistizia

Piazza Cavour and the garden

Circo Massiomo

Parlemento

Piazza di Pietra

Piaza S Giovannini

Piramide.

Vatican City 

Vatican City (the Pope's speech is every Wednesday at 10:00am. Keep in mind that the speech is free and open for everyone. On the other hand, you will see many ticket sellers on your way to the Vatican Basilica.)

Also in Vatican city :

San Pietro, Piazza San Pietro, Vatican Museum, Vatican Garden are must-be-seen places.

Tips:

- The central historical part of Rome can be walked but if you want to go to different parts of Rome that might be tiring. Keep in mind that in Rome transportation is a bit problematic, using tram can ease this difficulty. The available 2 metro lines are not sufficient enough and not well managed. The buses don't have AC and they can be unbelievably crowded :) Hop-on hop-off buses are another alternative for tourists, as well.

- Get ready to taste hundred different types of pizzas and kinds of pasta. Don't forget the ice cream ("Gelato").
- For the airport transportation, take the train called Leonardo express, it takes 30 minutes to reach the airport.
-  For the Vatican Museum and the garden you have to take an appointment in advance at least 3 days ago.

I give the list of all the museums since they are too many to list, however, you can obtain the list from any tourism information office with their pre-appointment requirements.

Keep in mind that Rome itself is an open-air museum.

Ciao!

Porto/Oporto

Oporto/ Porto is a historic city of Lisbon in Europe. Once you are in the city it is easy to understand why there are so many places that are protected by UNESCO. The city offers beautiful views and great places to visit. The city consists of six main parts:

1) The center of the city (Avenida dos Aliados):

  

 This avenue starts with the status of Pedro D. IV and Place Libarddade and ends with the Pacho del Conhelho (the city hall). The avenue has a huge pedestrian pathway. This avenue has impressive buildings on both sides. The tourism information office is pretty close to the city hall. The Catedral of Trandade is right behind the city hall.

2) The shopping street of the city:

The two streets which are parallel to the avenue dos Aliados are the shopping streets. R. de Sa Bandeira, R. de Santa Catarina. The famous Mercado do Bolhao and Café Majestic are on these two stress too.

3) The west part of the historic city:

While on the east of the avenue has shopping areas, the left side of this avenue has important buildings, such as Clerigos tower and the church, Llivraria Lello which is the most beautiful bookstore of Europe, placa gomez teixeria, the Carmo and Carmelitas churches, the university building, parks, casa musica, the stadium, contemporary art museum.

4) The old town is in the south part of the city by the river. The medieval Ribeira next to the three-tiered Dom Luís I Bridge is impressive as well as the bridge. It is easy to spend hours at the riverside on the medieval streets of Barredo, gazing across the Douro River to the ancient port lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia. 

   

5) The other side of the river: There are so many wine cellars and restaurants with a lovely view of Porto.

6) The Atlantic coast: At the western part of the city, where you can find beautiful beaches and the city park, you find yourself by the ocean.

About the cuisine: You can find hundred different recipes of Bacalhau, salted cod, which is the traditional fish/ food of Portugal. The national beer is Super Bock. Porto has a reputation for the sweet Porto wine, as well. 

Shouldn’t be missed:

·           Sé (Cathedral): The Cathedral is one of the city's oldest monuments (12th-13th centuries) and one of the most important Romanesque monuments in the country.
·           Igreja de Santa Clara: Completed in 1416, the interior of the Church of St. Clara was transformed by impassioned 17th-century artists, masters of woodwork and gilding.
·           Fundação de Serralves (Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporãnea): the National Museum of Modern Art is the most visited museum in Portugal.
·           Igreja de São Francisco: The Gothic Church of St. Francis was built between 1383 and 1410.
·           Igreja e Torre dos Clérigos (Clérigos Church and Tower): The church is one of the first Baroque churches in Portugal (18th century).
·           Livraria Lello, the place, an old bookstore, is known as one of the most beautiful bookstores in Europe. They sell books since 1881. The interior design is amazing with the beautifully intricate wooden panels, columns, staircase, stained glass ceilings, and books.
·           The riverside together with the historic three-tiered Dom Luís I bridge,
·           Vísit Wine Cellars (Caves),
·           Listen Fado! (the famous Portugal songs.)

An important reminder: No matter what season it is, don't forget to carry,  a raincoat/an umbrella and sun protection lotion with you. The weather has many surprises.

One day trips:
Vigo, A Galician city in Spain, almost 150 km north of Porto, you can reach the city by bus or by train. Besides its history, Vigo is an interesting city in the northwest of Spain. The city is small and by the Atlantic with its own unique culture. It is also pretty close to the green islands. Keep in mind the time difference, there is an hour difference between Porto and Vigo.


Famous Buildings/Places to see

When you walk or take one of the traditional trams in the city you realize that the city offers so many beauties. Here are the main buildings/places to see:

• Chafariz da Rua Escura (Rua Escura Foutain)
• Chafariz da Rua das Taipas (Rua das Taipas Fountain)
• Chafariz do Anjo (Largo da Sé) (Anjo Fountain (Largo da Sé))
• Chafariz das Virtudes (Virtudes Fountain)
• Chafariz da Colher (Colher (Spoon) Fountain)
• Casa dos Constantinos (House of the Constantino family)
• Casa da Rua de D. Hugo, nº5 (House nr.5 of the Rua de D. Hugo)
• Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro (Guerra Junqueiro House and Museum)
• Casa dos Freire de Andrade (House of the Freires de Andrade)
• Casa do Infante (Alfândega Velha) (Infante House – Former Custom House)
• Casa do Beco dos Redemoinhos (Beco dos Redemoinhos House)
• Ruína Medieval da Casa da Câmara (Medieval Ruins Town Hall Building)
• Casa do Ascensor dos Guindais (House of the Guindais Lift)
• Casa da Rua de S. Miguel, 4 (House nr. 4 of the Rua de S. Miguel)
• Casa dos Cunha Pimentéis (House of the Cunha Pimentéis)
• Casa de Despacho da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco (Church Office of the Ordem Terceira de São Francisco (religious order)
• Casa da Rua da Reboleira, n.º 55 (House at 55, Rua da Reboleira)
• Casa da Rua da Reboleira, n.º 59 (House at 59, Rua da Reboleira)
• Capela de Nossa Senhora do Ó (Nossa Senhora do Ó Chapel)
• Casa da Companhia Velha (House of the Old Company)
• Casa dos Sousa e Silva (House of the Sousa e Silva family)
• Capela Nossa Senhora da Silva (Nossa Senhora da Silva Chapel)
• Casa dos Maias (House of the Maia family)
• Casa Arte Nova (Rua Cândido Reis n. 75, 79) (Art Nouveau – House at the 75/79, Rua Cândido Reis)
• Casa de Arte Nova (Rua Galeria de Parisn.º 28) (Art Nouveau – House at the 28, Rua Galeria de Paris)
• Casa Vincent (Vincent Shop)
• Casa Reis, Filhos (Reis, Filhos Shop)
• Capela de S. José das Taipas (S. José das Taipas Chapel)
• Capela dos Alfaiates ou de Nossa Senhora de Agosto (Tailors Chapel or Chapel of Our Lady of August)
• Oratório da Capela de São Sebastião (Oratory of São Sebastian Chapel)
• Antigo Hospital de D.Lopo (Former D. Lopo Hospital)
• Antigo Restaurante Comercial ( Former Commercial Restaurant)
• Antigo Clube Inglês (Former Porto British Club)
• Antiga Cadeia da Relação (Former Court of Appeal Gaol)
• Antiga Cadeia da Relação (Former Court of Appeal Gaol)
• Edifício da Polícia Judiciária – Casa de José Monteiro de Almeida (Building of the Judiciary Police (José Monteiro de Almeida House)
• Edifício da Antiga Companhia de Seguros Douro (B
• Edifício do Governo Civil – Antiga Casa Pia (Building of the Civilian Government - former Pia House)
• Edifício da Cooperativa da Árvore – Casa dos Albuquerques (Cooperativa da Árvore Building - House of the Albuquerques)
• Fonte da Rua das Taipas (Fountain on the Rua das Taipas)
• Fonte da Rua de S. João (Praça da Ribeira) (Fountain on the Rua de S. João (Praça da Ribeira))
• Hospital de São Francisco (São Francisco Hospital)
• Hospital de Santo António (Santo António Hospital)
• Igreja Conventual de São Francisco (São Francisco Convent Church)
• Igreja de São João Novo (São João Novo Church)
• Igreja e Torre dos Clérigos (Clérigos Church and Tower)
• Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Vitória (Nossa Senhora da Vitória Church)
• Igreja dos Grilos - Igreja do Colégio de São Lourenço (Grilos Church – São Lourenço College Church)
• Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio -Recolhimento do Ferro (Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio Church – Ferro Shelter)
• Igreja de Santa Clara (Santa Clara Church)
• Igreja e Convento de S. Bento da Vitória (São Bento da Vitória Church and Convent)
• Igreja dos Terceiros do Carmo (Church of the Terceiros of the Carmo)
• Igreja da Misericórdia (Mercy Church)
• Igreja de S. Lourenço ou dos Grilos (S. Lourenço or Grilos Church)
• Igreja da Misericórdia (Misericórdia Church)
• Igreja de S. Bento da Vitória (S. Bento da Vitória Church)
• Igreja de São Nicolau (São Nicolau Church)
• Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio – Antigo recolhimento do Ferro (Nossa Senhora do Patrocínio Church - former Iron Shelter)
• Igreja da Ordem do Terço (Terço Order Church)
• Igreja de Santo Ildefonso (Santo Ildefonso Church)
• Igreja dos Congregados (Congregados Church)
• Igreja da Trindade (Trinity Church)
• Igreja dos Carmelitas (Carmelites Church)
• Instituto de Ciências Abel Salazar – Antiga Escola Médico-Cirúrgica (Abel Salazar Science Institute - former Medical-Chirurgical School)
• Igreja de S. Pedro de Miragaia (S. Pedro de Miragaia Church)
• Igreja dos Terceiros de São Francisco (Terceiros de São Francisco Church)
• Igreja de São Francisco (São Francisco Church)
• Muralha Primitiva (Primitive Wall)
• Muralha Fernandina (Ferdinand Wall)
• Monumento ao Infante D. Henrique (Monument to the Infante D. Henrique)
• Monumento a D. Pedro V (Monument to D. Pedro V)
• Mercado Ferreira Borges (Ferreira Borges Market)
• Palácio dos Condes de Azevedo (Palace of the Azevedo Counts)
• Palácio da Batalha (Batalha Palace)
• Palácio de Belmonte – Casa dos Pacheco Pereira (Belmonte Palace - House of the Pacheco Pereira)
• Palácio de S. João Novo (S. João Novo Palace) o Church)
• Palácio das Sereias (Sereias (Mermaids) Palace)
• Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace)
• Praça de D. João I (Praça D. João I (square))
• Praça do Infante D. Henrique (Praça do Infante D. Henrique (square))
• Praça e Cais da Ribeira (Ribeira Square and Quay)
• Praça da Liberdade e Avenida dos Aliados (Liberty Square and Avenue of the Allies)
• Praça da Batalha (Batalha Church)
• Ponte Luis I (Luis I Bridge)
• Sé Catedral (Cathedral)
• Teatro S. João (S. João Theatre)
• Teatro Nacional de São João (São João National Theatre)
• Torre da Rua de Baixo (Tower on the Rua de Baixo)
• Torre da Rua de D. Pedro Pitões (Tower of the Rua de D. Pedro Pitões)
• Alfândega do Porto (Former Porto Customs building)
• Alminhas da Ponte (Souls of the Bridge)
• Câmara Municipal do Porto (Porto City Council)
• Desamparadas (Sun Door Shelter – or Shelter of Our Lady of Sorrow and S. Joseph of the Abandoned Young Girls)
• Estação de São Bento (São Bento Railway Station)
• Feitoria Inglesa (English Factory)
• Faculdade de Ciências – Antiga Academia Politécnica (Faculty of Sciences- former Polytechnic Academy)
• Feitoria Inglesa (British Trade Association)
• Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto (Douro and Porto Wines Institute)
• Paço Episcopal (Bishop's Palace)
• Passeio das Virtudes (Virtudes Promenade)
• Recolhimento da Porta do Sol - ou Recolhimento de Nª. Sª. das Dores e S. José das Meninas Jardim da Cordoaria (Cordoaria Garden)
• Pilares da Ponte Pênsil (Piers of the Suspension Bridge)
• Postigo do Carvão (Carvão (Coal) Entrance)
• Ponte de Luís I (Luís I Bridge)