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)

Ibiza / Eivissa

Ibiza/ Eivissa is one of the 4 beautiful Balearic Islands (Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca, Menorca) with amazing beaches, high cliffs, densely covered forests, and the old town which is designated by UNESCO. Walking joyfully through the old town you will not even need a map, it is pretty easy to discover this cute city.

  

Some people declare the island as paradise. Beaches are impressive in every sense; the sand, the crystal turquoise water, and the breathtaking sunset. The remarkably mild climate makes the island more attractive, even in winter it is a nice place to visit especially if you are not so much into crowd.

Ibiza has fame as being a club paradise too, it is also known as the party capital of Europe. Ibiza is a non-sleeping Island. There are various beach bars, disco bars, famous clubs, discotheques, etc... At the first moment when you arrive in the city, you realize this fact and you will be informed about your alternatives.

There are 5 municipalities on the Island. Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Santa Eularia des Riu, Sant Antoni de Portmany, Sant Joan de Labritja and Eivissa-Ibiza. Each has its own unique characteristics. The capital city is Eivissa. The Island is small and transportation between the cities is pretty well connected by buses. The only exception is from the airport. From the airport you can rent a car, however if you plan to get into a bus be aware that although there are buses to Ibiza Vila all the time, this is not valid for the other cities. 

Depending on the season there are some buses to the other cities. So if you plan to take the bus, check in advance. Some hotels have their own shuttles from the airport.

You can find all Catalan/Spanish traditional food such as paella, gazpacho, varieties of sea food, etc. It is possible to visit other 3 Islands (Formentera, Mallorca and Menorca) by a ferry.

To-Do List:

• A walk in the old part of the town through the narrow streets and lovely houses,
• Visiting some of the beaches around the island (there are 80 beaches),
• Visiting Formentera (25/35 km away from Ibiza by ferry)  (http://www.trasmapi.com/ferry-ibiza-formentera/es/trasmapi.html),
• Visiting Talamanca beach (spectacular views especially around sunrise and sunset with the crystal turquoise water),
• Don't miss to taste a slice of scrumptious Gató d'Ametlla (almond cake).

Prague/Praga/Praha/Prag

Prague is the capital and the largest city in the Czech Republic. As magical as Paris, the city looks like a history book. In terms of its history, art, shopping opportunities, and sightseeing, it provides unique alternatives.

In this multicultural city, you can see the effects of Germany, Austria, even Russia. When you visit the city you see even more influences than these countries. Besides these, it includes hundreds of extraordinary beauties too. For an ideal quick trip, 5 days are enough, though you will never feel enough :))

Prague consists of several parts, and it is possible to see those parts on the city map. 

Here is my must-be-seen list : 

• The Jewish Town, 
• the Old Town, 
• the Charles Bridge, 
• the Castle, 
• Loreta, 
• Vysehrad.

Praha 1 covers Old Town and the Castle area. The bridge separates the castle part from the old town.



From Mustek metro station you can reach the new city and the old town. In this part of the city you find:

• Charles Bridge (Karlův most)
• Boat trips (just behind this historical bridge.)
• Lessser Town
• Municipal House (OBECNÍ DŮM)
• Powder Tower (Prašná brána)
• The old town square
• The Astronomical clock (Pražský orloj)
• 
  
• New Town Hall
• Strahov Monastery

• Church of Our Lady Before TYN
• National Theatre
• St Nicholas Church
• Old New Synagogue

The Jewish Town Hall (Židovská radnice) in Josefov, Prague, is an 18th century Rococo building that is the center of the local Jewish community. It is perhaps best known for its two clocks (one with Roman numeral markings, and the other, lower, with Hebrew numbers.

The Castle: In order to go to the castle area take the metro and get off at IP Pavlova, later take tram number 22, get off just before Pohoreke tram station. Don't forget that at 12:00pm (in the middle of the day)  there is an impressive military show in front of the castle. Although it is called the castle area, it is more than a castle, the area is impressive with the breathtaking view too. Here you can visit Prague Castle (Pražský hrad) & Loreta Palace, the Cathedral and more...  The zone includes full of charming structures.

Praha 2 is on the other side of the city. Vysehrad is a park with a whole view of the city that is worth visiting in this part. To go there you need to take the metro, the name of the station is Vysehrad.

Praha 5
Bertramka Mozart's house and the Dancing Building are in this part.

Kutna Hora

If you have left time, an option to visit can be a close city called Kutna Hora. Kutná Hora is an ancient silver mining town. During the Middle Ages, it was the most important city in the Kingdom of Bohemia after Prague. The city is preserved by UNESCO as a world heritage site. In this city you will find one of the weirdest things that you might imagine in your life :) "Ossuary in Sedlec"; a town chapel decorated with human bones. For more interior photos: http://www.ludd.luth.se/~silver_p/NewSedlec/index.htm.

About the Czech cuisine; the traditional food is not exactly what one would call dietary :), however it is delicious. It mostly consists of pork or beef meat with sauce and a side dish, the most common and liked food are dumplings.

Dumplings (“knedliky”): They are the Czech traditional side dish containing wheat or potato flour, the combination is boiled in water as a roll and then sliced and served hot.

Trdelník, a traditional cake, is made from rolled dough, wrapped around a stick then grilled and topped with sugar and walnut mix.

Rice, potatoes (boiled, baked, or fried) are other side dishes. Chicken, duck, turkey, fish, rabbit, and lamb are also used in some very tasteful Czech dishes.

A good choice can be the Guláš (read like in English, “goulash“), even though it basically belongs to traditional Hungarian cuisine.

Also, you can find some Czech classics out of the restaurants, such as Fried Cheese (Smažený Sýr, read “smazhenee seer”) garnished with potatoes (I recommend baked potatoes) and Tatarská Omáčka, read “tatarska omachka (Tartar sauce).

Czeck cuisine provides several soup opportunities. The most appreciated Czech soups (polévka) are onion (Cibulačká, read “tsibulachka”) and garlic soup (Česneková polévka, read “Chessnekova polevka”), but the specialty for Christmas is the fish soup (Rybí polévka). Also, another very tasty one is Goulash Soup (Gulášová polévka), a spicy thick (creamy) soup, served with brown bread.

Trdelnik, the sweet cake,  is a type of dough wrapped around a spindel and cooked on a spit over an open fire. It's then rolled in a sugar and spice mixture. There are varieties of toppings such as chocolate, apple, walnut, etc.

It is not fair finishing this part without mentioning the famous Czech beer(pivo); Czech beer deserves its fame !!! I suggest you try dark Czech beer or a mixture of dark and light beers. The most famous brand is Pilsner Urquell. Hot wine (Svarak) is also popular. Besides these, there is a famous drink which doesn't include alcohol: A native coke called Kofola. In comparison with Coke, it contains 30% less sugar, 50% less caffeine and it does not contain phosphoric acid. It tastes herbal flavor and in my opinion, it is pretty original.

About shopping in Prague, keep in mind that you can find the chinaware and crystals here for a reasonable price.

 Basic Expressions

• Good morning: Dobré jitro
• Good day: Dobrý den
• Good evening: Dobré večer
• Goodbye: Nashledanou
• Yes: Ano
• No: Ne
• Please: Prosím
• Thank you: Děkuji
• Excuse me: Promiňte/Dovolte prosím
• Sorry: Pardon

Transportation:

At the airport, there are some daily tickets, 3-day, 5-day tickets for the buses. Once you validated them at the first use, you don't have to validate them just don't forget to keep it with you all the time during your trips.

Again at the airport, you will find the first tourism information point to get the first info and most importantly a map.

From the airport after buying your ticket, take Bus 119 to Devijvicka station which is the last station. When you get off at that station take the metro and get off at Mustek or Museum stations both are at the downtown of the city.

Metro Lines

Metro is the most efficient, fast, and highly integrated way of transport in Prague (05.00 a.m. to midnight). The three metro lines are:
Line A (Green): From Skalka to Dejvicka running east to west.
Line B (Yellow): From Cerny most to Zlicin running east to west.
Line C (Red): From Ladvi to Haje running north to south.

The three transfer stations where two lines intersect each other.

Mustek (lower end of Wenceslas Square): lines A and B
Muzeum (upper end of Wenceslas Square): lines A and C
Florenc (main bus station): lines B and C

Enjoy Praha!