Europe Archives - Travel Destination Bucket List

Tips For A First Time Visit To Russia

May 19, 2019 By anthony Leave a Comment

When it comes to travelling, everyone always wants to explore a country that’s new, unique and maybe a bit challenging. Countries with lots of history, great food, and welcoming people are always a bonus, so many people often go for the tried and tested locales like Mexico, Thailand or Greece. Many don’t usually consider the delights to be had in Eastern Europe, and namely in the enormous country of Russia. Sound like something you’re up for? Check out this great article for some tips for a first time visit to Russia.

Get Your Visa Before You Go

One of the most important things to do before heading off to Eastern Europe is to check out visa requirements. For Russia in particular, as well as many of its neighbours, visas are required and many don’t often provide visas on arrival. Therefore it’s a great idea to look into getting your visas before you go, to avoid getting delayed or rejected from entering the country altogether. There are a number of ways to do so, such as going to the embassy or consulate yourself, but getting a Russian visa online is so much easier, cheaper and far less hassle. Not only that, but you can be sure that your application is in the hands of professionals who do this kind of thing for a living, so you don’t run the risk of missing out something important from your application.

Choose Your Destinations

Russia is HUGE! And we do mean HUGE! It spans the gamut from the border with Ukraine in the west, with Russia’s westernmost borders being directly north of the likes of Turkey while in the east it borders China, the Bering Sea and North Korea. It goes to show just how enormous this country really is, so you need to make decisions as to your destinations while inside. Coming from the UK, it’s often quite a hefty trip, so sometimes you might stop off in Krakow or other nearby cities to connect to flights to Russia. Why not make the most of your time in Krakow and book a taxi to see the sights of the city before your flight? Before you get to Russia though, consider which cities you want to visit – the possibilities are huge!

Food Options You Have To Try

When people think of Russian food, they might be surprised to learn that it’s not bland and just consisting of potato as is the stereotype. Russian food is varied, delicious and is some of the best in the world. Beetroot soup known as Borscht, often with chunks of beef, lashings of sour cream and sprinklings of dill is one of the most delicious soup options you can go for. Small, half-moon shaped dumplings known as varenyky are delicious as well, especially when paired with sour cream. Sausages, pies, and baked goods are numerous and varied. In short – we’re sure you won’t starve in Russia, especially if you’re open minded and like to try new foods.

So if you’re looking for a cool, slightly challenging place, consider Russia for your next getaway. It’s more than worth it and you’ll be left wondering why you didn’t go sooner. Enjoy!

Top 5 reasons to visit the Lake District in the UK

April 1, 2019 By Admin Leave a Comment

If you haven’t yet visited the Lakes, where have you been? Thanks to the abundance of stunning natural scenery, the welcoming nature of the local people, and the overall relaxed vibe, the Lakes is the perfect place for winding down whilst also immersing yourself in proper British culture. In the county of Cumbria, the Lake District is Britain’s largest national park, covering a huge 2,292 sq km. Most famous for its abundance of beautiful crystal watered lakes, the area boasts some of the most beautiful picturesque views, whilst also being rich in historical culture. But if that doesn’t persuade you, here’s 5 reasons why you should visit the Lake District:

Food glorious food

Sampling all that the Cumbrian countryside has to offer is nothing short of a delight. With so many local watering holes and eateries to delve into, Cumbria truly is the place to be if you’re a foodie. Be it classic pub food, or something a little more up market, the Lakes has it all. Indulge in a traditional British afternoon tea, complete with tea by the pot, jam and cream scones and delicate finger sandwiches for the ultimate in British country cuisine.

Photography

If you’re a keen photographer, the Lakes is definitely the place for you! The endless landscapes, stunning wildlife and breath-taking views make it a photography dream, be it amateur or professional. To get the ultimate shot, head down to one of the many fantastic lakeside areas at dawn, to snap the scenery as the sun rises.

Events galore

From beer festivals to bonfires, there’s a traditional event for everyone in the Lakes. Take inspiration from the season by visiting Beatrix Potter at Hill Top and have the opportunity to see the very place the writer, most famous for The Tale of Peter Rabbit, lived. If delving into the culture of the Lakes isn’t your cup of tea, there’s also a huge range of historic public houses ready to serve you craft beers and home-brewed ale.

It’s a little luxury

Visiting the Lakes gives you the opportunity to spend some time relaxing, indulging in a little me time and looking after yourself. Renting a cottage is the best way to see the lakes, not only does it give you the freedom to do whatever you please, but lots of properties come with free standing baths or hot tubs, perfect for that little bit of luxury living. There are a fantastic range of Lake District cottages from Lakelovers, one of which could well be your dream resting place. Ranging from romantic boltholes to picture-postcard luxury and everything in between, there’s something for everyone.

Peace and Quiet

Going to the Lakes gets you out of the hustle and bustle of daily life, as well as being able to see a part of the world previously hidden and gives you the opportunity to steal a moment or two to yourself. Submerging yourself into tranquil surroundings naturally leads to a feeling of calm, and what better way to do that than in the beautiful setting of the Lake District.

How to make the most of a weekend getaway in Belfast

September 25, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

There’s no doubt that Belfast has always been appealing from a tourist perspective; after all, it’s only a stone’s throw from the rest of the UK. However, over recent years its popularity has soared, with the rise of budget airlines partially to thank for this.

To suggest that people only visit Belfast due to its accessibility would be doing it a terrible disservice though. There are in fact plenty reasons behind the tourist appeal to Belfast, with its luxury hotels and general atmosphere being just a couple of note. However, for the purposes of highlighting exactly what you can do there, let’s now talk about the best attractions that this city has to offer.

Titanic Belfast

Truth be told, you could visit a number of cities around the world and feast your eyes on a Titanic museum. There’s a major difference when it comes to Belfast though – this is the city in which the boat was actually built.

That’s right, and the most interesting element of this is that it only really opened in the aftermath of the hugely successful movie. It cost £97m to build, is now the largest Titanic museum in the world and back in 2016 it was classed as the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction by the World Travel Awards.

Crumlin Road Gaol

When you first venture to Crumlin Road Gaol, it might sound bizarre to hear that this was once one of the most advanced prisons of its era. Of course, that was all the way back in 1845 – but back then it cost £60,000 (which is the equivalent to more than £5m in today’s money).

It closed its doors in 1996 but makes a very good attraction for those who like to delve into history. The tour allows you to visit inside, including the Governor’s office and execution cell.

St George’s Market

If markets are your thing, St George’s is right up there with the best. The fact that it has been operating since 1604 should highlight exactly how historic it is, but it’s also the last Victorian covered market that can be visited in the whole of the city.

In 2014, it was classed as the best indoor market in 2014 and with almost 300 stalls available, this really shouldn’t have come as a surprise.

HMS Caroline

As you may have gathered from the Titanic reference earlier, Belfast has some terrific maritime attractions. HMS Caroline is one of these, with this being the final ship that survived the Battle of Jutland.

Of course, since then it has been restored into a full-blown tourist attraction. Those who visit it will get audio and visual displays, and learn how the 300 men who worked aboard the ship really lived.

If history isn’t your thing, you should probably skip this one. Otherwise, add it to your bucket list for Belfast – it’s a sterling ship that always grabs rave reviews from anyone who decides to visit.

5 Reasons to Visit Europe on Your Gap Year

March 16, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

There’s no question about it, being a student is a lot of hard work and often a lot of stress. It seems as though there is always a flow of assignments, projects, and reading to be done, and for many students, they are also juggling a part-time job at the same time, never mind a social life. While it’s great to transition straight from secondary school right into your next form of schooling, such as one of the best surgical tech schools that the U.S. is known for, it’s not exactly the relaxing way to do things. This is where a gap year comes into play.

If you’ve decided that you’re going to take a year off, or a gap year, between completion of high school and the start of college or university, then why not make the absolute most of your time. Here we’ll take a look at top five reasons to visit Europe during your gap year.

A Lesson in History and Architecture

One of the greatest reasons to visit Europe during your gap year is the fact you’ll be able to enjoy a lesson in history and architecture that you can’t get from flipping through textbooks. Being able to see these sights in real-life is a whole other experience and can provide more meaning to the sites and attractions.

Learn a New Language

If you plan on spending a significant amount of time in Europe, either traveling around or staying in one place, you may also have the ability to start picking up a new language. For those who have hopes of learning another language while in Europe, you can always get a head start and begin with lessons at home.

Experience Different Cultures and Cuisines

Sure, you may enjoy going to that local Italian eatery near your home or enjoy sampling various draft beers at the local English-style pub, but that’s not a true reflection of the cuisine and culture in Europe. Visiting these countries in person gives you a chance to dine where the locals dine, experience their culture, and the atmosphere. These just aren’t possible unless you visit in person.

Broaden Your Understanding of the World

For those students who have never traveled outside their own country, it can come as a pretty big shock just how different other places can be. It’s not just how the countryside looks, it’s the people, their way of life, and the social economics of that destination. It’s a wonderful way to broaden your understanding of the world, which can help you to see things in a different light.

A Chance to Think About Your Future

Perhaps you’re taking a gap year because you’re unsure of what you want to do with your future and what career path you want to take. Traveling to another country can give you a new perspective on things, open your eyes to career paths that match your interests, and help identify areas where you excel. At the very least, it will ensure you come back with a clear mind, allowing you to make a decision about your future.

A trip to Europe can easily be the most beneficial thing you do for yourself during your gap year.

Exploring the World of the European Ossuary

February 21, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

The enduring popularity of both murder mysteries and true-life crime illustrates the human fascination with death and the macabre. These subjects exert a hold over us that we relish despite our discomfort or even revulsion. The reasons behind our love of the grislier side of life are rooted in our feelings about our own mortality, and many worthy tomes and scientific papers have been written examining this phenomenon. Whatever lies behind it, the demand for books, films, TV shows and other forms of entertainment that draw on this fascination with death shows no sign of diminishing. If you are one of the many who loves these darker experiences, you will probably enjoy visiting one of Europe’s amazing ossuaries, where real human bones are preserved and displayed.

Italy

Palermo’s Capuchin catacombs in Sicily are home to a collection of 8,000 bodies, embalmed after death and then put on display. The remains are generally skeletal, but seeing them dressed in their finest clothes for their funerals brings an element of the bizarre to the display. Rome, home of so many historical wonders, has its own ossuary in the church of Santa Maria della Concezione. The bones of over 4,000 Capuchin monks have been used to create artistic displays, in what is intended to be a celebration of life and the importance of living every day to the full.

Portugal and France

Evora’s Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) in Portugal is constructed entirely from human remains. The crown molding is formed from rows of human skulls, and the walls are packed with ribs and tibias. The chapel was decorated by 16^th-century monks when they ran out of room for burials and had to fit 5,000 bodies within the chapel. Possibly the most well-known underground collections of bones are in the Paris Catacombs. The remains of an astonishing six million French citizens are stored in the maze of subterranean chambers, due to a historical lack of burial space above ground, coupled with the practical application of using bodies to help support the abandoned mines that were posing a threat to the stability of the city above.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is home to a vast collection of around 60,000 skeletons which have been used to decorate the chapel of the Kutna Hora church. The Sedlec Ossuary features skull candelabras and huge bone pyramids amongst its gruesome décor, with a chandelier formed from all the bones of the human skeleton taking center stage. The Brno Ossuary had lain almost forgotten until 2001 when construction excavations began under St Jacob’s Square. The archaeologists brought in to perform routine checks on the area were amazed to find the bodies of 50,000 people, thought to have been dug up and placed in storage in the underground channels to make room in the cemeteries for the newly deceased.

These collections of bones and skeletons may sound morbid and creepy, even if you do have a taste for a good scare, but when you visit an ossuary, you will be struck by how beautiful some of these displays can be, and what a marvel the mind and body of the human being can be.

Rome’s Colosseum – all you need to know

August 17, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Say Rome to most people and they’ll think of all sorts of things – great food, stunning architecture and fascinating history. For sure, it’s got to go on your bucket-list. There’s loads to see and do in the Italian capital – you can do most things in a day but a longer city break would the best option to absorb all that Rome offers.

Rome is home, of course, to one of the New Wonders of the World – the Colosseum, or the Colosseo, as it’s known locally. And if you’re in town, it’s well worth a visit. Here’s all you need to know about landmark that’s known the world over.

It’s a ‘wow’ attraction

It may not be in perfect condition, but what’s left of Rome’s Colosseum is still awe-inspiring. The massive, dominating structure is one of the New Wonders of the World – having been voted for by 90 million people. A team of experts had a good think about it and decided it was a ‘masterpiece of unquestionable value’ – loved by Romans and visitors alike.

When you walk up to the Colosseum, you won’t fail to be stunned. Standing beside it, you can really imagine what it would have been like in its day, and the sounds that would have come from it. The round structure could bring in massive crowds around its central arena.

Not just big – it’s the largest of its kind

In its day, the Colosseum had four rows with 80 arcades. Each one of those had 70,000 seats. Imagine how many people altogether. The best way to get an idea of this is to take a Colosseum Arena Floor tour.

It’s the largest amphitheater in the world. A huge monument, that’s gone on to remain a symbol of Rome’s past. And it’s why so many visitors flock to it every year to see this wonder of ancient architecture – and why it’s also so loved by modern day Romans as well.

The famous gladiators…

Go to the Colosseum and you’ll no doubt see a gladiator or two – well, not real ones, but guys dressed up as them, and who are happy to pose for a tourist photo if you line their hand with euros. They’re a symbol of the Colosseum’s lively and infamous past.

The Flavian Amphitheatre, which was built by Emperor Vespasian, was where games happened in ancient Rome. Of course, they were the scene of gladiator fights. These usually involved prisoners of war or slaves – the aim was to win their freedom.

There were also re-enactments of naval battles on artificial lakes. Julius Caesar first brought up the idea, but it was Titus who first brought the display to the Colosseum – with water coming into the arena and outside of it.

Getting there

You’ll find the Colosseum at Piazza del Colosseo 1 in Rome and it’s open every day. You can reach it by taking a bus, there are many of them so check local listings. You can also take Tram number 3 and Metro Line B, to the ‘Colosseo’ stop.

5 Outdoor Activities in the UK That Are Not For The Faint-hearted

June 6, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Are you looking for an amazing activity in the UK? There are many things to do here that will keep you entertained. Not just the norm of skiing in Europe. If you are the kind of person who chases adrenaline more than relaxation in your free time, then check out these activities which will certainly give you that adrenalin high.

Skydiving

Jumping out of an aeroplane mid-flight might sound scary. But if it’s adrenalin fuelled excitement you are looking for then try a Skydive. Feel that rush of air against your face and the notion of free-falling through the clouds as the ground gets ever closer. Most beginners usually start with a tandem dive where you are strapped to an instructor who does all the complicated bits. You are left to enjoy the pull of the parachute opening and the gentle glide back to earth.

Cliff jumping

For thrill seekers cliff jumping is an excellent choice for an outdoor activity in the UK. Definitely a amazing and memorable thing to do. Jumping straight into the sea from a height is not for the faint -hearted. But it is safe as long as you book with a reputable guide. They know the safest places to jump and will review your abilities. All that’s left to do is take the plunge.

Wakeboarding

An extreme sport which is a cross between snowboarding and water skiing. An adrenalin junkies dream especially if you like water sports. There are some perfect locations in the UK, with rugged coastlines and beaches with instructors available so you can give wakeboarding a go. This sport is popular with surfers and other water sport enthusiasts but anyone can give it a try. Check out the TOAD website if you are looking for great UK activities like this to try.

Bungee Jumping

Quite a brave thing to do, jump off a platform, only to be thrust back up and down until the bungee cord becomes slack. But what a rush you will feel once you take that plunge. Don’t worry though, the cord is extremely strong and designed to stretch during the jumper’s fall and to repeatedly snap back up. Each jumper is weighed, to make sure that the correct bungee rope is used. So as long as you book with a safe well-known company, all you have to concentrate on is stepping off that platform.

Power boating

Driving or riding in a speed boat is probably going to make you feel like James Bond. Does that sound like a thrilling outdoor activity to enjoy in the UK? You’re definitely going to think you are in a movie as you speed along the water. Learn about racing lines and how to control the boat as you travel along in style, whilst feeling the air on your face as you zoom along.

Have you noticed that a lot of these activities involve jumping or diving? You might have to be brave or insane depending on how you look at it. Whether it’s a scary tourist attraction or an adrenalin fuelled break, there are plenty of choices here in the UK. For a unique holiday destination with amazing outdoor activities you don’t have to look very far. The UK has plenty of places to enjoy extreme activities and make it a great sporting break.

Amazing Summer Holiday with the Family On A Farm In the Alps

April 3, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

Photo credit: Pixabay

Getting away from it all with the whole family can sometimes be difficult. It can be hard to choose what to do to keep everyone entertained and interested. So why not try a unique family summer holiday on a farm in the alps? You’ll get plenty of fresh air, have fun and learn some new skills too. Here are some reasons you should try a farm stay in the Alps with the kids this summer.

Learn what it’s like to live and work on a farm

A farm stay in the Alps is a great idea for a family summer holiday. The Alpine traditional farm life is like no other and this is your opportunity to get a taste of this lifestyle. Some children may not have met some of the animals they find on the farm, let alone helped to care for and feed them. On a farm stay you can learn all about how to look after the farm animals and how the crops are grown and produced. Some stays also include cooking with the farmer’s wife using with the fresh produce from your location. It can be a real eye-opening experience for some children especially if they haven’t been on a farm before.

Try new activities

There are some new and exciting things you can do whilst on your farm stay summer holiday. Why not learn to ride horses as a family, some farms offer lessons and guides to take you out for a trot or a gallop. You could also take a hike or walk amongst the mountains and valleys in your beautiful alpine setting. Other farming related activities you could try are milking cows and churning butter, collecting eggs and herb picking. It’s great for the kids to learn about how their food is made and where it comes from. Why not try a tractor ride too and feel like a real farmer!

Get out into the fresh air

Staying on a farm in the alps can kick start your healthy lifestyle by getting you outdoors and breathing that fresh Alpine air. You will probably be up early and out and about with all the things you want to do. Even if you don’t want to try any particular activities, exploring the area you are staying in and soaking up the relaxing environment will do wonders for your health. It’s also a time to put away the electronics and spend some time away from the screen. Well maybe bring your camera along to capture those special moments.

Where to go on your farm stay holiday

There are some perfect locations in the Alps for your family farm holiday. In Austria, France and Italy you can find farms to accommodate you’re stay. Try Tirol in Austria for spectacular mountain scenery and to learn about organic farming. Or Morzine in the French Alps for postcard perfect views and incredible food. In Italy, you will find the Alpine location appealing and very friendly for families. And the Swiss Alps should not be forgotten too where you can enjoy skiing as well as most stays will be very close to the lifts.

As you can see there are lots of reasons to book a farm stay holiday in the Alps this summer. You’ll enjoy your summer family holiday just as much as a winter family holiday in the Alps. These kind of holiday memories can stay with all the family for years to come. Have you ever stayed on a farm in the Alps? What was your experience?

Don’t Miss These Hikes In Malta

January 4, 2017 By anthony Leave a Comment

There are so many great and famous hikes around the world that most would not even consider Malta when planning a vacation. However, this little archipelago is home to a wide range of beautiful treks and day trips, which offer both geographical and cultural wonders.

These four hikes are some of the best in Malta and are a great way for visitors to get a holistic experience of this beautiful country

Dingli Cliffs

The Dingle Cliffs are one of the most picteresque and popular trails in Malta. Their popularity not only relies on their natural beauty, but also on the rural nature of the surrounding countryside. The cliffs offer a large variety of options for all abilities. There are gentle slopes with a pleasant cafe at the end or much longer, full day, hike options that will provide challenge for more experienced hikers.

All of these routes can be found a short walk from Dingli town itself, which has frequent bus links from Rabat, Valletta and St Julians. As well as the hiking opportunities, there are also sites of prehistoric interest along the cliffs, which provide a fascinating short break. As well as these Bronze Age sites, the cliffs also include a small church dedicated to Mary Magdalene, at the highest point in all of Malta. As you can imagine, this church offers spectacular views to the surrounding areas.

Valletta City Walk

Although when thinking of hiking we automatically picture wide open spaces and isolation, Malta also offers a great capital city. These hiking tours not only create an opportunity to take in the amazing views on foot, they also include a huge amount of culture for those willing to take on the historic city of Valletta on foot.

One of the most popular of these tours is ‘Malta’s Medeival Capital’ tour. Starting in the Upper Barracca Gardens, it begins by showing you the opulence of the world’s deepest harbour and takes you through a tour of the city and of Malta’s fascinating history. If you fancy being more independent on your hike around Valletta, there are a large range of tours that you can download and complete on your own.

Using these virtual walks will not only give you a wider insight into the culture of the place but it will also give you the opportunity to see the capital of Malta as a local. You might come across a hidden cafe or a beautiful view you can’t imagine isn’t in the guide books, either way it will show you the beauitful city of Valletta as you never would have before.

Golden Bay to Bahrija

For hikers who are looking for a bit more challenge on their holiday to Malta, this 6 mile hike from Golden bay to Bahrija could be just the thing. Starting in the holidaymakers hotspot, this hike travels south along the coast path towards the small town of Bahrija. Due to the high altitude of this village, hiking is ideal, although a bit of a challenge.

The brisk north winds combined with the sunshine means offers a truly refreshing and scintiallating walk up to some spectacular views. The panorama from Bahrija allows the dedicated hiker to see around Northern Mata as well as the South West of Gozo. On really clear days Sicily can even be seen in the distance. Bahrija has two churches, one of which is still in use and dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours. There are celebrations held here on the 11^th November. They include adults giving gifts of dried fruit and mixed nuts to the children, ideal snack food after the trek up to the churches.

Comino Circuit

Comino is the smallest of Malta’s three main islands and this is much of its charm. Being only 3.5 square kilometers the island is mostly uninahabited, having only one hotel. The main draw for the area is the blue lagoon, which is very popular in summer for day trippers as it has excellent snorkelling and windsurfing opportunities.

Here, there is also the same historical signifance that surrounds all of Malta. This island was inhabited during the Roman period as well as being used as hunting ground by The Knights of Malta. For hikers this island is a paradise; it has no main roads or, aside from the hotel, private areas and hikers can essentially go where they please. This gives visitors the opportunity to take in and marvel at the atmosphere of the place which is only helped by the scent of wild thyme and herbs that the lack of cars or urban life allows to waft right across the island.

For such a small country, Malta is the hikers dream. It supports a range of difficulties and, perhaps what is so individual to this spectacular place, a incredibly ecclectic range of locations and backgrounds for your hikes. Whether you fancy a short morning walk ending in a goreous restaurant, something to break up the beach days or even an adventure on a new island that’s like nowhere you’ve ever been, Malta has it to offer in spades.

If you have been on one of these hikes or you’ve found your own individual hiking expreience in Malta then leave a comment below to let us know.

This is a guest post sponsored by The Radisson Malta and written by Steve Ewins; an Avid Traveller and Blogger who has visited more than 80 countries.

All Photos released under the creative commons license.

Top three things to see and do in Rome this winter

December 15, 2016 By anthony Leave a Comment

When most people plan a winter getaway, they think of snow-capped mountains and cosy wooden cabins, but city breaks can be just as enjoyable if you know where to go. One of the most popular winter destinations these days is Rome, and with so much on offer, it isn’t hard to see why. We’ve put together our top things to see and do to save you some time when you decide to head there this season.

Visit the attractions it’s famous for

All the locals say that the best time to visit places like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are during the winter months. Why? Because there are nowhere near the number of tourists compared to the rest of the year.

There will be no waiting around in queues or getting frustrated with crowds, so try to take in as many of these sites as possible during your stay. From the Sistine Chapel and the Pantheon, to when you stop for a gelato on the Spanish Steps, you’ll be able to marvel at the beautifully preserved ancient architecture and relics in peace.

Take in an opera

With a city so rich in history and culture, it’s not surprising that one of Rome’s favourite past times is indulging in the art of music. From classical concerts and operas, to elegant ballets, you’ll be able to find a jam-packed schedule of events over the winter season.

Whether you’re heading there for New Year and you want to catch their famous annual concert, or you’re itching to watch an opera to rid you of January blues, just make sure you book your tickets before they all sell out. These are incredibly popular events, so head over to Rome Opera Tickets to reserve your seat.

Write a new recipe book

If you’re a lover of gastronomy whose favourite part about winter is the comfort food, you’ll feel right at home in Rome this season. For one thing, you’ll be surrounded by all the treats that Italy is famous for, including a pizza parlour on every corner, not to mention plenty of gelato vendors. During the winter months though, you’ll find that it’s Panettone and frappe that are the most popular sweet treats around, while you can get delicious hot bowls of Pasta e ceci (pasta and chickpeas) and minestra (vegetable and pasta soup) for lunch.

There will be plenty of food markets for you to make your way around too, where you can pick up cooking tips from the locals. Who could go to one of the most magical cities in the world at Christmastime and not sample the festive fayre, or purchase some souvenirs for the family along the way? Head for Piazza Navona for a real seasonal treat.

When are you heading to Rome? We’d love to hear what you have planned, so don’t forget to share your story by leaving a comment in the section below.