Spotlight Destination: Rome, Italy

Mary Yohannan on

Roaming Through Rome!

Rome is rich in history, culture, fashion, and food. 

The “Eternal City” is a destination that never fails to impress visitors with its stunning architecture, iconic landmarks, and vibrant street life. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Rome has something for everyone!

Rome, the capital of Italy, is one of the oldest and most historic cities in the world. Founded in 753 BC, this vibrant cosmopolitan city is famous for its iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican City. 

With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan your trip to Rome. But don’t worry, here is a list of things to do in Rome, hidden gems to discover, and off-the-beaten-path attractions that make this city so special. 

Rome Italy

Top 5 Sightseeing Things To Do in Rome

  1. The Colosseum: The Colosseum was built in 80 AD and was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.
  2. The Pantheon: The Pantheon is a temple that is dedicated to all the gods of Ancient Rome. It was built in 27 BC and is famous for its impressive dome, which is the largest unsupported dome in the world! It’s an incredible sight.
  3. The Vatican City:  The Vatican City is another landmark that should not be missed when visiting Rome. It is the smallest independent state in the world and is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican is home to many famous landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. 
  4. The Trevi Fountain is also a must-visit landmark in Rome. It is one of the most famous fountains in the world and is known for its stunning Baroque architecture.
  5. Villa Borghese: The Villa Borghese is one of the most famous parks in Rome and is home to many museums and galleries. The park also has a lake where you can rent a boat and enjoy the scenery.

Top 5 Hidden Gems of Rome

  1. The Catacombs of San Callisto: Another off-the-beaten-path attraction is the Catacombs of San Callisto. These catacombs are located on the outskirts of Rome and are home to many ancient tombs and crypts. The catacombs offer a unique glimpse into the history of Rome.
  2. The Teatro dell’Opera di Roma: This opera house is one of the most famous opera houses in the world and has a rich history of hosting some of the best opera performances in Italy.
  3. The Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia is another famous theater in Rome and is home to many classical music performances.
  4. Shopping streets: Via Condotti is one of the most famous shopping streets in Rome and is home to many luxury fashion brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton. Another famous shopping street is Via del Corso, which is a long street that is lined with shops and department stores. 
  5. Monti Boutiques: If you are looking for something unique, then head to the vintage boutiques in Monti. This neighborhood is famous for its vintage shops and fun, bohemian vibe. Some of the best vintage shops in Monti include Pifebo, Humana Vintage, and Flamingo.
Rome Italy

Top 5 Must-Try Foods in Rome

  1. Roman-style pizza:  The Roman-style pizza is thin and crispy! It is a must-try when in Rome. Some of the best pizza places for your to try include Da Remo, Pizzarium, and Pizzeria La Montecarlo.
  2. Carbonaro: Another famous (and delicious!) Roman dish is carbonara, which is a pasta dish made with eggs, bacon, and cheese. The best place to try carbonara in Rome is at Roscioli, a famous restaurant that is known for its delicious pasta dishes.
  3. Roman Wine Bars: The city has many wine bars where you can try some of the best Italian wines while relaxing amongst gorgeous views. Some of the best wine bars to try include Il Goccetto, Enoteca Cavour 313, and Trimani.
  4. Roman coffee: When it comes to coffee, Rome has a rich coffee culture, and you can find many coffee shops all around the city. Some of the best coffee shops include Tazza d’Oro, Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè, and Roscioli Caffè.
  5. Alesso di Bollito: This is a simmered beef dish that has been around for ages! It consists of tender juicy meat that is placed on bread and dipped in its own juices. Truly delicious. 

Enjoy your time exploring the beautiful city of Rome! 

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Destination Spotlight: Paris

Mary Yohannan on

The City of Love and the City of Lights lives up to its reputation as one of the most romantic cities - and one of the most highly visited destinations in the world. 

Paris is a must-see, with over 30 million tourists visiting each year! It is filled with beautiful landmarks and monuments, picturesque gardens, high fashion, charming boulevards for strolling that are lined with romantic cafés - the French cuisine in Paris is to die for! 

Over 50,000 street lights shine a beautiful glow on Paris, creating a truly magical setting. 

So, cross Paris off your bucket-list. You won’t want to miss a thing!

Top 5 Sightseeing Things To Do

  1. River Seine Cruise: A round trip river cruise along the Seine is relaxing and romantic - something you won’t soon forget. Sail under bridges and see iconic Parisian sights from a unique perspective with panoramic views. The audio guided tours (through your smartphone) allow you to discover things about the Eiffel Tower, the Notre Dame Cathedral, Les Invalides, Musée d'Orsay, Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde, Grand Palais, and more. For a romantic spin, take the river cruise at night! The City of Light will shine, illuminating iconic sights as you leisurely pass by. There are many available (and relatively affordable!) cruise times, but be sure to reserve ahead of time. 

  1. Arc de Triomphe and Rooftop: Cast your eyes on all of Paris! The Arc de Triomphe was commissioned in 1806 to remember the soldiers whose lives were lost during the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. The treasured names are inscribed, and a vault underneath commemorates a soldier from WW1 - the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is a significant site, annually celebrated by the Bastille Day military parade and the Tour de France race. While showing respect, observe stunning views from the roof. It is fantastic, and worth the climb! You will see all of Paris, the Eiffel Tower, Sacré Coeur, Champs-Élysées, etc. 

  1. Palace of Versailles & Gardens: Take a day trip and view incredible opulence and stunning gardens at Versailles. It is truly majestic - the greatest achievement in French 17th century art. A World Heritage sight, Louis XIII's home is something you can not miss! Several reigns of kings embellished the Palace through the French Revolution. There are over 2k rooms in the palace, and the vast gardens are simply breathtaking, with hundreds of statues, fountains and water features. Thousands of plants and trees have been beautifully maintained over the years for your viewing pleasure. It’s a day not to miss! 

  1. Louvre Museum: Did you know that the Louvre is the most visited museum in the entire world? View a myriad of incredible artifacts and true artistic masterpieces, from prehistory to modern-day. The Louvre itself used to be a palace, and is now home to the world's most famous and recognizable masterpieces, like the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, the Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David, and the Vénus de Milo. Create a plan of what you’d like to see. There are tours available and visitor trails. Be sure to also take a moment to rest in the lovely gardens on site.

  2. Musée d’Orsay: Paris is art! This special museum contains the largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art in the entire world! See masterpieces you probably studied in school, by the likes of Monet, Seurat, Manet and more. You will also see stunning art by Degas, Gauguin, and Renoir. Can you imagine seeing these up close? And all in the beautiful, relaxing Orsay. Restaurants and cafés on site.Truly a lovely day. 

Top 5 Hidden Gems Of Paris

  1. Secret Covered Passages of Paris: These hidden passages are a bit less touristy, and perfect exploration spots in Paris - and a perfect rainy day activity! They date way back to the 18th and 19th centuries, but today you will find unique restaurants, book shops and shopping arcades there. Some favs: The Passage du Grand Cerf in rue Saint Denis boasts a stunning glass roof. The famous Galerie Vivienne has glittery lights and a stunning mosaic flooring, with upscale shops. The Passage des Panoramas is the oldest, with shops selling postcards, beautiful stamps, and more. The Galerie Vero-Dodat, was the first to witness gas lighting! It is filled with lovely antique shops. The Passage des Princes by the Opera Palais Garnier Opera House is filled with video games and toys, and is part of the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Celebrate the night away at the Andy Wahloo on rue des Gravilliers to enjoy creative cocktails & champagne in a cobbled outdoor courtyard.

  1. Paris Catacombs: Looking for something a bit different and a touch spooky to do? Underground Paris is home to a veritable labyrinth of tunnels that house the Catacombs in what were once quarries. This amazing underground gravesite was created in the late 17th century when Paris' cemeteries were too overcrowded. It is something unique to be experienced during your visit to Paris. Keep in mind that you will be underground in somewhat dark, cave-like tunnels, and up close to hundreds of skeletons. There are approximately six million skeletons throughout the tunnels. 

  1. Le Marais Gardens and Mansion Houses: For something historically Parisian, spend time at the Marais. The area is rich in history, filled with 17th century private mansions that were built with white freestone, with large entrances for the old horse-drawn carriages to pass through. They were once the homes of powerful nobles, bankers, lawyers, and more. Walk through the vaults of the Place des Vosges - the oldest planned square in Paris. It was built in 1605 by Henry IV. Venture off the square to less-traveled side streets, too. There, you will find quirky galleries and charming restaurants throughout the area. A perfect place to explore, dine and shop. 

  1. Rue Cremieux: For even more Parisian charm, visit the most colorful and picture-worthy street in Paris! This warm street is lined with pretty brightly colored homes along cobble stones. It's “Instagrammable”, they say. You can find it in the 12th arrondissement of Paris. These were once the homes of construction workers, and are now very desirable properties. The quaint painted house fronts have made the street a hugely popular spot for filming, too. 

  1. Promenade Plantee: This beautiful walkway was built on an unused viaduct, and is the inspiration behind the Highline in New York! Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the first elevated park in the world. The promenade is about 3 miles long, and travels from the Opéra Bastille to the Bois de Vincennes, passing above the avenue Daumesnil to the Jardin de Reuilly and finishes at Porte Dorée near the Bois de Vincennes. This scenic walk is a bit of a secret that even many Parisians are unaware of. The walk is also completely free to enjoy, and a perfect escape from busy Paris - right in the heart of the city.

Top 5 Must-Try Foods

  1. Croissants: When in Paris, do as the Parisians do! Enjoy delicious, cheap, unforgettable croissants! Start your day off French style, with an all-butter croissant for breakfast. In Paris, these perfectly flaky pastries are baked to sheer perfection. Enjoy with a nice hot coffee, sweet orange juice, or rich tea at a cafe. Croissants are a quick on-the-go meal, too. Be sure to visit a fresh boulangerie.

  1. Cheese: Cheese, please! France is known for their fine cheeses paired with delicious wines. Offering more than 300 varieties of cheese, you can find everything from a creamy brie to munster to blue in Paris. Cheese is traditionally served as its own course, right  between the main dish and the dessert. Paris truly is a cheese lover’s dream!

  1. Escargots: Another delicious treat that is not to be missed while in Paris is escargots. They say they are the national symbol, and they are not kidding around. These delicious snails are cooked in a wide variety of styles in Paris. They are often prepared in butter with white wine, or even a roquefort or truffle sauce. In Paris, escargots à la Bourguignonne is a real favorite. For this dish, a dozen are oven-roasted in their shells and served stuffed with delicious, creamy garlic herb butter. Escargots are delicious, and good for you! 

  1. Jambon-beurre: Sandwiches are always a great idea, but in Paris they are magical. They are on-the-go street food at its finest, and perfect for busy tourists, too. The Parisians keep this snack high quality, affordable, and simple. There are three key parts: fine Parisian ham, French butter, and perfectly crispy baguette. The quality of these three ingredients is always devine - the ham is just not like your standard ham elsewhere. The Parisians do this to perfection. While you are sightseeing, be sure to grab one to go, or if you have time, enjoy this perfect snack/lunch at an open air cafe with a crispy green salad and glass of wine.

  1. Macarons: Have a sweet tooth? Well, French sweets are quite possibly the finest in the world. Macarons are the most popular food in Paris. Some say they were originally created in the 18th century at a convent in France. They have just the right touch of sweetness and richness. They are delicate rounds filled with a creamy and rich interior jam-type filling. Flavors include chocolate, pistachio, carmel, vanilla and strawberry. Within Paris, you will find shops that specialize in making macarons of the highest -  most delicious - quality!

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Quick Travel Tid-bits from our other articles...

Curious about the best airport lounges? Want to get in? Tips on how to get you in!....

Did you know that there are places in the airport you can go to escape the manic nature of the terminal? They’re called airport lounges. Airport lounges are some of the best places to spend time before your flight as they are their own getaway. They often offer free food and drinks, spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, and even some provide amenities like showers and nap pods. If you are in a larger airport some lounges offer spas, barbershops and workout equipment.

CLICK HERE to read more.

Why are passports taking so long?

It all boils down to health being tantamount. The offices were closed during COVID and are still not operating at 100%. This led to a backlog in requests. Labor in every field has been impacted from the pandemic, and the Department of State is no exception. There’s only so much each person can do, which leads to a ripple effect of consequential delays.

I need to renew or get my passport, NOW!!

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Real stories on how Life is Better Traveling travel advisors aided their clients during the outbreak and disruption of COVID-19.

"I wanted to also say what a pleasure it’s been planning our trip with you. We really think your ideas would have made our trip to Italy a trip of a lifetime. We are looking forward to re-booking this vacation when the virus situation is no longer an issue. I also can’t thank you enough for all your help. Reg and I are so looking forward to calling you with new dates someday hopefully soon."

Regis Family
Philadelphia, PA

 “Mary is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! She was extremely knowledgeable about each of the cities we went to and different excursions we were able to try. She gave us wonderful recommendations of what to do and what is not worth the time and/or money. She was very organized and sent us a binder of our itinerary as well as all of the vouchers we would need for our trip. She set up personal transfers from the airports/train stations/hotels/etc. which was wonderful! We did not have to worry about what time we needed to leave or how we were going to get there. This allowed us to enjoy our trip and not stress about the details. I would recommend Mary to anyone looking for an amazing and stress-free trip! She thinks of every little thing and is there to guide you every step of the way! I will definitely be using her anytime we need a vacation and recommending her to all of our friends and family!!”

Stephanie
Ohio

LIBTGreecemktgphoto

We have changed the Greece dates to 2023.  We had so many people interested in traveling with us, but still wanted to wait another year.  We want everyone to feel comfortable, so we have decided to move the dates to 2023.    

YES, sign me up to come with you!

How to enjoy holiday light displays with the kids.

Liz Hough on

How to enjoy the holiday light displays with the kids  

 

It is that time of year when the holiday light displays are in full swing, and traveling to get to them is part of the journey.  When I say journey, I am talking about not only packing the kids up in the car to get to the display but keep them occupied while waiting in line.  Whether it is a drive through light display or walk through display, the lines can be long.  Little kids just don’t have the patience or the attention span to wait.  So how do you keep the occupied and interested?

Read the rest of this article over on the Pittsburgh Moms Blog….CLICK HERE

 

 

 

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

Halloween FUN in Williamsburg, VA

Liz Hough on

Halloween time in Williamsburg, we love it! 

 

Williamsburg, Virginia is one of my favorite places on earth to visit.  My family has been going there practically every year since I was a baby.  So when my family gets the chance, we take a long weekend and head down.  We try to go in the fall because with the changing of the leaves and the cooler weather it is a lot more enjoyable. 

 

For our trip this year we opted to get the Fall Bounce pass that would allow us to get into Colonial Williamsburg and Busch Garden for an unlimited number of times over a seven-day period.  We decided to do Colonial Williamsburg on Friday and Busch Gardens on Saturday.  Maximizing our time at Busch Gardens was our concern as there had been this constant mist that was making everything wet on Friday.

 

Read the rest of this article over on the Pittsburgh Moms Blog….CLICK HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

Best Beaches on the Amalfi Coast

Liz Hough on

The amount of inquiries to Italy last year to my travel agency increased dramatically. With many of the inquiries that come in, people want to see the iconic Amalfi Coast. Picturesque colorful towns, perched on the cliff side with beautiful sunsets. The beaches have beautiful sunsets and crystal clear water. The only problem is the beaches aren’t like what you get here in the states. The beaches on the Amalfi Coast are a mixture of sand and rock, and are much smaller. You can definitely get a good tan during certain times of the year. 

Before I get into which beaches are the best in the Amalfi coast, I want to make sure you know what the best times of year it is to go. Despite what some people think, it does get cold in Italy. People start to go to Italy the end of March, beginning of April. Around this time of year the temperature averages 50 degrees. In the September and October, the temperature averages between 65 and 75 degrees. If you plan on going swimming during any of these months, please keep in the mind the temperature. 

Here are some of the best beaches along the Amalfi Coast:

  • Spiaggia of Marina Grande in Amalfi – this beach has a central location so it can be very busy from June to September. It is very beautiful beach but due to the docks close by large number of visitors come via boat.
  • Marina Grande in Positano – this beach has the picture-perfect background of Positano. It is a smaller beach but just as perfect to spend a few hours in the sun and enjoy a cool drink.
  • Gavitella Beach in Priaiano – this is one of the smallest beaches on the Amalfi Coast coming in at only 30 meters long. It is mostly a pebble beach so don’t forget your sandals. You also have to take the stairs down to the beach which can be daunting. Once at the bottom the reward is magnificent views of Positano, the island of Li Galli and Capri! This is also one of the best beaches to view the sunset. 
  • Cavallow Morto or Cala Bellavaia of Maiori – if you are staying in Maiori you are already looking for seclusion and relaxation. If you are looking for white sandy beach, crystal clear and deep blue sea waters then this is the beach is a must. The only thing is that this beach is only accessible by boat so make sure to talk to a local fisherman to get you there.
  • Marina Piccola Beach in Sorrento – Even though Sorrento is not known for its’ beaches, there is small beach area that would be nice to spend a few hours. Next to Sorrento Port and Villa Comunale there is a small strip of volcanic sand. This stretch is occupied by both private clubs and a public area where you can enjoy crystal clear waters.  

When thinking of Italy make sure to consider the time of year you are going as it may ruin your plans to go to the beach. Call a Life is Better Traveling travel agent to help you plan so we can make sure it is the best Italy Trip for you.

Remember, Life is Better Traveling!

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

Are you hungry? Why you should take a food tour…

Liz Hough on

 One of the best ways to really get to know a city and the sights is through a food tour. You are not only walking around the city to get to the various eateries but you are seeing the sights along the way. You might walk right past the Trevi Fountain on the way to get Gelato, or you may walk down the Champs Elysées to taste some caramels. My most favorite time is when we walk through the most hidden streets or canals of a city that I would have not seen if I hadn’t taken a food tour. Popping into a hot chocolate store in Budapest on a cold, rainy day. What a pleasant surprise. 

Another great reason to take a food tour is you may not be familiar with the cuisine in the area. I didn’t know that in Romania they served smoked lard. This is something that I would never have tried here in the states, but over there they serve it with lunch followed by a shot of Pálinka, which is a traditional fruit brandy in Eastern Europe. I was pleasantly surprised by both flavors, favoring the Pálinka over the smoked lard. 

So when you are traveling to your next destination, consider stepping out on a food tour. Get to know the sights while getting to know the local cuisine. Here are some of the most delicious food tours around the world. #1 being one of the tours that our Life is Better Traveling clients say they have loved doing. 

  1. Cooking Class and Lunch at a Tuscan Farmhouse with Local Market Tour from Florence – pick fresh ingredients at a local market and learn to cook authentic Italian food. (My clients rave about this tour!)
  2.  New Orleans Cooking Class – get to know a local chef and learn how to make some of Louisiana’s most famous soul food. 
  3.  Rome Food Tour by Sunset around Prati District – visit eateries favored by Romans in the Prati neighborhood. 
  4.  Paris Secret Food Tour: Taste of Montmartre – enjoy a variety of French favorites in one of Paris’ most charming neighborhoods.
  5.  Little Havana Food and Walking Tour in Miami – one of the best ways to enjoy this historic neighborhood and sample a taste of Cuban fare.
  6.  Madrid Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour – explore the city’s culture through tapas and wine on this guided tour.
  7.  Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Tour of Melbourne – dine on gourmet cuisine as you ride through Melbourne on a vintage 1948 tramcar.
  8.  Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour – discover Catalonian food traditions in Barcelona while exploring on foot with a guide.
  9. Brussels Chocolate Walking Tour and Workshop – see some of the city landmarks on the way to a chocolate workshop led by a master chocolatier. 
  10. Tokyo by Night: Japanese Food Tour – accompany a local guide through one of Tokyo’s most well-known areas for yakitori.

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

Our Lady of Paris is also known as this cathedral in Paris

Liz Hough on

If you keep up with the news you had seen that last week one of the most iconic cathedrals in Paris succumbed to a major fire, Notre-Dame de Paris or Our Lady of Paris. This medieval cathedral begun construction in 1160 and was mostly completed by 1260. For almost 500 years continual modifications were done, but during the French Revolution much of these modifications were either damaged or destroyed. Then in the 19th Century Napoleon I had his coronation in the cathedral, and the popular book The Hunchback of Notre-Dame was released. Seeing renewed interest in the cathedral, new projects including cleaning the facade from centuries of soot of grime gave a new look to Our Lady of Paris. 

12 million people visit this cathedral every year, making it the most visited monument in Paris. People come to see the arches and buttresses of the nave, the 19th century spire, the gargoyles, and the illustration of the Last Judgement all around the outside. Once inside the cathedral, seeing the North Rose Window depicting scenes from the life is Christ is breath-taking. The massive organ originally built in 1403 but was replaced in 1730 with a much larger organ, is one of the largest organs in Europe with more than 8,000 pipes. Bells, crypts, and galleries filled with priceless materials are also things people flock this beautiful building.   

On April 15th, 2019 many people watched in horror on various news outlets as a huge fire consumed the roof of the cathedral. Watching and waiting to hear what had been damaged made many people feel like they were on pins and needles. The thought of this iconic structure and all its priceless relics being destroyed was heart-breaking. 

After a few hours, the fire-fighters finally got the fire under control before determining that if the fire had continued just a few more minutes and the worst may have happened. A week later we are finding out that most of the facade, towers, walls, buttresses, the pipe organ, and stained-glass windows remained untouched. It was also determined that many statues and relics had been removed for cleaning purposes while construction workers worked in the area where the fire started. Sections of the stone ceiling had collapsed when the iconic spire came down.

It is amazing that this structure that has been around for almost 900 years had to go through this massive fire. However, I was thankful to hear that much of this iconic, well-known cathedral will be fine. Rebuilding will be the next step, with many billionaires already pouring in pledges of hundreds of millions of Euros to restore it.  With each end comes a new beginning, so I hope this Lady of Paris has a bigger and brighter spire ahead. 

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs.

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

Want to really immerse yourself in the culture? Try this….

Liz Hough on

Catacombs…

When visiting Europe, most people tell me they want to visit famous paintings and sculptures in museums and galleries, 500-year old churches and basilicas, taste wine from some of the most respected vineyards, and enjoy new spices and food. Yes, Europe is spectacular and has all these wonderful things. No matter how many times I visit Europe, I always see something amazing and learn about a new culture. One cultural difference that I have always found fascinating were how Europeans treated their dead. Burying them in vast chambers called Catacombs. 

The very first catacombs were a system of underground tombs in Rome where the bodies of the apostles Peter and Paul were said to have been buried. Since Rome originally created these tombs, cities thereafter also called their catacombs, Roman Catacombs. It wasn’t until after the early 1800’s that each city started to name their own catacombs including the city of Paris, which infamously holds the remains of close to 2 million people. 

My first time going to visit a catacomb was to the Capuchin Catacombs of Palermo in Sicily. I wasn’t sure what to expect from these 400-year old catacombs. Quite frankly, I thought I was going to walk into a dark, chilly, and smelly underground chamber of bones. I was quite surprised. These catacombs were well lit with natural light from the outside and lights inside. There was a nice walkway with railings for support. Some of the dead were dressed in their burial clothes, while others were just bones. It was quite surreal to be walking around all these bones. At the same time, I felt a sense of togetherness. A culture that was keeping all their dead together, and were allowed to visit to see them whenever they wanted. 

This experience has taught me to open my eyes to new adventures. What I see on the television or through pictures is not the same as what it is really like when you are there in person. I am sure that not everyone enjoys going through catacombs, but for me it was an experience that I will never forget. I learned about another culture’s view of the death. I learned that it was not as scary as I thought it would be and that despite many catacombs being depicted as dark, chilly underground layers, it was quite nicely displayed. 

Various European Cities are well-known for their catacombs. Besides the most well-known ones in Rome and Paris, there are some in London, Czech Republic, Austria, Spain, Ukraine, Malta, Finland and Greece. There is even a catacomb here in the US at the St. Patrick Old Cathedral located in New York City. 

I get a lot of requests where people want to immerse themselves into the culture of the country they are going to visit. I recommend that one way you can do this is to go visit the catacombs in that region. This will really give you a good glimpse into how that particular culture views deaths and takes care of their dead. 

Some recommend tours in Europe:

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs.

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

Kids Table Talk-Secret Places in Universal

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We talk about all the amazing rides at Universal Studios. Make sure to find out about one of our favorite “secret” places to go at Universal.

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

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The #1 Visited Cathedral in Ireland!

Liz Hough on

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

In just a few short months I will be taking a group of people through the Irish Countryside visiting castles, libraries, museums, ruins, and of course distilleries. Many times when people call me about putting together a trip to Ireland they want me to include Blarney Castle but one of the most iconic churches is never on the list. Is it forgotten or just off the beaten path? 

 St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest church in all of Ireland. This majestic cathedral has been witness to nearly 800 years of Irish history. Is St. Patrick’s Cathedral related to St. Patrick? Not so much a relation but it is believed that the church was founded on the site where St. Patrick baptized converts.  If you visit the church you can not only feel the presence of what happened on this spot, but enjoy exquisite stained-glass windows, marble statues, and medieval tiling.

 Besides this spot being a spot for literary pilgrims, the author of “Gulliver’s Travels,” Jonathan Swift once served as dean here and is now buried within its gray stone walls. If you decide to visit the castle and do an independent tour a guided tour, make sure to stop by to see all this amazing cathedral has to offer. You might want to make sure you opt in for the skip-the-line access to get into the cathedral. 

 

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Travelers can explore independently or take part in guided tours, which take place several times daily from Monday to Saturday.
  • The cathedral is wheelchair accessible.
  • The Dublin Pass includes cathedral entry.
  • Take time to stroll through the adjacent St. Patrick’s Park, a grassy square with perfectly framed views of the cathedral.

 How to Get There

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is located in the heart of Dublin city center, within easy strolling distance of several other big-name attractions, including Christ Church Cathedral and Dublin Castle. Ride the Luas Green Line tram to the terminus, St. Stephen’s Green; St. Patrick’s is about a 10-minute walk from there. Dublin Bus run several routes (49, 54a, 56a, 77a, and 151) to the cathedral.

Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:30am-5pm. Mar-Oct: open Saturday from 9am-6pm, Sunday 9am-10:30am, 12:30pm-2:30pm, 4:30pm-6pm. Nov-Feb: open Saturday from 9am-5pm, Sunday 9am-10:30am, 12:30pm-2:30pm

Admission: Adults: €6.50

 Some information provided by Viator.com

As always, Life is Better Traveling!

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

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