The most celebrated holiday in Italy (after Christmas, of course) is Pasqua, the Italian word for “Easter” whose etymological roots are found in the Greek Pascka and Hebrew Pasach, which mean “Passover.” And while Pasqua is celebrated throughout Italy, each region, commune and village has its own traditions – deep and rich – to commemorate the death and resurrection of the Christ In the Eternal City of Rome, just outside the Colosseum, many watch and participate as the Pope leads a procession through the 14 stages of the Passion on Good Friday, reading meditations along the way. READ MORE
As legend has it, Rome, Italy, was founded by the twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, in 700 B.C. The former Caput Mundi, or Capital of the World, sits beneath Palatine Hill, where the ruins of its original incarnation are open for exploration.
No Rome tour is complete without stopping by the remains of the Temple of Saturn and Arch of Septimus, both located in the Roman Forum. Get in touch with your inner gladiator and stop by the Colosseum, a relic of Roman bloodsports and perhaps the most recognizable element of the city.
Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure you’ll return to Rome one day; don’t toss in two coins unless you’re ready to fall in love with a Roman. Continue your Rome sightseeing in St. Peter’s Square, home of St. Peter’s Basilica. The world’s largest church, designed by Michelangelo, is both a remarkable structure and a tribute to faith. You can look down from the famous dome to the Holy Square, which is usually filled with the faithful looking to obtain a blessing from the Pope. After this, it’s just a few steps to restaurants filled with Italian food. Forget coming back to Rome – you’ll never want to leave.
This Sunday, Venice’s Grand Canal will be transported back to its glorious past at the Regata Storica, the main event in the annual “Voga alla Veneta” rowing calendar. 16th-Century-style boats carry local dignitaries along the Grand Canal surrounded by gondoliers in colourful period costumes, followed by four boat races.
Every first Sunday in September, the spectacular Regata Storica parades down the Grand Canal, the main waterway in Venice. The Regata Storica is one of the great Italian traditions that has deep roots in Venice’s history.
This unique sport has been practised in the Venetian lagoon for thousands of years and today it is particularly well-known for the spectacular historical water pageant that precedes the race. An unforgettable sight and a true reconstruction of the glorious past of one of most the powerful and influential Maritime Republics in the Mediterranean. Check out our favourite photos of the water pageant.
The Venetian regatta has always consisted of various races with different kinds of boat (originally these included galleys, peatoni, and barges, as well as lighter boats rowed by two or more oarsmen). The historical water festival departs from Punta della Dogana, and includes several typical 16th century boats rowing down the Canal with the Doge, his wife, and dignitaries dressed in period costume. After the pageant and in keeping with the ancient Venice seafaring tradition, follows a series of regatta races divided into categories by age, gender and boat typology. The last race is the speed race, campionissimi or great champioins’ on twin-oared gondolini, the most anticipated race and unique in the world. To purchase tickets for this annual event, visit www.regatastoricavenezia.it.
Lake Orta (Italian: Lago d’Orta) is a lake in northern Italy west of Lake Maggiore. It has been so named since the 16th century, but was previously called the Lago di San Giulio, after Saint Julius (4th century), the patron saint of the region. READ MORE
The Uffizi Gallery is a museum in Florence, Italy. It is one of the oldest and most famous art museums of the Western world. Building of the palace was begun by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 for Cosimo I de’ Medici as the offices for the Florentine magistrates—hence the name “uffizi” (“offices”).
No trip to Florence is complete without a visit to the masterpiece-packed Uffizi Gallery. On a single floor, travelers experience a thrilling sweep through art history, spanning the 12th through the 17th centuries. In high season (particularly in July), waiting times can be up to five hours. Visitors who reserve a ticket in advance have a substantially shorter wait.
The language network’s most traveled member Rick Steves takes us on a tour through the Uffizi Gallery.
Our partner, school Dilit (Divulgazione Lingua Italiana), established in 1974, was the first school in Rome to teach Italian as a foreign language. Dilit is situated in the center of Rome and conveniently placed for travel to every area of the city.
Verbalists have prepared with Dilit a set of unique courses that will give you the opportunity to learn and improve Italian in a creative and stimulating way, while immersing in the Italian art and culture. READ MORE
Our partner and famous traveler Rick Steves meets one of his tour guides, Francesca, for Rome’s ritual evening stroll — the passeggiata — on a walk that laces together its top after-dark hotspots. After the sun sets, the city cools down and the illuminated streets, squares and monuments take on another personality. This is people-watching at its best. READ MORE
