🌍 AWESOME EUROPEAN CITY BREAKS 🌍

✨ Poland – History, Culture & Cities Full of Character ✨

Poland is a country that deserves far more than just one city break.

From the medieval streets of Kraków and colourful squares of Wrocław to the remarkable story of Warsaw and the maritime character of Gdańsk, Poland offers some fantastic possibilities for a European City Break.

But its appeal stretches far beyond its cities.

Travel around Poland, and you’ll discover castles and palaces, mountains and lakes, Baltic beaches, beautiful old towns, centuries of history and a food culture that is reason enough to arrive hungry.

Poland has 17 UNESCO World Heritage properties, while its cities reflect very different chapters of the country’s past and present story.

For British travellers, it also has that important city-break ingredient; it feels distinctly different while remaining relatively close to home.

So, where should you start?

Let’s discover Poland.

🗺️ GETTING TO KNOW POLAND

Located in Central Europe, Poland borders Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, and Russia’s Kaliningrad region.

Warsaw is the capital, but one of the joys of visiting Poland is discovering just how different its cities and regions can be.

Head south and you’ll find Kraków and, farther beyond, the landscapes of the Tatra Mountains.

Travel west to Lower Silesia, and you’ll find Wrocław, a city of bridges, islands, and colourful architecture.

In the centre of the country is Warsaw, a modern European capital with an extraordinary past.

Travel north to Gdańsk, on Poland’s Baltic coast and in the wider Tri-City area of Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia.

And those amazing cities are only the beginning.

Poznań, Toruń, Łódź, Lublin and many other Polish cities offer yet more reasons to return.

🏰 KRAKÓW – POLAND’S ROYAL CITY

For many travellers, Kraków is their introduction to Poland, and it’s easy to understand why.

Once Poland’s capital and the seat of Polish kings, Kraków is one of the country’s oldest cities.

At its heart is the magnificent Rynek Główny, the Main Market Square, surrounded by historic buildings, cafés and restaurants.

Look out for St Mary’s Basilica and the Cloth Hall before wandering through the historic streets towards Wawel Royal Castle.

Then there’s Kazimierz, Kraków’s historic Jewish quarter, where important heritage and history sit alongside today’s restaurants, cafés and independent businesses.

Kraków works brilliantly for a long weekend, but stay a little longer, and you can also explore beyond the city.

The extraordinary Wieliczka Salt Mine is one possibility, while many visitors also choose to visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a place of remembrance and education that should be approached with appropriate respect and consideration.

Kraków combines history, architecture, food, and atmosphere particularly well, and we’ll explore it in much greater detail in our dedicated Kraków city guide.

🌉 WROCŁAW – COLOURFUL, CREATIVE & FULL OF SURPRISES

Wrocław is one of those cities that can surprise first-time visitors. Widely known as the ‘Venice of the North’ or the ‘City of a Hundred Bridges’.

Located in Lower Silesia in south-western Poland, it has a complex history and a wonderfully distinctive personality.

Its beautiful Market Square is surrounded by colourful facades, while rivers, bridges and islands add another dimension to exploring the city.

Then there are Wrocław’s famous dwarfs.

What began as a connection to the city’s Orange Alternative protest movement has developed into one of Wrocław’s most recognisable features, with small bronze dwarfs waiting to be spotted throughout the city.

Finding them can become surprisingly addictive!

There’s much more to Wrocław, of course: impressive architecture, cultural attractions, riverside walks and plenty of restaurants and cafés.

It’s a city we think deserves much more attention from British city-break travellers.

🏙️ WARSAW – A CITY REBUILT

Warsaw tells one of Europe’s most remarkable urban stories.

Poland’s capital suffered catastrophic destruction during the Second World War, yet its historic Old Town was painstakingly reconstructed.

Today, UNESCO recognises that reconstructed Old Town.

Walk through its colourful streets and squares, then explore the Royal Route, museums, parks, and the banks of the Vistula.

But don’t assume Warsaw is purely about looking backwards.

This is a dynamic modern European capital with contemporary architecture, restaurants, rooftop views, cultural attractions and an energy quite different from Kraków.

That contrast between past and present is part of what makes Warsaw so interesting.

⚓ GDAŃSK – WHERE POLAND MEETS THE BALTIC

Head north and Poland changes character again.

Gdańsk is a historic port city on the Baltic coast, combining handsome architecture, maritime heritage and some hugely significant chapters of European history.

Its historic centre rewards exploring on foot, while the waterfront reminds you of the city’s centuries-old relationship with the sea.

Gdańsk is also part of the Tri-City, together with neighbouring Sopot and Gdynia.

That creates another style of city break.

You can combine Gdańsk’s culture and history with Sopot’s seaside atmosphere and Gdynia’s maritime character, giving you city and coast in the same trip.

🥟 A TASTE OF POLAND

Polish food deserves to be part of the experience.

Traditional cooking can be hearty, comforting and packed with flavour, while Poland’s major cities now combine those classics with increasingly varied contemporary restaurant scenes.

A few dishes and specialities to look out for include:

🥟 Pierogi – Poland’s famous filled dumplings.

🥣 Żurek – sour rye soup, commonly served with sausage and egg.

🍲 Bigos – a traditional stew featuring cabbage, sauerkraut and meat.

🥞 Placki ziemniaczane – Polish potato pancakes.

🍖 Kotlet schabowy – a breaded pork cutlet and a Polish classic.

🥯 Obwarzanek Krakowski – the distinctive ring-shaped bread associated with Kraków.

🍰 Sernik – Polish cheesecake.

But don’t simply seek out the most famous dishes. Exploring local restaurants, bakeries, markets and cafés is one of the pleasures of travelling through Poland.

POLAND BEYOND THE CITIES

Our Awesome European City Breaks series naturally concentrates on cities, but Poland has much more to offer.

The Baltic coast provides beaches and seaside resorts.

The south of the country offers mountain scenery and opportunities for walking and outdoor adventures.

The Great Masurian Lakes region provides a completely different side of Poland, with forests, waterways and lakes.

Elsewhere you’ll find castles, historic towns, national parks and UNESCO-listed cultural and natural heritage.

That makes Poland particularly interesting for travellers who want to turn a city break into a longer tailor-made holiday.

Start with a city, then explore.

🚆 EXPLORING MORE THAN ONE POLISH CITY

Poland is perfect for a multi-city holiday.

Hiring a car is one of our favourite ways to explore a country. A self-drive holiday gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, venture beyond the main cities and stop to enjoy attractions, sights and interesting places you might otherwise miss along the way.

Poland’s extensive road network connects regions across this magnificent country, making a road trip a great way to discover more than just the headline destinations.

Take the scenic route, stop when something catches your eye and discover a little more of Poland along the way. Sometimes the journey can be just as memorable as the destination.

The rail network connects many of the country’s major destinations, making combinations such as Kraków and Warsaw or Warsaw and Gdańsk possible without flying between cities.

Instead of thinking of Poland as a one-weekend destination, consider combining two cities or taking a longer journey across the country.

Each stop can feel remarkably different from the last.

🍂 WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT POLAND?

You can visit Poland year-round, but the experience changes considerably with the seasons.

🌷 Spring – increasingly mild days make this a lovely time for sightseeing and exploring cities on foot.

☀️ Summer – warm weather, long days, outdoor dining, events and the Baltic coast make summer an attractive time to travel.

🍂 Autumn – cooler temperatures, changing colours and atmospheric cities can make this a particularly enjoyable period for a cultural break.

❄️ Winter – expect colder conditions, but Poland’s cities take on a very different character. Christmas markets, seasonal food and cosy cafés can make a winter visit particularly memorable.

It depends on the Poland you want to experience.

💷 WHAT CURRENCY DOES POLAND USE?

Although Poland is a member of the European Union, it does not use the euro.

The national currency is the Polish złoty, abbreviated as PLN and usually shown with the symbol zł.

Card payments are widely used, particularly in cities, hotels, restaurants and shops, although it can still be useful to have some local currency available.

🗣️ LANGUAGE

The official language is Polish.

In the major cities and areas accustomed to international visitors, you will often find English spoken in hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions.

That said, learning a couple of Polish words never hurts.

Dzień dobry – Good morning / good day.

Dziękuję – Thank you.

Proszę – Please / you’re welcome.

🧳 PRACTICAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

Capital: Warsaw

Currency: Polish złoty (PLN / zł)

Official language: Polish

Time zone: Central European Time, with daylight saving time observed.

Getting around: Poland’s major cities have established public transport systems, with buses and trams widely used, and Warsaw also has a Metro.

Travelling between cities: Rail is an excellent option for many journeys and can make a multi-city Polish holiday particularly appealing.

For British citizens visiting for tourism, Poland is part of the Schengen area. Current UK government guidance allows visa-free visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area, subject to the applicable passport and entry requirements.

Always check the latest official travel advice and entry requirements before travelling, as regulations can change.

❓ VISITING POLAND – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Poland good for a city break?

Absolutely. Kraków, Wrocław, Warsaw and Gdańsk all make excellent city-break destinations, but each offers a very different experience. Poland is particularly appealing if you enjoy history, architecture, food and exploring cities on foot.

Which Polish city is best for a first visit?

Kraków is a popular choice for a first visit because of its compact historic centre, major attractions, and abundance of restaurants and cafés. However, Warsaw, Wrocław and Gdańsk are all strong alternatives depending on your interests.

How many days do I need for a Polish city break?

Three nights can work well for a single city. Four nights allow a more relaxed pace and gives you more opportunity to include excursions. For a multi-city trip, consider a week or longer.

What is the capital of Poland?

Warsaw is Poland’s capital and largest city.

Does Poland use the euro?

No. Poland uses the Polish złoty (PLN).

Is Poland in the EU?

Yes. Poland has been a member of the European Union since 2004.

Is Poland part of the Schengen area?

Yes. Poland is part of the Schengen area.

Do British citizens need a visa to visit Poland?

British citizens travelling as tourists can normally visit Poland and the wider Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, subject to current entry and passport requirements. Always check current official advice before travelling.

Is it worth hiring a car in Poland?

Yes, particularly if you want to explore beyond Poland’s major cities. Hiring a car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace, discover smaller towns and villages, explore the countryside and stop at interesting places along the way.

If your holiday focuses entirely on cities such as Kraków, Warsaw, Wrocław, or Gdańsk, you may not need a car, as these cities have good public transport and Poland’s major destinations are well connected by rail.

However, for a longer touring holiday or if you want to discover more of rural Poland, hiring a car can be an excellent option.

What do I need to hire a car in Poland?

Car hire requirements vary between rental companies, so always check the conditions for your booking. You will normally need a valid driving licence and the documentation and payment method required by the rental company.

UK travellers should also check the latest official guidance for driving in Poland before travelling, including licence, insurance and documentation requirements.

Can I include car hire in my Poland holiday?

Absolutely. We can add car hire to a tailor-made Poland itinerary, giving you the freedom to combine cities, countryside, and other destinations at your own pace.

A self-drive itinerary can be particularly useful if you want to experience parts of Poland that are less convenient to reach by public transport.

What are the best cities to visit in Poland?

Kraków, Warsaw, Wrocław and Gdańsk are four excellent choices. Poznań, Toruń, Łódź, and Lublin are other cities worth considering if you want to explore further.

Is Poland suitable for a multi-city holiday?

Very much so. Poland’s rail connections make combining several major cities relatively straightforward, and travelling between destinations lets you experience very different sides of the country.

What food should I try in Poland?

Pierogi are probably the best-known Polish dish, but also try żurek, bigos, placki ziemniaczane, kotlet schabowy, and regional specialities. Leave room for Polish cakes and pastries too.

Is Poland good for a winter break?

Yes. Polish cities can be particularly atmospheric in winter and during the festive season. Temperatures can be low, so bring appropriate clothing.

Is Poland just a city-break destination?

Definitely not. Beyond its cities, Poland offers the Baltic coast, lakes, forests, mountains, castles, historic towns and national parks, making it suitable for much longer holidays.

Can I combine Kraków and Warsaw in one holiday?

Yes. Kraków and Warsaw are connected by rail and work particularly well as a two-city combination.

Can I combine Warsaw and Gdańsk?

Yes. Rail connections make Warsaw and Gdańsk another attractive combination, offering the contrast between Poland’s capital and its Baltic coast.

What are the best months to visit Poland?

Spring through autumn is excellent for sightseeing, while winter has its own appeal for travellers looking for festive atmosphere and seasonal experiences. The best period ultimately depends on the type of holiday you want.

✨ FOUR CITIES – FOUR DIFFERENT SIDES OF POLAND

🏰 Kraków – royal history, atmospheric streets and one of Europe’s great medieval squares.

🌉 Wrocław – colourful architecture, islands, bridges and those irresistible little dwarfs.

🏙️ Warsaw – an extraordinary story of destruction, reconstruction and reinvention.

⚓ Gdańsk – maritime history, handsome architecture and the Baltic coast.

Which one should you choose?

Maybe the better question is: which one should you visit first?

Over the coming weeks, our Awesome European City Breaks series will take a closer look at each one.

NEXT STOP – KRAKÓW

💫 READY TO DISCOVER POLAND?

Whether you’re looking for a long weekend in Kraków, a cultural escape to Warsaw, something a little different in Wrocław, or a city-and-coast break in Gdańsk, we can tailor-make your Polish adventure around you.

Flights. Hand-picked hotels. Transfers. Car Hire, Rail journeys. Experiences. Excursions.

One city, two cities or a completely tailor-made journey through Poland.

You choose how you want to experience it.

🌎 Creating Awesome Travel Experiences 🌎

📧 enquiries@awesometravelholidays.com
☎️ 0208 004 9400

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When Virgin Voyages launched into the cruise world, it promised to shake things up – and Resilient Lady is the embodiment of that vision. The third ship to join the fleet after the Scarlett Lady and Valiant Lady, just like her two sisters, she’s all about freedom, fun, flair – and above all, unforgettable experiences at sea.

Pre Cruise-Stays in Athens

Athens is one of our favourite cities to visit. It’s a captivating city, blending ancient history and vibrant modern culture seamlessly. As the cradle of Western civilisation, it’s home to iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, all within walking distance of each other.

But Athens is more than just its ruins. It boasts a thriving café culture, buzzing nightlife, world-class museums, and colourful neighbourhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki, where traditional tavernas sit beside trendy boutiques. Whether you’re fascinated by mythology, a lover of Mediterranean food, or simply enjoy soaking up city life, Athens offers an unforgettable prelude to any Mediterranean cruise adventure.

Summer in the Med & Beyond

During the summer months, Resilient Lady calls Piraeus (Athens) her home port, setting sail on spectacular Mediterranean itineraries that include iconic Greek isles, the Adriatic coastline, and Turkish gems like Bodrum. You can enjoy longer stays in ports, overnights in hot spots like Mykonos, and late-night departures from places like Dubrovnik, allowing you to experience the magic of each destination after dark.

As summer winds down, Resilient Lady sets sail for new horizons. In the 2025/26 season, she heads to the Caribbean, with select voyages departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Miami. For those seeking something a little different, the transatlantic and repositioning sailings are a standout choice, with a selection of additional sailings while enroute, often delivering exceptional value and offering plenty of time to unwind and truly enjoy all the onboard experiences.

Adults Only – With a Twist

One of the most standout features of all the Virgin Voyages cruises  is that all the ships are exclusively for adults. On the Resilient Lady you will find no kids’ clubs or water slides, just grown-up vibes and a cruise environment that’s chilled when you want it and high-energy when you’re in the mood. Whether you’re sipping cocktails under the stars or joining a sunrise yoga session on deck, there’s something empowering about knowing the entire ship is curated with adult travellers in mind.

Cabins That Redefine Rest

Accommodation onboard is anything but traditional. Starting with the clever Insider cabins – perfect for night owls or those who simply want a comfy base without the frills – to the most popular Sea Terrace cabins, complete with hammocks and ocean views, every detail is thoughtful and fresh. The Sea Terrace rooms are particularly innovative, with mood lighting that adjusts to the time of day and a clever Seabed™ that converts from a sofa to a bed depending on your needs. And we love that hammock on the balcony, what a splendid way to pass the day, watching the ‘world sail by’.

But if you really want to cruise in rockstar style, there’s only one way: the RockStar Quarters. Think marble-clad bathrooms, peekaboo showers, personal RockStar agents (yes, that’s your own concierge), and access to Richard’s Rooftop – an exclusive lounge deck reserved for RockStar guests only.

It’s luxury with attitude, it’s a ‘whole new world’.

Dining – No Buffets, No Dress Codes, Just Incredible Food

We’re big fans of the incredible variety, top-notch quality, and exceptional service Virgin Voyages delivers with its dining options. They’ve truly redefined cruise cuisine, setting themselves apart from the competitors by doing things their own unique way.

With over 20+ eateries included, there’s no up-charging, no awkward seating arrangements, and no buffets. Instead, you can dine in beautifully styled spaces offering everything from modern Mexican and Korean BBQ to plant-based cafés and decadent steakhouses.

The Test Kitchen is a creative, science-meets-flavour experience, while Gunbae is the first Korean BBQ at sea – complete with drinking games. It’s social, it’s unexpected, and it’s delicious.

Entertainment that Dares to Be Different

Forget tired stage productions – Resilient Lady is a floating hub of immersive and interactive entertainment. From edgy pop-up performances to full-blown live gigs by incredible bands and solo artists, the entertainment is always original and full of surprises. The Manor nightclub (a dazzling two-storey venue) hosts unforgettable late-night events, while lounges across the ship hum with acoustic sets and chilled-out vibes during the day.

You’ll find theatre, comedy, DJs, drag shows, and unexpected street-style acts popping up throughout the ship. The vibe? Bold, inclusive, and often a little bit cheeky.

💪 Wellness, Reimagined

Resilient Lady isn’t just about indulgence – she’s also a haven for wellness and fitness lovers. From the sleek Athletic Club and dedicated outdoor training zones to yoga, HIIT, spinning, and even boxing, fitness is serious – and fun. There are group classes, personal training options, and even wellness talks onboard.

Then there’s the Redemption Spa, a stunning space to recharge with massages, facials, and thermal circuits. Whether you’re focused on inner calm or outer gains, this ship makes it easy to keep your wellness goals on track – or completely pause them in favour of a massage and a glass of bubbles.

✨ The Virgin Way

What makes Resilient Lady truly stand out isn’t just the chic design or the world-class food. It’s the crew, they are amazing. It’s the mindset. It’s a freedom onboard – to relax, to be yourself, to connect with people or completely unplug. It’s a cruise that values authenticity, sustainability (with no single-use plastics onboard), and innovation.

Whether you’re a cruise newbie or a seasoned sailor, Resilient Lady offers a completely different way to explore the world by sea. It’s bold, brilliant, and undeniably… Virgin.

‘Cruise the Virgin Way’ – The Resilient Lady, Virgin Voyages

Thinking about a cruise adventure? Let’s make it an Awesome Travel Experience!

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On my first visit to Portugal, I was en-route to Estoril and Cascais, both of which turned out to be awesome destinations. However, as I later learnt, my travels would have benefitted by spending more time in lively, interesting and romantic Lisbon.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city supporting a population of around 3 million people. The city dates back a long, long time, this is one of the oldest cities in the world. In fact, Lisbon is the oldest city in Western Europe, amazingly pre-dating other modern European capitals such as London, Paris and Rome.

Like many European cities it has many tales to tell. From the 5th century, Lisbon was ruled by a series of Germanic tribes until the 8th century, when the Moors laid claim to it. In 1147, the Crusaders under Afonso Henriques reconquered the city and since then it has been a major political, economic and cultural centre of Portugal.

There are a lot of things to love about Lisbon, I think what I love about Lisbon is the sheer variety of what is on offer. The architecture, the historical sites, museums, gardens, the food and wine scene, the friendly and festive locals, and the nightlife is outstanding. There is something for everyone to enjoy in lively city.

There are so many attractions in Lisbon such as Jerónimos Monastery, built by King D. Manuel I and designed in the Manueline architectural style. I just loved the Belem Tower or Torre de Belem as it is known locally. Belem Tower is stunning, a fortified tower located in the civil parish of Santa Maria de Belem. Both of these attractions are classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.

The Sao Jorge Castle is a Moorish castle occupying a commanding hilltop position overlooking the historic centre of Lisbon and the Tagus River. The view embraces the old city’s pastel-coloured buildings, the Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge.

The Sao Jorge Castle

View from Sao Jorge CastleWalking around this city can be tiring because it is so hilly so use the trams to help navigate your path. There are many great gardens and squares to stroll through. Visit the Praça do Município, Praça do Comércio and the Praça do Rossio. NMeed a break from the city head into the beautiful gardens of Jardim da Astrela or the Jardim do Principe Real.

Tram is a great way to get around in Lisbon

If history is your thing and you love museums, Lisbon will not disappoint. Visit the Museum of the Orient, the National Azulejo Museum houses a collection of tiles, ceramics and paintings. The National Museum of Ancient Art is an exquisite art collection of mainly religious art and ornaments.

When the sun goes down in Lisbon the city seems to step up a gear. The restaurant and bar scene is just fantastic. You will find everything from traditional fine dining, cafes, bars and hip and quirky establishments. The Bairro Alto is a particular festive area, but all around you will find great night spots to eat, drink and enjoy the evening.

View from the Hotel Real Parque

The Clube da Esquina is a chilled place to hang out in Bairro Alto. The staff are friendly, and the prices are good. It’s well known for its cocktails including: caipirinhas, mojitos and their famous morangoska. During the summer Clube da Esquina can get really busy and the party often spills out onto the street, but the very same thing happens in the neighbouring bars, resulting in an awesome street party.

Most bars close between 2 and 4am, but late-night owls can continue the party at the docks of Alcântara and the district of Santos, home to several fashionable bars and clubs. The O Vinhaca Tapas & Vinhos on Rua do Salvador is a really well-priced tapas bar.

Hop on, Hop off Bus

We always use the ‘Hop on, Hop off’ Bus when we arrive in a new destination. Apart from the fact that it works out as a reasonable cost for transfers all over the city, it gets you to all the attractions that are worth while visiting. We then make a short list of all those places we want to get back to.

Hop on, Hop off Bus

The city has several beautiful old theatres, such as the Dona Maria II National Theatre, which presents contemporary works and classical plays.

Accommodation

The city of Lisbon offers a wide variety of accommodation options from budget through to luxurious boutique hotels.

Rooftop view from the Hotel Mundial Lisbon is a great city to explore. We did the Lisbon River Cruise and enjoyed every minute. The boat sailed past many of the great sights and its just a cool way to see the city from a different view.

Lisbon River Cruise

Get to Lisbon and enjoy one of Europe’s finest cities, often proclaimed as one of the most beautiful capitals of Europe. With flights from most London airports taking just under three hours, it’s also close by. Lisbon is lively, entertaining, fascinating and ideal for city break.

 

Awesome@Travel

 

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Vatican City – Rome

Rome is a destination city where you ideally need at least five days. The historical sites are just amazing, from the Vatican to the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain, you will be amazed.

Getting Around

The traffic can be an issue like most large cities. The advantage of the summer holidays is that the locals are out of town, many offices are closed and the traffic is somewhat less. The downside is that it can be very hot.

The metro works well and enables you to traverse the city quickly. The centre of Rome and the major attractions are easily walkable, but if it is very hot, it can be tiring.

Private taxis are a good option especially if you can find a friendly driver with a good knowledge of the city but be warned negotiate the fare upfront and pay the driver at the end of the hire.

Must see Sights

There are many sights to visit and behold in Rome and in fairness the entire city is a collection of fascinating architecture, intriguing streets, romantic restaurants, and impressive hotels. Where does one start, well the Vatican is as good as any.

It is worth considering purchasing tickets which will allow you to fast track the queues. They may cost more but they will save you a load of time. There are also private tour tickets available which offer earlier access so you avoid the main crowds, if your budget allows it, it will be money well spent.

Vatican City

Larger than I expected and so imposing and impressive. Absolutely amazing and you will need time to explore and appreciate this incredible collection of iconic art and architecture. Vatican City is home to the Pope, where magnificent Vatican Museums house ancient Roman sculptures. Some highlights include the famed “Laocoön and His Sons” and various Renaissance frescoes in the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling.

Wow, The Colosseum had my mind racing. To think that just 1,900 years ago, people were locked in a death battle to save their own lives. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir, Titus.

The Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre ever built. You are staring at history, the detail, the grandeur, and scale of this magnificent structure is just amazing. Standing in front of the Colosseum is a sobering feeling, quite a remarkable place, it feels surreal.

The Colosseum

The Pantheon

We stumbled upon The Pantheon by mistake. We were ambling down a street, an interesting lane that led us into a piazza or square and then to the right, there it was. Just unmistakably, unbelievable. Dominating the space is a structure that feels alive.

The Pantheon

I cannot aptly describe the feeling that overcame me when I set eyes on The Pantheon for the first time. I was speechless and that does not happen often. Inside it is equally as amazing.

The Pantheon

‘Trevi Fountain’

Trying to navigate a map, were ‘old school’, google maps was not needed, well not yet. We followed a series of narrow streets towards what sounded like a fast-paced football match being refereed by an extremely irritated official, frequently blasting his whistle. We figured it was the police and wondered what was going on.

It is hard to explain the sight that did come into view as we turned the corner. The square was packed with people. It was a really hot day, 44 degrees and we were sweating profusely. The Trevi Fountain projects a calm, a feeling of cooling, the blue, clear water looks irresistible.

The police protect the sparkling waters from people reaching out to touch the water, as if to protect its purity. That was what all the whistle blowing was about. As soon as a tourist’s hand reaches out for the clear blue, inviting waters of the fountain, a series of sharp blasts on the whistle explode, ensuring that the culprit snap their hands back. It is quite hilarious to watch, but I must say it seems to work, it keeps the waters sparklingly clean. The Trevi Fountain in Rome is yet another awesome historic site.

Trevi Fountains, Rome

What impressed me the most with Rome was just how close a lot of the main historical sites are. Between the Vatican and The Colosseum, you will be walking amongst some of the most impressive historical sites left on the planet.

Castel Saint Angelo

From the Vatican walk east to the Castel Saint Angelo. The impressive Mausoleum of Hadrian, was built between 134 and 139 AD.

Castel Saint Angelo

Palazzo di Giustizia

The Palazzo Di Giustizia is the architecturally ornate home to the highest Italian court of appeals, located on the River Tiber. A glorious piece of architecture and unquestionably worth a visit. It is en-route from the Vatican towards the other main attractions, just keep following the river past the Castel Saint Angelo.

Rome Palazzo Di Giustizia

Piazza Venezia

The Piazza Venezia is breath-taking, the hub of Rome and the location of the Altare della Patria. It marks the start of a remarkable walk down to The Colosseum, along the Via Dei Fori Imperiali. This for us, was one of the highlights of our Rome visit.

The Altare della Patria (“Altar of the Fatherland”), is also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II (“National Monument to Victor Emmanuel II”) or Il Vittoriano. The monument was built in honour of Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy.

This entire area is just remarkable. I just imagined being here over 2,00 years ago. The sounds, the smells, the whole scene. Amazingly, so much remains that you do not need too much imagination, well I didn’t.

View of Altare della Patria on the Piazza Venezia

Altare della Patria magnificent statues

‘Foro Romano’

Walking down Via Dei Fori Imperiali, I was mesmerised by The Colosseum. The impressive, imposing structure, attracts you like, well ‘a moth to a light’, it’s just so amazing.

Along the Via Dei Fori Imperiali are a host of impressive buildings and statues lining the street. The Foro Romano is a large excavated area of Roman temples, squares and government buildings, some dating back 2,000 years. Rome is certainly a city that impresses, astounds, and excites.

This walk dow’n Via Dei Fori Imperiali will remain in my mind for a long time. In fact, one day, I will return, I still pinch myself at what I saw that day. Rome is Awesome.

Awesome@Travel

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The post Magnificent Rome first appeared on Awesome Travel Holidays.

The post Budva, Stari Bar and Ulcinj first appeared on Awesome Travel Holidays.