Rome, Italy / Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

Learn Italian in Rome with group language classes

Classes organized in group are one of the best ways to learn the Italian language in Rome. Besides the tutorial program. Schools in the capital are happy to provide administrative assistance with issues related to accommodation and local tours. For students who would like their relatives to take a visit it is possible to arrange thematic excursions for the whole family: food and wine tasting, culinary tradition, art gallery tours and more.
The classes are led in spacious rooms with a warm, cozy atmosphere. The groups are small enough to let each student practice and improve their spoken and written skills with native speaking teachers.

The Most Exciting City in the World

Rome offers its visitors an endless spectrum of cultural and social activities: museums, art galleries, churches, religious and archeological sites. Church of San Luigi dei Francesi located on Via Santa Giovanna, the Roman Empire Vatican Museum, the Pantheon building on the Piazza della Rotonda are just a few hidden gems to find in this monumental city.

For those who are looking for a party time, Rome offers a rich nightlife entertainment: bars, pubs and live music venues are spread all over city. Most night outdoor activities are concentrated in the downtown: the area around Piazza Navona and Via della Pace with its cafes and surrounding alleys. Another dynamic place is San Lorenzo at the location of the main university where the pubs are swarmed with young people, creating a lively and informal atmosphere.

During the summer, there are many open-air events such as concerts and music festivals. The evening will be incomplete, though, without enjoying some delicious ice cream in Rome’s finest restaurants, such as Dal Siciliano (Sicilian style) or the famous Gelateria Il Dolce Sorriso located on Via Arenula. To get the best of the Italian authentic cuisine, students can try Osteria del Cavaliere and enjoy a brunch with a salad buffet for a reasonable price.

More than just a language

Time spent in Rome accompanied by systematic group studying, will not only contribute to a successful language acquisition, but also expose the students to new cultural traditions and etiquette, which is a world of its own.
Taking a trip to Italy’s capital in order to learn is a great way to combine business and pleasure. Watching the city life outside the language class window will inspire anyone to keep on learning, and using the language on Rome streets will make it easier to absorb vocabulary and build confidence.

Gabriele is a dedicated travel writer about travelling in Italy.

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Palermo Cathedral in Sicily / Photo by admin

1. Have a basic knowledge of Italian

It can be helpful to know at least a few words of the language. While you will come across English speaking natives, knowing some of the language can help you have a more pleasant experience.

2. Invest in a Travel Italy guide book

Read up on all the places to go and see beforehand. Knowing what to expect will help you avoid the unexpected!

3. Keep your money safe

Just as if you were visiting cities in your own country, you want to ensure that you have your money and your valuables safe and sound. Don’t carry too much cash on you at one time and leave your valuables in a safe place.

4. Take the train

The train can be a cheaper alternative to taxis when traveling in Italy. Take the train to save some money.

Train in Italy / Photo by admin

5. Realize that the culture is different

Things that you find rude in your home country may be acceptable in Italy. If someone seems rude, just forget about it. Addressing the locals because of rudeness will make matters worse for everyone.

6. Realize that dress codes will be enforced

Depending on where you travel, you may be expected to dress the part. When entering churches or other venues, you may be required to dress modestly.

7. Have a plan of action before you leave for your destination

Know the places that you are going to visit and find out enough information about them that you can make a plan of action for the days you want to visit them while on your trip.

8. Know how to shop

Shopping can be quite expensive in Italy. Get tips for how and where to shop. For example, you want to avoid shopping on main streets in Italy that mark prices way up.

Market in Palermo, Sicily / Photo by admin

9. Go with the flow

Italians will expect that you agree with and follow their way of life. They have many different customs such as eating lunch after 1 p.m. and dinner after 8 p.m. Do you best to go with the flow so that you don’t stand out like a sore thumb.

10. Mingle with the locals

If you are having trouble navigating through the city, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Locals are often more than welcome to help foreigners out. They can give you helpful advice such as where to eat.

11. Smaller cities first

If it is your first trip to Italy, you may want to visit the smaller cities that aren’t as overwhelming. Save the larger, more populated cities for a time when you are more familiar with the country.

Small town of Cefalù in Sicily / Photo by admin

12. Realize that lines will be long at popular tourist destinations

Plan plenty of time to visit popular places such as the Colosseum. These are locations that everyone wants to see and you can literally expect thousands of people to visit this area. This can put you waiting in line for hours so be prepared.

13. Expect rain and sunshine!

You want to be thoroughly prepared. Realize that the weather can change on a dime.

14. Go during a time when a festival is going on

. Festivals in Italy are popular. This is a great time to visit the area and can provide tons of things for you to do.

15. Be prepared to walk

You will do lots of walking in Italy so be sure that you bring comfy shoes and hiking sticks for the occasion. Don’t be surprised if you choose to walk rather than take other modes of transportation as getting around Italy isn’t always an easy task.

Visiting Italy for the first time can be quite overwhelming. Use the tips above to help make the most of your experience. These tips can help you make important decisions about your trip.

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1. Visit Rialto Bridge

If breathtaking views are what you are searching for head straight for Rialto Bridge. A visit to this breath will yield views of the Grand Canal. Best of all, it won’t cost you a dime to take in the scenery.

Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy / Photo by admin

2. Window shopping

Even if you don’t have a dime to spend in the expensive stores in Venice, window shopping can be an enjoyable experience. Many of the shops look like glass museums and are beautiful works of art.

3. Take a walk

Take a trip back to the 15th century by taking a walk down the winding streets of Venice. There will be countless sites to see along the way so be sure to bring your camera along.

4. Visit the churches

While some churches in Venice do charge a fee for entry to help maintain the property, others are free! San Vidal is free and open to the public. Not only will you see the magnificent structures of the churches, but many of them boast famous historic artwork.

Church in Venice, Italy / Photo by admin

5. Free concerts in the churches

While visiting the churches in Venice, look for signs that announce free concerts. Many times the churches will offer concerts or music for free of charge. Plan your trip accordingly.

6. Take an island trip

It will cost you a little money to get to the islands but once you get there, exploring the islands is free. Sightseeing in areas such as San Michele or exploring is free. You can also visit Murano Island, the birth place of famous murano glass and learn more about the World’s finest glass sculptures.

7. Visit the festivals

If you are Venice during a festival, this can provide tons of free entertainment. From a parade of boats to the Festival of San Marco to Carnevale di Venezia wearing handmade masquerade mask, choose to plan your visit during a festival to help save you money when trying to find things to do.

Festivals in Venice, Italy / Photo by admin

8. Museo della Musica

Choose to visit the museum of music to view a collection of instruments and find information about making violins. If music is a passion of yours, this is sure to be a free venue that you will love.

9. Visit the Jewish Ghetto

This is the historic area where the term “ghetto” came about. Walk on the very same roads as the thousands of Jews who were forced into segregation. You can see the areas where they lived and also visit synagogues in the area.

10. Visit the Parks of Venice

While you will certainly find more stone in this beautiful city, there are a few parks that still have some greenery. Take a stroll through the parks or have picnic. Spend the day relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

11. Tour the Art Galleries

While many of the galleries will cost you money to visit, there are some that are free of charge. The Contini Art Gallery is one of the galleries that you can enjoy for no cost to you.

12. Visit the beach

Visiting the beach in Venice can be quite expensive if you don’t look for areas that have free access. Walk along Lido until you find a point of entry that won’t cost your money.

If you are planning a trip to Venice in the near future, use the list of 12 free things to do in Venice to help you make the most of your trip without spending tons of money. While Venice is an expensive city, if you know where to go and what to do, you can spend very little money enjoying the beautiful city. The sites and scenery of the city alone are enough to appease even the pickiest of tourist. What will you do in Venice?

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Illustrative photo of nearby city of Vilnius – if you have actual photo of Utena, please let us know. Author: F H Mira

Utena today is mainly an industrial city with food and clothing factories. Especially famous is the local beer Utenos. Most of the streets, squares and public parks have been renovated in recent years and Utena becomes a favorite travel destination for those looking for both the quiet and sporty recreation. In 2007, despite its industrial orientation, was proclaimed the second most pleasant city to live in an international competition in the category of cities with ten to fifty thousand inhabitants. Utena have several extensive parks and many opportunities for recreation.

About 5 kilometres north of Utena you can visit the village Sirutenai where you will find Museum of Bells and Arts, which was founded by a local sculptor. Despite the efforts of the Soviets to destroy all the chapels, crucifixes and churches here at the roads they survived until today. You have to see 300 bells of all shapes and sizes.

Not far from Utena you can find another village Dusetos, which is known for the annual horse races on the frozen lake Sartai.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Kristian Dela Cour

Final finishing works were carried out under the guidance of architect Henry Hetzel. From 1529 until 1945 it served to the Protestants. It was destroyed during the World War II and then undergone extensive reconstruction, just like many other monuments in Poland. The interior of the church is furnished with a Gothic, manneristic and baroque furniture. You can see here also several memorial plaques of the leading local families.

This truly monstrous Gothic building has the shape of the cross and features a great nave and huge windows along the entire perimeter. You should visit it early in the morning when the sun is still low – it’s worth to wake up early!

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Transylvania is located in the heart of Romania. Originally it was an autonomous region, which was gradually included under the government of Hungary, the Ottoman Empire or Austro-Hungarian Empire. Fortunately much of its history and cultural heritage still preserved.

The city of Cluj-Napoca is considered as the capital city and cultural and industrial center. Here you can find the famous Orthodox cathedral. Several state and private universities have their headquarters here, including the largest university in Romania – Babes Bolyai University. There are lots of museums in Cluj-Napoca. You can visit the Museum of Art, Museum of Pharmacy and Transylvanian Ethnographic Museum with its impressive exterior exposures.

Another medieval city that attracts visitors to Transylvania is Sighisoara. Especially its part called Upper Town, which is even included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its castle tower with astronomical clock, which now serves as a historical museum has even become a symbol and hallmark of the city. From a wooden walkway at the top of the tower you can enjoy a beautiful view of all the houses and roofs in the neighborhood, including the alleged birthplace of Count Dracula. Even Dracula, or Vlad Tepes, whose tyranny served as an inspiration to the famous theme of the novel, were not born here in fact.

Just in a short distance from Sighisoara, in the middle of the Rocky Mountains, you can find a popular ski resort of Poiana Brasov. But thanks to the spectacular peaks the resort worth visiting also during the summer months. Not far from it you can visit the famous “vampire” Bran Castle. Although here you can virtually meet with Dracula at each step, inside the majestic castle he is not even mentioned. The ruins of the “real” castle, inhabited by the dreaded Vlad Tepes, is located elsewhere, not far from here, but they are hardly accessible and would certainly not impress much more as more attractive Bran.

Romantic wooden churches in the northern part of Transylvania are other of the places that were included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow, but tall buildings with turrets, complete the true face of the Romanian mountain landscape. It is surprising that this museum of rural life, which belongs to the greatest treasures of Romania is often omitted by many tourists on their trips around Transylvania.

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The first mention of Dupnitsa is from the 15th century. Major attractions include the Art Gallery, Historical Museum of Dupnitsa, the clock tower and the churches in the city. About 7km east of town there is a monastery Resilovo. 14 km northeast, near the town of Sapareva Banya you can find the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Germania. Nearby is also a spa and mountain resort Panichishte, which offers excellent conditions for hiking and relaxing and in winter for skiing.

Dupnitsa is also called The Green and Shady Town because of the huge number of trees in the town. But it is also called The Little Italy of Bulgaria because lots of people left to work to Italy and returns in summer for vacation when the city is full of Bulgarian “Italians”.

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Nesebar is situated on a rocky peninsula. Since 1983 it is registered in the list of World Heritage Sites of UNESCO due to its ancient center, which is among the oldest in Europe. There are wooden houses and many churches.

Admission is free to lots of sites in the town. Interesting tourist destinations in the neighborhood are Primorsko or Pomorie.

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