Passetto: Discover Rome’s Secret Papal Escape Route
Few places in Rome capture the imagination quite like the Passetto, the secret elevated corridor that connects Vatican City to Castel Sant’Angelo. Hidden above the streets of the historic Borgo
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Colosseum at Night Tour (2026): How to Visit the Underground After Dark
Imagine entering the Colosseum after the gates have closed to the general public. The daytime crowds have disappeared, the summer heat has faded, and Rome’s most famous monument is illuminated
How to Plan the Perfect Rome to Pompeii and Sorrento Day Trip
If you are visiting Rome, the allure of the stunning Amalfi Coast area, Sorrento Peninsula and the ancient history of Pompeii is hard to resist. Many travelers ask us at
Valley of the Temples: Why Agrigento Is One of Sicily’s Greatest Archaeological Treasures
The Valley of the Temples is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the Mediterranean and one of the absolute highlights of any trip to Sicily. Located near the
Underground Rome: The Most Fascinating Hidden Sites Beneath the Eternal City
Most visitors come to Rome dreaming of the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and the Roman Forum. Yet beneath the city’s streets lies an entirely different world waiting to be discovered.
Campania Private Tours: Experience the South Like an Insider
Campania is a land of overwhelming beauty, from the lemon-scented cliffs of Amalfi to the frozen-in-time streets of Pompeii. But let’s be honest: it can also be a land of
9 Hidden Treasures Near Naples and the Amalfi Coast
Naples and the Amalfi Coast are world-famous for Pompeii, Capri, and Positano.But beyond these iconic places, the region hides many hidden treasures near Naples and the Amalfi Coast — a
Step into History: The Colosseum Secret Tunnel Reopens to the Public
Rome never stops revealing its secrets — and now, one of its most mysterious places has finally reopened: the Colosseum Secret Tunnel, known in Latin as the Passaggio di Commodo.
7 Unmissable Sites to See If You’re Staying in Naples or the Amalfi Coast
The Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast together offer one of the richest blends of history, culture, and natural beauty in Italy. If you’re based in Naples, Sorrento, or
Discover the Wines of the Castelli Romani with a Private Rome Wine Tasting
A Journey Through History, Vineyards, and Flavor Just a short drive south of Rome, nestled in the picturesque hills of the Castelli Romani, lies one of Italy’s most beloved wine
The House of Augustus on the Palatine Hill: From Octavian’s Home to the Birth of Empire
The House of Augustus on the Palatine Hill is one of the most fascinating sites in Rome. Yet there is a twist: what we call the “House of Augustus” today
Herculaneum vs. Pompeii: What’s the Difference?
When people think of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, the first name that comes to mind is usually Pompeii. Yet just a few miles away lies another
Necropolis of Portus on the Isola Sacra
You will have read our blog about the Museum of Roman Ships in Fiumicino, but there is another extraordinary archaeological site close to the ancient port of Ostia that many
Our top 10 street artists in Italy
When you think of street art in Italy, you probably think of it as a modern phenomenon, picturing underpasses and apartment blocks covered in graffiti. There’s actually a long tradition
Procida – Italy’s Capital of Culture 2022
You’ve heard of Capri and maybe Ischia, but what about Procida? It’s the smallest of the three Italian islands, but there’s plenty to see and explore on a day trip
Dante: Everything about Italy’s most famous poet
In September 1321, a man in his late 50s died of malaria in Ravenna. 700 years later his death is still remembered, and even commemorated. That man was Dante Alighieri
Andiamo! Learn Italian with the locals
Parli italiano? Do you speak Italian? If you’re planning a trip to Italy, you should definitely learn Italian – or at least a few basic Italian phrases to help you
See Giotto’s masterpieces in Padua
The charming city of Padua is perhaps one of the most underrated destinations in Italy. From the picturesque piazzas of the historic centre to the magnificent frescoes by Giotto in
The Animals of Ancient Rome
Unless you pay a visit to the zoo near Villa Borghese, you’re unlikely to encounter any exotic animals on your trip to Rome. Apart from the parakeets that have taken
Our Top 10 Renaissance Artists of Italy
Who’s the first Italian artist that comes to mind? Michelangelo, perhaps, or Leonardo Da Vinci. Then there’s Raphael, and Botticelli. What do all of these artists have in common? Apart
Must-see UNESCO sites in Italy
Did you know there are more than 1,000 UNESCO world heritage sites? They’re usually historic buildings or places of outstanding natural beauty, recognised for their uniqueness and cultural significance. When
Our top 10 churches of Italy
There are thousands of incredible Italian churches, all worth visiting. But if your time is limited, here’s where to begin for a deeper understanding of art, history and religion in
Top 10 Classic Italian Movies
If you want to discover Italy from the comfort of your own home, there’s no better way than through Italian movies. From 1960s classics such as La Dolce Vita to
The Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s Masterpiece
The Sistine Chapel: the story behind Michelangelo’s masterpiece Out of Rome’s 900+ churches, one stands out – the Sistine Chapel. Located in the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel attracts around
Necropolis of Portus on the Isola Sacra
You will have read our blog about the Museum of Roman Ships in Fiumicino, but there is another extraordinary archaeological site close to the ancient port of Ostia that many
Italian ArtVenture’s Guide to Buying Colosseum Tickets for Small Groups
The Colosseum is the most visited site in Italy, with over 12 million visitors in 2023. If you’ve tried to book tickets, you might have faced many challenges; you may
Museum of the Roman Ships in Fiumicino (Rome)
Calling on all our seafaring and maritime guests! Have you heard about the recently reopened Museum of Roman Ships in Fiumicino? Called, in Italian, the Museo della Navi di Fiumicino,
The Museum of the Forma Urbis in Rome
Looking for something different? Look no further! Right in the middle of Rome, just a few steps from the Colosseum, there is a new museum called the Museo della Forma
Rome Jubilee 2025
As Rome gets ready for the Holy Year, visitors during 2024 will see lots of works in progress in preparation of welcoming some estimated 35,000,000 pilgrims alone to the city
The Baths of Caracalla in Rome
After a record number of visitors to Rome in 2023, some 35 million, the city continues to become busier and busier and despite attempts by those who run the most
Visit the Colosseum Attic: the 3rd, 4th, and 5th tiers have just re-opened!
The Attic of the Colosseum Recently, a new section of the Colosseum has been opened: the attic. It’s the highest part of the building. Disclaimer: Italian ArtVentures DOES NOT sell
The Domus Tiberiana has re-opened after 50 years, and it’s amazing
1. The Palatine Hill If you’ve been to Rome, you’ve probably been to the Palatine Hill too. Access to this gorgeous archaeological site is included in the Colosseum, Roman Forum,
Rome off-the-beaten-path. Part 2
The National Roman Museum The National Roman Museum is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, but it’s almost unknown to the general public. For this reason,
Rome off-the-beaten-path. Part 1
You have seen the Colosseum and the Vatican. Certainly, you have visited the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain. You think you have seen all that there is
Day Trips from Rome. Part 1
Rome’s surroundings are extremely rich with archaeological sites, villas, and beautiful towns to discover. Here’s a list of some of our favorite day trips from Rome! 1. Tivoli Tivoli is
Guided Tours of Italy – Part 2
Guided Tours of Italy: the must-book tours. Part 2: Rome and Florence Guided tours of Italy: what to choose? You’re traveling to Italy and you’re hitting multiple cities. How can
How Italy’s dealing with the lockdown: Updates from your favourite country
The Italian lockdown began eight weeks ago. It hasn’t been easy, but with the current phase two, we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. In
Easter traditions, food and more – Easter in Italy
Italian Easter: how do people celebrate? In this most Catholic of countries, it’s no surprise that the church plays an important part during Easter in Italy. There are church services
10 positive facts: How Italy has changed during the lockdown
Because of the Coronavirus outbreak and the consequential lockdown, the last few weeks have been some of the toughest in recent history for Italy, but there are some silver linings.
Italy will rise again: everything you want to know about Italy right now
The coronavirus has temporarily transformed Italy. Images of a deserted Rome have dominated newspapers and websites across the world, along with the hashtag #iorestoacasa (#iwillstayhome) and the message of hope
Battle of the Artists – Bernini vs Borromini
Over the centuries Rome has been defined not just by popes and emperors, but also by artists and architects. Go for a walk in the Eternal City and you’ll find
Valentine’s Day Rome – Top 5 most romantic spots
Rome is romantic all year round, but Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse for a trip. Read on for some tips on finding the most beautiful and atmospheric places in the
Where to eat the best pizza – Rome vs Naples
What’s the best way to refuel after a long day of sightseeing in Italy? Pizza, of course! But where can you find the best pizza in Italy? And what’s the
La Befana: celebrating the Epiphany in Italy
6 January is known as the Epiphany across the world, but for Italian children its main significance is the celebration known as “La Befana”. Traditionally, this is the day that
Day Trip from Rome to Capri
While there’s no shortage of places to visit in the south of Italy, Capri is one of those unmissable destinations – an island of breathtaking beauty which has been a
The Papal Audience: How to meet Pope Francis
Did you know that it’s possible for ordinary members of the public to meet Pope Francis? Just make sure you’re in Rome on a Wednesday… What is the Papal Audience?
A day trip to Naples from Rome: making the most of your time in Italy’s most exciting city
Naples is experiencing something of a revival. After decades of being snubbed in favour of Rome, Florence and Venice, tourists are finally discovering how much Naples has to offer, from
Visiting the Vatican in a wheelchair.
A Vatican tour is top of the list for most visitors to Rome, but what if you’re a wheelchair user? Rome is not the most wheelchair friendly of cities, as
9 Hidden Treasures Near Naples and the Amalfi Coast
Naples and the Amalfi Coast are world-famous for Pompeii, Capri, and Positano.But beyond these iconic places, the region hides many hidden treasures near Naples and the Amalfi Coast — a
Step into History: The Colosseum Secret Tunnel Reopens to the Public
Rome never stops revealing its secrets — and now, one of its most mysterious places has finally reopened: the Colosseum Secret Tunnel, known in Latin as the Passaggio di Commodo.
10 Must-See Highlights in the Capitoline Museum: A Visitor’s Guide
The Capitoline Museum is one of Rome’s greatest cultural treasures. Located on Capitoline Hill, it is the oldest public museum in the world, founded in 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV
Early Morning Rome in a Day: A Smart Traveler’s Guide
Trying to see Rome in a day is a bold challenge. The city is vast, layered with centuries of art, history, and life—you could spend weeks here and still not
Colosseum at Night Tour: Experience the magic of Rome!
The Colosseum is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Millions of travelers flock to Rome every year to witness the grandeur of this ancient
Caravaggio 2025: A Must-See Exhibition at Palazzo Barberini in 2025
Art lovers and history enthusiasts, mark your calendars! Rome is set to host an extraordinary exhibition dedicated to Caravaggio in 2025. From March 7 to July 6, Palazzo Barberini will
Visit Pompeii: Exclusive Tours of the New Excavation Sites in Regio IX
The Exclusive Opportunity: A Glimpse into the Regio IX Excavation Sites Since January 3, 2024, visitors have been granted the chance to tour the Regio IX excavation site, which spans
Sustainable Travel in Italy: A Guide to Responsible Tourism
Sustainable travel in Italy is more important than ever as tourism continues to grow. Italy’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and world-famous cuisine attract millions of visitors each year. However, the
How to Visit St. Peter’s Basilica During the Jubilee Year: 10 Tips & FAQ
How to Visit St. Peter’s Basilica During the Jubilee Year St. Peter’s Basilica is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, drawing millions of visitors worldwide. If you’re wondering how to
Is Naples Dangerous and Dirty? Things to do in Naples
Is Naples Dangerous and Dirty? Of Course Not! This article offers a look at how Naples has transformed into one of Italy’s top destinations, and ideas on things to do