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Going to Europe? Show your kids this, if the geese can do it, so can you! Stay Together!  

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Going to Europe? Show your kids this, if the geese can do it, so can you! Stay Together!  

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Canada geese walking their goslings to school

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The Galápagos Islands are home to animals and plants found nowhere else on Earth. The volcanoes that created the islands even help keep life going.

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The Panama Tour Experience | EF Educational Tours

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Journey into the heartland of Central America and experience the bustling and historic culture of Panama, along with its tropical rainforest and exotic wildlife. Learn more about EF's educational tours to Panama: http://www.eftours.com/panamatours

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this is why you have to go to costa rica

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This Is Why You Have To Go To Costa Rica - 4K

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Ive been in Costa Rica for a month now filming some of my favorite moments and places. Soundcolor Studios let me bring their Beholder iKan Ds1 motorized 3 axis gimbal so I could shoot a reel for them. This is how it turned out.

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A fun idea if you have students who like to dance

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A fun idea if you have students who like to dance

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insert_drive_file Article * 5 mins * 31 July 2014

Do you know how old Italy really is? Any idea what Italy actually means or who Alessandro Volta is? No? Then you'd better read these 21 fun facts about Italy to get clued up before you go.
Source: italiantrips.com Source: eatingitalyfoodtours.com

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21 fun facts about Italy | Travel Feature

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insert_drive_file Article * 5 mins * 31 July 2014 Do you know how old Italy really is? Any idea what Italy actually means or who Alessandro Volta is? No? Then you'd better read these 21 fun facts about Italy to get clued up before you go. Source: italiantrips.com Source: eatingitalyfoodtours.com

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16 things you might not know about Costa Rica

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16 things you might not know about Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is as well known for its beautiful natural landscape and bustling biodiversity as it is for its wonderful, happy residents. Here are 16 interesting facts about Costa Rica that help make the country a truly singular place.

1. Over a quarter of the land is dedicated to conservation.

Tourists and locals alike are drawn to Costa Rica's natural beauty-and are committed to preserving it. With 20 national parks, 8 biological reserves, animal refuges, and protected areas, 26 percent of Costa Rica's land is protected.

2. Tourism is the country's leading foreign exchange earner.

All that natural beauty and the diverse landscape with two oceans and access to countless adventure activities have made Costa Rica a great vacation destination. In 1995, tourism overtook bananas to become Costa Rica's leading foreign exchange earner. Tourism reached an all-time high for Costa Rica in 2013 with 2.4 million visitors.

3. Costa Rica is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated four locations in Costa Rica as World Heritage Sites for their universal cultural and natural value. They are: La Amistad National Park, Cocos Island National Park, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, and the Precolumbian Chiefdom Settlements with Stone Spheres of the Diquís.

4. Costa Rica is one of 23 countries in the world that doesn't have a standing army.

Costa Rica dissolved its national army in 1948, and the abolition of the military was written into the national constitution in 1949. Twenty-one countries, including the United States, signed the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance in 1947, pledging to provide military support to Costa Rica (and any other signee) should they need it. In 1980, the United Nations University for Peace was created and housed in Costa Rica.

5. It has one of the highest life expectancies in the world.

According to the World Bank, Costa Rica's life expectancy at birth is 80 years. This figure is higher than that of the United States (which is 79). The Nicoya region of Costa Rica is also one of five Blue Zones-"longevity hotspots" populated by the longest-living people in the world-on the globe. All that natural beauty and happiness must be good for you!

6. There are over 200 volcanic formations in Costa Rica.

Of these, approximately 112 have shown some type of activity-60 are considered dormant, which means they don't currently show signs of activity, but could possibly become active again. Arenal is the most active volcano in Central America, while Poás is the second widest volcanic crater in the world, and Irazú is Costa Rica's tallest volcano.

7. Costa Rica is slightly smaller than Lake Michigan.

At 19,730 square miles, Costa Rica occupies slightly less territory than Lake Michigan (which measures 22,394 square miles). The country contains 801 miles (1,290 km) of coastline.

8. Costa Rica is home to more than 5 percent of the world's biodiversity.

Costa Rica may not be a large country, but it packs a lot of life into its borders. While Costa Rica only occupies .03 percent of the world's surface, it boasts the globe's highest biodiversity density. The country is home to more than 500,000 species! And, with nearly 3 percent of the world's biodiversity contained in its borders, Corcovado National Park has been deemed "the most biologically intense place on the planet."

9. There are tons of butterflies in Costa Rica.

Seriously-there are so many butterflies. Costa Rica contains approximately 90 percent of the butterfly species found in Central America, 66 percent of all neo-tropical butterflies, and about 18 percent of all butterfly species in the world.

10. There are also over 50 species of hummingbirds.

Of the 338 known species of hummingbirds, about 50 live in Costa Rica. The smallest Costa Rican hummingbird (the male scintillant hummingbird) weighs only two grams. The largest (the violet sabrewing) weighs an average of 11.5 grams.

11. Costa Rica residents are called Ticos and Ticas.

Costa Ricans colloquially refer to themselves as Ticos (male) and Ticas (female). This stems from their practice of adding the diminutive suffix "tico" to the end of most words. For example, un poco means "a little" in standard Spanish. The typical diminutive is un poquito (a little bit), but Costa Ricans would instead say un poquitico.

12. Ticos and ticas in love use a sweet term of endearment.

Costa Ricans use the term media naranja to refer to their soul mate or other half. It literally translates to "half an orange."

13. Most Costa Rican radio stations play the country's national anthem at 7:00 each morning.

The national anthem, unofficially called "Noble patria, tu hermosa bandera" ("Noble homeland, your beautiful flag") was first played in 1852 to welcome United States and United Kingdom diplomatic representatives. The song, with music by Manuel Maria Gutierrez and lyrics written by Jose Maria Zeledon in 1903, was officially named Costa Rica's National Anthem in 1949.

14. Costa Rica didn't use street signs until 2012.

While a GPS will display street names in Costa Rica, locals use landmarks (past and present) to give directions. To get to the National Theater in San Jose, for example, you would take a "left-hand turn 100 (meters) south of the People's Bank." While San Jose residents readily used street names and numbers until the early 20th century, the practice fell off following a population boom in the 1950s and '60s.

In 2012, the city undertook a $1 million project to reintroduce street signs and a more regulated postal system to San Jose.

15. Costa Ricans live by pura vida.

Costa Ricans will often greet one another and bid farewell by saying "pura vida." But pura vida, which translates to "pure life," is more than a turn of phrase to Costa Ricans-it's a state of mind. Costa Ricans take every opportunity to live life to the fullest.

16. Costa Rica ranks number one in the Happy Planet Index.

With pura vida as their philosophy, it comes as no surprise that Costa Ricans are considered to be some of the happiest people on Earth. The Happy Planet Index uses three criteria-life expectancy, experienced well-being, and Ecological Footprint-to determine the overall happiness levels of 151 countries across the globe. With a score of 64.0, Costa Rica tops this list. (The United States, for comparison, has an HPI of 37.3.)
There is still even more to discover in Costa Rica. To see what overworked Americans are discovering in Costa Rica, visit SavetheAmericans.org.

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16 Things You Might Not Know About Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is as well known for its beautiful natural landscape and bustling biodiversity as it is for its wonderful, happy residents. Here are 16 interesting facts about Costa Rica that help make the country a truly singular place. 1. Over a quarter of the land is dedicated to conservation.

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13 reason to get to Nicaragua before everyone discovers it.

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13 reason to get to Nicaragua before everyone discovers it.

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Ahh, Central America. While most travelers spend their time plotting escapes to Europe or Southeast Asia, this little nugget sits unassumingly right under their noses (literally -- it's pretty much directly south, and a shorter flight than you'd think).

And Nicaragua may just be the best nation in the bunch. It's tropical, with both rich history and exotic Latin culture that awakens your spicy side upon arrival. Travel experts say Nicaragua will rise to become a hotspot in 2015; it is, after all, home to Granada, aka the " Paris of Central America."

At the same time, though, Nicaragua remains delightfully undiscovered. It's brimming with wellness retreats to kick back at, and the whole country is so zen, it feels like it's " swinging in a hammock."

And when you consider the food, people and insane nature, this place is truly epic. Here's why Nicaragua belongs on your list for 2015 and beyond.

5. Here, volcano boarding is an actual sport.

Only semi-terrifying.

6. It's pretty much the adventure capital of the universe.

If you're not scaling a volcano or trekking a rainforest, you're definitely knee-deep in Somoto Canyon, which sat undiscovered until 2004.

12. But you'll be the only human on some of these beaches.

The Pearl Cays are one of the world's most important green sea turtle feeding grounds. Wading this crystal-blue water, you'll also encounter otters, dolphins and lobsters. Awwh.

13. You can REALLY get away, but in a luxurious way.

Thanks to the lucky travelers who have realized Nicaragua's allure already, there are plenty of high-quality tropical retreats here. But they're remote enough that you can still totally unplug... which is just the way we like it.

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Nicaragua Is The Next Costa Rica. Get There First.

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Ahh, Central America. While most travelers spend their time plotting escapes to Europe or Southeast Asia, this little nugget sits unassumingly right under their noses (literally -- it's pretty much directly south, and a shorter flight than you'd think). And Nicaragua may just be the best nation in the bunch.

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Like our comprehensive online Italian travel guides? you'll love our expert-guided tours in Italy. If you're planning a trip to Italy, we'd love to show you what our favorite country has to offer.
No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain. Located in the Quirinale district of Rome, the Trevi Fountain is known as one of the most stunning fountains in the world. But there's a lot more than just beauty behind this famous fountain!

Though it was one of 1,352 fountains in 4 th century Rome, the Trevi Fountain has always stood out from the rest. After a prolonged closure while it was being refurbished by the fashion house, Fendi (who reportedly spent a cool $2.2 million), the fountain has just re-opened better than ever, so it's time to book tickets and get to Rome to see it!

In the mean time, here are 9 facts you might not have known about Rome's Trevi Fountain:

1. The Trevi Fountain is one of the oldest water sources in Rome

The fountain dates back to ancient Roman times, since the construction of the Aqua Virgo Aqueduct in 19 B.C. that provided water to the Roman baths and the fountains of central Rome. It's said that the Aqua Virgo, or Virgin Waters, is named in honor of a young Roman girl who led thirsty soldiers to the source of the spring to drink.

The fountain was built at the end point of the aqueduct, at the junction of three roads. These three streets ( tre vie) give the Trevi Fountain its name, the Three Street Fountain.

2. Salvi was not the original architect

In 1730 Pope Clemens XII held a contest to design a new fountain. Many important architects participated, but in the end Nicola Salvi won the rights to design the fountain, though some theories say he may not have been the first choice. Alessandro Galilei, a architect from the same family as the famous astronomer Galileo, originally won the commission for the project but the commission was ultimately given to Salvi after a public outcry. The reason for the public's objections? Galilei was a Florentine, while Salvi was a native Roman.

However Salvi never saw his fountain completed. The first water came out of the fountain in 1743 but it wasn't until 1762 that a different Pope, Clemens XIII, officially completed and inaugurated the new Trevi Fountain, 11 years after Salvi's death. Still, the final product is largely his.

3. You can thank gambling for the fountain's existence.

Salvi's project for the fountain was the least expensive as well, a possible deciding factor for Pope Clement. In any case the pope approved the financing of the works and used the third extraction of the lotto game to pay for it. That's right, the money earned from the reintroduction of the lotto in Rome financed the Trevi Fountain! The numbers of the first extraction were 56, 11, 54, 18 and 6, in case you were interested.

4. It's made from the same material as the Colosseum...

The fountain is mostly built from travertine stone, a name that means "from the Tiber" in Latin. A mineral made of calcium carbonate formed from spring waters, especially hot springs, the likely source was the city of Tivoli, about 22 miles from Rome. During construction many men were injured and a few died when working with enormous stone, including a stonecutter who was crushed by a large block of travertine in 1734.

5. And it uses a lot of water.

The Trevi Fountain stands a massive 85 feet tall and is almost 65 feet wide. With water pumping out of multiple sources and the large pool in front, the fountain spills about 2,824,800 cubic feet of water every day! No need to fret though, today the water is recycled (meaning unlike the ancient Romans you'll have to drink from the nearby drinking fountains instead!)

6. The fountain is charitable

When the fountain is open roughly €3,000 is thrown into it every day as people follow the tradition of throwing coins over their shoulders. The legend holds that a coin thrown into the fountain will ensure a return to Rome. This tradition also dates back to the ancient Romans who often threw coins in water to make the gods of water favor their journey or help them get back home safely. (Throw in a second coin if you're seeking love - even a third for wedding bells!)

What many don't know is that the coins are collected every night and given to an Italian charity called Caritas. Caritas, in turn, use the money for a supermarket program giving rechargeable cards to Rome's needy to help them get groceries.

7. It's a crime to steal the coins from the Trevi

Perhaps for just that reason, it's illegal to fish out coins from the fountain. In the past it was common for gangs of thieves to sweep the coins out of the fountain at night. In fact, three were caught by a T.V. show using a hidden camera in 2011. The most famous raider, however, was known by his nickname, d'Artagnan. He stole the coins from the fountain for 34 years before he was caught in the summer of 2002.

8. The white stone fountain has been black...and red.

In 1996 the fountain was turned off and draped in black crepe to honor actor Marcello Mastroianni after his death. Mastroianni starred in La Dolce Vita, a movie whose most famous scene was filmed in the Trevi Fountain, making the fountain more famous than ever.

In 2007 the fountain wore a different color after a vandal dumped a liquid substance into the fountain turning the water red. This caused water that fell from the fountain to be red as well, since it uses a closed circuit water system. While there was a fear that the liquid would have permanently damaged the monument, the water was drained fast enough that there was no damage, only a crowd of very surprised tourists!

9. This famous fountain is famous on film too!

A famed sight for tourists from throughout the world, the Trevi Fountain is quite the stage prop as well! Besides La Dolce Vita, when Anita Ekberg jumped into the Trevi Fountain with her clothes on, the massive monument has been featured in many films including Roman Holiday, Three Coins in the Fountain and even The Lizzie McGuire Movie. The fountain is even replicated at Epcot in Walt Disney World!

Want to learn first hand about Trevi Fountain?Try our Twilight City Stroll while in Rome to experience the Fountain, Spanish Steps and other Roman gems in a new light, with more fascinating facts and anecdotes from our expert guides!

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9 Surprising Trevi Fountain Facts | Rome Blog | Walks of Italy

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Like our comprehensive online Italian travel guides? you'll love our expert-guided tours in Italy . If you're planning a trip to Italy, we'd love to show you what our favorite country has to offer. No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain .

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Self-Guided Walking Tour of Florence, Italy.

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Self-Guided Walking Tour of Florence, Italy.

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"Walking is the perfect way of moving if you want to see into the life of things. It is the one way of freedom. If you go to a place on anything but your own feet you are taken there too fast, and miss a thousand delicate joys that were waiting for you by the wayside."

Elizabeth von Arnim, The Adventures of Elizabeth in Rügen

There has to be something said for the rapture that is found in walking by the wayside. It is true that cars, trains, planes, even rockets take us to our destination faster and are necessary to accommodate the fast pace of lifestyle that we struggle to keep up with. But there is nothing to match the slow-paced enjoyment one can experience from discovering an unknown city by foot. Consider joining me on the slow-paced walking tour I will take you on, around the heart of that most historic of cities- Florence, Italy.

Major Stops on the walk will include the following landmarks:

Piazza del Duomo,

Giotto's bell tower,

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo,

Casa Museo di Dante,

Florence's famous sculpture museum, The Bargello,

Piazza Signoria: Palazzo Vecchio and The Uffizi,

Church of Orsanmichele,

back to the Duomo and Piazza della Signoria.

The Walk

Start at the famous Piazza del Duomo, home to that icon of Florentine architecture- the Duomo. In fact the Duomo, the Florence Baptistry and Giotto's Campanile together form a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the pink and green marble façade of the Duomo and the spectacular dome, designed by Brunelleschi. These are a delight to photograph especially in the early hours of the day when the morning sun suffuses the buildings with a soft light.

In the same Piazza del Duomo look up to Giotto's Campanile- a free-standing bell tower in the typical Florentine, gothic architectural style. Worthy of mention are the hexagonal panels on the lower level of the bell tower- depicting scenes from the book of Genesis. These are mere replicas, the original panels residing in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

Museo dell'Opera del Duomo the next stop on the walk is a repository of some of the works of art originally found in the Cathedral of Florence, the Duomo. The museum is just east of the Duomo.

A cumulative ticket to view the interior of the following monuments costs 15 euros.

Entrance times:

Cathedral: 10.00-17.00 ;

Dome: 08.30-18.20 ;

Baptistry: 08.15-10.15/11.15-18.30

Bell Tower: 08.15-18.50

Crypt: 10.00-17.00

Museum: 09.00-21.00

Casa Museo di Dante. The house-museum of Dante Alighieri, author of the Divine Comedy, (considered to be the greatest work composed in the Italian language) is the next stop on the walking tour. The house was built in the twentieth century on the site of the Alighieri family's property as discerned from several old documents. The museum is spread out on three floors, each floor representing different phases in the writer's life.

Via Santa Margherita 1 - Firenze. Tel. 055 219416. Admission: 10.00 - 18.00. Closed on: Monday. Entrance: € 4,00.

The Bargello. This building may look like a castle but was in fact a former prison, now converted to an art-sculpture museum. The art collection here is quite impressive. A few highlights not to be missed include Donatello's David, Vincenzo Gemito's 'Ill Pescatorello' or small fisherboy sculpture, and a few masterpieces attributed to Michelangelo.

Via del Proconsolo 4 - Firenze - Tel. 055 2388606

Admittance time. Weekdays: from Tuesday to Saturday: 08.15 - 13.50 pm; open on the first, third and fifth Monday of every month.

Holidays: open on the second and fourth Sunday of every month- 08.15 am - 13.50 pm.

Closed on: on the second and fourth Monday of every month; on the first, third and fifth Sunday of every month. December 25, January 1, May 1.

Entrance: € 4,00.

Piazza Signoria: Palazzo Vecchio and The Uffizi: The Piazza Signoria is a very famous L-shaped square of Florence situated adjacent to the Palazzo Vecchio, the old town hall of Florence and the great art museum, the Uffizi. To be found in the square, directly in front of the Palazzo Vecchio is a replica copy of the statue of David, the original to be found in the Uffizi. Also of note is the row of striking statues in the nearby Loggia dei Lanzi. A trip to Florence should include an obligatory trip to the Uffizi. Beware of long waits to enter the gallery especially during peak tourist season (upward of five hours). Painting highlights to be seen once you gain admission are: Sandro Boticelli's 'Birth of Venus' and 'La Primavera', Raphael's 'Madonna of the Goldfinch', works by da Vinci, Rembrandt, Caravaggio, Michelangelo and others.

The Ufizzi: Tuesday through Sunday: 8:15-18:50, entry every 15 minutes
Closed: Mondays, Christmas, New Year's Day, May 1st; Tickets: Full price: € 8,00

Church of Orsanmichele: The beautiful Gothic church of Orsanmichele is located just off Via Calzaiuoli on the site of a historic grain market. In the fourteenth century the granary was converted to a place of worship. The external niches or statues that decorate the exterior of this church are remarkable. The original statues have been removed to various museums and have been replaced with replicas to protect against theft and the weather. Some of the original statues reside in the Orsanmichele Museum located on the upper floor of the church (open only on Mondays).

Via dell'Arte della Lana, 50123 Firenze, Italy; every day: 10.00-17.00; Closed on: Monday - Entrance: free.

Open only on Monday 10.00 - 17.00 pm; Entrance: free.

How To Get Around

Start the walk at the Piazza del Duomo and continue to all the stops mentioned in a clockwise manner. The walk should bring you back to your point of origin. After admiring the Duomo, Giotto's Bell Tower proceed to the adjacent Museo dell'Opera del Duomo. After this, to reach Casa Museo di Dante follow Via del Proconsolo and then take a right onto Via del Corso. A left onto Via del Presto, a right onto Via Dante Alighieri and another right onto Via Santa Margherita should bring you near to Dante House. After visiting the house retrace your steps back to Via Dante Alighieri and follow it down until it intersects Via del Proconsolo. Follow this road down to where it intersects Via Ghibellina and take a left turn on this road, which should bring you to the Bargello. After visiting the Bargello, you might want to backtrack to via del Proconsolo towards the direction of the river. Take a right onto Via del Gondi, which will bring you to the L-shaped Piazza della Signoria. Once you have reached the end of the Piazza near the Museo di Palazzo Davanzati walk all the way back along Via dei Calzaioli till you reach the Church of Orsonmichele. Following Via dei Calzaioli further should bring you back to the Piazza del Duomo.

Top Tips for this walk

Stop for coffee at the famous Café Rivoire at Piazza della Signoria. For a wonderful gelato stop to treat yourself after the walk consider going to Grom (on the way back to the Piazza del Duomo whilst walking along Via dei Calzaioli, take a right onto Via delle Oche should bring you to the doorstep of Gelato heaven!
Creative Commons License Attribution
Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo di Firenze) photograph was licensed under Creative Commons License courtesy of Rodrigo Soldon; Museo Casa di Dante photograph was licensed under Creative Commons License courtesy of Darold Massaro; Bargello photograph was licensed under Creative Commons License courtesy of Dave and Margie Hill/Kleerup; Piazza Signoria photograph was licensed under Creative Commons License courtesy of Haydn Blackey; Orsanmichele Church, Florence photograph was licensed under Creative Commons License courtesy of ScottOldham.

For guided tours around Florence we recommend Walks of Italy, although their walks may differ from the one mentioned by us.

For other memorable walks we recommend our A Free, Self-guided Walking Tour Of Edinburgh.

Lastly if you are looking for something more substantial than gelato, may we suggest our Cheap Eats Guide To Florence

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A free, self-guided walking tour of Florence -

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"Walking is the perfect way of moving if you want to see into the life of things. It is the one way of freedom. If you go to a place on anything but your own feet you are taken there too fast, and miss a thousand delicate joys that were waiting for you by the wayside."

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11

2. Olive All'ascolana

These fried olives are a culinary signature in the Le March region, a region that lies between the Apennie Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Essentially the green olive is stuffed with spiced ground meat, lightly breaded and fried, sometimes even stuffed with parmesan. The green olives that make up this incredible tasting dish are actually only found in this region and therefore you will need to head here to try these. They can be found in wine bars but the best ones are often found in a paper cone or bag, straight from the street sellers. You will be hard pressed to find a snack this size that offers such great flavor and punch.

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1. Porchetta

It is perhaps the street food that is most widely found across Italy, and it's no wonder why people love it so much. This succulent, fatty, savory boneless pork roast is seasoned with salt and herbs and roasted on a spit until perfection. It is often stuffed with garlic, rosemary, fennel and other herbs. You will find porchetta as a street food in Rome and Lazio, or by pitchmen with their typically white painted vans. The typical way porchetta is served is sliced and piled on a crusty roll, making for one savory sandwich. Insiders tip: make sure to ask them to "hold the liver".

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11 These fried olives are a culinary signature in the Le March region, a region that lies between the Apennie Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Essentially the green olive is stuffed with spiced ground meat, lightly breaded and fried, sometimes even stuffed with parmesan.

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Venice, Italy might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of European cool, but this seaside city is more than just a pretty postcard. Beyond its canals and pastel-dotted streets is an Italian city like no other - with its own history, its own food, and a classical music scene that could make Prague and Paris reach for the world's smallest violin.

In fact, it's such a musical destination that Mozart In The Jungle filmed some of its third season there, and it's making us want to go. Set against a backdrop of glistening Venetian waters and storied musical venues, the show confirms that Venice is basically #vacationgoals. So we talked to some of the artsiest locals about some of the best locations from the show - including an infamous opera house, the city's stunning surrounding lagoons, and a square that's much more than just a square - and other things to see, eat, and do. Get their picks below.

The Castello area is one of the six sestieri (or subdivisions) in Venice, and much of it remains close to its working-class roots. According to Silvana Di Puorto - a Venice-based digital PR manager, food writer, and luxury travel expert - it's here, on the far eastern end of the city, where you can smell, feel, and experience "the real Venice," with its picturesque waterfront and quiet fishermen.

Santa Croce, another sestieri, is one of the primary parts of the city for car travel, with several bus stations and car lots to welcome tourists. The borough's also home to a number of attractions, including famous churches, The Museum of Textiles and Costumes, and the famed Papadopoli Gardens - an ideal (and breathtaking) spot to unwind and get some fresh air after a day of sightseeing.

And if island-hopping is your idea of a good time? Well, you're in luck. The lagoon that envelops Venice is home to several surrounding islands that residents like to frequent, including Mazzorbo, Burano, and Torcello - all traversable by boat. Exploring these sleepy and often working-class islands is on some level key to understanding and appreciating the beauty of the city.

The Music Scene

"Venice is the capital of classical music," says Di Puorto, and it's also arguably the birthplace of opera. "There are so many composers, singers, and musicians who came out of here, and that's helped make Venice so relevant in the music world today."

One of the most popular places to hear this music is Teatro La Fenice, a renowned opera house that's undoubtedly reached icon status. "As a music and art fanatic, I can say La Fenice is my absolute favorite in the city. It's just so historical," says Di Puorto, who also sings the praises of smaller theaters such as The Goldoni and Teatro Malibran.

The decor of Teatro La Fenice is also something worth noting. Rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in the 1990s, the present theater is a marvel, with a bright interior motif (inspired by the original theater) and a breathtaking amount of detail.

The Must-Sees

And then there are the sights you just have to cross off your list while you're in town. "I generally try to avoid tourist attractions, but there's something about the Piazza San Marco that seems utterly timeless," says Elizabeth Minchilli, an Italian-based travel blogger and creator of the Eat Italy app. Known in English as St. Mark's Square, this spot might be inherently touristy, but it has a rich history. For centuries, it's been thesocial, religious, and political epicenter of the city, the main attraction. Tourists and locals alike flock to the square daily; it's home to a number of souvenir shops, world-renowned restaurants and cafes (more on that later), and live performances.

And that bridge you've seen on Instagram countless times? It's called the Accademia Bridge, and it's one of the most photographed places in the world. It's also a hop, skip, and jump away from Palazzo Franchetti, a palace turned museum that frequently houses cultural events and art exhibits. The view isn't bad either.

Another can't-miss palace turned museum is Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale). It's pretty much the epitome of the architectural glamour the city's famous for, celebrated for its Venetian gothic style, sprawling courtyard, and Renaissance influences. According to Di Puorto, Doge's Palace is still the political heart of the city, even though it no longer houses public offices and instead serves primarily as a popular public museum. Tours will walk you through some of the famous rooms, which include the former meeting places of the cabinet and council of the Republic of Venice before it fell in 1797. (Pro tip: You can book a private tour of the palace's infamous prisons, which aren't included in regular public admission.)

In terms of cuisine, you can expect classic Italian deliciousness, but pasta isn't the starch of choice in Venice. Rather, rice and polenta are served with the coastal town's fish-based dishes. You can sample some of the best seafood near the Piazza San Marco where the city's most popular restaurants congregate.

"Steps away from the piazza is Do Leoni, a restaurant with an amazing terrace overlooking the lagoon," says Di Puorto. Another popular lunch destination is Cipriani, a landmark hotel in walking distance of the piazza. Other restaurants frequently recommended by locals include Antiche Carampane, Al Covo, Anice Stellato, Ai Promessi Sposi, The Egg (which sits atop the historical Hotel Danieli), and Al Gatto Nero, all of which are known for Venice's fresh seafood. And trust us, it's really fresh. Squid ink pasta, creamed codfish, and fried crabs - served whole - are dinnertime staples. If you're in the mood for more modest fare, Di Puorto recommends pizza from Rossopomodoro.

All in all, Venice is a city that's almost precious, housing centuries worth of ancient monuments and historically significant structures. And for the millions of people who visit every year and continue to recognize it for its unparalleled beauty and vast history, it's one of the most alluring destinations in the world.

Want to see even more of Venice? Stream season 3 of Mozart in the Jungle, which is available on Amazon Prime Video now. No passport required.

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Venice Italy Travel Guide - What To Do In Venice

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Venice, Italy might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of European cool, but this seaside city is more than just a pretty postcard. Beyond its canals and pastel-dotted streets is an Italian city like no other - with its own history, its own food, and a classical music scene that could make Prague and Paris reach for the world's smallest violin.

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Time is nothing - Around the world in 343 days 

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Time is nothing - Around the world in 343 days 

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A good one to have playing at the beginning of your meetings.

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Time Is Nothing - Around The World In 343 Days (Time Lapse)

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in July of 2015 I went to the South American country of Peru with EF Tours. Music - Tony Anderson Editing Software - Premiere Pro CC (2015) Camera - Canon PowerShot SX520 HS EFtours.com ---------------------------- Find me on... Instagram - https://instagram.com/theseanfagan/ Twitter - twitter.com/seanfagannn

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3 Year Epic Selfie - Around the World in 360° Degrees - Part II

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Alex Chacon, the #EpicSelfieGuy does it again creating the most Epic, Crazy, Interesting, Dangerous, and Amazing Selfie in the World. He took the "Most Epic Selfie of 2014" according to CBS News and does it again in 2015 with this Part II on his 3 Year Around the World Motorcycle Expedition!

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Around the World in 360° Degrees - 3 Year Epic Selfie

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600 Days Around the World with a GoPro on a stick! In the most epic selfie ever! Don't forget to watch Part II here: https://youtu.be/sR6Kaq526Zc Follow Me! FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/ChaconAlex INSTAGRAM - http://www.Instagram.com/ModernMotorcycleDiaries TWITTER - http://www.twitter.com/modernmotoguy WEB SITE - http://www.modernmotodiaries.com The ultimate selfie compilation documented like never before in a 360° Degree rotation in every major site and exotic place in over 36+ countries.

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3 Years of Travel in 3 Minutes (Lessons and Adventures)

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LEARN! Life lessons from all over the world in 1 min. video

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LEARN! Life lessons from all over the world in 1 min. video

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EAT! 1 min. video of food from all over the world.

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EAT! 1 min. video of food from all over the world.

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STA Travel Australia sent 3 of our mates, Rick Mereki, Andrew Lees and Tim White on an amazing trip around the world. A 6 week journey of a lifetime crammed into one epic minute. http://www.statravel.com.au http://www.statravel.com.au http://www.facebook.com/STAtravel.AU http://www.twitter.com/statravelAU Original music by Kelsey James. http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/play-on-move-soundtrack-single/id456257170

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MOVE! Short 1 minute video to show your students to generate excitement!

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MOVE! Short 1 minute video to show your students to generate excitement!

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TONS of great videos for your groups!

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EF is the leader in international student travel. EF Educational Tours (EF Tours) helps teachers and students discover the world through culturally immersive educational travel. Through experiential learning they gain new perspectives, develop important 21st century skills and become true global citizens.