10 of Rome's Fabulous UNESCO World Heritage Sites

 

When you travel to Rome, you’ll understand why the entire historic city center, within the ancient city walls as well as the Basilica of St. Paul’s, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is a complex, yet almost seamless, pattern of archaeological sites mixed with urban hot spots. Founded on the banks of the Tiber River in 753 BC, it was the center of the Roman Republic. That was followed by becoming the heart of the Roman Empire and then the Christian world.

With each period of growth, new buildings were built on top of old, often repurposing materials and space. Beginning in the 15th century, the story of Rome was reflected in the Renaissance and then during the Baroque period. In many ways, Rome is indelibly linked with the story of Western civilization as the people’s beliefs and values changed over thousands of years.

The following are ten of Rome’s important UNESCO sites. Enjoy!

The Colosseum

The mighty Colosseum was built between 72 – 80 AD, and it is the standard-type arena we still use today. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, archaeologists continue to discover amazing finds there. It was first used for gladiators to battle it out, sometimes against wild animals. Upon its completion, it was decreed that 100 days of games would take place. By the late 6th century, the Colosseum was no longer an entertainment venue for Rome’s citizenry. A chapel was added to the building, and the space under the seats were used as homes and workshops.

In the 12th century, the patrician Frangipani family took over the site and made it a fortified castle; one hundred years later, it was damaged in an earthquake. As with other ancient Roman structures, the Colosseum fell into disrepair, and the materials were repurposed. Supporting iron clamps were melted and reused, and its decorative marble was placed in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Finally, in 1749, Pope Benedict XIV consecrated the Colosseum, giving it protection. From that time forward, the Colosseum has undergone restoration at the insistence of Popes, the city of Rome, and various governments that have come and gone. At almost 2,000 years old, it is one of the best-preserved structures in the world.

The Pantheon

This stunning 2,000-year-old temple, now a church, is one of the most important in the western world. Walk through its bronze doors, look up, and prepare to be amazed. This is the largest, unreinforced concrete dome in the world. Hadrian built the temple in 125 AD and dedicated it to all the classical gods. In 608 AD it was consecrated as a Christian church, which spared it from ruin during Medieval times. (Although, the gilded roof tiles were removed and used by Bernini at St. Peter’s Basilica.)

The entrance portico has 16 columns, each made from a single block of Egyptian granite and 39 feet high. Light pours in through the oculus, a 25-foot in diameter opening in the center of the dome, and a 7th century Madonna is above the altar. Besides being a miraculous feat of engineering, the design truly makes a person feel small in comparison to the gods. Walk back into the present world, and you’re on the Piazza della Rotonda, a bustling area of luscious cafes.

Roman Forum

Built during the time of Julius Caesar, the Roman Forum was placed between the Palatine Hill (a very exclusive enclave) and the Capitoline Hill. It was the grandest marketplace, religious center, and political power point in Rome. This heart of the ancient city was bustling with the business of everyday life, the site of processions and elections, public speeches, criminal trials, and commerce.

Many of the Roman Kingdom’s early altars and temples were located on what would
become the southwest edge of the Forum. The first royal residence, the 8th BC Regia, and the Temple of Vesta, along with the grouping of the Vestal Virgins, were here. Now, the sprawling ruins give you a feeling for what Rome was like in its ancient glory days.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Built in the 2nd century by Emperor Hadrian, it was to be his and his family’s mausoleum—it became a castle 100 years later. In 590, Pope Gregory I saw a vision of the archangel Michael atop the building during a time of plague; Michael carried his sword, and it was believed to be a signal to end the epidemic. In the 15th century, Pope Pius II built his chapel where Michael appeared. A tunnel connected the chapel to the Vatican in 1722, and a gorgeous bronze statue of the saint was added in 1753.

The Castel of the Holy Angel became a movie star when it appeared in the movie made from Dan Brown’s book, Angels and Demons. The castle played a hideout for the Illuminati.

Piazza Navona

This Baroque piazza, or plaza, is central to the story of Rome. It is one of the most beautiful squares in this city that is filled with them. Three fountains grace the square: Fontana del Moro, Fontana de’ Calderari, and in the center, the Fountain of Four Rivers. Del Moro has a statue of an Ethiopian fighting with a dolphin. Calderari is known as The Fountain of Neptune. The Fountain of Four Rivers, designed by Bernini, is a large travertine cliff that was formed by a cave with four openings. On the corners of the ‘cliff’ there are marble statues of the four rivers that represent the continents known at that time.

He created a representation of the Danube and a horse for Europe; the Ganges with an oar and dragon for Asia; The Nile with a lion and palm for Africa; and the Rio del la Plata with one raised arm and an armadillo for America. To be surrounded by street artists, stalls, cafes, and buskers while gazing at the fountain is exactly why it’s part of UNESCO. The present blends perfectly with the past.

Piazza del Popolo

As with all Roman piazzas, Popolo is a hive of activity. But this plaza has an extraordinary 120 foot high Egyptian obelisk. This is an actual obelisk that dates to 1300 BC. It came from the Sun Temple of Heliopolis and was brought to Rome by Emperor Augustus and placed at the Circus Maximus. You must see it!

Piazza di Spagna

Translated as ‘The Square of Spain’ this piazza was home to the Spanish Embassy for the Vatican. It is central to one of Rome’s most popular neighborhoods. The streets Via dei Condotti, Via Frattina, and the Via del Babuino all have some magnificent 17th and 18th century villas. Near the Piazza del Popolo, you can climb to the top of Pincian Hill for sweeping views.

You must go to the Spanish Steps. Built to connect the piazza with the Church of Trinita dei Monti, no trip to Rome is complete without a pilgrimage to these 135 steps where you can sit with travelers as well as locals. Relax, chat, and enjoy the wonder that is Rome.

Capitoline Hill

One of the few ruins at ground level, this is the most important of the seven hills of Rome. There are two summits where enormous temples were built by the kings of Rome, symbolizing power. The Capitoline Museums, created in 1471, are the world’s oldest public museums. Get ready for classical sculptures, picture galleries, a wonderful courtyard, 5th century BC Etruscan works, 1st century bronze, and ancient Rome’s central archive. Take your time here…

Farnese and Quirinale Palaces

Palazzo Farnese is an absolute gem, and a must when you visit Rome. Completed in 1589 and designed by four extraordinary architects, including Michelangelo, you’ll see a 60 foot vault that has frescoes of mythological beings from Ovid’s “Metamorphoses.” These frescoes also offer optical illusions. Taken in all, the overlapping sculptures, paintings, and style are considered to be “a triumph of light, shapes, and colors that have fascinated visitors for more than 400 years.”

Go to the basement, and you’ll see archaeological discoveries from three periods of Ancient Rome. Imagine seeing black and white mosaics of animals, sea monsters, and circus acrobats on horseback. The Palace has been home to the French Embassy since 1874.

The Quirinale Palace is the living center of Italy’s democracy. It not only expresses the creativity and ingenuity of the Italian people over time, it is where the President of the Republic carries out the functions of the government.

Major Basilicas

Rome’s basilicas are grand in scale, beauty, and honor. Saint John Lateran is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome and is the seat of the bishop of the Rome—the Pope. Although 2 ½ miles from the Vatican, it has extraterritorial status from Italy. Constantine founded the church in 324 AD over the remains of a Roman fort after besting Maxentius in battle.

The sanctuary of this oldest public church in Europe is dominated by a stunning mosaic created by two friars in the 13th century. In the upper part, Jesus is in the clouds, surrounded by angels. The lower has the major saints, the Madonna, a crucifix from which the Holy Spirit is shown as a dove, and flowing water with an abundance of life at the base.
Saint Mary Major is another of the major basilicas, and it has a lovely story. Legend has it that a high-born Roman family renounced their lives and pledged their fortune to the Mother of God—this created the miracle of a summer snowfall. Mary told them to build a church on that site. Every August 5th, a shower of white rose petals flows from the church’s dome.

Saint Paul’s Outside the Walls is not in the heart of Rome, but it’s definitely worth a visit. When Paul was executed in the first century AD, a shrine was built over his grave. By 395 a basilica rose from the spot. The cloister, positively breathtaking, was erected in 1241. Walk inside and you’ll see gigantic marble columns, gold mosaics, a 12th century chandelier, and the marble tombstone of St. Paul. The astonishing atrium has 150 columns. This Basilica may be one of the best ones to visit in Rome.

Dream Vacations - The Operach Team is a travel agency based in Overland Park, Kansas. We take pride in working with clients across the country who love to travel. We build vacation experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime.  Our team has specialties across a wide range of vacation options; custom Europe itineraries, Alaska, escorted tours, all-inclusive resorts, Disney, Caribbean, Hawaii, South Pacific, cruise holidays, and river cruises.   

We look forward to making your dream vacations come true!!

7 Destinations in Hawaii Where the Locals Love to Go

You might wonder where Hawaiians vacation, considering they already live in a stunning destination ripe for tourism. The truth is that many travel to Las Vegas, affectionately nicknamed their "ninth island," as well as other U.S. West Coast getaways and parts of Asia (a nine-hour direct flight will get you to Japan). But when the time calls for a staycation, Hawaiians stick to their own blessed territory, rich with history, culture, adventure, delicious food, and some of the most incredible nature on the planet.

Each island offers something distinct. Here are seven destinations in Hawaii that locals love.

Upcountry Maui

The national park spans more than 30,000 acres and centers around a dormant volcano that occupies more than 75 percent of Maui and stands at 10,023 feet. Haleakalā is home to a number of endangered and endemic species. The name means "House of the Sun" in Hawaiian. The locals know it as the sacred place where ancient kahuna po'o (high priests) meditated and received wisdom.

While you're in Upcountry Maui (the rural area on the Haleakala side of the island), stop by the Saturday Upcountry Farmers Market in Makawao. Here, you can shop for locally grown and made items, including tropical fruits, honey, grab-and-go meals, clothing, and fresh-cut flowers. For those wanting to immerse their senses in Upcountry Maui's flora, visit the Ali'i Kula Lavender farm, where you can relax on the lanai or in the gazebo, surrounded by fragrant blossoms.

Windward Coast, Oahu

The roughly 340,000 people who live in Honolulu don't have to go far to escape the city. The island's Windward Coast begins at Makapuʻu Point — about a 15-mile drive east of the capital — and extends up to Kahana Bay. With numerous trails and beaches, lava tubes, blowholes, surf breaks, and exquisite coastal scenery, there are endless possibilities for hiking and beach hopping along this eastern shore. You'll often find families trekking the paved Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail and experienced surfers and bodyboarders at Makapuʻu Beach and Sandy Beach (nicknamed Broke Neck Beach for its treacherous conditions).

The sand is soft, the waves are never too big, and the backdrop of the Ko'olau mountains is amazing. It's right in the middle of a great Hawaiian town called Waimānalo. When driving home from the beach, there are always people selling some type of local food on the side of the road: shave ice, lau lau (a Hawaiian dish typically made of salted butterfish and pork wrapped in taro leaves), and malasadas (Portuguese donuts).

Windward Oahu is home to Kailua Beach, popular with windsurfers and kayakers; Lanikai Beach, which has been called one of the world's most beautiful; and Kualoa Ranch, a 4,000-acre private reserve that is a local favorite for zip lining, horseback riding, and taking in the staggering and storied 'āina (land). Sherwood Beach is another gem, with gentle waves and views of the Ko'olau mountains.

North Shore, Oahu

Less than an hour from Honolulu is another destination beloved by Hawaii residents and visitors alike: the fabled North Shore. Professional surfers from around the world congregate and compete here. But Koa Rothman, a North Shore native, professional big-wave surfer, and cofounder of The Sunrise Shack, says that while his hometown is known for surf culture, you need not be a surfer to appreciate this place. The seven miles of white-sand beaches are primed for watching the swells and surfers safely from shore, he says. Banzai Pipeline, a surf break off Ehukai Beach Park, is popular for surf contests, and Sunset Beach is a favorite for enjoying the sunset views, as its name suggests. Waimea Bay Beach Park, the designated location for the Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational, is one of the most picturesque spots of the North Shore.

Locals also go to the North Shore to unwind and sink into a slower pace. Nakanelua-Richards says locals love the idyllic rainforest setting and sacred cultural significance of Waimea Valley, home to Oahu's largest temple. Go for a picnic, participate in cultural workshops, or take a refreshing dip in the freshwater pool near Waimea Falls on your visit.

South Shore, Kauai

The largely undeveloped island of Kauai is nicknamed the "Garden Island." Home to one of the wettest spots on Earth, Mount Waialeale, this destination receives a good amount of rain. But the South Shore is a slightly drier escape. This sunny swath of Kauai is popular among snorkelers, swimmers, and Poipu Beach resort guests.

The South Shore has some of the best sunsets and watching one at Baby Beach, a protected cove just west of Poipu Beach, where you'll find calm, ankle-deep waters, perfect for families with babies — hence the name — and small children.The Sunset Wall, a local-favorite spot at Koloa Landing, just down the road from Ko'a Kea Resort. Chase the sun a bit further afield at Salt Pond Beach Park, where a protected lagoon with clear water offers a serene sunset experience.

Of course, there is much more to see if you're on Kauai. The 22-mile Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast is a bucket-list item for experienced hikers, and a visit to Waimea Canyon — often called the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" — to admire the striking colors and rock formations is another must.

Lana

Hawaiians looking to reconnect with their land and culture head for — or return home to — the island of Lanai. It's one of those places where you can still feel the aloha spirit. Not only because of its beauty, but because of the people.  Although Lanai is the smallest inhabited island in Hawaii, it has a lot to offer. Sites include the Lanaihale hike, Maunalei Gulch, Keahiakawelo (aka the Garden of the Gods), and Pu'u Pehe (aka Sweetheart Rock) — named for a tragic mo'olelo (legend).

The island drew Anela Evans back to her home, too. After being raised on Lanai, Evans spent some time away, but returned to her roots to serve as a cultural practitioner and historian at the Four Seasons Resort Lanai from 2018 to 2022. When visiting Lanai, it's as if you've taken a step back in time. Life moves at a slower pace. The people have a warmth about them and exude aloha. Archaeological and cultural sites, such as Kaunolu (an ancient fishing village), remain intact and leave you marveling at the skill and tenacity of ancient Hawaiians. Lanai is special in every sense of the word. You truly cannot grasp a full sense of what it's like until stepping foot on the island.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

The allure of volcanic activity and otherworldly landscapes attract more than 1.5 million visitors to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park each year. But tourists aren't the only ones who come here; the 335,259-acre park — and the two active volcanoes in it — hold cultural significance for Hawaiians as well.

"It's one of the most fascinating places and highly sacred. Halema'uma'u Crater is known as the home of Pele, the creator of this 'āina (land). Over the past decade, it's been awe-inspiring to feel the steam vents up close, see smoke billowing miles into the sky, and witness her natural fireworks. It's hard not to see
this place as wahi pana (or a sacred space) when you are a participating witness to the terrifying destruction of lava and also the birthing of the newest parts of our planet. 

Molokai

Locals seeking simple island pleasures without the high-rise buildings and sprawling resorts love Molokai. This small island (less than 40 miles long and just 10 miles wide) in Maui County has avoided mass development and retained its natural beauty. Here, you'll find deserted beaches, some of the world's largest sea cliffs, and Kalaupapa National Historical Park — the site where leprosy patients were once sent into isolation, now a symbol of strength and resilience. A large percentage of Molokai's approximately 7,400 residents are Native Hawaiian and continue to perpetuate the Hawaiian language, traditions, and stories of this special place.

The Kalaupapa Lookout is a must for visitors to Molokai. The lookout sits on the edge of a 2,000-foot cliff where you can see the expansive Pacific Ocean with Kalaupapa peninsula sprawled before you,. In the winter, you can catch humpback whales going by, and sometimes hear the sound of their tail slap echo up the cliff. The bird's-eye view is unique when you read the intriguing story panels there and imagine what life was like before and now.

Pescaia also loves Papohaku Beach on the west end of the island. Stretching for three miles, this white-sand beach is never crowded, and sometimes you are the only person there. Winter north swells bring treacherous waves, and locals advise against swimming then, but the summers are calmer, and you can catch the last glimpse of sun rays at sunset. A visit to this beach provides a spectacular and humbling experience.

Dream Vacations - The Operach Team is a travel agency based in Overland Park, Kansas. We take pride in working with clients across the country who love to travel. We build vacation experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime.  Our team has specialties across a wide range of vacation options; custom Europe itineraries, Alaska, escorted tours, all-inclusive resorts, Disney, Caribbean, Hawaii, South Pacific, cruise holidays, and river cruises.   

We look forward to making your dream vacations come true!!

Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do

 

Whether you adore a cruise ship buffet with its myriad dining choices or fret about communal tongs and food lingering on steam tables, you ought to follow the unwritten rules of buffet dining if you choose to partake in it.

Most of these rules are common sense, but not all are obvious to the uninitiated. Ignore them, and you risk getting the stink-eye for being rude or unsanitary. Or, you might simply have a less satisfying meal.

Follow these 10 things you should never do at a cruise ship buffet if you want to have an optimal onboard smorgasbord experience.

Approach the buffet with unwashed hands

All cruise lines offer hand sanitizer at the entrance to the buffet, either in a wall-mounted pump or distributed by a staff member. Some even have hand-washing stations. Use them every time you enter the buffet area.

While public restrooms are typically nearby, this isn't the moment to declare that you just came from the bathroom and already washed your hands. The sight of everyone hand sanitizing is comforting to many a germ-o-phobic cruiser — and who knows what you touched on the way back from the loo. Extra sanitization has never hurt anyone, so lather up before you grab a plate.

Pick up food with your hands

Some cruise lines have policies against self-serving and station attendants at each section of the buffet. Others have plastic "sneeze guards" set up and plenty of servingware. Whatever the policy is, follow it.

No matter what you do, never use your hands instead of the provided utensils to pick up a bread roll, cookie or other food item. It's unsanitary, and you will get some well-earned glares from other passengers.

Bring your plate up for seconds

For sanitary reasons, cruise lines ask that you take a new plate if you return to the buffet. Leave your old plate on the table, and it will be scooped up and taken to be cleaned — often before you return to your seat.

Yes, this policy does create more dirty dishes, which might not be the best practice from a water conservation standpoint. However, it's important as a health protocol, so swallow your grumbles and take a clean plate.

The same rules apply to drinking glasses. Get a new cup each time you need a refill. If you want to fill your reusable water bottle or coffee mug, pour a beverage from the drinks station into a cup, then pour the contents of the cup into your on-the-go drink container.

Skip the made-to-order options

When you think of a buffet, you might assume that all of the dishes are premade. Not so on cruise ships.

You'll often find made-to-order options, such as an omelet or waffle station at breakfast and a pasta or noodle station, carvery or deli counter at lunch or dinner. While you may have to wait to order or for your meal to be prepared, the results are often fresher and made more to your liking than the steam table choices.

Don't make the mistake of always choosing the fastest option.

Keep quiet if you have dietary concerns

Buffets can be risky for passengers with dietary concerns, as cross-contamination is possible, and ingredients are often not detailed. However, they can also present a wealth of dining choices for restricted eaters.

Don't be shy about asking for assistance in selecting food items when you dine at a cruise ship's buffet restaurant. Ask the buffet attendant the same questions you would ask your server in a restaurant. If the crew member doesn't know, he or she can always find a manager or chef to ask.

Staff might also be able to bring you special food items from the galley that are reserved for folks with dietary restrictions and not set out for everyone to take.

If you have more serious allergies, alert a maitre d' on your first day for help throughout your sailing.

Select dishes that are better when made to order

Like it or not, buffet food is prepared in bulk and sits on a steam table until the tray is empty before being replaced with a fresh one. Some dishes hold up better to this treatment than others. It's a rookie mistake not to know the difference.

When I eat at a cruise ship buffet, I always regret choosing the premade scrambled eggs at breakfast or fried foods, like shrimp or calamari, at dinner. Anything that loses its quality when it gets less crispy is worth avoiding, such as fully loaded nachos on a Tex-Mex night. In general, avoid foods that get overcooked easily or are best made to order (such as sushi rolls filled with raw fish and avocado).

The exception to this rule is on special nights when the cruise line offers some luxury dishes, such as caviar or foie gras, at the buffet. In that case, take the treats when you see them.

Pile your plate so high you can barely carry it

It's easy to load up a plate with every dish that looks delish, but you tend to waste food when you take this approach. Plus, all the flavors run into each other, and you can't tell which dish you're eating.

I suggest coursing out your meal even when eating dinner at a cruise ship buffet. Start with a salad or other appetizer, then return to the buffet for an entree and sides. Finally, make one last trip to the dessert station if you're still hungry. (Yes, this means getting a new plate each time — you did read rule #3, right?)

The chance that the cruise ship will run out of something you have your eye on is slim, so you have no reason to rush. The exception is if you stroll up to the buffet minutes before it closes. But even if you need to take all your food at once, you could still arrange your courses on separate dishes and eat them one plate at a time.

Carry multiple plates and cups at once

Even if you are a trained waiter, you do not want to balance multiple plates and cups in your arms as you pick your way through a crowded cruise ship buffet restaurant. It's a surefire way to drop and spill.

Take only what you can carry safely, then return to the buffet for condiments, additional drinks or seconds. The extra steps will help burn off the calories you're about to consume.

Skip the first-day, self-guided buffet tour

Always scope out the buffet well on the first day of your cruise to get the lay of the land.

Some cruise ship buffets have duplicate stations on either side of the restaurant. Others have specialty stations, such as a deli counter or pizzeria, available only on one side or in the back. If you don't do some reconnaissance, you might not discover some intriguing options until late in your cruise.

On certain cruise lines, the buffet offers a similar menu to the main dining room, just in a more casual, serve-yourself setting. Other lines offer a separate menu, complete with made-to-order stations or casual favorites such as burgers, pizza and chicken fingers every night. Knowing your cruise ship's MO will help you decide which meals are best eaten at the buffet and when you should dine elsewhere.

Start plating before you've surveyed all the options

Don't get in the first buffet line you see and fill your plate before you've checked out all the selections at the various stations in the marketplace. You might not want those fish and chips when you realize there's an Indian buffet, roast beef carved to order or a wok station stir-frying noodle dishes on the spot.

If you take the time to plan your meal, you will be less likely to waste food and will have a more satisfying lunch or dinner.

Dream Vacations - The Operach Team is a travel agency based in Overland Park, Kansas. We take pride in working with clients across the country who love to travel. We build vacation experiences that will create memories to last a lifetime.  Our team has specialties across a wide range of vacation options; custom Europe itineraries, Alaska, escorted tours, all-inclusive resorts, Disney, Caribbean, Hawaii, South Pacific, cruise holidays, and river cruises.   

We look forward to making your dream vacations come true!!