Exploring the Best of Paris, Amsterdam, and Rome

Explore the somber past of this Gothic riverside fortress, a heart of the Great Terror that followed the French Revolution

  The Conciergerie in Paris is a historic monument and former prison on the Île de la Cité, and an inflection point between France's royal and revolutionary pasts. Once part of the royal palace, but later transformed into a prison during the French Revolution, its most infamous inmate was Queen Marie Antoinette before her execution. Visitors can explore the medieval halls, the somber cells - even the Queen's own - while absorbing the tales of justice, power, and tragedy that echo through its walls. This site stands as a poignant reminder of France's turbulent history, here where the Revolutionary Tribunal sat from 1793, condemning some 2,600 persons to the guillotine.

Thrill at one of the most beautiful and recognized churches on Earth. **Due to the fire in April of 2019, the cathedral is currently closed to the public. The planned re-opening is for December 8th, 2024. Please keep this in mind when touring the area.**

Gaze at the heart of Paris, Notre-Dame Cathedral, as iconic to the city as it is to Gothic architecture. Standing on the Île de la Cité, this 13th-century medieval masterpiece, still boasts its stunning rose windows, flying buttresses, and sculpted facades, despite a devastating fire in 2019.  The ongoing reconstruction of this center of French spirituality is captivating in itself, and people around the world await the full restoration's of this symbol's élégance, planned for December 8th, 2024.

It's ok, you can be dumbstruck at the incomparable stained glass of this royal chapel

The Sainte-Chapelle glows in the heart of Paris with its breathtaking stained-glass windows. Regard in awe the 15 windows, each 15m high, illustrating biblical stories in vibrant colors and intricate detail. Built in the 13th century on the Île de la Cité for Saint King Louis IX, this chapel was originally conceived to house precious Christian relics, including spines from Jesus Christ's Crown of Thorns. Visitors today, like kings and kings of yesteryear are often awestruck by the celestial light and serene ambiance that these windows transmit, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the chapel's interior. The upper chapel, in particular, offers an ethereal experience, with its towering windows and star-studded vaulted ceiling.

Explore the somber past of this Gothic riverside fortress, a heart of the Great Terror that followed the French Revolution

  The Conciergerie in Paris is a historic monument and former prison on the Île de la Cité, and an inflection point between France's royal and revolutionary pasts. Once part of the royal palace, but later transformed into a prison during the French Revolution, its most infamous inmate was Queen Marie Antoinette before her execution. Visitors can explore the medieval halls, the somber cells - even the Queen's own - while absorbing the tales of justice, power, and tragedy that echo through its walls. This site stands as a poignant reminder of France's turbulent history, here where the Revolutionary Tribunal sat from 1793, condemning some 2,600 persons to the guillotine.

Contemporary in an Old City Can Be Beautiful Too

The MoCo Museum dedicates itself to showcasing modern, cutting-edge works from some of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Situated in a renovated townhouse in the heart of Amsterdam, it offers a dynamic and engaging art experience, featuring both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Highlights include pieces by Maria Abramović, Banksy, Andy Warhol, and other iconic figures who have shaped the contemporary art scene. The museum's intimate scale allows for a personal exploration of the artworks

This museum will defintely make your eyes sparkle.

The Diamant Museum in Amsterdam delves into this dazzling gem's history, highlighting Amsterdam's significance in the diamond industry since the 16th century.  Simultaneously, it showcases its journey from raw stones to exquisite jewelry, emphasizing the art of diamond cutting and polishing, and, of course, features a collection of gems and artifacts,.

Find Tickets and Trinkets related to the Rijks- and Van Gogh Museums

Located on Museumplein (Museum Square), this convienent shop is operated by both museums to contend with the overflow at their respective ticket offices.  Even this shop can become busy.  However, if you don't plan on visiting the museums, but still want to pick up some souvenirs, this is your spot: both museums supply this store with their own merchandise.

The Van Gogh Museum - How Can't You Be Impressed?

Maybe no other artist since Michelangelo has touched the Western World as deeply as Vincent Van Gogh.  His exhuberent palates of color, the frenetic pace at which he painted, the humanity of his subjects, not to mention the pathos of his own life, all combined to make unforgettable works - many of whic hare at this museum.  Millions of words have been written about the man and his art; but somehow, seeing them live often leaves a person speechless.

Venture into the bowels of the Colosseum to see how the complex spectacles were staged.

Beneath the Colosseum's arena lay the Hypogeum, a labyrinth of passages which were used to bring animals, actors, and gladiators into the arena. Trap doors enabled not only scenery to be moved onto the stage, but for gladiators to suddenly appear from beneath, or for wild animals to jump into fray without warning. It was of course a very complex operation, requiring a complex architectural design and careful preparation. Taking a tour can help to make sense of it all, but keep in mind that standard access to the Colosseum does not include entry into the underground.

Venture into the bowels of the Colosseum to see how the complex spectacles were staged.

Beneath the Colosseum's arena lay the Hypogeum, a labyrinth of passages which were used to bring animals, actors, and gladiators into the arena. Trap doors enabled not only scenery to be moved onto the stage, but for gladiators to suddenly appear from beneath, or for wild animals to jump into fray without warning. It was of course a very complex operation, requiring a complex architectural design and careful preparation. Taking a tour can help to make sense of it all, but keep in mind that standard access to the Colosseum does not include entry into the underground.

Venture into the bowels of the Colosseum to see how the complex spectacles were staged.

Beneath the Colosseum's arena lay the Hypogeum, a labyrinth of passages which were used to bring animals, actors, and gladiators into the arena. Trap doors enabled not only scenery to be moved onto the stage, but for gladiators to suddenly appear from beneath, or for wild animals to jump into fray without warning. It was of course a very complex operation, requiring a complex architectural design and careful preparation. Taking a tour can help to make sense of it all, but keep in mind that standard access to the Colosseum does not include entry into the underground.

Venture into the bowels of the Colosseum to see how the complex spectacles were staged.

Beneath the Colosseum's arena lay the Hypogeum, a labyrinth of passages which were used to bring animals, actors, and gladiators into the arena. Trap doors enabled not only scenery to be moved onto the stage, but for gladiators to suddenly appear from beneath, or for wild animals to jump into fray without warning. It was of course a very complex operation, requiring a complex architectural design and careful preparation. Taking a tour can help to make sense of it all, but keep in mind that standard access to the Colosseum does not include entry into the underground.

Visit this iconic 2nd Century Castle built as the Mausoleum For Emperor Hadrian.

Known as Hadrian's Tomb, the Castel Sant'Angelo is a fortress on the banks of the River Tiber. Originally built as a tomb for the Emperor, it has evolved over the centuries and today it is one of Rome's most underrated museums. Inside you can see the historic Papal apartments, decorated with frescoes from the Renaissance period. Outside you can admire the castle's bastion and rooftop with beautiful views over the river and the Vatican. 

Walk across this pedestrian bridge that was built in 134 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian.

Hadrian had the bridge built as an approach to his mausoleum, but it didn't gain its magnificent angel statues by Bernini until late in the 17th century. Spanning the River Tiber, it is completely pedestrianised, which allows for great photo opportunities of the castle and St Peter's Basilica in the near distance. 

Visit this iconic 2nd Century Castle built as the Mausoleum For Emperor Hadrian.

Known as Hadrian's Tomb, the Castel Sant'Angelo is a fortress on the banks of the River Tiber. Originally built as a tomb for the Emperor, it has evolved over the centuries and today it is one of Rome's most underrated museums. Inside you can see the historic Papal apartments, decorated with frescoes from the Renaissance period. Outside you can admire the castle's bastion and rooftop with beautiful views over the river and the Vatican. 

Walk across this pedestrian bridge that was built in 134 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian.

Hadrian had the bridge built as an approach to his mausoleum, but it didn't gain its magnificent angel statues by Bernini until late in the 17th century. Spanning the River Tiber, it is completely pedestrianised, which allows for great photo opportunities of the castle and St Peter's Basilica in the near distance. 

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

The Vatican Museum is actually 26 different museums, which include not only exhibitions but chapels, apartments, and other rooms of the Vatican palace, covering a huge range of fine and applied arts patronized by the popes. There's also an outstanding collection of ancient antiquities (including even the Emperor Nero's red stone bathtub), a gallery of hand-painted maps, and whole rooms turned into works of art. In addition to ancient and medieval works of art, you'll see masterpieces by the "who's who" of the Italian Renaissance, including Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. Other highlights include panels by the brilliant monk-artist Fra Angelico, works from the Venetian school, including Vavarini, and much, much more.  Booking in advance is highly recommended as otherwise you can wait for hours or not even be able to get in at all.

Explore the gigantic and incredibly beautiful church known as "the greatest of all churches of Christendom".

The basilica is one of the chief pilgrimage sites in the Christian world, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome. The basilica is the symbolic center of the church not only because the Pope frequently celebrates Mass there, but because it is believed that the apostle St. Peter is buried beneath it. Catholics consider Peter as the first Bishop of Rome and "the rock" upon which the Catholic Church was built, in accordance with Christ's instructions. Inside you can admire sculptures by Bernini as well as Michelangelo's famous sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the crucified Jesus, known as The Pietà. The church's elaborate and impressive golden interior is a sight to behold. Other sights include St Peter's tomb, the Papal crypts in the necropolis under the basilica, as well as the dome, which rewards visitors with views over Rome.  Entry is free, but queues to visit the Basilica can be lengthy, so it is highly advised to either get there early or to purchase a skip the line entrance. The dome is also paid entry. 

Escape the crowds in this oasis of green hidden behind the walls of the Vatican.

Accessible only via a guided tour, the gardens are definitely worth a visit. Just as the Popes have for hundreds of years, you can stroll the gardens and relax amidst the greenery, while taking in the perfect view of St. Peter's. 

Stand in the middle of this famous square in which the faithful gather to hear the Pope give audiences and celebrate mass.

As one of the most superb conceptions of its kind in civic architecture, St Peter’s Square is the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and makes a wonderful approach to one of the world’s most magnificent churches, St Peter's Basilica. An oval rather than an actual square, the piazza, laid out in 1656-67, is partially enclosed by two semi-circular colonnades on which stand 96 statues of saints and martyrs. At the center of the oval stands an 84-foot (26m) tall Egyptian obelisk of red granite.

Gaze up at the world's most famous ceiling, the masterpiece of Michelangelo.

This famous chapel inside the Vatican Museums is best known for Michelangelo's 16th-century painted ceiling of "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgement" fresco that covers the whole altar wall of the chapel. The jaw-dropping sight is not to be missed, considered one of the top highlights of visiting the Vatican Museums and one of the top artistic wonders of the world. 

Book early if you want to see the Vatican Museum's monumental works of art from the greatest Italian artists of the Renaissance.

The Vatican Museum is actually 26 different museums, which include not only exhibitions but chapels, apartments, and other rooms of the Vatican palace, covering a huge range of fine and applied arts patronized by the popes. There's also an outstanding collection of ancient antiquities (including even the Emperor Nero's red stone bathtub), a gallery of hand-painted maps, and whole rooms turned into works of art. In addition to ancient and medieval works of art, you'll see masterpieces by the "who's who" of the Italian Renaissance, including Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, and Caravaggio. Other highlights include panels by the brilliant monk-artist Fra Angelico, works from the Venetian school, including Vavarini, and much, much more.  Booking in advance is highly recommended as otherwise you can wait for hours or not even be able to get in at all.