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We began visiting Yosemite National Park at the western entrance (Big Oak Flat / Hwy 120) and headed for a short hike in Tuolumne Grove, a unique stand of giant sequoias. We parked at the small Tuolumne Grove lot on Tioga Road (120), a little east of Crane Flat, and started a descent of about two kilometers along a section of the Old Big Oak Flat Road to the grove. Inside the grove, there’s a short loop trail among the massive trees and scattered logs. The return to the parking lot follows the same path—this time uphill… The hike itself took about two hours. There are restrooms at the trailhead, but no drinking water—don’t forget to bring your own. We didn’t visit during peak season, so parking wasn’t an issue, but in busier months the lot tends to fill quickly; it’s best to arrive early. Note: Because we visited off-season, we didn’t need to reserve a vehicle entry for the park. It’s worth checking the National Park Service website to see whether advance entry reservations are required for your dates. Our visit to Tuolumne Grove felt just right: not long, easy to navigate, and worthwhile—an excellent start to a day in Yosemite.

The Marvel of Bernini's Fountain In the center of Piazza Navona stands one of Bernini's most impressive works of art. Pope Innocent X commissioned the fountain in 1648 as part of a grand plan to renovate Piazza Navona. The goal was to transform it into a center of power, reflecting the greatness of his family. The renovation project included the Pamphilj Palace, the Church of Sant'Agnese, and, of course, the central fountain. The Pope announced a competition among leading architects but left Bernini out of it. This was due to Bernini's connections with the previous Pope, who belonged to a rival family. However, Bernini was determined to build the fountain. He created a silver model of the fountain and sent it as a gift to Olimpia Maidalchini, the Pope's powerful sister-in-law. When the Pope "happened to come across" the model, he was so impressed that he immediately commissioned Bernini to execute the project. The Symbolism Behind the Fountain The fountain represents the four great rivers known at that time, each symbolizing a different continent: The Nile (Africa) - depicted with a covered head because the source of the Nile was still unknown. The Ganges (Asia) - holding an oar. The Danube (Europe) - touching the Pope's symbol. Río de la Plata (Americas) - surrounded by coins symbolizing the wealth from the New World. At the top of the fountain stands an Egyptian obelisk, a Roman copy from Domitian's period, crowned with a dove. This dove symbolizes the Pamphilj family and the Holy Spirit. The fountain serves as a powerful political statement. The waters, representing divine grace, flow from the dove to the four continents, expressing the influence of the Catholic Church over the entire world. An Engineering Marvel From an engineering perspective, the fountain is a true marvel. Bernini managed to balance a massive obelisk weighing several tons on a perforated stone structure that appears almost unsupported. He created an optical illusion that makes the obelisk seem to "float" in the air. Piazza Navona is located in Rome's historic center, within walking distance of the Pantheon and the Spanish Steps. Unlike the Trevi Fountain, the atmosphere here is more relaxed. You can sit on the fountain's edge, enjoy gelato from one of the charming cafes around, and observe the fascinating details of this masterpiece. Tips for Visiting Piazza Navona Best Time to Visit The best time to visit Piazza Navona is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This way, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter experience. The soft morning light or the golden hour before sunset also makes for stunning photographs. Nearby Attractions While in the area, consider visiting these nearby attractions: The Pantheon : A magnificent ancient temple that is now a church, known for its impressive dome. The Spanish Steps : A famous stairway of 135 steps, offering a great place to relax and people-watch. Dining Options There are many cafes and restaurants around Piazza Navona. I recommend trying local dishes like pasta alla carbonara or gelato from a nearby gelateria. Enjoying a meal while soaking in the ambiance of the piazza is a must. Conclusion Piazza Navona is more than just a beautiful square; it is a testament to art, history, and engineering. The fountain, with its rich symbolism and stunning design, captures the essence of Rome's grandeur. When you visit, take your time to explore, relax, and appreciate the intricate details that make this place truly special. For more travel inspiration and practical advice, check out packing4two .

Trastevere  means "across the Tiber." The neighborhood is located on the other side of the Tiber River, outside the walls of ancient Rome. For centuries, everyone who wasn't part of the Roman elite settled here - immigrants and especially Jews. This is one of the reasons why this neighborhood has a somewhat different character. The neighborhood is very beautiful, and to experience it fully, it's worth visiting both in the morning and in the evening. It's very pleasant to stroll here during the day, through cobblestone streets with colorful buildings, laundry hanging between windows, and many restaurants. The atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant, and the neighborhood doesn't feel overly touristy. In the evening,  the central squares - Piazza de Santa Maria in Trastevere  and Piazza Trilussa  - fill up with people. The bars open onto the street, street artists perform, and the place becomes a popular entertainment center. On the riverbanks, they've opened a summer festival, with food and clothing stalls, music, and activities for children. A particularly enjoyable atmosphere.

The Jewish Ghetto of Rome is one of the most moving and fascinating places in the city, with a history spanning over 2,000 years, as the Jewish community of Rome is the oldest Jewish community in Europe. The ghetto was established in 1555 by Pope Paul IV, who issued a papal bull called "Cum Nimis Absurdum" ("Too Absurd"). The decree declared it absurd that Jews lived mixed with Christians, and therefore established a closed ghetto where all Roman Jews were required to live. The ghetto was surrounded by walls with two gates that were locked at night, and Jews were forbidden to leave it after sunset. The ghetto was built in a very problematic area of Rome: low, wet, and exposed to repeated flooding from the nearby Tiber River. Only in 1870, with the unification of Italy and by decision of King Victor Emmanuel II, were the walls removed and Jews granted equal rights as Italian citizens. Theater of Marcellus (Teatro di Marcello)   The ancient theater was built by Julius Caesar and completed in 13 BCE by Emperor Augustus. It is about a century older than the Colosseum. In the 18th century, the building passed to the Orsini family, who continued to live in it until the 20th century. Today, the theater is divided into offices and apartments. Portico of Octavia (Portico di Ottavia)   The portico was probably built in 27 BCE by Emperor Augustus in memory of his sister Octavia, on the foundation of an earlier temple to the gods Jupiter and Juno. The place served as a temple and library, and here Titus and Vespasian also began their triumphal march over Judea in 71 CE, after their victory in Jerusalem. In the Middle Ages, the structure served as a fish market, which operated there until the 19th century. October 16, 1943 - Deportation of Rome's Jews to Auschwitz In the nearby square, one of the most tragic events in the history of Roman Jews took place. Despite Mussolini's collaboration with Hitler and despite declaring discriminatory racial laws, he refused to send Italy's Jews to the extermination camps in Germany. After Italy surrendered to the Allies in summer 1943, the Germans invaded Italy and began implementing the Final Solution for the Jews, meaning sending Italy's Jews to their destruction. In October 1943, actions began throughout Italy, and on October 16, German security forces surrounded the Jewish ghetto, arrested the Jews, and sent them to Auschwitz. Piazza Mattei and the Turtle Fountain   Piazza Mattei is named after the noble Mattei family, one of Rome's most influential families. In the center of the piazza stands a special fountain, built between 1581-1584 by Taddeo Landini according to a design by Giacomo della Porta. The turtles were added to the fountain later, in 1658, to replace the original dolphins that had been stolen. The fountain was supposed to be erected in Piazza Giudea, inside the Jewish ghetto, but the Mattei family used their influence and moved it to "their" square, outside the ghetto. Boccione's Cheese Cake Shop   On Via del Portico d'Ottavia, there's a small bakery run by women who make amazing cheesecakes, and a dessert they call "Jewish pizza," which has no connection to pizza. It's a surprising and excellent dried fruit pastry. The Great Synagogue (Tempio Maggiore)  The synagogue was designed by Vincenzo Costa and Osvaldo Armanni and built between 1901-1904 on the banks of the Tiber, facing the former ghetto. The unique square dome of the Great Synagogue stands out in Rome's skyline. On April 13, 1986, Pope John Paul II made an unexpected visit to the Great Synagogue. This was the first known visit by a pope to a synagogue since the early history of the Catholic Church. Memorial Stones  When walking through the streets of the Jewish ghetto, you'll see the "stumbling stones" by German artist Gunter Demnig - small plaques embedded in the pavement that commemorate Holocaust victims. Over 100,000 such stones have already been placed throughout Europe. Today's Jewish ghetto is a lively and vibrant neighborhood with excellent restaurants, active tourism, and a functioning Jewish community - a place where past and present merge in a moving and unique way.

Castel Gandolfo, located about 25 km southeast of Rome, is a charming hilltop town overlooking Lake Albano. For centuries, it served as the summer retreat of the popes, and today it's one of the most picturesque attractions in the Rome area. You can reach Castel Gandolfo by train from Rome or by bus. From there, you need to climb toward the town or descend toward the lake. The Town and Main Square The heart of the town is Piazza della Libertà, a charming square with the baroque Church of San Tommaso di Villanova. The square is perfect for sitting in the shade or having a meal at a local restaurant. The place breathes an authentic Italian atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of Rome. The Stunning Views  The view from Castel Gandolfo is beautiful - a breathtaking panorama of blue Lake Albano, surrounded by green hills and vineyards. The lake is a volcanic lake formed in the crater of an ancient volcano. The Papal Palace   The Papal Gardens  - gardens designed in Italian baroque style with fountains, sculptures, and stunning panoramic views. The Papal Museum  - the collections include artworks, textiles, silverware, and liturgical objects from the papal palaces. Like every Vatican museum, endless wealth. The Astronomical Domes  - the surprise of the place! The Vatican has operated an observatory here since 1935. In the domes are historical telescopes and an exhibition on the history of astronomy. The place displays space photographs, information about the Big Bang, and modern cosmological theories - something that provokes thoughts about the development of the Church's relationship with science. The Church, which in the past burned people for astronomical theories, now displays the Big Bang itself. After visiting the palace, we stopped for a light lunch. We wanted to sit in a restaurant, but forgot that in Italy, restaurants are only open during traditional meal hours, and since it was already 3:00 PM, we had nowhere to sit. Luckily, we found a wonderful and delicious delicatessen. Lake Albano  A beautiful picturesque lake, with wonderful beaches and water activities. The beaches have restaurants and cafes. We walked down to the lake on foot, about a 15-minute climb. It's important to remember that you also need to walk back, and then it's a not-easy climb - but possible. Pay attention! If you time your return climb exactly to the train's return time to Rome, you might be late. A few minutes before the train arrives at the station, a barrier comes down that prevents pedestrians from crossing and reaching the station. So, make sure you plan your timing well, and make sure to arrive at the station a few minutes early. Castel Gandolfo offers a perfect combination of history, nature, and culture - a place that reminds you why Italy is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

In the middle of the Tiber River, between the Trastevere neighborhood and the Jewish Ghetto, lies Tiber Island (Isola Tiberina)—a small island with a long history. The elders of Rome have several different versions and stories about how the island was formed. The most popular tale is that in 509 BCE, when the Romans expelled the tyrannical king Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, they threw his grain stores into the Tiber River as an expression of contempt. Over time, various sediments accumulated around the sinking grain and created Tiber Island. Another legend claims that the island formed around the body of Tiberinus, the god and patron of the Tiber River. Tiberinus, according to legend, was the god who found the twins Remus and Romulus, the founders of Rome, and gave them to the she-wolf Lupa to raise. He drowned in the Tiber River while trying to cross it. His believers would place offerings in his honor on the banks of the Tiber River in May. Tiberinus In 293 BCE, a terrible plague struck Rome. The Roman Senate sent a delegation to Epidaurus in Greece, the holy city of Asclepius, god of medicine, to ask for help. According to legend, a sacred snake (symbol of Asclepius) escaped from the ship when they arrived in Rome and swam to Tiber Island - a divine sign that this is where the temple should be built. Over the years, the island was shaped like a ship to symbolize the snake's journey to Rome. An obelisk was erected in the island's center to represent the ship's mast. In 1584, the Fatebenefratelli  hospital was founded on the island by a Catholic order and remains active to this day. In 1881, a Jewish hospital was also established on Tiber Island due to its proximity to the Jewish Ghetto. The hospital was later moved to another location in the city. On the day of the deportation of Rome's Jews to Auschwitz, October 16, 1943, dozens of Jews fled to the hospital on Tiber Island. The hospital doctors - Dr. Giovanni Borromeo  (hospital director), Dr. Vittorio Sacerdoti  (a Jewish doctor working at the hospital under a false identity), and Dr. Adriano Ossicini  (an anti-fascist psychiatrist working as a volunteer) - invented a plague called "Syndrome K" and told the SS soldiers who came to take them that it was extremely dangerous and they shouldn't approach them. Fatebenefratelli Hospital Dr. Giovanni Borromeo - hospital director and Righteous Among the Nations Church of San Bartolomeo  - A beautiful 10th-century Baroque church built on the foundations of the Temple of Asclepius. It contains relics of saints and martyrs from all ages. Church of San Bartolomeo The Ancient Bridges  - Ponte Fabricio (62 BCE) toward the Jewish Ghetto, and Ponte Cestio toward Trastevere. Ponte Fabricio is the oldest bridge in Rome and is still in use. Tiber Island is small and charming, and there's no reason to skip it when visiting Rome. Combine it with a visit to the Trastevere neighborhood and the Jewish Ghetto. It's accessible on foot and open all the time.

Campo de' Fiori - "Field of Flowers" - is one of Rome's most famous and historic places. In the morning, it functions as a market with fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, and cheeses. In the evening, like other central squares in the city, it becomes an entertainment hub with bars and restaurants. Campo de' Fiori has survived many revolutions. Originally, it was a field of wild flowers considered too close to the Tiber River, with the danger of flooding. In 1456, the square was paved by order of Pope Callixtus III. From the 16th to the 17th centuries, it was the execution site of the Inquisition. In the center of the square stands a large and menacing bronze statue of Giordano Bruno, who was burned here at the stake on February 17, 1600. Bruno was a Dominican friar, Italian philosopher and astronomer, who supported Copernicus's theory that the Earth revolves around the Sun and believed that the universe is infinite - concepts opposing the Church. For 7 years, the Inquisition tried to break him, but when he refused to repent, he was condemned as a heretic and executed in the central market. The statue was placed there with Bruno facing the Vatican - as an act of secular defiance against the Catholic Church. Czesław Miłosz , the Polish poet and Nobel Prize winner in Literature, wrote the poem "Campo de' Fiori" to describe the crowd's indifference to suffering and horror close to them. The poet wrote that he remembered Campo de Fiori when he saw how, in spring 1943, in Warsaw, Varsovians were enjoying themselves at an amusement park and riding a Ferris wheel, while beyond the nearby wall, the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising was taking place, where the Nazis went through and burned all the buildings. With a colorful market, excellent food, vibrant nightlife, and a historic horror story, Campo de Fiori is one of Rome's most interesting places.

In the heart of ancient Rome stands one of humanity's most impressive structures - the Pantheon. A 2,000-year-old building that continues to amaze with its design and stunning historical technological achievement. The Pantheon was built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian on the foundations of an earlier temple. The name "Pantheon" means "to all the gods" in Greek, as the temple was built in honor of all Roman gods. The Pantheon's Dome , with an internal diameter of 43.3 meters and an external diameter of 65 meters, was the largest dome in the world for over 1,400 years! What's even more amazing is that it's made of unreinforced concrete - an engineering feat that seems almost impossible even today. The Oculus - Eye of the Sky.  At the center of the dome is a circular opening 8.2 meters in diameter, called the "oculus" (eye in Latin). This is the building's only source of light, creating spectacular light displays throughout the day. Rain enters through the opening, but the building was designed so that water drains easily through a slightly sloped floor. The Pantheon profoundly influenced Renaissance architecture. Michelangelo called it "angelic design, not human." Great artists like Raphael are buried within it, and it continues to serve as an active church to this day. Pantheon entrance is paid  (5 euros at the time of our visit). Keep in mind there's a queue at the entrance.

After visiting the Vatican Museums, we arrived at St. Peter's Square - the religious heart of the Christian world. The square itself is an architectural work of art. Bernini designed it in the 17th century as "the embracing arms of the church" - two enormous covered colonnades that surround the square and create a feeling of embrace and welcome. In the center of the square stands an ancient Egyptian obelisk that was moved to Rome by Emperor Caligula, and during the Renaissance was moved to its current location - a symbol of Christianity's victory over paganism. At the entrance to the square, you wait a bit in line for security checks - not too bad, it's a matter of a few minutes. Entry is completely free. The basilica is enormous and contains artworks by Michelangelo and Bernini. The church was built on the site where St. Peter was crucified, Jesus's first apostle and effectively the first pope. It's important to arrive in relatively modest dress. They're not excessive about it, but tank tops and crop tops won't pass there. It's not worth dealing with this guy:

About 15 years ago, I traveled to Rome for the first time, and of course, I went to visit the Vatican Museums. I didn't want to "waste" money on a guide, and I believed I could manage on my own. It was a big mistake. The museum is enormous, displaying countless artworks, historical artifacts, and architectural details. You truly cannot see everything, not even a tiny fraction of the exhibits. And if you're not an expert in the field, you probably won't know which is the most important painting, or the most famous sculpture, or what story lies behind which room or display. I remember when I left there, I promised myself I wouldn't repeat this mistake next time. And indeed, when we planned this trip, it was clear to me that we would visit the Vatican Museums with a guide - and it proved itself. Right from the start, when we saw the lines at the Vatican entrance, we were happy about our decision to take a guided tour. Early August, sun, heat... Crowds of people who had purchased museum tickets for a specific time - standing and waiting. When we showed one of the organizers in the area our ticket for the guided visit, he immediately put us in the fast line and we entered the air conditioning... I thought then that this alone was worth the extra payment. Our guide was simply amazing. She didn't just talk about the art - she brought the place to life with spicy and interesting stories about the popes, the artists, and the politics behind the works. She highlighted the important exhibits (instead of us wandering lost among thousands of items), gave professional tips on what to look at in the paintings and frescoes, and how to read the symbols and hidden messages. The tour ends in the Sistine Chapel, where, due to overcrowding, the guides don't speak inside, but explain everything you need to know outside. The Vatican Museums are a complex of 54 different galleries and halls, containing one of the world's largest and most important art collections. The collection began to be built in the 16th century by Pope Julius II, who commissioned Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The papal palaces became over the years a place where artworks from around the world were gathered - ancient Roman sculptures, Renaissance art, archaeological finds, and religious treasures. The Sistine Chapel The undisputed star of the museum. Michelangelo's famous ceiling with "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgment" painting on the eastern wall. This is where popes are elected to this day. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed in the place. The Raphael Rooms (Stanze di Raffaello) Four rooms painted by Raphael and his students, with the famous fresco "The School of Athens" - a masterpiece depicting the great philosophers of antiquity. The Pio-Clementine Museum Halls with an amazing collection of ancient Roman and Greek sculptures, including the Apollo Belvedere and Laocoön and His Sons - sculptures that influenced Western art for centuries. The Gallery of Maps A 120-meter-long corridor with painted maps of Italy from the 16th century, an impressive work of cartographic art. In my opinion, a visit to Rome without the Vatican Museums is a miss. It's such a large and rare collection of treasures that truly defines the development of human art and culture. Come prepared for at least 3 hours. Arrive half an hour early to get a place in line (if you haven't taken a guided tour) or to join your group on time.

On a quiet hill near Tivoli, about 30 kilometers from the center of Rome, lies one of the largest and most impressive private cities ever built - Villa Adriana. This is an archaeological site that testifies more than any other place to the unimaginable splendor of the Roman Empire. Emperor Hadrian (76-138 CE) is considered one of the most cultured and civilized of Rome's emperors. He was a skilled architect, philosopher, poet, and passionate traveler. Between 118-134 CE, he built himself a massive private villa that was essentially an entire city - a complex of about 120 hectares that included palaces, bathhouses, theaters, libraries, and magnificent gardens. Hadrian Hadrian wanted to build "the entire world in one place" - he recreated at the site parts of the places that had most moved him in his travels around the world: the Academy of Athens, the Canopus of Alexandria, and even the underworld of Greek mythology. Villa Adriana is a fascinating maze of ancient building remains: The Pecile  - The magnificent guest residential area, with stunning mosaics that have survived to this day The Large and Small Baths  - Complex systems of underfloor heating and pools of various sizes The Maritime Theater  - An artificial island surrounded by water with a small palace on it The Canopus  - A recreation of the famous canal in Alexandria, with a long pool and statues The site is enormous - the visit takes at least two to three hours. It's a shame there isn't an organized walking route that allows you to follow all the findings at the site - I often found myself going in circles and returning to the same point, and I'm quite convinced I also missed some important places at the site. Unfortunately, despite the uniqueness of this place, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the logistical experience was frustrating. It seems very strange to me that the heirs of the Roman Empire cannot provide even one bus per hour to such an important site. We had to get off at a bus stop 20 minutes' walk from the site entrance, and we had to navigate this walk using Google Maps - otherwise, there was no chance we would have made it. In my opinion, this is very disrespectful to the place, the history, and the visitors. No less frustrating: there is no café or cafeteria at the site. There are vending machines for snacks and drinks, and even those weren't working during our visit. People come from far away, the place is huge and requires a lot of walking - why shouldn't they have a place to rest, relax, and continue this important visit? Therefore, for the reasons I mentioned above, my opinion about the place is divided, and I don't recommend it to everyone. Those who have a car , I highly recommend visiting. The place is very impressive and worth the trip. There's plenty of parking at the site. Those who love archaeological sites or the history of the Roman Empire  - I also recommend it, this is truly an unforgettable experience. If you don't have a car , only come if you have the energy for all the walking and logistical complexities. Getting to and from Rome via the bus that goes to Tivoli - I recommend reading the post about public transportation in Rome . If you decide to visit, obviously combine it with a visit to Villa d'Este in Tivoli . Both sites together can fill a full day of touring outside Rome, and provide a complete picture of Roman and Renaissance splendor in the area. Villa Adriana is a stunning testimony to Roman power. Those who visit will get a glimpse into the luxurious life of one of the greatest emperors in history.

Just half an hour's journey from Rome, in the charming hillside town of Tivoli, awaits one of Europe's most spectacular gardens - Villa d'Este. The journey to Tivoli takes between half an hour to an hour from Rome, depending on your mode of transport, the day of travel, and the time you're traveling. We chose a combination of metro within Rome and then a bus to Tivoli. Unfortunately, we didn't know that the bus company serving Tivoli, Cortal , is different from the bus company operating within Rome. To pay for the journey, we had to specifically download their app, set it up, purchase tickets, and activate them. This is simple when done beforehand with a clear head, but much more complicated when you need to do everything while riding on the bus. I highly recommend reading the post about public transportation in Rome . The journey itself is an experience - Italy's countryside scenery is simply stunning, with green hills and vineyards stretching along the way. We got off in Tivoli at Piazza Matteotti and from there walked 4 minutes to the entrance of Villa d'Este. By chance, we arrived on a Sunday that was the first of the month, and it turns out that admission on that day is free. Strangely, we still had to wait in line in the sun, just to be asked if we wanted to rent an audio guide. Villa d'Este was built in the 16th century for Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, son of Pope Alexander VI. The villa and its gardens are considered one of the pinnacles of Italian Renaissance art, and it's no coincidence that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gardens contain over 500 unique fountains, each with its own story and complex hydraulic mechanism that operated without electricity starting from the 16th century! The Organ Fountain  (Fontana dell'Organo) - the most famous fountain in the garden, which once played real music using water pressure. The original mechanism no longer operates, but the sight is still breathtaking. The Owl Fountain  (Fontana delle Civette) - a magical fountain that mimicked bird sounds, also operated by water power alone. The Hundred Fountains  - three rows of 300 small fountains creating a mesmerizing water symphony. The place is simply beautiful from every angle. The building itself is incredibly magnificent - each room is more decorated and painted than the next, with stunning frescoes and detailed ornaments telling stories from classical mythology. However, the real star is the garden. The unique and beautiful fountains create a magical atmosphere, and the combination of Renaissance architecture with Tivoli's mountain scenery is simply breathtaking. The visit was extremely enjoyable and wonderfully relaxing. Important Tips: Come with comfortable shoes - there are many stairs and walking sections. Bring a hat and water, especially in summer - there are many open areas. Throughout the garden, there are drinking water taps. Plan to dedicate at least 2-3 hours to the site Plan your trip so you won't be surprised along the way - but don't let this concern deter you from going there. The place is absolutely worth it! The visit to Villa d'Este adds so much to a trip to Rome. Getting out of the city a bit, seeing the countryside views, and strolling through one of the most beautiful and interesting places. Highly recommended.