Italy is a haven for art enthusiasts and history buffs, boasting a rich cultural heritage and artistic treasures. The country is home to numerous museums and galleries that offer visitors an immersive journey through time. In this article, we highlight ten must-visit destinations for a remarkable cultural experience in Italy. From the renowned Vatican Museums to the esteemed Accademia in Florence, these institutions provide glimpses into Italy's artistic brilliance and historical significance. Explore the Vatican Museum's vast collection of over 20,000 artworks, including the iconic Sistine Chapel frescoes. Marvel at Michelangelo's masterpiece, David, at the Accademia Gallery in Florence. These ten destinations offer an unforgettable exploration of Italy's art, history, and culture.

1. Vatican Museum, Rome

If you are an art lover there are so many amazing art galleries to visit around the world. From the Lourve in Paris to the Art Institute of Chicago to the National Portrait Gallery in London, whether you are into traditional art or modern art there are some wonderful art museums. One of those museums that you should visit but you may not have heard so much about is the Prado Museum in Madrid. 

It's full of wonderful and extensive collections of Spanish and European paintings. A really wonderful museum. If you haven't heard about it before, please read on to find out about the fascinating art at the Prado Museum in Madrid.

Where is it?

The Prado Museum is situated in the city of Madrid, the capital of Spain. Madrid is a rich cultural destination, known for its historical buildings, its food markets, its museums and its nightlife. Being a little over a two hour flight from the UK, it's the perfect weekend destination. 

The Prado Museum

The Museo del Prado or Prado Museum houses one of the world´s finest collections of European art and paintings, most notably its Spanish, Italian and Flemish schools, daring from the 12th century. It has an extensive collection of Francisco Goya's work and is also known for work by El Greco, Titian, Rubens and Diego Velazquez. 

The collection at the Prado Museum has approximately 8,200 drawings, 7,600 paintings, 4,800 prints, and 1,000 sculptures, in addition to many other works of art and historic documents. You could spend days here and still not see it all! If you are a real art lover then dedicate at least a couple of days to see the well-known art, and expect to come back every time you are in Madrid.

Some of the famous paintings at Prado include 

Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights

• The Triumph Of Bacchus by Diego Velázquez, The painting shows Bacchus surrounded by drunks.
• Bosch’s Garden Of Earthly Delights. The painting represents the insatiable weakness of man for not resisting sinful physical temptation.
• Goya's The Second Of May In Madrid. The painting depicts the dramatic riots in Madrid on May 2, 1808, after Napoleon's troops had invaded the country.
• Peter Paul Rubens' Adoration of the Magi. The Magi present their gifts to Christ as a child. They are in the company of a large group of people. A young Jesus seems to be playing with the incense given to him.

I've lived in Wales all my life and it's a beautiful yet underrated country. It has amazing beaches, so much interesting history and is featured in a number of films and TV series from The Dark Knight Rises to Dr Who, Da Vinci Demons to Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows.

When I was asked to write a post about what I would miss if I left Wales here was my response.

The beaches


Wales has the most amazing beaches in the whole wide world, with miles of golden sand, interesting rock pools to explore and beautiful seas to surf, it's a beach lovers paradise. 

Over 44 beaches in Wales also have the Blue Flag award for safety, cleanliness and amenities.  My favourites are the beaches in Tenby, Rest Bay in Porthcawl my hometown and Barafundle Bay in West Wales which was voted one of the best beaches in the World by Passport Magazine.

The waterfalls
There is something ethereal about waterfalls, and Wales has an abundance of these. My favourites are in the area of the Brecon Beacons, known as the 'Waterfall Country' and included Henryhd Falls. Henryhd Falls is a stunning waterfall but did you know its claim to fame? It's the Bat Cave from The Dark Knight Rises!

The castles
Wales has more castles than any other country in Europe, over 640. From the impressive Cardiff Castle to the romantic Castle Coch wherever you go in Wales you are never far from a castle and the amazing history that goes with it.

We have visited Carew Castle and Cardiff Castle in the last year and whilst both are different they are both equally worth exploring.

The museums

Wales has an abundance of museums. Techniquest in Cardiff is an excellent hands-on science museum for children whilst the National Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon has an impressively intact amphitheatre.

Every school child in Wales visits St Fagan's the museum of Welsh life, and it's an interesting day out. Also and this is important, many museums are free in Wales, so you have no excuse not to explore!

The capital city



Cardiff, the capital city of Wales is a brilliant city, not too big, not too small, it's almost like a large town. It has fabulous shopping in St David's 2 with all the big brands as well as independent shopping in the Victorian arcades which has the best deli called Wally's and a fab home store called Rossiter's. There are so many things to do in Cardiff you will never get bored. 

Also don't forget to check out Cardiff Bay and all it's attractions too like the Millenium Centre, the Norweigan Church and The Dr Who Exhibition.



The people

So these are my reasons why you should visit Wales but I have missed out the most important one. The people. Wales has the most friendly people who love a cwtch (hug) and will call you butt (mate) and I would miss the people of Wales dearly if I left.

This post is in collaboration with Flogas and the I Would Miss campaign #IWouldMiss. This campaign looks at what you would miss if you went off the grid, and headed off into the wild for a new adventure. 

Tell me, have you ever been to Wales? What's your favourite Welsh attraction?

Amsterdam with it's historic architecture, beautiful canals and laid back culture is one of the most famous cities in Europe. Being only a short flight from the UK, and with some world class museums as well, it's certainly an interesting place to visit.

Take a canal cruise


This will help orientate you for the city and I can't think of a better way to see the city than gliding along on the water. From this viewpoint you can see the beautiful architecture of the narrow houses, and watch the world go by. The canals are also home to the many gorgeous houseboats. In days gone by the poorest people used to live on the houseboats as they were used for transporting goods but now these structures moored on the canals are home to many people and are worth as much as some homes.


Visit the museums 




From the large world renowned museums like the Van Gough and Rijkmuseum to the small and quirky museums like the Houseboat Museum and the Erotic Museum, Amsterdam has something for everyone. 




The Rijkmuseum has the Night Watch by Rembrandt and The Kitchen Maid by Vermeer whilst the Van Gough museum has the famous Sunflowers. Find out how Anne Frank lived in the Anne Frank House, and if modern art is more your thing the Stedelijk museum houses art from Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso. If you like lager, try the Heineken museum, where the history of this brew is examined. Did you know it used to be delivered on horse back? As you walk around you are given lager to enjoy and a souvenir glass to take away. 




Experience the sex and drugs, from near or afar

I bet that headline caught your attention! Amsterdam is a very laid back city. You can't visit Amsterdam without at least walking down 'The Red Light District'. The sex shops, live sex shows, peep shows and doors with the red lights where ladies entice you in are famous around the world. If you are unsure about visiting, walk down during the day, when there are plenty of couples, coach parties and even the odd family around. Although during the day it feels safe, at night it has a different vibe and gets sleazier with stag parties and single men.  



Amsterdam's coffee shops, where cannabis is openly sold for personal consumption, were legalised in 1980. There are now at least 250 in the city. If you want to visit one but are unsure check out the Timeout Guide on Amsterdam's drug laws and etiquette.  Staff are reportedly helpful and a menu is available if you are not sure what to order.

Eat local food


From bitterballen (meatballs) to fries with mayo and stroopwaffle (a waffle with syrup inside), Amsterdam has many delicious street foods particular to the region.  The FEBO machine dispenses snacks such as meatballs, fries and hamburgers, whilst a number of cool organic cafes sell delicious salads, juices, cakes and sandwiches. Have a piece of warm apple pie with slagroom (cream), whilst people watching in a pavement cafe.

Amsterdam is famous for Indonesian food due to their link with the country and if you can, try an Indonesian rice table or Rijsttafel whilst visiting the city. A wide selection of small portions are served, sometimes up to 40 dishes, with the emphasis on different flavours and textures, and popular dishes being satay and rendang. 

There is also a great foodie scene in Amsterdam, with a number of upmarket and Michelin starred restaurants, for those that like their food stylish and refined.



For tourist information check out I Amsterdam.  I was given the I Amsterdam city card for entrance to the many museums, and free unlimited public transport. It is worth checking out the card if you ever visit. Book your accommodation in Amsterdam now if you want to enjoy this amazing city.

So this is my guide to the top things to do in Amsterdam. Tell me, have you been or do you want to go?