Walks

08/03/2025

Today, we’re celebrating the incredible women who make our company what it is! From our expert guides to our behind-the-scenes team, their passion and dedication inspire us every day.

08/03/2025

On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the countless incredible women who have shaped history in fields like literature, medicine, education, human rights, and women’s suffrage. The list is endless, and while we can’t name them all today, we’re proud to share a selection of impactful women from the destinations we operate in.

This list is in no particular order, and we recognize there are many more remarkable women whose stories deserve to be told.

Today, and every day, we honor their legacies and continue to be inspired by them and the their impact on our world.

06/03/2025

When Michelangelo began work on what would become one of the most iconic statues in the world, the odds were already against him.

🤔 Notoriously picky about the marble he used, Michelangelo chose a tall, slender piece for the David, leading many to believe that the sculpture would be impossible.

⚒️ Called the “Giant”, the marble slab had been quarried and then abandoned for over 40 years before Michelangelo claimed it. The stone had deteriorated, grown rough from the elements and already had more than one chisel mark in its surface.

✨ Still, Michelangelo was able to create a nearly 17-foot tall statue of David, deemed structurally perfect by the world’s best artists and sculptures. This is why it is a must-see when you are in .

When we think of Michelangelo, the Sistine Chapel's breathtaking frescoes and the iconic statue of David are the first works that come to mind—and for good reason. They're some of the greatest masterpieces in art history.

But there's so much more to Michelangelo's nearly 89-year career, which spanned painting, sculpture, and architecture. To celebrate his birthday, here are 8 surprising facts about the artist you might not know: https://takewalks.co/4kHrGYf

05/03/2025

🇪🇸 Picasso's Guernica isn't just a painting—it's a symbol of resistance.

And did you know why it stayed outside Spain for over 40 years?

Hidden inside Madrid's Reina Sofia Museum, this black-and-white masterpiece captures the horrors of war without a single word, only emotion.

Join us on a tour in Madrid to learn about some of the most important masterpieces in history...and learn a little more in the meantime by watching the full video! https://takewalks.co/3DkFeb0

04/03/2025

We’re saying ciao to Venice’s carnival by sharing an interesting fact about Venetian mask making.

If you’re looking for an authentic souvenir during your trip to Venice, keep this in mind!

28/02/2025

Happy Día de Andalucía! 🌿¡Feliz Día de Andalucía! �

Here's to Andalucía: a land of olive groves, flamenco, whitewashed villages, and sun-soaked coastlines. From ocean breezes in Cádiz to orange blossoms in Córdoba, there's magic everywhere you go.

With so many beautiful places to choose from, it's hard to pick just a few, but today we're sharing 10 of our favorites (in no particular order) to inspire your next visit.

Where's your favorite spot? 💚

27/02/2025

Today we’re exploring _________ .
(Where are we? If you know, comment below! ⬇️)

Hints:
-This island is known for handmade lace passed down through generations.
-Its colorful houses make it one of the most picturesque spots around.
-We have a Walks Tour here (and Devour Tours not far away 😏)!

26/02/2025

There's still time to join our live event "ITALY FOR FOODIES", tomorrow Thursday 2/27!

What's in store:

- A live Q&A with Devour Tours co-founder Lauren Aloise + Italian food pros Tina Prestia, Wendy Holloway, and Maria Pasquale
- Insider advice on where, what, and how to eat like a local in Italy
- Other insider tips/recommendations to ensure you have the best trip to Italy!

Sign up (if you can't make it or stay the whole time a recording will be emailed to you!): https://walks.webinargeek.com/italy-food-2025?cst=facebook_walks

ITALY FOR FOODIES 🍷🍕 🇮🇹

Don't miss out...

Tomorrow, we’re diving headfirst into Italy’s must-try dishes, local food trends, and insider tips with none other than Devour Tours co-founder Lauren Aloise, and other Italy food/drink experts:

• Maria Pasquale | Award-winning food & travel writer
• Wendy Holloway | Food and wine writer & host of Flavor of Italy podcast
• Tina Prestia | Italian culinary expert & founder of Tina’s Table

If you're prepping for an Italian getaway or just need an excuse to dream about your next plate of carbonara, this is where you need to be.

📅 Tomorrow, Feb 27
⏰ 12 PM EST / 9 AM PST
✏️ Sign up now: https://walks.webinargeek.com/italy-food-2025?cst=facebook_devour

Got a burning question that you want to get the answer to? Submit it when you sign up! And if you can't make it live or stay the whole time, a recording of the event will be sent out.

See you there!

25/02/2025

We couldn't love this review more, as it perfectly sums up our mission and why we do what we do (for both Devour Tours and our own tours).

Thanks to our guest who shared this heartfelt review!

Our tours aren’t just about seeing new places or eating new foods. They’re about understanding, and meaningful connection.

And this review perfectly captures why we do what we do.

We don’t just show you a destination; we help you connect with its history, culture, and people.

We believe travel has the power to bring us together, open minds, and inspire a greater understanding of unfamiliar places and ways of life.

Here’s to discovering, learning, and embracing new people and places…one experience at a time.

🌍🧳🍷🫒🍴🗺️

23/02/2025

Bucket lists in Italy: home to some of the world's oldest treasures and most incredible food. How many have you checked off this list? 🇮🇹 🍕 🍝 🍷 🍾 🍇 🍋 🍊 🥂

P.S.: Don’t miss our ITALY FOR FOODIES free event this Thursday, February 27th, at 6 PM CET / 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT

This online event is perfect for anyone visiting Italy who wants to ask questions and prepare ahead of time. You’ll get to chat with a panel of experts and ask all your questions about Italian food, drinks, travel tips, and more. Whether you’re planning a trip, love good eats, or are just an Italy fanatic—don’t miss it!

Sign up: https://walks.webinargeek.com/italy-food-2025?cst=facebook_walks

(Even if you can't attend or stay the whole time, a recording will be sent to you!)

Here’s part 1 of our Italy foodie bucket list. Honestly, there’s hardly enough time to get through even one of these lists since you’ll probably want to try everything you come across...

How many have you tried?

🇮🇹 🍕 🍝 🍷 🍾 🍇 🍋 🍊 🥂

P.S.: Don’t miss our ITALY FOR FOODIES free event this Thursday, February 27th, at 6 PM CET / 12 PM ET / 9 AM PT

This online event is perfect for anyone visiting Italy who wants to ask questions and prepare ahead of time. You’ll get to chat with a panel of experts and ask all your questions about Italian food, drinks, travel tips, and more. Whether you’re planning a trip, love good eats, or are just an Italy fanatic—don’t miss it!

Sign up: https://walks.webinargeek.com/italy-food-2025?cst=facebook_devour

23/02/2025

Have you ever heard of Patrick Healy, one of Georgetown’s most remarkable presidents?

Here’s a quick history lesson…

Born into slavery in 1834, Patrick Healy became the first African American president of a predominantly white university. His journey began when his father sent him north for an education, and a chance encounter set him on a path that would change history. As Georgetown’s president, he played a key role in shaping it into the prestigious university it is today.

His story is one of resilience, progress, and lasting impact—one of many powerful legacies we celebrate this Black History Month in DC.

Want to know more? Watch the full video with our awesome guide, Allegra.

Enjoyed this story? It’s just one of the many we share on our Walks tour in Washington, DC. Join us! Check out all our tours: https://takewalks.co/419wixk

21/02/2025

Part 3 of debunking Hollywood myths about the in .

(If you haven't seen parts 1 or 2 yet, go back and check them out on our page! 👀)

What surprised you the most? Were you aware of how much movies differ from reality?

Want to learn even more about the gladiators? Join us on a tour in Rome with Niccolo and other passionate experts: https://takewalks.co/3WIn9dx

17/02/2025

Have you ever heard of the famous Birthnight Balls that took place centuries ago—so long ago that George Washington himself was the guest of honor? 🎩✨

In celebration of Presidents' Day, we’re sharing this historical tidbit you might not know! 🇺🇸

Join us in DC to dive deeper into US history on our Alexandria tour, complete with a cruise down the Potomac River.

Learn more about our DC tours: https://www.takewalks.com/washington-dc-tours/

17/02/2025

It’s Presidents' Day in the US! 🇺🇸

Around this time, one unique tradition people in the DC area pay homage to is the Birthnight Ball. These elegant dances started with none other than George Washington. And even after he resigned, the tradition continued...

PS: Did you know Washington resigned from the presidency? And he’s one of only four presidents in US history to step down: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, and James Buchanan.

Join us in DC to dive deeper into history on our Alexandria tour, complete with a cruise down the Potomac River.

Learn more about our DC tours here: https://devourtours.co/415srRC

📷: PICRYL

16/02/2025

When visiting Vatican City, Rome, or anywhere in Italy, it's easy to find yourself constantly looking up at the breathtaking ceilings and architecture. But when you're at the Vatican, don’t forget to look down—the floors are just as stunning!

🔸 Some of the marble inlays were likely recycled (or stolen!)
from ancient Roman structures like the Forum.

🔸 One mosaic floor in a dining room was essentially a menu, showcasing dishes the household could prepare.

🔸 These floors have withstood the daily footsteps of over 30,000 visitors, proving both their durability and practical beauty.

🔸 Many rooms in the Vatican Museums feature mosaic art and intricate scenes instead of simple geometric patterns.

🔸 Unlike the ceilings and walls that are carefully preserved, these masterpieces are in constant use—talk about resilience!

🔸 The crossed keys symbol of the papacy is beautifully inlaid, sometimes even in 3D marble designs.

🔸 Some of the geometric patterns use a technique called Cosmati, named after the Roman family who perfected it.

🔸 Each tile, no matter how small, contributes to breathtaking mosaics—a true labor of love and patience.

🔸 The floors are believed to date back to the late Renaissance, the same era as the buildings themselves.

🔸 Getting a good photo of the floors can be tricky with the crowds and the no-photo policy in the Sistine Chapel—but they’re well worth your attention.

Next time you visit, don’t forget to look down! The Vatican floors are practical, beautiful, and filled with centuries of history beneath your feet.

📍 Want to see it for yourself...without the crowds? Join us on our exclusive Vatican tour and explore the Vatican Museums like never before. See the beauty of the Vatican all alone on this incredible once in a lifetime tour: https://takewalks.co/4jACs1I

14/02/2025

Have you ever heard the story of the origins of Valentine's Day?

1. It’s a lot darker than you think—Valentine’s Day isn’t all about chocolates and roses.

2. It started in Rome, with not one, but possibly 12-14 different saints named Valentine, each with their own connection to the day.

3. Most people have no idea about its fascinating history—did you know that the most famous Saint Valentine was a Roman priest executed for defying Emperor Claudius II?

Read the full story below; it’s quite an interesting tale that’s way more than just a celebration of love.

💘 💖 💗 💓 💕 💌

The history of Valentine's Day involves a medieval poet - and an old skull sitting in a Roman church. Discover why we get romantic on February 14th!

12/02/2025

Today's the 96th anniversary of the founding of Vatican City. Here are three fascinating facts about the Vatican that will make you want to dive deeper into this intriguing city-state. Read all 10 here: https://takewalks.co/3Qfcnb6

1. Mussolini’s “Gift” to the Vatican 📚
Did you know Vatican City owes its dramatic entrance to Mussolini? After a contentious history between the Papacy and the Italian state, the 1929 Lateran Treaty formally recognized the Vatican as its own nation. To celebrate, Mussolini bulldozed medieval buildings to create the grand boulevard, Via della Conciliazione. Though undeniably impressive, its fascist-style architecture has a controversial backstory.

2. The Vatican Library
The Vatican’s library is one of the oldest functioning in the world, boasting 75,000 manuscripts and 1.1 million printed works across 37 miles of shelves. While you won’t find the mythical “largest p**n collection” (a popular rumor), you will find treasures like the Codex Vaticanus—the world’s oldest Bible, handwritten during the reign of Constantine.

3. St. Peter’s Lost—and Found—Bones
Underneath St. Peter’s Basilica lies an ancient necropolis believed to house the remains of St. Peter himself. But here’s the twist: in 1942, archeologists found his bones… only to misplace them in a back office for years. Eventually rediscovered in a cardboard box, they’ve now been returned to their rightful resting place.

🇻🇦🌟

——

P.S. Looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? With our Alone in the Vatican VIP Tour, you’ll have the Vatican all to yourself—truly a rare experience! Or, join our Keymaster Tour for exclusive access to unlock the Sistine Chapel and witness the opening of the Vatican Museums. Learn more: https://takewalks.co/4hTWTVR

From snakes and bad wine to grumpy statues and shockingly high crime rates, here are 10 very crazy facts about Vatican City that you didn't know.

10/02/2025

Love Rome? Fascinated by its history and culture? Ever wondered who the Romans were, how they lived, and what they did for fun?

Then you'll love this 3-part series by Niccolò, one of our guides in Rome, as he debunks myths about the gladiators.

Here’s part 1—stay tuned for parts 2 and 3!

PS: Want to join Niccolò at the Colosseum? Book a tour with us: https://takewalks.co/3WIn9dx