Zigzag Around the World

10 Must-See Destinations in Jordan

David — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 21:38:07 +0000

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" module_class="blog-header" _builder_version="3.3" background_color="#ffffff" custom_padding_tablet="0|0|0|0|false|false" custom_padding_phone="" global_module="10493" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_post_title author="off" featured_placement="background" text_color="light" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Lato||||" title_font_size="65px" parallax="on" parallax_method="off" custom_padding="200px||200px|" custom_padding_tablet="" custom_padding_phone="150px||150px|" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" title_font_size_tablet="" title_font_size_phone="40px" title_font_size_last_edited="on|phone" global_colors_info="{}"]

[/et_pb_fullwidth_post_title][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" admin_label="Pinterest Image Row" module_class="hidden-pinterest" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_css_main_element="display: none;" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/10-must-see-destinations-jordan.jpg" alt="Ten must-see destinations in Jordan" show_bottom_space="off" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_phone="" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Pinterest Image" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="on" global_colors_info="{}"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Intro" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||||||||" text_font_size="20px" global_colors_info="{}"]Jordan is an often overlooked travel destination. Those who venture there discover a peaceful, hospitable country that is overflowing with history, tradition, and wonder.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Intro" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Whether you're looking to explore history, walk the ancient religious routes of pilgrims, or experience the out-of-this-world landscapes, be sure to check out these 10 must-see destinations in Jordan.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="01" subhead="Amman" admin_label="01. Amman" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/amman-jordan-1-blog_fullwidth.jpg" parallax="on" parallax_method="on" background_layout="light" height="100vh" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.1)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Amman" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Amman is the capital of Jordan and its largest city. The hilly, monochrome city is home to Jordan's monarchy, as well as its commercial, financial, and trade centers. Amman is divided up into a number of districts. The Downtown district (also known as Wast al-Balad) contains the Old City, complete with ancient ruins, shopping souks, traditional dining. Other popular districts include Jabal Amman with its charming Rainbow Street, and Abdali with its revitalized city center and modern shopping.

Most visitors to Jordan are likely to arrive in Amman's Queen Alia International Airport.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="02" subhead="Petra" admin_label="02. Petra" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/petra-jordan-2-blog_fullwidth.jpg" parallax="on" parallax_method="on" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.1)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Petra" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Petra is, by far, the most visited tourist destination in Jordan. Recently named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Petra is an ancient city carved out of solid sandstone cliffs. Petra was once the capital of the Nabatean empire and a thriving center of regional trade. The massive rose-red city was later lost to the world for hundreds of years, only to be rediscovered in the early 19th century. Petra was introduced to an international audience in 1989 when it was featured as the location of the Holy Grail in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb url_new_window="on" use_icon="on" font_icon="9||divi||400" icon_color="#26a4d8" icon_placement="left" admin_label="Read more" _builder_version="4.16" header_font="|on|||" background_color="rgba(38,164,216,0.2)" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="30px|30px|30px|30px" animation="off" custom_css_blurb_content="max-width: none;" border_width_all="2px" border_color_all="#26a4d8" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all" global_colors_info="{}"]Check out our articles on Petra: A Tourist Guide for Visiting Petra and How to Photograph Petra at Night.
[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="03" subhead="Wadi Rum" admin_label="03. Wadi Rum" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/wadi-rum-jordan-1-blog_fullwidth.jpg" parallax="on" parallax_method="on" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.1)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Wadi Rum" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]If you ask most people if they've heard of Wadi Rum, they will answer in the negative. Chances are, however, they've seen it in movies. Due to its distinctive, other-worldly environment, this beautiful desert in southern Jordan has been used as a background setting in movies such as Lawrence of Arabia, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, The Martian, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Visitors to Wadi Rum can stay overnight in a Bedouin camp and tour the stunning rock formations by Jeep or on foot.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label="Google AdSense" _builder_version="3.15" global_module="10525" saved_tabs="all" global_colors_info="{}"] [/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="04" subhead="Jerash" admin_label="04. Jerash" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/jerash-jordan-1-blog_fullwidth.jpg" parallax="on" parallax_method="on" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.1)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Jerash" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Jerash is considered to be one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Originally known as Gerasa, the city was a member of the Decapolis League – a group of ten cities on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire. Jerash rose to prominence until a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city in AD 749. The former opulence of Jerash was hidden in the sand until excavation and restoration began in the 20th century.

Jerash is the second-most popular tourist attraction in Jordan, closely behind the ruins of Petra.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb url_new_window="on" use_icon="on" font_icon="9||divi||400" icon_color="#26a4d8" icon_placement="left" admin_label="Read more" _builder_version="4.16" header_font="|on|||" background_color="rgba(38,164,216,0.2)" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="30px|30px|30px|30px" animation="off" custom_css_blurb_content="max-width: none;" border_width_all="2px" border_color_all="#26a4d8" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all" global_colors_info="{}"]Find out more about Jerash: The Best Roman Ruins You've Never Heard Of.
[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="05" subhead="Dead Sea" admin_label="05. Dead Sea" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/dead-sea-jordan-1-blog_fullwidth.jpg" parallax="on" parallax_method="on" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.1)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Dead Sea" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]There are bragging rights for those who swim in the Dead Sea. At 430 meters (1,412 feet) below sea level, it is the lowest point on earth. It's also one of the world's saltiest bodies of water with a salinity 9.6 times greater than the ocean. All the salt and minerals makes the water ultra-dense, so swimming in the Dead Sea is akin to floating. Basically you bob like a cork on top of the water. I dare you to try to sink!

Dead Sea mud possesses minerals that reportedly have medicinal benefits. Visitors to the Dead Sea take advantage of the skin-friendly by rubbing the black mud all over their bodies.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label="Google AdSense" _builder_version="3.15" global_module="10525" saved_tabs="all" global_colors_info="{}"] [/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="06" subhead="Castles of Jordan" admin_label="06. Castles of Jordan" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/qasr-haraneh-jordan-1-blog_fullwidth.jpg" parallax="on" parallax_method="on" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.1)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Castles of Jordan" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]This one is cheating a bit because it isn't a single destination. Jordan has a number of great castles to explore, from Crusader-era castles to desert palaces. Some of the more prominent castles hold militaristic importance, and are located on main travel routes throughout Jordan. Others are fairly obscure, but are classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their cultural significance.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_blurb url_new_window="on" use_icon="on" font_icon="9||divi||400" icon_color="#26a4d8" icon_placement="left" admin_label="Read more" _builder_version="4.16" header_font="|on|||" background_color="rgba(38,164,216,0.2)" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="30px|30px|30px|30px" animation="off" custom_css_blurb_content="max-width: none;" border_width_all="2px" border_color_all="#26a4d8" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all" global_colors_info="{}"]Read more: The Castles of Jordan.
[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="07" subhead="Madaba and Mount Nebo" admin_label="07. Mount Nebo" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/madaba-jordan-1-blog_fullwidth.jpg" parallax="on" parallax_method="on" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.1)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Mount Nebo" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Madaba is a small city located 20 miles south of Amman. The city is known for its ancient mosaics. The Greek Orthodox Church of St. George has an intriguing mosaic floor that contains a map of the Holy Land – one of the earliest representations of the area from Byzantine times. The Archeological Park of Madaba has ruins that feature elaborate mosaic floors.

Just northwest of Madaba is Mount Nebo, the biblical location where God revealed the Promised Land to Moses before died. An ancient church and other pilgrimage ruins available for exploration. If the weather is clear, the peak offers great panoramic views of the Jordan River Valley and the Dead Sea.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="08" subhead="Jordan River" admin_label="08. Jordan River" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/jordan-river-1-blog_fullwidth.jpg" parallax="on" parallax_method="on" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.1)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Jordan River" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]The Jordan River will most likely appeal to history or religious buffs. It is the location of a number of significant biblical events, including the site where the Israelites crossed into the Promised Land and where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist. The location of Jesus' baptism – otherwise known as Al-Maghtas ("baptism" in Arabic) – is marked by a series of ruins which includes an ancient pilgrim church. The area around the ruins are dry most of the year due to the reduction of flow of the Jordan River.

There are a number of churches located closer to the Jordan River bank. The Greek Orthodox Church of John the Baptist is open to guests and contains some striking murals within. Visitors can also go down to the water of the Jordan River, despite it being fairly underwhelming.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label="Google AdSense" _builder_version="3.15" global_module="10525" saved_tabs="all" global_colors_info="{}"] [/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="09" subhead="Pella and Umm Qais" admin_label="09. Umm Qais" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/umm-qais-jordan-1-blog_fullwidth.jpg" parallax="on" parallax_method="on" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.1)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Umm Qais" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Pella and Umm Qais (ancient Gadara) are both ancient Roman towns that were part of the Decapolis League. The archeological ruins offer insight into life in the 1st century AD. Pella is located in the Jordan Valley about 129 km (80 miles) north of Amman. Umm Qais is located in northwestern Jordan on a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Visit these sites from March through May to fully enjoy the lush greenery that appears in Spring.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="10" subhead="Aqaba" admin_label="10. Aqaba" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/aqaba-jordan-1-blog_fullwidth.jpg" parallax="on" parallax_method="on" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.1)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Aqaba" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Aqaba, on the Red Sea, is Jordan's only coastal town. Aqaba is a popular destination for Jordanians due to its excellent weather and the existence of many beach-side resorts. The beaches in Aqaba (both public and private) are mediocre at best, but the scuba diving is world-class. The Gulf of Aqaba is rich in marine life, and there are plenty of dive shops offering scuba excursions and water sport activities.

Further down the coast is Tala Bay, a new resort area designed as a luxury seaside destination.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_divider color="#e4e9ef" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]
[/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Do you agree with our list? What are your top 10 must-see destinations in Jordan?
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Tips for Visiting Florence’s Duomo

David — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 18:00:40 +0000

Things You Should Know Before Visiting the Duomo

Florence's Duomo is the city's most iconic landmark. The white and green marbled facade topped by a red-tiled dome dominates the Renaissance cityscape. Work on the cathedral began in 1296 but took almost 150 years to complete. The crowning jewel of the Duomo is the dome, an architectural marvel which was added over a hundred years after the construction of the cathedral.

Five monuments make up the Duomo Complex: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Brunelleschi's Dome, Giotto's Campanile (bell tower), the Baptistry of San Giovanni, and the Crypt of Santa Reparata. Also included is the Opera Museum (Museo dell'Opera), which houses many of the cathedral treasures from days of yore.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_map_extended address="Piazza del Duomo, 15R, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy" address_lat="43.773169310023" address_lng="11.256533174869" use_grayscale_filter="on" grayscale_filter_amount="49" map_type_control_style="DEFAULT" marker_center="off" marker_auto_center="on" map_options="2" map_height_tablet="600" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_map_pin_extended title="Main Ticket Office" pin_address="Piazza di San Giovanni, 26, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy" zoom_level="11" pin_address_lat="43.7734964" pin_address_lng="11.25497" _builder_version="3.15" global_colors_info="{}"]Tickets can be purchased at Center for Art and Culture (Centro Arte e Cultura). The entrance can be easy to miss. An arched doorway flanked by eagle statues marks the entrance.
[/et_pb_map_pin_extended][et_pb_map_pin_extended title="Baptistry of San Giovani" pin_address_lat="43.7733125" pin_address_lng="11.2550625" _builder_version="3.15" global_colors_info="{}"]The entry point is at the north side of the octagonal building. A ticket is require.
[/et_pb_map_pin_extended][et_pb_map_pin_extended title="Cathedral Entrance" pin_address_lat="43.7733125" pin_address_lng="11.2555625" _builder_version="3.15" global_colors_info="{}"]The main public entrance to the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. General entry is free.
[/et_pb_map_pin_extended][et_pb_map_pin_extended title="Bell Tower Entry and Ticket Office" pin_address_lat="43.7728125" pin_address_lng="11.2558125" _builder_version="3.15" global_colors_info="{}"]Entry to the Campanile (Bell Tower). There are 414 steps to the top with panoramic views of Florence and the cathedral. Individual tickets are available for purchase in the gift shop.
[/et_pb_map_pin_extended][et_pb_map_pin_extended title="Crypt Entrance" pin_address_lat="43.7729375" pin_address_lng="11.2559375" _builder_version="3.15" global_colors_info="{}"]Entrance to the Crypt of Santa Reparata is located within the cathedral. Tickets for the crypt can be purchased here.
[/et_pb_map_pin_extended][et_pb_map_pin_extended title="Dome Entrance" pin_address_lat="43.7734375" pin_address_lng="11.2566875" _builder_version="3.15" global_colors_info="{}"]The northern door (Porta della Mandoria) is the entrance to climb the 463 steps to the cathedral dome. A ticket is required. Admittance only at the time specified on ticket.
[/et_pb_map_pin_extended][et_pb_map_pin_extended title="Museum Entrance" pin_address_lat="43.7731875" pin_address_lng="11.2578125" _builder_version="3.15" global_colors_info="{}"]Entrance to the Opera Museum (Museo dell'Opera di Duomo). Tickets are required and can be purchased here.
[/et_pb_map_pin_extended][/et_pb_map_extended][et_pb_text admin_label="Things You Should Know Before Visiting the Duomo (part 2)" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]How much time does it take to explore the entire complex? That depends on your schedule and level of interest. If you only have a short time in Florence, be sure to explore the headliners – the Cathedral Dome, Campanile, and Baptistry – which take only a couple hours. Otherwise plan to spend most of a day exploring all the monuments plus the museum (which is air conditioned – a relief in the summer).

Be aware that there is a dress code for visiting the Duomo. Jesus might have hung out with prostitutes, but don't expect the church to be as forgiving. Outfits that reveal shoulders and knees are frowned upon. Skimpy tops, spaghetti straps, or bare midriffs are not allowed inside the church. Skirts should be knee length to cover knees. If in doubt, carry a light shawl or scarf to wrap around you when you go inside.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Florence-62-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Florence Cathedral (Duomo) - a view from Palazzo Vecchio" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]A view of the Florence Cathedral from the Palazzo Vecchio.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Duomo Ticket Options" _builder_version="4.16" ul_font_size="16px" ul_line_height="1.7em" ol_font_size="16px" ol_line_height="1.7em" global_colors_info="{}"]

Duomo Ticket Options

A ticket is required for most of the monuments and attractions throughout the complex. Only entry to the cathedral is free, but free entry excludes the Brunelleschi's Dome and the Crypt of Santa Reparata.

The good news is that a single ticket allows access to all of the monuments. The cost for the all-inclusive ticket is €18. There are a couple ways to purchase tickets:

On-site. Tickets can be purchased on-site at one of several locations: the main ticket office (across from from the main entrance of the Baptistry), inside the Campanile, the Crypt entrance (inside the Cathedral), or the Museum.
On-line. Purchasing online is highly recommended. Not only can you skip the queues at the ticket office(s), but daily availability is limited to climb to the top of the dome. Purchasing online in advance guarantees entry to the dome when you want it (you'll have to choose a designated time from a list of entry options).

Tickets are valid for 30 days from the date selected at the time of purchase. You may use your ticket to gain entry to each monument one time. Tickets are usable for up to 72 hours from your first entry.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Duomo entry details" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"] [icon name="money" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Cost: €18
[icon name="ticket" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Buy tickets: Il Grande Museo del Duomo [/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color="#e4e9ef" divider_position="bottom" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]
[/et_pb_divider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id="littlepeekonflorence" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Little Peek on Florence Tour" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]

Little Peek on Florence Tour

The Little Peek on Florence tour is for those looking for a more exclusive, red carpet tour of the Duomo complex. This guided tour of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore includes exclusive access to the central areas of the cathedral which are normally closed off to the public. On the way up to the Dome, you'll have private access to the North Terrace. The terrace offers unobstructed views of the Dome and beautiful views of the Florence cityscape. Your ticket also includes entry to all the other monuments, the same as the standard ticket. Not bad for €30!

The Little Peek on Florence tour is offered only once daily and has limited availability. Be sure to book online early to guarantee your spot.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Little Peek on Florence entry details" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"] Cost: €30
Availability: January to March: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; April to December: Monday through Saturday
Start time: 10:30 (tour takes 1 hour)
Participants: Maximum 20
Buy tickets: A Little Peek on Florence Tour Tickets
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_blurb title="Print your ticket" url_new_window="on" use_icon="on" font_icon="||divi||400" icon_color="#26a4d8" icon_placement="left" admin_label="Print your ticket" _builder_version="4.16" header_font="|on|||" background_color="rgba(38,164,216,0.2)" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="30px|30px|30px|30px" animation="off" custom_css_blurb_content="max-width: none;" border_width_all="2px" border_color_all="#26a4d8" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all" global_colors_info="{}"]You must scan the bar code printed on your ticket in order to enter each monument. The bar code scanners sometimes have trouble reading digital versions that might be saved to phones or tablets. Make things easier for yourself by having a printed version of your ticket on hand.
[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Florence-45-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Facade of the Florence Cathedral" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]The beautifully ornate facade of the Florence Cathedral.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Duomo Opening Hours" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]

Duomo Opening Hours

All of the monuments have different opening and closing hours which vary throughout the year. It's best to confirm the opening hours with the official website before your visit.

The Duomo is the most popular attraction in Florence. The plaza around the Duomo fills up fast with tourists, and we've seen 3-hour-long lines wrap completely around the Cathedral at mid-day. If you're planning to spend all day touring the entire complex, it's best to start as soon as the Duomo opens in the morning. If you're planning to catch the highlights (the Dome, the Campanile, and the Baptistry), plan to visit later in the afternoon when the sun is lower to the west, which guarantees the best light on the dome.

Keep in mind that aside from Dome, tickets allow access throughout day and can be completed in any order. Walk around and choose the attractions with the shortest lines.

The Duomo is closed the first Tuesday of each month.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id="baptistry" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Florence-47-blog_singlecol.jpg" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]The interior of the Baptistry is quite ornate, but there's no denying that the highlight is the amazing mosaic ceiling.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Baptistry of San Giovanni" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]

Baptistry of San Giovanni

The Baptistry of San Giovanni (or Baptistry of Saint John) is a freestanding, octagonal structure directly across from the Cathedral entrance. The Baptistry is the oldest building in the Piazza del Duomo, constructed between 1059 and 1128.

Three sides of the Baptistry – north, east, and south – contain intricately designed bronze doors. The east doors are the most famous, dubbed by Michelangelo as the Gates of Paradise. The south doors contain reliefs that depict the life of John the Baptist, the namesake of the building.

The interior of the Baptistry consists of a single, ornate room. The highlight of the interior is the domed ceiling which is adorned by a magnificent mosaic ceiling. It can get quite hot and stuffy inside during summer months, so plan to visit earlier in the morning when the temperatures are cooler. It only takes a few minutes to tour the Baptistry, so hop in when the line is short.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" column_structure="1_2,1_2"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Florence-48-blog_singlecol.jpg" show_in_lightbox="on" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Florence-49-blog_singlecol.jpg" show_in_lightbox="on" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id="cathedral" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Florence-60-blog_singlecol.jpg" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]Despite its breathtaking exterior, the vast interior of the Duomo is shockingly sparse.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore" _builder_version="4.16" ul_font_size="16px" ul_line_height="1.7em" global_colors_info="{}"]

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

Florence's Cathedral is the city's most iconic landmark. The white and green marbled facade topped by a red-tiled dome dominates the Renaissance cityscape. The front facade is especially intricate. On the top of the front facade is a series of niches with the twelve Apostles. In the middle sits the Madonna and Child, to whom the cathedral is dedicated.

Despite its breathtaking exterior, the vast interior of the Duomo is shockingly sparse. The relative bareness of the church is said to correspond with the austerity of religious life. Visitors are relegated to the edges of the cathedral in order to protect the marble floor. The only way to cross the barrier and tour the heart of the Cathedral is to participate in the Little Peek of Florence tour.

Be sure to rent an audio guide for €2. The guide points out the Cathedral highlights, including:

Clock - Located above the main door. It was designed in 1443 by Paolo Uccello. The one-handed clock shows the 24 four hours of the day, which ended at sunset – a timetable that was used until the 18th century.
Marble floor - This beautiful mosaic is designed to appear three-dimensional. It's difficult to appreciate the floor in its entirety without climbing to a higher vantage point.
Dante Before the City of Florence - A famous painting of Dante Alighieri with views of Florence in 1465.
Dome interior frescos - The underside of the dome is covered by an enormous fresco representing the Last Judgement. The 3,600 square meters (38,750 square feet) of painted surface was completed by various artists in stages starting in 1568 and lasting until 1579.

Entry to the Cathedral is free, although you may ending up standing in long queues.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_blurb title="Did You Know...?" url_new_window="on" use_icon="on" font_icon="t||divi||400" icon_color="#26a4d8" icon_placement="left" admin_label="Did you know...?" _builder_version="4.16" header_font="|on|||" background_color="rgba(38,164,216,0.2)" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="30px|30px|30px|30px" animation="off" custom_css_blurb_content="max-width: none;" border_width_all="2px" border_color_all="#26a4d8" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all" global_colors_info="{}"]Florence's cathedral is the 4th largest in the world, after St. Peter's in Rome, St. Paul's in London and the Duomo in Milan.
[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id="dome" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Florence-57-blog_singlecol.jpg" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]It takes a lot of stamina to climb to the top of Brunelleschi's dome, but the reward is spectacular panoramic views of Florence.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Brunelleschi's Dome" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]

Brunelleschi's Dome

The Dome (or Cupola, which means "dome" in Italian) of the Cathedral is modern architectural marvel. It was constructed over 100 years after the main portion of the Cathedral had been completed. The plans called for an octagonal, free standing dome that was higher and wider than any that had ever been built. The dome was to be nearly 46 meters (150 ft) across and 55 meters (180 ft) above the ground atop existing walls. The task fell to Filippo Brunelleschi, an eccentric genius who envisioned a double-layered dome held together by a series of barrel-style "chains" to counteract "hoop stress."

Climbing to the top of the Dome is one of the highlights of the Duomo experience. The ascent consists of 463 narrow, claustrophobic steps, which can become single file in some areas. On the way to the top, you'll pass along the underside of the dome, with up close views of its elaborate (and sometimes macabre) frescos. The final stairway to the top is through the double layers of the dome. The views from the top are stunning, offering 360-degree panorama views of the city.

Entry to the Dome is located on the north side of the Cathedral. You must define an entry time when you purchase your ticket, which are strictly enforced. The best times to climb the Dome are early-morning when the sun highlights the front of the Cathedral and Campanile, or late afternoon when the waning sun provides golden light on the city of Florence.
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[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id="campanile" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Florence-56-blog_singlecol.jpg" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
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Giotto's Campanile

The 84.70 meter (278 foot) Campanile (or Bell Tower) may appear to be connected to the Cathedral, but it is actually a free standing structure. 414 steps lead through the five levels to the top. Like Brunelleschi's Dome, the Campanile offers sweeping views of the Florence skyline. The difference is that the Campanile provides grand, close-up views of the Dome itself. If you're lucky, you'll be at the top when the Campanile's seven bells begin to ring.

So should you climb to the top of the Campanile directly after climbing to the top of the Dome? Only if you are in good shape. We did it, and it was grueling. The health app on our phones recorded 73 flights of steps between the two. It's probably best to give your legs a chance to rest before climbing the Campanile.

Once you return to ground level, check out the elaborate hexagonal panels built into the facade of the Campanile. Each one depicts a part the history and ingenuity of mankind (astronomy, building, medicine, hunting, flight, etc). The ones in situ are copies, while the originals have been moved to the Opera Museum.
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[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id="crypt" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Brunelleschis-Tomb.jpg" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]Brunelleschi's Tomb is hidden away in the crypt gift shop.
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Crypt of Santa Reparata

The Crypt of Santa Reparata is actually the preserved ruins of an old church – the former cathedral of Florence. The current Cathedral is constructed directly over the early ruins. Its name refers to Saint Reparata, an early virgin martyr and the co-patron saint of Florence.

A stairway inside the Cathedral leads down to the crypt. Don't forget to locate Fillipo Brunelleschi's tomb – yes, the same guy who designed the dome. The tomb is easy to miss. It's hidden away in an unassuming corner of the Crypt gift shop.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id="museum" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Florence-50-blog_singlecol.jpg" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]The original Cathedral artwork and sculptures (like the medallions in this photo) are available for viewing in the Opera Museum.
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Opera Museum

The Opera Museum (Museo dell'Opera del Duomo) houses all of the artwork and sculptures that once adorned the Duomo. Practically every statue and plinth throughout the Duomo complex is a copy, with the originals moved to the Opera Museum for preservation. The museum is quite large (and quite air conditioned in the summer time), which some of the finest examples of Renaissance sculpture in the world.

The Opera Museum is a must-visit if you are an art, architecture, or history aficionado. If you are on a tight schedule, feel free to skip this one.
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Prego!

We hope this guide is useful in planning your visit to the Duomo complex in Florence. Don't forget to check out our other Florence-related articles and guides.
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Read the entire post, Tips for Visiting Florence’s Duomo, on Zigzag Around the World.

One Day in Florence: The Ultimate Itinerary

David — Fri, 21 Sep 2018 21:50:26 +0000

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Ah, Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance! There is so much to see and do in Florence, that one day isn't nearly enough to experience everything. However, it is possible to cover some of the city's highlights in a single day.

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Florence is an outdoor museum. If you only have 24 hours to visit Florence, our 1-day itinerary will make sure you walk away feeling like you've experienced much of what the city has to offer...with a desire to return for more.

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Locations and Highlights

Florence is a very walkable city. This route can be traversed entirely on foot at an easy pace. The following map plots the locations that we recommend for our 1-day itinerary. Start at the northernmost point, the Galleria dell' Accademia, and zigzag your way down through the historic city center, eventually crossing the Arno River. Relax and rest your weary feet by watching the sun set from one of Florence's prominent bridges. Conclude your day by enjoying Florentine cuisine at one of our favorite restaurants.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_map_extended address="Florence, Metropolitan City of Florence, Italy" zoom_level="15" address_lat="43.772628367439" address_lng="11.25161525353" map_type_control_style="DEFAULT" marker_center="on" marker_center_zoom="15" infowindow_styles="custom_style" infowindow_close_color="#ffffff" info_window_width="300px" bounce_on_click_on_off="off" marker_animation="off" marker_auto_center="on" marker_label_bg="rgba(80,80,80,0.9)" marker_clustering_pulse_color="rgba(0,140,255,0.4)" marker_cluster_border_color="#ffffff" map_options="13" map_height_tablet="600" _builder_version="3.15" border_width_all="2px" border_color_all="#e4e9ef"][et_pb_map_pin_extended title="Galleria dell' Accademia" pin_address="60, Via Ricasoli, 58, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy" pin_address_lat="43.7767725" pin_address_lng="11.258567299999982" cover_image_src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-16-blog_singlecol.jpg" pin_on_off="off" pin_widthsize="46" pin_heightsize="43" _builder_version="3.15"] Home of Michelangelo's famous statue of David.

Scroll to the Galleria dell' Accademia
[/et_pb_map_pin_extended][et_pb_map_pin_extended title="Piazza del Duomo" pin_address="Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy" pin_address_lat="43.7730912" pin_address_lng="11.2554649" cover_image_src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-7-blog_singlecol.jpg" pin_on_off="off" _builder_version="3.15" module_font="||||||||" module_font_size_tablet="51" module_font_size_phone="51" module_letter_spacing_tablet="50" module_letter_spacing_phone="50" module_line_height_tablet="2" module_line_height_phone="2"] This plaza contains the breathtakingly beautiful Florence cathedral.

Scroll to Piazza del Duomo
[/et_pb_map_pin_extended][et_pb_map_pin_extended title="Piazza della Repubblica" pin_address="Piazza della Repubblica, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy" zoom_level="11" pin_address_lat="43.7714263" pin_address_lng="11.254019" cover_image_src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-24-blog_singlecol.jpg" pin_on_off="off" _builder_version="3.15" module_font="||||||||" module_font_size_tablet="51" module_font_size_phone="51" module_letter_spacing_tablet="50" module_letter_spacing_phone="50" module_line_height_tablet="2" module_line_height_phone="2"] Pedestrianized square lined with elegant cafes and featuring a traditional merry-go-round.

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[/et_pb_map_pin_extended][et_pb_map_pin_extended title="Mercato del Porcellino" pin_address="Piazza del Mercato Nuovo, Firenze FI, Italy" pin_address_lat="43.7700174" pin_address_lng="11.2540563" cover_image_src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-27-blog_singlecol.jpg" pin_on_off="off" _builder_version="3.15" module_font="||||||||" module_font_size_tablet="51" module_font_size_phone="51" module_letter_spacing_tablet="50" module_letter_spacing_phone="50" module_line_height_tablet="2" module_line_height_phone="2"]Famous outdoor market selling leather goods, surrounded by statues and a famed fountain.

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[/et_pb_map_pin_extended][et_pb_map_pin_extended title="Piazza della Signoria" pin_address="Piazza della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy" pin_address_lat="43.7696855" pin_address_lng="11.2556422" cover_image_src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-31-blog_singlecol.jpg" pin_on_off="off" _builder_version="3.15" module_font="||||||||" module_font_size_tablet="51" module_font_size_phone="51" module_letter_spacing_tablet="50" module_letter_spacing_phone="50" module_line_height_tablet="2" module_line_height_phone="2"]The heart of Florence. It contains beautiful Renaissance statues, an ornate fountain, and is dominated by the 14th-century crenellated tower of the Palazzo Vecchio.

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[/et_pb_map_pin_extended][et_pb_map_pin_extended title="Ponte Vecchio" pin_address="Ponte Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy" pin_address_lat="43.767925" pin_address_lng="11.2531435" cover_image_src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-28-blog_singlecol.jpg" pin_on_off="off" _builder_version="3.15" module_font="||||||||" module_font_size_tablet="51" module_font_size_phone="51" module_letter_spacing_tablet="50" module_letter_spacing_phone="50" module_line_height_tablet="2" module_line_height_phone="2"]The most famous – and most picturesque – bridge in Florence.

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[/et_pb_map_pin_extended][et_pb_map_pin_extended title="Oltrarno Neighborhood" pin_address="Piazza Santo Spirito, 30, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy" pin_address_lat="43.76689" pin_address_lng="11.24791" cover_image_src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-32-blog_singlecol.jpg" pin_on_off="off" _builder_version="3.15" module_font="||||||||" module_font_size_tablet="51" module_font_size_phone="51" module_letter_spacing_tablet="50" module_letter_spacing_phone="50" module_line_height_tablet="2" module_line_height_phone="2"]The other side of the Arno River offers quaint and quiet walking streets with charming cafes and restaurants.

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[/et_pb_map_pin_extended][et_pb_map_pin_extended title="St. Trinity Bridge" pin_address="Ponte Santa Trinita, Firenze FI, Italy" pin_address_lat="43.7685904" pin_address_lng="11.2500127" cover_image_src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-34-blog_medium.jpg" pin_on_off="off" _builder_version="3.15" module_font="||||||||" module_font_size_tablet="51" module_font_size_phone="51" module_letter_spacing_tablet="50" module_letter_spacing_phone="50" module_line_height_tablet="2" module_line_height_phone="2"]Beautiful sunset views of the Arno River and Ponte Vecchio.

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[/et_pb_map_pin_extended][et_pb_map_pin_extended title="All'Antico Ristoro di Cambi" pin_address="Via S. Onofrio, 1R, 50124 Firenze FI, Italy" pin_address_lat="43.77055" pin_address_lng="11.241930000000025" cover_image_src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-36-blog_singlecol.jpg" pin_on_off="off" pin_widthsize="46" pin_heightsize="43" _builder_version="3.15" module_font="||||||||" module_font_size_tablet="51" module_font_size_phone="51" module_letter_spacing_tablet="50" module_letter_spacing_phone="50" module_line_height_tablet="2" module_line_height_phone="2"]Try a famous Florentine steak, or sample their other delicious fare.

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Morning

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Michelangelo's David

The statue of David by Michelangelo is one of the most recognized works of Renaissance sculpture in the world, and it's housed at the Galleria dell' Accademia in Florence. The statue of David is the highlight of the museum, although other Florentine masterpieces abound throughout.

For those who may be thinking that you may not want to spend your precious 24 hours in Florence touring a museum, don't worry: the Galleria dell' Accademia is pretty compact and a visit takes only about an hour. Be sure to purchase tickets online in advance, as the lines for the Galleria dell' Accademia start early and can become quite lengthy.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Accademia details" _builder_version="3.15"] [icon name="clock-o" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Hours: 8:15 AM - 6:50 PM; closed Mondays
[icon name="money" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Cost: €12
[icon name="ticket" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Buy tickets: Firenzi Musei website

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If you want to save time or cost by not visiting Galleria dell' Accademia, copies of the statue of David are located throughout Florence, including in front of the Palazzo Vecchio, which comes later in our 1-day itinerary.

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Piazza del Duomo

Florence's Duomo is the city's most iconic landmark. The white and green marbled facade topped by a red-tiled dome dominates the Renaissance cityscape. The plaza around the Duomo becomes packed with visitors throughout the day.

Despite the breathtaking exterior, the vast interior of the Duomo is shockingly sparse. Visitors are willing to stand in line for hours to enter the cathedral and see...nothing. Well not nothing, per se, but crown jewel of the Duomo is the dome. And the best way to view the dome is by purchasing a ticket to tour the Cupola del Brunelleschi. A tour of the Cupola gives you an up-close-and-personal view of the elaborate frescos on the underside of the dome, and sweeping view of the city from the top.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding="||10px|" custom_padding_tablet="||0px|" custom_padding_phone="||0px|" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="3.15"][et_pb_column type="1_2"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-23-blog_medium.jpg" alt="Frescos within the dome of Florence's cathedral" disabled_on="off|off|on" _builder_version="3.15"]

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The cathedral ticket costs €18 and includes access to the dome, the campanile (bell tower), the baptistry in front of the cathedral, the crypt, and the museum. Depending on how much you fall in love with the Duomo, you can spend time lots of time in each location. But we highly recommend seeing the dome, campanile, and baptistry at minimum.

For detailed information about visiting the Duomo complex, be sure to check out our tips for visiting Florence's Duomo.

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[icon name="clock-o" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Hours: Monuments have different opening and closing hours which vary throughout the year; check with the website for opening hours.
[icon name="money" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Cost: €18
[icon name="ticket" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Buy tickets: Il Grande Museo del Duomo

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If you plan to climb to the top of the dome, make sure you're in good shape. It's 463 grueling steps to the top of the dome, and another 414 steps to reach the top of the Bell Tower. The stairs can be rather claustrophobic, as well, so be prepared.

[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding="27px|0px|1px|0px|false|false" module_id="repubblica" _builder_version="3.15" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_image admin_label="Piazza dell Repubblica" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-24-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Piazza della Repubblica, Florence, Italy" _builder_version="3.15"]

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Piazza della Repubblica

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The Piazza della Repubblica is a pedestrian square in the heart of Florence. The western side of the plaza can be identified by a series of porticos and a massive triumphal arch. The plaza is surrounded by historical cafes, and a traditional merry-go-round is featured in the center of the square.

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Grab a pastry and coffee at Cafe Gilli. Established in 1733, Cafe Gilli is the oldest cafe in Florence. It is the only example of a Florentine Liberty-style cafe, and is a mandatory stop for both locals and tourists.

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Afternoon

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id="ilporcellino" _builder_version="3.15" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_image admin_label="Il Porcelino" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-27-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Il Porcellino fountain, Florence, Italy" _builder_version="3.15"]

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Mercato del Porcellino

Just steps away from the Piazza della Signoria lies the Mercato del Procellino (also known as Mercato Nuovo). This 16th-century covered portico is where many of Florence's famous leather goods are sold. Peruse through the stalls filled with jackets, purses, bags, belts, notebooks, and more. Don't be afraid to bargain if you want to purchase something.

The market draws its namesake from Il Porcellino, a bronze fountain of a wild boar found on the southern side of the loggia. Visitors flock to the famed fountain to toss in a coin and rub the boar's snout for good luck.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding="27px|0px|2px|0px|false|false" module_id="palazzovecchio" _builder_version="3.15" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_image admin_label="Piazza della Signoria" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-31-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy" _builder_version="3.15"]

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Piazza della Signoria

The Piazza della Signoria is the heart and political focus of Florence. Each day thousands of tourists flock to the square to admire the beautiful Fountain of Neptune and the surrounding buildings.

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On one side of the plaza is the Loggia dei Lanzi, an open-air sculpture gallery of antique and Renaissance art. Sculptures include Hercules and Nessus and Rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna, a bronze statue of Perseus with the severed head of Medusa by Cellini, and a marble copy of Menalaus Supporting the Body of Patroclus.

The square is dominated by the 14th-century crenellated tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, the old town hall. Visitors can tour the courtyard of the Palazzo Vecchio for free. Tickets to tour the museum and to climb the tower range from €10-14. The tower offers sweeping views of the city and some of the best views of the nearby Duomo.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2"][et_pb_image admin_label="Loggia dei Lanzi" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-38-blog_medium.jpg" alt="Loggia dei Lanzi" show_in_lightbox="on" _builder_version="3.15"]

[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.15"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Palazzo Vecchio details" _builder_version="3.15"] [icon name="clock-o" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Hours for Palazzo Vecchio: April - September, 9 AM - 11 PM Fri-Wed and 9 AM - 2 PM on Thu. October through March, 9 AM - 7 PM Fri-Wed and 9 AM - 2 PM on Thu.
[icon name="money" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Cost: Museum €10; Museum + Tower €14; Museum + Tower + Archeological Site €18.
[icon name="desktop" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Website: musefirenze.it
[icon name="ticket" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Buy tickets: Museum of Palazzo Vecchio

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Michelangelo's statue of David was originally placed outside the Palazzo Vecchio. It has since been moved to its permanent location at the Galleria dell' Accademia. A replica stands in its place at the front gate of the Palazzo Vecchio.

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Ponte Vecchio

The Ponte Vecchio ("Old Bridge") dates from AD 972 and spans the Arno River at its narrowest point. The bridge is considered one of the most beautiful sights in Florence, and visitors flock to it in droves.

Butcher shops originally lined both sides of the stone bridge until the late 16th century when Ferdinando I de' Medici ordered them to be replaced by goldsmiths to enforce the prestige of the bridge. The bridge has twinkled with the glittering wares of jewelers ever since.

During World War II, the Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge not destroyed by the Germans during their retreat from the advance of the liberating British army. This was allegedly because of an express order by Hitler in recognition of the bridge's historical value.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row module_id="oltrarno" _builder_version="3.15" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_image admin_label="Oltrarno Neighborhood" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-32-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Basilica di Santo Spirito, Florence, Italy" _builder_version="3.15"]

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Oltrarno Neighborhood

After a day of navigating crowds in the heart of the city, why not escape to the quieter neighborhood of Oltrarno? You can get there simply by crossing the Arno River. (The name Oltrarno means "beyond the Arno.")

There are a number of sights to see in Oltrarno, including the Palazzo Pitti, Boboli Gardens, the Branacacci Chapel in the Church of Santa Maria del Carmine, and the Piazzale Michelangelo. But if you're only spending one day in Florence, you just don't have enough time to do it all.

Instead make your way from the Ponte Vecchio to the Basilica di Santo Spirito. This famous church was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi, the same guy who constructed the dome of the Duomo. Brunelleschi died before the church was finished, so the exterior of the church is quite plain. The the elaborate interior, however, is one of the preeminent examples of Renaissance architecture.

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Evening

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Sunset from St. Trinity Bridge

As the sun gets lower in the sky, head to the St. Trinity Bridge (the next bridge down river from the Ponte Vecchio). The sun sets gracefully to the west, splashing light on the Ponte Alla Carraia and the Arno River.

If you need another reason why the St. Trinity Bridge is perfect for sunsets, just turn around for beautiful views of the Ponte Vecchio. Stick around after the sun goes down to see the Ponte Vecchio and the buildings along the Arno River come alive at night.

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Florentine Feast

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After a long day, it's time to sit down and enjoy a full meal. All'Antico Ristoro di Cambi is one of our favorite restaurants, showcasing the finest foods from the Tuscan countryside. If meat is your thing, be sure to try a famous thick-cut Florentine steak. The steaks are massive, and easily sharable amongst 2-3 people. Otherwise check out classics like panzanella, ribollito, or homemade pici (a Tuscan style of pasta).

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That wraps up our 1-day itinerary. Is there anything we missed that a first timer should see? What are your top picks for things to do in Florence in one day?

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20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Florence, Italy

David — Fri, 07 Sep 2018 13:52:17 +0000

[/et_pb_fullwidth_post_title][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||||||||" text_font_size="21px" global_colors_info="{}"]Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and has been called "the Athens of the Middle Ages." The Florentine dialect became the language of culture throughout Italy, and forms the basis of the standard Italian language.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Florence became a World Heritage Site in 1982 and is considered as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Here are 20 photos to inspire you to visit Florence, Italy.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-13-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Florence Cathedral, aka El Duomo" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Duomo" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]Florence's Duomo is the city's most iconic – and most visited – landmark.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-5-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Florence Cathedral, aka El Duomo" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Florence Cathedral" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]The exterior of the Duomo is epitome of Renaissance architecture. But despite its breathtaking exterior, the vast interior is shockingly sparse.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-2-blog_singlecol-1.jpg" alt="View of Florence, Italy" title_text="View of Florence, Italy, from atop the Duomo" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="View from Duomo" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]Overlooking Florence from atop the dome of the Duomo
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-7-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Florence Cathedral at sunrise" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Florence Cathedral at sunrise" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]The Piazza del Duomo ("Cathedral Square") is one of the most visited places in Europe. The only way you'll find it empty is to visit early in the morning.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" column_structure="1_2,1_2"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-18-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="The dome of the Florence Cathedral" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Duomo Dome" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]The dome of the cathedral is an architectural achievement – the largest on Earth.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-21-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="Florence street scene" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Ristorante" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]Narrow Florentine streets hide charming cafes and artisan shops.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-1-blog_singlecol-2.jpg" alt="Piazza del Santo Spirito" title_text="Piazza del Santo Spirito in Florence, Italy" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Piazza del Santo Spirito" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]Piazza del Santo Spirito in Florence's Oltrarno neighborhood
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-14-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Ponte Vecchio" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]Ponte Vecchio ("Old Bridge") is one of the most famous bridges in Europe. The bridge is flanked by goldsmith and jeweler shops.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-10-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Houses along the Arno River, Florence, Italy" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Arno River bank" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]Ancient houses line the banks of the Arno River – the largest river in Tuscany.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-8-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, Italy" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Palazzo Vecchio" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]The Piazza della Signoria is dominated by the 13th-century crenellated tower of the Palazzo Vecchio, the town hall of the city.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-11-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Courtyard of the Palazzo Vecchio, Florence, Italy" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Palazzo Vecchio courtyard" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]The courtyard of the Palazzo Vecchio is lined by richly frescoed barrel vaults and columns decorated with gilt stuccoes.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-12-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Florence Cathedral from the Palazzo Vecchio tower" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Duomo Peephole" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]The best views of the Duomo are from the tower of the Palazzo Vecchio.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-9-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Uffizi Gallery, Florence, Italy" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Uffizi Gallery" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]The Uffizi Gallery is one of the largest and best know museums in the world. It holds a collection of priceless works, particularly from the Italian Renaissance period.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" column_structure="1_2,1_2"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-19-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="Cafe Gilli, Florence, Italy" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Cafe Gilli" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]Cafe Gilli is the old cafe in Florence, and is a mandatory stop for both locals and tourists.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-20-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="La Menagere restaurant and cafe, Florence, Italy" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="La Menagere restaurant" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]La Menagere is a popular cafe and restaurant in the heart of Florence.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-16-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Statue of David by Michelangelo" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="David" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]Michelangelo's David is one of the most recognized works of Renaissance sculpture in the world. It can be found at the Accademia Gallery.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-17-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="San Miniato al Monte, Florence, Italy" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="San Miniato al Monte" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||on||" text_font_size="13" text_line_height="1.5em" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="||20px|" custom_css_main_element="border-bottom: 1px solid #DDD;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" global_colors_info="{}"]San Miniato al Monte is a basilica that stands atop of the highest points in the city. It offers beautiful views of Florence throughout the day.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-3-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Panorama of Florence, Italy" title_text="Panorama of Florence, Italy, from Piazzale Michelangelo" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Florence panorama at sunset" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
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[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-6-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Sunset on the Arno River, Florence, Italy" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Arno River Sunset" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
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[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Florence-4-blog_singlecol.jpg" alt="Florence cityscape at dusk" title_text="Florence cityscape at dusk, including the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Blue hour cityscape" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" animation="off" sticky="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
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Read the entire post, 20 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Florence, Italy, on Zigzag Around the World.

How to Photograph Petra by Night

David — Tue, 29 May 2018 17:45:43 +0000

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[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding="27px|0px|0|0px|false|false" _builder_version="3.0.47" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Intro" _builder_version="3.3"]

Getting the perfect, portfolio-worthy shot of Petra by Night takes strategy, timing, technique, and a bit of luck. Here are a few tips that will help you walk away with a photograph you can be proud of.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Table of Contents" _builder_version="3.3"]

The Shot
Tips for Photographing Petra by Night
Camera Settings: Phone Camera
Camera Settings: Point-and-Shoot
Camera Settings: Pro Gear (DSLR or Mirroless)

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The Shot

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[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3"][et_pb_text admin_label="Settings" _builder_version="3.3" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"]

Settings

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Sony A7r with Rokinon 14mm f/2.8

[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb admin_label="Tripod" title="Tripod" image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/icon-tripod.png" alt="Aperture" icon_placement="left" _builder_version="3.3" header_font="|600|||||||" header_font_size="14px" header_line_height="0.8em" body_font="||||||||" body_font_size="13px" body_line_height="1em" animation="off" border_style="solid"]

Sirui T-025x

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f/3.5

[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb admin_label="Focal Length" title="Focal Length" image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/icon-focal.png" alt="Aperture" icon_placement="left" _builder_version="3.3" header_font="|600|||||||" header_font_size="14px" header_line_height="0.8em" body_font="||||||||" body_font_size="13px" body_line_height="1em" animation="off" border_style="solid"]

14mm

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13 seconds

[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb admin_label="ISO" title="ISO" image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/icon-iso.png" alt="Aperture" icon_placement="left" _builder_version="3.3" header_font="|600|||||||" header_font_size="14px" header_line_height="0.8em" body_font="||||||||" body_font_size="13px" body_line_height="1em" animation="off" border_style="solid"]

1250

[/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb admin_label="Software" title="Software" image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/icon-computer.png" alt="Aperture" icon_placement="left" _builder_version="3.3" header_font="|600|||||||" header_font_size="14px" header_line_height="0.8em" body_font="||||||||" body_font_size="13px" body_line_height="1em" animation="off" border_style="solid"]

Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop

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Tips for Photographing Petra by Night

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Arrive Early" _builder_version="3.0.105"]

Arrive Early

Depending on the amount of visitors on any given night, arriving early may or may not benefit you. Crowds start to gather at the Petra Visitor Center around 8:00 PM (and possibly earlier), so being at the front of the pack ensures you will get down to the Treasury before the majority of the crowd.

When the gates are opened, hurry down to the Treasury as fast as you can. While I would generally recommend walking slowly through the Siq canyon during the day, there's not much to see at night so there's no benefit to walking slow. The goal here is to get a jump on the crowds.

Arriving at the Treasury early may allow you to get a front row seat on the mats. Being in front allows you to set up your camera and take pictures throughout the show without any obstacles in the way.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="The Best Views" _builder_version="3.0.105"]

The Best Views

If you can manage to get a seat on one of the front rows mats then you can photograph throughout the show. If front row seats aren't available, it's advisable to stand to the right side (when facing the Treasury) or near the back. Try to find a position that offers unobstructed views.

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You Won't Have Much Time

You'll only have a couple minutes to take some photographs before the area in front of the Treasury fills up with visitors. This is where pre-planning comes into play. Avoid wasting time by having your camera settings set up before you arrive. Even if you're not quite sure what your final camera settings may be, having an approximation dialed in will give you a good base to start.

During the show, many of the visitors will be using point-and-shoot cameras or phones to take pictures of the Treasury. Most of their cameras will be firing off flashes due to the dim lighting. Attempting to photograph the Treasury through the barrage of flashes is pretty much an exercise of frustration, so sit back and enjoy the show.

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This is the disaster that happens when everyone uses their flash. Don't be that person!

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Leave Late

Some people leave immediately once the show is over. Others stick around to try to get photographs. If you want a shot without people loitering around, try to stay until the last minute. My favorite shot of the evening was the last shot that I took, and I was the last person "out the door," so to speak.

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Camera Settings for Petra by Night

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Getting a Good Shot With Your Phone Camera

If you're planning to use a phone to capture images of Petra at Night, there are a few options that may produce better results. First of all, turn off your flash. The tiny flash on your phone isn't nearly powerful enough to light up the massive Treasury, especially from a distance.

Second, stabilize your phone. The shutter of your camera is going to want to stay open longer in order to capture as much light as possible, so any movement may end up in a blurry photo. Stabilizing your phone on a small tripod or on another solid object is best.

And third, use a professional camera app that allows you to control your camera shutter. When your shutter is "slow," it means that it is open for longer. The longer the shutter is open, the more light is collected. Apps like Camera+ or Slow Shutter allow you to capture more light over a longer period of time, which guarantees your photos won't be too dark.

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Getting a Good Shot with a Point-and-Shoot Camera

Point-and-shoot cameras are capable of capturing decent shots of the Petra by Night as long as you use the right formula. In fact, with the right technique, you might be surprised at the result.

Like with the other camera types mentioned here, turn off your flash; it won't do you any good.

Set your camera to Night Scene mode, if available. Night Scene mode is built to take landscape or city shots when there isn't a lot of natural light. Depending on your camera, Night Scene mode may slow down your shutter to capture more light, adjust the light sensitivity (ISO) of the camera for dim settings, and adjust the white balance to counteract Tungsten (orange) light.

No matter your type of camera, having a stabilized shot is key. A travel tripod or other form of stabilization will work wonders here.

Take a few test shots to determine whether you are satisfied or not. Don't be afraid to switch your camera back into Auto mode if you feel like that produces a more pleasing image.

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Getting a Good Shot with Pro Gear

DSLR or pro Mirrorless cameras are best for photographing Petra by Night. But the best camera in the hands of a novice is still capable of producing unsatisfactory photographs, especially at night. Use the following techniques to get the shot you really want.

Use a tripod. I can't stress this enough. You absolutely will not get a good hand held shot. You'll be using a long/slow shutter in order to allow your camera sensor to capture more light, so having a tripod for stability is crucial.

Use a remote, shutter release, or self-timer. When taking long-exposure shots, even the slightest movement to the camera will result in blurry photos. A remote or wired shutter release will allow you to trigger the shutter without physically touching the camera. If you don't have a remote or shutter release, set your camera's self-timer to trigger the shutter several seconds after you press the button. This will allow your camera enough time to stabilize before taking the shot.

Shoot in Manual mode. While your camera might perform admirably in Auto mode, you'll get the best shots by taking full control over your camera's settings. Manual mode can typically be set by adjusting the mode dial on your camera to "M." Once in Manual mode, you'll need to make changes to the following 4 settings: ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed, and focus. Keep reading for more information on each of these settings.

Adjust your ISO. ISO determines your camera's light sensitivity. The higher the ISO number, the more sensitive your camera is to light. You'd think that cranking up the ISO would produce a brighter image, and that's true but not recommended. Higher ISO amounts produce greater camera noise – grainy pixelation on the photo. Every camera is different when it comes to the maximum ISO it can handle before images become too "noisy." You'll want to experiment a bit on a dark night in order to determine your camera's ISO threshold. Start with an ISO setting of 800 and keep increasing the amount until you find the right balance between brightness and clarity. You might need to preview your images in 100% magnification on the back of your camera to see the difference.

Set your Aperture. The Aperture (also known as f-stop) of your camera lens functions similar to the iris of your eye. When closed down tight, less light enters the lens and hits the camera sensor. When opened wide, the camera sensor is able to capture more light in a shorter amount of time. Each camera lens has different aperture width capabilities, so you'll need to check to see how wide your lens can go. For photographing Petra by Night, wider is usually better. Wider apertures are designated by lower numbers, so an aperture of 2.8 would be wider than an aperture of 3.5 or 4.

Determine your Shutter Speed (or Exposure). The shutter of the camera functions similar to an eyelid. Opening the shutter for a shorter period of time allows the sensor to collect a small amount of light, and longer periods of time allow the sensor to collect greater amounts of light. In a dim environment like Petra by Night, you'll want a longer shutter speed to capture a lot of light. How long you will need depends entirely on a combination of your ISO sensitivity and Aperture setting. Some cameras can get away with a 10-15 second shutter speed, while other cameras may need 30 seconds or longer. Be aware that when your shutter is open for long periods, any movement in the scene will result in a blurry area. Any flashes from other cameras will also produce problems in your image.

Nail your focus. Autofocus doesn't work well in low light, which is why it so important to manually focus your lens. Some lenses have a switch on the lens which toggles between autofocus and manual focus. On other cameras, you have to toggle between the two in camera. If your camera has a focus assist feature, use it to make sure the detailed areas of the Treasury are sharp. If your camera doesn't have focus assist, use the live view on your camera to set your focus using the focus ring on your lens. Snap a shot and then view the preview at 100% to make sure your focus is set correctly. If you're still blurry, make minor corrections with your focus ring and fire off another test until your focus is tack sharp.

Turn off image stabilization. Some lenses (and some camera bodies) have built in image stabilization. Image stabilization is very useful when holding the camera by hand, but can cause problems when your camera is mounted on a tripod. Each camera manufacturer has a different term for image stabilization (OS, VR, SR, IS, Optical SteadyShot, and more), so find out how to turn it off on your particular brand of camera.

Shoot in RAW. Photos shot in RAW (uncompressed) format contain more usable data, color information, and dynamic light range than compressed formats like JPG. Shooting in RAW allows you much greater editing freedom, but you'll need editing software to make it happen. Software like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom, or Skylum Luminar will do the trick.

Take the shot. Once you've got your settings perfected and your location locked down, start shooting. It's better to have too many shots than not enough. Be sure to check your shots from time to time to make sure everything is still on target.

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Read the entire post, How to Photograph Petra by Night, on Zigzag Around the World.

Cartagena’s Street Art Scene

David — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 16:25:43 +0000

Most people are not aware that Cartagena, Colombia, is a treasure trove of street art, and it is located just steps away from the Old Town.

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The neighborhood of Getsemani was formerly a low income part of Cartagena, known for drugs and crime. These days, Getsemani has shaken off its gritty reputation and is no longer a place to avoid. The area has been transformed into a colorful menagerie of hostles, lively cafes, and bustling nightlife.

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The gentrification of Getsemeni has also brought about an artistic revolution in the community. Wandering through the pastel maze of colonial houses reveals eye-popping, vibrant street art – much of which are inspired by local legends and culture. The next time you visit Cartagena, you'll want to stroll through Getsemani and check out the street art for yourself.

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La Sierpe

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This mural of a half-woman, half-snake located on Calle 29 in Getsemani – better known locally as Calle De La Sierpe (The Street of the Serpent).

The street received its nickname from a local legend. In the early 1600's, the inhabitants of Getsemeni would sometimes hear the hissing of a snake at night, but were too afraid to venture into the street to investigate. The mayor at that time, Don Antonio de Viloria, decided to stand guard over the street one night to find out the cause of the hissing.

Suddenly a huge snake appeared with menacing, glowing eyes, and rattling its tail. In an act of desperation, Don Antonio summoned some magical incantations that he had learned on the island of Santo Domingo. The spell reveled the snakes true nature: a sorcereress. Despite her plees for release, the witch was immediately imprisoned. She was later sentenced to 200 lashes and banished.

While almost every street in Getsemani features murals and paintings, Calle De La Sierpe is a great starting point. A good portion of the street is covered in stunning street art.

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Infectious Smile

This striking mural of a grinning Afro-Colombian woman dominates one side of Calle De La Sierpe. It is one of the most photographed pieces of street art in Cartagena.

Artist: DEXS

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The great-tailed grackle, more commonly known in Colombia as Maria Mulata, is the official bird of Cartagena. Colombian artist Yurika was inspired to paint this vibrant street mural by a local folk tale.

According to fokelore, the Maria Mulata was once a colorful songbird that lived in peace and harmony with the people of Cartagena.

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At that point, Cartagena was a small town. One day, the town caught fire and many of the inhabitants were trapped. As they cried out for rescue, the birds swooped in and carried the townspeople to safety. In the process, the birds' vibrant plummage was stained black from the smoke and soot. While they retain the black color to this day, a close examination on a sunny day reveals the hint of color underneath.

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The mural of the Maria Mulata can be found in Plaza De La Trinidad. During the day, the plaza is a sleepy, colorful square in the heart of Getsemani. But at night, the plaza comes alive with street vendors, cafes, and crowds of backpackers.

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The Boxer

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This mural recreates the famous rivalry between two-time world middleweight champion boxer and Cartagena native, Rodrigo Valdez, and Carlos Monzón.

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No Se Vende

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Flying the flag of Cartagena, a working-class man protests the sale and higher prices of housing in Getsemani as a result of gentrification.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.0.105"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_code admin_label="Google AdSense" _builder_version="3.0.47" global_module="10525" saved_tabs="all"] [/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built="1" background_color="#e4e9ef" _builder_version="3.0.105" prev_background_color="#ffffff" next_background_color="#ffffff"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.0.47" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_slider _builder_version="3.0.105" custom_padding="280px||280px|" auto="on" auto_speed="5000"][et_pb_slide use_bg_overlay="off" use_text_overlay="off" admin_title="Fish" _builder_version="3.0.105" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-9-blog_singlecol.jpg" custom_button="off" button_on_hover="on"][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide use_bg_overlay="off" use_text_overlay="off" admin_title="Twirly Girl" _builder_version="3.0.105" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-19-blog_singlecol.jpg" custom_button="off" button_on_hover="on"][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide use_bg_overlay="off" use_text_overlay="off" admin_title="Turtle" _builder_version="3.0.105" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-23-blog_singlecol.jpg" custom_button="off" button_on_hover="on"][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide use_bg_overlay="off" use_text_overlay="off" admin_title="Fat reclining girl" _builder_version="3.0.105" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-20-blog_singlecol.jpg" custom_button="off" button_on_hover="on"][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide use_bg_overlay="off" use_text_overlay="off" admin_title="Blue man" _builder_version="3.0.105" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-11-blog_singlecol.jpg" custom_button="off" button_on_hover="on"][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide use_bg_overlay="off" use_text_overlay="off" admin_title="Mi Kartacho" _builder_version="3.0.105" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-22-blog_singlecol.jpg" custom_button="off" button_on_hover="on"][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide use_bg_overlay="off" use_text_overlay="off" admin_title="Spray can" _builder_version="3.0.105" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-21-blog_singlecol.jpg" custom_button="off" button_on_hover="on"][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide use_bg_overlay="off" use_text_overlay="off" admin_title="Accordion man" _builder_version="3.0.105" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-17-blog_singlecol.jpg" custom_button="off" button_on_hover="on"][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide use_bg_overlay="off" use_text_overlay="off" admin_title="Bird lady" _builder_version="3.0.105" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-24-blog_singlecol.jpg" custom_button="off" button_on_hover="on"][/et_pb_slide][et_pb_slide use_bg_overlay="off" use_text_overlay="off" admin_title="Pirate parrot" _builder_version="3.0.105" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-18-blog_singlecol.jpg" custom_button="off" button_on_hover="on"][/et_pb_slide][/et_pb_slider][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built="1" _builder_version="3.0.47" prev_background_color="#e4e9ef" next_background_color="#000000"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.0.47" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="1_2"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" _builder_version="3.0.105" header_font="||||||||" header_font_size="38px"]

Prisma Afro

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Vertical Image" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-15-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="Cartagena Street Art" title_text="Street art of an afro-Colombian woman in Cartagena's Getsemani neighborhood" _builder_version="3.0.105" disabled_on="off|off|on"]

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At 12-stories tall and covering over 400 square meters, this mural in Getsemani is the largest in Cartagena. The piece is the result of a collaboration among seven well-known street artists: Yurika, Cazdos, Zas, Ecksone, Skida, and Ospen.

It came to life in 2012 as a result of the team's reflections on the challenge, of representing, through graffiti, the Afro woman. In effect, the work captured an Afro woman at the moment of creation-reflexive and serene-not only as a mother but as the axis of the black culture. A prism gravitates in the hands of this character, alluding to the power of transformation of its environment, with a special thread: the explosion of color.

Due to the challenges of painting such a massive mural very close to the surface of the building, the mural was designed ahead of time and projected onto the face of the wall. The artists used a pully catwalk to paint the mural over the course of 6 days.

The result is a vibrant and overwhelming piece of art that dominates the Getsemani skyline.

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[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.0.105"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_blurb admin_label="Did you Know...?" title="Did you know...?" url_new_window="on" use_icon="on" font_icon="%%79%%" icon_color="#4da8c7" icon_placement="left" _builder_version="3.0.105" header_font="|on|||" background_color="#d6e8ee" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="30px|30px|30px|30px" animation="off" custom_css_blurb_content="max-width: none;" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" saved_tabs="all"]

According to local rumors, the Afro Prismo mural was originally commissioned by the Coca-Cola company to advertize Sprite. The legend goes on to claim that the artist reneged on the agreement after receiving payment for work and never completed the work, painting a cube in the subject's hand instead of the product placement: a can of Sprite.

[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.0.47" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_code admin_label="Google AdSense" _builder_version="3.0.47" global_module="10525" saved_tabs="all"] [/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built="1" _builder_version="3.0.47" prev_background_color="#000000" next_background_color="#000000"][et_pb_row make_fullwidth="on" use_custom_gutter="on" gutter_width="2" _builder_version="3.0.105" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="1_4"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-5-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="Cartagena Street Art" title_text="Street art of Albert Einstein in Cartagena's Getsemani neighborhood" _builder_version="3.0.105" show_in_lightbox="on"]

[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_4"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-8-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="Cartagena Street Art" title_text="Street art of a woman in Cartagena's Getsemani neighborhood" _builder_version="3.0.105" show_in_lightbox="on"]

[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_4"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-2-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="Cartagena Street Art" title_text="Street art of a boy in a doorway in Cartagena's Getsemani neighborhood" _builder_version="3.0.105" show_in_lightbox="on"]

[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_4"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-7-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="Cartagena Street Art" title_text="Street art of a boy with a backpack in Cartagena's Getsemani neighborhood" _builder_version="3.0.105" show_in_lightbox="on"]

[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built="1" background_color="#ffffff" custom_padding_last_edited="on|phone" _builder_version="3.0.105" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-35-blog_fullwidth.jpg" custom_padding="600px||40px|" custom_padding_tablet="300px|0|50px|0" prev_background_color="#000000" next_background_color="#000000"][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter="on" gutter_width="1" padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" parallax_method_1="off" parallax_method_2="off" parallax_method_3="off" _builder_version="3.0.105" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Caption" background_layout="dark" _builder_version="3.0.105" background_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.6)" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="30px|30px|30px|30px" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"]

The Three Warriors

This beautiful triptyc – portraits of the same woman – is by artist Fin DAC. The artist put out a call for model submissions and chose a local woman from Cartagena, Ana Luisa M, as his muse.

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Palenqueras

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Palanqueras – women dressed in bright colors selling fruit – are a common sight in Cartagena. Originally these women came bearing their goods from San Bassilo de Palenque – a small town to the south of Cartagena and one of the first free towns in the New World.

Several urals throughout Getsemani celebrate modern Palenqueras, who still offer fruit for sale on the streets of Cartagena.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Horizontal Image" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-30-blog_medium.jpg" alt="Cartagena Street Art" title_text="Street art of a fruit lady in Cartagena's Getsemani neighborhood" _builder_version="3.0.105" show_in_lightbox="on"]

[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2"][et_pb_image admin_label="Vertical Image" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-31-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="Cartagena Street Art" title_text="Street art of fruit ladies in Cartagena's Getsemani neighborhood" _builder_version="3.0.105" show_in_lightbox="on"]

[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.0.105"][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_code admin_label="Google AdSense" _builder_version="3.0.47" global_module="10525" saved_tabs="all"] [/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built="1" background_color="#fce149" _builder_version="3.0.105" prev_background_color="#ffffff" next_background_color="#ffffff"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.0.47" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="1_2"][et_pb_text admin_label="Title" _builder_version="3.0.105" text_font="||||||||" header_font="||||||||" header_font_size="38px"]

Indigenous Portraits

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The coastal Colombian area where Cartagena now stands was once inhabited by the Calamari people. A number of murals throughout Cartagena pay tribute to the original indigenous inhabitants.

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Below: This mural of an indigenous woman had, at one point, a large headress of feathers that extended beyond the column of the bridge. Over the years the headress has faded and parts of it have been painted over.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label="Horizontal Image" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-33-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="Cartagena Street Art" title_text="Street art of an indian in Cartagena's Getsemani neighborhood" _builder_version="3.0.105" max_width="80%" module_alignment="right" show_in_lightbox="on"]

[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2"][et_pb_image admin_label="Vertical Image" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-34-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="Cartagena Street Art" title_text="Street art of an indian girl in Cartagena's Getsemani neighborhood" _builder_version="3.0.105" show_in_lightbox="on"]

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Above: One of the signature pieces of street art in Getsemani, "La Heroica" depicts an vibrant and beautiful woman indigenous to the area around Cartagena. Painted in 2013 by Irish artist Fin DAC.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built="1" _builder_version="3.0.47" prev_background_color="#fce149"][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter="on" gutter_width="2" _builder_version="3.0.105" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="1_2"][et_pb_image admin_label="Horizontal Image" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-28-blog_medium.jpg" alt="Cartagena Street Art" title_text="Street art in Cartagena's Getsemani neighborhood" _builder_version="3.0.105" show_in_lightbox="on"]

[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2"][et_pb_image admin_label="Horizontal Image" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/cartagena-street-art-27-blog_medium.jpg" alt="Cartagena Street Art" title_text="Street art in Cartagena's Getsemani neighborhood" _builder_version="3.0.105" show_in_lightbox="on"]

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The neighborhood of Getsemani is easily walkable, so feel free to wander around the discover the amazing pieces of street art on your own. There is also a free street art walking tour offered daily (except Tuesdays) at 10AM. The tour starts at Plaza De La Trinidad and lasts for 2 hours. You can sign up online, and be sure to tip your guide when you are done.

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Read the entire post, Cartagena’s Street Art Scene, on Zigzag Around the World.

How To Swim With Manatees in Florida

David — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 15:39:29 +0000

[/et_pb_fullwidth_post_title][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" use_background_color_gradient="on" background_color_gradient_stops="#7ec8d5 0%|#0485a4 100%" background_color_gradient_start="#7ec8d5" background_color_gradient_end="#0485a4" bottom_divider_style="wave" bottom_divider_color="#ffffff" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" admin_label="Pinterest Image Row" module_class="hidden-pinterest" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_css_main_element="display: none;" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/swim-with-manatees.jpg" alt="How to Swim with Manatees in Florida" title_text="How to Swim with Manatees in Crystal River, Florida" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Pinterest Image" _builder_version="4.16" use_border_color="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="27px|0px|50px|0px" global_colors_info="{}" column_structure="1_2,1_2"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Intro" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||||||||" text_font_size="22px" background_layout="dark" global_colors_info="{}"]Did you know that the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, in Florida is the only place in the USA where you can legally swim with manatees?
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||||||||" background_layout="dark" global_colors_info="{}"]Every winter, Crystal River, Florida transforms into 'The Manatee Capital of the World,' when the gentle giants reach the warm, spring waters of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Incredibly you can book a tour to swim among these charismatic, endangered creatures.

If you're planning to visit Florida, there is no reason to pass up this amazing and unforgettable experience. Here is what you need to know on how to swim with manatees in Florida.
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When to Swim With the Manatees

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||||||||" background_layout="dark" global_colors_info="{}"]The best time to swim with manatees is "manatee season" — between the months of November through mid-March. The colder winter weather in the Gulf of Mexico drives the manatees inland to the warmer rivers and springs.

Be sure to check the weather forcast before scheduling your swim with the manatees. There are times during the winter months in Florida where temperatures can still soar. Warmer weather means that fewer manatess will be present in the rivers and springs.

A good rule of thumb for swimming with manatees is this: the colder the temperature outside, the better! We swam with the manatees when it was 44º F (6º C) outside and we were fortunate because we saw a bunch of manatees.
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Where to Swim With the Manatees

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]One of the best (and only) place to swim with the manatees is in Crystal River, Florida. Crystal River is home to the Crystal River National Wildlife Reguge and has many rivers and inlets that provide safe havens for manatees.

Crystal River is also home to Three Sisters Spring, a crystal clear natural pool that stays a constant temperature of 72º F (22º C). The warmer water provides a haven for manatees who can be prone to frostbite.
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[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" header_2_font="Bitter||||||||" header_3_font="Bitter||||||||" global_colors_info="{}"]You can visit Three Sisters Springs by land and view the manatees from a boardwalk trail which surrounds the pools. But if you want to swim with the manatees, you'll want to book through a reputable tour company (see below).
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on="on|on|off" admin_label="Callout (Desktop)" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Bitter||on||||||" header_2_font="Bitter||||||||" header_3_font="Bitter||||||||" global_colors_info="{}"]Passes for the trails and boardwalk are available year round, and costs vary depending on the time of visit. Passes during manatee season are $15 per adult, with discounts for seniors, military, and children.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/crystal-river-04.jpg" alt="Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida" title_text="Snorkeling in Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River, Florida" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Horizontal Image" _builder_version="4.16" max_width="67%" max_width_tablet="" max_width_phone="" max_width_last_edited="on|phone" module_alignment="left" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
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How to Book a Tour

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]There are dozens of tour companies in Crystal River who offer manatee tours, but we chose the Adventure Center at the Plantation on Crystal River. They offer 3-hour tours three times each day: 7:00 AM, 10:00 AM, and 2:00 PM. We chose the 7:00 AM tour since early mornings are when manatees are more likely to be active rather than sleeping.

Tours booked through the Adventure Center include 5 mil wetsuits (thicker wetsuits provide extra warmth and bouyancy), a mask and snorkel, towels, and hot chocolate. In addition, each tour includes your boat captain and an in-water guide. All captains and dive professionals at the Adventure Center are trained in first aid, CPR, and are rescue certified. Our boat captain was Bob and our dive professional was John. Both were engaging, informative, and very professional.

The Adventure Center tour boats are enclosed to help combat cold temperatures. Each boat accomodates 11 to 14 people. Private tours can also be arranged.
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[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" prev_background_color="#e4e9ef" _builder_version="4.16" use_background_color_gradient="on" background_color_gradient_stops="#7ec8d5 0%|#0485a4 100%" background_color_gradient_start="#7ec8d5" background_color_gradient_end="#0485a4" custom_padding="100px|0px|118px|0px" top_divider_style="wave" bottom_divider_style="wave" bottom_divider_color="#ffffff" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" column_structure="1_2,1_2"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Swimming with Manatees" _builder_version="4.16" background_layout="dark" global_colors_info="{}"]

Swimming with Manatees

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||||||||" background_layout="dark" global_colors_info="{}"]Manatees can be very curious and playful when guests are quiet and allow them to initiate interaction. Before we set out, the Adventure Center gave us a briefing on how to swim with manatees. Obeying proper etiquette ensures the safety of the animals and increases the chances that the manatees will interact with nearby humans.

During our swim with the manatees in Three Sisters Spring, curious manatess would often inspect their visitors. If you are lucky, you may even get a manatee hug, or better yet, a kiss! It's a surreal experience to have a manatee wrap its flippers around you in an embrace, or to paw at the top of your head with its mouth.

Portions of the rivers and springs are roped off as sanctuaries for the manatees. These safety areas allow the manatees to sleep or mate without being disturbed. Visitors can view the manatees from the edge of the sanctuary, but are not allowed to enter.
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What to Bring

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Waterproof camera gear. We took our iPhones in waterproof pouches, which is by far the cheapest route for underwater pictures. The downside to that approach is that sometimes the touchscreen doesn't work well under water. Also due to the flexibility of the plastic on the bag, getting a clear picture can be a challenge. You have to be diligent to make sure your camera is tight against the transparent plastic or you'll end up with blurry footage. I was definitely wishing I had a GoPro with a floating hand grip with me, as it would have allowed us to take underwater photos and video with a lot less hassle. For those who don't care to do their own photography, your in-water guide will be taking videos and pictures of your manatee experience, which is available for purchase at the dive shop after the tour.

Bathing suit and towel. A wetsuit is included in your tour package. If you've never worn a wetsuit before, they are tight! (You'll want them tight to trap in heat.) Be sure to wear a bathing suit that will allow you to squeeze into the wetsuit. Towels were provided on the boat for drying off after emerging from the water, but they were fairly small. You may want to bring something larger for warmth and further drying. After all, it may be cold once you exit the water! We brought along our travel towels and they were sufficient.

Optional mask and snorkel. A mask and snorkel are included in your tour package, so there's no need to purchase one. Some people prefer to bring their own mask and snorkel, however, especially since not all masks fit all faces. There is no need for fins, since they aren't allowed on the tour anyway (except by the in-water guides).
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited="on|phone" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="27px|0px|0px|0px" custom_padding_tablet="||0px|" custom_padding_phone="||0px|" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Where to Stay" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]

Where to Stay

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" column_structure="1_2,1_2"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]We chose to stay at the Plantation at Crystal River, an aging but charming southern-style plantation hotel with plenty of character and tons of amenities. The Plantation at Crystal River isn't the cheapest option in town — there are plenty of alternative hotels just minutes away — but it is definitely the most convenient when booking your tour through the Plantation Adventure Center. The dive shop was just a few yards from the hotel, which meant we didn't have to get up too early for our 7 AM tour. Having the hotel close is also super convenient after the tour when you're wet and cold and you just want to get clean and warm.

I wish we could say we took advantage of all of the other amenities that the hotel had to offer, but in the end we were just there for the manatees. Should you decide to extend your stay at the Plantation, however, you can treat yourself to the heated pool and hot tub, tiki bar, a round of golf, the game room, fitness center, giant chess or checkers, beach volleyball, and much more.
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Read the entire post, How To Swim With Manatees in Florida, on Zigzag Around the World.

What To Know Before Diving Into Colombia’s Mud Volcano

David — Wed, 28 Feb 2018 21:51:04 +0000

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About 45 minutes north of Cartagena, Colombia, is a live, bubbling volcano in which you can take a swim. But instead of scalding lava, this volcano is filled with geothermal heated mud.

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If you spend any time wandering through the streets of Cartagena, you will likely come across a tout or poster advertising the Totumo Mud Volcano (or Volcan El Totumo). And in case there is any ambiguity, it is indeed as the name implies: a giant cauldron of sulfurous, slimy mud. And you're expected to dive in and slosh around with a bunch of strangers, all while being massaged by a couple of burly Colombian men. So what are two gringos to do except sign up for a tour?

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That's how Zena and I found ourselves in a van full of people heading out to Colombia's most overrated—and yet so fun—attraction. Now that we've sacrificed ourselves to the mud gods and lived to tell the tale, here is what you need to know before diving into Colombia's mud volcano.

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It Takes a While to Get to the Volcano

While the journey from Cartagena to El Totumo mud volcano is about 45 minutes, it can potentially take much longer to get there. There's only one tour company that offers daily tours out to the volcano: Ruta Ecologica. Since you can book a tour package at practically any hotel or hostel in Cartagena, the first hour or so of the outing is spent driving around to various locations to pick up other passengers.

Once the van is full of would be mud-bathers, then the uneventful trip out to El Totumo mud volcano begins. As you get outside of Cartagena, the Colombian countryside is pretty scrubby so there's not much to see along the way. We ended up getting stuck in construction traffic so our 45-minute journey turned into over an hour. The van was air conditioned so it wasn't terrible, just a bit boring.

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Your Belongings Will Be Safe

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Once you've arrived, your group will be led to an outlying building where you will be instructed to change into a bathing suit. All other belongings (including footwear) are to be left on shelves within the building, and valuable items are locked into a community locker for safe storage.

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There are changing cubicles for those who need a bit of privacy, but they are only shielded from prying eyes by a flimsy shower curtain. It's better to come prepared wearing your bathing suit rather than having to change.

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The Volcano is Not Much to Look At

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When you arrive at the Totumo volcano, don't expect anything spectacular. Basically the volcano is a 90-foot (28-meter) high dirt cone with a pair of steps leading to the summit. At the top of the steps, surrounded by a ringed platform of dirt, is a 15-foot (4.5-meter) pit filled with lukewarm, soupy mud.

The mud is heated by geothermic activity deep in the earth's crust and is said to contain therapeutic properties. According to our guide, the mud is over 7,500 feet (2,300 meters) deep. But don't worry about sinking; the thick mud is way too buoyant. Tourists descend a ladder into the pit clean and shiny and emerge later looking like they've been dipped in gray chocolate.

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You Won't Be Alone

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If you think you'll be the only one crazy enough to experience a mud volcano, think again. Chances are you'll be waiting in line for your turn in the delightful mud, and once you descend the wooden ladder and plunge into the muck, you'll be sharing the space with at least a dozen strangers.

Don't think you will have your own personal space inside the volcano, either. The thick, soupy mud makes it difficult to balance, so everyone inside seems to tipping and bobbing one way or the other. This means that arms and legs are flailing as people try to maintain an upright position. Others are spread out, lying flat on the mud. You'll get up close and personal to everyone in the caldera, with countless strange body parts brushing up against you at all times.

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As if it weren't already crowded enough, there are several Colombian dudes inside the mud who are eager to massage every visitor (for a fee, of course). You can try to politely decline their services, but they don't seem to take no for an answer so you might as well go with it. It's just part of the experience, I guess.

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You Can Still Get Your Pictures

What's the fun of swimming in a muddy pool of sulfuric slush with a bunch of strangers if you can't document it for the rest of the world to see? After all, if it's not on Instagram it didn't happen, right? Not to worry; even though you're covered head to toe in gray goop, you can still get all your important pictures.

When you arrive, several Colombian men will approach you and ask for your camera or phone. Don't worry, they'll take good care of your stuff. It's their job to accompany you to the top of El Totumo and document your experience. Before your initial descent to the crater, they'll ask you to confirm which camera is yours (they'll have several in a bag). They'll proceed to take a series of pictures of you climbing down the ladder, immersing yourself in the mud, being massaged, sloshing around, and finally exiting the other side completely covered. They'll expect a tip for their services (naturally!), but they do a good job and the pictures are priceless.

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Getting Clean

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After you are completely covered in mud, you'll exit the crater but not before some Colombian dude scrapes the excess mud off you. While it may be weird to perch on the bottom rung of a ladder while some guy removes your mud with his bare hands, but it's actually a good thing. The mud can be very heavy and I can't imagine having to climb up that slippery wooden ladder with all that extra weight.

Afterwards you'll descend the steps down to a path that leads to a nearby lake. We weren't allowed to wear our footwear to the edge of the volcano, so the rocky path made the trek down to the lake rather precarious and cumbersome. At one point, I even cut my foot on a sharp stone.

At the edge of the lake are a bunch of Colombian women eager to help you remove the mud from your body. While this cleansing process is completely optional, the women can be quite persistent in "helping" you. We—along with most of the visitors around us—just gave up and allowed the women to sit us down in the water in order to pour buckets of water over our heads.

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Once you are good and wet, they proceed to rub you down, even tugging at your bathing suit in an effort to wrestle it off your body. These ladies are surprisingly quick and forceful, and before we knew it we were completely naked in the water while the women washed the mud out of our suits.

After they are satisfied with your cleanliness (and the cleanliness of your bathing suit), they allow you to get dressed and rinse off in the water a bit more. Before you go, however, they'll tie a ribbon around your wrist as a "souvenir." Eventually you find out each ribbon is a distinct color, and allows the women to approach you later for their tip.

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What to Bring (and What Not to Bring)

There's no reason to bring a lot of stuff, just what you need. Obviously you'll need a bathing suit, and preferably not your nicest one. Depending on the color of your suit, the mud might leave it a bit dingy. Be sure to have a towel on hand; once you wash off in the lake, it's nice to have something with which to dry off.

Bring your own water. There are small shops around the volcano that sell water and snacks, but you will want to stay hydrated on the trip out to the volcano and back.

Make sure you've applied sunscreen before you go. There isn't any shade at the top of the volcano and you may have to wait in the sun for a few minutes before it's your turn to enter.

Be sure you have enough money for tips, preferably in "small" bills. Every person who offers you a service during your volcano experience will miraculously find you later to collect their tip.

Leave jewelry, smart watches, piles of cash, and other valuables at home. Sure you can lock them in the locker, but there's really no need for them on an outing like this.

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When Is the Best Time to Go?

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Ruta Ecologica offers two tours each day: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The activities of each tour are identical, so when to go is entirely up to your preference. We chose the morning tour because the temperature is often cooler in the morning and the heat of the afternoon can become rather unbearable. Also the morning tour allowed us to return at a decent time in the afternoon with plenty of daylight left for a nice siesta and a chance to get cleaned up for an evening out on the town.

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How Much Does it Cost?

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Most of the costs for the trip were paid up front at the hotel from which we booked. The tour cost included transportation to and from the volcano, as well as a nice lunch (chicken, fish, or vegetarian meals) at the seaside town of Manzanilla del Mar on the way back. The only additional spending money needed was for tips or additional drinks/snacks.

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*prices at time of writing.

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Is it Worth it?

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The answer is unequivocally yes! Visiting El Totumo mud volcano is definitely worth it as long as you have the time to spare. It's practically a rite of passage for visitors to Cartagena. Our tour group consisted of Brazilians, Chileans, Colombians, a person from Holland, a person from Russia, and a couple Americans (including us). We left feeling smooth from the mineral-laden mud bath, and had an interesting experience we won't soon forget.

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Holiday Gifts for Travelers (2017 Edition)

David — Thu, 30 Nov 2017 22:50:40 +0000

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If you are shopping for the perfect gift for the traveler in your family, look no further. We’ve picked out a range of gifts for travelers that will fit any budget, complete with recommendations and links to make your gift buying easier. These great gifts for travelers are things we use and love in our own travels. So start shopping, and happy holidays!

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This page may contain affiliate links.

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Tortuga Outbreaker

Cost: $299.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Tortuga's flagship travel pack, the Outbreaker, is the successor to the popular, original Tortuga Travel Backpack. The Outbreaker improves on the original Tortuga in nearly every way. The Outbreaker packs like a suitcase, has plenty of organization, has a waterproof exterior, and features an adjustable suspension system that can be customize for the shortest or tallest of travelers. The Outbreaker has become our go-to pack for travel due to its quality and features. Read our review here.

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Kelty Redwing 44

Cost: $85.00 - 99.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Kelty has recently redesigned their popular Redwing line of packs, keeping the most beloved and functional elements, while adding new features that make the pack even more of a powerful force to be reckoned with. The Redwing 44 has tons of organization, is lightweight, and is one of the most affordable packs on the market. If you need further convincing, read our review here. The Kelty Redwing 44 is available in black, pine, and blue.

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Packing Cubes

Cost: $14.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Packing cubes keep your stuff organized within your backpack or luggage. Recently we've become fans of the Travelon Expandable Packing Cubes. They are super lightweight but durable since they are constructed from 190T Ripstop material. The packing cubes have two interior compartments that are separated by a zippered panel. The zippered panel has a large pocket for thin items (socks, underwear, ties, scarves, etc.). The front of the packing cube has exterior pockets that can hold thin items or a pair of flip flops. The entire cube expands or contracts and extra 4 inches using the expansion zipper. For the price, the quality and convenience of the Travelon Expandable Packing Cubes cannot be beat.

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Baggallini Purse

Cost: $49.00

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The Bagallini Hobo Tote is a fantastic travel purse. Don't let the name fool you — the purse is stylish, functional, lightweight, and well-designed. The 52" strap adjusts for crossbody wearing. The exterior nylon is water resistant. The interior contains multiple organization pockets. There is a sleeve along the back for sliding over rolling luggage handles. And our favorite feature: two large side pockets capable of carrying full-size water bottles. Available in a variety of sizes and patterns.

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Jewelry Travel Case

Cost: $25.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Keep your jewelry organized throughout your trip. The Case Elegance Travel Jewelry Case solves the problem of tangled necklaces, missing earrings, and lost bracelets. Everything packs down into a slim form factor which can be easily slid into a carry-on or purse.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button _builder_version="3.0.85" button_text="Buy on Amazon" button_url="/recommends/case-elegance-jewelry-organizer" url_new_window="on" background_layout="dark" custom_button="off" button_icon_placement="right" /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.0.85" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/case-elegance-jewelry-case.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="on" use_overlay="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" force_fullwidth="on" show_bottom_space="on" align="left" url="/recommends/case-elegance-jewelry-organizer" alt="Case Elegance Travel Jewelry Case" title_text="Case Elegance Travel Jewelry Case" disabled_on="on|on|" disabled="off" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_divider _builder_version="3.0.85" show_divider="on" color="#e4e9ef" divider_position="center" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="2_3"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.0.85" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/sea-to-summit-ultrasil-daypack.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="on" use_overlay="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" force_fullwidth="on" show_bottom_space="on" align="left" url="/recommends/sea-to-summit-daypack" alt="Sea-to-Summit UltraSil Daypack" title_text="Sea-to-Summit UltraSil Daypack" disabled_on="||on" disabled="off" /][et_pb_text admin_label="Packable Day Pack" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Packable Day Pack

Cost: $33.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

The Sea-to-Summit UltraSil Daypack is simple and streamlined. When expanded, the daypack holds 20 liters of contents in its tough, siliconized Cordura main compartment. The entire daypack stuffs down into a tiny pouch (attached so you can't lose it) that is barely bigger than the palm of your hand. The pack weighs only 2.4 oz (68 grams), which makes it a great traveling companion in your carry-on luggage.

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Goal Zero Flip 20 Portable Battery

Cost: $39.99

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Whether you are wanting to charge your phone, iPad, wireless headphones, portable Bluetooth speaker, headlamp, or fitness tracker this small, portable battery will keep your devices topped up with juice. Despite its diminutive size, the Flip 20’s 5200mAh battery is capable of two full phone charges. Illuminated lights on the side of the Flip 20 indicate the remaining power. The Flip 20 also features “pass-through charging,” which means you can power another device simultaneously while charging up the Flip. It takes about 4 hours to bring the Flip 20 up to a full charge. The Flip 20 is available in blue, charcoal, or green.

If you don't need quite so much power, you might consider the smaller Flip 10, which features 2600mAh with 1A output designed to give one full phone charge.

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Black Diamond Spot Headlamp

Cost: $30.00

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The Black Diamond gives you the most of what you need (a bright beam and long-lasting battery) and the least of what you don't (especially high-quality optics) for a reasonable price. The design is lightweight and packable, as well as splashproof and dustproof, and it also has a red LED to preserve your night vision. The Black Diamond Spot contains a battery indicator light, and a way to lock the button so the lamp doesn't turn on in your bag. Available in 5 colors.

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Bose QuietComfort 20 Noise Cancelling Headphones

Cost: $249.00

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If you want to eliminate surrounding directions so you can concentrate on your music or movies, the Bose QuietComfort line is for you. Bose is number one when it comes to noise canceling technology in headphones. We’ve recommended the over-the-ear QuietComfort headphones in the past, which are super comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. But the in-ear QuietComfort 20 provide the same noise-cancelling technology at a fraction of the weight and bulk. They’re not the cheapest headphones out there, but sometimes you just have to pay for quality.

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Kindle Paperwhite

Cost: $119.00

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Avid readers will appreciate the Kindle Paperwhite, Amazon's mid-tier e-reader that provides thousands—nay, millions—of books at your fingertips. The Paperwhite was recently updated with a high resolution 300 ppi screen for crisp reading and graphics. The no-glare, backlit screen provides easy reading day or night. The battery on the Kindle Paperwhite will last for weeks. And at 7.6 oz (217g) and only (0.36 in) 9.1mm thick, the Paperwhite won't weigh you down when you travel.

For a slightly more premium experience at a higher price point, check out the Kindle Voyage. The Voyage is smaller and lighter with an elegant design and some haptic features. The screen resolution is the same as the Paperwhite, but the backlight is adaptive and adjusts subtly when moving to a darker environment. Battery life on the two e-readers is the same. The Kindle Voyage is available on Amazon for $199.

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iPad Mini

Cost: $369.00

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Apple's iPad Mini is the best small tablet on the market. It's hard to find something the iPad cannot do. Stay connected to family and friends via Skype and messaging apps. Play games or read a book during those long layovers. Watch videos during those late night jetlag sessions. Take (and edit) photos and video. Book plane tickets and plan your next journey. There are millions of apps in the Apple ecosystem where you can make the most of your digital experience. The iPad Mini has a 7.9" retina display, 128 GB capacity, an 8 MP camera, 1080p video recording, and up to 10 hours of battery life. The entire package is only 6.1mm thin and weighs 0.65 pounds (0.29 kg).

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DJI Mavic Pro

Cost: $897.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

For the travel photographer or drone enthusiast, it doesn’t get much better than the DJI Mavic Pro. The Mavic Pro folds up to about the size of a 1 liter bottle of water and weighs only 1.62 pounds (734 g). It’s fast (up to 40 mph / 65 kph) and travels up to 4.3 miles (7 km). It can fly for up to 27 minutes on a single battery. It features a 12 MP camera sensor that can record 4K video. The Mavic Pro features intelligent flight modes and obstacle avoidance systems, making it a dream to fly and difficult to crash. Check out our review for all the details.

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Merino Wool Socks

Cost: $25.00 (4 pairs)

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Ah, the magic of Merino wool! It has the warmth of standard wool, but it's not as scratchy. But the best thing about Merino wool is that it doesn't provide a good breeding ground for bacteria, so you can wear Merino wool for days and it still doesn't stink. Since Merino is a wonder fabric, however, most Merino wool products are normally super expensive. But not these socks!

But we've been wearing People Socks Merino Wool socks for a couple years now. Aside from a bit of standard pilling, the socks have held up tremendously. They're not pretty, but the price is right: 4-pairs of People Socks for the same price as a single pair of Smartwool socks! Available in three colors.

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Prana Halle Pant

Cost: $85.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Prana's Halle pant is perfect for women's travel. The stretch fabric and relaxed fit make it a comfort to wear for long periods. The durable, water repellent finish is practically wrinkle (and maintenance free). And the pants roll up and fasten to create a stylish capri. Cute enough to wear to work, yet rugged enough for hiking through overgrown trails, the Prana Halle pant is one you won't mind wearing every day.

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Prana Tucson Pant

Cost: $79.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Some may not consider the Prana Tucson a travel pant since it doesn't consist of wrinkle free, ketchup-repelling, invincible wunderfabrik. And while all this is true, the Prana Tucson pant is one of the best fitting, best looking, most comfortable pair of pants I've worn. The organic cotton exterior provides a rugged feel, while the addition of Spandex adds a slight stretchiness when you need it. The Tucson pant looks great whether you are on a climbing adventure or dining at a nice restaurant.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button _builder_version="3.0.85" button_text="Buy from Prana" button_url="/recommends/prana-tucson-pant" url_new_window="on" background_layout="dark" custom_button="off" button_icon_placement="right" /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.0.85" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/prana-tucson-pant.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="on" use_overlay="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" force_fullwidth="on" show_bottom_space="on" align="left" url="/recommends/prana-tucson-pant" alt="Prana Tucson Pant" title_text="Prana Tucson Pant" disabled_on="on|on|" disabled="off" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_divider _builder_version="3.0.85" show_divider="on" color="#e4e9ef" divider_position="center" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="2_3"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.0.85" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/icebreaker-flexi-chute.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="on" use_overlay="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" force_fullwidth="on" show_bottom_space="on" align="left" url="/recommends/icebreaker-flexi-chute" alt="Icebreaker Flexi Chute" title_text="Icebreaker Flexi Chute" disabled_on="||on" disabled="off" /][et_pb_text admin_label="Merino Wool Neck Gaiter" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Merino Wool Neck Gaiter

Cost: $19.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

The Icebreaker Flexi Chute is our favorite "Buff-style" neck gaiter. This simple tube of fabric made from magic Merino wool, so it it keeps you warm yet breathable, all while being softer than traditional wool. Wear it as a scarf, a face shield, a headband, or bandana.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button _builder_version="3.0.85" button_text="Buy on Amazon" button_url="/recommends/icebreaker-flexi-chute" url_new_window="on" background_layout="dark" custom_button="off" button_icon_placement="right" /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.0.85" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/icebreaker-flexi-chute.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="on" use_overlay="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" force_fullwidth="on" show_bottom_space="on" align="left" url="/recommends/icebreaker-flexi-chute" alt="Icebreaker Flexi Chute" title_text="Icebreaker Flexi Chute" disabled_on="on|on|" disabled="off" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_divider _builder_version="3.0.85" show_divider="on" color="#e4e9ef" divider_position="center" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="2_3"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.0.85" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/kuhl-jetstream-jacket.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="on" use_overlay="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" force_fullwidth="on" show_bottom_space="on" align="left" url="/recommends/kuhl-jetstream-men" alt="Kuhl Jetstream Jacket" title_text="Kuhl Jetstream Waterproof Jacket" disabled_on="||on" disabled="off" /][et_pb_text admin_label="Ultralite Waterproof Jacket" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Ultralite Waterproof Jacket

Cost: $189.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Our favorite rain jacket is the Kuhl Jetstream. Available in both men's and women's cuts in a variety of colors, the Jetstream is waterproof (duh!), durable, lightweight, and stylish. Wear it solo as a rain jacket or over a down jacket as a rain shell for weatherproofing. Once it stop raining, the entire Jetstream jacket packs into a stuff sack in a pocket, no larger than a can of soda.

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Peak Design Leash Camera Strap

Cost: $40.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

The versatile Leash by Peak Design packs thoughtful functionality into an ultra-portable package. The length of the leash is quickly adjustable to work as a sling strap, neck strap, or safety tether. Your camera is secured to the leash by Peak Designs patented Anchor system. The Leash can be easily be disconnected from your camera with a one hand and stashed in a pocket when not needed. The Peak Designs Leash is both the hero camera strap we need and the camera strap we deserve.

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GoPro Hero 6

Cost: $499.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

The GoPro Hero 6 is GoPro's best camera yet. The Hero 6 is waterproof, shockproof, and video-stabilized to handle all your action camera needs. Use the hundreds of available attachments to secure the Hero 6 to cars, boats, bicycles, or even wear it on the human body, in order to capture your life.

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GoPro Hero Session

Cost: $199.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

The GoPro Hero Session is the smaller brother to the GoPro Hero 6. The diminutive Session can be stashed anywhere without people noticing. The Session doesn't contain a rear screen, but the camera can be connected to the GoPro app on your smartphone to frame your shots.

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Fujifilm X-T2

Cost: $1,499.00 (body only)

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Fujifulm has packed everything one would want in a professional APS-C mirrorless camera. The XT-2 combines a beautiful 24.3-megapixel sensor, fast image processing, and a ton of manual dials and control settings for a pleasureful photography experience. The XT-2 features a Wi-Fi, dual SD card slots, and cinema 4K video all in a compact, weather-sealed body. You simply cannot go wrong when pairing the XT-2 with Fujifilm's range of fantastic lenses; it's an all-star camera that will not disappoint.

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Fujifilm XT-20

Cost: $799.00 (body only)

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

The Fujifilm XT-20 is the lighter, cheaper sibling of the XT-2. For the most part the specs line up with the XT-20, especially in that they share the same 24.3-megapixel sensor and image quality. The main differences are the SD card slots (only 1 on the XT-20 versus 2 on the XT-2), shutter speed (XT-20 shoots at up to 1/4000x where the XT-2 goes as fast as 1/8000s), a shorter exposure time (30 seconds versus 15 minutes), the addition of an on-board flash, a touch screen (the XT-20 has one and the XT-2 does not), a few less settings, and the option of a silver or black body. However, all this comes in at nearly half the price of the XT-2, which makes it a great option for photographers on a budget.

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GoToob Toiletry Bottles

Cost: $16.99 (3-pack)

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

GoToob is the most popular and most trusted toiletry bottle for travel. We've used GoToob bottles for years and we highly recommend them. GoToob bottles feature a wide opening for easy filling and cleaning. The no-drip valve prevents leaks and makes sure you always dispense the right amount. GoToobs are made from soft yet rugged silicone, and are 100% BPA-free, PC-free, and food-safe (FDA approved).

GoToob bottles come in three sizes. The small size (1.25 oz; 37 ml) easily fits into pockets, bags and purses. The medium (2 oz; 60 ml) features a suction cup that can briefly attach to walls for hands-free use. And the large (3 oz; 89ml) is the largest carry-on allowed size, giving you maximum volume for longer times between refills. And for pills, ointments, and small items, check out GoTubb pop-top containers.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button _builder_version="3.0.85" button_text="Buy on Amazon" button_url="/recommends/gotoob-large" url_new_window="on" background_layout="dark" custom_button="off" button_icon_placement="right" /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.0.85" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/GoToob-Toiletry-Bottles.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="on" use_overlay="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" force_fullwidth="on" show_bottom_space="on" align="left" url="/recommends/gotoob-large" disabled_on="on|on|" disabled="off" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_divider _builder_version="3.0.85" show_divider="on" color="#e4e9ef" divider_position="center" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="2_3"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.0.85" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/travelo-refillable-spray.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="on" use_overlay="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" force_fullwidth="on" show_bottom_space="on" align="left" alt="Travelo Refillable Spray" title_text="Travelo Refillable Spray" url="/recommends/travelo-refillable-spray" disabled_on="||on" disabled="off" /][et_pb_text admin_label="Travelo Refillable Perfume/Cologne Spray" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Travelo Refillable Perfume/Cologne Spray

Cost: $8.00 - $10.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Being a traveler does not give you an excuse from being a stinky, Bohemian mess. Come on, who doesn’t appreciate someone who smells good? The problem is that travel-size perfume or cologne is expensive, unwieldy (What? No spray option?), and unnecessarily heavy in those glass bottles. The Travalo Refillable Spray bottle allows you to easily fill from your larger perfume/cologne bottles (or perhaps from the airport testers in the Duty Free shops…*wink*). It takes up much less size and weight than the travel-size glass bottles, and even has a transparent window for checking remaining quantity. Available in a variety of colors.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button _builder_version="3.0.85" button_text="Buy on Amazon" button_url="/recommends/travelo-refillable-spray" url_new_window="on" background_layout="dark" custom_button="off" button_icon_placement="right" /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.0.85" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/travelo-refillable-spray.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="on" use_overlay="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" force_fullwidth="on" show_bottom_space="on" align="left" alt="Travelo Refillable Spray" title_text="Travelo Refillable Spray" url="/recommends/travelo-refillable-spray" disabled_on="on|on|" disabled="off" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_divider _builder_version="3.0.85" show_divider="on" color="#e4e9ef" divider_position="center" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="2_3"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.0.85" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Packtowl-ultralight-towel.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="on" use_overlay="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" force_fullwidth="on" show_bottom_space="on" align="left" alt="Packtowl UltraLight Towel" title_text="Packtowl UltraLight Travel Towel" url="/recommends/ultralight-towel" disabled_on="||on" disabled="off" /][et_pb_text admin_label="Packtowl UltraLite Travel Towel" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Packtowl UltraLite Travel Towel

Cost: $9.95 - $49.95

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

The Packtowl UltraLight Towel offers the comfort and performance of a full-size towel at a fraction of the weight and bulk. The soft, ultra absorbent fabric soaks up 4 times it weight in water, which can be wrung out easily. The material dries quickly, nearly 80% faster than a cotton towel. The UltraLight towel is highly packable for when space and weight are at a premium. The UltraLight has a hanging loop attached and comes with a storage pouch for easy packing. Available in a variety of sizes.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button _builder_version="3.0.85" button_text="Buy on Amazon" button_url="/recommends/ultralight-towel" url_new_window="on" background_layout="dark" custom_button="off" button_icon_placement="right" /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.0.85" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Packtowl-ultralight-towel.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="on" use_overlay="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" force_fullwidth="on" show_bottom_space="on" align="left" alt="Packtowl UltraLight Towel" title_text="Packtowl UltraLight Travel Towel" url="/recommends/ultralight-towel" disabled_on="on|on|" disabled="off" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_divider _builder_version="3.0.85" show_divider="on" color="#e4e9ef" divider_position="center" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="2_3"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.0.85" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/native-deodorant.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="on" use_overlay="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" force_fullwidth="on" show_bottom_space="on" align="left" alt="Native Deodorant" title_text="Native Deodorant" url="/recommends/native-products" disabled_on="||on" disabled="off" /][et_pb_text admin_label="Native Deodorant" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Native Deodorant

Cost: $12.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Native deodorants are our new favorite thing. Native brand uses natural ingredients to fight wetness and odor and keep you smelling great all day. Native deodorants are aluminum-free, paraben-free, and all natural. Even the expensive, clinical deodorants cannot seem to compete with Native. Available in a variety of scents for both women and men. Our favorite scent for women is Coconut & Vanilla, and we prefer Citrus & Herbal Musk for the guys.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button _builder_version="3.0.85" button_text="Buy from Native" button_url="/recommends/native-products" url_new_window="on" background_layout="dark" custom_button="off" button_icon_placement="right" /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.0.85" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/native-deodorant.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="on" use_overlay="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" force_fullwidth="on" show_bottom_space="on" align="left" alt="Native Deodorant" title_text="Native Deodorant" url="/recommends/native-products" disabled_on="on|on|" disabled="off" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_divider _builder_version="3.0.85" show_divider="on" color="#e4e9ef" divider_position="center" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="2_3"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.0.85" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/pstyle.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="on" use_overlay="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" force_fullwidth="on" show_bottom_space="on" align="left" alt="pStyle" title_text="pStyle Female Urination Device" url="/recommends/ultralight-towel" disabled_on="||on" disabled="off" /][et_pb_text admin_label="pStyle" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

pStyle

Cost: $12.99

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Ladies, if you've ever needed to pee but can't find a convenient (or clean) place to do your business, you need the pStyle. The pStyle is a device that allows women to pee standing up without removing clothing. The simple design makes it easy to use. The pStyle's funnel shape directs fluids away from the body. The rounded back edge can be used to wipe, so there are no drips. And the pStyle can be cleaned easily with soap and water or in the dishwasher. Out of all the female urination aids on the market, this one works the best. Don't forget to pick up a handy and discrete carrying case for your pStyle.

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Steripen Freedom Water Purifier

Cost: $36.96

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Steripen products give you the freedom to drink water anywhere you go! The Steripen Freedom is a lightweight, rechargeable UV water purifier. Just stick the lamp portion of the Steripen in a 0.5L (16 oz) container of water and watch the UV light destroy 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa in a mere 48 seconds. We recently used the Steripen when traveling around Cuba. Not only did we avoid the high cost of bottled water, but we didn't get sick once! The Steripen is good for 8000 water treatments and can be charged via a micro USB port.

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Sea-to-Summit TravellingLight Toiletry Bag

Cost: $39.95

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Sea-to-Summit makes some of our favorite traveling accessories, including packing cubes, packable daypacks, and more. Their TravellingLight hanging toiletry bag is made from ultra-lightweight, ultra-durable Ultra-Sil Cordura fabric. The toiletry bag includes a hanger for easy use. Internal mesh pockets provide content visibility. A shatterproof mirror is included. Available in small and large sizes in a variety of colors.

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Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Wallaby Toiletry Bag

Cost: $32.00 - $56.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

At 4 liters, the Eagle Creek Pack-It Specter Wallaby (small) is slightly larger than the small version of the Sea-to-Summit TravellingLight Hanging Toiletry Bag (which holds 3 liters). It's also a bit heavier due to the semirigid foam padding which allows the Wallaby to maintain its shape. The Wallaby also has a more generous size swivel hanger which makes it easier to hang from a wider variety of poles and handles.

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Matador Pocket Blanket 2.0

Cost: $29.99

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

From the beach, to the mountain top, to your next music fest, this ultra-compact blanket will claim a home in your permanent travel or camping kit. It's a lay-anywhere blanket that fold out to 63" x 44" — large enough for two laying down, or four seated. The Matador Pocket Blanket contains with hi-tech features like water and puncture-repellant material, as well as integrated corner stakes and sand pockets for extra weight. The blanket comes in green or red trim. It all stashes into a small pocket which makes for easy travel.

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_button _builder_version="3.0.85" button_text="Buy on Amazon" button_url="/recommends/matador-pocket-blanket" url_new_window="on" background_layout="dark" custom_button="off" button_icon_placement="right" /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_3"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.0.85" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Matador-Pocket-Blanket.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="on" use_overlay="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" force_fullwidth="on" show_bottom_space="on" align="left" url="/recommends/matador-pocket-blanket" alt="Matador Pocket Blanket 2.0" title_text="Matador Pocket Blanket 2.0" disabled_on="on|on|" disabled="off" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_divider _builder_version="3.0.85" show_divider="on" color="#e4e9ef" divider_position="center" /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type="2_3"][et_pb_image _builder_version="3.0.85" src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/wood-coaster-map.jpg" show_in_lightbox="off" url_new_window="on" use_overlay="off" always_center_on_mobile="on" force_fullwidth="on" show_bottom_space="on" align="left" url="/recommends/citymap-coasters" alt="Wood Coaster Map" title_text="Wood Coaster Map by O3 Design Studio" disabled_on="||on" disabled="off" /][et_pb_text admin_label="Wood CityMap Coasters" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Wood CityMap Coasters

Cost: $6.60

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Beautifully designed Sapele wood coasters of your favorite worldwide cities. Choose from cities like London, Paris, New York, Istanbul, Dubai, Sydney, Tokyo, Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, and dozen more cities in Asia, Oceania, Europe, America, and Africa.

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Scratch-Off Travel Map

Cost: $32.00

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Description" _builder_version="3.0.85" background_layout="light"]

Showcase your travels with this cool scratch-off map. Scratch off the countries and states that you've been to, or plan your next adventure. Each country/state has a different, vibrant color which stands out against the dark background. There are other scratch off maps out there, but this is our favorite because it also features scratch off flags for each country.

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Read the entire post, Holiday Gifts for Travelers (2017 Edition), on Zigzag Around the World.

10 Free Things to Do in Oxford, England

David — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 19:11:16 +0000

[/et_pb_fullwidth_post_title][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" locked="off" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row padding_mobile="off" column_padding_mobile="on" admin_label="Pinterest Image Row" module_class="hidden-pinterest" _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_css_main_element="display: none;" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/10-free-things-to-do-in-oxford-england.jpg" alt="10 Free Things to do in Oxford, England" title_text="10 Free Things to do in Oxford, England" align="center" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" admin_label="Pinterest Image" _builder_version="4.16" animation_direction="off" animation="off" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" column_structure="3_4,1_4"][et_pb_column type="3_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Ah, Oxford! The City of Dreaming Spires is most famous for its 800-year-old University, but nowadays the city is a bustling cosmopolitan town with a mix of ancient and modern. Located a short hop north and west of London, Oxford offers plenty to do for visitors.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" text_font="||||||||" text_font_size="20px" global_colors_info="{}"]While there are plenty of activities in Oxford that cost a pretty pound, there are plenty of free (but premium) things to occupy your visit. Here is a list of our favorite ten free things to do in Oxford, England.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/gpsmycity-ad-guide-small.jpg" url="https://www.gpsmycity.com/gps-tour-guides/oxford-2642.html" url_new_window="on" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" border_width_all="3px" border_color_all="#e4e9ef" saved_tabs="all" global_colors_info="{}" border_width_all__hover_enabled="on" border_color_all__hover_enabled="on" border_color_all__hover="#e25630" align_phone="center" border_width_all__hover="3px"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="01" subhead="Search for Sharknado" admin_label="Search for Sharknado" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Oxford-8-blog_fullwidth-1.jpg" parallax="on" parallax_method="on" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.1)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" column_structure="1_2,1_2"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Callout" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Lato|300|||||||" text_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size="30px" header_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size_tablet="26px" text_font_size_phone="24px" text_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Oxford's most famous resident is also its most unusual.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]The 440 pound, 25-foot shark is embedded head-first in the roof of a house in Headington, a suburb of Oxford. The Headington shark first appeared in August 9, 1986, on the 41st anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Nagasaki. The sculpture is an expression of protest and anger against the use of nuclear power and weapons.

The shark was controversial when it first appeared. Oxford City Council tried to have it removed several times over the course of 6 years. Due to community support of the shark, it was allowed to remain.

The shark was renovated on its 21st anniversary in August 2007.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color="#ffffff" _builder_version="4.16" background_color="#26a4d8" max_width="10%" max_width_tablet="10%" max_width_phone="15%" max_width_last_edited="on|tablet" module_alignment="left" height="3px" global_colors_info="{}"]
[/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label="Details" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Bitter||||||||" text_font_size="13px" text_line_height="22px" text_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Location: 2 New High Street, Headington, Oxford
By Bus: Saphire 280 bus from Turn Street (stop L1) or Bus 8 from Queens Lane (stop K4) to Sanfield Road, then walk 3 minutes.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Oxford-19-blog_half_col_vert-1.jpg" force_fullwidth="on" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="on|on|on" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="02" subhead="Picnic in Port Meadow" admin_label="Picnic in Port Meadow" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Oxford-20-blog_fullwidth.jpg" parallax="on" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="02" subhead="See Old Friends" admin_label="See Old Friends" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-21-blog_fullwidth.jpg" background_position="top_center" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.3)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" column_structure="1_2,1_2"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-22-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="Statue of Galileo at the Museum of Natural History in Oxford" title_text="Statue of Galileo at the Museum of Natural History in Oxford" align="right" force_fullwidth="on" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="on|on|" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Callout" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Lato|300|||||||" text_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size="30px" header_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size_tablet="26px" text_font_size_phone="24px" text_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]The Oxford University Museum of Natural History is your stop for all things post-living.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]If fossils are your fancy, be sure to stop by the Museum of Natural History. This free museum displays many of Oxford University's natural history specimens, such as dinosaur bones, insects, and geological displays. To top it all off, the museum collection is housed in a neo-Gothic building that is a feast for the eyes.

Because the museum is free and educational, it is a popular destination for school field trips. Go early if you want to avoid the crowds of school-age children and moms with strollers in tow.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color="#ffffff" _builder_version="4.16" background_color="#26a4d8" max_width="10%" max_width_tablet="10%" max_width_phone="15%" max_width_last_edited="on|tablet" module_alignment="left" height="3px" global_colors_info="{}"]
[/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label="Details" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Bitter||||||||" text_font_size="13px" text_line_height="22px" text_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Location: Parks Road
Hours: Daily, 10am - 5pm
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-23-blog_medium-1.jpg" alt="Museum of Natural History in Oxford, England" title_text="Museum of Natural History in Oxford, England" force_fullwidth="on" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="03" subhead="Explore the Strange" admin_label="Explore the Strange" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-24-blog_fullwidth.jpg" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.3)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" column_structure="1_2,1_2"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Callout" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Lato|300|||||||" text_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size="30px" header_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size_tablet="26px" text_font_size_phone="24px" text_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]The Pitt Rivers Museum contains a variety of odd and interesting archaeological and anthropological artifacts from around the world.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]The Pitt Rivers Museum was founded in 1884 by Lt. General Augustus Pitt Rivers, who donated 22,000 eclectic archeological items collected during his career. The collection has since grown to an astounding 500,000 items, arranged thematically in a densely packed three floors. The artifacts range from weapons to tools, statuary to native outfits, and even the macabre shrunken head or two.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color="#ffffff" _builder_version="4.16" background_color="#26a4d8" max_width="10%" max_width_tablet="10%" max_width_phone="15%" max_width_last_edited="on|tablet" module_alignment="left" height="3px" global_colors_info="{}"]
[/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label="Details" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Bitter||||||||" text_font_size="13px" text_line_height="22px" text_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Location: Parks Road
Entry: The Pitt Rivers Museum can only be accessed through the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. If you have any trouble finding it, simply ask anyone from Oxford to point you towards "the museum with the shrunken heads."
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[/et_pb_gallery][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="04" subhead="Mess About on the River" admin_label="Mess About on the River" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-33-blog_fullwidth.jpg" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.3)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" column_structure="1_2,1_2"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Callout" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Lato|300|||||||" text_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size="30px" header_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size_tablet="26px" text_font_size_phone="24px" text_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Punting is Oxford's answer to the gondola.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Take an afternoon stroll down to Magdalen Bridge and watch as people try their hand at punting – an Oxford favorite pastime since before the 1880s. Hours can be spent watching tourists attempt to propel their crafts along the river. While some are competent boatsmen, others ineptly zigzag across the river, crashing into every log and bush along the bank.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color="#ffffff" _builder_version="4.16" background_color="#26a4d8" max_width="10%" max_width_tablet="10%" max_width_phone="15%" max_width_last_edited="on|tablet" module_alignment="left" height="3px" global_colors_info="{}"]
[/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Why not try your hand at punting? While hiring a boat isn't free, it is without a doubt one of the most fun and relaxing ways to spend an afternoon in Oxford. If you don't feel comfortable navigating a punting boat, you can rent a row boat or pedalo, or even your own chauffeur for your journey down the river.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Details" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Bitter||||||||" text_font_size="13px" text_line_height="22px" text_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Location: Magdalen Bridge Boathouse
Cost: Free to watch. £22/hour to rent a punt (extra for a chauffer; a £30 refundable deposit is required)
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-29-blog_medium.jpg" alt="Boats on the River Cherwell, Oxford, England" title_text="Boats on the River Cherwell, Oxford, England" force_fullwidth="on" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-30-blog_medium.jpg" alt="Punting boats on the River Cherwell" title_text="Punting boats on the River Cherwell, Oxford, England" force_fullwidth="on" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="05" subhead="Step Back in Time" admin_label="Step Back in Time" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-28-blog_fullwidth.jpg" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.3)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" column_structure="1_2,1_2"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-25-blog_medium-1.jpg" alt="Asmolean Museum" title_text="Asmolean Museum, Oxford, England" force_fullwidth="on" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="on|on|off" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-27-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="Asmolean Museum" title_text="Asmolean Museum, Oxford, England" align="right" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="on|on|" _builder_version="4.16" max_width="65%" module_alignment="right" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Callout" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Lato|300|||||||" text_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size="30px" header_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size_tablet="26px" text_font_size_phone="24px" text_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]The world's oldest university is home to one of the world's oldest collection of antiquities.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Spend an afternoon wandering through Ashmolean Museum's 39 galleries which feature antiquities, treasures, and art ranging from the Ancient World to the present day. The collections are incredibly rich and emaculately curated. While you're there, pop up to the Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant for a cup of tea and a bite to eat.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color="#ffffff" disabled_on="off|off|on" _builder_version="4.16" background_color="#26a4d8" max_width="10%" max_width_tablet="10%" max_width_phone="15%" max_width_last_edited="on|tablet" module_alignment="left" height="3px" global_colors_info="{}"]
[/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text disabled_on="off|off|on" admin_label="Details" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Bitter||||||||" text_font_size="13px" text_line_height="22px" text_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Location: Beaumont Street
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10am-5pm. Closed on Mondays.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-26-blog_medium-1.jpg" alt="Asmolean Museum" title_text="Asmolean Museum, Oxford, England" force_fullwidth="on" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on="on|on|off" admin_label="Details" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Bitter||||||||" text_font_size="13px" text_line_height="22px" text_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Location: Beaumont Street
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 10am-5pm. Closed on Mondays.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-25-blog_medium-1.jpg" alt="Asmolean Museum" title_text="Asmolean Museum, Oxford, England" force_fullwidth="on" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="off|off|on" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="06" subhead="Follow in the Footsteps of Literary Greatness" admin_label="Follow in the Footsteps of Literary Greatness" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-35-blog_fullwidth.jpg" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.3)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" column_structure="1_2,1_2"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Callout" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Lato|300|||||||" text_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size="30px" header_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size_tablet="26px" text_font_size_phone="24px" text_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Oxford is a city that has inspired literary genius. Visitors to Oxford are particularly keen to trace links to its famous writers.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Charles Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, created his famous "Alice in Wonderland" stories for Alice Liddell, the daughter of the Dean of Christ Church. Fantastic as it was, "Wonderland" was rooted in the environs around Oxford, including the Thames River, Christ Church College, the Natural History Museum, and The Perch tavern.

A group of literary academics known as the Inklings sprung up in Oxford which included famous writers such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. The Inklings met regularly in the Eagle & Child pub in St. Giles to discuss literature and their own work. A plaque and a letter signed by both Lewis and Tolkien mark their favorite nook. C.S. Lewis' grave can be found at Holy Trinity Church at Headington Quarry, where Lewis worshipped for 30 years. J.R.R. Tolkien is buried with his beloved "Luthien," his wife Edith, at Wolvercote Cemetery off Banbury Road and Five Mile Drive.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-33-blog_medium.jpg" alt="Grave of JRR Tolkein" title_text="Grave of JRR Tolkein, Wolvercote Cemetery, Oxford" force_fullwidth="on" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="off|off|off" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-34-blog_half_col_vert-1.jpg" alt="The Eagle and Child" title_text="The Eagle and Child pub, Oxford, England" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="off|off|off" _builder_version="4.16" module_alignment="right" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="07" subhead="Take a Walking Tour of Oxford" admin_label="Take a Walking Tour of Oxford" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-30-blog_fullwidth.jpg" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.3)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-31-blog_fullwidth.jpg" background_size="contain" background_position="bottom_center" custom_padding="||32%|" custom_padding_tablet="||40%|" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" custom_padding="30px|0px|30px|0px" global_colors_info="{}" column_structure="1_2,1_2"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-32-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="Oxford, England" title_text="Oxford, England" align="right" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="on|on|off" _builder_version="4.16" max_width="82%" module_alignment="right" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Callout" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Lato|300|||||||" text_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size="30px" header_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size_tablet="26px" text_font_size_phone="24px" text_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Oxford is a city that you can get lost in. Beautiful architecture and intellectual finds seem to be around every corner.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Oxford's city center is compact and easily toured on foot. You can explore on your own or take a free 2-hour walking tour with Footprint Tours. Discover the history of Oxford, from humble beginnings as a Saxon town through its current position as a famous seat of culture and learning. While the tour is free, be sure to tip your guide if you enjoy it!
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color="#ffffff" disabled_on="off|off|off" _builder_version="4.16" background_color="#26a4d8" max_width="10%" max_width_tablet="10%" max_width_phone="15%" max_width_last_edited="on|tablet" module_alignment="left" height="3px" global_colors_info="{}"]
[/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text disabled_on="off|off|off" admin_label="Details" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Bitter||||||||" text_font_size="13px" text_line_height="22px" text_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Meeting Point: Broad Street
Hours: Monday to Friday and Sunday: 10am (July & August only), 11am, 12:30pm & 2pm; Saturday: 10am, 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm & 3:30pm.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-29-blog_medium-1.jpg" alt="Bridge of Sighs" title_text="Bridge of Sighs, Oxford, England" url="https://zigzag.smugmug.com/Europe/England/i-9MHVmKB/A" url_new_window="on" force_fullwidth="on" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="off|off|off" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="08" subhead="Live Like a Student" admin_label="Live Like a Student" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-41-blog_fullwidth.jpg" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.3)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" column_structure="1_2,1_2"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Callout" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Lato|300|||||||" text_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size="30px" header_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size_tablet="26px" text_font_size_phone="24px" text_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Wander through the quads, halls, and chapels of Oxford's colleges, and imagine life as a student.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Several of Oxford's thirty-eight constituent colleges allow free, self-guided tours during certain hours. Each college offers unique architecture and history, and some have exquisite chapels that rival the cathedrals of Europe. If you don't have time to visit each one, we recommend All Souls College, Exeter College, Hertford College, Keble College, St. John's College, and Wadham College.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color="#ffffff" disabled_on="off|off|on" _builder_version="4.16" background_color="#26a4d8" max_width="10%" max_width_tablet="10%" max_width_phone="15%" max_width_last_edited="on|tablet" module_alignment="left" height="3px" global_colors_info="{}"]
[/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text disabled_on="off|off|on" admin_label="Details" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Bitter||||||||" text_font_size="13px" text_line_height="22px" text_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Opening times: Check out the Visiting Oxford website for visitor hours for each college.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-38-blog_medium.jpg" alt="Wadham College Ceiling" title_text="Wadham College Ceiling, Oxford, England" force_fullwidth="on" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="on|on|off" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on="on|on|off" admin_label="Details" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Bitter||||||||" text_font_size="13px" text_line_height="22px" text_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Opening times: Check out the Visiting Oxford website for visitor hours for each college.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-39-blog_medium.jpg" alt="Wadham College" title_text="Wadham College, Oxford, England" force_fullwidth="on" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="off|off|off" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-37-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="St. John's College" title_text="St. John's College, Oxford, England" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="on|on|" _builder_version="4.16" max_width="65%" module_alignment="left" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="09" subhead="Stroll Through the Covered Market" admin_label="Stroll Through the Covered Market" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-42-blog_fullwidth.jpg" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.15em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.3)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}" column_structure="1_2,1_2"][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_image src="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Oxford-44-blog_half_col_vert.jpg" alt="Vegatables at the Covered Market" title_text="Vegatables at the Covered Market, Oxford, England" align_tablet="center" align_last_edited="on|desktop" disabled_on="off|off|off" _builder_version="4.16" max_width="85%" module_alignment="right" global_colors_info="{}" align_phone="center"]
[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type="1_2" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Callout" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Lato|300|||||||" text_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size="30px" header_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size_tablet="26px" text_font_size_phone="24px" text_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Oxford's Covered Market offers a unique showcase of local crafts, food, and drink.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Dating back to the 1700's, the Covered Market features over 50 independent stalls and stores, including food and vegatable stalls, coffee shops, florists, fishmongers, and fashion boutiques. The Market is a great place to grab something to eat, especially if you're looking for something on the go. While you're there, stop by the Cake Shop and admire the master bakers as they craft their sweet creations.

The Covered Market can be accessed from the High Street, Market Street, or through the Golden Cross in Cornmarket Street.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color="#ffffff" disabled_on="off|off|off" _builder_version="4.16" background_color="#26a4d8" max_width="10%" max_width_tablet="10%" max_width_phone="15%" max_width_last_edited="on|tablet" module_alignment="left" height="3px" global_colors_info="{}"]
[/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text disabled_on="on|on|off" admin_label="Details" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Bitter||||||||" text_font_size="13px" text_line_height="22px" text_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Opening times: Monday to Saturday 8am - 5:30pm; Sunday 10am - 4pm.
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[/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" fullwidth="on" custom_padding_last_edited="on|desktop" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding_tablet="50px|0|50px|0" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_fullwidth_header title="10" subhead="Picnic in Port Meadow" admin_label="Picnic in Port Meadow" _builder_version="4.16" title_font="Bebas Neue|700|||||||" title_text_align="center" title_text_color="#ffffff" title_font_size="28px" subhead_font="Bebas Neue|100|||||||" subhead_text_align="left" subhead_text_color="#ffffff" subhead_font_size="80px" subhead_line_height="1.1em" background_color="rgba(255, 255, 255, 0)" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Oxford-20-blog_fullwidth.jpg" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" background_layout="light" custom_padding="500px||100px|" title_font_size_tablet="75px" title_font_size_phone="90px" title_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" custom_css_title="background-color: #2197D4;||width: 50px;||height: 50px;||line-height: 50px;||margin-bottom: 1em;" subhead_text_shadow_style="preset3" subhead_text_shadow_blur_strength="0.1em" subhead_text_shadow_color="rgba(0,0,0,0.1)" global_colors_info="{}" button_one_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_size__hover="null" button_two_text_size__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_size__hover="null" button_one_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_text_color__hover="null" button_two_text_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_text_color__hover="null" button_one_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_width__hover="null" button_two_border_width__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_width__hover="null" button_one_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_color__hover="null" button_two_border_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_color__hover="null" button_one_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_one_border_radius__hover="null" button_two_border_radius__hover_enabled="off" button_two_border_radius__hover="null" button_one_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_one_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_two_letter_spacing__hover_enabled="off" button_two_letter_spacing__hover="null" button_one_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_one_bg_color__hover="null" button_two_bg_color__hover_enabled="off" button_two_bg_color__hover="null"]
[/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" custom_padding_last_edited="on|phone" _builder_version="4.16" background_image="https://www.zigzagging.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Oxford-1-blog_fullwidth-1.jpg" background_size="contain" background_position="bottom_center" custom_padding="||24%|" custom_padding_tablet="" custom_padding_phone="" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" parallax="on" parallax_method="off" custom_margin="|||" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text admin_label="Callout" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Lato|300|||||||" text_text_color="#26a4d8" text_font_size="30px" header_text_color="#26a4d8" text_orientation="center" module_alignment="center" text_font_size_tablet="26px" text_font_size_phone="24px" text_font_size_last_edited="on|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]This 300-acre meadow is the perfect place for a picnic or to unwind after a day of sightseeing in Oxford.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]Port Meadow – west of Oxford and only a 15-minute walk from the city center – is England's oldest and largest continuous meadow. Visitors are privy to strolls among wild horses, sheep, and plenty of birds, with views of the Oxford skyline. It's a great place to plan a picnic and relax amongst nature. Entry is through Walton Well Road or Aristotle Lane and the most popular route is to walk up the west side of the Meadow until reaching The Perch pub.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider color="#ffffff" _builder_version="4.16" background_color="#26a4d8" max_width="5%" max_width_tablet="10%" max_width_phone="15%" max_width_last_edited="on|phone" module_alignment="center" height="3px" global_colors_info="{}"]
[/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label="Details" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Bitter||||||||" text_font_size="13px" text_line_height="22px" text_orientation="center" max_width="80%" max_width_tablet="" max_width_phone="" max_width_last_edited="on|desktop" module_alignment="center" text_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]Did you know?
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Details" _builder_version="4.16" text_font="Bitter||||||||" text_font_size="13px" text_line_height="22px" text_orientation="center" max_width="80%" max_width_tablet="" max_width_phone="" max_width_last_edited="on|desktop" module_alignment="center" text_font_size_last_edited="off|desktop" global_colors_info="{}"]According to legend, Port Meadow has never been ploughed. Because of this, the meadow contains well-preserved archeological remains from the Bronze and Iron Ages up to 17th-century.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="4.16" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="4.16" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.16" global_colors_info="{}"]That's it for our top 10 favorite free things to do in Oxford, England. How about you? Have you been to Oxford? Got anything to add to the list?
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