Eating Around Europe: What To Try In Turkey, Croatia, Italy

#prost

It wasn't long ago that I was spooning creamy pesto onto my pasta in Italy or nibbling on a bretzel in Austria. The food in Europe is as delicious as it is diverse, and is as diverse as the countries themselves. If you're any sort of a foodie, you'll love trying different foods as you move through Europe. And if you're not a foodie, you'll be surprised how delactable each country's specialties will be. I've rounded up a few European countries with foods you must try while there - think of this as a teaser for your taste buds.

Ireland: Oh goodness, my Guinness!

Guinness is the dark ruby red beer (it's actually not black!) that hails from Ireland. While it's feels filling, it's surprisingly low in calories - only 125 per pint - making it a smart beverage choice when you pair it with heavier foods such as Shepherd's Pie or potatoes. Another staple to try in Ireland? A traditional Irish breakfast. And what's that black pudding stuff? ....Don't ask, just eat.

Germany: Prost!

#prost

You'll find the best brews in the land of Oktoberfest. My preference is Hefeweizen for a wheaty, fruity flavor, which you'll find as well as the bock, pilsner, or alt beers, to name a few. Pair your beer with soft pretzel, bratwurst, or spätzle.

Austria: Soccer-what?

Austria, similar to Germany, has some of the best beers, sausage, and pretzels. You must try sachertorte, a specialty in Austria - it's a slightly dusty chocolate ganache cake that tastes fantastic with espresso. Austrian desserts tend to be lighter and fluffier, so the sachertorte is a slight break from that.

Italy: Where you cut the pizza yourself (and it's way better that way)

Ah, Italy, the food capital of Europe. Fresh tomatoes await, adorned atop Caprese salads or sandwiched between a panini. You'll undoubtedly want to try true Italian pizza, noted by how you slice it yourself. Drizzle olive oil on top after it's served for some extra flavor.

Hand-crafted pasta of all shapes and sizes are another obvious choice for lunch and dinner eats; try different types with new sauces and you'll never be bored with the limitless variations of textures.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do, and pair your meal with wine. Finally, finish it off with a sweet dessert, either with tiramasu or gelato for something satiating, or with a few sips of often-complimentary limoncello.

Also read: Where to find good food in Florence on a budget and The Best Places in Italy to Eat traditional Italian foods

Turkey: Would you like fries with (in) that?

Besides shepherd's salad (diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and green peppers) the food in Turkey tends to be more meat-heavy. Meat and rice make for a tasty and filling combination, so make sure you come hungry. You'll find kebaps all around Europe, and they make for a nice snack after a night out. Though you don't have to save kebaps for just late nights post-party, and in Turkey you'll see them everywhere. Meat, rice, veggies, fries, and yogurt (it's different than American yogurt, more of a garlic-sour cream sauce), are delicious all combined in a wrap.

Have a sweet tooth? Finish your meal with baklava, Turkish tea, or freshly squeezed pomegranate juice.

Croatia: Fish...a whole fish

Croatia Fish

Seeing as the country of Croatia contains so much coastline, it's no surprise that the seafood is out of this world. You'll order fish at a restaurant, and it'll be incredibly fresh - so much so that it comes on a plate complete with the head, skin, and bones. If you haven't eaten fish that way and the thought makes you wary, at least give it a try - once you get past the skin you'll realize it is definitely worth it. And definitely delicious.

Other Croatian food is somewhat Italian inspired (they do share borders, after all), and you'll find variations of pizza, pasta, and gelato, as well as fast food restaurants.

7 Romantic Places in Europe

7 Romantic Places in Europe

With Valentine's Day on the horizon, it's that time of year to begin imagining - or actually visiting - romantic destinations around the world. Whether you choose to go with a s/o or head there solo, these 7 places in Europe ooze romantic charm.

1. The Arno River; Florence, Italy

Firenze is filled with Renaissance art and colorfully painted buildings. Walking along the Arno River past the Ponte Vecchio is the perfect setting for a romantic stroll as you take in the beauty of the city lining the river. Walk from the river up to Piazzale Michaelangelo or Miniato to watch the sunset slowly drape over the red-tiled rooftops for a wistful experience you'll never forget.

2. Cinque Terre; Monterosso al Mare (pictured), Italy

With Italy being one of the romance capitols of Europe, I had to include another Italian destination on this list. Cinque Terre, while often crowded with tourists in the summer, earns a well-deserved spot. Walk along the trails that connect the five small towns and soak up the sights of the pastel cliffside homes along the Mediterranean coast. Bonus: you can make Cinque Terre a day trip from Florence.

3. Lake Bled; Bled, Slovenia

At picturesque Lake Bled, you'll find a mini island in the middle of the water with a church. You can row boats around the lake and row up to the island. Traditionally, for weddings at the church, the groom must carry his bride all the way up the 99 steps.

4. Neuschwanstein Castle; Bavaria, Germany

By now you've probably heard of this German castle (which inspired Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle), which rests atop a hill within the Bavaria region in Southern Germany. You'll be surprised a setting this romantic exists in real life!

5. Mirabell Gardens; Salzburg, Austria

This Austrian town is where The Sound of Music takes place and was filmed. Walk by the Mirabell Gardens or among the colorful shops to feel like you stepped inside a storybook daydream.

6. Burg Square; Brugges, Belgium

You'll recognize Brussel's sibling city Brugges by the lego-like buildings in Burg Square. Stroll past the unique architecture and then head over to Minnewater Lake, where swans swimming await.

7. The Eiffel Tower; Paris, France

While in Paris, you simply must not pass up the opportunity to watch the Eiffel Tower light up at night and be there when it sparkles for the first five minutes of the hour. Even though you'll see the Eiffel Tower peeking out throughout the city, there's nothing like actually being right in front of it, marveling in its enormity. Seeing it sparkle will be something you'll never forget.

An easy and exciting way to travel (and maybe hit more than one of these destinations) is to take a cruise. Whether it's for an anniversary, honeymoon, or adventurous getaway abroad, there are endless ways to make your vacation special. Suggestion? Take an unforgettable Europe cruise with Celebrity.

10 Tips For Visiting Italy

Bellagio Lake Como

Heading to Italy? If so, I'm jealous really excited for you. It's a beautiful country with so much to see, do, and explore. Read on for tips on how "grazie" is actually pronounced, what the bread on the table is really for, and how to drink coffee at an espresso bar.

10 Tips For Visiting Italy

10 tips italy

1. Go to the Amalfi Coast, despite the number of tourists. The beauty of the pastel houses built into the side of the cliffs, citrus scent in the air from the lemon groves, swimming in the Blue Grotto, and boating around the Mediterranean make it totally worth it.

2. Pack light. Those narrow sidewalks and cobblestone streets will not be friendly to heavy luggage.

Florence

3. Drinking coffee: go to the bar (sometimes called snack bar) and order espresso or whatever coffee you want. Stand at the bar while you have your espresso and then leave. If you decide to sit at a table, be prepared to pay a little extra for table service.

4. Look before you cross the street. If you're in the street at the wrong time - when cars and scooters are flying towards you - be prepared to get yelled/honked at and jump out of the way as quickly as possible.

5. Pronounce the E in "grazie." It's "grah-zee-eh." I have NO idea why there is some misconception in the US that it's grazi without the e. I've seen it misspelled a number of times in the US.

6. Go wine tasting in Tuscany. Wine tasting anywhere else is tough to beat.

Andiamo Bellevue Food

7. The bread on the table is to mop up your leftover pasta sauce; the olive oil is to add extra flavor to your food.

8. If you're in Florence, you must go to a secret bakery at 2am and order a nutella croissant. There is nothing better than to have chocolate- or lemon-filled pastries after a late night out.

9. Dress to impress. Italians know their fashion: think of every street like a runway. Being "dressed down" in sneakers and skinny jeans still means fabulous hair, Ray-Ban aviators, and designer extras - for women and men.

10. Wear comfortable shoes. The aforementioned cobblestone streets won't be nice to your feet, either. To save your soles, try sneakers (Converse, Nike, and New Balance are good brands to try), comfortable flats (break them in before you go), or boots (there are many shops in Italy that sell quality leather boots).

Book a Place to Stay in Italy

My all-time favorite booking website is the well-known Booking.com - I’ve used it for years all over the world.

It is the easiest way to search and find the best hotels (hostels too!), especially based on reviews. I always check the reviews on Booking, even if it’s a name-brand hotel. You never know!

9 Reasons To Go To Rome During Your Trip To Italy

Rome is definitely a popular city in Italy, but if you're thinking of just skimming the surface with Venice or Lake Como - think again - and make sure you add Rome to the itinerary.

Even though Florence holds a special place in my heart...

And Venice has romantic vibes...

And the Amalfi Coast is beyond gorgeous...

Rome is amazing. Here's why you need to not skip Italy's capital on your next trip.

1. The History

Basically everywhere you step will be somewhere where Julius Caesar has stepped. Think about how cool that is. Then go see ancient, man made monuments for yourself - the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps are remarkable in person and are far more interesting than the photos you saw in history textbooks during school.

2. The Tiber River

Going along with the previous point - when you're walking along the Tiber and realize that you're walking along the Tiber, another realization sets in that you are near the river that holds so much ancient Roman history, as it was an important element to the development of the Roman Empire.

3. The Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci Airport

This airport is big and is typically cheaper to fly into than Florence or other small cities (win!). Rome is a great location to fly into if you're heading to other cities in Italy since it is in the middle of the country. For example, if you wanted to take a day trip to Florence from Rome, you can simply hop on the fast train and be there in under two hours, allowing for a full day of exploration.

4. It's big, and there is plenty to do

There are so many pockets and neighborhoods to stumble upon as you turn every corner of the winding streets. Hop on the tram to get to other parts of the city to explore a whole new area. I recommend heading over to Villa Borghese, a large area filled with gardens, parks, and museums.

5. Vatican City

Visit a country within a city. That's right, Vatican City is its own country. Head over there on Sunday to see the Pope and hear the Pope's blessing, stand in the line to go inside the church (it's free and the wait is worth it!), climb to the top for a spectacular aerial view, or take a tour of the museum. Every inch of the interior is covered in the most extravagant art. It's definitely worth it to spend a day over here.

6. The Food

Compare the tastes in Rome to the other parts of Italy. Make sure to try restaurants and cafes that aren't right next to tourist attractions, though, because it will be overpriced and the quality is just not as good.

7. The palm trees, grass, and other plant life

At least when you compare Rome to Florence, you'll find more grassy spots, trees, and other plant life throughout the city center, adding to the beauty of the city and breaking up the colors of the buildings.

8. The stray cats

If you're away from your pets at home, seeing these little kitties roaming around are sure to brighten up your day.

9. Readily available (and clean) drinking fountains all over the city

Rome still uses ancient water systems to this day - they know their water. There's no need to keep buying disposable water bottles throughout the day when you can just fill it up with cold, clean water on the street or take a quick sip.

The Best Places In Italy To Eat Traditional Italian Foods

Italy has arguably the best cuisine in all of Europe, and you'll find the Italian staples all throughout. While you can find delicious pizza and pasta anywhere in Italy, exactly where in Italy can you find the best? Italians truly believe that food from their home town is the greatest in all the world, so it's best to try the region specialties in the areas where they came from. If you're heading to the boot-shaped country to "eat your way through Italy," consider this your personal road map.

Pesto - Liguria

While the five towns of Cinque Terre (that lie in the Liguria area) are mostly known for their picturesque olive groves and homes along the beaches, the pesto from this area is hard to beat.

Pasta - Everywhere

Okay, being totally honest, pasta anywhere in Italy is simply amazing. Even the 3 euro plastic bags of pasta from the grocery store  are good!  Everything from typical noodles like penne and spaghetti or stuffed pastas like ravioli are bound to be of the best quality. Top it off with sauce, of course!

Limoncello - Amalfi Coast

Lemon Groves in Positano

Limoncello is an Italian malt liqueur made from lemons that comes from the Amalfi Coast of Italy. It's mainly used as a sweet finish to the end of a meal. You can find the lemon groves around the Amalfi Coast, which also make for great photos if you're in the region.

Pizza - Naples

Pizza is a staple throughout Italy, though it originates in Naples. While other countries have their own take and flair on pizza, you'll find the most original and authentic pizza in Naples, a city along the west coast of Southern Italy in the Campania region.

Florentine Steak - Florence

You'll typically find Bistecca alla Fiorentina on restaurant menus for at least 40 euros per plate - but its rich, tender cut makes for a flavorful meal.

Wine - Tuscany

Ciao, Chianti! The Tuscan region was made for wine. Taste some different blends while you're in this region, and I highly recommend doing wine tastings to nearby Tuscan towns and traveling by train or bus. You'll try some of the best wine in the world as well as find views of the mesmerizing countryside scenery in this region.

Cheese - Everywhere

You can find Italian formaggio anywhere in the country, and anywhere it's going taste fresh and amazing.

Tiramisu - Venice

This is one of Italy's most famous desserts, and if you're going to have tiramisu, you might as well try it in Venice, where it originates from.

Pane Toscano - Tuscany

You'll find unsalted bread served with your meals, especially in the Tuscan region. However, the bread isn't served as a bread-and-olive-oil appetizer; its intended use is to mop up the leftover sauce from your pasta.

Bruschetta - Lazio

Lazio (home to world-famous Rome) is also home to bruschetta, toasted bread that's topped with olive oil, garlic, salt, and tomatoes.

Ribollita - Tuscany

This thick vegetable and bread soup also comes from the Tuscan region. It's served warm and is comforting on a chilly day.

Seafood and other meat dishes - Sicily

This southern region of Italy is surrounded by water and takes culinary influence from many other cultures due to invasions from years past. Some typical dishes you'll find are swordfish or sardines, or a meat dish such as vitello al Marsala.

Polenta - Northern Italy

Along with risotto, rice, butter, and corn, polenta is more popular in the north than some pastas and olive oil (though you'll still find pasta and olive oil here)!

A Beginner's Guide To Florence

go seek explore ponte vecchio florence italy

One of the more popular European tourist destinations, Italy holds its own due to its romantic, enchanting culture and delicious food and wine. From Florence to Rome, Milan to Venice, Capri to Sicily and everywhere in between, there is something about Italy for any traveler to take delight in.

The capital of Tuscany, Florence (Firenze) is home to 370,000 people. Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance, as still seen today by the stunning architecture and art throughout the city created by the likes of Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, and others. Florence made the Forbes most beautiful cities in the world list in 2010.

A Beginner's Guide To Florence

Getting there: Fly into the small airport or take a bus or train into the Santa Maria Novella station. To get from the airport to SMN (downtown) take the blue SITA bus (6 euros, 10 round-trip) or a taxi (flat rate 20 euros one-way).

Where to stay: Florence is a bustling city, but it is small. You can walk end to end of the city center in less than 30 minutes. Wherever you stay will more than likely be a great location with short walking distance to all the main attractions. Hotels near the Duomo and along the river will be the most expensive, but you can find cheaper rates a little farther out. (And it will still be a short walking distance to pretty much anywhere).

Intro To Florence Walking Tour

-Start at Santa Maria Novella. Walk down Via Nazionale and go through the San Lorenzo Market.

-Head down the Via Cavour for the best first impression of the famous Duomo. Stop and take photos here and look at the Bapistery with the "Gates of Paradise" doors.

-Head south on Via Roma and you'll come across Piazza della Repubblica. You'll see the carousel and the large arch. Turn left on Via de Corso and follow it along (it turns into Borgo degli Albizi) and turn right on Via Giuseppi Verdi to get to Piazza Santa Croce. This church is also the burial place for famous Italians such as Michelangelo, Machiavelli, and Galileo. There is also a big statue of Dante to the left of the steps.

-From Piazza Santa Croce, head down Via de Benci and walk across the Ponte alle Grazie bridge. As you walk across the bridge, look to your right and you will find yourself looking at the picturesque view of the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge.

-Once you're across the river, turn left on Via de San Niccolo and follow that up the hill and the steps to Piazzale Michelangelo. After this great leg/calf workout you'll be rewarded one of the best views of Florence. It is definitely worth the walk up the hill! Walk even further up to the San Miniato church for an even more elevated view of the city.

-After you've had your fill of fantastic sweeping views, head back down the way you came and walk along the river towards the Ponte Vecchio. Stop at some of the jewelry shops along the Ponte Vecchio or continue along to the Ponte alla Carraria bridge. Before crossing make sure to stop at Gelateria La Carraria for the best gelato in Florence (in my opinion). At 1.50 euro for a small size, it is also among the best priced gelato.

-This concludes the tour! Head back along the Ponte alla Carraria towards where you started at Santa Maria Novella, or take some time for some pizza or pasta at one of the many restaurants nearby.

Things To Do

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Attractions: Duomo, Bapistery, Santa Croce, Boboli Gardens, Gelato Festival (June)

Museums: Accademia (where the authentic David is), Uffizi, Bargello, Pitti Palace, Vasari Corridor

Fashion Museums: Gucci Museo, Museo Salvatore Ferragamo, Galleria del Costume

Shopping: Department stores La Rinascente and Coin are near Piazza della Repubblica, as well as some boutiques, premier designer stores (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc.), and an H&M and Zara. Jewelry shops/stands line the Ponte Vecchio. You'll also find many other shops scattered around the city.

Markets: San Lorenzo Market, Mercato Nuovo, Santo Spirito

Great Views: Climbing the Duomo or the Bell Tower, Piazzale Michelangelo, taking a bus up to Fiesole

Nearby: Day Trips, Quick Trips, and Weekend Trips in Italy

Bellagio Lake Como

Day Trips: Venice, Milan, Sienna, Bologna, Cinque Terre

Quick Trips: Rome/Villa Borghese, Lake Como

Weekend Trips: Amalfi Coast, Sicily, Sardinia

What To Pack For a Semester in Italy: What You DON'T Need

Florence Duomo from Piazzale Michelangelo

I've already covered what you should pack for a semester in Italy, but there a few common items that some students think to bring that are actually unnecessary. Save yourself the hassle of bringing these items and leave room in your luggage for souvenirs or whatever else you'll want to bring home after four months of travels!

Full-sized or Large Toiletry Bottles

It's nice to have just one regular sized bottle each of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash at home. Though when you're studying abroad, even though you have a home base, you'll likely be traveling most weekends. It's easier to have a few travel sized bottles that you can use and also take with you on trips. If you run out, you can always buy more. When I went abroad I made the mistake of stocking up on a large sized body wash, etc. and had over 10 pounds of liquids in my checked bag - these took up room, but more importantly, made my suitcase get closer to the airline's standard weight limit.

World-wide Converter

If you're living in Italy and traveling throughout Europe, you'll mostly just need this converter. You can get singles from Target for about $3-4. (If you're going to the UK, you'll need this one). Many people buy the world-wide converters that can be $30-40. Unless you're traveling to other regions after your study abroad, save yourself the money by just getting a Europe converter.

Sheets and Bedding

Your host family/dorm/apartment should have sheets for you. If you're unsure for some reason, get in touch with your host family or the study abroad staff and ask. In most cases, hostels will have full bedding. I've stayed in both private hostels and cheap dorm-style hostels all around Europe, and every time my hostel has had clean sheets and towels. Definitely check up on this beforehand by doing your research on Hostelworld or reading reviews.

Room Decorations

Chances are your dorm/apartment/house back on campus is decorated with your own style and flair. When you get to Italy, you'll already have furniture and decorations, and bringing your own is just unnecessary. Plus, the rooms tend to be pretty small and you won't have much room anyways!

A Ton of DVDs

Netflix and Hulu technically aren't available in Europe yet. However, if you use this handy trick you'll be able to access those and similar sites. (Note: works on laptop/desktop, not mobile!)  Hopefully you'll be spending a majority of your time out exploring and traveling, though there may come a time when you just want to relax with a show. Getting your TV and movie fix online saves you room and leaves less opportunity for your DVDs to get damaged.