As The Sparrow Flies
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Newsletter Sign Up
  • Read the Archives
As The Sparrow Flies
As The Sparrow Flies
  • Destinations
    • Europe
      • Belgium
      • Cyprus
      • Czech Republic
      • France
      • Germany
      • Italy
      • Norway
      • Poland
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • The Netherlands
    • UK & Ireland
      • South East England
      • North West England
      • South West England
      • East of England
    • Rest of the World
      • Australia
      • Cuba
      • Mexico
      • Morocco
      • Philippines
  • Travel Advice
    • City Break Guides
    • Foodies Guides
    • Travel Tips
    • Travel Feels
  • Festivals
  • London Living
  • The Travelust Podcast
    • Podcast Episodes
    • Want to be a podcast guest?

Italy

11 posts
Exploring Mount Vesuvius
View Post
  • 4 min
  • Italy

Climbing an Italian volcano – exploring Mount Vesuvius

  • bySam Sparrow
  • Posted on November 7, 2017October 28, 2017
  • 29 comments
Have you ever thought about climbing an Italian volcano? Well now you can! Try exploring Mount Vesuvius for a day, and soak up that incredible view.
View Post

Visit Ancient Rome
View Post
  • 8 min
  • Italy

10 reasons to visit Ancient Rome (and 20 pictures too)

  • bySam Sparrow
  • Posted on October 3, 2017September 25, 2017
  • 12 comments
Love history, ruins and architecture? Here’s 10 reasons to visit ancient Rome (it’s pretty awesome), and a bonus 20 pictures to go with it!
View Post

How to visit Pompeii
View Post
  • 7 min
  • Italy

How to visit Pompeii – does it live up to the hype?

  • bySam Sparrow
  • Posted on September 5, 2017September 11, 2017
  • 33 comments
It’s one of the most iconic archeological sites in the world and a protected heritage area – here’s how to visit Pompeii in Italy.
View Post

Aperitivo Time
View Post
  • 3 min
  • Foodies Guides
  • Italy

Getting on board with Italian aperitivo time

  • bySam Sparrow
  • Posted on May 16, 2017May 25, 2017
  • 28 comments
There is so much to love about Italian culture – but aside from the art, the food and the ancient ruins, what I really love is aperitivo time.
View Post

London Recommendations
  • Highgate Station Tour
    Highgate Station Tour – a walk in the wilderness
    • bySam Sparrow
    • Posted on September 7, 2017September 11, 2017
  • London Transport Museum Depot
    A little trip to the London Transport Museum Depot
    • bySam Sparrow
    • Posted on January 10, 2017July 1, 2017
  • London City Break
    5 ways to make a London city break a little more offbeat
    • bySam Sparrow
    • Posted on July 31, 2017July 30, 2017
  • The Ginstitute London
    Spending a gin themed afternoon at The Ginstitute, London
    • bySam Sparrow
    • Posted on March 9, 2018March 9, 2018
  • Christmas Weekend in London
    How to spend an incredible Christmas weekend in London
    • bySam Sparrow
    • Posted on December 12, 2017December 12, 2017
Testaccio Supper Stroll
View Post
  • 6 min
  • Foodies Guides
  • Italy

On the foodie trail in Rome – Testaccio Supper Stroll with Eating Europe

  • bySam Sparrow
  • Posted on May 2, 2017November 10, 2017
  • 15 comments
In search of real Roman cuisine, I decided to book on a food tour – where all my foodie dreams came true. Here’s the review of the Testaccio Supper Stroll.
View Post

Florence Italy
View Post
  • 10 min
  • City Break Guides
  • Italy

Florence City Break Guide – beauty, art and that bridge

  • bySam Sparrow
  • Posted on April 27, 2017May 25, 2017
  • 16 comments
I waited 16 long years to visit this beautiful Tuscan city and it was worth the wait. Here’s a full Florence City Break Guide to get the best from your trip.
View Post

Gelato in Rome
View Post
  • 6 min
  • Foodies Guides
  • Italy

A guide to great gelato in Rome

  • bySam Sparrow
  • Posted on April 20, 2017November 1, 2017
  • 19 comments
Gelato is an Italian staple, something you’ll find on every street and square in Rome. But where’s the good stuff? Here’s a guide to gelato in Rome.
View Post

Foodies Guide to Rome
View Post
  • 6 min
  • Foodies Guides
  • Italy

The ultimate foodies guide to Rome

  • bySam Sparrow
  • Posted on April 18, 2017July 1, 2017
  • 11 comments
Rome stole my heart, but it also stole my belly, my taste buds and my calorie allowance. It’s the best place to eat – so here’s a foodies guide to Rome.
View Post

Plan Your Next City Break!
  • Paris City Guide
    A first timers guide to Paris
    • bySam Sparrow
    • Posted on March 7, 2017June 8, 2017
  • How to spend 36 hours in Chester – a historic city
    • bySam Sparrow
    • Posted on October 17, 2017October 16, 2017
  • The Souks - Long Weekend in Marrakech
    How to spend a magical long weekend in Marrakech
    • bySam Sparrow
    • Posted on February 14, 2018March 20, 2018
  • Oslo City Break
    A weekend in Oslo (or how to do a city break in snow)
    • bySam Sparrow
    • Posted on December 6, 2016February 12, 2018
  • A Weekend In Amsterdam
    A chilled out weekend in Amsterdam – canals, beers and brunches
    • bySam Sparrow
    • Posted on June 20, 2017July 10, 2017
Naples City Guide
View Post
  • 8 min
  • City Break Guides
  • Italy

Naples City Guide – the craziest place in Italy?

  • bySam Sparrow
  • Posted on April 6, 2017June 27, 2017
  • 10 comments
The craziest place on earth – but how would Naples compare to other Italian cities we’d visited? Here’s a comprehensive Naples city guide to help.
View Post

Rome City Guide
View Post
  • 11 min
  • City Break Guides
  • Italy

Rome City Guide – exploring and understanding an ancient city

  • bySam Sparrow
  • Posted on April 4, 2017January 8, 2018
  • 23 comments
Rome is the third oldest city in the world and top of many travellers bucket lists. What makes this ancient city special? Here’s a Rome City Guide!
View Post

As The Sparrow Flies
Hi! I’m Sam Sparrow
I'm a part-time traveller, brunch hunter and lover of the quirky. Leopard print is my jam.
Read More
Listen to the Podcast!

Trips100 - Travel Blogs
Trips100
Where Next?

Feb 18 – Marrakech, Morocco 
Mar 18 – Gdansk, Poland 
Mar 18 – Munich, Germany
Apr 18 – Oxford, UK
May 18 – Lincolnshire, UK
July 18 – Warwickshire, UK
Aug 18 – Tunbridge Wells, UK

Looking for part-time travel, but full time fun?
Grammin’ Everyday
  • Happy Easter Monday to you! I hope you have an epic Bank Holiday planned, what a luxury to have such a long weekend! (For me, I’m unpacking from my mega-Munich trip and STILL trying to warm up from my trip to Neuschwanstein Castle - have you ever seen a colder person?!). 🐣 .
.
.
If you are looking for an awesome way to start your day, then I’m happy to tell you that it’s podcast day on #TheTravelust. This week I’m chatting to my pal @packyourpassport about Australia, solo travel and being brave and it’s such a stellar chat. Go grab the link in my bio or search in iTunes, Spotify + other podcast players.
.
.
. 
And super bonus - I’m a guest today on @fbarrows amazing podcast There Are Other Ways chatting all about female ambition, finding joy and balance in your career and hobbies! If you want to know how and why I prioritised travel, head to her profile or search for the podcast in iTunes! ❤️
    966 8
  • I’ve taken a magical couple of weeks off Instagram (although not stories), a magical few days in Munich and a magical trip to the fairytale castle of dreams, Neuschwanstein.
.
.
.
Even in the hail, fog and pouring rain this gorgeous castle didn’t disappoint. Throughly beautiful and crazy inside and out, you might recognise it as the actual inspiration for a certain Castle at Disney! Huge thanks to the wonderful @ver_eck from @sandemansnewmunich for revealing the magic on the worst of days.
.
.
.
Neuschwanstein was a highlight in a trip full of highlights these past five days. Munich has grabbed my heart - ignore it at your peril!
    936 32
  • I've had another huge weekend of celebrations, this time with Mr S turning 35 and my Auntie turning 75! Brewery tours and afternoon tea were just some of the shenanigans on offer, but I'll tell you about that another time...
.
.
.
Because it is only bloomin' podcast day! Another episode of #TheTravelust has landed, and this week I'm interviewing the wonderful @weekendcandy who is sharing all her amazing weekend break expertise!
.
.
.
We also chat about gin due to our shared passion for the good stuff, so in honour of this episode I thought I'd share a snap from The Resting Room, one of the restaurant/bars at gin haven @distilleryldn. Head to iTunes, Spotify or the link in my profile to listen!
    750 24
  • I'm talking about travel memories over on the blog today (link in my profile), but on the 'gram I thought I'd chat about a different type of memory. The memories you make with people, not places.
.
.
.
Poor old Mr S has been my long suffering travel partner for many years. Whether I'm dragging him round cities, barking orders at him to take my photo or gently encouraging him to see that we definitely need to try another brunch, so many of my feelings about the world have been made with him at my side.
.
.
.
I'm off on another solo trip next week and I can't wait, but I have loved making global memories with this one. Even if that involves playing board games in a Cypriot bar with really offensive cocktails 🤣
    855 30
  • What Sunday roast comes with a side order of pick and mix? A blimmin' amazing roast dinner at @OxboBankside is what!
.
.
.
I finally got to hit up OXBO's famous bottomless roast at the weekend for my Birthday celebrations and I've got to say it was worth the wait. Bottomless prosecco, unlimited starters (which included very tasty sashimi) and desserts (I had 9) served from the chefs tables and then a served roast dinner which was the biggest and best I've had in London.
.
.
.
I also helped myself to a few penny sweets on every trip up to the tables - this gorgeous display was on the dessert table. I think it was for the kids, but who can resist a gummy strawberry or 5?! 😋
    872 36
  • It was at this moment, looking out into the stillness and silence that I thought, just maybe I might not be a city girl after all. I'll never be a skier, or a competent hiker, but what I am is obsessed with the views and the feeling you get when you are deep into another world (and of course up really high).
.
.
.
Visiting the Atlas Mountains was such a dream, pinch me moment. I've rounded up my best photos and told the story of my day spent exploring them on the blog today :-)
    839 20
Follow Me
Twitter 9K
Instagram 7K
Facebook 2K
Pinterest 4K
Subscribe via Bloglovin
Subscribe via Feedly

Looking for part-time travel, but full time fun?

Subscribe, and every fortnight you'll receive inspiration for gorgeous city-breaks, UK travels and offbeat experiences, alongside my own musings and tips on travelling with a full time job.

  • Happy Easter Monday to you! I hope you have an epic Bank Holiday planned, what a luxury to have such a long weekend! (For me, I’m unpacking from my mega-Munich trip and STILL trying to warm up from my trip to Neuschwanstein Castle - have you ever seen a colder person?!). 🐣 .
.
.
If you are looking for an awesome way to start your day, then I’m happy to tell you that it’s podcast day on #TheTravelust. This week I’m chatting to my pal @packyourpassport about Australia, solo travel and being brave and it’s such a stellar chat. Go grab the link in my bio or search in iTunes, Spotify + other podcast players.
.
.
. 
And super bonus - I’m a guest today on @fbarrows amazing podcast There Are Other Ways chatting all about female ambition, finding joy and balance in your career and hobbies! If you want to know how and why I prioritised travel, head to her profile or search for the podcast in iTunes! ❤️
    966 8
  • I’ve taken a magical couple of weeks off Instagram (although not stories), a magical few days in Munich and a magical trip to the fairytale castle of dreams, Neuschwanstein.
.
.
.
Even in the hail, fog and pouring rain this gorgeous castle didn’t disappoint. Throughly beautiful and crazy inside and out, you might recognise it as the actual inspiration for a certain Castle at Disney! Huge thanks to the wonderful @ver_eck from @sandemansnewmunich for revealing the magic on the worst of days.
.
.
.
Neuschwanstein was a highlight in a trip full of highlights these past five days. Munich has grabbed my heart - ignore it at your peril!
    936 32
  • I've had another huge weekend of celebrations, this time with Mr S turning 35 and my Auntie turning 75! Brewery tours and afternoon tea were just some of the shenanigans on offer, but I'll tell you about that another time...
.
.
.
Because it is only bloomin' podcast day! Another episode of #TheTravelust has landed, and this week I'm interviewing the wonderful @weekendcandy who is sharing all her amazing weekend break expertise!
.
.
.
We also chat about gin due to our shared passion for the good stuff, so in honour of this episode I thought I'd share a snap from The Resting Room, one of the restaurant/bars at gin haven @distilleryldn. Head to iTunes, Spotify or the link in my profile to listen!
    750 24
  • I'm talking about travel memories over on the blog today (link in my profile), but on the 'gram I thought I'd chat about a different type of memory. The memories you make with people, not places.
.
.
.
Poor old Mr S has been my long suffering travel partner for many years. Whether I'm dragging him round cities, barking orders at him to take my photo or gently encouraging him to see that we definitely need to try another brunch, so many of my feelings about the world have been made with him at my side.
.
.
.
I'm off on another solo trip next week and I can't wait, but I have loved making global memories with this one. Even if that involves playing board games in a Cypriot bar with really offensive cocktails 🤣
    855 30
  • What Sunday roast comes with a side order of pick and mix? A blimmin' amazing roast dinner at @OxboBankside is what!
.
.
.
I finally got to hit up OXBO's famous bottomless roast at the weekend for my Birthday celebrations and I've got to say it was worth the wait. Bottomless prosecco, unlimited starters (which included very tasty sashimi) and desserts (I had 9) served from the chefs tables and then a served roast dinner which was the biggest and best I've had in London.
.
.
.
I also helped myself to a few penny sweets on every trip up to the tables - this gorgeous display was on the dessert table. I think it was for the kids, but who can resist a gummy strawberry or 5?! 😋
    872 36
  • It was at this moment, looking out into the stillness and silence that I thought, just maybe I might not be a city girl after all. I'll never be a skier, or a competent hiker, but what I am is obsessed with the views and the feeling you get when you are deep into another world (and of course up really high).
.
.
.
Visiting the Atlas Mountains was such a dream, pinch me moment. I've rounded up my best photos and told the story of my day spent exploring them on the blog today :-)
    839 20
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Newsletter Sign Up
  • Read the Archives

Input your search keywords and press Enter.