Meet Your Inside Guides to Europe’s Top Cities

Iconic sights like the Eifel Tower and the Colosseum are always at the top of our must-see lists when visiting Europe’s great cities. So much so that we seldom get the chance to dive deeper and discover the true heart of our destination – the local point of view. That’s where a City Insider comes in.

These guides will introduce you to the city they live in and love by revealing its local lore and hidden gems and showing you how to navigate its streets while keeping your interests at heart. Best of all, they’ll welcome you as a new friend. We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with a few of Synergy International Travels ’s Europe City Insiders to find out their top tips, favorite sights, and what they love about showing you their city.

Dive into Venice with Simona

Name: Simona Manarin 
Years Living in Venice:  21 years

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I fell for Venice when I decided to come and study English Literature at the local university, and I never left. A few years ago, I decided to share my love for this city with people coming to visit. I’m an environmentalist and nomad at heart, and I enjoy roaming the world while meeting new people and being immersed in new cultures.  

What’s your favorite thing to do with your friends & family in the city?

I enjoy lounging in the sun while gliding on the water of the city’s many canals in a traditional boat – you know them as gondolas.

Favorite restaurant, bar, or place to share a meal?

La Zucca, the perfect cozy spot to share a great meal – especially if you’re vegetarian. Tasty food, great wines, and super friendly staff. I go here for my birthday dinner every year! 

Best hidden gem or insider tip:

You simply must see a sunrise or sunset from San Giorgio's Island. 

Explore Madrid with Cecilia

Name: Cecilia Cambero 
Years Living in Madrid:  4 years

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’ve been a tour leader in Western Europe and Morocco for several years. I’m a foodie, wine connoisseur, language nerd, and sunseeker.

What’s your favorite thing to do with your friends & family in the city?

I try to go to every single event in the city – it's almost a competition! From food truck fairs to Madrid Fashion Week to the last temporary exhibition in the many museums of the city, I want to see it all. Did you know we have a huge calendar of events in the city?

Favorite restaurant, bar, or place to share a meal?

Bodegas Ardosa because it’s one of the oldest tapas bars in Madrid. Get some vermouth while waiting for a delicious "racion" of artichoke hearts or their amazing jamon(ham)!

Best hidden gem or insider tip: 

Not many people know that there is a great tea room with a beautiful garden in the Museo del Romanticismo. You can access it even if you’re not visiting the Museum, and it is an oasis of peace in the middle of the shopping area.

Fall in Love with Florence with Claretta

Name: Claretta
Years Living in Florence: I was born and raised here.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am an art historian and certified guide. I’m so passionate and well-informed about Florence, and I want to share all my knowledge with visitors. I consider myself a wonderful story teller about all things Florentine, from art and music to local food and wine.

What’s your favorite thing to do with your friends & family in the city?

I love to visit the district of Santa Croce and shop around the artisan quarter of San Niccolo. I also enjoy having gelato in the main squares and people watching.

Favorite restaurant, bar, or place to share a meal?

Trattoria Sabatino – it’s a family restaurant. Their menu changes every day with traditional Florentine and Tuscan dishes.

Best hidden gem or insider tip:

The historical pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella is such a cool spot. It’s part antique museum, part pharmacy where they’re still using recipes from 800 years ago. (Read more about Santa Maria Novella in “Discover Florence’s Best Kept Secrets.”)

Explore Barcelona with Josep

Name: Josep Cervera
Years living in Barcelona:  15 years.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’ve worked as a guide for my whole life. I love that I have the chance to show this great city to travellers.

What’s your favorite thing to do with your friends & family in the city?

I love to stroll on the beach promenade and enjoy the sun with a drink!

Favorite restaurant, bar, or place to share a meal?

I love all the restaurants at Barceloneta Market. It’s a great place to grab an authentic meal.

Best hidden gem or insider tip: 

I tell everyone that they have to see the sunset from Montjuic hill.

Get ready to see a side of Europe other travellers rarely glimpse. Time spent with your City Insider will open your eyes to a true local experience. Have your Synergy International Travels consultant arrange a meeting with a City Insider on your next trip to one of Europe’s great cities.