Ptolemy Travel

14/02/2024

Embark on an exclusive journey through Rome’s captivating history with the Borgias Tour! 🏰🗡️📜👑

Uncover untold tales and legendary exploits as you explore the city where the Borgias once held sway, leaving an indelible mark on Rome’s cultural tapestry ⚔️

👣 Discover more in our bio! 🔗

06/02/2024

Discover the untold stories and epic exploits of Dublin’s Viking history! ⚔️🛡️ Join our exclusive Viking Tour and unravel the mysteries of this legendary era. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tales and historical legacy as you explore the city where Vikings once roamed, leaving an enduring impact on Dublin’s landscape.

🔗 Explore the details in our bio! 🔍

01/02/2024

Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci had a profound influence on Milan? 🎨✨ Uncover the secrets and masterpieces of this legendary polymath with our exclusive Da Vinci Tour in Milan! 🏰🔍 Immerse yourself in the rich history and artistic legacy as you explore the city where Leonardo left an indelible mark under the rule of the powerful Sforza dynasty.

🔗 Dive into the details in our bio! 🔍

17/01/2024

Do you know how the Templar Order was born? 🤔 ..and what about their stronghold?🏰✨ Explore the historic sites linked to this legendary order with our exclusive Templar Tour in Portugal! 🗺️🛡️ Embark on an adventure steeped in history and discover the hidden tales of the Templars in Tomar.

🔍 Check out the details in our bio! 🔗

11/01/2024

What do you know about Sherlock Holmes? 🕵🏻‍♂️

Do you know the places connected to the famous detective in London? 👀

We created a thematic tour entirely dedicated to Sherlock in London, through which discover the legendary character born from the creative pen of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ✍🏽

Check it out at the link in bio 🔗 ✨

06/07/2023

Exciting News for Hotel Owners!

Are you looking to take your guests' travel experiences to the next level? Look no further!

💡 Here's how it works: Through a simple QR Code scan and a unique password created exclusively for your hospitality structure, Ptolemy unlocks a world of exploration and connection. Your guests will have access to thematic audio-guided and self-navigated itineraries, through which they can explore sights, attractions, and experiences of your location.

🔑 Key Benefits of partnering with Ptolemy:
1️⃣ Enhance customer experience: Provide an innovative service that leaves a lasting impression on your guests, fostering a stronger bond and increasing their loyalty to your hotel.
2️⃣ Expose hidden gems: Ptolemy currently covers mor itineraries unveil off-the-beaten-path treasures, giving your guests a unique perspective on your destination and creating unforgettable memories.
3️⃣ Seamless integration: With our user-friendly interface, Ptolemy ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience for both staff and guests.
4️⃣ Expanded Reach: Ptolemy currently covers more than 10 enchanting destinations all over Europe, attracting a diverse range of travelers who seek authentic cultural experiences.
5️⃣ Digital Hand-to-Hand Experience: Offer your guests the convenience of a tour guide directly through their smartphones, providing them with an interactive and engaging experience that they can carry in the palm of their hands.
6️⃣ Destination Awareness and Identity: Ptolemy promotes destination awareness and contributes to sustainability by highlighting the cultural heritage and local experiences of your location. By immersing your guests in the authentic aspects of your destination, you empower them to appreciate and support local businesses, artisans, and initiatives, fostering sustainable tourism practices. 🌱

Contact us to learn more about how Ptolemy can transform your hotel into a gateway of exploration and cultural discovery. We are looking forward to work with you!

22/06/2023

“Paesaggi Dimenticati” is an experimental initiative of walks organised to narrate and get to know the context of the neighbourhood from a historical and naturalistic point of view at the same time, meetings open to all that are not intended to be guided tours, but rather a moment of sharing information each time with a different guest, able to "let the places speak".

Ptolemy's motto is 'Be present through the past' and is a digital platform
designed to shorten the distance between visitors and the places they visit by combining storytelling and technical accessibility. The internationally known startup Ptolemy lands in Bologna with this project.

Together they aim to create cultural itineraries on local history, nature and landscape in order to emphasise the smallest historical details and enhance the experiences of the past, far from the grand inflated narratives. Routes that can be used by citizens and tourists alike to gather suggestions on ways of experiencing the city of the past, rediscovering the signs and changes of the countryside and rivers and those of the architecture, work and lives they have hosted.
The reality of a dispersed and fragmentary documentary landscape requires a pragmatic approach, it is therefore essential to ensure the usability of the collected heritage by using a sharing system capable of functioning even in the absence of a route guide. This avoids documentary dispersion, which is frequent in this field, as few research materials are accessible on the Internet in a structured manner.

20/06/2023

🔎 What is a Ptolemy tour?

We believe in conscious tourism 🌱 so for us it’s important to understand where you’re at. Following one specific theme, you find yourself present in the place you’re visiting. But how do we achieve that?

Through storytelling! Every tour brings you to different chapters of a story while walking, biking or hiking. Our optional audio guide accompanies you from the first “Aha!” to the last “Wow!” of your journey. The map is your safe backup for every time you don’t know where to go next.

A Ptolemy tour goes beyond the 10 best places to visit. It focuses on unique itineraries and allows you to see the big AND the small from a new perspective.

Sounds good? Then we should tell you where to find us and try it out yourself: 🔗www.ptolemy.app✨

16/06/2023

📸 New Itinerary Alert! 🌟 Explore Athens like never before through the eyes of Emperor Hadrian with our latest tour on Ptolemy! 🏛️🔍 Immerse yourself in the rich history and discover the hidden gems of this ancient city. 🌆 Don't miss out on this extraordinary experience! Book your adventure now! 📆🗺️

15/06/2023

Unleash the power of the Olympian Gods in Athens! 🇬🇷

🏛️ Embark on our second thematic tour in the city and immerse yourself in the captivating tales of the 12 Olympians.

🏺From ancient temples to sacred sites, discover the secrets of Olympus through accessible pathways and captivating storytelling. Don't miss your chance to walk among legends!

14/06/2023

Step into the enchanting realm of Athens with our first thematic tour! ✨

Embark on a captivating journey through time at the Acropolis of Athens! 🏛️ Our exclusive thematic tour unveils the mesmerizing tales and secrets behind these ancient ruins. With your headphones, you can now be independent and let your own steps 👣 guide you in a world of adventure!

Immerse yourself in the accessible magic of Greek history and let the Acropolis narrate its story. 📚 Join us for an unforgettable adventure of accessibility and storytelling!

Register at 🔗ptolemy.app for many more adventures over 25 destinations across Europe!

Stay tuned 🌱

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13/06/2023

🚀 Ptolemy landed in Athens! 🇬🇷

In the following days, we will make you discover three unique tours in Greece's capital. We have prepared unique itineraries that follow memorable storytelling 👣✨

🔍 🗺️ Get ready to explore the rich history, breathtaking landmarks, and hidden gems of Athens like never before. Stay tuned for our upcoming posts to discover the wonders that await you!

09/06/2023

https://www.ptolemy.app/tours/the-myth-of-garibaldi-narrated-through-his-island

🌴 Exploring the myth of Garibaldi in Caprera and La Maddalena 🌊

Step into the footsteps of history as you embark on an audio-guided adventure through the captivating island duo of Caprera and La Maddalena in Sardinia. Immerse yourself in the legacy of the legendary Italian figure, Garibaldi, while experiencing the thrill of exploration mode vibes. 🎧✨

🗺️ Discover hidden coves, pristine beaches, and rugged landscapes, all while tracing the paths once walked by Garibaldi himself. Let the audioguide transport you through time, unravelling tales of heroism, patriotism, and the fight for Italian unification. 🇮🇹🔍

⛵ Sail across crystal-clear waters, relishing the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Explore historic sites, including Garibaldi's former residence, where his spirit lingers, inspiring all who visit. 🏰🌅

📸 Capture unforgettable moments against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty and learn about the fascinating flora and fauna unique to these islands. Feel the exhilaration of discovery as you navigate through captivating trails and soak in the vibrant energy of this enchanting corner of Sardinia. 🌿📷

🚶‍♀️ Lace up your walking shoes and let the audioguide be your compass as you embark on a journey that merges history, nature, and adventure. Unveil the captivating tales of Garibaldi's presence while enjoying the freedom of exploration mode. It's time to make your own unforgettable memories on the islands of Caprera and La Maddalena! ✨🎶

04/05/2023

With Ptolemy, we successfully completed the Startup Wise Guys 8-week online pre-acceleration program this spring. We look back on an intensive and exciting time in which we were able to learn and expand our vision, goals and business concept.

We don’t take this chance for granted. That's why we are even happier to have been part of it. Not only did we get to know and follow very interesting start-ups from all over the world, but we also set new goals for our own project that we now strive for every day.
Scalability, growth and the active promotion of slow tourism are now our focus and accompany our next steps.

We thank the Wise Guys pre-acceleration program for supporting us on this important journey!

We are looking forward to everything that is yet to come! Stay tuned!

26/04/2023

Today we present the starting point of a unique trail in the centre of Italy. 300km of beautiful valleys and a heartwarming countryside you can follow the footsteps of the famous Saint Benedict of Nursia (in Italian “Norcia”). Discover one of many splendid waypoints of the trail of Saint Benedict.

Comune di Norcia is an incredible village in the Apennine mountain range. This place is the point of departure for thousands of hikers every year who start their extraordinary adventure. The town offers breathtaking views and an incredible historical, artistic and cultural heritage.
Let us discover its origins together through this special itinerary, keeping an eye on the extraordinary figure of Saint Benedict.

This quick tour takes you through Norcia step by step: https://www.ptolemy.app/tours/the-millennial-history-of-norcia

Are you interested in exploring the whole trail of Saint Benedict? Check out our collaborators Di San Benedetto and follow the stages of life of the italian monk.



Images by: Niccolò Luoni, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Gianni Del Bufalo CC BY 4.0, Flickr

21/04/2023

Modern design and storytelling - does that fit together?
Yes it does!

Milan is currently hosting all kinds of creative minds, international designers and those who want to experience the colourful Design Week 2023 up close. There is a lot to see and do and inspiration awaits you around every corner.

Apart from the event, Milan is full of design itself. The massive buildings and towers tell their very own story and let you learn about the geniuses behind them.

Design is art, and art is always a story that wants to be told!

Amidst the exciting hustle of Design Week and Milan’s busy everyday life, there are always a few minutes for exploration. Check out the futuristic designs of City Life following the City Life tour 👉 www.ptolemy.app.

YesMilano

11/04/2023

In March we reached another important milestone! ✨

Together with our storyteller Ludovico Cipolletti, we have presented Ptolemy at Fa' la cosa giusta!. From March 24 to 26 we were one of many interesting exhibitors at Milano's famous sustainability fair and had the opportunity to reach out to you face-to-face.

Despite the many benefits of working remotely, it is important to us to be present and to engage in a personal environment. At Fa’ la cosa giusta we got the chance to connect with many great people and businesses and to boost the growth of our young project.
We are happy to share our new collaborations with:
- Tigullio Trekking (www.tigulliotrekking.it)
- Cammino di San Benedetto (www.camminodibenedetto.it)
- Castelli dell'Antico Ducato (https://lnkd.in/dU7C53Vt)
- Comunità Toscana il Pellegrino (https://lnkd.in/dgZiuqJk)

We would like to thank everyone who supported us and made this major step possible!

If you are interested in what we do, don’t hesitate to reach out and leave a message!

Cheers

Simo & Nick

04/04/2023

In January 2022, our co-founders Simo and Nick laid the foundation for a cultural project, which is now a fast-developing startup. Driven by an insatiable passion for history and heritage, Ptolemy was born. Now, we are happy to introduce our work to the LinkedIn community!

But what is Ptolemy?

Ptolemy is a map, a tour guide, a storyteller and it stands for preservation, digitisation and exploration as well as an open access to information.

Our aim is to foster the value of culture, arts and history, since they are the foundation of our modern society and identity. At the same time, we want to take part in actively shaping the future by promoting a sustainable and responsible way of tourism. We believe there is no future orientation without considering the past and learning from it. Providing a forward-looking way to explore the heritage that surrounds us is an ambitious goal - and our journey to meet this goal will be a long one. We have no doubt we will be a part of a great change by every little step we take.

Have a look at our project and feel free to reach out anytime: https://www.ptolemy.app/

09/02/2023

"The Devil Abode”

Legend has it that the devil lived in Milan, with his own house. The gloomy and grim legends around it, and the cannonball stuck in the wall convinced the Milanese of its dark presence.

Discover the full story: link in bio.



1) G.dallorto, Wikimedia Commons
2) Melancholia~itwiki, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikicommons
3) Lalupa, CC BY-SA 4.0

07/02/2023

When will the madness of war end?

There are just too many examples of destruction that should teach a lesson. Yet, despite these clear messages, war rages again and again, using ignorance and power as its vital forces.

We explored Cologne, a city that was more than 90 per cent razed to the ground due to the World War II bombings.
Let the remains and ruins teach us how to be present through the past.



Photo credits:
2) David Foster CC BY-ND 2.0 Flickr
4) Bundesarchiv CC BY-SA 3.0 WikiCommons

24/01/2023

Do you know what to experience in Florence?
🗺️
Our route aims to explore the gems of famous Florentine artists🏛️🎨 We will rediscover Giotto, Brunelleschi, Giuliano Da San Gallo, Vasari, Leon Battista Alberti, and many other names who, in one way or another, have participated in making Florence one of the world’s art capitals. Details, colours, nuances and anecdotes will be the central theme of this artistic tour, which, with its specificity and sophistication, will get to the bottom of Florence’s artistic and creative veins.
A real treasure hunt in search of details, creativity and beauty!

18/01/2023

What do you know about Venice bridges?

We have created a tour dedicated to all those who, once they got off the train at Venice Santa Lucia Station, realised that “maybe the trolley was not a good idea.”

This unique itinerary (link in bio) reveals the most significant of Venice’s more than 400 bridges. Indeed, what could be more typically Venetian than a bridge, squeezed between houses, with worn and damp steps?


# culturaltourism

07/01/2023

“Bona Lombardi, the peasant girl who became a warrior”.

We are in the Middle Ages, in an Italian valley in the Alps. Among the wild mountains, a girl of humble origins is born. However, this 'little girl' is destined to defy the laws of time and become a courageous example of freedom and emancipation.

Bona Lombarda, sometimes in the form Bona Lombardi, was an Italian female warrior who militated in the service of the cruellest and most powerful Italian warlords of the 15th and 16th centuries CE. In a fairy-tale Alpine setting, we created an itinerary to discover the story of this unique figure in her place of origin: the Valtellina. In a purely mannish world considered hostile for a woman, this tour aims to tell a story that goes beyond the norms of the time. Yet, thanks to her courage, Bona Lombardi was able to win respect among the ranks of the Italian mercenary companies. Beyond her incredible feats, perhaps, only the fact that she could stand up in a world of men deserves to be admired.

Explore her full story on ptolemy.app

17/12/2022

We connect places to their background.
Our are an awareness-raising tool aimed at preserving through simple storytelling:

A small town in is an example of this valorisation. We focused on Tomar, a village in the centre of Portugal with a fascinating past to narrate...

It was 1095 CE when Pope Urban II called European rulers to arms to conquer places sacred to the Christian religion, initiating a dark historical period marked by the notorious Crusades. At the dawn of this warlike euphoria, the Templar order was born, characterised by warrior monks devoted to protecting holy Christian symbols.

Through the streets of the Portuguese town of Tomar, we have retraced the history of this ancient chivalry order shrouded in mysteries and legends.
Founded in 1019 CE in Jerusalem, the Templar Order became a powerful religious and military organisation capable of making the thrones of several European sovereigns tremble.

Our itinerary aims to reveal the secrets and intrigues that led the to settle in Portugal, especially here in Tomar.

Step further and explore!

05/12/2022

Ptolemy allows users to select and learn about unique points of interest. Our idea was to create a tool able to unfold stories and engage with .

HOW?

- Our datasets are geospatially connected to the map, meaning that each place belongs to coordinates, images and text.

- For every zooming level, new relevant content appears.

- and save new places before travelling is a great way to bond with the destination.

29/06/2022

The Monumental Cemetery is a characteristic place in Milan, preserving the soul of the city and the spirit of many of its citizens.

Wherein a respectful atmosphere lay the tombs of many people who have given much to the city, including Alessandro Manzoni, one of the most renowned and brilliant Italian writers.

This historic place became a burial palace for illustrious figures of the 19th century CE. Manzoni rests in an area called Farmedio, whose name derives from “Famae Aedes”, meaning “temple of fame”. Here are also the iconic statues of other famous people such as Carlo Cattaneo and Giuseppe Verdi.



- Image 1 (Public Domain, WikiCommons)
- Image 2 (by Alberto Trentanni, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0, Flickr)
- Image 3 (by Simone Vaccari, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
- Image 4 (by Simone Vaccari, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
- Image 5 (by Melancholia~itwiki, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons)

30/05/2022

In Milan cathedral, there is a statue that goes unnoticed by many. It is the statue of Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles of Christ, who, according to some sources, suffered atrocious martyrdom.

Here is the story: https://www.ptolemy.app/travel/stories/bartholomew-statue



Images:
1) by Sergio Fabio Brivio, CC BY-ND 2.0 via Flickr
2) by Jorge Làscar, CC BY 2.0 via Flickr

27/05/2022

The dreadful "Lazzaretto".

There is a place in Milan with a very relevant story and contemporary for these times.

In Via S. Gregorio, near the Orthodox Church of St Nicholas, stands a stretch of a red brick wall, apparently meaningless and elusive to the untrained eye. However, this place stood right outside the ancient medieval walls of the city, and this unique part of the red wall belonged to the Lazzaretto of Milan.

The Lazzaretto was founded as a hospital and isolation centre for epidemic patients and, for safety reasons, was located outside the city. As a result, it played a fundamental role in 1630 CE during the Black Plague, also known as Leprosy. At the time, this disease struck and scourged the inhabitants, especially centres of high population density such as large cities and extensive suburbs. It affected all social classes, especially the working class, the most exposed.



(Image by Carlo Dell'Orto, Public Domain WikiCommons)

17/05/2022

Within the imposing walls of Milan's Sforza Castle is a curious low relief that traces its roots back to the Milanese popular culture of the Middle Ages, when Milan was one of the most influential cities in the north of Italy.

This stone block recounts a legend that involves the much-feared Frederick Barbarossa, one of the most famous emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, and his wife, Beatrice of Burgundy...

After the destruction of the city of Milan by the infamous emperor, it is said that the citizens of Milan, partly out of mockery and partly out of hatred, decided to immortalise the wife of their destroyer in an ungraceful manner. She is, in fact, about to comb or shave an intimate part of her body, a common practice among prostitutes of the time. The meaning is, therefore, quite obvious.

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Image by G.dallorto, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons

19/04/2022