a travel blog by renata green
I first encountered the Kepler Club on my return flight from the Baltics at Riga Airport. And ever since I stayed in this amazing airport capsule hotel, I’ve wanted nothing more than for every airport worldwide to be legally required to have a Kepler Hotel!
Latvia’s national airline, AirBaltic, often offers convenient connections including a stopover in Riga. That’s perfect for getting a profound glimpse of the city on the way to your final destination. And with my guide to 24 hours in Riga, I help you turn a pitstop into a real travel highlight.
Explore the charming Old Town with its medieval alleys, cafés, and Art Nouveau façades, or take a stroll along the banks of the Daugava River before visiting the Central Market for some authentic Latvian delights.
This Way to the Whole Story ->Even if you have only around 24 hours, a stopover in Vilnius is an excellent opportunity to get to know Lithuania’s charming capital.
The city offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and architecture. From the medieval Old Town district to modern art galleries and cozy cafés, Vilnius is compact and diverse, ideal for a short but worthwhile tour of discovery.
This Way to the Whole Story ->Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport is the third-busiest hub in Europe after London and Istanbul. Therefore, chances are that you have a connection that you probably don’t want to spend sitting on an uncomfortable metal chair, munching on overpriced sandwiches. And this is exactly where this post comes to the rescue: It is designed to transform a dull layover into a short, meticulously planned extra vacation of up to 24 hours in Paris.
Now, you might think that 24 hours are far too few to explore the so-called city of lights. Of course, you are absolutely right, but this applies to almost every popular stopover destination. However, if you follow my itineraries, you’ll be surprised how much you get to see and experience the proverbial savoir vivre.
This Way to the Whole Story ->You won’t believe it, but I recently had an audience with a real queen!
My two-day stay in Meissen, in the heart of the unique Elbe wine region, was literally crowned with a truly inspiring dinner.
Not only is the Baroque city of Dresden amazingly beautiful, but it is also nestled in a captivating landscape dotted with natural wonders, idyllic towns, and fairytale castles that are just second to none. Therefore, when visiting Dresden, you should better plan a few extra days to allow for at least one day trip, for example, to the Baroque Moritzburg Castle, the former hunting residence of the Electors and Kings of Saxony.
Although the town of Meissen is quite small and not as internationally renowned as this acclaimed Cradle of Saxony actually deserves, it is one of Germany’s most historically significant cities and the perfect place to spend an unforgettable weekend!
Additionally, Meissen is home to Germany’s oldest castle and the site where European hard-paste porcelain was first produced in 1708. So, let’s explore what else this hidden gem has in store!
This Way to the Whole Story ->Whether you prefer beer or wine is, of course, a matter of taste. However, for some people, it is also a philosophical and social question. In fact, it was none other than Scottish novelist Robert Louis Stevenson who equated wine to poetry in a bottle. And as a world-famous writer, he certainly knew what he was talking about. No one said that about beer.
But no matter what your personal opinion on the cultural difference between beer and wine is, in one respect, you can only give preference to the latter: namely, when it comes to the beauty of the growing regions. In this regard, the grapevines beat the hop bushes by a mile! Proof of this was my recent hike along the Saxon Wine Trail. With its idyllic vineyards, enchanting castles, and magnificent villas, a day trip from Dresden into the Elbe Wine Region will definitely be one of the most heart-, soul- and stomach-filling trips you will have enjoyed in a long time.
Since the trail is lined not only by some amazing landmarks but also by countless eateries and wine bars, all you need are your hiking boots, a sun hat, and a little drinking water. Everything else is readily waiting for you alongside this truly mesmerizing path!
This Way to the Whole Story ->The heart of Saxony beats right here, in the city of Dresden. Already the nickname Florence on the Elbe is a clear reference to Dresden’s magnificent imperial structures and the city’s picturesque location on one of Germany’s longest and most scenic rivers. Its distinctive aura and elegance make Dresden one of Germany’s most beautiful and worthwhile travel destinations.
Lithuania might be small, but it’s steeped in history, innovation, and full of natural wonders, and its capital, Vilnius, effortlessly blends its rich traditions with modernity. But that’s by far not the only reason that makes the city an exceptionally exciting travel destination. Therefore, after having already featured the best places in the other Baltic Republics, it was finally time to see on a long weekend what Vilnius has in store.
And let me assure you: the so-called Baroque Pearl of the Baltic is an incredibly lustrous gem!
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