Category: EUROPE

Day Trip Into a Fairy Tale: Lake Bled by Public Bus

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Lake Bled is one of those European places of longing. It is one of the sites whose pure name brings a sparkle to the eyes of any day-tripper.
Who hasn’t seen the image of Saint Mary’s Church which seems to float on an island in the middle of the iconic Slovenian lake?
And believe me, this picture is no illusion. These sceneries fulfill their promise of captivating you the moment you lay eyes on them for the first time.
I had the privilege to experience this for myself on a day trip to Lake Bled, which I was actually able to organize myself by taking the public bus from Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana.

View of Lake Bled on a Day Trip by Public Bus
Everybody loves Lake Bled.
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LJUBLJANA Mon Amour: What Not to Miss During Two Days in Slovenia’s Beloved Capital

Posted onAuthorRenata Green71 Comments

Ljubljana mon amour: In fact, already the city’s name sounds like a tender song and derives from the word ljubljena which translates to beloved. Various charming bridges are crossing the picturesque river Ljubljanica. With an amazing number of captivating buildings from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Deco, onion-domed churches, and an imposing fortress high above the city, Ljubljana absolutely lives up to her lovely name.
And since Ljubljana is small but definitely mighty, you can explore the city’s most iconic spots and landmarks easily in just two days.

The Dragon Bridge in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Like in every decent fairy tale, you have to make it past the dragon to get to the beautiful princess. Ljubljana is no exception.

Although the city is no secret anymore and can actually get quite busy in the high season, Ljubljana has kept its sleeping beauty charm and is a sparkling gem.

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Best Things to Do on a Long Weekend in Milan

Posted onAuthorRenata Green47 Comments

Of all Italian cities, Milan probably deems the least what we consider Italian. No jolly groups sipping Aperol Spritz while playing boccia. Instead, executives rush from their stately apartment houses to offices in glittering business centers. Hardly a narrow cobblestone alley. Rather big cars on broad avenues. Money makes the world Milan go round.
And yet, if you visit with an open mind, Milan will by no means disappoint: Get the big picture from the roof of the Duomo, and enjoy contemporary art at various industrial sites that were transformed into humongous art galleries. Window shop at the posh Brera district or the fabulous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Admire Leonardo da Vinci’s Cenacolo, hence, the Last Supper. Oh, talking ’bout food: Finish a long day of sightseeing with a relaxed Milanese Aperitivo in one of the countless bars alongside the Navigli, the city’s old waterways.
Sounds like a plan? Mind you, these are only a few of the best things you should do in Milan on a long weekend!

Piazza del Duomo - with the iconic cathedral.
Piazza del Duomo – with the iconic cathedral.
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Take a Break: The Three Best Beaches You Can Easily Visit From VENICE

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There’s no question about it: Venice is absolutely magical. Strolling between the canals and over countless bridges. Losing yourself between majestic palazzi and gazing dreamily after the gondolas.
However, despite its ancient charm, Venice keeps you on your toes, and a visit can also get quite stressful. The masses of tourists, the queues, the pushing and the shoving at the jetties. In the summer there is also the heat.
Therefore, if you have the chance, it’s definitely worth adding one or two days extra to spend on one of the beaches off the Veneto shores.
Let me assure you: Pampering yourself with a day full of dolce far niente, hence, sweet idleness, will recharge your batteries and get you fit so that you can joyfully plunge back into the hustle and bustle of Venice.
Don’t know where to spread out your beach towel?
No problem: In this post, I’ll introduce you to the three best beaches that you can reach quickly and easily by public bus or the iconic water bus Vaporetto from Venice.

The Diga Faro Alberoni on the Lido di Venezia.
Taking a refreshing dip at the Lido di Venezia.
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VENICE on a Budget: When to Go, Where to Stay, What to Eat, And Much More

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Venice on a budget? Is that even possible?
Agreed, visiting Venice can be pretty pricey.
After all, you find yourself at one of the world’s most unique places – and it comes with a price tag.

Italy Venice Canale Grande
Every visitor to Venice will know this sight: The Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo across from the main train station Venezia Santa Lucia, photographed from the Ponte degli Scalzi.

However, if you follow my simple hacks, visiting Venice on a budget is easy and still very enjoyable.

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How to Visit the Biennale di Arte in Venice in 2024

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The Biennale di Arte, one of the world’s most important art events, takes place every two years. Although Venice is certainly a place worth visiting even when nothing special is on, my post on how to visit the city during the Biennale 2024 will make your trip even more memorable.

Facade of the central pavilion at the Giardini during the 60th edition of the Biennale di Venezia in Venice in 2024.
The Huni Kuin Artists Movement, or MAHKU in short, was founded in the Brazilian Kaxinawá Huni Kuin Indigenous Territory in 2013. MAHKU designed the facade of the central pavilion of the Giardini venue with the legend of the Kapewë Pukeni alligator bridge.
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FRANCE: An Easy Circle Trip to the Five Best Cities to Visit in Provence

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I’m well aware that the French Provence region is rather famous for picturesque villages and endless lavender fields. Well, you won’t find either in this post. I just can’t help it: I’m a big city gal, and therefore, on my first trip to this part of the south of France, I decided to visit five of the best cities the Provence has to offer. In Nîmes, I hunted for street art, and I traced the work of Vincent van Gogh in Arles. I danced sur le pont d’Avignon and enjoyed the much-underrated city of Aix-en-Provence. Finally, I explored the mother of all port cities, Marseille.

Windows in Marseille
I’d argue that Marseille is one of the most authentic cities in Europe.

No, I didn’t get to see any lavender, however, I saw amazing old and new works of art and fantastic architecture. I strolled through alleys, sat in squares, and took it all in. The sound of the sea and the calls of the fishmongers rang in my ears. I was in a French land of milk and honey wine and bouillabaisse.
I had a fantastic time and I’ll be certainly back. And then, I’ll also go check out the lavender.

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Two Days in MARSEILLE – What Not to Miss in the Belly of France

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Marseille is a port city that has been around for a while. In fact, it is the oldest city in France and has always been a major hub for immigration and sea trade. Consequently, its heart is the Vieux-Port where fishmongers sell their catch fresh off the boat to this date.
For me, Marseille has always been a myth, a place of longing. Marseille awakens wanderlust, yet at the same time, it makes you homesick.
Marseille is a city full of contrasts and contradictions.
In this post, I show you what not to miss in two days in Marseille.

Old Harbour of Marseille
My heart will go on: View of Marseille’s old harbor.
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Best Things to Do in AIX-EN-PROVENCE in One Day

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Thou shalt have no other gods before me – Paris takes this commandment very seriously: Because of French centralism, hardly any other city in France has the chance to shine, let alone achieve world fame. And Aix-en-Provence is hit with a double whammy, because it is also in the immediate vicinity and therefore in the shadow of the second largest city, Marseille.
Well, this way, only the real connoisseurs will discover this gem in the heart of Provence. Everyone else misses out on the breathtaking architecture and 250 fountains, hot springs, and thermal baths as well as 300 days of sunshine a year. They won’t enjoy either the iconic bouillabaisse and ratatouille or delicious local wine.
What’s that? You don’t want to miss out on all this?
Then you’ve come to the right place: In this post, I’ll show you the best things to do in Aix-en-Provence, one of France’s most exquisite cities.

Woman riding a bike in Aix-en-Provence
Riding a bike is a great way to explore the streets of Aix-en-Provence.
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What Not to Miss in AVIGNON in One Day – Apart from Dancing on Bridges

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I’d argue that the bridge in Avignon that everyone had to at least verbally dance on is the most famous overpass in the entire world. Show me one child who did not mumble something that sounded more or less like sir ly pong davynong already in kindergarten. Later, you probably had to translate in your French class that everyone is dancing on that stupid bridge. Only, if you were to actually dance across it, you’d end up in the Rhône river! This bridge is broken and only a part is walkable; or danceable, if you prefer.
Anyway, this is not the only surprise the majestic city of Avignon has in store.
So put on your dancing shoes and let’s see what not to miss when visiting Avignon – even if it’s for just one day.

Not to Miss When Spending One Day in Avignon: Palais des Papes
Looking down on Avignon from the majestic Palais des Papes.
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