Category: EUROPE

Three Days In Prague – For First-Timers And Repeat Visitors

Posted onAuthorRenata91 Comments

I might be the perfect person to guide you through Prague, granting three days of awe. Why so? Because I’m an unusual kind of local.

Statue John the Baptist on the Charles Bridge in Prague
John the Baptist showing the way to the Malá Strana quarter.

Locals know the best spots. They can communicate with other locals in the native language and, thusly, they might learn things visitors don’t.

On the other hand, locals tend to be oblivious to the beauty of their surroundings. Ignore iconic places. Bored by beauty.

So not being a real local actually works in my favor. I’m still amazed. And for some reason that I’ll explain below even deeply touched.

See? I’ve told you I might be your perfect guide!

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Best Day Trip in the Bohemian Switzerland: The Magnificent Walls of Tisá

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After having spent a fantastic day underneath, on top, and between the magnificent walls of Tisá, I cannot fathom why this breathtaking labyrinth of towering sandstone formations amid the Bohemian Switzerland is such a hidden treasure. After all, it is perfect for hikers, climbers, and, obviously, even tightrope walkers!

Tightrope walker at the entrance to the Tisá rocks.
Even though the tightrope walkers at the entrance to the Tisá Walls do not balance for the audience, they are still one of the highlights for every visitor.

The dramatic shapes of the sandstone steles that time has colored a mysterious black, and the winding paths feel like stepping into a fairytale world. Easily accessible and less crowded than other spots, they offer stunning views and an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

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A Weekend in DECIN – the Gateway to the Bohemian Switzerland

Posted onAuthorRenata Green4 Comments

Bohemian – this term always sounds so sophisticated and almost decadent. In this case, however, I’m referring to the geographical meaning. And what can I say: The Bohemian Switzerland is as refined and opulent as you could wish for. So let me convey the fascinating past, trendy presence, and most importantly, breathtaking wonders of nature you get to enjoy in just one weekend in Decin, the amazing gateway to the Bohemian Switzerland.

Decin Castle, one of the highlights of Decin, the gateway to the Bohemian Switzerland.
Děčín’s Castle is one of the oldest and largest landmarks in the Bohemian Switzerland.
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Comprehensive Guide to ROME – For First-Timers, Repeat Visitors, And Eternal Admirers

Posted onAuthorRenata100 Comments

Few cities can match Rome’s cultural wealth and fascinating variety. Hence, it is known as the Eternal City for a reason. There’s ancient history at every corner. Yet, this goes just fine with the modern, energetic, and sophisticated millennial metropolis. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you why mesmerizing Rome turns first-timers as well as repeat visitors into eternal admirers.

View of The Colosseum and Romolus and Remus drinking from the Capitoline Wolf - some of the Icons of Rome to be visited by first-timers.
View of the Ancient Roman Icons.
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Best Things to Do on a Long Weekend in Milan

Posted onAuthorRenata Green61 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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Comprehensive Guide to FLORENCE – Home of the Medici, Cradle of the Renaissance

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In this comprehensive guide to Florence, I’m taking you to the home of the Medici Family and all the paramount spots of the Italian Renaissance.

Looking up Giotto's Campanile, the free-standing tower right next to the Cathedral in FLORENCE - Home of the Medici, Cradle of the Renaissance
Looking up Giotto’s Campanile, the free-standing tower right next to the Cathedral.

To this date, there are so many art treasures that Florence deems rather an open-air museum than a North Italian city with ordinary people and everyday life.

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Best Street Art in PALERMO

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While Palermo as such is very much underrated, also the city’s best street art thrives in the shadows. Very unjustly so!
In this post, I’m taking you on a tour of the city’s hotspots for urban art.
Prepare for some truly powerful murali!

Best Street Art Palermo: Portrait of Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino
Immortalized in the heart of Palermo: Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino.
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The Best Places to Visit in SICILY in One Week

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Ma certo, one week is quite tight when it comes to a trip to Sicily, even if you limit your visit to the very best places. The island at the southern tip of mainland Italy has more to offer than you would find in many entire countries! Did you know that Sicily has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites? These excellent locations are so different that there is something for everyone. Whether it is the ancient archaeological sites in Syracuse, the artistic mosaics of the Villa Romana del Casale near Armerina, the baroque center of Noto, or the Aeolian Islands – you will be amazed!

Cattedrale metropolitana della Natività di Maria Santissima in Ortigia, Syracuse
Cattedrale metropolitana della Natività di Maria Santissima, the cathedral of Syracuse, impressively illustrates Sicily’s strongest side, namely facades bathed in golden afternoon light.

But in addition to these fantastic sites, you should, of course, also make time to laze on the beach in Taormina and enjoy a delicious aperitivo in the evening during the sunset. After all, the Dolce Vita is as much a part of Italy as pizza and pasta.
So that you don’t lose track of all these fantastic options, I have put together an itinerary for you with the best places that you should definitely visit in one week in Sicily.
If you have more time, even better – you won’t be bored for a second, believe me!

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What Not to Miss in TAORMINA, the Most Beautiful Town in Sicily

Posted onAuthorRenata Green2 Comments

Agreed, Taormina is definitely one of the most touristy places in Sicily, and this comes with all the annoyances overtourism tends to cause. This being said, no one can deny that Taormina is the most beautiful town in all of Sicily, hence, in this guide, I’m introducing the best thing not to miss when visiting this gem on the eastern coast of the island.

View of Spiaggia di Isola Bella and the Grotta Azzurra on the shore below Taormina, a place definitely not to miss when visiting this beautiful town.
View of Spiaggia di Isola Bella and the Grotta Azzurra below Taormina, the most beautiful town in Sicily.
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One Day in CATANIA, Sicily’s Building Ground of Grand Palaces

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Although often overlooked and definitely underrated, Catania is a city full of beauty, history, and, on clear days, magnificent views of Mount Etna. In particular, the palaces constructed during the Baroque period after the city was rebuilt after the devastating earthquake of 1693 reflect the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. Although there is no generally accepted exact number, there are certainly around 50 notable palaces in and around the city.

Fontana dell’Amenano in Catania.
Waterbearer at the Fontana dell’Amenano, a Baroque fountain with mythical figures created by Tito Angelini.

Apart from the famous palaces such as the Palazzo Biscari, the Palazzo degli Elefanti, and the
Palazzo Minoriti, there are numerous smaller and lesser-known ones scattered throughout the city. Many of these are privately owned and have been converted for business purposes. That’s why, even as a self-proclaimed Poverty Jetsetter, I was able to spend a restful night in a real Italian Palazzo!
More about that – and all the other marvels of Catania – in this post.

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