a travel blog by renata green
What a treat to see Noto, Sicily’s Baroque Town, on a day trip! This architectural gem dazzles with honey-colored limestone buildings that glow at sunset, making every corner feel like a masterpiece. Stroll up and down picturesque streets lined with stunning palaces and churches. Make time to enjoy delicious caffè, artisan gelato, and Sicilian charm. With beauty at every turn, Noto promises an unforgettable day of history and magnificence.
One of the most memorable things I did on my recent trip to Sicily was an extraordinary journey through the island’s rich history on an excursion to two of its most iconic treasures. In fact, a day trip to the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and La Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina perfectly blends Greek grandeur and Roman elegance.
So, step back in time to ancient Greece as you wander through the valley that’s home to some of the most well-preserved Doric temples in the world. Set against a stunning backdrop of rolling hills and olive groves, it’s a feast for the eyes and the spirit. Eventually, immerse yourself in the luxurious world of Roman aristocracy by exploring the opulent Roman villa, famed for its astonishing mosaics. From the colorful Bikini Girls to the intricate Hunting Scenes, in this mansion, every room is a masterpiece brimming with vivid storytelling and unparalleled artistry.
This Way to the Whole Story ->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 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.
Venice is magic, without a doubt: The canals, the bridges, the palazzi, the gondolas – I could go on and on. Nevertheless, a visit to Venice can also be very stressful: The tourist masses, the pushing, the shoving, the lines, the heat. Therefore, especially if you are in Venice for more than just two or three days, you should treat yourself to a day trip to the beaches of the Lido di Venezia.
Break away from Venice and hop on the vaporatto that rushes you to the Lido di Venezia in about half an hour’s time. Here, you’ll enter a world of serenity and the flair of a Mediterranean beach resort.
This Way to the Whole Story ->If you are going on a day trip to Burano, the colorful gem in the Venetian lagoon, you should definitely spare an hour or two to cross the 150 meters to the island of Torcello. Here, a church, a bridge, and 15 permanent residents are awaiting you.
While the islands Murano and Burano are beautiful yet still not that very different from the main island, the so-called Centro Storico, Torcello is a whole different world with very few landmarks surrounded by meadows and fields.
Enjoy the silence.
This Way to the Whole Story ->I know, I know: There is so much to explore in Venice’s Centro Storico, the historic center, that adding yet another beautiful place seems crazy. But believe me: If you set sail to spend a day on the island of Burano, you won’t regret it – since it will add some very unique colors to your visit to Venice.
Visiting Venice, you absolutely have to venture out on a day trip to discover the Crystalline World of Murano, located in the dreamy Venetian lagoon.
Most visitors to Venice stay and explore only the Centro Storico, the historic center. However, there is a total of 120 islands in the lagoon of which only 11 are permanently inhabited. Of those islands, Murano is the third largest one – after the Centro Storico, obviously, as well as the Lido di Venezia. As a matter of fact, Murano consists of seven small islands divided by eight channels and connected by bridges.
This Way to the Whole Story ->The Cinque Terre, connected by the world’s most picturesque hiking trails, are built on terraces above the deep blue Ligurian sea.
Gimme five! High five! Scattered way up high on the steep hills of the Ligurian coast are many small, picturesque villages. Yet, only Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare became world-famous for their scenic views and overwhelming beauty. In 1997, they made it to the list of Unesco World Heritage Sites – along with Porto Venere and the islands of Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto.
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