Tag: EUROPE

24 hours in PARIS

Posted onAuthorRenata Green13 Comments

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.

Eiffel Tower seen from Trocadero. 24 hours in Paris
Trocadéro is the ideal spot to get grand views of the Eiffel Tower.

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 ->

PARIS for Free!

Posted onAuthorRenata6 Comments

In my last post on Paris, I introduced the Paris Museum Pass*, which makes every culture vulture’s stay in the self-proclaimed city of light smoother and, most importantly, far cheaper.
While that’s already pretty great, it actually gets even better: There are tons of fantastic things to see in Paris for free! Whether inspiring museums, amazing views, lush parks and gardens, the old saying that the best things in life Paris are free is absolutely right!
So leave your wallet at home and let’s explore Paris completely free of charge.

Eiffel Tower and a Carousel in Paris. Paris for free.
You can make Paris your playground without breaking the bank.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

What Not to Miss in PARIS: 20 Must-Dos, Not Only for First-Timers

Posted onAuthorRenataLeave a comment

Paris is the city of light, love, and unmatched charm! No matter if it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, the French capital never fails to enchant. Whether it’s the elegant boulevards or authentic quartiers, the leafy parks or world-famous museums: Paris blends effortlessly beauty, history, culture, and style.
But where to start and what to see?
Fear you not, as in this guide, I put together all the must-dos during your stay in Paris, no matter if you’re one of the lucky first-timers or a hooked regular. This way, you will soak in the essence of the city from the very moment you arrive.

Panoramic View of Paris.
This view never gets old.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

From Dresden to Moritzburg Castle: A Day Trip into Saxony’s Royal Past

Posted onAuthorRenata GreenLeave a comment

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.

Moritzburg Castle.
The magnificent entrance to the castle complex of Moritzburg.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

An Unforgettable Weekend in MEISSEN, the Hidden Gem of Saxony

Posted onAuthorRenata GreenLeave a comment

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!

Albrechtsburg seen on a Weekend in Meissen in Saxony.
Night slowly falls on the Albrechtsburg, Germany’s oldest castle complex.

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 ->

A Day Trip from Dresden into the Elbe Wine Region, Germany’s Easternmost Vineyards

Posted onAuthorRenata Green2 Comments

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.

Seusslitz Castle in the Elbe Wine Region.
Seusslitz Castle is only one of many majestic structures in the Elbe Wine Region.

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 ->

Baroque Splendor And River Romance: The Must-Sees of DRESDEN

Posted onAuthorRenata GreenLeave a comment

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.

View of the main square in Dresden.
View of the majestic Neumarkt.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

La Vie en Rose: How Vilnius Celebrates Soup with Exuberance

Posted onAuthorRenataLeave a comment

There is Mother’s Day and there is Father’s Day. There is Independence Day and there is Groundhog Day. Every day of the year, something or someone is being celebrated.
And then there is soup.
Not as a snack enjoyed during those celebrations.
No, soup is actually the main character of a debauchery that the city of Vilnius celebrates as a kickstart into summer.
Not just any soup, obviously. It’s Šaltibarščiai, the traditional pink soup that gets its color from its two main ingredients, kefir and red beet. For Lithuanians, it’s not just a refreshing dish, it’s a vibrant symbol of the country’s rich heritage, pride, and most importantly, pink joy in every bowl.
La Vie en Rose!

Girl playing the piano in Vilnius.
Pink Soup Fest transforms the city of Vilnius into a pink wonderland.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Best And Most Beautiful Coffee Houses in Vilnius

Posted onAuthorRenata2 Comments

While I love city breaks, I’m always completely exhausted afterwards. I have a severe case of FOMO, which is constantly triggered by the big city lights, its seductive museums, its tempting architectural gems, and other tantalizations.
Food? I can eat later; after all, I had breakfast just a couple of hours ago.
Drink? Fine, but only a sip on the go so I don’t become completely dehydrated.
Plus, this ascetic way of visiting saves me from time-consuming trips to the bathroom.
Two birds with one stone.
Fortunately, there are also cities like Vilnius where leisure’n’pleasure are an important part of the culture, allowing me to both fulfill my mission as a self-proclaimed city scout and at the same time pamper myself and relax. This brings me to Vilnius’ rich coffee house culture. It needed to be explored. Someone had to do the job, so I sacrificed myself and can introduce you now to the best and most beautiful coffee houses in all of Vilnius.

Poniu Laime, one of the best Cafés in Vilnius.
Poniu Laime is probably the only Café that’s at least as popular for its decoration as for its treats.
This Way to the Whole Story ->