a travel blog by renata green
From artisanal cheese and craft beer to centuries-old cocoa traditions, the area northwest of Amsterdam is a place where every local flavor tells a story.
On a culinary journey through North Holland, I discovered some of the region’s signature specialties as well as a couple of incredible gourmet restaurants.
This Way to the Whole Story ->Zurich was one of the very first cities for which I compiled an itinerary in my 24 Hours in… series. This is because the series was born out of necessity, due to the long hours I had to waste unproductively at layover airports on flights. So why not transform them into a short mini-vacation?
Zurich, along with cities like Amsterdam, Paris, and Lisbon, is one of the airports where I most frequently change planes. Consequently, it immediately made the list.
This Way to the Whole Story ->I always try to book the cheapest flights. This often involves at least one layover, frequently lasting several hours. Hence, my many long layovers in major hub cities like Paris, London, Lisbon, and others have inspired my series 24 Hours in…. There, I offer fellow travellers suggestions on how to transform those unproductive hours into a mini-vacation.
Now, Basel’s airport isn’t one of the most frequented hubs. Nevertheless, due to the city’s location at the tripoint of Germany, France, and Switzerland in the heart of Europe, it often lies on the globetrotter’s route, especially if you travel by train or long-distance bus across the continent. And also my road trip through Europe brought me back to Basel – and enabled me to put together this 24-hour itinerary for this often underrated and overlooked art hub.
This Way to the Whole Story ->Every summer, the grounds of the historic Carlshütte iron foundry in the village of Büdelsdorf in northern Germany host one of the largest exhibitions of contemporary art in Europe. Around 200 artists from all over the world present their works in an impressive industrial setting. As in previous years, I’ll tell you everything you need to know for your visit to NordArt in 2026.
Nestled between Alpine panoramas and a vibrant urban pulse, Zurich surprises with an unexpected blend. Switzerland’s largest city is not only a financial center. It is also a place where ideas have always converged and new things were born. Emigrants, artists, and thinkers have left their mark here, a legacy that is still palpable today.
At the same time, Zurich boasts not only financial prosperity but also abundant natural wealth that is definitely not to miss. Lake Zurich shimmers in the heart of the city, and the Alps seem almost within reach. Between trendy neighborhoods, historic alleyways, and creative spaces, a city unfolds that is open, lively, and surprisingly progressive.
Basel is one of those cities that feels like it should be bigger than it is. Not in size – but in presence. Sitting right where Switzerland, France, and Germany meet, it exists in a constant cultural overlap: Swiss precision, French flair, and German structure all blending into something unexpectedly creative. Even if you spend just a weekend in Basel, you’ll quickly realize how much there is you simply shouldn’t miss – and in this post, I’m showing you the best of the best.
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city?
On a day trip from Genoa, you can visit three very different gems of the Ligurian coast by excursion boat. The cruise takes past rugged cliffs and pastel-colored villages to charming Camogli with its colorful houses and relaxed beach atmosphere. Nestled in a secluded cove, the medieval Benedictine monastery of San Fruttuoso is a sight to behold, before you end the day with an aperitivo in the luxurious haven of Portofino.
Sounds like we’re in for an absolutely memorable trip, am I right?
Just outside Genua, the Ligurian coast begins to shift and gives way to Boccadasse, Nervi, and Camogli, three perfect escapes for a day trip that lets you enjoy local culture, cuisine, and dips in translucent waters.
Just hop on one of the frequent regional trains and join me in my village-hopping in mesmerizing Liguria!
This Way to the Whole Story ->Camogli is a beach town just one hour East of Genoa, you know, one of these typical fishing villages with tall, colorful houses that make Italy so picturesque and lovable and are just the perfect destination for an amazing day trip.
Also, it’s definitely not by mistake that the bay that stretches from Genoa all the way to Portofino was named Golfo Paradiso, if you know what I mean.
Hence, let me guide you to beautiful Camogli so you can easily spend a day in paradise.
This Way to the Whole Story ->