Tag: Hikes

Enchanting COTSWOLDS: Self-Guided Day Tour by Public Bus

Posted onAuthorRenataLeave a comment

Nestled in south-central England, the picturesque Cotswolds are the epitome of the British countryside with charming villages surrounded by rolling hills and endless meadows. The Cotswolds are often described as the Heart of England. As they stretch across several counties, covering an area of approximately 800 square miles, England certainly has a big, big heart.
And while the Cotswolds are considered a British dream destination, and many tour operators charge an arm and a leg for a day tour, in this post I’ll show you how easy it is to visit five of the most idyllic villages – self-guided and for very little money, simply by public bus. All you need is sturdy shoes – and a raincoat, too, because you never know, after all, this is England.

17th-century almshouses in Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds that you can visit selfguided by public bus.
The 17th-century almshouses in Chipping Norton are just one of many architectural jewels around the mesmerizing Cotswolds.
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 ->

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

Posted onAuthorRenata GreenLeave a comment

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.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

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.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

SPAIN – A Complete Travel Guide

Posted onAuthorRenata41 Comments

In this complete travel guide to Spain, I’m supplying you with all the basic information as well as some tips and hacks that will make your travel to the eastern part of the Iberian Peninsula smoother and therefore even more enjoyable.

Flamenco Dancer in Granada - introduced in a Complete Travel Guide to Spain
Pride and passion: A beautiful flamenco dancer in Granada.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

FAIAL – the Most Beautiful Island of the Azores

Posted onAuthorRenata Green4 Comments

Our ferry slowly glided just off the coast of Faial’s capital Horta. Behind the marina, which was densely packed with sailing yachts, I spotted lavish townhouses and whitewashed church buildings in the Manueline style typical of the Azores stacked in rows up a slightly climbing hill. The place exuded elegance and noble serenity. Actually, already at first sight, Faial seemed to be the most beautiful island among the Azores.

View of Horta on Faial, the most beautiful island of the Azores
View of Horta, Faial’s main town, across the small murals yachtsmen from all over the world left behind.

And indeed, Faial is a stunning blend of volcanic landscapes, lush greenery, and striking ocean views. Known as the Blue Island for its hydrangea-lined roads, Faial is a paradise for sailors and adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking serene sophistication.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

ISLAND HOPPING in the AZORES

Posted onAuthorRenata GreenLeave a comment

Two handfuls of volcanic rocks in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, far from basically everywhere: Although the Azores belong politically to Portugal, it takes more time and money to get there. This is one of the reasons why the Azores, despite their mesmerizing beauty, are still a rather hidden gem when it comes to tourism. However, for me, that was a perfect reason to check out for myself if you can rightly call the Azores the Hawaii of Europe.
In this post, I’m telling you all about my formidable island hopping and if I found the famous Azores High.

The crater lakes of Sete Cidades in Sao Miguel, the largest island of the Azores.
The iconic crater lakes of Sete Cidades in São Miguel, the largest island of the Azores.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

What Not to Miss in TERCEIRA, the Azore Island of History and Grace

Posted onAuthorRenata GreenLeave a comment

Nomen est Omen: Terceira translates to third in Portuguese, and in fact, the second-largest island of the Azores was the third to be discovered in the early 15th century. Terceira belongs to the central group of the Azores and impresses with its breathtaking landscape, beautiful sandy beaches, and the mesmerizing town of Angra do Heroismo, which UNESCO has crowned as one of the World Heritage Sites. Hence, whether you’re an enthusiastic hiker, a lazy beach bum, or a history buff – Terceira unites all of the best things you don’t want to miss when visiting the Azores.

Rua de Jesus in Praia da Vitoria on Terceira Island in the Azores
The beautifully tiled Rua de Jesus is lined with colorful houses like something out of a Lego construction set.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

SAO JORGE – the Best Viewpoints of the Azores

Posted onAuthorRenata Green2 Comments

The extremely elongated island of São Jorge is one of the less touristy islands of the Azores, but it offers, among other things, amazing viewpoints of the surrounding islands.

View of Pico and Faial from Sao Jorge, the Viewpoint of the Azores
Look closely, there are a total of three islands in this picture: On the left, the tip of Pico on the island of the same name peeks out between the clouds. On the horizon, you can guess Faial more than you can actually see it. And at your feet is Velas, the capital of the island of São Jorge.
This Way to the Whole Story ->