Tag: Rivers

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

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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!

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

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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.
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24 hours in BORDEAUX

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Are you heading to the Atlantic coast to take on those giant waves? Or do you want to enjoy an extensive wine tasting in the vineyards and chateaux around Saint-Émilion? Whatever the reason for your visit to this region of France, you’ll hardly be able to avoid at least a pit stop in the proverbial Pearl of the Southwest. I’m talking, of course, about Bordeaux, the charming wine capital of France. And that’s a good thing, because the city is definitely worth a visit, and with my guide for up to 24 hours, you’ll be able to make the most of Bordeaux.

Carousel seen during 24 hours in Bordeaux.
The retro charm of the old carousel blends enchantingly with the exquisite facades of Bordeaux’s magnificent buildings.

Normally, I would foresee at least two to three days in Bordeaux, even more if you really want to immerse yourself in the French savoir-vivre with leisurely strolls through the picturesque streets and plenty of breaks in cozy cafés. But sometimes, time is limited. Even more so, it should be used to its full potential, and below, you’ll find a perfectly designed itinerary.

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BORDEAUX: Best Street Art on the Right Bank of the Garonne

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After having introduced in my post BORDEAUX: Best Street Art on the Left Bank of the Garonne the best murals you’ll spot around the city’s historic old town, here is the best street art you’ll find alongside the right bank of the river Garonne.

Portrait by MAS.ONER decorating the facade of the Gymnase Thiers in the Bastide neighborhood on the right bank of the river Garonne.
Portrait by MAS.ONER decorating the facade of the Gymnase Thiers in the Bastide neighborhood on the right bank of the river Garonne.
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BORDEAUX: Best Street Art on the Left Bank of the Garonne

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Due to French centralism, Bordeaux has always been overshadowed by Paris. In my opinion, quite unjustly. France’s most important wine-producing city is a true treasure trove, and not just architecturally. In recent years, many dilapidated neighborhoods and the former quays along the Garonne River have been renovated and spruced up. Subversive art also flourishes on the city’s walls. In this post, I’ll take you on a tour to explore the best street art Bordeaux has to offer alongside the left bank of the river Garonne.

Mural by Jean Rooble introduced as the best street art in Bordeaux on the left bank of the Garonne.
“We must accept each other’s personality and sexuality without judgment, and stop viewing differences as a danger or deviance. I played with the balance and symbolism of colors and with gender codes by using certain caricatured images to challenge stereotypes”, explains street artist Jean Rooble about his work, which is one part of his diptych called Gender Equality.
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What Not to Miss in BORDEAUX, the Charming Wine Capital of France

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It all began with a student exchange ages ago. Since then, I’ve probably visited Bordeaux more often than any other city, not just in France but in the entire world. While on my early visits, I focused more on the café culture, the clubs, and the laid-back charm of southwestern France, only now, in my advanced years, am I discovering the cultural treasures that no visitor should miss when visiting Bordeaux.
Therefore, I’m delighted that you’re joining me on this rediscovery of a city that has been so dear to my heart for such a long time!

Place des Grands Hommes in Bordeaux
The Place des Grands Hommes is one of the city’s many squares that combine history, beauty, and the legendary French savoir-vivre, the art of living your best life.
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24 hours in PRAGUE

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Did you know that there are five international airports in the Czech Republic? No? Me neither. Obviously, despite the other four, the busiest hub by far is the Václav Havel Airport, located 15 kilometers west of Prague’s city center. And even though this airport isn’t one of Europe’s most important hubs, you may well find yourself having a layover there.
Actually, that’s what happened to me on my way from Dubrovnik to Hamburg, for example.
Or perhaps you want to visit one of the beautiful towns in the Czech Republic, like, for instance, Děčín. If you land in Prague, you might want to spare a few hours or even a night to explore the city.
Whatever the reason for your short stay might be, my post 24 hours in Prague will help you make the most of it!

Musicians on the Charles Bridge in Prague
No matter how short your stay in Prague actually is, a stroll across the legendary Charles Bridge is a must!
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Three Days In Prague – For First-Timers And Repeat Visitors

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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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A Weekend in DECIN – the Gateway to the Bohemian Switzerland

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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 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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