Tag: UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

A Fantastical Visit to the Imperial Cities of Morocco

Posted onAuthorRenata6 Comments

The four cities Fez, Marrakech, Meknes, and Rabat, are the so-called imperial cities of the Kingdom of Morocco. They have in common that at some point in Morocco’s history, each of them used to be the capital of the country, as it was ruled by powerful dynasties.
The respective rulers designed’n’developed their capital so magnificently that to this date, a visit to the imperial cities is an absolute must when travelling to Morocco.

Guard on a horse in Rabat, one of the Imperial Cities of Morocco that everyone should pay a visit. #rabat #fes #fez #meknes #marrakech #imperialcity #royalcity #morocco #maghreb #africa #northafrica #femalesolotravel #byemyself
Back on the horse for King and Country.

I’ve put together individual posts on each of Morocco’s imperial cities, you’ll find the links at the end of this post. In those guides, I’m taking you to the most iconic spots. Also, you’ll get tons of information and tips that will prepare you for the unexpected and make your Morocco trip smooth and fun.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Three Days in Mystic MARRAKECH – How to Get Lost Without Losing It

Posted onAuthorRenata10 Comments

Travelling to Marrakech? Getting a bit nervous? I don’t blame you! Although I’m an avid female solo traveller, the idea of spending three days by myself in mystic and mysterious Marrakech was simply petrifying. I saw myself wandering mindlessly through narrow alleys, lost between snake charmers and tourist enticers, entangled in 1001 pushy sales pitches, never finding my way back to my Riad.

Water bearer in mystic Marrakech
Of course, these guys aren’t selling water nowadays. But they are selling illusions. Actually, pretty suiting for a place like the enigmatic Jemaa el-Fnaa.

And although Marrakech was actually everything I expected – and even so much more – it did not intimidate let alone scare me. Yes, there were charmers – aiming at snakes and at tourists. But neither were the sellers as pushy as expected nor the alleys as confusing as feared. Did I get lost? Yes, but there was definitely no reason for losing it.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

RABAT – two days in the grand capital of Morocco

Posted onAuthorRenata18 Comments

Just like to everyone’s surprise Rio de Janeiro is not the capital of Brazil, Sydney isn’t the capital of Australia, and Zurich isn’t the capital of Switzerland, hardly anyone would expect the rather unknown’n’underrated city of Rabat to be the capital of mesmerizing Morocco.
Places like Marrakech or Casablanca are internationally far more famous, after all.

View of the Kasbah of the Udayas in Rabat, today's capital and on of the imperial cities in Morocco
View of the famous Kasbah of the Udayas in Rabat.

Therefore let me guide you in this comprehensive post on Rabat to the most spectacular spots and landmarks that you can comfortably visit in just two days in the grand capital city of Morocco.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Two Days in MEKNES – the underrated Versailles of Morocco

Posted onAuthorRenata19 Comments

As many visitors to Morocco pay Meknes, supposedly the country’s Versailles, just a short visit on a day trip – or even skip it altogether – the charming city is much more serene and authentic than her big sisters Fez, Marrakech, and Rabat.

Man on a bike in Meknes, the Versailles of Morocco
Mesmerizing Meknes can be explored by various means of transportation, obviously.

Conveniently located between Rabat and Fez, Meknes is a perfect retreat for those who need a break from the hustle’n’bustle and still want a truly Moroccan experience. Ideally, you should spend not only a day, but at least one night in Meknes to truly enjoy its laid-back oriental vibe.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to SIGIRIYA and a day trip to DAMBULLA

Posted onAuthorRenata GreenLeave a comment

Another day, another place, another homestay:
Here comes a guide to Sigiriya, home of the famous Lion Rock, from where you can go on a quick day trip to Dambulla to see the beautiful cave temples.

Climbing the Lion Rock in Sigiriya before a daytrip to Dambulla
If you really need assistance climbing up, there are many young men willing to help you for a tip.

Sigiriya is probably the most famous and iconic landmark in Sri Lanka, and while it is also a town, it mainly consists of small houses scattered in a jungle-ish area.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to MALACCA, Malaysia’s Oldest Settlement

Posted onAuthorRenata Green12 Comments

So here comes a guide to Malacca, Malaysia’s oldest settlement on the Straits of Malacca. Therefore, it is heavily reflecting the country’s ever-changing history.

Chinese Row Houses in Malacca
Colonial Chinese Shop Houses.

Finally, in 2008, the city made it to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For an obvious reason: The city is culturally and culinarily a true treasure box.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

50 Most Beautiful Palaces in Venice

Posted onAuthorRenata18 Comments

On its barely 415 square kilometers, there are about 200 magnificent palaces at the Centro Storico of Venice. In this post, I’m navigating you to the 50 most beautiful ones.

Canale Grande in Venice lined with Palaces
The mighty Canale Grande is lined with nothing but mesmerizing palazzi.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

How to Visit the Biennale di Arte in Venice in 2022

Posted onAuthorRenata27 Comments

After having been on a travel diet for over two years, you cannot imagine how thrilled I am that life is getting back to some kind of normal. Not only can I easily travel to Venice – I was even able to visit the mega art event Biennale di Arte in 2022.

How to visit Biennale Venice 2022: Entrance to the main venue Giardini.
Who’s Exploiting Who in the Deep Sea? is the title of the exhibition of funny creatures created by the German conceptual artist Cosima von Bonin. While a rock band made of fish plays on the roof of the main pavilion, two seashells are rocking on a swing and a crab has made itself comfortable in a cement mixer. So, have fun at the 59th Biennial!

Wanna enjoy it, too? In this post, I show you how. So put on your most comfortable shoes and follow my lead.

This Way to the Whole Story ->