24 hours in HAMBURG

Hamburg is home to Europe’s third-largest harbor. This might give travellers – like for instance cruise ship passengers – the opportunity to explore the city on a layover. For them, I’ve put together a perfect itinerary for up to 24 hours in Hamburg.

Port of Hamburg
The iconic Landungsbrücken, Hamburg’s piers.

This very popular category on my blog is designated to transform a layover into a short extra vacation.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Best of RIGA – a Guide to Latvia’s Entrancing Capital

When it comes to tourism, Latvia is still in some kind of limbo: Certainly not an insider tip anymore, it is still far from being overrun by large tourist groups. Although Riga is a modern and forward-looking metropolis, Latvia’s capital proudly preserves its cultural identity, traditions, and melancholic charm. Connoisseurs say that the city, located on the banks of the Daugava, is the most beautiful city in the Baltics.
Hence, in this guide to Riga, I’m showing you the best Latvia’s entrancing capital has to offer.

Musicians at Ethnographic Museum in Riga, Latvia's entrancing capital
After having been ethnically oppressed for the longest time, the Latvians happily and proudly rediscovered their cultural heritage.
This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to LIMA – beyond Miraflores

Vamonos, let me guide you to Lima – beyond Miraflores and off the touristy trails.

Plaza Mayor in LIMA - beyond Miraflores
One of the more picturesque parts of Lima: Plaza Mayor – the Main Square – with a view of the Cathedral and the Palacio Arzobispal – the Archiepiscopal Palace – to its left.

Give Lima a chance to amaze you with beautiful museums, colorful markets, and great food.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

EL CALAFATE & EL CHALTEN – Argentina’s Winter Wonderland

The mountains and glaciers around El Calafate and El Chalten are an eternal winter wonderland and therefore an unmissable highlight of a trip through Patagonia.

Couple taking pictures of the Perito Moreno Glacier close to El Calafate in Patagonia, Argentina
…and this is only a fraction of the gigantic glacier Perito Moreno!
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PUERTO MADRYN – All About Whales And Wales

I included Puerto Madryn in my itinerary because it’s famous for its wildlife – however, apart from whales, it’s also known for Wales.

Patagonian Sea Lion on the Valdes Peninsula close to Puerto Madryn
Between beach days, you get to see fascinating creatures in the surroundings of Puerto Madryn.

Apart from its interesting history and amazing encounters with various species, it grants some beachfront relaxation; exactly what I needed at the end of my trip.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to HAVANA – Welcome to the Club

Let me guide you through Havana, Cuba’s capital that took many people by storm. It’s basically a hurricane of fun, sun, and salsa.

Malecon in Havana at Dawn
Synonym for Havana – the inevitable Malecon.

Well, I’m not dancing salsa. And I’m certainly not dancing salsa in Cuba where even a one-legged veteran sways way better than me.

So I’m focussing rather on the city by day.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to VINALES – Cuba ‘s Rural Paradise

Vinales, a couple of hours west of Havana, is Cuba ‘s rural paradise: Still dreamy, but not sleepy anymore. Since from Havana, most travellers pay also Viñales a visit.

Mogotes in the mist in Vinales, Cuba 's Rural Paradise
The early birds catch the worm view: To see the mogotes between the veils of mist, you have to get up early.

And most travellers are right to do so because it’s truly beautiful. Coffee and tobacco, mysterious caves, endless fields, and mist-covered mogotes. Vamonos, hop on your bike and let’s explore pastoral Vinales!

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Guide to CIENFUEGOS – the Fancy Side of Cuba

Let me guide you to Cienfuegos, a surprisingly French city right in the heart of Cuba. There is good infrastructure, charming places, strong drinks, and cool waters. Basically the fancy side of Cuba.

Parque Jose Martí in Cienfuegos
Cienfuegos’ beautiful central square is called after Jose Martí, the great Cuban writer and philosopher. There he stands waving. The blue building behind him is the Museo Provincial and on the left, the building with the big cupola, is the Palacio de Gobierno, the Governmental Palace.

Also, it’s a great gateway for many day trips to the beautiful surroundings.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

Guide to TRINIDAD – Cuba’s Colonial Fantasy

In the city of Trinidad, Cuba’s colonial fantasy comes alive. Walking the cobblestones of this architectural jewel will wrap you in a tropical reverie.

Street in Trinidad, Cuba's Colonial Fantasy
Here you have it all: The cobblestones, the colorful houses, and the indispensable oldtimer – ¡Bienvenidos en Trinidad!

However, besides Havana, Trinidad is synonymous with a Cuban vacation and therefore its own cliché. The traveller will find in an almost caricaturish way exactly what he expects. Consequently, Trinidad is a touristy epicenter and deems a bit void’n’shallow.

This Way to the Whole Story ->