Tag: UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

TORCELLO – a church, a bridge, and 15 residents

Posted onAuthorRenata27 Comments

If you are going on a day trip to Burano, the colorful gem in the Venetian lagoon, you should definitely spare an hour or two to cross the 150 meters to the island of Torcello. Here, a church, a bridge, and 15 permanent residents are awaiting you.

Chiesa di Santa Fosca on the island of Torcello where you can visit a church and a bridge
Chiesa di Santa Fosca on the island of Torcello.

While the islands Murano and Burano are beautiful yet still not that very different from the main island, the so-called Centro Storico, Torcello is a whole different world with very few landmarks surrounded by meadows and fields.

Enjoy the silence.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

A Day in BURANO: United Colors of Venice

Posted onAuthorRenata20 Comments

I know, I know: There is so much to explore in Venice’s Centro Storico, the historic center, that adding yet another beautiful place seems crazy. But believe me: If you set sail to spend a day on the island of Burano, you won’t regret it – since it will add some very unique colors to your visit to Venice.

Renata Green on a Day Trip to Burano from Venice
Life in bold colors.
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A Day on MURANO: It’s a Crystalline World

Posted onAuthorRenata27 Comments

Visiting Venice, you absolutely have to venture out on a day trip to discover the Crystalline World of Murano, located in the dreamy Venetian lagoon.

The Vetreria Ducale, adorned by a sign of Guerrieri pottery, and to the left the Ferro & Lazzarini glass factory. Murano Crystalline World
Some of the best places to shop for glass on Murano island: The Vetreria Ducale, adorned by a sign of Guerrieri pottery, and to the left the Ferro & Lazzarini glass factory.

Most visitors to Venice stay and explore only the Centro Storico, the historic center. However, there is a total of 120 islands in the lagoon of which only 11 are permanently inhabited. Of those islands, Murano is the third largest one – after the Centro Storico, obviously, as well as the Lido di Venezia. As a matter of fact, Murano consists of seven small islands divided by eight channels and connected by bridges.

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VENICE on a budget: when to go, where to stay, what to eat, and much more

Posted onAuthorRenata47 Comments

Venice on a budget? Is that even possible?
Agreed, visiting Venice can be pretty pricey.
After all, you find yourself at one of the world’s most unique places – and it comes with a price tag.

Italy Venice Canale Grande
Every visitor to Venice will know this sight: The Chiesa di San Simeon Piccolo across from the main train station Venezia Santa Lucia, photographed from the Ponte degli Scalzi.

However, if you follow my simple hacks, visiting Venice on a budget is easy and still very enjoyable.

This Way to the Whole Story ->

As Easy As ABC: Island Hopping Between ARUBA, BONAIRE, and CURACAO

Posted onAuthorRenata17 Comments

Turquoise waters and tropical fishes, swaying palm trees, and pink flamingos – this is what you would expect on a Caribbean island. But where do the Flemish gable houses come from? And why are locals speaking Dutch on tropical islands just north of Venezuela?
Well, the history and fusion of different cultures are surely one of a kind on the so-called ABC islands. Hence, put on some sunscreen, grab your snorkel gear, and join me in my island hopping between Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.

Couple on a jetty in Kralendijk in Bonaire, illustrating the post on Island Hopping between Aruba Bonaire, and Curacao.
Beauty in alphabetic order.
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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 which will prepare you for the unexpected and make your Morocco trip smooth and fun.

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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.

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Two Days in MEKNES – the underrated Versailles of Morocco

Posted onAuthorRenata12 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.

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