Tag: UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE

FRANCE: An Easy Circle Trip to the Five Best Cities to Visit in Provence

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I’m well aware that the French Provence region is rather famous for picturesque villages and endless lavender fields. Well, you won’t find either in this post. I just can’t help it: I’m a big city gal, and therefore, on my first trip to this part of the south of France, I decided to visit five of the best cities the Provence has to offer. In Nîmes, I hunted for street art, and I traced the work of Vincent van Gogh in Arles. I danced sur le pont d’Avignon and enjoyed the much-underrated city of Aix-en-Provence. Finally, I explored the mother of all port cities, Marseille.

Windows in Marseille
I’d argue that Marseille is one of the most authentic cities in Europe.

No, I didn’t get to see any lavender, however, I saw amazing old and new works of art and fantastic architecture. I strolled through alleys, sat in squares, and took it all in. The sound of the sea and the calls of the fishmongers rang in my ears. I was in a French land of milk and honey wine and bouillabaisse.
I had a fantastic time and I’ll be certainly back. And then, I’ll also go check out the lavender.

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Two Days in MARSEILLE – What Not to Miss in the Belly of France

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Marseille is a port city that has been around for a while. In fact, it is the oldest city in France and has always been a major hub for immigration and sea trade. Consequently, its heart is the Vieux-Port where fishmongers sell their catch fresh off the boat to this date.
For me, Marseille has always been a myth, a place of longing. Marseille awakens wanderlust, yet at the same time, it makes you homesick.
Marseille is a city full of contrasts and contradictions.
In this post, I show you what not to miss in two days in Marseille.

Old Harbour of Marseille
My heart will go on: View of Marseille’s old harbor.
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What Not to Miss in AVIGNON in One Day – Apart from Dancing on Bridges

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I’d argue that the bridge in Avignon that everyone had to at least verbally dance on is the most famous overpass in the entire world. Show me one child who did not mumble something that sounded more or less like sir ly pong davynong already in kindergarten. Later, you probably had to translate in your French class that everyone is dancing on that stupid bridge. Only, if you were to actually dance across it, you’d end up in the Rhône river! This bridge is broken and only a part is walkable; or danceable, if you prefer.
Anyway, this is not the only surprise the majestic city of Avignon has in store.
So put on your dancing shoes and let’s see what not to miss when visiting Avignon – even if it’s for just one day.

Not to Miss When Spending One Day in Avignon: Palais des Papes
Looking down on Avignon from the majestic Palais des Papes.
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One Day in NÎMES – What Not to Miss in the Most Roman City of France

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Nîmes is said to be the most Roman city outside Italy. In fact, the city’s rich history dates back to the Roman Empire. It still boasts amazing antique monuments such as the Amphitheater of Nîmes and the so-called Maison Carrée.
Yet, on the outskirts of the historic center, you also find some truly remarkable urban art. In addition, you absolutely need to try some of Nîmes’ culinary gems like Brandade, a popular cod gratin, and my personal favorite, the Pâté Nîmois, stuffed puff pastry.
Do you want a glass of regional wine with it?
You know what, let me just quickly put into writing for you what absolutely not to miss when in Nîmes, even if you’re in town for just one day.

One Day Nîmes Not Miss: Roman Amphitheatre in Nimes
The people of Nimes really take good care of things: The city’s Roman Amphitheatre is the best-preserved one worldwide!
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CAPE VERDE – a guide to five amazing islands

Posted onAuthorRenata Green72 Comments

Cape Verde – a group of amazing islands scattered in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa.

Fishermen pulling boat on shore in Tarrafal, Cape Verde
Fishermen pulling boat ashore in Tarrafal.

I get asked quite often which was my best trip and which has been my favorite country so far. How can I possibly answer such a question? How can I compare let’s say Italy to Vietnam?
Well, the pizza is tastier and the language is prettier in Italy.
Then again, the Buddhist temples are bigger, and the variety at farmers’ markets is more abundant in Vietnam.
Got the point? How could I ever compare?
Fortunately, I don’t have to.

But if someone pointed a gun to my head and made me choose, I would say Cape Verde. Cape Verde, with its beauty, charm, and incredible variety, is the secret star on my personal globe.

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Guide to BRAVA, Cape Verde ‘s blooming little island

Posted onAuthorRenata Green47 Comments

They say that Brava is the most beautiful of the Cape Verde islands.

View of the ocean from the island of Brava, Cape Verde
View of the ocean from the island of Brava, Cape Verde.

Actually, it’s a cute, small jewel in the middle of the ocean encircled by tiny islets. You can hike around the island in just a couple of hours. There are colorfully painted buildings, surrounded by pretty flowers…and pure serenity. 

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Guide to SANTIAGO – Cape Verde ‘s Main Island

Posted onAuthorRenata Green25 Comments

Cape Verde is often described as Africa light – and its main island Santiago, which I’m introducing in this comprehensive guide, is culturally closest to the African continent.

Men overlooking the Bay at the city of Praia on the island of Santiago, Cape Verde
Overlooking the Praia Negra in Cape Verde’s capital Praia.

Nevertheless, many places on the archipelago of Cape Verde will rather remind you of the Canary Islands than of an African country. Hence, although Cape Verde’s capital Praia is the most African city of them all, it has a familiar feel to it – with a dash of Caribbean vibes.

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One Day in ARLES – What Not to Miss in Vincent’s Picture-Perfect City

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Already Vincent van Gogh knew it: Arles is one of the most worth-seeing cities in the French Provence region. In 1888, the warm light attracted Vincent to the city where he then created some of his most famous paintings.
Other travellers are attracted to Arles by the numerous relics of Roman antiquity and evidence of the Middle Ages.
Personally, I always appreciate the mix: Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Add some delicious food and a glass of good wine: Life in Arles is a feast for all the senses.
In this post, I have summarized for you what you definitely should not miss, even if you only come to Arles for one day.

Amphitheater of Arles
View of Arles’ Roman treasures.
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BERLIN guide: get the most for less on bus 100

Posted onAuthorRenata Green35 Comments

Who needs an expensive hop-on hop-off bus? Follow my guide to Berlin and you’ll get to see most for less by taking the city bus 100.

Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, seen from the Pariser Platz
Pariser Platz on the Eastern side of the Brandenburger Tor – where the gate used to divide East and West Germany. Today it’s the busiest tourist spot in all of Berlin.

In conclusion, all you need is a cheap WelcomeCard that allows you to explore Germany’s capital on your own. Oh, and of course this guide.

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24 hours in VIENNA

Posted onAuthorRenata Green50 Comments

On my last flight to Vienna, I was surprised how many passengers were on their way to farther destinations, hence, only on a stopover in Austria’s mesmerizing capital. Therefore, I think it’s definitely time for an itinerary for up to 24 hours in yet another memorable metropolis in Central Europe.

24 hous in Vienna: Horse carriage
Although Vienna has a great public transport network, there are still countless horse-drawn carriages around the city.

After having already published a comprehensive guide to Vienna, below are my top tips for what not to miss in this city bursting with cultural treasures. Generally, it’s meant as an itinerary for just a layover or a short stop on a road trip through Europe. Mind you, the small country of Austria neighbors eight countries, after all!

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