There is only 3 km between the isle of Sicily and the mainland Italy but Sicily is nowhere near to the rest of the country. There are no well-maintained tourist attractions, no pristine streets here. Instead there is an exquisite cuisine, scorching sun, lively and chaotic street markets and people distinctly more relaxed than in any other part of Italy. There is something a bit raw, at times murky but so real and seductively beautiful that the only option you are given to is to succumb to its charms.
Of all of the walls built so far in the human history this is probably the Greatest. It is said that Great Wall of China can be even visible from the space. Do not read the next sentence. It might completely shatter your illusion and perception of the world. The Great Wall of China is NOT visible from the space.
It is said that Greenland got its name from Erick the Red – who was exiled from Iceland as a punishment for the committed murders. He searched for a land where he could settle and he found it. He called it “Greenland” and painted as a wonderful lush place in the hope that it would attract some more settlers.
Fresh grilled fish, a bottle of frosty San Miguel, the juicy sweetness of mangoes and pineapples, stunning gold beaches, virgin islands, limestone cliffs and happy to go lucky Filipinos. There is an island here (precisely 7641 islands to choose between) that suits everyone’s taste and there is something here everyone would love.
Chamonix is one of the most alluring places for mountaineers, skiers, snowboarders in the world. The dramatic mountains entice more and more to ride the steep faces, or simply get to the top and feel the liberating void. It is simply a winter wonderland but even outside of the snowy season you will find here plenty of activities/sights that can fill your itinerary with excitment and awe.
There is something about London that everyone loves . It is probably not the weather as it is notoriously rainy and foggy. London is a collision of a bunch of different cultures. Diversity infuses creative thinking, flavours, music, fashion. It is like hundreds of countries are trapped in one city. Perhaps then, this is it. Everyone can find in London a bit of themselves and discover something new. That is why we love London.
With its picturesque riverside, cobblestone lanes, magnificent Gothic cathedral, and plentiful of green space and atmospheric little restaurants, cafés and bars which at the dusk, fill to the brim, it is impossible to question the omnipresent magic of this place. You can feel the beating heart of France in Metz more than anywhere else.
As the sun slowly sink beneath the horizon, and the sky garnishes with fiery red, crimson and amber, the clearness of the atmosphere, the mellowness of light, and all-encompassing serenity become even more intense. Among the darted cypress trees at Castel San Pietro the dusk brings a completely new perspective.
The brilliance of the colours is brushing the young loving couples. They are sitting on the low wall gazing at each other with misty eyes. The young face is cradling into the curve of the velvetly soft neck, while the other is placing gentle kisses on the unshaven chin and cheeks of the lover.
While big flocks of people from all over the world who come to the city to live a bit of fantasy and romance, crowd around the Juliet’s balcony (Casa di Giulietta) there is a real love and romance happening here and just in front of your eyes.
Castel San Pietro is a corner of peace and quiet with spectacular views of Verona just a few steps from the city centre. You can reach San Pietro hill by car, funicular (2 EUR return ticket) or through a stairway situated just right in front of Ponte Pietra. This is a very special place in Verona. Come here at sunset and live your own romance.
The city of Verona was made famous by Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers. Many come here to rub Juliet's bronze breast, hoping to get lucky in love, but end up falling not for a person but smitten with love for this admittedly romantic city.
From the city's lively heart, Piazza delle Erbe, and the Castelvecchio (Old Castle) with its fortified bridge to the beautiful Cathedral of Verona and San Zeno Church, Verona simply amazes. Due to impressive historic buildings and major role in the days of Roman Empire, Verona is quite often reffered as a 'little Rome' and one cannot argue. It has its charm.
Piazza delle Erbe is probably the most bustling square in Verona. People have gathered here since Roman times, when this was a forum. Today, everyday there is a small street market held here. You can buy all kinds of stuff, (from the high value down to chinese plastic trinkets to fresh fruits and herbs). In the eveinings young Veronans fill the bars and enjoy the refreshing aperitivo and snacks. You know what they say? When in Rome, do like Romans do, so grab a glass of aperol spritz in one of the many bars and add some extra joy to the moment in Verona.
Pss. Hungry? Looing for non-touristy local cusine experience? Head to Locanda degli Scaligeri & Il Punto Rosa Hosteria.
Accommodating 20,000 - Arena di Verona - is the natural historic backdrop for the spectacular musical productions. The well-preserved amphitheater is the third largest in Roman world. There is a summer opera festival place held in Verona every year. The festival that cannot be missed.
Whether you are an opera lover or not, you should experience an unique opera tradition in Italy. La Traviata, Carmen, Aida? Performances usually begin at sundown in the Verona Arena, and when the opera begings the audience lights up the night with small candles.
If Venice has Prosecco, and Rome has Frascati, then Verona has it all and even more. Verona is a host of the world’s largest and prestgious wine expo - Vinitaly. It takes place every April and features wines and vineyards from all corners of the country Wine, food, music & enterainment, the magic of the city itself, what more you could ask for?
Each year around 8th December artists and approx. 3 million of visitors from all over the world come to Lyon – the capital city of french cuisine and for our nights the city lights up and transforms into a magical show where the historic buildings, streets, squares and parks are the background of the spectacular display of lights and colours.
The festival of lights has been an integral part of the city since 1852 when the residents of Lyon placed candles in coloured glasses on their window sills to celebrate the installation of a statue of the Virgin Mary on the Fourvière Hill. Even today, the tradition is still cultivated but the city with its appox. 20 million EUR budget for the La Fête and the assistance of the best world class artists, film-makers, designers, plastic artists and lighting technicians, makes it a memorable fest for the eyes and some sort of an extra-terrestrial fairy tale experience worth awaiting the remaining 361 days.
When in Lyon, not only spoil your eyes with the sights but indulge yourself and taste the traditional Lyonnais cuisine and visit one of its “bouchons”. Among the more distinctive Lyonnais specialties are “Andouillettes” (a type of sausage made from tripe), “Coq au vin,” “foie gras,” and “Lyonnaise potatoes” (pan-fried sliced potatoes). Grand Café des Negotiants – a brasserie and dessert place with rich and colourful décor and Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse (AOC) should be definitely added to your must-see places.
The scent of free floating omnipresent arrogance and the sound of reverberating superior silence. This is how it feels to be in France [read: do not expect overfriendliness]. But there is one place in this country that has ability to transport you to a completely different dimension. Rising dramatically but proudly from the sea or towering over the sands unveiled by the receding tide, insanely looking Le Mont Saint Michel.
This rocky island or rather a medieval city on the rock is located off the coast of Normandy. More often than not, this place is actually abominably jammed (stormed every year by approx. 2,5 millions visitors) and its medieval stone, wobbly alleys and pathways are covered with trinkets. But as dusk falls, Le Mont restores its magic, charm ad intimate vibe.
What actually makes this place so phenomenal is the fact that the bay around Mont St-Michel has Europe’s highest tidal variations. There can be a difference of 15 meters (50 feet) between low and high tide. The Mont is only completely surrounded by the sea every month or two [in 2018 - 18 days].
There is also a “divine factor” associated with this place. Legend has it, the Archangel Michel appeared to St. Aubert telling him to build a church on Mont Saint-Michel and the 11th century Romanesque Abbey Church perched at the top of Mont, along with monastery, building and cloisters is now like a cherry on the cake.
To truly appreciate Le Mont St-Michel, come here off-season and stay overnight on the island in one of the hotels inside the walls or in the village outside the walls. (Warning: It is really not cheap but totally worth it). Do not be a tourist, do not tick off another box, take your time and contemplate this place.
Hassle-free, comfortable tropic holidays, beautiful beaches with soft golden sand, five-star luxury accommodation, the fortnight dreamscape you have been waiting for months. This is how society tells us we need to live and travel industry we need to spend our holidays. But traveling is much more than soaking up the sun, smiley face holidays' picks and ticking off boxes and saying you were there.
Traveling is all about changing perspective, challenging yourself to do things you would never expect you are capable of doing, witnessing and soaking into different cultures, and ways of living and enjoying the magic of single moments and people who you meet on the way, people who can even change who you are and make you go in a new direction. Traveling by its nature entails some sort of discomfort (mental challenge, stress, physical pain), sometimes it really damn hurts. Traveling and true living is not about touching a surface, it is peeling off another layers. It is not following the crowd and choosing what is well known, what is always easy and comfortable...
When you are traveling, every day matters. Do not just dream (everyone does that), simply act, do, go, grab moments because time is something you will never get back. Here they come, weekend inspirations. Two days isn’t a lot of time, but two days somewhere is better than no days anywhere. Even a weekend can be a fascinating adventure. Have you ever thought that you can just get on a train and go to Le Mont Saint Michel in Normandy (France), just for the weekend? How does the famous "omelette de La Mère Poulard" taste and why the hell there are so many people visiting this place?
