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Colónia de Sant Jordi – Sand and sun at the southern tip of Mallorca

PatrickJullien
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Colónia de Sant Jordi – Sand and sun at the southern tip of Mallorca

The further south you drive in the east of Mallorca, the drier the wide and flat country becomes. But numerous fjords with picturesque bays invite you to take a fabulous break by the almost Caribbean turquoise sea. This is where Colónia de Sant Jordi is located. The “colony” – a holiday resort with a pretty marina – is surrounded by beautiful beaches. With its wide coves, Colónia de Sant Jordi is the ideal place for beach enthusiasts.

Now that you’ve really got into the mood, you want to float forever through the lonely landscapes of the south. Here, Mallorca is still a bit as it once was. Even the sun seems to shine a little brighter here than elsewhere – and that’s not just because of the glistening white of the nearby salt flats.

Island feeling and coastal magic

Colonia de Sant Jordi
View of Colonia de Sant Jordi, Image: Video Media Studio Europe / shutterstock

Superb beaches, salty lakes and the island paradise of Cabrera on your doorstep; a nice coastal promenade with restaurants and cafés and a lively harbour from which boats depart for the Archipiélago de Cabrera – boredom is certainly not an option in Colónia de Sant Jordi.

When entering the village, you should not be deceived by the faceless cityscape. Dreamlike, almost unspoilt beaches that are not overcrowded even in the high season make the place a paradise for sun worshippers and water rats. From the small colorful harbor, you can walk to the beautiful beaches of Platja els Dols, and the dream beaches of Ses Roquetes and Es Carbo, further southeast. Some linger for a while at the romantic harbour with its palm-fringed pedestrian zone. Instead of ostentatious yachts, fishing boats bob in the bay – they are a real eye-catcher.

To the west of Colónia de Sant Jordi is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Es Trenc is a fine sandy beach pleasure over a length of five kilometres. There are no hotel towers in the background, but dunes and Aleppo pines line this stretch of coast.

The islands of Cabrera belong to nature: but visitors are welcome! The main island of Cabrera is a beautiful swimming and hiking destination. A steep path leads from the harbour up to the castle, which once served as barracks and prison for Napoleonic soldiers. Down at the bay there are tiny stretches of beach. The Cabrera Archipelago can be visited by boat from Colónia de Sant Jordi. The crossing takes about 45 minutes.

Worth seeing – at a glance

  • At the harbour and along the promenade, Colónia de Sant Jordi shows its most beautiful side. The promenade leads along the flat rocky coast over a wooden footbridge. In the harbour bay there is a small beach, cafés and fish restaurants.
  • Attractive natural beaches flank the town. Mallorca’s dream beach, the Platja de Trenc, joins the Platja Estanys to the west.
  • You should also not miss a tour of the large botanical garden at Ses Salines Santanyi . The Botanicactus is home to numerous cacti and a wetland with Mediterranean plant species on 15 hectares.
  • Cabrera: Once a pirate’s hideout, visitors can now approach the island safely. A visit to the idiosyncratic visitor center Centro de Vistiantes Parque Nacional de Cabrera is definitely worthwhile. The main attraction is a huge seawater aquarium.

Active in Colónia de Sant Jordi – enchanting and excitingly beautiful

Would you like to take a look through the shop window into the underwater world of Cabrera? It’s very easy. To do this, visitors dive into the saltwater aquarium with a panorama lift and look the barracudas in the eye. Then it goes up to the observation tower. Just don’t dive up too quickly: On the way, it’s worth taking a look at the maritime wall mosaic – murals that depict the settlement history of the Mediterranean region. Finally, the upper platform offers a wonderful view.

Attention water sports enthusiasts! At Platja Estanys you can go sailing, surfing and water skiing.

Hikers also get their money’s worth. Then a walk to the Cap de ses Salines is on the program. Along the beach you can reach the southern tip of Mallorca, past old bunkers and sandy coves. After a more or less long walk, you can enjoy a solitude in the immediate vicinity of the sea, which is quite unusual for Mallorca.

Known? Colónia de Sant Jordi is mainly attracted by tourists from Switzerland. Many hotels and accommodations are run by Swiss nationals. A debauched nightlife like in Magaluf or S’Arenal is therefore not to be expected.

The most beautiful destinations in the area

Capocorb Vell, Mallorca
Capocorb Vell, Image: Karel Gallas / shutterstock

A trip to Capocorb Vell, the most important Talayotic settlement in the western Mediterranean, is worthwhile. It was probably built until the 3. and 4th century.

In the direction of Campos there are many windmills that once pumped water for the fields. Ses Salines de Levant are salt lakes with typical white crystal heaps. Occasionally you can see flamingos there.

And in Banys de Sant Joan are the only thermal springs on the island. The small spa hotel dates back to 1842. It is also accessible to day visitors.

Where it tastes best

  • “Port-Blau” stands out as a classically elegant fish restaurant on the harbour promenade, while Sal de Coco attracts visitors with creative and tasteful Mallorca cuisine. In addition, the terrace offers the perfect harbour view. The name of the restaurant refers to the salt residues that can be found in rock hollows by the sea.
  • Tambucho – this bar is cult: During the day, it’s mostly the locals who sip their coffee here. But in the evening, the team of the harbour bar is in top form, serving great cocktails and fine tapas. Music from pop to independent to flamenco is often presented live.
  • Probably the most famous fish restaurant on the island is Casa Manolo. Here people appreciate the freshness of the sea. There are regulars who swear that Manolo is the best tapas on the island.

Lara – New Tourist Center of Turkey

PatrickJullien
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Lara – New Tourist Center of Turkey

The Antalya region in Turkey is probably one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the immediate vicinity of Germany. In a few hours by plane, you are not only in another culture, but in an area full of beautiful beaches, sights and opportunities for relaxation. While Side, for example, has already made a name for itself, the name Lara in particular has recently appeared again and again. As part of the city of Antalya, an insider tip for holidays in this part of Turkey has developed in recent years. With a large number of new and sometimes luxurious hotels, you have a good basis for an exciting trip.

Remote district with beautiful sandy beach

Lara in Turkey
View of Lara, Image: fotopanorama360 / shutterstock

It is almost a bit surprising that Lara officially belongs to the city of Antalya , after all, it is a good 15 kilometers from the city center. The district has developed especially in the last twenty years. While Lara was known in the beginning mainly for very low prices on the Turkish Riviera, today there is a great infrastructure with hotels in various price ranges. A good base for visitors has also recently developed, from a variety of restaurants and cafes to a small shopping center, where you can pass the time on vacation.

The real magic of Lara does not come from the many new hotels and buildings, but above all from the beautiful nature in which you can enjoy your holiday here. Above all, the kilometre-long sandy beach invites you to linger and offers just the right basis for relaxation and fun in the sea. With the newly developed paths and the many small parks that have been created around the hotels, you always move a bit in the countryside and you can just tell Lara that the district in this form is actually only a few years old and has fully adapted to the well-being of the tourists of Antalya.

Sights and recommended excursions for your holiday in Lara

Hadrian's Gate in Antalya
Hadrian’s Gate in Antalya, Image: IgorKR / shutterstock

Lara itself is perfect for planning a holiday with relaxation but also excursions in the immediate region due to its location. Antalya is of course the first place you should have seen. Both with private transfers, which are offered by most hotels, and by bus, you can be in the center of Antalya within a very short time, which is actually not as big as you imagine. Antalya is a small city in comparison, but it certainly has its history. Especially the impressive harbor should be visited – here you will also find some very good restaurants, which have quite reasonable prices for being in a hotspot for tourists.

Whether it’s the Hidirlik Tower or Hadrian’s Gate – the traces of the Romans can still be found in the city today. Above all, however, the old town is just right for a stroll through the narrow streets, where you can look at some of the beautiful old houses and go to one of the bazaars. Of course, you should not miss this when visiting Turkey. Countless goods of all kinds are offered here and haggling over the price is quite welcome. Above all, you should try some of the fresh fruits, which always taste a little sweeter on holiday.

A visit to the ruins in Side should also be planned. Here you can admire how the former cultures have settled this stretch of land long before the Middle Ages and thus the awakening began in Europe. It is not for nothing that Antalya is one of the cradles of humanity and it was here that the foray of many successful cultures began, the traces of which can still be found everywhere in Europe today.

If you like it a bit more modern, there are many options not only in Antalya, but also in the immediate vicinity of Lara. On the long sandy beach, there are numerous activities in and around the water. In addition, there are a wide variety of amusement parks and water parks for families or swimmers, which have adapted to tourists and offer a great offer. Lara is still growing and more and more shops can be found again, its own bazaar has already been found and today you don’t have to go to Antalya anymore if you want to experience a great shopping or a nice evening.

Soak up the culture of the region

If you decide to spend a holiday in Lara, Side or simply in the Antalya region in general, you should take the chance to let the culture of this unique region work its magic on you. A visit to a bazaar is only part of it, but it is especially worth exploring the coast, a visit to the many small coastal villages and towns that are not yet geared towards tourists. Here you will find some of the best restaurants with great prices and the local cuisine. Together with the various ancient ruins that can be found everywhere in the region, it is worthwhile to rent a car, for example, to simply explore Antalya on your own and discover new things that cannot be found in the travel guide.

Croatia – A pearl on the Adriatic Sea

PatrickJullien
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Croatia – A pearl on the Adriatic Sea

Croatia with its numerous islands and bays, romantic harbour towns, luxurious accommodation and the impressive mountainous region in the interior of the country has a lot to offer holidaymakers interesting and eventful. In addition to more than 1200 islands, the water-rich country also has mountains up to 1800 m high to offer. Cities steeped in history alternate with cinematic backdrops and seemingly untouched nature. For example, it is not only since the movie “Game of Thrones” that the ancient buildings in Split such as Diocletian’s Palace or the Krka National Park, where large parts of the “Winnetou” films were filmed, have belonged.

Swimming on the Croatian coast

The Winnetou films were filmed in the Krka National Park, Image: Seumas Christie-Johnston / shutterstock

The Croatian coast in particular is a paradise for sailors, sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts. More than 1770 km of coastline and over 1100 islands make Croatia a destination for holidaymakers from all over the world every year. Located directly off the Dalmatian coast , each of the islands offers a very special flair with its secluded bays, azure blue sea and impressive landscape. Whether you are looking for peace and quiet or party enthusiasts – everyone is sure to find their very special favourite place here. The island of Krk with more than 2500 hours of sunshine and the beautiful island of Rab with its extraordinary beaches are very popular.

Impressive nature and national parks

Croatia also impresses with numerous nature and national parks. At the foot of the steeply rising Dinaric Mountains there are beautiful coastal towns and agricultural regions with vines, olive trees and orange groves. Nature lovers in particular will be delighted by the Vela Draga Nature Reserve in the Učka Nature Park near Rijeka. In addition to the limestone columns that rise up to 100 m, the waterfalls and caves are impressive in this canyon-like valley. Also worth seeing is the “Blue Grotto” on the island of Biševo near Vis, which can definitely compete with Capri .

The largest islands of Croatia

In a separate article from May 26, 2022, we have summarized the largest islands in Croatia :

  • Krk – a natural paradise in the Kvarner Bay
  • Cres – a dream destination for hikers and swimming enthusiasts
  • Brač – one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia
  • Hvar – the neighboring sister island of Brač introduces itself
  • Pag – cheese as a speciality of the island
  • Korčula – the alleged birthplace of Marco Polo
  • Dugi Otok – Telašćica Nature Park as the main attraction of the island
  • Mljet – a forested beauty in the south of Croatia

Sights in Croatia

Sailing in Croatia
Explore Croatia’s islands by boat – a holiday that will be remembered forever. Image: xbrchx / shutterstock

Croatia can boast several sites that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Humanity. With the ancient complex of the city of Split, the old town of Dubrovnik , as well as the historic city of Trogir, there are numerous special sights throughout the country. Dubrovnik, a Croatian city, is also a popular destination for tourists from all over the world, which, together with Hvar , is now often compared to Ibiza or Marbella. Also worth seeing are the cities of Pula and Zadar with their Colosseum and an artificially built sea organ, which plays an impressive melody only through the waves of the sea.

Travel information Croatia

Capital Zagreb
Form of government Parliamentary Republic
Parliamentary democracy
Currency Kuna (HRK)
Area 56,594 km²
Population approx. 4,190,670 (as of 2016)
Languages Croatian
Electricity grid 230 volts, 50 Hz
Area code +385
Time zone UTC+1 CET
UTC+2 CEST (March to October)

 

Cala Figuera – One of the most beautiful places in Mallorca

PatrickJullien
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Cala Figuera – One of the most beautiful places in Mallorca

Many travelers have long since established that Mallorca is of course much more than sightseeing in Las Palmas or party vacations at the notorious Ballermann. The island offers a variety of beautiful corners, which are not only known for their great beaches and the sea, but also for the possibilities of recreation and other forms of island discovery. When looking for the most beautiful places on the Balearic island, Cala Figuera should definitely be mentioned. The picturesque little fishing village has become an insider tip among holidaymakers in Mallorca – and for a variety of reasons.

The dream for a holiday in a holiday apartment

Cala Figuera actually had its peak of tourism in the 1990s. Numerous hotels were built here to accommodate the many guests. In the meantime, however, the small town has changed and many of the hotels have disappeared. Instead, in recent years, a wide selection of holiday homes and apartments has been created, which allow a self-sufficient and flexible holiday in Mallorca, which you can spend according to your own wishes and free of meal times or regulations for the pool.

Even the arrival in the small port town is a small highlight. The harbour itself is laid out like a fjord and greets you with wonderful blue water, there are many fig trees in the town itself and the colourful facades fit perfectly into the peace and quiet that is omnipresent here. Cala Figuera has the advantage of not being hectic and when the fishermen are not unloading their catch, even here you will only see a few people enjoying the panorama or taking one of the boats for an excursion nearby.

The fact that you always have the feeling that time has stood still here is of course part of the charm. At the harbour you can buy fresh fish directly from the fishermen or you can go to one of the restaurants, which are usually passed down from generation to generation and which specialise in Spanish cuisine, but of course especially seafood. You can’t really eat the fish fresher in Mallorca.

Beautiful nature invites you to hikes and excursions

If you follow the two arms of the natural bay, you will come across many small hiking trails that are used not only by tourists but also by locals. Palma is a good 60 kilometers away and you can see that because the rush to the many small beaches and bays nearby is much less than in the rest of the island. Of course, you also have the opportunity to just lie down and cool off with a dip in the sea or simply relax on the beach while listening to the waves. Some beaches offer classics of bathing fun and if in doubt, you can even rent a jet ski and drive a bit along the coastline.

Canal Cala Figuera
Boats in Cala Figuera, Image: Allard One / shutterstock

Although there are no classic sights or medieval buildings to see in the city itself, nature is a good reason if you are simply looking for a bit of peace and quiet on holiday and opportunities for relaxation. There is a lot to discover along the cliffs, especially by bike, and the route is ideal for discovering many other small coastal towns nearby, where tourists are still a rarity – even in Mallorca.

If you want to experience a little more, you should get a rental car and explore the island on your own. Palma is about an hour’s drive away and most of the island’s other sights can also be explored quite quickly from Cala Figuera. Tours in the countryside are rarely offered in the town, so you should use the possibilities on the Internet to search for yourself and start the trips with the tourist groups in one of the larger towns.

What is quite possible in Cala Figuera, however, is to explore the island from the water side. In recent years, many providers have made a name for themselves here, offering tours by boat and either heading for other places on the island or simply offering a day at sea, a visit to hidden bays with beautiful beaches and appropriate supplies during the excursion.

Timely reservation is mandatory in Cala Figuera

The resources for overnight stays in Cala Figuera are rather limited, as most of the larger hotels can no longer be found in the village. Therefore, it is important to deal with a possible trip to the town in good time. As a rule, it is mainly holiday homes and apartments that are offered here and especially during the season, these options are popular and reserved accordingly quickly.

Of course, there is nothing to prevent you from exploring the place on your own when you are on holiday outside Cala Figuera. A visit by rental car is also possible here to see the beautiful harbour town for yourself.

Switzerland: the ultimate guide on how to get the most out of this hidden gem in the middle of the Alps

PatrickJullien
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Switzerland: the ultimate guide on how to get the most out of this hidden gem in the middle of the Alps

Switzerland is picturesquely located in the Alps and has numerous sights to offer both locals and visitors. Due to the high mountains and many lakes, the country is best known for perfect conditions for hiking, mountain biking, water sports and skiing, so that sporting activities can be carried out at any time of the year. There are also imposing buildings to admire in the historic old towns.

Exciting places in the Swiss cantons

Switzerland is divided into various cantons , which differ from each other in terms of landscape. In addition, various languages are spoken on site, including Swiss German, French and Italian. The mighty Alpine backdrop, which is crisscrossed by deep valleys, is omnipresent. The striking summit of the Matterhorn in Zermatt has become a symbol of Switzerland. In addition, there are numerous lakes where citizens have settled in cities.

These include, but are not limited to:

  • Geneva on Lake Geneva
  • Interlaken between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz
  • Lucerne on Lake Lucerne
  • Zurich on Lake Zurich

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, but Zurich is the largest city in the Alpine country. In many cities, the old town is still very well preserved and can be explored on a walk. When the sun is shining, it’s a good idea to take a trip and discover hidden villages in the mountains.

Fun and games in Switzerland

Montreux, Lake Geneva
View of Montreux and Lake Geneva, Image: Aleh Alisevich / shutterstock

On rainy days and for evening entertainment, there is a varied programme on offer in Switzerland. These include events at the Zurich Opera House or the Basel Theatre to enjoy culture. Furthermore, a visit to the cinema or participation in a concert is a good idea. If you are looking for a thrill and want to try your luck, you can visit one of the following Swiss casinos:

  • Bathe
  • Biliary
  • Lugano
  • Montreux

In addition, this experience can also be enjoyed online in the live casino Switzerland , if there is no casino nearby. In this way, gambling is possible regardless of location, long journeys, annoying dress codes and restrictive opening hours.

Exciting activities for leisure

Due to its varied landscapes, Switzerland is ideal for sporting activities. In summer you can go on hikes through mountains and valleys, so you can also discover distant heights. Lauterbrunn is one of the most beautiful valleys in Switzerland. There is the approximately 300-meter-high Staubbach Falls and the Trümmelbach Falls, as well as the Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn.

The Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen is even the largest waterfall in all of Europe. For those who like it fast, an excursion through the forests and past the lakes by mountain bike is a good idea. In the winter months, the season for skiing and snowboarding begins. There are many different ski resorts to choose from, with Gstaad, Verbier and St. Moritz being known worldwide. Other attractions worth seeing in Switzerland include a ride on the Bernina Express, which takes you from St. Moritz to Tirano on the panoramic train.

Result

The tips mentioned are considered the ultimate guide to Switzerland. This will allow you to get the most out of the fascinating country in the middle of the Alps.

5 utensils that should not be missing on a hiking holiday

PatrickJullien
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5 utensils that should not be missing on a hiking holiday

A hiking holiday is more than just a short excursion. In most cases, it is a multi-day hiking tour that is done in individual stages. Not only professional hikers are enthusiastic about it, but beginners also enjoy routes such as the Way of St. James for beginners. But in order for the trip to be a unique experience and not a disaster, you need the right luggage. The following five utensils should not be missing, otherwise the holiday will simply not be perfect.

1. The camera must be there

Whether it’s the Camino Portugues or any other route, without a camera, a hiking holiday is a pure disaster. Think carefully about whether the camera of your smartphone is sufficient or whether you prefer to rely on a high-quality SLR to really capture all the wonderful impressions of nature. When choosing a camera, make sure it’s not too heavy, as you’ll need to carry it with you all the way along the trail. If you are exploring the Camino de Santiago by bike , it is worth getting a camera bag to mount it on your bike.

2. Sunglasses should not be missing

You will walk through warm areas during your hiking holiday and will not always be able to avoid the sun. But nothing is more unpleasant than looking into glaring sunlight and so sunglasses are a very important factor on holiday so that you can always keep an eye on your surroundings. Be careful not to choose a cheap model, but sunglasses that provide sufficient UV protection for your eyes.

3. Sunscreen so that the skin thanks you

Even if you do the Camino de Santiago in autumn, when the temperatures are still warm but no longer hot, there is a risk of sunburn. You are in the fresh air for several hours a day, the UV light flows into your skin and the risk of burning yourself is high. With a little pre-tan from home and a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, you can almost always avoid sunburn.

4. Blister plasters must be in your luggage

After several hours of hiking, your feet burn, even if the sections of the route were not that strenuous. To ensure that you do not feel any permanent impairments, you should never do without blister plasters, but always have them in your luggage. Make sure that they are high-quality and padded blister plasters, classic plasters are unsuitable because they cannot protect your feet optimally. They are available in different pack sizes, the box should be chosen so that you can always have it in your luggage during each stage.

5. The power bank for in between

Society is more technologized than ever and if you want to take your vacation pictures with your smartphone camera, you urgently need a power bank. This is the only way to ensure that you don’t suddenly run out of juice during the hike because you have spent too long on the navigation system. Make sure you have a power bank that has enough juice to charge your phone battery on the go. Solar models are particularly innovative, as they can be recharged by the light of the sun and thus always provide new electricity.

Group tours to Berlin

PatrickJullien
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Group tours to Berlin

Group tours to Berlin are a great way for companies, clubs and associations to experience both the historical significance of this beautiful city and some truly unique attractions. Whether you’re looking for something fun and exciting or just an opportunity to network with other professionals, group tours offer a variety of options to fit your needs perfectly. An important part of any group trip to Berlin is a well-thought-out itinerary. This includes taking into account the interests and interests of the participants as well as ensuring a sufficient variety and depth of the experience. Here you can fall back on bus companies in Berlin .

We have selected the most exciting sights in Berlin for you

Berlin is a city that never sleeps and is full of surprises. Whether you want to explore its history or admire some of the best architecture in the world, Berlin has something for everyone. Here are ten top sights in Berlin that will make your visit unforgettable!

The Brandenburg Gate

Germany Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, picture:
S.Borisov / shutterstock

It is without a doubt one of the most famous and well-known buildings in Berlin. You can see it from practically any point in the city. Originally built in 1885 as a gate in the Berlin Wall, it served as the easternmost entrance to the capital until the fall of the Wall in 1989. The gate was then renovated and reopened to the public in 2002. The monument is an impressive, symmetrical monument building made of brick and granite, with a clock on top and a winged angel on one side. The Brandenburg Gate is a popular tourist destination and queues up for photos early in the morning and late in the evening.

Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie, one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks, is the famous border crossing between West and East Berlin. Checkpoint Charlie was the first of the many “most famous checkpoints in the world”. Originally built in 1941 as a border checkpoint, the site played an important role in the Cold War and was the scene of intense fighting during the Berlin Airlift in 1948-49. The checkpoint was immortalized in the 1977 film “A Berlin Romance”. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the checkpoint, as well as a museum with exhibits on the Berlin Wall, the Berlin Airlift, and the Cold War.

Berlin Cathedral

The Berlin Cathedral, begun in 1240 and dedicated to the Holy Trinity, is one of the largest and most influential churches in Germany. Completed in 1894, the cathedral is adorned with a huge collection of religious art, including some of Germany’s most famous sculptures, such as the “Madonna of Sorrows” and the “Oak of Tears”. In addition to its artistic value, the cathedral is a popular tourist destination where religious ceremonies, concerts, and other events take place.

Reichstag Building

Berlin, Reichstag
The Reichstag in Berlin, Image: canadastock / shutterstock

The Reichstag (German: [ˈreːktaːg], English: “Reichstag Building”) is an iconic neoclassical building in Berlin, Germany. According to plans by the architect Karl Ludwig Schinkel, construction began in 1894. After a lengthy construction period that began in 1892, the building was inaugurated on February 27, 1894, and completed until its destruction in 1933 during the Nazi regime. The Reichstag is one of the most important surviving examples of classical Berlin architecture and a popular tourist destination.

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is a Protestant church in Berlin-Mitte, which was rebuilt after the Second World War. It was designed by the architect Paul Hauptmann and opened on 8 October 1949 by the Emperor’s brother, Kaiser Wilhelm II. The church commemorates the founder of the German Empire and is a popular destination.

Botanical Gardens

The Berlin Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe and the second largest botanical garden in the world after the Jardin des Plantes in Paris . The gardens are located in the Tiergarten, between the zoological and botanical exhibits of the Zoological Museum and the historic Neues Museum. The gardens were founded in 1789 and opened to the public in 1794. Today, the gardens contain over 20,000 plants from all over the world, making them a popular destination for tourists.

The sights mentioned in Berlin are undoubtedly among the most famous and popular tourist destinations in the city. They are not only impressive buildings, but also important historical sites visited by tourists.

 

Verona – Pure romance in the city of Romeo and Juliet

PatrickJullien
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Verona – Pure romance in the city of Romeo and Juliet

Verona, the pretty city not far from Lake Garda, offers countless possibilities for a wonderful holiday. All you need is cultural interest, a penchant for romance and sunscreen.

In the footsteps of Romeo and Juliet

In what is probably the most famous love drama in the world, Shakespeare tells the story of Romeo and Juliet’s unhappy love. Whether this story is made up or contains a little truth is not really known. But there were the hostile families of the two lovers. Reason enough, then, for lovers from all over the world to visit the places from the drama.

So, pack the sunscreen , and off we go to Piazza delle Erbe. From this square, a narrow passage leads to Via Cappello 23. Here is Juliet’s house with the famous balcony. Even the passage is worth seeing, as it is littered with messages of love and hearts.

In the courtyard in front of the house there is a statue of Juliet and there is also a Romeo and Juliet shop. Not far away, in Via delle Arche Scaligere 2, is Romeo’s house.

Place another flower on Juliet’s grave in the Abbey of San Francesco al Corso and hang a love lock on the lattice of the Fountain of Love in the Vicolo San Marco, then their love will be infinite.

Verona and the Opera

Every summer, countless people are drawn to Verona because world-famous operas are performed here. Not just any place, but in the ancient amphitheater, the Arena of Verona. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and in 1913 the opera Aida was first performed here.

The arena offers space for 22,000 spectators. In addition to operas, pop concerts are also held. So equip yourself with sunscreen and enjoy the wonderful musical performances in the open air.

In the footsteps of Roman antiquity and the Middle Ages

The best place to start is at Piazza Bar. This is the heart of Verona, this is where the Arena is located and in the most interesting district of the city you will find various historic buildings. A well-known and popular square is Piazza delle Erbe with its historic facades from different centuries. Here you can admire, for example, Palazzo Maffei and the Torre del Gardello clock tower. You can also visit the basilica, the cathedral and the many other pretty churches. You will encounter countless other historic buildings on your walk.

Relax in the countryside

Scaligero Castle, Verona
Scaligero Castle in Verona, Image: Sergey Dzyuba

After discovering Verona’s many sights, you may just want to unwind. Verona offers a wide variety of opportunities to enjoy nature. Visit one of the city’s many parks, of which the garden of Palazzo Giardino Giusti is probably one of the most beautiful. One zoological park is Natura Viva Park. Very close to the city, the waterfall park Parco delle Cascate awaits your visit. Here you can stay all day and stroll along the many paths as well as visit the waterfalls and caves.

A walk along the Adige River is also really magical. Just keep changing sides on one of the many bridges, of which the Ponte Scaligero is the most worth seeing. Stroll along the river in the evenings and experience a beautiful sunset.

Shopping in Verona

Between Piazza Bra and Piazza dell Erbe is Via Mazzini. It is not particularly long, but it is the main shopping street in Verona. Noble boutiques alternate with modern specialist shops and small cafés. Of course, you will also find countless shopping opportunities in the other streets and alleys of the old town. There are also various markets spread across the city. A special one takes place every day in Piazza delle Erbe. It is colourful and lively and you can definitely make a bargain or two.

 

Verona, the city of lovers and romantics, has so much more to offer and can tell from a very long history. Let yourself be captivated by this magical city.

Celebrate summer in Canada’s green metropolises

PatrickJullien
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Celebrate summer in Canada’s green metropolises

Tips for urban breaks in paradisiacal parks and at outdoor festivals

Bochum, May 19, 2022

Canada’s vibrant metropolises entice with a variety of city adventures – and not only in the urban street canyons. Imaginatively designed parks, music festivals, open-air theatre as well as art and culinary delights in public places offer retreats from the hustle and bustle of the city, making a stay in Canada’s metropolises a relaxed and creative experience.

Toronto, Ontario

There are over 1,500 parks of all types and sizes in the Greater Toronto area. These include Colonel Samuel Smith Park, one of the city’s largest parks, with extensive green spaces and bike paths along Lake Ontario. One of the newest parks is the beautiful Trillium Park, which graces the shores of Lake Ontario in place of a former park area. Always worth a visit is the tranquil island of Centre Island in front of Toronto’s futuristic skyline, which is part of the Toronto Islands and is only a 15-minute ferry ride from the city centre. The Toronto Music Garden is one of the most enchanting parks in Toronto. Located directly on the city’s Inner Harbour, its design was inspired by Bach’s First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello. Each part of the garden corresponds to a sentence from the suite. In summer, walkers can enjoy classical music performances there free of charge.

Be sure to visit this summer: The Toronto Outdoor Art Fair from July 8 to 17, 2022 will feature thousands of works in Nathan Phillips Square in downtown Toronto. The popular event has boosted the careers of 20,000 Canadian artists in its 61 years.

Montréal, Quebec

Montreal, Canada
Aerial view of Montreal with the Biosphere Museum and the Saint Lawrence River, Image: R.M. Nunes / shutterstock

The metropolis on the St. Lawrence River offers 17 large parks with a total area of almost 2,000 hectares. Forests and marshes, beaches, artificial lakes: each park has its own unique character. One of the most beautiful facilities is the Parc du Mont-Royal. Montréal’s version of New York’s Central Park was once designed by the same landscape architect and enchants with fantastic views of the city, beautiful walking paths and Les Tam Tams du Mont Royal, where hundreds of drummers gather for a jam session on Sunday afternoons. Located on two islands in the St. Lawrence River, Parc Jean-Drapeau is home to the Six Flags La Ronde amusement park, a casino and a Formula 1 race track, and is the annual venue for the Osheaga Festival, Canada’s largest art and music festival. There’s also a two-hour self-guided walking tour of the park’s public art, accompanied by the music of Quebec composers.

Must-visit this summer: In Montréal’s largest park, the Parc nature de Cap Saint-Jacques, Montréal’s Repercussion Theatre is hosting a Shakespeare-in-the-Park tour from July 14 to August 6, 2022. The outdoor event is free and welcomes over 13,000 fans every year.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver, Stanley Park
View of Stanley Park in Vancouver, Image: Russ Hein / shutterstock

With over 230 parks and green spaces, Vancouver is a paradise for park lovers, strollers and garden enthusiasts. The parks of the Pacific metropolis include, of course, the iconic Stanley Park. At 400 acres, it’s even larger than New York’s Central Park and offers relaxing miles of walking trails, beautiful lagoons and beaches, and the world-famous Vancouver Aquarium. Queen Elizabeth Park, 152 metres above the city, offers fantastic views, as well as manicured lawns, colourful flower beds and the tropical paradise of the Bloedel Conservatory. And the Pacific Spirit Regional Park covers over 809 hectares of original forest with a good 80 kilometers of trails.

Public Art, known as public art, can be seen all over the city. Well-known and lesser-known creatives take the opportunity to exhibit their works and connect with locals and visitors. In addition, thanks to the Vancouver Biennale, art lovers can explore the city’s masterpieces on self-guided tours on foot or by bike.

Must-visit this summer: The Theatre Under the Stars mixes a colourful mix of different impressions like in a kaleidoscope and thus creates an interplay of inspiring experiences for all the senses. Performances will take place from July 2 to August 27, 2022 at the Malkin Bowl, an amphitheater in Stanley Park.

Calgary, Alberta

Calgary, Canada
View of the Calgary skyline, Image: TRphotos / shutterstock

Over 8,000 acres of parkland guarantee plenty of elbow room! Locals and visitors alike have countless ways to keep fit, bird watch or just relax in Calgary. Fish Creek Provincial Park is the second largest urban provincial park in Canada (the largest is Rouge National Urban Park in Toronto). In addition to more than 100 kilometers of hiking and biking trails, Fish Creek offers excellent birdwatching opportunities thanks to over 200 species of birds nesting here. There is also a golf course and an artificial lake with a long sandy beach. Confederation Park is considered exemplary in terms of landscaping with its natural wetlands and aquatic plants. Downtown’s Prince’s Island Park, on the other hand, hosts festivals and events throughout the year, including the Canada Day celebrations (July 1) and the Calgary Folk Music Festival.

Since 2017, the Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP) has transformed Calgary’s city center into a veritable open-air art gallery. As part of this initiative, the latest wall and graffiti artworks by local and international artists are selected by a jury every year for presentation on the streets.

Be sure to visit this summer: Foodies in the Park is a pop-up event that offers culinary delights in particularly quirky, see-through dome tents and attracts numerous foodies every year. Each edition takes place at a different landmark in Calgary, making dining a journey of discovery for all the senses. If you love folk music, the Calgary Folk Music Festival is the right place for you. From 21 to 24 July, more than 50 artists will attract visitors to Prince’s Island Park.

 

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The necessary information for the road trip

PatrickJullien
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The necessary information for the road trip

Summer is approaching with ever greater strides. That means: vacation time. This, on the other hand, does not automatically mean the well-known trip to Mallorca – sometimes it can also be a road trip.

Step 1

Before you start planning, however, it is important to check your own road safety and perhaps even refresh it. At the Voß driving school in Hanover – crash courses are offered there, for example.

Planning is everything.

If you have now been able to prove that you are able to steer and operate the car sensibly for a long time, you can be completely reassured and indulge in the questions of all questions when it comes to the topic of “road trip”. And this question is, of course, where to go. Maybe travel along Route 66 ? Or how about a tour of the Scottish Highlands? Alternatively, a trip through the Ruhr area could also be quite exciting.

Never disregard finances.

Let’s take the following example. The family agrees that they should go to the United States of America. To be more precise: You want to get to know the beauty of the Californian state better.

Calculative

The flight from Cologne-Bonn Airport to Los Angeles costs just under 505 euros in October. That’s 1010 euros for one person there and back. For a family of at least two people, you can expect to pay 2020 euros and upwards for the flight. In addition, there are costs that are due in the USA . First of all, there is the price of accommodation. This is estimated at 78 euros for the example, 40 euros for a rental car and 19 euros for fuel fees. That would be 137 euros a day.

Now, however, they are not planning a day trip, but calculate with 13 days. This means that the stay in the USA costs 1781 euros. This accounts for 1014 euros for accommodation, 520 euros for the rental car and 247 euros for refueling. If you add the 2020 euros flight costs for the family of two, the total price for travel and stay is 3597.62 euros.

As we can see, it is important to plan. So you can decide that our couple will travel 719.53 per person per month so that the trip can take place on time for October.

Helpful programs for the road trip.

But the focus is not only on financial considerations. It can be quite helpful to get the help of different apps. There is “Around Me”, which people can use to find out what important infrastructure is in the current environment. This can be anything from a restaurant to a bank branch or hospital.

Information on how to save money when refuelling is necessary is also of great importance. This is where the “Gas Buddy” app helps by comparing petrol prices.

And then there is the app “Flush”.

Flush comes from the English-speaking world and on the one hand means a hot flush with redness, the fourth best hand in poker, and can ultimately also mean the translation for “flushing on the toilet”.

And that’s exactly what the Flush app is all about. Anyone who feels an urgent, human need can use this app to find one of 190,000 public toilets.

Then there’s ParkMe. This is a program that shows available parking spaces nearby and also indicates how expensive it will be to leave the car there. Based on the free choice of parameters, it is also possible to display only parking garages. The additional benefit: you can also find out whether there are still enough parking spaces available.

In Germany, as well as in the big, wide world, it can happen that the car spontaneously starts to strike. For this purpose, the apps of the ADAC are recommended, as well as “Urgent.ly”. Both ensure that you get help very quickly.

Result

Of course, there are even more apps and even more topics that should keep you busy before the big road trip. Among other things, there is the question of what happens when you have to get back behind the wheel after a long break from driving and deal with this fear of driving . Or the consideration of whether you really want to spend a romantic holiday with your partner, or whether a road trip with your wife and children is on the agenda.

Sources:

Born to be wild – ein Roadtrip auf der legendären Route 66

https://www.zeit.de/campus/2022-02/fahrangst-ueberwindung-autofahren-fahrpause-erfahrungsbericht

 

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