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San Diego – Sun, Beach, Burritos and Tacos

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California, relaxed lifestyle, Mexican food and plenty of sun – these are things that tourists associate with a trip to San Diego. And there is a lot more. Probably nowhere in the entire United States of America is the myth that you can make it from rags to riches at any time more alive than in this American metropolis. The film city of Los Angeles is only two hours away by car, and it takes half an hour for the Mexican border to come into view. It’s no wonder that San Diego is a true melting pot of cultures. Because both Latin American migrants and Americans who flock from rural areas to the sun-drenched city to try their luck here know that you can still make it to the top here with hard work.

San Diego and its dream beaches

Downtown San Diego
On the road in San Diego, Image: Johan Erkki / shutterstock

The climate in the Californian city of San Diego is pleasant all year round. The thermometer rarely drops below 20 degrees, even in winter. In addition, the metropolis, which has a population of around 1.4 million, is located directly on the Pacific Ocean. Thus, guests, as well as locals, can swim or surf on the fine sandy beaches of the city all year round. Surfing is one of the most popular leisure activities here. Even if you don’t want to get on a surfboard yourself and throw yourself into the water, you will spend wonderful hours at Pacific Beach, for example.

Because watching the goings-on of the talented surfers is more than exciting. The brave will find surf schools with certified surf instructors and the possibility to rent complete surfing equipment on almost all beaches. Those who want to take it easy head for La Jolla Cove, a picturesque bay where you can lie on the beach away from the crowds. By the way, seals often pass by here, which make a great photo motif. Mission Beach is extremely popular with families with children.

The infrastructure on this beach is excellent, because right next door is Belmont Park, an amusement park with restaurants, carousels, bumper cars and roller coasters from which you can overlook the beach and the sea during the wild ride. Partygoers feel most at home on Ocean Beach. Here you will find the coolest bars and the best party music. Finally, film fans like to take a trip to the Coronado Island peninsula, which is directly off San Diego in an easterly direction. Here you will find the whitest of all fine sandy beaches in the entire region, around San Diego, and also the opportunity to visit the original film locations of the Marylin Monroe comedy “Some Like It Hot”.

Sightseeing in the Sun City

San Diego's Balboa Park at dusk
San Diego’s Balboa Park at dusk, Image: f11photo / shutterstock

Sightseeing in San Diego is immensely fun, because it is almost always sunny, warm and rarely rainy in the city. The best conditions to set off on foot into San Diego’s Old Town. Here, Mexican and Spanish influences mix with the legacy of the first European settlers of the Americas. In the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, which is integrated into the old town, you can see traditional buildings from the early 19th century. In no time at all, visitors feel transported back to the time of the Wild West. The park is surrounded by excellent Mexican restaurants, all of which are worth a visit. Here you can find the best burritos and tacos in the whole city.

If you want to learn about America’s military history, visit the USS Midway Museum afterwards. This is a disused aircraft carrier that now serves as a museum. From 1945 to 1992, the aircraft carrier was used by the US Navy and was used both in military conflicts and as part of humanitarian aid expeditions. In the museum you can learn a lot about the life of the US Marines on board and during the missions. If you like it a little more old-fashioned, visit the Maritime Museum of San Diego, which is housed on an old sailing ship. A walk through the Seaport Village rounds off the city walk. There are always numerous street musicians and performers who offer their great art for a small donation from passers-by. All with stunning views of the harbour.

Art & Culture in San Diego

But that’s not all. San Diego is also a city of art and culture. There are several theaters as well as an opera house for all music lovers. San Diego also has its own Philharmonic Orchestra. The San Diego Museum of Art is housed in a strikingly designed building that is worth the journey alone. The works of important American, European and Asian artists are exhibited here. The museum is home to masterpieces by Claude Monet, Peter Paul Rubens and Salvador Dali. Outstanding American artists include William Merritt Chase and Asher Brown Durand. At the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, many works by contemporary artists can be viewed.

Zoos and parks

San Diego is also particularly rich in zoos and green spaces. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which is home to 300 different species of animals from all over the world, is particularly recommended. Right next door is the city’s most extensive green space, Balboa Park. The park measures five square kilometers. Walkers walk through a flora and fauna that is as lush as it is remarkable, as well as various themed gardens. Most of the buildings in the park were built in the neoclassical style. Among them are several museums.

Group trip: Experience countries together

Have you always wanted to explore a certain country or city and can’t find a travel partner to accompany you in your private life? Would you like to share your experiences, exchange ideas after each day of travel and discuss impressions of foreign cultures? And you would like to meet exciting people and are always open to new friendships? Would you like to get to know the members of your club better on a club trip? Opt for the group tour!

The advantages of a group trip!

Whether you decide alone, with your partner or friends – it is best to travel in a group!

Share impressions immediately and take on new perspectives

Group Tour Hiking
On a hiking trip with the group, Image: Anton Gvozdikov / shutterstock

Especially foreign countries and new environments always hold unexpected impressions and surprises in store that are worth discussing. In a group, a wide variety of perspectives flow in. Perhaps the fellow travelers ask themselves questions about people and culture that they would never have thought of and whose answers you still want to know. On group trips, you can benefit from the fact that concentrated curiosity comes together and a region can be explored together in an exciting way.

You have one thing in common with all your fellow travellers: curiosity about the destination!

In addition, you meet the most exciting people when you share interests and enterprising spirit with others. Even before the start of your group trip, you can be sure that you are not alone with your questions and the desire for new impressions, because everyone else has decided on the same destination. The environment that is your personal favorite was also chosen by all the fellow travelers because they were looking forward to it. And everyone else is just as curious about your travel companions as you are!
This way, you are guaranteed to meet people in your group who have similar interests. Get to know them and combine your desire to explore to get the most out of your trip!

Tour planning of group travel by professionals – trust decades of experience on site!

Group Ski Tour
Fun together on the slopes during the day and together in the evening with hot (hunter’s) tea

Last but not least: Benefit from the experience and know-how of the specialists on a group trip! The most exciting locations on site are booked directly for you, the travel routes and the program are put together in such a way that you can take the most interesting impressions with you and find enough relaxation at the same time. On a group trip, care is always taken to ensure that a colourful programme offers variety and is at the same time feasible for everyone. We visit tourist classics as well as surprising places. There is always time for individual exploration.

For you, there is no need for time-consuming research, tour planning and individual bookings in advance. Trust in the experience of professionals and enjoy the group experience to the fullest! This is guaranteed to make your trip unique and unforgettable.

San José – the city of innovations

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When you think of California, you usually associate the state with endless sandy beaches. However, California has more to offer, such as Silicon Valley, the birthplace of significant technological developments. The fact that innovation and summer feeling also go together is shown by the city of San José in western California.

A portrait of San José

The former capital of the coastal state was founded in 1777 by a farmers’ association as El Pueblo de San José De Guadalupe. The city is considered the oldest civilian settlement in California and, as of 2020, is home to just over one million citizens on an area of 461.5 km². In the meantime, the city in the west of the USA is considered the capital of Silicon Valley, the country’s technology stronghold. But San José is not only known for its innovations, but also for its multiculturalism. Geographically, the city is located in the south of San Francisco Bay. The Guadalupe River flows through San José.

Must-Sees in San José

Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose
Plaza de Cesar Chávez is a small park in Downtown San Jose, Image: Mariusz S. Jurgielewicz / shutterstock

One of the most popular destinations in San José is the Tech Museum of Innovation, which supports the city’s reputation as the capital of Silicon Valley. The museum was founded in 1998 and is now better known as The Tech Interactive. Even the building stands out due to its special construction and colouring. On three floors, the mango and azure Tech Interactive has various exhibitions, laboratories and experiments to visit. For example, you can design and assemble robots under the topic of social robots. In addition, the museum has exhibitions on the universe, medical innovations and also on the future of the earth. Furthermore, there is a cinema on the premises of the Tech, which shows both current films and documentaries. Tickets for the museum are available for the equivalent of about €21 for adults and €17 for children, students and pensioners. IMAX cinema prices vary depending on the type of film. However, there are also combination tickets. The Tech Interactive is the perfect destination if you want to combine education and research with a lot of fun.

Less technological, but more mystical is the Winchester House, in the center of San José. The house, which was bought by Sarah Winchester in 1894, is considered one of California’s landmarks and has served as inspiration for many mystery and crime films and books. The house was repeatedly rebuilt and expanded until the death of the landlady in 1922 and comprises 161 rooms of various sizes, 40 of which served as bedrooms, over 1000 windows, secret passages and strange staircases. There are also doors behind which there are only walls and stairs that lead nowhere. According to many rumors, the lady of the house was afraid of ghosts and so she wanted to confuse them with the construction method.

In addition, Sarah Winchester is said to have always slept in another room so as not to be found by the ghosts. Since 1923, the house has been a museum and can be visited. Tours of the house start at €17 per person. In addition to the daily tours, extended tours and Halloween specials are also offered. In addition, you can also get married in the Winchester House.

Another attraction is the Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph. The Roman Catholic church was completed in 1884 and can accommodate 950 visitors. However, the original St. Joseph Church was built as early as 1803. However, earthquakes and fires ensured that the basilica was constantly rebuilt and the current version is the fifth St. Joseph church. The basilica is particularly unique because of its organ. The Ordell organ from 1886 is the last of its kind in the United States. The heart of St. Joseph’s Church comprises 27 registers, each with 60 pipes. Visitors can visit the basilica free of charge, but the services must be taken into account. There are also guided tours.

Tips for a successful trip

San José is a city of multiculturalism. Spanish, Japanese, Mexican and Vietnamese influences can be found in the big city, among other places. More than 60 languages are spoken every day in the capital of Silicon Valley. That’s why it’s worth listening to a visit to San José and consciously absorbing the diversity. Even though there are many sights to explore, it is a good idea to experience the city on foot for a day. Street musicians, great encounters and delicious food are just a few things you can discover. The closest you can get to the locals is in one of the parks. The most famous is the Guadalupe River Park. In addition to relaxing greenery, it also offers an XXL Monopoly game that you can play with tourists and locals. The game pieces are life-size.

But San José is not only worthwhile for a city trip. The city in the heart of California also offers the ideal starting point for excursions across the state. Whether hiking, trips to the sea or exploring the many nearby national parks – many destinations can be easily reached from San José.

Not only a must for technology fans

The modern city is more than just the capital of Silicon Valley, but offers experiences for young and old. San José combines culture, first-hand experience of technology, beach and city trip and is worthwhile for a long weekend, a day trip or even an extended holiday. With 300 days of sunshine a year, it’s also unlikely that bad weather will spoil the holiday!

Hiking in autumn and winter: What equipment is needed?

When the forests change colour and the temperatures drop as well as the leaves, it invites you to take a closer look at nature. A short or even a more dissolute hike is always nice. After all, you always stay active and on the move. Even in winter, when there may even be snow, it is always worthwhile to go out into the fresh air. The crunch of the freshly fallen snow under your hiking boots feels very special. A winter hike is very relaxing if you wear the right shoes on your feet.

The same questions over and over again

Hiking boots in the snow
Image: kasakphoto / shutterstock

At the same time, there are a few questions that arise again and again in this context. Which material is best for winter shoes? And which model is the best for hiking boots? However, the questions cannot be answered unequivocally, as they always depend on the individual hiker or factors such as place and time. After all, when hiking in winter, you move on a completely different surface than in summer. Shoes made of leather or imitation leather are particularly popular here. The answer to the question regarding the best model is also difficult to answer. The factors mentioned above are also important here. For this reason, shops such as Decathlon offer winter shoes ideal for ice and snow in addition to shoes for the summer. The optimal fit in particular is vital when hiking. For this reason, Decathlon also has many local branches in addition to the online shop. This makes it easy to try on and test the different models.

For the winter, the most important thing is that the hiking boots warm the foot and that they are waterproof. After all, it is quite possible that you will encounter the first snow in an alpine area as early as autumn. In general, the subsoil is very humid and deep in many places at this time of year. Good protection against cold and water up to above the ankle is therefore highly recommended in a shoe for winter hikes. Depending on the course of winter and spring, however, it can also happen in high alpine locations that you move over extensive snowfields that cover the actual hiking trails. On such a hike, you are always happy about the extra warmth on your feet.

It’s all about the right size

Leather or imitation leather is therefore the ideal material for winter hiking boots. But how do you find the right size for hiking boots? In any case, the size of a hiking boot is almost never the same as that of an ordinary street shoe. After all, most hikers also wear correspondingly thicker socks. This is especially true in winter, when you try to fight the cold with several layers. In general, a hiking shoe should be half a size to a full size larger than the street shoes you normally wear.

However, the socks are not the only reason why you should choose the shoe size a little larger. When you’re off-road, you also hit the edge of your shoes very quickly. This is not always very pleasant, especially in the front area, on the tips of the toes. A kind of “crumple zone” is therefore highly recommended. Your feet will thank you, especially on a longer descent where the front end of the shoe is heavily stressed. A shoe chosen large enough can withstand the load longer and is even more comfortable to wear.

Raleigh – the young, lively capital of North Carolina

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In the heart of North Carolina lies the bustling, eclectic capital city of Raleigh. The life-affirming atmosphere with the largest beer garden in the world, with many bars, pubs, cafés and restaurants is proverbial. Historic attractions meet modern buildings and facilities.

Raleigh was founded in 1792 to be the new capital of North Carolina . At the same time, Raleigh also replaced the previous administrative center of Wake County in New Bern . The county, Wake County, has since been governed from Raleigh. The name is a reminiscence of the explorer of the North Carolina coast, Sir Walter Raleigh. Curiously, however, the Englishman was never here, but steered the expedition from London .

Today, Raleigh is the second largest city in North Carolina. It invests a lot of education and training facilities and thus attracts young innovative entrepreneurs. In association with the neighbouring towns of Cary, Chapel Hill and Durham, research and training capacities have been pooled. Under the term “The Triangle”, the focus is on technology from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. In this way, the region has created attractive conditions for young companies, students and young professionals. This explains a predominantly young population and a diverse cultural scene.

Historic Raleigh

Skyline von Raleigh
View of the Raleigh skyline, Image: Farid Sani / shutterstock

Even though modernity has found its way into the city, history and historical sites are still cherished and cared for.

  • The North Carolina State Capitol now houses only the offices of the governor and lieutenant governor. It is one of the most impressive old buildings.
    Historic buildings that are worth visiting are often located in beautiful, well-kept parks. For example, a walk through the “Mordecai Historic Park” leads to the birthplace of the 17th President Andrew Johnson. Five generations have lived in the house and visitors today get an impression of what everyday life was like back then.
  • In “The Historic Oak View County Park” you can recreate country life in the 19th century. It is vividly depicted with the house of a large landowner. A pecan nut plantation and a gin museum complete the picture. In front of the historic houses, where well-known personalities have lived, there are signs pointing out the prominent residents.
  • History also lives in downtown Raleigh in the historic district, “Historic Oakwood”. Mighty oak trees have given the district its name and line the streets flanked by beautiful old houses.
  • One of the most exciting projects is the “Dorothea Dix Park”. In the heart of downtown, historic architecture on rolling hills and mighty trees combines with stunning views of Raleigh’s modern skyline.

Raleigh’s Museum World

The “City of Raleigh Museum” shows the history of the city in changing exhibitions. The building alone is worth seeing. The “Briggs Building” from 1874 has retained its special features. The museum gallery is spanned by a remarkable tin ceiling.

Captivating, state-of-the-art exhibits introduce the history of science with extensive collections at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science.
For children, the “Marbles Kids Museum” is exciting. They discover child-friendly exhibitions and educational programs and in the Marbles IMAX they experience an oversized film.

Raleigh’s nickname as the “Smithsonian of the South” comes from the abundance of high-quality, free museums and attractions.

Sports activities in and around Raleigh

As the third most athletic city in the USA , Raleigh has a special reputation. Rock walls for climbing, golf courses, tennis parks, ice rinks and aquatic centers, and horseback riding compete with parks and lakes. Outside the city, a total of 180 miles of greenway trails invite you to hike and bike. The best mountain biking trail is in Lake Crabtree County Park.

The “Neuse River Greenway Trail” is popular. It goes over beaten paths, over bridges, through picturesque swamp landscapes and past historical sights. As part of the “Mountains-to-Sea Trails” long-distance hiking trail, it leads through all of North Carolina.

Due to the mild winters and warm summers, Raleigh is in season all year round.

Raleigh’s Dining Scene

St. Patrick's Day in Raleigh
Great atmosphere on the streets of Raleigh on St. Patrick’s Day, Image: EPG_EuroPhotoGraphics / shutterstock

In the “Morgan Street Food Hall” or in the “Transfer Co. Food Hall”, an abundance of fresh seafood tempts you to try bagels, tacos and gourmet ice cream.
International restaurants such as the “Garland” offer exotic delicacies. Specialties from Laos are available in the “Bida Manda”.

America’s best chef, Ashley Christensen, has built a wide-ranging food scene. She serves at Poole’s Diner, is also the owner of a burger joint, a “chicken and waffle” spot, an underground liquor bar and runs a wood-fired contemporary restaurant.

For “Happy Hour” people meet in the “Raleigh Beer Garden”. With 350 types of beer, the world’s largest selection of different beers is available.

Beer is a big topic in Raleigh. More than 10 years ago, Sumit Vohra started to give space to his passion and started producing high-quality ales. His “Lonerider Brewing Company” now has a reputation as one of the best beer producers in the country. This means that a West Texas-style brewery that produces a German-style Hefeweizen is run by a man from India . When night falls in Raleigh, Raleigh becomes a welcoming Southern small town.

You can try delicious cocktails in bars with live music and various types of beer on the roof of the largest beer garden in the world. Nightlife pulsates in five entertainment districts of the city.

Portland: perhaps the greenest city in America

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Portland has always been a port of call for individualists and free spirits. The metropolis in the northwest of the USA, which has a good 650,000 inhabitants, is not far from the Canadian border. The region is known for its excellent air quality, thanks to the nearby mountains and many green spaces in and around Portland. In addition to artists and creatives, many sports enthusiasts have settled in Portland and shape the city’s image. Although Portland is a big city, small-town flair flows through the streets here. Perhaps this is partly due to the fact that the city can be easily explored by bike. The nightlife also has a lot to offer. Since the 1980s, Portland has been a hotspot of the American independent and alternative scene.

Portland and art

To see the works of great artists in Portland, you don’t necessarily have to go to a museum. There are so many artists based in the city that a more than lively creative scene has established itself here. It is worth wandering through the small galleries and taking a look at the results of the creative work of these artists. If you are lucky, you can unearth many a treasure and buy a painting by a still unknown artist at a reasonable price, which will soon be worth a lot. If you like it more orderly, visit the Portland Art Museum of Modern Art, which is located in the Southwest District. It was founded in 1892 and is one of the oldest museums on the West Coast of the USA . Visitors can linger for a long time at the more than 42,000 exhibits. Works by indigenous artists are strongly represented. If you are looking for art on a small budget, you will find it at one of the many craft markets, which can be visited every weekend between March and December.

Wandering through Portland’s parks

St. John's Bridge in Portland
St. Johns Bridge, Image: John Couture / shutterstock

Portland is one of the American cities that has the highest number of parks and gardens. Thus, the city is a true paradise for all passionate walkers and nature lovers. When visiting Portland, you should not miss Washington Park. The park is located a little elevated on a hill and thus guarantees wonderful views. Visiting the huge park area is particularly popular with families with children. Because on the grounds of Washington Park there is a children’s museum as well as the Oregon Zoo. This is the largest zoo in the entire US state of Oregon. The animal domicile, which opened in 1888, can be moved around on foot or by narrow-gauge railway. There are numerous animals such as elephants, bears, lions or penguins to see.

Furthermore, Washington Park also houses the Japanese Garden, a section for friends of the Far Eastern garden style. This landscape park exudes endless peace, especially in autumn. Also part of Washington Park is the International Rose Test Garden. Portland is climatically very suitable for rose cultivation, which can be verified here on the basis of the collection of 8,000 roses. There are also several botanical gardens in the city, such as the Berry Botanic Garden and the Leach Botanical Garden. In the Lan Su Chinese Garden, a visit to the Chinese tea room is worthwhile. Finally, in the Forest Park, all hiking enthusiasts get their money’s worth. The forest area is natural and has numerous well-marked hiking trails that bring visitors very close to American nature.

Going out in Portland

Whether you’re looking for a dignified meal or a party in Portland, the city has something for everyone. If you like to follow the trend of culinary diversity, you can choose between around 600 different food trucks in the city of Portland. From these, unusual and local dishes are sold. Basically, Portland’s landlords attach great importance to quality and regionality. This can be felt on every corner in the stationary restaurants. So if you like to eat healthy, as well as vegetarian or vegan, you will have no problems in Portland with skilful and appropriate food. If you want to go out really nicely, you should head for the Old Town Chinatown district. It’s home to Portland’s hottest clubs and plenty of cocktail bars serving up new and exciting creations. In addition, music bars are lined up here, which help young and talented artists to perform live. And friends of stand-up comedy are also in the right place in this nightlife district.

Must-see attractions in Portland

One of Portland’s best attractions is the city itself. The best thing to do is to rent a bike and cross the water-rich metropolis on the Willamette River. The individual districts are connected by opulently designed bridges. You should definitely visit the Morrison Bridge, a bascule bridge. Especially after dark, the colorfully illuminated bridge looks spectacular. The St. Johns Bridge suspension bridge impresses with its Gothic-inspired architectural language. The Pittock Mansion is an old villa from the early 19th century, which already looks more than stately and enchanted from the outside. The interior houses a regional history museum. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is a technology museum located directly on the Willamette River. The museum includes a submarine that lies in the river and can be visited. In the centrally located Alberta Street, you can relax by strolling through cool shops and fortify yourself in a hip restaurant

The most beautiful holiday resorts in Slovenia – culture, nature and beautiful beaches

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Slovenia is very trendy as a holiday destination in Europe, because the small republic has unique natural landscapes with mountains, dense forests and the beautiful Adriatic coast, the Slovenian Riviera, to offer. Worthwhile destinations in Slovenia also include the modern and culturally rich cities with interesting architecture and vibrant nightlife.

Ljubljana – a capital steeped in history with a heart

Ljubljana
Ljubljana, Image: Georgios Tsichlis / shutterstock

The country’s capital of around 280,000 inhabitants can best be described with the word “romantic”. Ljubljana has a picturesque old town with idyllic houses in the Art Architecture style and invites you to linger in numerous cafés along the banks of the Ljubljanica River. The absolute highlight for an exciting city tour to Ljubljana is the medieval castle, which tourists can reach either on foot or by cable car. The Slovenian metropolis offers those interested in architecture not only buildings in the well-known Art Nouveau style. Baroque and modern architectural styles can also be found here. The historic city centre in particular offers exciting sights. The imposing statues in the center originally come from Greek mythology and stand for the far-reaching history of the region.

At an altitude of almost 300 metres in the basin between the Karst and the Alps, Ljubljana is the ideal location for a popular and frequently visited city. Holidaymakers can enjoy themselves on one of the many golf courses, go on a shopping tour or visit one of the numerous renowned restaurants. Both international and country-specific dishes are offered here. Due to its ideal location, skiing areas and the Adriatic coast can be reached directly from the charming metropolis.

Piran – charming harbour town on the Slovenian Riviera

Piran Square
Piran town square, Image: sangriana / shutterstock

The coastal town is located in the southwestern part of Slovenia and is located directly on the beautiful Adriatic Sea.

Piran has only about 4000 inhabitants and is located about 120 kilometers from the capital of the country. It is only 14 kilometres to the border with neighbouring Croatia .

The history of the port town dates back to the time of the ancient Romans. Piran also offers its visitors exceptional architecture in the Venetian style. Imposing-looking palaces and cathedrals, but also fortifications and old city masonry are among the buildings worth seeing.

The hub of Piran is the city harbour, where the life of the idyllic place takes place. After a visit to one of Piran’s museums or galleries, holidaymakers can stop at quaint taverns along the visually appealing waterfront promenade, offering regional delicacies and good wines. The nightlife also pulsates here.

In Piran and the surrounding area there are many beautiful beaches for beach vacationers.
Crystal clear water and gravel and rock sections can be found on the beach of Lake Fiesa. The area is located east of the old town and is especially popular with families. Lushly grown pines provide natural shade here during the particularly hot midday. There are also opportunities for water sports.

Fornace beach is located south of the harbour and has well-kept sun terraces and access to the water for wheelchair users. Visitors will also find a café and restaurant on Fornace Beach for their physical well-being.

Kranjska Gora – hotspot for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers

Kranjska Gora is particularly well known to winter sports enthusiasts. Near the Karawanken tunnel lies the internationally renowned Planica winter sports centre.
The quaint alpine village is located directly at the foot of the Vitranc mountain. Skiers will find numerous slopes and cross-country trails for different levels of difficulty.
And the nearby Triglav National Park makes the region attractive as a holiday destination even outside the winter months. Here, sports enthusiasts can go on exciting hiking tours or explore the natural area by bike. There are opportunities for white water rafting, trekking and climbing. Animal lovers will also get their money’s worth in the Triglav National Park near Kranjska Gora, because the biodiversity of flora and fauna is remarkable. Ibex, red deer, foxes and even brown bears have found a suitable habitat here.

During the summer months, Lake Jasna not far from Kranjska Gora invites you to swim and linger with its fantastic mountain scenery.

Bled – climatic health resort on the lake with numerous opportunities for leisure activities

Pilgrimage Church of Bled
The pilgrimage church of Bled, Image: ZGPhotography / shutterstock

The idyllic town of Bled is known as a climatic health resort and is located in the immediate vicinity of Lake Bled. The town’s landmark is the Bled Castle at an altitude of around 140 metres on a rock. Bled is known above all for one of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe, which is located there on a high plateau. The spa town is located about 56 kilometers from the capital Ljubljana. Holidaymakers can expect a unique mountain panorama and lush forests around the emerald green lake.

Due to its location, Bled is one of the most beautiful Slovenian destinations in the Alpine region. On Lake Bled, water sports such as canoeing, diving or rafting are offered. The area is also ideal for extended hiking tours. Beach volleyball, mini golf and summer tobogganing round off the range of activities perfectly. In Bled, holidaymakers also have the opportunity to explore the fantastic scenery on horseback. For the adventurous, there are climbing gardens at lofty heights and exciting cave expeditions for varied leisure activities.

Another small highlight is the pilgrimage church of Bled, which is located on an island in the middle of the lake.

Corona measures on cruises

Before the peak of the Corona crisis, hardly any other area of tourism was able to record such steady and massive growth as the cruise industry. The reputation of cruises has changed within a very short time and many travelers wanted to take the opportunity to explore the most beautiful destinations in the world on one of the luxurious ocean liners. With the end of the third wave, traffic is picking up speed again and cruises in the Mediterranean in particular are enjoying great popularity again. What has changed since Covid and what are the most beautiful destinations with a cruise in the Mediterranean now?

The classic: cruises in the Mediterranean

The idea of cruises in the Mediterranean is so old that even in the late Middle Ages, aristocrats and the well-heeled took the opportunity to visit the most interesting port cities in the world. This pleasure is no longer only available to those with a big budget. Cruises in the Mediterranean are affordable due to the sheer mass of providers and offer exactly the trips you want for your own wishes. There are trips that last several weeks and short trips, where the main aim is to see as many interesting cities as possible in the shortest possible time.

Especially the area between Spain, France and Italy attracts with a variety of interesting port cities and many opportunities for excursions in the countryside. Cities such as Marseille, Venice, Rome, Naples or the islands of Sicily and Sardinia offer a deep insight into the cultures of the countries and are among the most beautiful places in the world. The advantage of a cruise when exploring the Mediterranean is clear: During the day, you can be pampered by the program on board, enjoy exclusive food and great opportunities for leisure activities. In the evening you lie in a comfortable bed and when you wake up in the morning, you are already in the next port and before the next city, which you can explore on your own or with supervised tours.

Cruises after Covid – what has changed?

Cruises were certainly one of the areas where the Covid pandemic hit hardest. Due to the isolated environment, infections in this area were a problem, especially before the design of hygiene concepts and measures. After a long break during which the ocean liners were no longer sailing, the industry has now adapted to the situation and implemented a variety of interesting concepts to protect visitors.

In addition to the general obligation to vaccinate on ships, regular testing has also become a standard. Both during boarding and in the event of an existing case on the ship, tests are mandatory. If there is an outbreak, there is care on board without the trip having to be completely interrupted for the rest of the guests. In addition, larger crowds are avoided – the buffets, for example, are provided with clear time options so that there are not too many people in the dining room.

All in all, the industry has adapted to the new challenges and has done everything possible to ensure that visitors can return to the ship with a feeling of safety and devote themselves entirely to relaxation and adventure on the journey to different destinations.

Live your Portugal adventure with Picotours

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Portugal has long since become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. This is no wonder, because the country on the Iberian Peninsula exudes great fascination and beauty. The location directly on the Atlantic Ocean characterizes Portugal from a cultural point of view and the fantastic beaches and natural spectacles make the neighboring country of Spain unique on its meadow. Picotours makes the Portugal experience possible for German travelers and also a real adventure.

What does Picotours stand for?

Picotours organizes group and individual tours and specializes in Portugal, the Azores, the Cape Verde Islands, Madeira and Cabo Verde. Because only where a travel company really knows its way around, it can also offer tours and trips that leave nothing to be desired by the tourists.

Picotours stands for sustainable travel and real adventures. The motto is: “Travel slowly and enjoy.” When traveling, you should get to know the country and its people intensively and the environment should also be protected. The company with family structures has built up a large network in Portugal, which also builds on the great hospitality in the country of around 10 million inhabitants. Charm and comfort are also constant companions on trips with Picotours.

City trip to Porto

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View of Porto, Image: Aliaksandr Antanovich / shutterstock

In perhaps no other city can you get to know the Portuguese attitude to life as well as in Porto. Although the city is often overshadowed by the capital Lisbon, there is something mystical about Porto that is difficult to describe if you haven’t been there before. This special flair alternates with the factors of place, time and daylight. The location directly on the Atlantic coast also makes the city something special.

Picotours offers trips to Porto to bring as many people as possible closer to the city with its location on the Douro, which houses a cultural heritage on both banks. The center of Porto is characterized by a historic old town, which is lined with port wine huts, which have been classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. On a trip to Porto with Picotours, you will also see the fascinating bridges, churches, cathedrals and monuments. You will also experience a lively and lively city with a lot of tradition, art, good food and a refreshing attitude to life. Porto also invites you to celebrate again and again.

Some highlights in Porto are:

  • The Cais da Ribeira river port
  • Mercado do Bolhao Market
  • Teatro National São João on Praça da Batalh
  • São Bent Railway Station
  • Concert Hall “Casa da Música”

With a city like Porto, which brings with it such a flood of attractions and impressive places, it is not easy to be flooded by all the emotions. However, the operators of Picotours have experience with trips to Portugal and Porto in particular. They have a wealth of experience as to which sights you absolutely have to see and where the Portuguese attitude to life can best be soaked up. They regularly offer trips to Portugal, where you can discover a very special city individually and in groups and get to know the Portuguese way of life.

With the cruise ship through the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean has always attracted German holidaymakers in droves. A wonderful climate, many different regions and foreign countries attract together with historic cities and great food. In addition to the opportunity to relax on the beach, cruises in the Mediterranean in particular have gained significantly in popularity in recent years.

With a cruise, you not only have a mobile luxury hotel with a variety of options for leisure, supply and accommodation, but you can also reach the most interesting and beautiful destinations of the Mediterranean simply overnight. So, floating cities have become one of the most popular tourism options in the Mediterranean, and for good reason.

The advantage of a cruise ship trip through the Mediterranean

A Mediterranean cruise is probably the most relaxed way to explore the various destinations and regions in the Mediterranean. After check-in on the ship, you have the personal cabin, which lacks nothing in terms of comfort and luxury compared to the classic hotel room. On the ship itself, there are usually numerous restaurants, bars and small cafes for catering. The modern ocean liners are also a center of entertainment. With comprehensive programs, its own theaters and cinemas, performances and, if necessary, animation for the children, there are many options for how to spend a day on the high seas.

In addition to the luxury on the ship, the focus is of course on the journey through the Mediterranean itself. Most cruise ship trips are based on the most beautiful cities you can find. In addition to a round trip from Naples to the south of France, tours along the Greek islands are also possible. Here it is already the cost factor that speaks for a trip by cruise ship. If you want to explore several places on the Mediterranean in a short time, you would spend money on a rental car, a flight or the train journey every time. With the cruises, there is the transfer on the luxury ship to the various locations, while you can use all the amenities on the ship and usually arrive at the new destination overnight.

The most beautiful trips for a cruise through the Mediterranean

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The port of Marseille, Image: S-F / shutterstock

There is a large selection of providers who specialize in cruises through the Mediterranean. They all offer different tours with very different lengths. A short tour along the Greek islands, on which you can explore Athens, Mykonos, Crete and islands such as Santorini in five days. Other options include a tour between the islands of the western Mediterranean, visits to the most famous port cities and, of course, trips to the most interesting metropolises that have a long history. Longer cruises sometimes have a day at sea, so that you can relax between the strenuous tours and enjoy the offers on board.

One of the most popular providers for booking cruises in the Mediterranean is Costa cruises. The provider specializes in various models for traveling in the Mediterranean with a large fleet of beautiful and luxurious ships. The most popular route, for example, led from Palma past Barcelona, Marseille, Messina and Rome and lets cruise passengers explore some of the most interesting cities in the Mediterranean within 8 days. But there are also cruises that focus more on the sprawling world of Greek port cities, for example. In four days, they will travel from Trieste via Mykonos, Katakolon and Corfu back to their home port. Perfect weather and the Greek islands in just seven days – a dream for anyone who wants to discover more of the Mediterranean.

One of the most beautiful tours is certainly the one between Italy, Greece, Turkey and Croatia. The journey begins in Venice – a city that many people claim to have seen at least once and that was the starting point for many upheavals in the Mediterranean. From here you will continue to Katakolon, Izmir and Istanbul. Each of these cities could be the subject of a novel of its own, and each has a variety of sights. Travelers on a cruise ship have the advantage that the experienced companions on board can organize everything you need for an exploration trip. Accompanied tours to the most interesting sights and excursions on land are therefore possible without any problems. However, it is also up to the travelers on the ship to explore the cities on their own, immerse themselves deeply in the life of cities like Istanbul and return to the safe harbor in the evening in the form of their own cabin on the ship.

Of course, the other side of the Mediterranean must not be forgotten either. Various cruises deal with Las Palmas, Barcelona, Marseille, the Balearic Islands and of course Sicily. From here it is only a short stone’s throw to Naples and Rome and many of the cruises offer corresponding tours to the oldest and some of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean. Here, too, culture and great food are pre-programmed – always according to your own wishes and requirements.

Find themed cruises and special tours on the cruise ships

A cruise in the Mediterranean is also always a great way to get in touch with people who have similar interests. Many providers therefore also have specialized cruises. These are tours that are particularly suitable for pensioners and also offer appropriate accompaniment or for party-goers who first want to party on the ship and then continue on shore leave, for example in Ibiza. So if you are looking for alternatives to the supporting program around culture and sights, you will find offers from many providers today in this area that are associated with a unique holiday and many great memories in the Mediterranean.