All about travel

The luxury of freedom: holidays in holiday homes and apartments

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

The luxury of freedom: holidays in holiday homes and apartments

Barefoot and disheveled at the breakfast table, drinking coffee in pajamas while the first one takes a shower – every day begins like a Sunday, you spend your holiday in a holiday home or apartment. The self-catering holiday gives you all the freedom you could wish for. Casual privacy, plenty of space to live, live and relax, as well as time and financial flexibility are privileges that are always included in the booking price for holiday apartments and holiday homes.

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Holiday homes and holiday apartments: holidays with character

As colourful as the world, as diverse are the holiday apartments and holiday homes around the globe. And individuality is not immediately expressed in the price. From family holiday home settlements with beach access to lonely fireplace houses in the mountains, there is accommodation for every taste in all price ranges. The self-catering variant is also enjoying growing popularity for city trips. You live particularly curiously if you rent a tree house or houseboat for your holiday.

And it’s not just the location that counts: authentic local colour is part of the basic atmospheric equipment of holiday homes and holiday apartments. In North America , people snuggle up in front of the fireplace with a hot chocolate in Canadian woollen blankets, while in the West Indies , people fry their fish in the open-air kitchen of the stilt house.

Holiday apartment and holiday home: local recreation included

Almost as a matter of course, holiday homes and apartments offer beautiful opportunities to spend time outdoors. Roof terrace or veranda, garden plot or community pool on the holiday resort – no one needs to sit in the room.

In addition, the larger space with bedrooms, kitchen and living area also gives you all the possibilities to retreat or socialize indoors. So you have ideal conditions for a harmonious group or family holiday!

Whether it’s an uncomplicated log cabin, luxury villa with a bathing area and marble floors or something in between: you are sure to find the right accommodation for everyone thanks to the wide range of offers.

Eat what your heart desires in the holiday home

There are no fixed meal times, so neither late risers nor early risers have to start the day hungry. You put what you like in the fridge and everyone can fully pursue their culinary preferences.

The fact that you always have the choice of when and where you eat also keeps your schedule and budget smooth. Before breakfast, no one has to wait in their room until everyone has freshened up, if you prepare your daily provisions in the holiday kitchen, you don’t have to look for the right snack on the way. Whether you dress up again in the evening for a fine dinner or prefer to slip into comfortable clothes and prepare a simple pasta dish “at home” can be decided anew every day.

Exciting discoveries at the holiday destination

When shopping for groceries, you get to know the holiday destination from a completely different side, and what is everyday life at home becomes an experience. You rummage through foreign sweets and nibbles and discover curious canned food. In the Croatian supermarket, for example, there are meters of nuts and dried fruit to fill yourself, in the Azores you can shovel mussels into your bag and in Norway you stand in front of the refrigerated shelf and are amused by the riddle that the fish pudding poses to you. Of course, as a self-caterer, you always have the best access to the regional specialties and can try your way through as you please. In addition, foreign foods such as myrtle honey, chestnut beer, cod in tomato dressing or chestnut jam are wonderful as individual souvenirs for those who stayed at home.

Practical: everything fits in the holiday home!

Whether it’s a surfboard or children’s toys, there is room for everything you need in a holiday home or holiday apartment. Even if you take your dog with you on holiday, you are in good hands here. Two-person apartments are available as well as two-storey residential buildings for large groups. Or you can rent two neighboring houses with a family friend and thus combine conviviality with privacy.

In the common rooms you can spread out casually – a big plus, especially for children – and because room service doesn’t snow in every day, you just leave your things lying around unabashedly when you feel like it.

Having space in the fridge even on holiday is also a nice thing. A washing machine in the holiday home also reduces the luggage; Shower and tea towels as well as bed linen can usually be rented on site for a small surcharge.

The Netherlands: Is it all just cheese?

Netherlands

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

0

“Holland is the coolest city in the world” says a song by the band “275ers”. The Essen band knows what they are talking about. Because the Netherlands is not far from the Ruhr area. But also coming from Lower Saxony, the Lower Rhine or the Rhineland, people crossed the border quickly. If you prefer to travel by plane, you should fly to Amsterdam or Maastricht near Aachen. From the German border, several trains and long-distance buses run to Rotterdam, Amsterdam or Eindhoven. The well-developed road transport network and the numerous ferries ensure that you can get to the many islands of the Netherlands safely and quickly.

A picturesque sunset at the North Sea in the Netherlands, Image: Rudmer Zwerver / shutterstock

Colloquially, the Netherlands is often referred to as Holland. North and South Holland are two of the country’s 12 provinces. Together, they make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The head of state is King Wilhelm Alexander, who has ruled since 2013. In his honour, there is the “Koningsdag” (King’s Day) every year, which takes place on the king’s birthday. On April 27 every year, the Dutch celebrate exuberantly on the streets, sell drinks or homemade food and dress in the national colors. On this day, the whole nation lights up in orange.

In addition to French fries with frikandel, stamppot, a hearty stew, is a popular dish of the Dutch. You can get a delicious soft ice cream or poffertjes that look like small pancakes on almost every corner. After a leisurely walk along one of the many canals or a leisurely bike ride along the windmills and tulip fields, such a meal is just right.

Tulips Amsterdam Netherlands — A beautiful sea of tulips in the middle of Amsterdam

The Netherlands is known for its different types of cheese: there is always something going on at the weekly and cheese markets and so buying a cheese wheel becomes a real spectacle. In the cities of Gouda, Edam or Alkmaar, cheese merchants gather on different days of the week, competing in their classic outfit of blue and white striped shirts, wooden slippers and caps.

The Netherlands has a mild climate and it can be a bit stormy, especially in the coastal areas. If you are on the road with e-bikes, you are on the safe side and make good progress. For this reason, cities such as Hellevoetsluis or Eegmond aan Zee are very popular with windsurfers and sailors. But the IJsselmeer is also a real surfer’s and sailor’s paradise. The dunes and the sea are a relaxation for the soul. An overnight stay in a tent or camper van is not only very popular with the locals. Make sure that the places for camping and camping are advertised. It is not always allowed to spend the night on the beach.

Somewhat more sheltered from the wind and more popular with families are the more southern coasts. The cities of Domburg, Kamperland or Oostkapelle are also very popular with couples and single travellers. The quaint shopping arcades invite you to go shopping.

Mudflat walks and museums explain to visitors the beauty of nature, which is protected in many nature parks. The nature parks offer holidaymakers peace and seclusion from everyday life.

If you need a little more action, you should visit one of the many amusement parks. The Dutch love fast roller coasters and the like. In most amusement parks, French fries, soft ice cream and drinks are included in the price.

Travel information Netherlands

Capital	Amsterdam (seat of government: The Hague)
Form of government	constitutional monarchy autonomous country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
Currency	Euro (EUR)
Area	approx. 41,500 km²
Population	approx. 17,140,000 (as of 2017)
Languages	Dutch
Electricity grid	230 Volt / 50 Hz
Area code	+31
Time zone	UTC+1 CET UTC+2 CEST (March to October)

Hanover – Former residence of the Guelphs

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

0

Hanover – Former residence of the Guelphs

Hanover, today’s state capital of Lower Saxony, is also known as the City of Gardens. More than 50% of it consists of publicly accessible green spaces and gardens. Excellent shopping facilities, a vibrant nightlife, numerous sights and a wide range of leisure and local recreation facilities make Hanover a city with a high quality of life.

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The history of Hanover

Herrenhausen Gardens Hanover, Image: Sebastian Grote /shutterstock

In the beginning, it was a trading post on the Leine, but the actual founding of the town took place between 1124 and 1141 by the Counts of Rhoden. Duke Henry the Lion from the high noble family of the Guelphs, further expanded the small market settlement in 1142 and fortified the town. In 1241, Hanover received city rights and became an independent city.

Prince Georg von Calenberg, a general from the 30 Years’ War, appointed Hanover his residence in 1636. Other milestones in the history of Hanover were the elevation to a kingdom in 1815 and the Prussian annexation in 1815. Hanover became a Prussian garrison town. Prussian rule was accompanied by an enormous economic upswing and significant industrial development.

Then followed the First World War, the Weimar Republic and the Second World War. The post-war period was marked by extensive reconstruction measures of the largely destroyed city. Only about 5% of residential buildings in Hanover have remained unscathed. Today, Hanover is a thriving city with more than 500,000 inhabitants and is one of the leading cities in Germany.

Excursion destinations and leisure activities

The Market Church in the old town of Hanover, Image: Mapics / shutterstock

The city of Hanover and its surroundings are an El Dorado for all kinds of leisure activities. Whether cycling, playing golf, swimming in one of the many bathing lakes (e.g. the Steinhuder Meer, Altwarmbüchener See), horseback riding, playing beach volleyball, Boßeln, climbing in the high ropes course or simply relaxing in one of the parks. The wide range of leisure activities in and around Hanover leaves nothing to be desired.

For families with children, the adventure zoo is an absolute must. On a tour through various biotopes around the world, zoo visitors can marvel at over 2000 different animals. It is home to hippos, rhinos, lions, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, chimpanzees and gorillas, tigers, leopards and elephants, polar bears, seals, penguins and even kangaroos and emus.

A visit to this unique “Noah’s Ark” will remain an unforgettable experience. A visit to Sea Life Hannover is also recommended. In this fascinating underwater world, visitors can stroll through a glass tunnel under the ocean basin to observe sharks, turtles and many tropical fish from a fish’s eye view.

In the “Aspria Spa & Sport Club” at the Maschsee, sport, fun and wellness are offered in one. Six saunas, a steam bath, a salt cave, a whirlpool and a relaxation room with a fireplace are available. Guests can swim in both the indoor and outdoor pools. There is also a fitness area, where not only strength athletes get their money’s worth. But the warm brine water of the “Kristall Saunatherme” in Seelze and the “Landgrafentherme” also makes the hearts of wellness fans beat faster.

Sights in Hanover

In Hanover, visitors can discover numerous sights. The Gothic market church and the old town hall made of red brick are just two of them. Both buildings are located in the old town in the middle of many beautiful half-timbered houses.

Another attraction is one of Hanover’s landmarks, the new town hall. The unique arched elevator takes visitors up the dome to a viewing platform. Once at the top, he is rewarded with a magnificent view over the whole city. But the interior of the almost one hundred meter high town hall dome is also worth seeing. In the town hall you can see four city models of Hanover’s development, 1689, 1939, after the destruction in 1945 and today.

A special attraction of Hanover are the Herrenhausen Gardens, which were laid out in the 17th century with the baroque large garden, the Museum Schloss Herrenhausen, the botanical mountain garden and the English Georgengarten. In the large garden, a water fountain, various water features, different groups of figures and a grotto can be admired. A maze and a tropical show house, as well as an open-air theatre and the castle with orangery round off the visit. The Berggarten is home to the largest collection of orchids in Europe.

Shopping and gastronomy

Hanover is filled with green spaces, Image: Mapics / shutterstock

In Hanover’s old town, shopping enthusiasts can stroll between elegant boutiques, shoe shops, jewellery shops and antique shops and at the same time admire the nostalgic half-timbered houses. For friends of “haute couture”, a stroll along Hanover’s promenade, Georgstraße, is worthwhile.

Here you can buy elegant luxury dresses and fine jewelry. You can also shop in the Ernst-August-Galerie, the Galerie Luise, around Kröpke-Platz, as well as in Hanover’s well-known shopping streets, Luisenstraße, Theaterstraße and Königstraße. A visit to one of the 26 weekly markets is also worthwhile.

The Hanoverians consider the Linden market to be the most beautiful weekly market in the city. The Linden market from 1883 has become a popular meeting place for young and old in Hanover. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the market traders offer fruit and vegetables from the region, freshly baked bread and many other regional delicacies at numerous stalls. Friends of good food will not miss out in Hanover anyway.

In the city’s numerous restaurants, pubs and pizzerias, guests can choose between hearty, hearty, but also exclusive food offers until late at night. Lovers of French, Italian or Asian cuisine are offered everything their hearts desire in Hanover. Various excellent fish restaurants and cafés round off the gastronomic offer.

Tip: The largest shooting festival in the world takes place in Hanover every year. Hundreds of thousands of spectators do not miss the parade of the shooters in their uniforms. Maybe you don’t either?

City trip to Zurich

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

0

The Swiss city of Zurich combines modern city life with close proximity to nature. Countless events, a popular cultural landscape and a vibrant nightlife characterize the city on the lake. If you are planning a short trip, Zurich is the right place for you.

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Zurich a city of diversity

View of the shore of Lake Zurich, Image: Alexandru Staiu / shutterstock

If you look at the total area, Zurich is rather small. On the other hand, if you look at the economic figures, it comes first. Zurich was already an important trading metropolis in the early Middle Ages. Today, Zurich is the financial centre of Switzerland. The Swiss National Bank is located in the middle of the city centre, not far from the magnificent Bahnhofstrasse.

Here, the most expensive stores of large, international brands are lined up next to each other and customers from all over the world enjoy shopping here. In addition, the city is valued for its innovative strength and the many excellent educational institutions such as the Technical University or the Zurich University of the Arts. Company bosses of giants such as Google and Disney Research also became aware of Zurich early on and founded European branches in Zurich.

The city’s creativity, on the other hand, is evident in the large cultural scene: institutions such as the Haus Konstruktiv, the Museum für Gestaltung or the Kunsthaus stand for themselves. But the many culinary highlights are also known far beyond the country’s borders. Just think of the Zürcher Geschnetzelte with fresh rösti or the beloved Bircher muesli in the morning! The city’s star chefs are true cosmopolitans and not only create the traditional dishes of Switzerland.

Zurich Sunset — Beautiful view of the historic city center of Zurich at sunset in Switzerland, Image: f11photo/shutterstock

International food trends are quickly introduced in the city and are accepted with great interest by the people of Zurich. The food scene is large, which is perhaps why Zurich has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in all of Europe. In addition, the city has long since made a name for itself in the international street food scene. Every year, the great Food Zurich Festival takes place and young pop-up restaurants and a high density of clubs round off the city’s gastronomic offerings. What else can you list – Zurich is a real cosmopolitan cosmopolitan city with a heart.

Old town and lake basin

Nice little square with fountain in the old town of Zurich in Switzerland — Beautiful little square with fountain in the old town of Zurich in Switzerland, Image: RossHelen / shutterstock

Zurich’s Old Town is a cultural melting pot with an extremely interesting past. On site, you can stroll through winding alleys, pass medieval buildings and old guild and town halls. All the houses in the old town have certainly experienced turbulent times and if they could speak, the best stories would come to light. As long as this remains impossible, city guides tell vivid stories about the people, their lives and work as well as the many landmarks of the city.

First and foremost, these include the twin towers of the Grossmünster. The cathedral was once commissioned by Charlemagne. Other well-known sights of the city are: the Frauenmünster with its impressive glass front and St. Peter’s Church, whose tower clock bears the largest dial in Europe. Not far from the old town, you can reach the shores of Lake Zurich. The lake is a popular meeting place for connoisseurs, explorers and water sports enthusiasts in summer and winter. Here you can go windsurfing, water skiing or swimming.

Excursion tip: A picnic on the island of Lützelau with freshly prepared fish crisps.

Uetliberg – the history of a local mountain

Towering above the city is the Uetliberg – Zurich’s endearing local mountain with its 871 m high peak “Uto Kulm”. The view of the city, the lake and the often snow-capped mountain peaks of the Alps is fantastic and should be at the top of every excursion list. The mountain is a popular hiking area, and there are also many well-known routes for mountain bikers. The mountain is particularly popular with children in the winter months, as the hiking trails are converted into toboggan trails as soon as the first snow has fallen. Excursion tip: Hike along the Planet Trail and get an exciting insight into our solar system.

Rapperswil – Zurich’s Rivera

Rapperswil is also known as the “City of Roses” or the “Zurich Rivera”. The nearby small town is located on the upper Lake Zurich and is the most popular destination for the people of Zurich. Nature puts visitors in a Mediterranean holiday mood and beautiful flower and rose species bloom in the three rose gardens. You can easily reach Rapperswil from Zurich by public transport. There are plenty of parking spaces available on site for those arriving by car. The most famous landmark of the city, along with the rose gardens, is the castle of Rapperswil. It towers high above the city on the castle hill and gives visitors a fantastic panoramic view of the Glarus Alps and the Zurich Oberland.

Numerous chapels and monasteries complete the overall picture. The medieval town centre of Rapperswil invites guests to take a leisurely stroll through the town, and there are lovely restaurants and cafés on the nearby waterfront. From here you can also reach the opposite side of the lake. The longest wooden bridge in Switzerland brings guests across the lake and back again with dry feet.

Excursion tip: Explore Lake Zurich on a paddle steamer from Rapperswil. Other leisure activities for every taste around Lake Zurich in the canton of Zurich are: the city of Pfäffikon with its large outdoor adventure pool and numerous water slides, Knies Children’s Zoo, ski slopes and summer toboggan run on the Atzmännig as well as the pilgrimage site of Einsiedeln with its world-famous monastery complex.

Final tips for a short trip to Zurich

View from Uetliberg, Image: Oscity / shutterstock

Enjoy the advantages of the Zurich Card and save time and money. The Zürich Card is valid for one or up to three days and allows free travel on trams, buses, trains and cable cars in the city of Zurich and the surrounding area. In addition, users receive free admission or discounts to 41 museums in the city. Would you like to take part in a guided tour of the city and learn more about the sights? Great, with the Zurich Card you save a whole 50% on a tour of Zurich’s Old Town. Find out about other advantages of the tourism card on site and discover the beauty of the city.

Facts about Zurich

Population: Zurich has a population of more than 400,000 people, making it the most populous city in Switzerland.
Economy: Zurich is the economic center of Switzerland and a major international financial center. The city is home to many banks, insurance companies, and multinational corporations.
Education: Zurich is also an important educational location with prestigious universities such as the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich), which is among the best technical universities in the world.
Culture: The city has a rich cultural scene with numerous museums, galleries and theatres. The Kunsthaus Zürich is one of the city’s best-known art museums.
Language: The official language in Zurich is German, but due to the international population, many other languages are also represented in the city, including English, French, and Italian.
Transport: Zurich has a well-developed public transport system that includes trams, buses and trains. Zurich Airport is the largest international airport in Switzerland and an important hub for air traffic.
Places to visit: Popular places to visit in Zurich include Lake Zurich (a large lake near the city), the Old Town (Zurich’s Old Town with its narrow streets and historic buildings), and Zurich Zoo.
Events: Zurich is also known for its cultural events and festivals, including the Zurich Film Festival, the Zurich Opera House, and the Street Parade Festival.
Quality of life: The city of Zurich is often praised for its high quality of life and safety. It is regularly listed among the best cities in the world in quality of life studies.
Currency: The official currency in Zurich and Switzerland is the Swiss franc (CHF).

Atlanta – the heart of the southern states

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Atlanta – the heart of the southern states

For many, Atlanta is only a short stopover on the way to another destination in the USA, as the city is home to the largest airport in the world. Atlanta itself also has a variety of sights, museums and activities to offer its visitors, as well as a rich and interesting history.

Atlanta downtown — Image: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

For example, Atlanta is the headquarters of the famous Coca Cola Corporation and the news channel CNN and hosted the Summer Olympics in 1996. Atlanta is a metropolis with over 5 million inhabitants and the capital of the US state of Georgia. From Germany you can reach the international airport, hub of the airline Delta Airlines, non-stop from many larger cities, the flight time is about 9 hours.

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Attractions in Atlanta

Centennial Olympic Park

The Centennial Olympic Park, as the name suggests, was opened as part of the Olympic Games in 1996 and is located right in the heart of the city. The park invites locals and tourists alike to walk, picnic and relax and attracts several million visitors every year, not least because of the numerous events that take place here. Especially in summer, there are regular concerts and events here. The park is an excellent starting point for exploring the city.

Georgia Aquarium

Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta — The Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the NFL team Atlanta Falcons, Image: Revel Pix LLC /shutterstock

Very close to the Centennial Olympic Park is the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the world with a water volume of almost 38 million liters. Here, guests can experience dolphins, penguins and stingrays up close, and for the little visitors there is even a kind of “fish petting zoo” where you can pet small sharks and stingrays. In addition, the Georgia Aquarium is home to one of the largest reef aquariums in the entire world.

World of Coca-Cola

A vacation in Atlanta wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Coca Cola World, home of the world’s famous lemonade. Originally designed as a medicine for headaches and made with real cocaine, Coca Cola is now popular all over the world and is distributed in every country except Cuba and North Korea. In the Coca Cola World, visitors learn everything about the cult drink and can take a look behind the scenes of its production. As a special highlight, there are five tasting stations where you can taste drinks from North America, Central America, Europe, Asia and Africa free of charge. Of course, visitors to Coca Cola World can also buy all kinds of products from the Coca Cola Group here.

High Museum of Art

Botanical garden — Sculpture in the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Image: Nicholas Lamontanaro / shutterstock

With the High Museum of Art, Atlanta has one of the most renowned museums in the entire southeastern USA. Over 11,000 exhibits are on display here, including American art from the 19. and 20th century, as well as a large number of important European paintings and an ever-growing selection of African-American art objects. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the High Museum of Art also shows changing exhibitions, for example on topics such as photography or fashion.

CNN Studios

The internationally renowned news channel CNN is headquartered in Atlanta and offers its guests a behind-the-scenes look at the television station as part of the CNN Studio Tour. Interestingly, tours begin with a ride on the world’s longest free-standing escalator, and visitors have the chance to read the news on camera. During the tour, you will also get to know the control room, where all the threads come together, as well as the blue screen area and the backstage areas.

Atlanta Zoo

Suntrust Park, home of the Atlanta Braves baseball team, Image: Rob Hainer/shutterstock

The Atlanta Zoo in Grant Park covers an area of almost 16 hectares and is home to over 1000 animals from about 200 species. Atlanta’s oldest attraction is a meeting point for locals and tourists, visitors of all ages, and offers the opportunity to get closer to the animals in a habitat-like environment. The zoo’s most famous animals are its gorillas, as well as its giant pandas, as Atlanta is one of only four zoos in the USA that are home to the lovable bears. For the little visitors, there is also a petting zoo with goats and sheep as well as a zoo train.

Around Atlanta

Providence Canyon State Park

Atlanta at night, Image: Sean Pavone / shutterstock

If you think that you have to travel to the west of the USA to see canyons, you are far from it, because only about 2.5 hours drive from Atlanta, south of the city of Colombus, Georgia, lies Providence Canyon State Park. This canyon landscape is also called the Grand Canyon of Georgia and looks like the miniature version of its namesake. Due to ongoing erosion processes, this canyon is currently still in the development phase. A special highlight is an abandoned farm on the park grounds, where about a dozen rusting vehicles from the 1950s can still be visited today.

Anderson National Historic Site

The Anderson National Historic Site is also about a 2.5-hour drive from Atlanta and is a particularly worthwhile destination for history buffs. At the time of the American Civil War from 1864 to 1865, Anderson was a Confederate prisoner of war camp, which held up to 45,000 enemy soldiers there. Today, this place is a monument in the form of a National Historic Site and, as an open-air museum, conveys a lot of interesting knowledge about the camp and the American Civil War.

Catania – the pearl of Sicily

Europe
Italy

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

0

Catania, so the story goes, is a pearl forged from water and fire. For more than two and a half millennia, the metropolis has flourished on the white beaches of the Ionian Sea.

The “city under the mountain”, which is what the word Catania actually means, is located at the foot of Mount Etna, the largest volcano on our continent. With its more than 300,000 inhabitants, it is the second largest city in Sicily in Italy after Palermo. It is also the capital of the metropolitan city of the same name. The metropolis is one of the late Baroque towns of the Val di Noto, which have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNSECO.

Piazza del Duomo Catania — Santa Agatha at Piazza del Duomo, Image: Sergey Kelin / shutterstock

The city is a highly interesting and attractive destination for several reasons. Both their rich history and their intercultural diversity make it possible to experience a piece of ancient identity. The baroque buildings, the colourful and noisy markets and the numerous restaurants invite you to stroll through the city and take a walk. The cheap local transport also allows you to explore the region around the city. Catania is also an excellent seaside resort due to its immediate proximity to the coast. Below are some of the biggest highlights and sights in and around Catania.

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Churches, cathedrals and monasteries in Catania

The Elephant Fountain, Image: Giuseppe Piazzese / shutterstock

Catania is home to a large number of impressive churches, cathedrals and monasteries. Among other things, the church of San Benedetto, the monastery of San Nicola and the Collegiata stand out.

Perhaps the most imposing cathedral, however, is the Cathedral of Sant’Agata. It is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Catania and is located on the east side of Piazza Duomo. It was dedicated to St. Agatha, the patron saint of the city. The architecture of the church is characterized by a longitudinal building with a triple apse and transverse building.

Catania Skyline — Image: NAPA / shutterstock

In the course of restoration work, the apses were stripped of their Baroque decoration and once again show the original Norman construction of the building. However, its baroque west façade has been preserved. This was designed by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini. The interior of the church is divided into three naves with the help of pillars. The beautiful main altar is located in the awe-inspiring central apse. In the two side apses there is the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament and the Chapel of St. Aghata, where her relics are also kept.

Palazzi

Piazza Duomo — Image: trabantos / shutterstock

Another architectural feature of the city is its numerous and diverse pallazi. The Palazzo degli Elefanti, the Palazzo Valle, the Palazzo di Giustizia and the Palazzo Biscari are particularly noteworthy.

The latter is the most important palazzo in Catania. It was built at the end of the 17th century, after Catania had been almost completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1693. Almost a century later, none other than Johann Wolfgang Goethe visited the palace.

Beaches in the Catania region

Ancient Theatres of Taormina — The Ancient Theatre of Taormina, Image: K. Roy Zerloch / shutterstock

The region around Catania is home to numerous beaches of various colors, all of which are very easy to reach by public transport and offer bathing fun for every taste. Three of them will be presented here.

La Playa is the largest and longest beach in Catania with its 18 km. It is particularly popular for its golden and fine sand, as well as the high density of beach bars and services. It also offers a breathtaking view of Mount Etna. It can be reached from the city in 15 minutes. The shallow waters and the numerous tourist attractions make the beach ideal for visits with small children.

Riviera dei Ciclopi is a smaller beach located near Aci Trezza. It represents one of the most fascinating coastal areas of Catania. In addition to the large, rounded pebbles, its trademark is the free-standing, black rocks and the island of Lachea, which rise out of the sea here. The crystal clear water is particularly suitable for snorkelers.

The coast of Paiola is particularly characterized by its black beaches, which indicate the volcanic geology of Sicily. Here you can spend a few hours by the sea in peace, because the coast stretches along agricultural land, which means that there is comparatively little traffic and tourist hustle and bustle. In addition, the rich Mediterranean vegetation provides a natural ambience here.

Mount Etna

The Roman Theatre of Catania (1), Image: Romas_Photo / shutterstock

If you are on holiday in Catania, you should plan at least one day for excursions to Mount Etna! The volcano is excellently developed and easily accessible from the city by bus, taxi or private car. Depending on whether you want to climb the summit or visit one of the countless side craters of Etna, there are different tours. Here you will be guided safely and reliably by a knowledgeable guide through the rugged landscape of Europe’s highest volcano.

Let’s go – Let’s go to Catania

Roman Theatre Catania — The Roman Theatre of Catania (2), Image: Leonid Andronov / shutterstock

Catania is a holiday destination for everyone! It is well connected by land, air and sea. The city itself has a lot to offer for all tastes: those interested in art, culture and architecture get their money’s worth here, as do nature lovers or bathing enthusiasts! An excellent culinary offer and an exciting city life round off the holiday experience in a memorable way.

Travel in Costa Rica

America

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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South and Central America are increasingly becoming the focus of tourism around the world. Costa Rica is becoming increasingly popular: In 2017, Costa Rica recorded over three million tourists throughout the country.

It is not for nothing that the growth rates in this area are constantly in the upper range. But what is there to visit in Costa Rica, which regions are particularly attractive and what is the best time of year?

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General, weather and temperatures in Costa Rica

Rio Celeste Waterfall, Image: William Berry / shutterstock

Although Costa Rica does not have the geographical area of Brazil, Argentina or Chile, the country still has a lot to offer with the area of Lower Saxony.

The weather there is tropical and therefore never really cold like in Europe. The high humidity contributes to the fact that flora and fauna thrive at a breathtaking pace. In the months of May to October, the majority of the precipitation of the whole year falls, so holidaymakers should pay attention to waterproof clothing and include the rain on excursions.

Costa Rica had a very species-rich and colorful flora and fauna, which stretched from the beaches of the Caribbean to the mountains and into the tropical rainforest. A little anecdote: The Spanish navigator and explorer Christopher Columbus already recognized the treasure that the country held and called the coast where he arrived “rich coast”. In Spanish, it means Costa Rica, so the name speaks volumes.

Places of interest in Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica — The Arenal Volcano, Image: Parkol / shutterstock

Nature is probably the largest and most fascinating monument that can be visited here. The diversity of geography and landscape alone is enough to fill entire weeks with experiences. Below we present 4 particularly charming places that you can take with you on your trip through Costa Rica.

1. The Tortuguero National Park

Snorkeling Costa Rica — Snorkeling on Tortuga, Image: Joan Vendrell / shutterstock

This unusual piece of nature is located directly on the coast towards the Caribbean Sea and cannot be reached via highways. Only visitors by plane or ship can visit the park, and intensive attention is paid to the protection of its local flora and fauna.

One of the most famous species in Tortuguero Park are turtles, which also gave part of its name to the facility; “la tortuga” is the turtle in Spanish. During the mating season and the following egg-laying, visitors to Tortuguero can watch the animals on the beach, a spectacle that is only visible in a few places.

Another popular aspect of the park is extensive excursions by boat or on foot in the jungle. Here you can observe the diverse, colorful and exotic flora, with a bit of luck you can even see caimans, various species of monkeys, colorful macaws or anacondas.

2. The Puerto Viejo region

Ballena Bay, Image: Tami Freed / shutterstock

This area is also located on the paradisiacal beach of the Caribbean coast and is traditionally a melting pot of different nations. Immigrants from Jamaica, Europe and other South American countries settled here, bringing their culture, gastronomy and music with them.

The result today is many small cafes, taverns, bars and squares where festivals and music events take place and attract people from all over the region. Reggae fans in particular get their money’s worth here. Another attractive point are the numerous beaches, some of which are untouched and outside the tourist influx.

The Caribbean Sea is particularly popular with snorkelers, divers and avid swimmers, as it is home to many exotic fish and other marine animals. Among other things, dives and supervised snorkeling trips to small reefs or sunken ships are offered. Here you can admire the colorful and, in the best case, intact underwater world of Costa Rica, in which rays, clownfish, moray eels, small sharks and other marine animals cavort.

3. The Manuel Antonio region

Landscape Costa Rica — Image: SeSm / shutterstock

Here you are on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, the province includes spacious white sandy beaches and a national park, the Parque de Manuel Antonio.

The beaches are particularly popular with European and US tourists, as the water here is turquoise and clear and the coast slopes gently into the sea. The directly adjacent rainforest provides the basis for the livelihood of the local population. Many of the Ticos (as Costa Ricans are colloquially called) live from guided tours of the country, from their own restaurants or from renting authentic accommodation to visitors.

A particularly large number of sloths and tapirs live here, these animals are cute and have already become accustomed to humans through the many visitors. This may give you the chance to get up close and personal with one of the animals and get a special snapshot!

4. The capital San José

National Theatre Costa Rica — The National Theatre in San José, Image: Mihai-Bogdan Lazar / shutterstock

San José is the largest in Costa Rica and at the same time the economic and political center. Surrounded by volcanoes and the Talamanca mountain range, the surrounding area offers a fascinating view of the metropolis, which is home to over 300,000 people. Popular attractions are the central square Plaza de la Cultura, where life flourishes especially in the evening, the colonial-style Melico Salazar theatre or the municipal park Parque Central. There, many of the residents take a break and enjoy the silence in the midst of green plants and colorful hibiscus bushes.

Costa Rica undoubtedly has tremendous riches in terms of tourist destinations and local nature. There are many travel guides that deepen special topics such as dives or jungle tours and give interesting tips. Especially outside the rainy season, a round trip through the Central American country is particularly recommended, as all places can then be visited with dry feet. Vamos a Costa Rica!

Toronto – The hippest city in Canada

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Toronto, the largest city in Canada with its 2.6 million inhabitants, is one of the most popular destinations in the country. Located directly on Lake Ontario and only 100 kilometers north of the US border, this city has numerous sights, highlights and experiences to offer its visitors. Toronto International Airport is the largest in the country and can be reached from Germany with a direct flight in about 8 hours.

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The sights of Toronto

CN Tower

The CN Tower is one of Toronto’s most famous sights, which is hardly surprising, as it stands out from the rest of the city skyline with its 533 meters in height. The Canada National Tower was built in the 1970s and held the title of the tallest building in the world for some time.

The view from the tower’s panoramic deck is breathtaking and allows visitors to see as far as the United States on a clear day. For particularly brave guests, there is also a glass floor through which you can look down between your feet. The so-called Edge Walk, in which the participants run along the edge of the tower, secured by belts, promises a thrill in a class of its own. The Edge Walk is definitely an experience that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Lake Ontario

The city of Toronto is located right on the shores of Lake Ontario, so no visit to the city would be complete without a stroll along the lakefront. Lake Ontario is the smallest of the Great Lakes in terms of area and is connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the gigantic St. Lawrence River. In winter, the lake often freezes over, in summer it is a heat reservoir and enables the cultivation of fruit and wine in the region. It also supplies the city with fresh water and is used for numerous water sports. A panoramic cruise on Lake Ontario also gives you a great view of Toronto’s skyline.

Distillery District

Arguably Toronto’s most photogenic neighborhood, the Distillery District is home to countless bars, pubs, restaurants, and trendy shops. By the way, the district got its name from the many distilleries that used to be located here and supplied the entire city with alcohol. In addition to a handful of distilleries, there are numerous breweries here today, which produce, among other things, the well-known Mill Street organic beer. Art objects, graffiti images and light installations are displayed throughout the Distillery District, making a walk through the district a true discovery tour.

Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum, which is often abbreviated just as Rome , is one of the largest museums in all of North America and is a guaranteed eye-catcher due to its striking architecture. The museum first opened in 1914 and contains an ever-growing collection of exhibits that bring visitors closer to the history, nature and culture of Canada. The museum attaches great importance to being family-friendly and interactive and is therefore also a good destination for travelers with children. In addition to dinosaur models, the 6 million exhibits include a considerable collection of rocks and numerous Indian relics. The best overview of the almost overwhelming museum is offered by a guided tour.

Casa Loma

Casa Loma is a mansion located at the north end of Spadina Avenue, reminiscent of a European castle from the Middle Ages. The building was built from 1911 to 1914 on behalf of the Canadian industrialist Sir Henry Pellatt and was the largest private residence in North America after its completion. Due to economic upheavals, the Pellatts had to sell the house after the First World War, and after a luxury hotel and the Canadian military were housed in the mansion in the meantime, it is now a popular destination for visitors to the city. The building is surrounded by a palace park-like garden and a museum awaits visitors inside.

Destinations around Toronto

The surrounding area of Toronto also has some highlights in store for its visitors and so it is definitely recommended to leave the city limits for a longer stay.

Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands are a group of islands in Lake Ontario off the coast of the city, which is completely closed to motorized traffic and thus offers a wonderful retreat and recreation area. You can reach the islands by ferries and water taxis, which depart from the mainland side at the harbour front and then drive to the islands.

The Toronto Islands are home to numerous beaches and hiking trails, and the area has long been an important recreational area for the city’s residents. The islands are also of great importance for nature, as many birds retreat here to breed. The Toronto Islands is also home to the oldest building in the city, the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, which dates back to 1832.

Niagarafälle – Niagara Falls

About an hour and a half drive from Toronto, right on the U.S. border, are the world-famous Niagara Falls. Here the Niagara River, which connects Lake Erie with Lake Ontario, falls very impressively over a series of waterfalls. With over 18 million visitors, the Niagara Falls region is one of the most popular destinations in all of North America. The small town of Niagara Falls, through which the Canadian part of the falls is accessible, seems like a smaller version of Las Vegas and has numerous casinos and hotels.

New Delhi: A metropolis full of contrasts

Asia
India

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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New Delhi: A metropolis full of contrasts

New Delhi is currently the third largest city in the world with more than 27 million inhabitants. It is located in the north of India, less than 500 kilometers from the Himalayan mountains. India’s capital inspires tourists with its many contrasts. Western and typical Indian lifestyle, rich and poor as well as old and new are close together here.

Famous Sights in New Delhi

Red Fort

To the east of the old town is the Red Fort fortress and palace complex. It was built in the 17th century by order of the then Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. This is best known for the construction of the famous Taj Mahal. Since 2007, the red sandstone fort has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Qutub Minar

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in New Delhi is the 72-metre-high Victory and Watchtower Qutub Minar. It was built in the 13th century and is located on the Qutub complex site. The first Muslim mosque in India was also built there, the ruins of which can still be visited today.

Connaught Place

The center of the city is Connaught Place. On the circular streets, one of India’s largest trading centers is located in old colonial buildings. The countless shops, restaurants and cafes are popular with both tourists and locals.

India Gate and Presidential Palace

A historically important landmark is the India Gate. Among other things, the names of the almost 100,000 Indian and British war dead from the First World War are engraved in this triumphal arch. From there, the long boulevard Rajpath leads to Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the Indian president. The surrounding green areas invite you to picnic and walk.

Humayun’s Mausoleum

In 1993, the Hamayun Mausoleum was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the tomb of the second Indian Mughal Emperor Nasiruddin Muhammad Humayun and was built for him in the 16th century. Visually, it is reminiscent of the Taj Mahal, as similar plans were used for this structure.

Lodi Gardens

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of New Delhi is a sprawling oasis of calm. The Lodi Gardens park includes several mausoleums as well as historical buildings. With its variety of flowers, countless palm trees and green spaces, it offers an ideal change from the bustling streets on an area of around 360,000 square metres and invites you to take a long walk.

Interesting markets in New Delhi

Khan Market

Spices New Delhi — Image: Curioso / shutterstock

In the immediate vicinity of the Lodi Gardens is the Khan Market. Here you can discover many international restaurants and shops. It is particularly popular with expats, as they are very likely to find all their favourite national foods here. Due to the many designer boutiques and jewellers, it is also a meeting point for the more affluent inhabitants of New Delhi.

Dilli Haat

If you are looking for traditional handicrafts, you should not miss the Dilli Haat market. In addition to saris, handbags and jewellery, many other typical souvenirs are also offered for sale here every day. After shopping, a visit to the small restaurants and snack bars there is a good idea to try Indian delicacies.

Chandni Chowk

The Chandni Chowk shopping district includes a variety of markets in New Delhi’s Old Quarter. Here, typical Indian street food, such as samosas, is offered at numerous small stalls. Tourists are particularly enthusiastic about the many foreign smells as well as the variety of colors and spices. If you want to learn more, you can take part in one of the famous food walks. There, culinary insider knowledge is imparted and a wide variety of dishes are tasted.

New Delhi’s Places of Worship

Jama Masjid

In addition to the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort, Shah Jahan had the Jama Masjid built. The largest mosque in India is also made of red sandstone and black and white marble and is located not far from the Red Fort. When visiting, tourists must be careful to wear long clothes and not to come during prayer times, as it is then not possible to enter.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

The flagpole, wrapped in orange cloths, is the sign that characterizes every Sikh temple. Those in need of help should see him from afar. Here, everyone who needs it can get medical help, meals and overnight accommodation – free of charge. The Sikh community is considered to be extremely helpful, as the support of fellow human beings is their top priority. At the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib , you can marvel at how food is prepared for up to 50,000 people every day. And the golden interior of the temple is also worth a visit.

Lotus Temple

This Baha’i temple was built in the shape of a lotus flower and opened in 1986. Every year, around three million visitors enjoy the extraordinary architecture and this place of silence. The nine gates of the Lotus Temple symbolize the openness of the Baha’is to any kind of religion.

Akshardam

The Akshardham Temple and the surrounding grounds are one of the largest temple complexes in the world. It was opened in 2005 and, in addition to the Hindu temple, offers its guests several exhibitions, gardens and modern things, such as a water show. Within five years, about 11,000 construction workers and volunteers created this magnificent structure. In 2007, it was included in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Special festivals in New Delhi

New Delhi is loud and colorful. The joie de vivre conveyed by this can be experienced especially on the Indian holidays.

The Holi Festival

Holi is the spring festival of the Indians and is based on the calendar of the Hindus. On the first full moon day of the month of Phalgun, friends and families in northern India meet to splash each other with water and throw colorful color powder at each other. The color is intended to make all people equal and no longer differentiate according to gender, religion or caste.

Diwali

Diwali is also a Hindu festival, but is also celebrated by many followers of other religions. At this festival of lights, Indians decorate their homes with colorful lights and decorate them solemnly. Traditionally, fireworks are also set off, which has now been banned due to the air quality in New Delhi.

Culinary specialties in New Delhi

If you visit New Delhi, you won’t be able to eat enough of the countless different dishes. In addition to the filled dumpling, the samosa, and the fried snack pakora , the famous biriyani, a rice dish, should definitely be tried. At the end of every Indian meal belongs the enjoyment of a sweet. Jalebi, a confectionery with sugar syrup, is ideal for this. A masala chai, a tea with milk and spices, rounds off the meal perfectly.

Round trip Philippines – Southeast Asia’s island paradise

PatrickJullien

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30. May 2025

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Round trip Philippines – Southeast Asia’s island paradise

Until a few years ago, the island state of the Philippines was hardly developed for tourism, but the Southeast Asian island paradise is slowly thawing. We are going on a round trip in the Philippines.

Completely unjustly, the Philippines is a much lesser-known holiday destination than other Asian countries, because the island state in the Pacific is hard to beat in terms of beautiful islands, picturesque beaches and cultural highlights.

The fifth largest island nation in the world has a turbulent past and has been independent since 1946 and is now home to over 105 million people. A direct flight from Germany takes 14 hours, but it usually has to be changed again, for example in Dubai or Singapore.

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Round trip Philippines – The most beautiful islands

The state of the Philippines comprises 7641 islands and archipelagos on an area of 343,000 square kilometers, which is slightly smaller than Germany, and the nature, culture and people of the different parts of the country are correspondingly diverse and varied.

Palawan

The island of Palawan and the surrounding region are hard to beat in terms of natural beauty. Many small islands and archipelagos, some of which are hardly larger than a rock jutting out of the sea, form a tropical dream landscape here, which is often only accessible by boat and is still untouched by mass tourism.

A highlight of this region is the island of Calauit with its African animals, because during the Marcos regime, 104 African wild animals were settled here as a gift from Kenya, which coped very well with the climate on the island and have multiplied and become feral. Today, you can observe wild giraffes, zebras and impalas on a jeep safari in the middle of Southeast Asia. An experience you won’t soon forget

Boracay Island

Much more touristy is the island of Boracay , which with its white sandy beaches has probably the most beautiful bathing opportunities in the Philippines, perhaps even in the whole world. White Beach and Diniwid Beach are particularly gorgeous. In 2018, the island was closed to tourists for 6 months to give nature time to recover. In the meantime, the island is open again and the colorful life continues.

Bantayan Island

Located at the northern tip of the much larger island of Cebu , Bantayan Island is also a dream beach destination in a class of its own. With palm-fringed white sand beaches such as Sugar Beach or Alice Beach and the Spanish colonial buildings in the island’s interior, Bantayan has something for everyone. Today, the island is mainly home to luxury resorts and upscale accommodation. A special highlight of the island is also the picturesque Ogtong Cave .

Sights on a round trip Philippines

The capital Manila and the Fuerza de Santiago

Manila Cathedral, Image: Richie Chan / shutterstock

About 13 million people live in the megacity of Manila and its surroundings and most visitors to the Philippines spend as little time here as possible. Nevertheless, the city has a lot to offer, especially a visit to the Fuerza de Santiago, a former Spanish fort from the colonial era. This is a good opportunity for visitors to learn more about the eventful past of the island state. The Spanish fort together with a small restored district are a must part of every Manila tour and revive a little of the spirit of the past.

The Simala Shrine in Cebu

Located on the beautiful island of Sabu , not far from Cebu, Simala Shrine is arguably one of the most extraordinary and unexpected places in the Philippines. Located high in the mountains of the island, it is a religious shrine dedicated to the veneration of St. Mary, which attracts countless visitors every year. The hustle and bustle in and around the complex is correspondingly dense, but due to its beauty, it should not be missed.

The underground river at Puerta Princesa in Palawan

About three hours from the island’s capital Puerta Princesa is one of the 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Philippines – the underground river. To discover the river, you must either book a tour with a tour operator or buy a permit from a government office. Once you have made it to the river, the visitor is greeted by a small underground world, a cave full of stalagmites and stalactites, which leads deep into the mountain. A true miracle of nature.

Rice Terraces in Banaue – The Steps to Heaven

Rice Fields Luzon, Philippines — Always a fascinating sight: rice fields in the Philippines, Image: R.M. Nunes / shutterstock

The landscape around Banaue in the north of the island of Luzon , which is characterized by rice terraces, is so picturesque that it has even made its way onto a Philippine banknote. The rice terraces built on the mountainside can be admired most beautifully from the Banaue viewpoint and are among the most beautiful in the world. Rice was cultivated here for the first time over 3000 years ago and over time thousands of rice terraces were built into the mountainside, which are now also called “steps to heaven” by the locals.

The city of Cebu – heritage from the colonial era

The colonization of the Philippine islands began in 1521, when the Spanish explorer Magellan first landed on the island of Mactan . The city of Cebu City is still a living relic from the colonial era and offers its visitors the former Spanish Fort San Pedro and the Catholic Santo Nina Church , among other things. The Taoist temple looks somewhat unusual here in the cityscape, which takes into account the large Chinese minority of the city.

Chocolate Hill on Bohol

The island of Bohol looks like a small piece of paradise, where visitors can expect not only the white sandy beaches that gently slope into the sea, but also a dreamlike interior of the island with green vegetation and winding rivers. A special highlight of the island are the so-called chocolate hills , which, according to legend, were created from the tears of a giant with a broken heart. The limestone hills, which are over 1200 and 30 to 50 meters high, turn brownish every summer as the grass growing on them dries out, which earned it the name “Chocolate Hills”.