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Summer holidays with Gasti: So much family fun in Gastein

PatrickJullien

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25. June 2019

Summer holidays with Gasti: So much family fun in Gastein

Gastein Mountain Railways — Image: Gasteiner Bergbahnen AG

40 km long, up to an altitude of over 3,000 metres and with three themed trails as well as the adventure mountains made for a family holiday in summer: this is Gastein im Pongau in the province of Salzburg – close to the border with Germany and in the middle of the Alps. Admittedly, the hike up the highest grass mountain in Europe, the Gamskarkogel at 2,467 meters above sea level, is only suitable for sporty hikers. On the other hand, the way to the Stubnerkogel with its claw-shaped viewing platforms at an altitude of 2,200 metres and the 140-metre-long suspension bridge is child’s play – thanks to the cable car. By the way, one of the platforms bears the name Glocknerblick, because on nice days you can see as far as the highest mountain in Austria, the Großglockner at 3,798 meters.

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Hiking was yesterday – experience is today

Adventure playground, Image: © Gasteinertal Tourismus GmbH / shutterstock

Encouraging children to go hiking on a summer holiday is not always easy. That’s why in Gastein you don’t just go up the mountain, but explore nature, look for bears tracks or immerse yourself in the legendary world of the Hohe Tauern. On the Legend Trail, there are stories about the devil in the mill ditch or the cheeky shoemaker. Today, the shoemaker is a rock formation near the Arltörl – but in the past it is said to have been a smug shepherd who was transformed into today’s mountain peak together with his magnificent alpine pasture as punishment. Of course, you can see them from the Legend Trail!

On the Bear Trail, animal friends, bear caves and fun water games accompany the hike to the Amoseralm. On the nature discovery trail, all the curious questions of the little explorers are answered. Wood, cardinal directions, insects and climate change are explained on boards in a child-friendly way. And of course there is also space for picnics. On the three themed trails you are on the road for no more than one and a half hours – so also ideal for short legs. That’s always more exciting than building sandcastles every day.

Thermal baths for families: Wellness for parents – Family World for little pirates

Okay, there is plenty of fair-weather program. But what if bad weather is announced? Now Gastein’s mascot “Gasti” comes into play. The lively drop of water knows all about rain – after all, it’s in its nature. So it’s off from the cold water to the warm thermal baths. Parents relax in the Alpentherme Bad Hofgastein in the sauna village, on air bubble loungers with massage jets. Children immediately aim for the Family World. Speed slide with timekeeping, current channel and multimedia adventure dome – a cinema in the thermal water, so to speak: all this and more is waiting to be discovered. By the way, if you want to go one step further, you can take advantage of a spa treatment instead of wellness. Gastein is known worldwide for this, among other things – vapor bath, radon bath or the Gastein healing gallery are available.

Family fun in the rain: adventure arcade or horseback riding

But Gasti has even more in store. Among other things, a 1,600 m² adventure arcade in Bad Gastein. There is enough space here for trampoline jumping, pedal go-karting, inline skating and in between relaxing with a children’s film in the fairytale castle. If you just can’t get enough of nature, go horseback riding. Ponies, Icelandic horses or the classic Haflinger also like to trot a lap in the riding hall. You wouldn’t think how exhausting such an hour on a horse can be.

That was not all …

Gold panning Angertal — Gold panning in the Angertal, Image: Gasteinertal Tourismus GmbH

When the sun shines again, you can go to the climbing wall with the Gasti Club or pan for gold in the Angertal – after all, Gastein has a glamorous history in mining. Or you can jump into a thermal water bathing lake. Have you already discovered the fabulous rock creatures in the mountain formations on the Schlossalm? And how about the first summit victory in the Alps? The kids will certainly be talking about this for weeks after the summer holiday. Gastein is so easy to reach, you can also take a short holiday. With all this variety of activities in the middle of nature and with child-friendly accommodation in the mountains , a bed bunker in the distance cannot keep up.

7 reasons why you should hike the Gastein Trail

PatrickJullien

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25. June 2019

0

7 reasons why you should hike the Gastein Trail

Everyone knows the stories of sporty adventurers who cross the Alps. Conventional hikers admire these achievements and yet never think that they can become part of them. Because that’s not so far-fetched. The Gastein Trail is the ideal introduction to an adventurer’s life. But don’t worry, Gastein is not about pushing your own body to the limit. It’s about hiking pleasure in harmony with yourself and nature.

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Introduction to adventure: long-distance hiking in the health region

The region’s long-distance hiking trail, the Gastein Trail, offers health-promoting activities to bring your own personal top performance up the mountain. In six stages, hikers get to know the entire Gastein Valley over 75 kilometres and master an impressive 4,643 metres in altitude. And if a stage was more strenuous, you can simply stay at the hut for an extra day. At the end, a relaxing bath in the thermal water or, in the case of special complaints, an application with Gastein radon therapy beckons.

A real challenge for mountain lovers

Admittedly, it won’t be a walk in the park. The longest stage is the last one with a distance of not quite 20 kilometers, but it is mainly downhill. Most of the altitude difference is mastered on the first day. 1,400 meters of altitude difference are climbed over a distance of 16.4 kilometers. This is only topped by the fifth stage with 17 kilometers and 1,456 meters of altitude. The good thing about it, on the first day you are still fresh. Stages 2, 3 and 4 are moderate, here you can relax. On the fifth day it gets exhausting again and on the sixth day the longer distance is sweetened with the prospect of a visit to the thermal baths.

The highlights in Gastein: Sparkling gold in the hiking area

A gem of nature, sparkling stones or simply a treasure – many things can be described as highlights – and all of them can be found in Gastein.

Experienced hikers will find sparkling stones in the Angertal (stage 6): In the late Middle Ages, gold was laboriously panned here in the stream. Furnaces, forge and miner’s house show the precious metal production of that time.

Natural beauties and architecture from ancient times

Highlights are not only the gold in the Angertal, but also special places along the way. Just like the Stoffalm (stage 1) with old timber construction technology and rustic fountain trough in front of a dense mixed forest. In Gastein, explorers will also find charming places of power, wide pastures (stage 2), perfect sunrises on the Biberalm (stage 3), rustic alpine villages such as the Gadaunerer Hochalmen (stage 4), 360° panoramas up to Austria’s highest mountain, the Großglockner (stage 5) or impressive waterfalls such as in the Gadaunerer Gorge and past architectural art in the planned town of Böckstein. (Stage 6). And always accompanied, of course, the entire Gastein Valley with its most valuable speciality, the thermal water and its three towns of Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein and Dorfgastein.

Summit victories: Realm of views on a hiking holiday

Not every summit is located directly on the Gastein Trail – but every additional step to the summit cross is worth it. In stage 1, you reach the Tagkopf after a 30-minute climb. An ideal place to enjoy the majestic sunset over the valley. The Wetterkreuz is even on the path of stage 2, here the view to the north to the rocky and striking Hochkönig and to the south to the graceful Hohe Tauern National Park is rewarding. Stage 3 leads to the Schlossalm adventure mountain, where the mountain station of the open Schlossalmbahn is also located. Only five minutes now separate hikers from the summit cross of the Hirschkarspitze: Here you can see the Gastein Valley in its full length for the first time.

Adventure mountains with steep walls, marmots and birds of prey

If you still have energy, you should definitely invest another hour to get from the Schlossalm to the Mauskarspitze. This 2,373-metre-high mountain above Bad Hofgastein is also known for freeriding among skiers in winter. It takes one and a half hours from the Schlossalm to the Türchlwand. Two stones mark the end of the path, because at the top it goes almost vertically downhill in the south and west. Ideal terrain for birds of prey that take advantage of the buoyancy on the steep slope. The marmots along the way are also a beautiful natural spectacle – with a bit of luck you can see them as small brown spots on the rock.

Adrenaline bridges and Glockner view

As I said, stage 5 is tough, but if you can still gather strength, you should make your way to the Stubnerkogel. Along the ridge you walk steadily towards the summit – hikers who take the cable car to the Panoramaberg do not experience this. From the viewing platforms you can see as far as Austria’s highest mountain, the Großglockner. The 140-metre-long suspension bridge over a 30-metre-deep abyss between the summit restaurant and the transmitter cable car is also adventurous: the view under your feet is unobstructed – pure thrill.

Alpine pastures and relaxation afterwards

After six stages of overnight stays in Gastein’s alpine pastures such as the Heinreich Alm or the Biberalm, you may already be longing for a longer stay. How about a special spa and health accommodation? In numerous treatments with thermal water or simply in the whirlpool, on bubble loungers and with massage jets in the two Gastein thermal baths , you can relax wonderfully after the long hiking tour. With the feeling that you have earned it, you enjoy these quiet hours twice. This is probably one reason why adventurers are always looking for new challenges – the good feeling afterwards and the many stories they have to tell. Perhaps one or the other conventional hiker will soon be looking for a new challenge thanks to the Gastein Trail!

Palermo, the impressive capital of Sicily

Europe
Italy

PatrickJullien

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10. June 2019

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Palermo, the impressive capital of Sicily

Sicily, a paradise surrounded by three seas. This beautiful island is best known for its crystal clear waters, its tasty wines and its majestic volcanoes. During a holiday on the Emerald Isle, a visit to the capital Palermo is an indispensable part.

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The history of the city of Palermo

Palermo Cathedral, Image: Romas_Photo / shutterstock

Under the Phoenicians, the former trading city was founded in the 8th century and has an enormous number of different rulers. In addition to the Normans, Arab rulers also had an influence on the city and thus also on the architecture and economy. From 1861 under the rule of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the island belonged to the Kingdom of Italy.

He ordered the construction of many important squares, buildings and churches. But the influence of the Arabs has also left its mark and so there are several churches in the Arab-Norman style. These are clearly recognizable by their striking red colored domes, which are reminiscent of Islamic art. After this time, the Sicilian mafia took over the city and threw it into a seemingly endless war. But there are hardly any traces of that today. The Mafia has largely been suppressed and Palermo has even been voted the cultural capital of Italy. Statistics even show that Palermo is the safest city in all of Italy and therefore definitely a great destination for everyone.

Attractions in Palermo

Palermo Cathedral, Image: Petr Jilek / shutterstock

With more than 600,000 inhabitants in the city centre and over a million inhabitants in the metropolitan region, Palermo is considered the largest city in Sicily and therefore has a lot to offer. The city is perfect for all those who can never get enough of castles, museums, squares and historical buildings and enjoy the wonderful temperatures. Because it is not for nothing that the island also bears the name “Sun Island”.

In Palermo, most of the important sights are close together, so that they can be admired in a short tour. The city’s landmark, the Maria Santissima Assunta Cathedral, is a special monument to the Arab-Norman period of rule and attracts several people to its place every day due to its beauty. The cathedral is also the burial place of three important personalities: Staufen Emperor Henry VI, Frederick II and Queen Constance of Sicily.

View of Palermo, Image: Vlada Zh / shutterstock

Surrounded by four palaces, each with a fountain in front of it, is the square “Quattro Canto”. These fountains each represent a season, and the columns, statues, and coats of arms also represent a historical masterpiece! It’s worth taking a guided tour of the city to learn more about this magical place.

Of course, what you can do as in any other big city is to stroll. In Italy, fashion is still very important and therefore extensive strolling is part of every city tour. How convenient, then, that a large road is home to just about everything that makes the heart beat faster. Via Roma is the city’s largest shopping street and is ideal for a shopping trip. But the numerous markets should also be visited. There you will find all kinds of fruit and vegetables, fish and meat, handicrafts and souvenirs for loved ones at home.

In addition to numerous monuments, buildings and green spaces, there are also endless coastlines around the city. Believe it or not, 1500 kilometers of coastline wind around Palermo and can offer all beach lovers the most amazing beaches. Here, too, you will find crystal clear water and fine sandy beach, in the middle of a fascinating green environment, which is clearly accentuated by Monte Pellegrino, for example.

The characteristic buildings, picturesque beaches and the hustle and bustle of the city make a visit to the city perfect.

Specialities and culinary delights

Piazza Pretoria, Romas_Photo / shutterstock

The entire Mediterranean region is known for its aromatic cuisine and so Palermo can also claim to offer these specialties in its menus. Sicilian cuisine in particular is characterized by the many sun-ripened fruits and vegetables and the influences of the different cultures. Fish lovers will also get their money’s worth, as fish and seafood are served much more often than, for example, meat. A typical Sicilian appetizer comes from Palermo: arancini. At that time, the Arabs brought rice to the island and this delicious appetizer was born. Arancini are deep-fried rice balls that are filled with different ingredients.

Many restaurants in Palermo have the typical dishes on their menus and entice their guests with rich and hearty main courses and sweet desserts. It is usually accompanied by a strong aromatic wine, which is also produced in Sicily, because the fertile soil of the island is ideal for growing grapes. The menu is topped off with a fruity limoncello or a siciliano, a herbal liqueur that is drunk as a digestif after a meal. In Palermo there are numerous typical restaurants that make the city trip a culinary highlight!

Round trip South Africa – Holidays at the most beautiful end of the world

PatrickJullien

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9. June 2019

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Round trip South Africa – Holidays at the most beautiful end of the world

Also known as the Rainbow Nation, South Africa at the southern tip of Africa is a country of cultural contrasts. Shaped by numerous cultures that have left their mark in the course of history, African, Dutch, British, French, German or Indian influences can still be discovered today, depending on the region.

South Africa’s unique flora and fauna, the different landscapes and especially its cultural diversity have made the country one of the most popular holiday destinations on the African continent. But South Africa, despite its beautiful dream beaches, is not a country for beach vacationers.

Round trip South Africa — With a bit of luck, you can experience the “Big Five” in the great outdoors on a safari, Image: Carcharadon / shutterstock

You don’t get to know the real treasures of South Africa by bathing in the sun on the beach. If you are interested in the beautiful nature and the fascinating culture of the country, a round trip to South Africa is recommended. Round trips are best done as guided group tours (overland tours) or as individual tours (self-drive). The first variant is more suitable for holidaymakers who do not like to organise themselves. The tour guide drives to the most beautiful sights and takes care of almost everything else. The second variant is suitable for holidaymakers who prefer to explore a country on their own and are not afraid of a bit of adventure.

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What is the best time to travel to South Africa?

The seasons of South Africa are opposite to those of Germany. When it’s winter here, it’s summer in the southern hemisphere of the earth. The best time to travel to South Africa is from October to April.

However, depending on the region, the weather can change between sun and rain, with sometimes high temperatures of up to 40 degrees and high humidity. Most roads in South Africa are well developed, but self-drivers should avoid the actual rainy season from January to March, as some roads can still be difficult to drive on.

Since a round trip in South Africa can go through different climate zones with very different temperatures, in addition to light, permeable clothing, a sweater, a warm jacket and rain protection are not to be sneezed at. Sunscreen and a sun hat protect against the sometimes strong sunlight.

Recommended tours through South Africa

Johannesburg-Cape Town !

Skyline Johannesburg — View of the Johannesburg skyline, Image: Nataly Reinch / shutterstock

The tour is offered by various operators, but is also highly recommended for self-drivers. On the route you can drive to most of the country’s sights and see some great cities. For example, Durban, the city with the largest port in South Africa, offers a lot of sights.

For example, the impressive University Building, City Hall, Kings Park Stadium and the Bat-Centre at the harbour. In the restaurant there, hungry guests can enjoy dishes from all over Africa. At the beginning of the round trip in Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, there are also many sights and attractions.

Museum Africa shows a cross-section of the development of people in South Africa from early times to modern times. The Botanical Gardens with its large rose garden is also worth a visit. This beautiful rose garden consists of seven sloping terraces with about 10,000 roses. Other places of interest in Johannesburg are:

Stock Exchange: Africa’s largest stock exchange
Carlton Centre: tallest skyscraper in Africa
Market Theatre Complex: several theatres, galleries, restaurants, bars and a jazz club
African Herbalist Shop: Sale of African magic and natural remedies

For the tour Johannesburg – Cape Town you should plan at least 2 rather 3 weeks, because there is a lot to see, for example:

Kruger National Park: largest wildlife sanctuary in Africa with lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, buffaloes, gazelles, zebras, antelopes and many other animals.
Blyde River Canyon: spectacular canyon made of red sandstone up to 800 meters deep.
Drakensberg: up to 3482 meters high mountain range with sensational gorges, mountain ridges, caves, overhangs, waterfalls and mountain pinnacles.
Addo Elephant National Park: large sanctuary for elephants, buffaloes and various antelope species.
Wilderness: interesting coastal town with miles of sandy beaches, lagoons and its own national park.
Tsitsikamma National Park: A special attraction is the 77-metre-long suspension bridge over the Storms River Mouth.
Oudtshoorn: the place is known as an ostrich stronghold. In addition to the ostrich farms, the region offers other unique holiday experiences with one of the most beautiful mountain passes in South Africa, the “Swartberg Pass” and one of the most beautiful cave systems in the world, the “Cango Caves”.

South Africa, Cape Town — View of Cape Town, Image: michaeljung / shutterstock

The tour ends in Cape Town. The famous port city on Table Mountain got its name from the Cape of Good Hope, which is located about 45 kilometers away at the southern tip of Africa. The Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet at the Cape. A detour to the cape is an absolute must. The view of the stormy sea is breathtaking.

With a bit of luck, you may also encounter a herd of wild baboons at the Cape. Visitor magnets in Cape Town are the shopping centre in the harbour district “Victoria & Alfred Waterfront” and the “Two Oceans Aquarium”. Cape Town also has a lot to offer in terms of museums and historic buildings. The “Castle of Good Hope”, the Muslim district “Bo-Kaap” and the “Iziko Slave Lodge” (former slave accommodation) are just a few of them. Also worth a visit is the Museum of Natural History “Iziko South African”, with over 1.5 million exhibits and its own observatory.

Round trip South Africa – Garden Route !

This tour is particularly suitable for holidaymakers with little time, as it can be completed in about a week. The tour is best started in either Cape Town or Port Elisabeth. From the Campanile, a 53-metre-high observation tower, you have a beautiful panoramic view of “The Friendly City”, as Port Elisabeth is also called.

Holidaymakers who start their journey in Port Elisabeth should definitely visit the Oceanarium and Reptile House beforehand. Then the tour can start on one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in the world. The following highlights await them:

Robberg Nature Reserve: Natural monument with prehistoric rocks and Stone Age artifacts.
Garden Route National Park: large animal and plant protection reserve, comparable to the Kruger National Park.
Swartvlei: largest salty inland lake in South Africa, with species-rich bird life.
Goukamma Nature Reserve: unique fynbos vegetation and bizarre rock formations.
Eastern Cape Game Reserves: small Xhosa villages (Bantu people), in the middle of countless green hills and imposing rivers.
De Hoop Nature Reserve: an absolute insider tip: the heart of the park is snow-white, kilometre-long sand dunes.

The 5 most beautiful places to visit in Menorca

PatrickJullien

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3. June 2019

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The 5 most beautiful places to visit in Menorca

Mallorca’s sister island has a lot to offer. Below you will find our list of the most beautiful sights of Menorca.

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Menorca’s capital Mahón

Menorca, Mahón / Maó — Mahón / Maó, Image: Karol Kozlowski / shutterstock

You don’t have to look far for sightseeing spots on the Spanish island of Menorca . The capital Mahón in the east, also known as Maó, has a rich history and many attractions to offer.

If you arrive in the city by sea, you will pass through the second largest natural harbour in the world. Over a length of almost six kilometers, ships have been sheltered from the weather and attackers for several hundred years.

Another landmark is the church of Santa Maria in the middle of the city. Here is a famous organ by the Swiss Johann Kyburz from the early 19th century. Historical paintings and archaeological finds can be admired in the Museo de Menorca. This is located in the more than 500-year-old monastery of Sant Francesc – in the immediate vicinity of the old town with its winding alleys.

Historical excavation sites

Archaeological excavations can be discovered not only in the museum, but also scattered throughout the island. Among the sites, the Talayotic settlement of Torre d’en Galmés – one of the largest in the Balearic Islands – and the Talati de Dalt are particularly well known. The latter is located a few kilometers from Mahón and is considered to be extremely well preserved. It is said to have been built as early as 400 to 200 BC. Here you can still admire the huge stones, whose arrangement is reminiscent of the British Stonehenge .

Idyllic old town alleys in Ciutadella

Ciutadella de Menorca, Image: tuulijumala / shutterstock

Ciutadella, located in the west of the island, was the capital of Menorca until the 18th century. Here, the Plaça des Born square and the town hall there form the centre of everyday life. A white obelisk in the middle of it is intended to commemorate a raid in the 16th century. The square is surrounded by noble palaces, fortresses and many small alleys where you can find bars, restaurants and boutiques.

An extraordinary building in the Gothic style is the Cathedral of Santa Maria de Menorca. An interesting fact is that it was built from the minaret of the main mosque at the time. This can still be seen today in the tower chapel or the bell tower.
Other sights in Ciutadella are the Bishop’s Palace, as well as the monastery church Església des Socors, which is considered the most beautiful Renaissance church on the island.
Relaxation can be found in the quiet courtyard of the Augustinian monastery in the south of the old town.

The sacred mountain of Monte Toro

For all those who want to do sports during their holiday, an ascent of Monte Toro is a good idea. With its 357 meters, it is also suitable for the less fit and rewards hikers on their way with impressive viewpoints. In good weather, the neighboring island of Mallorca can be seen. It is faster to reach the summit by car. Once at the top, visitors can expect a statue of Christ from 1949, as well as a pilgrimage church and a monastery from the Middle Ages.

Cala Galdana

If you want to relax from the many cultural impressions of Menorca, you will find the right opportunity to do so in the bay of Cala Galdana on the south coast of the island. Surrounded by protective coastal rocks, an approximately 500-metre-long, golden-yellow sandy beach awaits visitors. The clear, turquoise waters are great for snorkeling or relaxing in one of the sun loungers available for rent. The seven-kilometre-long Barranc d’Algendar gorge also ends at the shell-shaped beach. Over the years, an impressive variety of plants and animals has developed here.

Atlanta – the heart of the southern states

PatrickJullien

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1. June 2019

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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.

Sicily: One of the most beautiful islands in Italy

Europe
Italy

PatrickJullien

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29. May 2019

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Sicily: One of the most beautiful islands in Italy

Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean! It is located southwest of the Italian mainland, below the tip of the boot. The island was once formed from a headland that connected Africa and Europe millions of years ago. Sicily is known for its striking vegetation, which it owes to one of the main attractions of the island – the volcano Etna. Well-known cities in Sicily are: Palermo, Messina, Syracuse and Catania.

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Sicily inspires

Castellammare del Golfo near Palermo, Image: wiesdie / shutterstock

Experience diversity in a confined space! Sicily impresses with its cities, historic architecture and a natural landscape of contrasts. The rugged beauty of Mount Etna is paired with the crystal clear sea and white beaches. The colourful, blooming island paradise by the sea stands in complete contrast to a barren, sulphur-rich landscape inland. The greatest natural attraction in Sicily is Mount Etna.

Today, the volcano is considered the most active in Europe and, at 3,340 meters, is also the highest. Mount Etna is not only a popular photo motif, in the winter months the region around the volcano turns into a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. But the volcano is also a popular destination for nature lovers in summer – the volcano tours are recommended!

If you want to explore the island on your own, you should plan a round trip. There are so many beautiful things to discover. On the one hand, there are the well-known cities of Sicily such as the island’s capital Palermo. The student city offers well-known sights such as the cathedral, the opera house or the Palazzo Reale. End the day in a cozy restaurant in the picturesque bay of Palermo.

Catania Skyline — Image: NAPA / shutterstock

The journey continues to Catania. The second largest city in Sicily is located on the east coast of the island and impresses visitors with its fantastic location, not far from Mount Etna. Start your stroll through the city at Piazza Duomo and visit the Castello Ursino. At the gates of the city there is also one of the most beautiful nature reserves on the island “Oasi del Simeto”. It’s worth a visit! Messina is also worth a visit. The city is located a few kilometers away from the mainland of Italy and is also known as the gate of Sicily due to the “Stretto di Messina”. If you are visiting the city centre, you should not miss the view into the interior of the Cattedrale di San Maria Assunta. It is also worth taking a detour to the city’s natural harbour. It is located in a picturesque bay and is a well-known photo motif of Sicily.

The excursion highlights in Sicily

Palermo, Sicily — The Cathedral of Palermo, Image: Romas_Photo / shutterstock

One of the most popular seaside resorts in Sicily is certainly Taormina! The town is located between Messina and Catania, on a rock not far from the sea. In addition to quiet, unspoilt sandy beaches, there is a rich vegetation and beautiful places with sea views. This is how romantic holiday evenings can be realised and unforgettable sunsets can be enjoyed! From here, you can take a day trip by boat to the island of Isola Bella. The alleys of the city are known for the colorful, small houses and shops. Other popular seaside resorts are located at the gates of Palermo.

There are several beaches and small, enchanting bays here. It gets especially crowded on the main beach: “Mondello Beach”. Many Palermo residents spend their summer days here and the bay is also a popular terrain for water sports enthusiasts. In the evening, Mondello is transformed into a hip nightlife district. Here, night owls will find great bars and clubs for dancing and partying. Other popular holiday resorts in Sicily are: Marina di Ragusa, Syracuse and the small town of San Vito Lo Capo.

Sicilian specialties

The island also has a lot to offer in terms of culinary delights: for example, visit the small jam factory “Laboratorio artigianale Biosolnatura” in Carlentini. The area has always been known for its extensive lemon plantations. The country’s most beautiful citrus fruits grow here. Unfortunately, the yellow fruits are hardly processed anymore. Three young Sicilian women wanted to change that. They have made it their mission to carry the taste of Sicily out into the world in a jam jar. By the way: Also a great souvenir to take home! But oranges and especially the reddish shimmering blood organs also thrive wonderfully on the island. In the eastern provinces of Sicily: Enna, Ragusa, Catania and Syracuse you will find the largest plantations. Three well-known varieties such as Moro, Sanguinello or Tarocco grow here.

Due to the nutrient-rich soil, to which the island owes its volcano Etna, the nutrient density of blood oranges is particularly high. They are rich in vitamins and minerals. This also benefits other products of the island such as the grapes that are processed into wine, the spicy olive oil or the pistachios that are harvested around the city of Bronte and sold throughout Europe. Another high-quality product of the island is made from the milk of the goat breed “capra Argentata dell ́Etna”. If you have the chance, be sure to try the fresh goat cheese.

The Orange Battle of Ivrea

If you want to experience a traditional Sicilian festival up close, you should travel to the small village of Ivrea during carnival. Then the inhabitants of the village celebrate their wild orange fight “Ivrea la battaglia della arance” again. It lasts a whole three days and at the end the alleys of Ivrea are covered with a thick carpet of oranges. According to legend, the bizarre carnival custom goes back to a feudal custom in the Middle Ages.

At that time, women were forced to spend their wedding night with a hideous nobleman from the neighborhood. Violetta, a young woman, did not want to accept this any longer and freed the women of Ivrea from the tyranny of men by beheading her superior husband on their wedding night. In the 30s, local girls became aware of the old story and began to throw confetti and flowers as well as oranges from their balconies at the passing carnival lists. This developed into a three-day orange fight, in which today around 500 tons of oranges are consumed. The spectacle is now known throughout Italy and attracts countless tourists to Ivrea every year.

Final tips for a holiday in Sicily

The best time to visit Sicily is the summer months from July to the end of August. Then the sun shines, become rich eleven hours a day and spoil the guests with hot temperatures of up to 40°C. If you don’t like it so hot, you should visit the island in spring or autumn. At this time, the temperatures are a pleasant 20 to 30°C.

Catania – the pearl of Sicily

Europe
Italy

PatrickJullien

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28. May 2019

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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.

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.

Tel Aviv – 5 reasons to travel to the white city in June

Asia
Isreal

Viviana Arslan

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24. May 2019

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Tel Aviv – 5 reasons to travel to the white city in June

Tel Aviv is the cultural center and heartbeat of Israel and much more than a city. Tel Aviv is a feeling. A feeling that attracts more and more tourists every year. The Mediterranean city is known for its unparalleled nightlife, miles of beaches, laid-back residents, and the largest collection of Bauhaus buildings in the world. There are many reasons to travel to the LGBT-friendly start-up metropolis, especially in June.

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The Gay Pride Parade

Let’s start with one of the biggest and most colorful events of the year, which not only inspires the LGBT community. We are talking about the annual Gay Pride Parade, which is one of the biggest events of the year with up to 250,000 participants. Every year in June, during Pride Week, the whole city is decorated with rainbow flags, which are the symbol of the LGBT movement. The week is celebrated with numerous parties and events and the Pride parade on Fridays as the highlight. The colourful parade starts at lunchtime in the heart of the city and stretches along the seafront to Charles Clore Park, where it finally comes to the grand finale. What makes the Gay Pride parade in Tel Aviv so special and different from others is not least the fact that the event takes place in a country where state and religion are not separated, and Tel Aviv is still one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the world, unparalleled in the Middle East.

The beaches

With its miles of sandy beaches and location on the Mediterranean Sea, Tel Aviv is the perfect place for sun worshippers and beach lovers who particularly appreciate warmer waters. Each of the beaches in Tel Aviv has its own character, which can be felt very well when walking along the promenade. There, especially in the summer months, you can see a lot from bathing beauties, fitness junkies, to yogis, musicians, surfers and dog owners. With such a wide range of beaches, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone. Particularly worth mentioning is the dog beach “Alma Beach” or also called “Jaffa Beach”, which is located in the south of Tel Aviv and offers a beautiful view of the old port city of Yafo, which is now considered part of the city. What gives the hip beach its unique atmosphere is above all the mixed crowd. If you bathe here, you may be lucky enough to hear both the sound of church bells and the call to prayer from the nearby mosque in Yafo at the same time, making for an unforgettable experience.

The food

What makes Israeli cuisine special are the influences of many different countries and dishes that Jewish immigrants brought to the country, and thus contributed significantly to the diversity of this cuisine. Tourists and locals alike enjoy flavors from countries such as Yemen, Iraq, Morocco or Lebanon, which make Israel and its hip center Tel Aviv a culinary experience. Probably the most famous dishes in the country include hummus, falafel, shawarma and shakshuka, a delicious stir-fry dish with eggs, tomatoes, peppers and many spices, which is typically served for breakfast. If you want to enjoy these and many other delicacies, it is best to visit the markets and the many trendy restaurants in the city. The best place to go for foodies and the heart of the city is the “Carmel Market”, which is located in Kerem HaTeimanim, one of the most interesting culinary districts of the city. Fans of market halls and gourmet cuisine should definitely pay a visit to Sarona Market and the surrounding restaurants. Israel’s cuisine is not only tasty, varied and healthy, but also steeped in history and always worth a visit.

Nightlife

Tel Aviv is also known as the city that never sleeps and lives up to its name. The city is famous for its extensive nightlife, which can last until the early hours of the morning and beyond. Tel Aviv’s nightlife is electric, authentic, sexy, and extremely appealing. The best place to plunge into the wild nights of the city is the heart of the metropolis, the famous Rothschild Boulevard, as well as the adjacent Allenby Street. There are some of the best clubs, bars and restaurants in the city in the immediate vicinity, making the boulevard an unbeaten nightlife mile. A little further north, on King George, as well as the popular Dizengoffstraße, there are countless bars and restaurants that invite you to linger. In the south of the city there are several other techno clubs, including the probably hippest club “The Block”, which is known for its outstanding sound and is often compared to the “Berghain” in Berlin . Somewhat cheaper, but still hip, are the bars in the hipster district of Florentin. For those who like it a little more relaxed, the “Shuk Hapishpeshim” flea market in Yafo and the surrounding area is just the thing. Shuk, which translates to market, is home to some of the most charismatic and beautiful bars in the city, giving the former port city its special atmosphere.

The weather

Last but not least, the weather in Israel speaks for itself. Although summer in Tel Aviv peaks in July and August with maximum temperatures, warm weather can be expected almost all year round. In June, there are already extraordinarily hot temperatures, but this makes the month ideal for relaxing beach days and making Tel Aviv the perfect destination for summer enthusiasts.

Written by Viviana Arslan – Exoticca

Good reasons for international health insurance

All about travel

PatrickJullien

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19. May 2019

0

Good reasons for international health insurance

When you think about your holiday, you usually dream of sunny beaches, dreamlike landscapes or snow-capped mountains. The gray tiles of a doctor’s office, on the other hand, are unlikely to come to mind. But even abroad, no one is immune to illness and injury – which can be quite expensive under certain circumstances.

This is because the statutory health insurance sometimes does not cover the complete treatment costs, even in countries of the European Union. The dream vacation can quickly turn into a financial disaster. Fortunately, however, no one has to do without long journeys. Because international health insurance ensures security even in faraway countries. So the holiday can be enjoyed carefree.

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What is international health insurance?

Basically, an international health insurance works exactly like its domestic counterpart: You pay a monthly contribution and the costs are covered in the event of illness. Abroad, however, there is another special feature: Especially in the case of serious injuries, a normal return journey to Germany may not be possible at times. In this case, the international health insurance also covers the return transport to Germany. Under certain circumstances, this can be considerable costs – for example, if a special aircraft with medical equipment is needed. For this reason alone, taking out supplementary insurance makes sense and is urgently advised.

Who needs special insurance for abroad?

In Germany, health insurance is generally compulsory. However, this does not apply to trips abroad. From a legal point of view, no one is forced to take out a corresponding policy. For the reasons mentioned above, however, it makes sense to take out a policy in most cases. Basically, the further away the trip is and the longer it takes, the more sensible it is to take out international health insurance. So if you only go to Switzerland for shopping, you can probably do without the additional protection. For air travel to distant developing and emerging countries, on the other hand, the situation is quite different.

Where can international health insurance be taken out?

The business also seems to be quite lucrative for the providers. At least the number of offers has continued to increase in recent years. For example, international health insurance is sometimes already included in credit card contracts or automobile clubs. In order to avoid unnecessary duplication, it is therefore advisable to take a closer look at the transcript of benefits. Often, international health insurance can also be booked for an additional fee. Alternatively, traditional health insurance companies also offer corresponding offers. This large number of providers can be a bit confusing for the customer at first. But it also ensures that prices remain affordable.

What do I have to pay attention to when taking out international health insurance?

Before taking out a new international health insurance, you should therefore compare the different offers and pay particular attention to the following points:

The price: Logically, who wants to pay an unnecessary amount of money?
The range of services: The costs for medical treatment and medication should be covered in any case. The same applies to the possibly necessary return flight to Germany.
The duration: Often the policies are only valid for a certain period of stay abroad. In this case, you must take out international health insurance that conforms to your own travel plans.
Pre-existing conditions: In some cases, there are special exclusion clauses for customers with chronic illnesses. It is imperative to read the fine print here to ensure that the insurance company actually covers the costs in an emergency. The same applies if you are already travelling abroad with an injury – such as a foot in plaster.
Additional services: Only when these three essential points have been clarified should it be looked at which additional offers the providers use to advertise for customers.

Does international health insurance cover all risks?

If you choose the right insurance, you can go on holiday with peace of mind: an injury or illness will not cause unbearable costs. However, even the best insurance cannot cover all risks. For example, self-employed people can suffer severe financial losses if they are absent for a longer period of time due to illness.

However, this risk must be additionally covered by both statutory health insurance in Germany and international health insurance. The same applies, for example, to certain special forms of treatment – such as homeopathy. As always, it is therefore advisable to determine in advance exactly which protection is required individually – and then to take out the appropriate insurance.

Conclusion: Health insurance abroad is important

Medical treatment abroad can quickly cost you your financial existence. For example, there are known cases in the United States in which patients were presented with bills in the high five-digit range after their stay in the emergency room. In the case of longer-lasting treatments, the costs can also quickly rise to even higher ranges. Because the statutory health insurance often does not cover this in full, an appropriate supplementary insurance should be taken out before every trip abroad. This does not prevent the stay in the hospital from possibly overshadowing the vacation a little. But at least it ensures that there is still enough money left over for further trips in the next few years.