Ruins of tartu cathedral

If you are thinking of traveling to Andorra La Vella, Andorra, you are in the right place. Andorra la Vella, the capital of the Principality of Andorra, is one of Andorra's seven communes, or Parish as they call it. Andorra la Vella is divided into three separate villages as Andorra la Vella, La Margineda and Santa Coloma. The city also holds the title of being the highest altitude capital in Europe. Andorra la Vella is the most important ski resort in the region. The average temperature reaches -1 degrees in January and 20 degrees in July. The history of Andorra la Vella, which is a tourism city today, dates back to ancient times. It has been seen and used as a living space by people since the late Neolithic Age. The most important values of the region are the historical churches and monasteries of the 12th century and the Roman Period. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6LduCftujQ[/embed] If you want to take walks in the streets smelling of history, take in the air of the Pyrenees Mountains, and go on an exploration in these lands where European civilizations intersect; With its cuisine, geography and historical ruins, Andorra la Vella will appear as a unique city. Where Is Andorra La Vella? Let us share with you some of the things you need to know when traveling to Andorra La Vella. Andorra la Vella is located in the south-west of Andorra, between France and Spain, in the Pyrenees-Orientales, in the eastern part of the Pyrenees Mountains, at the confluence of two mountain streams, Valira del Nord and Valira del Orient. When To Go To Andorra La Vella? Since Andorra la Vella's altitude is 1,023 meters, the winter months are very cold and snowy. In summer, there is a sunny and an air temperature of 15-20 degrees. Since Andorra la Vella is an important ski resort, if you are going to the region for ski tourism, it is recommended that you go after the heavy winter. If you are going to the region to travel and wander outside of snow activities, you can set the summer months as your departure date. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push(); Best Places To Visit In Andorra La Vella Andorra la Vella has a very strong historical texture as it is a region that people have used as a city since the end of the Neolithic Age. There are so many historical places to visit that you can spend a day just to visit the old churches. Also, when you say nature walks, galleries, city architecture, you can lose yourself while walking around Andorra la Vella. Let us remind you that there is a tourist bus that takes you to most of these places. Sant Esteve Church This church, which is on the Cultural Heritage List of Andorra, was probably built in the 11th or 12th century. The restoration of this Roman church was carried out by architect Josep Puig in 1940. Sant Esteve, which has the distinction of being one of the rare Roman period churches that has survived until today without spoiling its originality; Some of the frescoes he carried on its walls are in the National Art Museum of Catalonia today. It is also worth seeing baroque paintings from the 18th century inside the church. La Margineda Bridge La Margineda Bridge is the largest and thinnest medieval bridge in the principality. It is 33 meters long and reaches 9.20 meters at its highest point. Its walls are made of the "valirenques" stone, or granite stone as we know it today, that comes out of the bottom of the Valira River, over which it passes. The arch stones of the bridge were paved with pumice stone to make the bridge light. The bridge connects a very important and ancient path from Sant Julià de Lòria to Andorra la Vella. The Green Ring The 'Green Ring' is a must-attend journey to truly tour Andorra la Vella. There are three types of paths that take you through the most vital areas of the city. First of all, you decide which of the three ways to go. All of them are different in length, difficulty level and height. For example, not all roads can be visited in all seasons. So first you have to choose which way to go.

Among these roads, there is a path that takes you over the La Margineda Bridge, and a path that will take you to the mountain road. But if you want to feel the historical texture of the city, your route should be nothing but the Green Ring. Church Of Santa Coloma The Church of Santa Coloma, which is also consecrated by La Seu d'Urgell Cathedral, is architecturally an early Roman building. This church, which has Baroque influences, was probably built in the 12th century. The bell tower is 18 meters tall and the entire church – including the tower – is made of pumice stone. Perhaps the most important feature of the church is the frescoes. Some of the frescoes are preserved inside the church, although some of them were found in the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation Museum in Berlin in 1930. La Roureda De La Margineda La Roureda de la Margineda is an area that smells completely of the Middle Ages. You may come across the ruins when you go today, but it is up to you to visualize the history. There are ruins of Sant Vicenç Castle in the region. At the time the castle belonged to the Viscount of Castellbò (a status between the baron and the earl, the title of nobility). The castle was under siege between 1190 and 1288. Transportation In Andorra La Vella When you travel to Andorra la Vella, you should also know how to get there. Since the whole city is built on an area of 12 square kilometers, there is no public transportation vehicle in the city. However, there are buses that go to other cities or villages and continue throughout the day. Apart from this, you can also consider options such as taxi or car rental. Andorra La Vella Cuisine Your trip to Andorra la Vella continues, if you can't decide what to eat, then it's time to talk about what to eat in Andorra La Vella. Since the country is close to many cultures, its tables are just as rich. The influences of Portuguese, Spanish, French and Catalan cuisine have increased the diversity of Andorran tables. If you come to Andorra la Vella, you will encounter two important dishes for their cultural heritage. The first of these is Escudella. You can eat this special dish made for Saint Antoni's Day on January 17. If you get the chance, don't miss this dish, which is made with sausage, sausage, meatballs and more than twenty ingredients. Another traditional dish of the city is Trinxat. You can eat this crab-like dish, which consists mostly of vegetables, in a timely manner. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push(); You can find the cuisine you want in Andorra la Vella. From Argentine cuisine to Japanese cuisine; from the seafood restaurant to the medieval cuisine; From Italian tables to French bakeries, every flavor is very close to you in Andorra la Vella. You can also be comfortable with the price, because there are restaurants for every budget. Popular restaurants Can Manel: The prices at Can Manel, a small family restaurant, may seem a bit high, but the flavors will surprise you. The family, who cooks their meals with food products grown in the region, generally appeals to the Mediterranean cuisine. If you want to try snails as well as delicious wines, you are in the ideal place. Taberna Angel Belmonte: Although not very affordable, Taberna Angel Belmonte is a restaurant that can be considered balanced in terms of price-performance quality. They have given their weight to seafood. In addition to the quality of its meals, it can also be preferred for its proximity to the center. El Tall A Taula: Have you been to Andorra and craving sushi? El Tall a Taula is exactly where you want it. Although it is not very affordable in price, this is the most beautiful Japanese restaurant you can find. Pizzeria Primavera: You spent a lot of money on vacation and you want a big, delicious pizza. That's what Pizzeria Primavera is in it. They make the best pizza in the area, and it's very affordable. Other restaurants Restaurant Celler D'En Toni

K L'IRINA The Family Arms The Family Arms Shopping In Andorra La Vella Wouldn't you like to beautify your Andorra la Vella trip with shopping? There are many areas for shopping in the city. You can find the shops of world brands along the streets while you are walking around the city. But the most beautiful thing is the activities such as bazaars and fairs that you can catch in the side streets. You can buy the most beautiful souvenirs of the region from such areas or markets. Depending on the period you are going to, you can come across different festivals and buy different things. There is also an open-air mall. Andorra La Vella Nightlife Unfortunately, Andorra la Vella is not famous for its nightlife. Generally, there are not many entertainment areas apart from the bars of the hotels and a few pubs. If you want to extend the night. You can try the club called Borda Pairal Chill-Out. Or if you want to listen to live music and swing a little, you can have fun at the 'live club' called La Fada Ignorant. When you travel to Andorra La Vella, do not leave without tasting the nightlife! Andorra La Vella Festivals Canillo Festival (July) Encamp Festival (August 15-16) Ordino Festival, La Massana (August 15-16) Andorrala Vella Festival (August) Sant Julià De Lòria Festival (July) Escaldes–Engordany Festival (25-26 July) Andorra La Vella Public Holidays New Year's Day (January 1) Epiphany (January 6) Carnival (Carnival) (27 February) Constitution Day (March 14) Good Friday (April 14) Easter Monday (April 17) May Day (May Day) (May 1) Pentecost (Whit Monday) (June 5) Assumption Of Mary (August 15) Nation Day (September 8) All Saints' Day (November 1) Feast Of The Immaculate Conception (December 8) Christmas (Christmas Day) (25 December) St. Stephen's Day (St. Stephen's Day) (26 December) Useful Information For Andorra La Vella Emergency Assistance: 116 Fire: 118 Police: 110  

Quick Travel Advice On Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria is certainly one of the lesser-known tourist routes of Europe. Although not many tourists go to Bulgaria Sofia, the city is stunning and inexpensive that we highly recommend visiting. Before you go check out this Quick Travel Guide to Sofia. You can get more details on travel by visiting Sofia places to visit site.

Sofia How do I help?

Sofia was released from Communist rule in 1989. Many of the tourist attractions in Sofia still have a strong communist influence. Also being the second oldest city in Europe it has a lot of early historical sites to discover that dates from Roman times. These are our top recommendations for the top Sofia Bulgaria attractions.

Alexander Nevski Cathedral: This cathedral can accommodate 10,000 people and features beautiful paintings throughout its interiors. The Cathedral is free to enter however photography is not permitted inside. The cathedral is a landmark that is worth seeing and must be seen in Sofia.

Vitosha Boulevard: Sofia is not the most well-known shopping destination but the main shopping avenue Vitosha Boulevard is well known for the cafe scene and the people-watching. It's also the most affordable location to buy souvenirs.

Rotunda of St. George (Sveti Georgi) The Rotunda of St. George (Sveti Georgi) is the first church built in Sofia and it can be a bit difficult to find, because it is now completely surrounded by Soviet administrative buildings of the Soviet style. It was constructed in the 4th century and is well worthy of a search. It's not one of the tourist sites in Sofia, which can be a bit of a surprise.

Serdika Ruins are situated in the middle of Sofia. The remains of an archaeological site from Serdika, an ancient Roman site, can be found in the station. Be sure to visit the historic Church of St Petka of the Saddlers, right next to the entrance of the subway.

Yellow Brick Road Walking Tour: It's not where Elton John sang. It's actually a set of brick roads in yellow that run through the center of Sofia, which just happen to pass through many of the most popular tourist destinations in Sofia city center. They Yellow Brick Road walking tour is a great way to fill in 2 or 3 hours.

Day Tours from Sofia

Sofia is situated in stunning Bulgaria which is located in a beautiful mountain region. Make sure you take a day travel into the mountains to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

Mount Vitosha, the oldest nature park in the Balkan Peninsular is located near Sofia. It has stunning views of the city. There are chair lifts and snow runs in winter. This is the most popular of all Sofia day trips, for locals and tourists too.

Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Boyana Church places are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Rila Monastery, located approximately two hours away is the most fascinating of the 2. It boasts jaw-dropping fresco murals dating to the Ottoman period. The majority of organized Sofia day tours will also go to Boyana Church, conveniently located on the outskirts of Sofia.

Sofia Where to Stay

Staying right in the city centre is the best way to go. It's because the majority of important tourist attractions in Sofia are actually in the city centre. A majority of the sightseeing is possible on walking. Sofia is a very affordable city. Apartments in Sofia's city centre are quite affordable.

Cheap Accommodation in Sofia

Whilst there are wonderful hotels in Sofia We recommend that you rent an excellent big apartment and living like a local. We found this great City Apartment on Agoda, located close to the city's centre.

Mid-range Accommodation

The North Tower Apartment is a residence with a home-like style with a fantastic location near one of the best shopping streets in Sofia. It is located near the Serdika main subway station as well as the 500 AD Serdika Ruins.

Affordable Luxury

The InterContinental Sofia Hotel is located directly across from Alexandar Nevski Cathedral, the city's most well-known tourist attraction. 5-star luxury at a budget rate. The hotel we recommend is our pick to be the top hotel in Sofia.

Antalya tours No Further a Mystery

This memorable two-day itinerary from Antalya contains spherical-vacation coach transportation, right away accommodation and supper, and takes you to Goreme, Cavusin village and Urgup. Optional extras include things like a dawn warm air balloon flight in excess of Cappadocia in addition to a Turkish folks dance show. Depart from Antalya lodges and push to Kemer Yacht Marina for embarking about the boat vacation. Apart from all day long lasting enjoyment and leisure as well as a delicious lunch friends will pay a visit to among the list of oldest of ancient Lycian and Roman metropolitan areas; Phaselis which includes its theatre, the Roman tub, and old Lycian harbor. Phaselis was Established by Rhodes in the beginning from the sixth century B.C. and it soon turned a very important harbor. The Theatre dates back towards the 2nd Century A. After the death of Saint Nicholas, who was believed being the savior of the very poor, the protector on the sailors and pupils, the Myrans crafted a church in his identify and set it inside the sarcophagus. Truly a pleasant tour and excellent experience of checking out this gorgeous part of Turkey. Not Considerably of the historic city ruins to find out when sailing all-around Kekova by boat, but Demre city was so lovely! We made the decision not to go to St. Nicholas' church so was in the position to have some soothing time in a local cafe-store sipping on cold Ayran, but russians did. $ 110 Your working day will start off each morning with a private guidebook and driver choosing you up from the lodge. You may first take a look at the ancient town of Termessos on the top from the Taurus Mountains. If time permits it, You may additionally have the chance to go to Karain Cave (talk to to verify this excess site when reserving). Only thirty minutes in the Airport. Antalya excursion and Beautiful personnel. The spa was quite good as well as the Sunshine bed and bar established-up about the Seaside was exceptional. It’s not the best high-quality five get started lodge but for the worth You can't go Mistaken. Antalya and its atmosphere has an outstanding local climate along with the region has about 300 sunny days throughout the year and that is avaiable for possibly owning a holiday or settling down as an inhabitant. The prolonged summer season about 7 months is  scorching and dry, the Winter season is heat and wet because the typcial examples of Mediterrean local weather. It under no circumstances snows in Antalya Hence the pheasants will be able to harvest no less than a few crops in one 12 months so it is named agricultural depot of Turkey. Группа компаний Натали Турс обладает безупречной репутацией на российском рынке. Locate the greatest Antalya tour packages on line on tourmakerturkey.com. Our consumer-friendly web site provides a easy platform for yourself to compare and select fifty percent or total working day Antalya town tours. Our aim is to provide tourists with a simple, fast and dependable strategy to ebook their Antalya tours.   Antalya submarine tour is able to providing you with matchless several hours beneath the drinking water, within a true submarine boat. While in the direction with the return, we will have a swimming end at Burç Bay for approximately half an hour or so.The boat experience ends all over again in Ucagiz and takes the bus to the middle of Demre. - Delivering the most journey knowledge around the globe with focused and caring vacation experts. Antalya Aqualand Waterpark is a place that whole of various approaches to have a good time, and it will include some exhilaration for your holiday in Antalya! Whenever you ebook a Demre - Myra and sunken town Kekova tour with us or another company, you should know the tour bus includes mixed nationalities and mostly Russian visitors. Regretably, earning your Demre - Myra and sunken city Kekova tour reservation with An additional agency is not going to adjust this case. In addition, resulting from combined nationalities and mainly Russian travellers, the English and German guideline service in Antalya to Demre - Myra and sunken metropolis Kekova tours is regrettably not at a satisfactory degree. This situation will make improvements to when the number of British and German visitors will increase.

Monday, 17th September 2018 – Day 1, Kiev

Finding myself in Kiev for a 2-workshop and meeting session with the rest of the 12-strong team I am part of, the London contingent (two of us) were on the ground and in our hotel about 3 hours ahead of everyone else, so with the dispensation of our lovely manager, we didn’t have anything to do until the others showed up. With that in mind, and arriving on a gloriously sunny afternoon, I persuaded my colleague that we really, really needed to go out and do some sightseeing. It was too good an opportunity to waste. Based in the Park Inn hotel, right next to the Olympic stadium which is now home to Dynamo Kiev, we were well situated to walk to the main attractions of the city centre.

Armed with the Lonely Planet guidebook to Ukraine, and a free Kiev map from reception, I now knew where we should aim for, and so cameras in hand, we walked up towards Taras Shevchenko Park initially, along Velyka Vasylkivska Street and over to Lva Tolstoho Street, admiring the variety of architectural styles which ranged from Stalinist flats to turn of the 19th/20th Century blocks with fabulous decorative features, some of them more “foreign” looking than others.

We also encountered the first of many, many terraces which seem to be attached to every restaurant no matter how basic or how grand. Later some of us would come to think these might not be such a good idea, for a variety of reasons, not least the prevalence of both cigarette smokers, and for that matter, shisha pipe users, mostly young women, who seemed not to care how far and wide the awful perfumed fumes spread from the damn things!

We also found the first of many, many murals, usually beautifully done, and covering the entire end walls of numerous buildings around the city. These apparently sprang up everywhere after the 2014 revolution and the plan is to have at least 200 of these instances of street art. There’s even a map of all of them.

This was also roughly the time we realised that crossing the road can be something of an adventure in Kiev. The traffic is heavy, and despite the crossing lights counting down how long you have to cross, and making it very clear that you are allowed to cross, car drivers still try and come round the corners and carry on regardless. You have to adopt a very determined demeanour and trust you’ll survive! Fortunately for the viability of the local population the really big road junctions have underpasses, complete with doors which I assume are especially necessary in the winter to stop the tunnels filling up with snow. The result is a number of underground spaces, full of ad hoc shops, selling all sorts of stuff you never wanted, or in fact never knew existed.

We survived the crossing to the park, and found quite a few things to amuse us. Temperatures were in the high 20s, so pretty much anyone with nothing better to do was perched on the benches in the cool shade of the trees. And the thing is, the benches themselves came in all manner of shapes that can only be described as playful, with no one bench the same as its neighbour. There were fountains, and flowerbeds full of marigolds, and statues of course, including this rather splendid – if rather gloomy – one of Mr. Shevchenko, the multi-talented national poet himself (which probably beats Austrian nymphs on plinths into a cocked hat).

It’s a very busy place, with all sorts going on, and with cafes and coffee shops and pretty much the entire student body of the university across the road sitting talking, dancing, playing music and generally living life outside. Even late in the evening it remained busy (as we discovered later in the week). We continued up Volodymyrska Street, passing the rather fabulous Taras Shevchenko Ukrainian National Opera House on the way.

The Golden Gates of Kyiv (Золоті ворота) were the main gates of the 11th century fortifications of Kyiv, the capital of Kievan Rus’, and were built between 1017 and 1024 (6545 in the Byzantine calendar) at the same time as The Cathedral of Saint Sophia, which was where I was keen to get us, was built. The whole thing was demolished in the middle ages, and was completely rebuilt by the Soviets in 1982, presumably entirely from their imaginations, because there are no images of the original gates available. The whole rebuilding was extremely controversial, and I did wonder why people were visiting it apart from out of curiosity. Hopefully, they don’t think they’re seeing an historical structure.

It was shortly after this that things started to get weird. Across the square from the gates we found this.

It’s part of the same initiative as the murals. It’s all part of the “ArtUnitedUs” iniative, which is the biggest urban street art project in the world. The hedgehog is a monument to a cartoon, “Hedgehog in Fog”, which was produced in 1975, and it’s the work of the Kyiv Landscape Initiative. The claim is that in 2003 a survey of 140 cinema critics and animators declared it the best cartoon in the history of animation. How true this is, I have no idea, but it seems reasonable. And it certainly wasn’t the only odd art work we encountered. There was a cat made out of white plastic forks (by Constantin Skretutsky)…

And also, in the grounds of Saint Sophia’s cathedral, a squishy piece of work (by Beata Korn) that has a sign asking visitors not to cuddle it. You can see why because it’s oddly irresistible. This is part of the art-project “3D.Public Art” and if you can read Ukrainian, then you’ll know a lot more about it than I do!

We had enough time to investigate the cathedral, but not the rest of the “territory”, so handing over a very small sum of money, we went in. I wasn’t allowed to take photos, which was a shame, but understandable. To give you a taste, I’ve found this on the Wikipedia page for the cathedral.

The building work started somewhere around 1011, and it was founded by the Grand Prince of Kievan Rus’, Vladimir the Great, and building has 5 naves, 5 apses, and 13 cupolas, which is not normal for Byzantine churches. it has two levels of balconies on three sides and it’s full of the most stunning 11th century mosaics and frescoes. I can only imagine what it must have looked like when the mosaics were new, with gold everywhere, and paintings on pretty much every surface. The Kievan rulers were buried here, and the grave of Yaroslav I the Wise is still there.

It has suffered substantial damage more than once, and the hands of Andrei Bogolyubsky of Vladimir-Suzdal in 1169, then the Mongolian Tatars in 1240. By the time that Poland and Ukraine were trying to unite the Catholic and orthodox churches it had pretty much fallen into ruin. Repair work was finally undertaken in 1633 by the Italian architect Octaviano Mancini in what is known as Ukrainian Baroque, at least on the outside, while still preserving the interior art.

Its fate was in the balance again in the 1920s, when the Soviet government wanted to destroy the building (a fate that did befall St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery on the other side of the massive square from Saint Sophia’s). It ended up being re-classified as an architectural and historical museum, a function that it still fulfills now. In a side area there is currently a display of some of the art that was saved from Saint Michael’s prior to its demolition. There was also an interesting work made out of thousands of Ukrainian pysanky eggs, highly decorated Easter eggs. The work, a depiction of the Virgin Mary in the cathedral, is by Oksana Mas, and is made out of something in the region of 15,000 eggs, all different. It’s really impressive, and it takes the eye a moment or two to realise that it is actually made of individually painted eggs.

Back outside we admired the bell tower, which, like those we saw in Finland, stands separate from the main body of the church. It’s beautiful, and apparently affords some fine views over Kiev. We didn’t think we had time, though. I took a few photographs, and bought a guidebook before we left to head back to the hotel to meet up with our colleagues.

The park was still buzzing, and the roads were as lethal as ever. I did spot another of the rather fine murals as we were walking along, and if/when we get back (there’s a suggestion of a repeat visit in Spring) I want to see how many of the 200 works I can find.

We were back at the hotel by 18:00, after a couple of hours of nosing around, and I know my impression of the city was pretty positive already, though I was slightly startled by the presence of a bagpiper outside the Metro station opposite the hotel. It wasn’t that he was playing an instrument most people assume to be Scottish, because I know enough to know that it’s a very common instrument worldwide (after all, it’s really just a bag with hollow pipes), it’s just that I’ve tended to regard the playing of bagpipes as an act of war! The Ukrainian version is called a volynka, and originates in the Carpathians.

It remained to be seen what else we might find, as we were due to be taken on a short tour by our Ukrainian colleagues at 18:30. Sadly, the Danes had fallen victim to a taxi driver who had misunderstood his instructions, and they were now on a misguided tour of the city as he tried to find his way through the rush hour gridlock back to the Park Inn from the Holiday Inn. By the time they finally made it in the door, it was dark outside, and the place we were headed for was close to closing. At least the two of us had seen something of the city.

Travel 2018 – Day 1, Kiev Monday, 17th September 2018 - Day 1, Kiev Finding myself in Kiev for a 2-workshop and meeting session with the rest of the 12-strong team I am part of, the London contingent (two of us) were on the ground and in our hotel about 3 hours ahead of everyone else, so with the dispensation of our lovely manager, we didn't have anything to do until the others showed up.

Avenue south residence floor plan

Once called the Middle East, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Israel have become popular travel destinations. Visited by themselves or in combination, most travelers return satisfied and surprised by their travel experience. For many, they have been on a truly remarkable holiday with a difference. So why is this so? To best answer this, we need to know a little more about these countries and how to travel to and within them.

*How to get there

Most travelers come by air. The national capitals of Damascus, Amman, Beirut and Tel Aviv all have international airports that are serviced by a range of international and Middle Eastern carriers. Both bus and private car travel is possible between most of the countries. Generally these are via a number of single crossing points like Syria-Lebanon and Syria-Jordan (at Derá on the new highway that links the two countries). Land routes exist to bordering countries. Land travel into/from Israel is more restricted. The most common point of entry is via the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge from Jordan. Syria has a somewhat dated rail network. Some services only run Avenue south residence  weekly but those on the popular central routes operate several services each day.

*How to get around

Trains, buses and taxi's form the centerpiece of Middle Eastern travel services. Car hire with a guide is provided by many local tourist operators. They generally are cost effective and worth considering. Use Google to find them and always ask for (and check) references. Most will require half of the booking fee wired to them before they will confirm the bookings. A number of international companies including the overland companies offer tours. Again check with Google. A number of universities offer summer archaeological digs. Many of these are fee based and no experience is required.

*When to go

The Middle East enjoys a Mediterranean climate but the summers are hot and the winters cold, especially in the north. March to May is the best time to visit. Those who want to soak up the sun will find the coastal areas mid summer comfortable as temperatures are often influenced by cooler coastal breezes. The area suffers from winter rainfall that can make sightseeing difficult and snow covers the mountains between Lebanon and Syria mid winter.

*The Countries

Syria - Syria is modern, easy to travel in and relatively safe. It's affordable if you keep away from the more expensive five star international hotels. It has a myriad of charms with excellent food, breathtaking scenery, tons of places of historic interest and friendly people. English is generally spoken in most hotels and markets in the major centers. Damascus is the major attraction with its wonderful markets and historic mosques and palaces. The Umayyad Mosque and the nearby mausoleum of Saladin (one of the greatest heroes of Arab's history), are a "must see". Plan a couple of days to enjoy Damascus. Consider at staying in one of the renovated boutique hotels that have sprung up in the past ten years. Many of these are ancient palaces in the Old City and are well worth the little extra cost. Do take the time to drive out to Palmyra for the site of the city that built to rival Rome. Homs with its water wheels in on the road to Apamea. This has an avenue of two kilometers of granite columns. Both are worth visiting and are part of 20 or more major archaeological sites that can be visited by tourists. Wandering around ruins of forts, mosques, churches and palaces provides a wonderful insight into what life was like two thousand years ago. Looping back towards Damascus is the most famous of the Crusader castles, Krak des Chevaliers. It is remarkably intact and it will be enjoyed by castle enthusiasts.

Jordan - Jordan has a huge selection of fascinating history to offer the tourists. It is steeped in the history of the Old Testament. The ancient cities of Petra and Jerash date back to Roman times when they were great trading cities along the Silk Road. Jerash is the "Pompeii of the East" and needs a little background reading to fully appreciate the historic context of the site. Take your time to explore it; you are walking through centuries of history. Although Amman is the relatively modern capital of Jordan, you'll find the satellite city of Salt with its narrow streets and quaint houses is worth the visit. Jordan has a fascinating history of craft, Bedouin weaving, embroidery, pottery and ceramics, jewellery and glassblowing. These crafts are still very much part of Jordanian life today. The Bedouin hospitality and wonderful local cuisine is legendary.

Driving south from Amman you'll find the now spreading town of Petra. To walk down the half mile long suq, you will be surprised by the beauty of the pink stone Treasury at the entrance of the old city of Petra. It will take your breath away. Read about Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, who discovered Petra in 1812, before you go. His is indeed an amazing story. South of Petra is the now modern port of Aqaba made famous by Lawrence of Arabia. West of here you'll find Wadi Rum where the film of Lawrence's war-time exploits was made. Here, an option is to stay with the Bedouins in their cloth covered black tents. They are remarkably comfortable. Take a camel ride out to the secret camp where Lawrence planned his desert campaigns. You might return a little saddle sore but you will have really "ridden" in the footsteps of history.

Blog About Travel

Blog About Travel

Blog About Travel as traveling is our way to seek beauty, understand culture and feast our soul on the richness of diverse landscapes. Each travel destination in the world is a journey through these enriching factors that gives true meaning to our wandering. Sometimes we can even monetize this travels. When it comes to the must-visit places in the world, there are a few places that are known as the best destinations in the world.

note this article may contain affiliate offers if you purchase any of the offers I may have a commission. *(affiliate link)*

Are you someone Blog About Travel and who wants to experience the best of culture, food and scenic beauty? Then there is a list of 50 must-visit places in the world you should add to your travel bucket list.

1. Rome, Italy

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Travelers from all around the world agree that there’s something dreamy and enigmatic about this city. Be it the art, the culture, or the ruins of The Forum and the Colosseum that evoke the power of the ancient Roman Empire. This city top the list, when we talk about the, must visit places in the world, for obvious reasons. Rome stands as a city with the perfect blend of modern with ancient. When you walk down its streets, you will find yourself swiftly time traveling. Blog About Travel the food culture of Rome has given Pasta and Gelato to the world so when you get tired of walking and traveling you can indulge your senses in some amazing culinary treats.

Type of vacation: Historic, Romantic, Luxury

2. Vatican City, Among must visit places in the world

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The centerpiece of Christianity is unlike what you imagine it to be. Vatican City’s environment is nothing that one can call religiously dull and gloomy. The vibrant atmosphere of the smallest country in the world is full of surprises for travelers. From beautiful museums to glorious churches, the Vatican is a paradise for the lovers of history and architecture. It is said that the Vatican Museums span over 9 miles of exotic art, sculptures and precious artifacts. Each and every building of the Vatican has beautiful ceilings that look like heaven. The cafes of the Vatican are popular for its delicious pizza, salads, and sandwiches.

Type of vacation: Historic, Cultural

3. Sydney, Australia

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The glorious Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge are not the only charms of this Australian city. Blessed with a mild and warm climate, it is one of the must-visit places for travelers throughout the year. Blog About Travel about the magnificent beaches will ensure that your eyes never get bored. The art gallery of New South Wales and The Museum of Contemporary arts are two of the popular destinations for the art lovers while the music aficionados can spend time at Opera house or one of the free concerts. Doesn’t matter what part of the world you are from, and your interests are, Sydney will never disappoint you.

Type of vacation: Luxury

4. Singapore

Exploring the cleanest place in Asia is a grand experience that one should not miss visiting. This modern island has every comfort and luxury that a traveler would wish for. Singapore has an amazing skyline and you could best enjoy that from the Giant Ferris Wheel. The amazing view of the city makes it one of the must-visit places in the world. Singapore offers some wonderful tourist experiences like SuperTree Grove Light Show, Cloud Forest, Wander Light and Water Show, Singapore Botanical Gardens and much more to choose from.

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5. London, England — One of the must visit places

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The city of London effortlessly mingles the antique and the contemporary, through a dizzying array of sights, smells, and sounds. This timeless city has something for everyone, from the Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. It captures the interests of the people who are fascinated by the grandiose of the royal family, to the West End Theatre District and the Portobello Road Market which attract the art and culture appreciators. Take a river cruise on the River Thames, enjoy the sights of the city from the top of the Eye of London or just hop around from a pub to another around Soho and London Bridge.

Type of Vacation: Luxury, Historical

6. Porto, Portugal

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The coastal city of Porto has all the ingredients that make up for a perfect travel destination, a remarkable shoreline, charismatic architecture, and the greatest delight — port wine. Also Known as the City of Bridges. Porto is home to numerous iron bridges, including one designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, the man who designed the Eiffel Tower. Francescinha, a local Porto specialty, is a large sandwich with an ample amount of fillings of meat and vegetables is a must try. Exploring Porto is a treat for music lovers. One can enjoy live music at street corners and even attend a concert a Casa De Musica. Also, watching a football match in Portugal for a fan is like taking part in a religious activity.

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7. New York City, United States of America — One of the must visit places

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Countless artists have tried to capture the spirit of New York City through music, paintings, and photographs, but to realize the true enormity of this concrete jungle, you have to visit it yourself. From looking at the Empire State Building, people-watching, to shopping in Fifth Avenue, this city offers you an exhilarating array of activities to take part in.

Type of Vacation: Luxury

8. Bagan, Myanmar

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Bagan is popular for its more than 2000 Buddhist temples. While most of them are under restoration by UNESCO, it should not stop you from exploring this culturally rich region of Asia. Buledi, Thebeik Hmauk, Oak-Kyaung-Gyi, Shwe-Leik-Too are few of the famous temples of Bagan. These ancient monuments are also popular for their spectacular views during the sunrise and sunset. Bagan is a paradise for the foodies who can try the most exotic dishes from the Burmese culinary culture. These popular delicacies range from Nepalese Thali, amazing curries, Fish with Green Chili Curry and Tibetan MoMo. Make sure you add this city to your list of must visit places in the world.

Type of Vacation: Cultural, History, Budget

9. Paris, France — Among the must-visit places

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Well, any list of must visit places in the world is incomplete with this place not being on the list. Paris is the city of love, of romance, of art. Almost everyone has Paris on their travel bucket list.

Even though the city is filled with historical sites. Places like Arc de Triomphe, Château de Versailles and, of course, the Eiffel Tower, and has a delightful cuisine, the best part about Paris is its magical and unforgettable atmosphere. Paris has something to offer to everyone. To a honeymoon lover, it offers romantic walks down the beautiful lanes of the city. For the art and history lovers, it offers a never-ending tour of the Louvre. Those who wish to relish the amazing French cuisine can simply spend their time at the classic cafes of the city.

Type of Vacation: Romantic, Luxury

10. New Zealand

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Fans of the epic, ‘The Lord of the Rings,’ will rejoice on their trip to New Zeeland as the movie was entirely in this country. New Zeeland boasts of a landscape unlike nowhere else. Open sightings of Whales, pristine waterfalls and lush green meadows are some of the wonders you’ll encounter during your trip in this country.

Type of Vacation: Adventure

11. Amsterdam, Holland — Among the must-visit places

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This Dutch party city is famous because of its amazing bars, museums and art galleries. The city is interconnected with hundreds of canals which popularly gives it the name of The Floating City. Amsterdam can be best explored on bikes, scooters, or by a canal cruise. For the art lovers, The Van Gogh Museum is an amazing way to take a peek into the life and times of this renowned artist, while the Anne Frank house will tell you about the horrors of The World Wars on Europe. An amazing which gives you freedom and one of the must-visit places in the world.

Type of Vacation: Cultural

12. Muscat, The Sultanate of Oman

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No other tourist destination rose to fame the way Oman did. This exotic paradise has a setting that seems to have come out from the stories of 1001 nights. With beautiful architecture, vintage markets, wildlife, Canyon, beaches, Muscat has everything that a tourist wants. The beaches of Oman are an important turtle nesting location and thus attract a lot of scientists and researchers. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a breathtaking piece of Islamic architecture. You can also visit the Old Muscat and take a lesson or two about the history of Oman. This city is also a paradise for the food lovers who for sure will fall in love with the amazing culinary culture of Oman. One can try goat and lamb dishes like Shuwa and Makbous local desserts like Harees and Thareed. The cuisine of Oman is so amazing that you’ll keep asking for more.

Type of Vacation: Food, Culture

13. Lucerne, Switzerland

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It is a charming quaint town of Switzerland known for its colorful vistas and gondola rides on the snow filled mountains. The beautiful Lucerne Lake, Chapel Bridge, Old Medieval Town, The Fountain of Fritschi are some of the iconic places that one should simply not miss during their trip. Lucerne is the home of winter sports with gorgeous ski resorts hidden in the lap of the mountains. The ski resorts in the Canton of Lucerne go up to the height of 2350 m.

Type of Vacation: Romantic, Adventure

14. Prague, Czech Republic

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When you visit the city of Prague, you take a step back in time, in a good way. The city has an abundance of Gothic structures, stretching from the Old Town Square to the Prague Castle. You could walk across the Charles Bridge, rub one of the 30 saint statues for luck, and marvel at the power of time looking at the Prague Astronomical Clock.

Type of Vacation: Romantic

15. Kandy, Sri Lanka

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Kandy is probably the most scenic and atmospheric places in Sri Lanka. It is known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka as this quaint town is the home to many festivals and religious processions. The Temple of a tooth in Kandy has one of the Buddha’s teeth that was brought here after his cremation.

Type of Vacation: History, Budget

16. Florence, Italy

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The ancient city of Florence has roots dating back to 59 BC. You will find yourself looking at buildings that have been standing since time immemorial. This historic city is deemed a world a heritage site by UNESCO. A trip to Florence is like taking a walk down the pages of a history book, enticing and marvelous.

This city is filled with romantic alleyways and picturesque corners just waiting to be discovered. You can also take day trips to local vineyards for wine tasting and to explore the Tuscan countryside.

Type of Vacation: Cultural

17. Goa, India

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Goa is an exotic beach destination that attracts travelers and backpackers from all around the world because of its tropical charm. Known for lovely beach shacks, scrumptious seafood, lush green backwaters and cheap booze, the vacationing experience in Goa is unlike any other destination. The adventure sports lovers can enjoy scuba diving, paragliding, parasailing, jet ski, trekking and hiking in different corners of this state. Goa holiday packages are a hit among locals and the foreign tourist, it’s one of the must-visit places in the world.

Type of Vacation: Leisure, Adventure

18. Xi’an, China

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When it comes to traveling in China, there is hardly any destination as exotic and rugged the way Xi’an is. The home to 11 dynasties who ruled China, the city of Xi’an survives as a destination that history enthusiasts find very intriguing. This city has still kept its ancient walls intact. A walk around these walls offers great views of the town and often presents a wonder like Guangren Temple right in front of you. The most amazing part of exploring Xi’an is the Terracotta Army. These warriors have stood guard at the location for more than 2000 years. Walking through the series of ever-vigilant guards is bound to send goosebumps inside you.

Type of Vacation: History

19. Istanbul, Turkey

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Istanbul takes you to the Ottoman Era with the many heritage buildings and palaces lying in every corner of the city. Walking about Topkapı or Dolmabahçe Palaces takes you through the time when Istanbul used to be a powerful country ruled by mighty emperors. The Sufi Culture thrived and flourished in Istanbul, even today you’ll see Sufi artists, philosophers, and musicians wandering around for inspiration. Who knows, a visit to this beautiful town may send the inspiration down your soul that you are looking for.

Type of Vacation: History, Cultural

20. Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Among must visit places before you die

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Dubai is one of the seven Emirates that make the United Arab Emirates. Known for its grandeur, exotic desert safaris, and elegant shopping malls, Dubai is one of the most hospitable and welcoming cities of the world. When in Dubai, you can go on a shopping spree, ride a bumpy 4×4 in the dunes, camp in the desert under the stars or take a view of the city while standing on the top of the Burj Khalifa.

There is so much to do that you’ll keep visiting again and again. Legoland Dubai is one of the finest entertainment parks in the world perfect for those who are traveling with kids. You see, Dubai is one stop destination for travelers of all ages and makes sure that everyone has a memorable time of their life during their visit.

Type of Vacation: Luxury

21. Copenhagen, Denmark

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Copenhagen is a quaint and charming destination known for its cobbled streets, colorful buildings and tiny glowing cafes. The tiny colorful town is known for its beautiful palaces and the activities associated with them. Go for a tower climb session at Christiansburg Palace, explore the knight’s hall at Rosenberg, and take a tour of the island where Frederiksborg Palace is situated. Copenhagen’s food culture also makes it one of the best in the world. The stalls of Torvehallerne Markets offer delicious local cuisines varying from seafood, gourmet chocolates, delicious pastries, cheese, meats, salads, coffee, and juices. Copenhagen is a paradise for the architecture lovers and those who love taking walks on the pretty cobbled streets.

Type of Vacation: History, Food

22. Kyoto, Japan — Among must visit places

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The cultural capital of Japan is known for its quaint surroundings, beautiful gardens and the slow pace at which life moves here. Kyoto’s free gardens are the most romantic spot in the town and become more scenic during the Cherry Blossom season. Unlike Tokyo, you won’t find any tall buildings in Kyoto, this is the town of everything artistic and beautiful. Surrounded by the mountains on three sides, Kyoto has some amazing hiking trails. Those who wish to give climbing a miss can instead explore the magical bamboo groves. Still wondering why it’s one of the must-visit places in the world? Buy Japan tour packages and experience it yourself.

Type of Vacation: Cultural, Romantic

23. Salzburg, Austria

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Mozart’s birthplace is the home to musical geniuses who come here to find inspiration. Located on the border of Austria and Germany, Salzburg is famous for its buildings from Medieval and Baroque eras. Due to the influence of music on this city, you would find many jazz and contemporary-music clubs. There are bars in every corner of the town that showcase new and upcoming talents. During Christmas, Salzburg comes to life with its lovely Christmas markets where they offer homemade chocolates and trinkets.

Type of Vacation: Cultural

24. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Among must visit places

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Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia is popular as an exotic shopping destination between many. Kuala Lumpur is one of the cities known for its multicultural lifestyle and you can find the influence of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Thai cultures in the lifestyle of its residents. When in KL, a visit to Petronas Towers is a recommended activity.

You can explore the food street of Jalan Alor, have some fun at Sunway Lagoon Adventure Park or indulge in some street shopping at Chinatown. Apart from local experiences, you can also visit the oldest mosque of Kuala Lumpur Masjid Jamek Mosque, and explore the historical Merdeka Square. Climbing the 272 steps of Batu Caves is not a bad idea either.

Type of Vacation: Luxury, Cultural

25. Ladakh, India

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Ladakh is the perfect vacation spot for those who have a strong affinity for gorgeous landscapes. As one of the few cold deserts in the world, Ladakh is known for its pristine views of The Himalayas. Ladakh offers excellent trekking points, hides some of the most glorious monasteries in the world and gives you a first-hand account of the Tibetan culture through the local festivals and food.

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Sorry Cruise Ship

Sailing short getaways year round from Fort Lauderdale. This is a firm “no” to FOMO.  Sorry Cruise Ship is giving the Caribbean an injection of new adventures on short getaways from Fort Lauderdale. Launch yourself into a virtual world on the Sky Pad℠ bungee trampoline experience. Go head to head in a glow-in-the-dark laser tag clash in Battle for Planet Z℠. Score an awesome time and game-changing grub at Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade. And onshore keep the adventure going strong at a private destination that’s the ultimate blend of thrill and chill — Perfect Day at CocoCay. Come Seek the Sorry Cruise Ship.

Top 3 Location

1. Budapest, Hungary

A favorite of river cruisers and non-river cruisers, alike, Budapest is beloved for its beautiful architecture, historic attractions, famed coffeehouses, thermal baths and cultural offerings. The Danube River splits the city into hilly, more residential Buda, and flatter, more urban Pest. Pest is where you'll find the opulent Hungarian State Opera House and its world-class performances; it's also an excellent example of 19th-century neo-Renaissance-style. The Great Market Hall is also on team Pest, an immense market spanning three floors, and worth a stop for local produce and souvenirs. If you have time for just one coffee house, make it the legendary Café Gerbeaud, a chandelier-heavy space in operation since the late 1800s. In addition, Pest offers the Hungarian Parliament Building, a highly photogenic neo-Gothic structure; a vibrant Jewish Quarter; emerging food scene; and lively nightlife. Hop over to the Buda side for the UNESCO-designated Castle District, presided over by Buda Castle, or Royal Palace. The scenic funicular cable car is a fun way to reach the site, home to the National Gallery and Budapest History Museum. It would be a shame to leave Buda before refreshing in the Gellért Spa thermal baths at Hotel Gellért, where the main bath is flanked by two-story high pillars and appears to be as large as an Olympic-size swimming pool.

Dish

Authentic Hungarian Pörkölt (Beef and Onion Stew)

One of the most famous Hungarian dishes, this slow-simmered Hungarian beef and onion stew is positively mouthwatering and out-of-this-world delicious! Marhapörkölt, Hungarian for “beef stew”, is a prime example of how just a few simple ingredients can render the most delicious flavor.  The basic Hungarian pörkölt consists of onions sauteed in fat, meat and paprika slow-simmered in a little water and the result is simple fabulous.

2.  Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City is sometimes considered the Paris of North America, but it's so much more than that. While the language is a French-first mindset, the culture is very much Canadian, perhaps best evidenced in the local food scene (and not just poutine). Aspects of both infuse the UNESCO Heritage-designated Old Quebec, a 17th-century cobble-stoned section consisting of Upper Town and Lower Town. The historic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel anchors Upper Town and is almost always associated with images of Quebec. It's worth stopping in to admire its restored interior and grab a drink and nibbles at the 1608 Wine and Cheese Bar. Upper Town is also home to Rue Saint-Jean, a long stretch containing an assortment of independent and chain retailers and dining options. Nearby is Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral, perhaps best known for containing the only Holy Door (a rare Catholic tradition) in the Americas. Don't overlook the Lower Town, the oldest section of Old Quebec, best reached by funicular or alternatively, a steep flight of stairs. Here you'll find Rue du Petit-Champlain, Quebec's most iconic street, usually depicted in all of its snow-covered, holiday-festooned glory in winter. You'll also find Place Royale, a cobblestoned square dominated by a 17th-century stone church, the Museum of Civilization and the Old Port with its shops and cafes.  

Dish

Poutine

Known as Canada’s national dish, poutine is a French-Canadian meal featuring three ingredients: fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Created in the 1950s in Quebec, the dish can be found everywhere today. Many eateries even serve their traditional poutine with additional flavors, such as butter chicken or pulled pork.

3. Arles, France

It's not hard to see the easy appeal of Arles, a UNESCO Heritage city stretched along the Rhone River and beloved by river cruisers. The compact city traces its history back to ancient times, and remnants of the past, including Roman ruins, are part of its landscape. The Arles Ampitheatre is not only remarkably preserved, it's still used. However, instead of gladiator fights and chariot races, today it plays host to bullfights, concerts and plays. A Roman theater and Thermes de Constantin (Roman baths) have also been preserved, although while you can still watch performances in the theater, the baths have long been abandoned. But speaking of preservation, the town itself feels like walking through a 19th-century French painting. That's because Vincent Van Gogh spent 18 prolific months in Arles, moving there in 1888, and staying until the infamous cutting-off-his-ear episode, prompting a move to Paris for psychiatric treatment. His famed yellow studio was a casualty of WWII bombing, but the Fondation Vincent van Gogh Arles museum preserves his legacy. The weekly Saturday market is also worth mentioning, with an estimated 450 stalls -- selling all manner of food and crafts -- making it the largest in Provence.

 Dish

Soupe à l’oignon

This is a traditional French soup made of onions and beef stock, usually served with croutons and melted cheese on top. Dating back to Roman times, this was traditionally a peasant dish although the current version dates from the 18th century. The soup’s unique flavor comes from the caramelization of the onions, which often have brandy or sherry added during the slow-cooking process. If you’re in a soup mood, why not try Marseille’s traditional soupe de poisson à la rouille. Once a fisherman’s favorite, this soup is characterized by a dollop of garlic and saffron mayonnaise placed on top.

My 15 Favorite Things to See and Do in Georgia

Posted: 12/28/2019 | December 28th, 2019

Once part of the Soviet Union, Georgia is a destination full of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and plenty of surprises. It’s home to an award-winning wine industry and the cool capital of Tbilisi, which has a stunning Old Town and vibrant nightlife.

And to top it all off, the Caucasus Mountains offer incredible hiking and climbing for anyone looking to explore the outdoors.

Georgia deserves all the praise it gets. It really is jam-packed with activities and attractions and is slowly starting to get on people’s radar. I loved my time there, and my only regret is that I didn’t have more of it (but I guess that’s just a reason to go back, right?).

It may not be one of the most obvious places to travel, but if you want an eclectic destination that doesn’t have a lot of crowds and is safe, inexpensive, and filled with great food and drink, Georgia is it! I can’t recommend it enough.

Here’s a list of what I consider to be some of the best things to see and do in Georgia:  

1. Visit Tbilisi

Georgia’s capital is home to just over a million people and has started to gain a reputation as a progressive city that offers an amazing blend of old and new.

Tbilisi is surrounded by hills, one of which is home to the ruins of Narikala Fortress, which dates back to the fourth century. Take the cable car up for amazing views overlooking the city and the Mtkvari River. And the restored historic Old Town is full of colorful window frames, gorgeous balconies, ornate spiral staircases, and intriguing alleyways to explore.

In contrast with this history, there are also lots of modern sights to see in Tbilisi, like the ultramodern bow-shaped Peace Bridge and a growing number of trendy bars and restaurants. If you’re looking to party the night away, be sure to visit Bassiani, one of the most popular nightclubs in town.  

2. Try a Sulfur Bath

Tbilisi is known for its sulfur baths, natural hot springs with minerals that are said to help with problems such as joint pain, arthritis, eczema, and dry skin. They have been a staple of the city since it was founded and are now a popular pastime for tourists and locals alike. (There are actually over two thousand mineral springs throughout Georgia, so you can have a spa day outside Tbilisi as well.)

The baths underneath the Narikala Fortress are the easiest place to try this popular Georgian tradition; you can also get a traditional scrub and massage. The baths are easy to spot: they have large brick domes rising out of the ground that cover the healing waters.

Expect to pay at least 50 GEL (Georgian lari) ($17 USD) for a budget bathhouse or 100 GEL ($34 USD) for a nicer one.  

3. The Chronicle of Georgia

Just outside Tbilisi, the Chronicle of Georgia is made up of 16 enormous pillars and columns with carved images that illustrate the nation’s history, each of which is over 30 meters tall! Some people call this “Georgia’s Stonehenge,” but there’s nothing ancient or mystical about it — the memorial was built in 1985 by a Georgian sculptor (although it was never finished).

It’s easy to reach the Chronicle by taking the metro and then walking a short distance. In addition to seeing this unusual monument (which is free), you’ll also get a beautiful view over the city and the Tbilisi Sea.  

4. See Mtskheta

Mtskheta was an ancient capital of Georgia and today is known as the religious center of the country. It’s about a half-hour north of Tbilisi and is home to historic churches and beautiful buildings from the Middle Ages (some of them are UNESCO World Heritage sites as well). The entire city was also declared a Holy City by the Georgian Orthodox Church in 2014.

One of the best things to do in Mtskheta is to go up to Jvari Monastery on the hilltop, most famous for being where Christianity was declared the official religion in 319 CE. The monastery itself was built in the sixth century and has survived nearly unchanged since then. From here you’ll be treated to stunning views over the town and the two rivers that meet at Mtskheta.

Also, don’t miss a visit to the Svetitskhoveli Cathedral (which dates to the 11th century) and the fourth-century Samtavro Monastery.  

5. Eat Khachapuri

There are all kinds of traditional Georgian foods you can try, but the one that all visitors seem to leave Georgia raving about is khachapuri. It’s basically a cheesy bread that can come with various toppings and in various shapes, sometimes looking a bit like a pizza and other times more like a big bread roll.

Every region of Georgia has its own version, but probably the most famous is Adjarian khachapuri. It comes in a kind of boat shape and is first filled with cheese and then topped with an egg.

Another popular food you’ll want to try is kudari, which is a large leavened bread pocket stuffed with meat (usually pork or lamb) and vegetables.  

6. Visit the Vadrzia Cave Monastery

The Vadrzia Cave Monastery is located near Aspindza in the south of Georgia, about four hours from Tbilisi by car. It’s one of the most famous monasteries in the entire country. Built in the 11th century, it’s a system of caves dug into the side of Erusheli Mountain. Originally, the complex included 13 levels and over 6,000 apartments. These were used to help protect the locals from the Mongols, who ravaged the entire region in the 12th century.

These days — after earthquake damage and raids from invaders — there are around three hundred surviving apartments and halls that can still be accessed. Additionally, the underground Church of the Dormition is still intact, which is home to murals depicting historical scenes of Georgian royalty.  

7. Hit the Slopes

Georgia probably isn’t your first thought for a skiing holiday. However, the country is rapidly becoming well known in Europe and Asia as a fun and affordable ski destination, and more lifts are being added each season. It shares the highest mountain range in the region and has plenty of snow in the winter, making it a great place to ski. Plus, it’s a whole lot cheaper than many options in Europe.

At the moment there are four main ski resort areas: Gudauri, Mestia, Goderdzi, and Bakuriani. There’s even a ski school with English-speaking instructors in Gudauri, which is only a two-hour drive from Tbilisi. You can get lift passes for as little as 30 GEL ($10 USD).  

8. See the Katskhi Pillar

For a particularly unique sight, head to western Georgia’s Katskhi Pillar. This huge limestone monolith is a natural tower that stands over 130 feet high. You can reach Katskhi in a couple of hours from Batumi or in about three and a half hours from Tbilisi.

But that’s not all — built on the top of this narrow pillar is a church complex dating back to the seventh century. Until 2015, a monk actually lived up on top, but these days the monks sleep in the monastery at the bottom — and only monks are allowed to climb up the steel ladder on the side as part of their daily pilgrimage to pray in the church. The buildings were refurbished recently, and a visitor center is in the works.  

9. Go Hiking or Trekking

If you like hiking or trekking, then you’re going to love Georgia. The Caucasus Mountains stretch from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea — over 1,000km — so there are plenty of possibilities.

The most popular multi-day trek is walking from Mestia to Ushguli (4 days). There are enough villages along the route that you don’t need to camp. Not surprisingly, the scenery along the way is magnificent.

As Georgia is a hiker’s paradise, there are literally dozens of other hiking possibilities, so look around and see what kind of trek fits what you’re after. Some suggestions worth considering are Omalo to Shatili (5 days), Chaukhi Pass (1-2 days), and Svaneti to Racha (a challenging 3-4 days).  

10. Try Georgian Wine

It’s said that Georgia has the oldest winemaking history in the world. Georgians have been making wine for over 8,000 years, so you can bet they’re pretty good at it by now. They use qvevri (clay pots buried in the ground) to ferment grapes for a unique taste. The climate in Georgia is perfect for winemaking, too, so it’s no wonder that Georgian wine is starting to win awards internationally.

There are five main wine regions in Georgia, but the largest and most visited is Kakheti in the east. Technically you can make it a day trip from Tbilisi, but it deserves more than just a few hours. If you want to explore the vineyards, then pick either Sighnaghi or Telavi as a base.  

11. Explore the Coast

If you’re looking for some rest and relaxation, Georgia even has a beach resort region along the coast. At Batumi, located on the Black Sea, you’ll find subtropical temperatures perfect for swimming. It can get quite humid in summer too.

You can chill out at a beach resort near Batumi or explore some of the craziness this part of Georgia has to offer (it’s sometimes described as the Las Vegas of the Black Sea). The region is home to some unique architecture and a number of casinos, though it also has the enormous Batumi Botanical Gardens, which boasts one of the most diverse ranges of flora you’ll see in a botanical garden anywhere.  

12. Visit Gergeti Trinity Church

Built in the 14th century, this church tucked away near Mount Kazbek is perched almost 2,200 meters above sea level and draws crowds from all over the country. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in all of Georgia, offering stunning views of the mountain range (which you’ve probably seen on Instagram).

While you can visit on a day trip from Tbilisi, a better idea is to head to Stepantsminda and stay there overnight. That way, you can see the church in the morning (which offers great light for photos) while beating the tourist crowds that will eventually arrive from the capital.  

13. The Caves of Gareja

Located near the border with Azerbaijan, this is a Georgian Orthodox complex that dates back to the sixth century. Here you’ll find hundreds of small rooms, small chapels, churches, and monastic living quarters carved out of the rock face.

The monastery survived incursions from the Mongols and Persians but was shut down under Soviet rule and used for military training (which caused a lot of damage to the buildings).

Today, you can visit the complex on a day trip from Tbilisi. The journey takes around three hours by bus and bus tickets cost 25 GEL ($9 USD).  

14. Visit Gori

Gori is the hometown of Joseph Stalin, the brutal Soviet leader. Located 90 minutes from Tbilisi, the city is home to the popular Stalin Museum, which has lots of artifacts (including the wooden hut where he was born) and information about his life — all of it whitewashed and biased, of course.

Here you’ll also find a World War II museum that focuses on the achievements of the Red Army, as well as Gori Fortress, a citadel that dates back to the 17th century and offers a panoramic view of the region.

Although it’s close enough for a day trip from Tbilisi, you can stay in this small city of just 50,000 for a day or two if you want to get away from the crowds.  

15. Get Outdoors in Svaneti

This is one of the most beautiful regions in the entire country. Tucked away in the northwestern corner of Georgia, you’ll find many tiny villages and incredible hiking here. There are also several UNESCO heritage sites in the area, including watchtowers that date back to the 12th century. You’ll also be completely enveloped by the Caucasus Mountains, which provide both a picturesque backdrop and stunning views.

Stay in Mestia, a tiny village of fewer than 2,000 people, and head out on foot or by car to explore the region. You’ll also find some of the best cheese in the country, made by traditional methods kept alive by the Svans (an ethnic subgroup). The region is one of the most remote areas in Georgia — see it before the tourists arrive.

***

This list just scratches the surface when it comes to the incredible things to see and do that Georgia has to offer. There are dozens more historical sites, monasteries, caves, and castles to see and a whole lot more stunning landscapes to explore. (And the country is quite safe too.)

Whether you just have a few days to enjoy Tbilisi and its surroundings or a couple of weeks to cover more of rural Georgia too, you are not going to be disappointed!

Book Your Trip to Georgia: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation To find the best budget accommodation, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory. Some of my favorite places to stay in Costa Rica:

Fabrika (Tblisi) – This hostel is also a bar and co-working space housed in an old Soviet warehouse. It’s got a cool vibe and the people here are wonderful. This is the best place to stay in the country if you ask me.

Temi Hostel (Kutaisi) – This hostel is small but the staff are great and it’s clean and cozy. It’s in a great location too.

Boutique Hotel and Medusa Hostel (Batumi) – This place is relatively new so the beds are comfy and have curtains and the place is well maintained. The staff are super helpful and will make sure you have an amazing visit to Batumi.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Want More Information on Georgia? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Georgia for even more planning tips!

Photo credit: 3 – Marcin Konsek, 4 – orientalizing, 6 – Marco Verch, 7 – Tony Bowden, 8 – Paata Liparteliani, 9 – Levan Nioradze, 11 – tomasz przechlewski, 15 – Andrzej Wójtowicz, 16 – Florian Pinel

The post My 15 Favorite Things to See and Do in Georgia appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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Andorra la Vella, the capital of the Principality of Andorra, is one of Andorra's seven communes, or Parish as they call it. Andorra la Vella is divided into three separate villages as Andorra la Vella, La Margineda and Santa Coloma. The city also holds the title of being the highest altitude capital in Europe. Andorra la Vella is the most important ski resort in the region. The average temperature reaches -1 degrees in January and 20 degrees in July. The history of Andorra la Vella, which is a tourism city today, dates back to ancient times. It has been seen and used as a living space by people since the late Neolithic Age. The most important values of the region are the historical churches and monasteries of the 12th century and the Roman Period. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6LduCftujQ[/embed] If you want to take walks in the streets smelling of history, take in the air of the Pyrenees Mountains, and go on an exploration in these lands where European civilizations intersect; With its cuisine, geography and historical ruins, Andorra la Vella will appear as a unique city. Where Is Andorra La Vella? Andorra la Vella is located in the south-west of Andorra, between France and Spain, in the Pyrenees-Orientales, in the eastern part of the Pyrenees Mountains, at the confluence of two mountain streams, Valira del Nord and Valira del Orient. When To Go To Andorra La Vella? Since Andorra la Vella's altitude is 1,023 meters, the winter months are very cold and snowy. In summer, there is a sunny and an air temperature of 15-20 degrees. Since Andorra la Vella is an important ski resort, if you are going to the region for ski tourism, it is recommended that you go after the heavy winter. If you are going to the region to travel and wander outside of snow activities, you can set the summer months as your departure date. Best Places To Visit In Andorra La Vella Andorra la Vella has a very strong historical texture as it is a region that people have used as a city since the end of the Neolithic Age. There are so many historical places to visit that you can spend a day just to visit the old churches. Also, when you say nature walks, galleries, city architecture, you can lose yourself while walking around Andorra la Vella. Let us remind you that there is a tourist bus that takes you to most of these places. Sant Esteve Church This church, which is on the Cultural Heritage List of Andorra, was probably built in the 11th or 12th century. The restoration of this Roman church was carried out by architect Josep Puig in 1940. Sant Esteve, which has the distinction of being one of the rare Roman period churches that has survived until today without spoiling its originality; Some of the frescoes he carried on its walls are in the National Art Museum of Catalonia today. It is also worth seeing baroque paintings from the 18th century inside the church. La Margineda Bridge La Margineda Bridge is the largest and thinnest medieval bridge in the principality. It is 33 meters long and reaches 9.20 meters at its highest point. Its walls are made of the "valirenques" stone, or granite stone as we know it today, that comes out of the bottom of the Valira River, over which it passes. The arch stones of the bridge were paved with pumice stone to make the bridge light. The bridge connects a very important and ancient path from Sant Julià de Lòria to Andorra la Vella. The Green Ring The 'Green Ring' is a must-attend journey to truly tour Andorra la Vella. There are three types of paths that take you through the most vital areas of the city. First of all, you decide which of the three ways to go. All of them are different in length, difficulty level and height. For example, not all roads can be visited in all seasons. So first you have to choose which way to go. Among these roads, there is a path that takes you over the La Margineda Bridge, and a path that will take you to the mountain road. But if you want to feel the historical texture of the city, your route should be nothing but the Green Ring.

Church Of Santa Coloma The Church of Santa Coloma, which is also consecrated by La Seu d'Urgell Cathedral, is architecturally an early Roman building. This church, which has Baroque influences, was probably built in the 12th century. The bell tower is 18 meters tall and the entire church – including the tower – is made of pumice stone. Perhaps the most important feature of the church is the frescoes. Some of the frescoes are preserved inside the church, although some of them were found in the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation Museum in Berlin in 1930. La Roureda De La Margineda La Roureda de la Margineda is an area that smells completely of the Middle Ages. You may come across the ruins when you go today, but it is up to you to visualize the history. There are ruins of Sant Vicenç Castle in the region. At the time the castle belonged to the Viscount of Castellbò (a status between the baron and the earl, the title of nobility). The castle was under siege between 1190 and 1288. Transportation In Andorra La Vella Since the whole city is built on an area of 12 square kilometers, there is no public transportation vehicle in the city. However, there are buses that go to other cities or villages and continue throughout the day. Apart from this, you can also consider options such as taxi or car rental. Andorra La Vella Cuisine Since the country is close to many cultures, its tables are just as rich. The influences of Portuguese, Spanish, French and Catalan cuisine have increased the diversity of Andorran tables. If you come to Andorra la Vella, you will encounter two important dishes for their cultural heritage. The first of these is Escudella. You can eat this special dish made for Saint Antoni's Day on January 17. If you get the chance, don't miss this dish, which is made with sausage, sausage, meatballs and more than twenty ingredients. Another traditional dish of the city is Trinxat. You can eat this crab-like dish, which consists mostly of vegetables, in a timely manner. You can find the cuisine you want in Andorra la Vella. From Argentine cuisine to Japanese cuisine; from the seafood restaurant to the medieval cuisine; From Italian tables to French bakeries, every flavor is very close to you in Andorra la Vella. You can also be comfortable with the price, because there are restaurants for every budget. Popular restaurants Can Manel: The prices at Can Manel, a small family restaurant, may seem a bit high, but the flavors will surprise you. The family, who cooks their meals with food products grown in the region, generally appeals to the Mediterranean cuisine. If you want to try snails as well as delicious wines, you are in the ideal place. Taberna Angel Belmonte: Although not very affordable, Taberna Angel Belmonte is a restaurant that can be considered balanced in terms of price-performance quality. They have given their weight to seafood. In addition to the quality of its meals, it can also be preferred for its proximity to the center. El Tall A Taula: Have you been to Andorra and craving sushi? El Tall a Taula is exactly where you want it. Although it is not very affordable in price, this is the most beautiful Japanese restaurant you can find. Pizzeria Primavera: You spent a lot of money on vacation and you want a big, delicious pizza. That's what Pizzeria Primavera is in it. They make the best pizza in the area, and it's very affordable. Other restaurants Restaurant Celler D'En Toni K L'IRINA The Family Arms The Family Arms Shopping In Andorra La Vella There are many areas for shopping in the city. You can find the shops of world brands along the streets while you are walking around the city. But the most beautiful thing is the activities such as bazaars and fairs that you can catch in the side streets. You can buy the most beautiful souvenirs of the region from such areas or markets. Depending on the period you are going to, you can come across different festivals and buy different things. There is also an open-air mall.

Andorra La Vella Nightlife Unfortunately, Andorra la Vella is not famous for its nightlife. Generally, there are not many entertainment areas apart from the bars of the hotels and a few pubs. If you want to extend the night. You can try the club called Borda Pairal Chill-Out. Or if you want to listen to live music and swing a little, you can have fun at the 'live club' called La Fada Ignorant. Andorra La Vella Festivals Canillo Festival (July) Encamp Festival (August 15-16) Ordino Festival, La Massana (August 15-16) Andorrala Vella Festival (August) Sant Julià De Lòria Festival (July) Escaldes–Engordany Festival (25-26 July) Andorra La Vella Public Holidays New Year's Day (January 1) Epiphany (January 6) Carnival (Carnival) (27 February) Constitution Day (March 14) Good Friday (April 14) Easter Monday (April 17) May Day (May Day) (May 1) Pentecost (Whit Monday) (June 5) Assumption Of Mary (August 15) Nation Day (September 8) All Saints' Day (November 1) Feast Of The Immaculate Conception (December 8) Christmas (Christmas Day) (25 December) St. Stephen's Day (St. Stephen's Day) (26 December) Useful Information For Andorra La Vella Emergency Assistance: 116 Fire: 118 Police: 110  

Arplis - News: Four leaf clovers, leprechauns, travellers, beer… just some of the many things that come to mind when you think of Ireland

However, the real Ireland is even more enchanting. Its landscapes are breath-taking, ranging from wild and rugged mountains to green hills and valleys. It has beautiful, historic cities, a great musical culture, fantastic pubs and most importantly, a warm, welcoming hospitable people. And yes, lots of beer. All this, and more, is what makes backpacking Ireland so amazing. Lough Tay, Dublin : gregda Jump straight to: The best time to visit Ireland Best places to visit in Ireland Travelling around Ireland Accommodation in Ireland Ireland backpacking itinerary Cost of backpacking Ireland What to eat and drink in Ireland Irish culture and people Travel advice for Ireland Best time to visit Ireland Ireland is known for its emerald green landscape, but there’s a reason for this: the weather. Ireland tends to be quite rainy all year round, however, it’s no worse than parts of England. The climate is best summed up with one word: changeable. You can really see all four seasons in one day here. The wettest months tend to be in Autumn and Winter, and the driest in the spring, but this changes year by year. So remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather – just bad preparation! Remember to bring your waterproof jacket and a jumper whenever you go, and don’t let the weather dictate your plans! There’s not that much seasonal variation in temperature either, with the summer months averaging highs of around 13-18 degrees. On the flip side, winters don’t get too cold. One thing that does vary widely, however, is the length of the days. In winter, the sun goes down around 4 pm, but in the middle of summer, it doesn’t get dark until after 10 pm, allowing you to sit out long into the evening. Ireland is pretty small, so the differences between places aren’t too drastic.  It’s generally a bit rainier on the west coast, with clouds coming in from the Atlantic, as well as getting a little cooler the further north you go. Best time to visit Northern Ireland The best time to visit Northern Ireland for a backpacking trip is in late spring and early summer, when you’re likely to get the most sunshine. However, if you’re doing a short city break, you can go at any time of year, as you’re unlikely to get extreme weather. The coldest months are between late February and early March, with very little chance of snow. The driest areas are around Belfast and the eastern coast, which get significantly less rainfall than Galway, Cork and the rest of the south/west. Best time to visit Dublin Dublin’s where you’ll find the driest climate relative to the rest of Ireland. It’s also pretty mild, with winter temperatures similar to those in Southeast England. The driest months in Dublin are between February and April, but the best time to visit Dublin is in late spring, when the temperatures are a little warmer. Given that the city has plenty to see – the weather usually isn’t too much trouble anyway, as there are plenty of pubs and free museums to duck into. Best time to visit Galway The west coast, around Galway, is the wettest part of Ireland. However, it’s slightly warmer than Dublin. So, if you’re lucky, you might get some hot, sunny weather – with the isolated white-sand beaches making it worth the risk! The best time to visit Galway is probably when it’s driest, in the late spring and early summer. Best places to visit in Ireland :@iaraanddavid_travel Ireland’s landscapes are beautiful, ranging from the dramatic to the gentle. Each of its national parks have their own unique character and can be just as breath-taking as more well-known destinations (if a bit rainier!) Apart from Dublin, its cities are relatively small, but are full of life, easily walkable, and have a rich history. To help you choose where to spend your time we’ve listed some of the best places to visit in Ireland including the most scenic places the country has to offer, as well as the best cities in Ireland to visit: Scenic spots: Mount Errigal and Dunlewy Lough, County Donegal As you approach the Derryveagh mountains, all you see are dark shadows on the horizon. Before you know it, you are amongst them, with the long, unfenced road winding through the valleys. Drive far enough and you’ll come to Dunlewy Lough, which sits down in a quiet valley, cut off from the outside world. Rising above its shores is Errigal, the highest mountain in Donegal, and one of the best hikes in Ireland. However, the steep, rocky slopes means the route can be challenging. If you’d prefer something a little more gentle, you can also take a walk down around the lake. This will take you a forest in which you’ll find a hidden world covered bright purple flowers and almost luminous green mosses. You’ll also pass an abandoned church, where you can sit and look out over the water! Find hostels in Donegal Glencolumbkille and Malin Beg, County Donegal Glencolumbkille sits on a stretch of coast Donegal’s southwestern corner. As you travel round the cliffs, you’ll be greeted with the spectacular sight of grey, stony headlands and jagged rocks being pounded by the mighty waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Eventually, you’ll reach the beautiful white sand beach of Silver Strand: a serene, isolated cove, hidden beneath the steep cliffs. Just behind Glencolumbkille are the Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) cliffs, some of the highest sea cliffs in Ireland. Here, a jagged mountainside plunges straight down into the ocean. The colossal scale of this is difficult to capture in any photograph: really huge waves end up looking like tiny ripples. If you want to explore, there are great hikes in the area, including the so-called “One Man’s Path” a narrow, rocky trail with sheer drops on either side. Just be careful, this should not be attempted if you’re not an experienced hiker – even if it is a great place for getting that perfect Instagram shot! Find hostels in Donegal Wicklow Mountains, County Wicklow The northern edge of this national park can be reached by taking a €3.30 local bus service from Dublin to Enniskerry, meaning it’s ideal if you want to escape the city for a while. If you’re really keen, you can hike along the so-called “Wicklow Way,” a 130 km interlinked network of roads and paths stretching all the way down through the county. If you don’t feel up to that, you can simply wander along the trail for as long as you like, through fields and glades filled with ferns, wildflowers and shamrocks. One great walk, which takes about an hour each way, is from Knockree hostel to Powerscourt Waterfall, the highest in Ireland. Seeing it this way also allows you to avoid paying the entry fee! Find hostels in Wicklow Copper Coast, County Waterford If you want a day by the sea, some ice cream or fish and chips, head on down to the scenic little harbour town of Dunmore East. It’s an hour away from Waterford city by bike, or 20 or so minutes by car or bus. The little sheltered cove is gorgeous, with golden sand and deep blue water, overlooked by cliffs on both sides. If you don’t feel like getting your feet wet, sit outside at the Strand Inn, which overlooks the beach, looking out towards Hook Head and its famous lighthouse. From Dunmore, you can head around the coastline along the so-called “Copper Coast”, which has been designated an UNESCO Geopark. Even if you’re not a geologist, it’s easy to appreciate the beautiful cliffs and seaside villages, such as Stradbally and Tramore, which literally means “big strand”. Here you’ll find a 5 km stretch of golden sand where you can hire surfboards, fish, or go sea kayaking. Find hostels in Waterford Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry With sea on three sides and towering green mountains behind, the Dingle peninsula is a spectacular setting for a drive by the sea. We’d recommend you stop off at Inch Beach, a spit of sand that juts out into the bay for miles, with towering dunes full of wildflowers. On the right side, you can see the Dingle Peninsula, to the left the golden shores of the Iveragh Peninsula. From Inch Beach, you can head along the coastal roads to the colourful little harbour town of Dingle. But, if you’ve got a little time, it’s worth taking a minor detour down to Minard Castle. The roads are a bit narrow and windy, but it’s definitely worth it. You’ll not only be rewarded with the sight of a medieval stone tower, but also a quiet little beach with a clear mountain stream flowing into the bay. From the colourful town of Dingle, you can head up towards Conor Pass along Spa Road, which snakes away out of sight, tightly hugging the undulating landscape. If you look hard on a clear day, you can even see the rocky pyramid-shaped Skellig Islands jutting out of the sea. If they look familiar, perhaps that’s because they were used as a location in the new Star Wars films! Find hostels in Dingle Killarney National Park, County Kerry Killarney National Park :@cochou33 Killarney, is home to one of Ireland’s most beautiful national parks, and its tallest peak, Carrauntoohil. It’s hardly surprising then, that you’ll find some of the best hikes in Ireland here. In fact, the “Kerry Way” signposted route runs through the county, for over 200 km, taking experienced hikers eight days or more to conquer. However, you don’t have to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy the trail – you can always walk along one of its 20 sections. There’s a walking loop starting in Killarney, which takes in the Victorian stately home, a ruined monastery and old traditional farms. Nearby you’ll find Torc waterfall, which crashes down into a little pool, creating a surrounding mist. If you continue up the steps past the waterfall, you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of Killarney’s three lakes. For a break while you’re driving or hiking round the national park, there’s no better place than The Strawberry Field Pancake Cottage. Renowned for its delicious pancakes, the café rests within Killarney’s isolated countryside. Afterwards, you can head on up to the Gap of Dunloe, a narrow valley, with steep, high sides. It feels incredibly isolated and cut-off, almost like going through a tunnel. Look one way and you’ll see the valley and lakes of Killarney open up in front of you, look back and you see the mountains closing in on each other. Find hostels in Killarney Strawberry Field Pancake Cottage :@iaraanddavid_travel Aran Islands, County Galway The Aran Islands are three, isolated rocky pieces of land lying between the edge of Galway Bay and the North Atlantic. They’re pretty inhospitable and rugged, battered by the waves and winds, making the place feel like it’s at the edge of the world. The historic isolation of the islanders means that many of them speak Irish as a native language. In fact, we heard it being spoken on the Ferry, and by locals in the local pub. To get there, you can book a ferry and bus transfer from Galway, or from Doolin, in County Clare. The two smaller islands, Inisheer (Inis Oír), and Inishmaan (Inis Meáin), are a little less touristed and easier to get around. However, if you’re visiting Inishmore (Inis Mór), the largest island, it’s a good idea to go for a whole day, as there’s a lot to see. It’s still only 14 km (8.7 miles) long: meaning that the best way to get around is renting a bike. Head around the coast and there’s a spot where, if you look hard enough, you can spot the silvery heads of seals bobbing up and down on the water. Continue a little further around the coast and you’ll stumble upon Kilmurvey beach, where the sands are a pristine, dazzling shade of white. The island is also home to a handful of prehistoric stone forts, with the most well-known being Dún Aonghasa. However, if you don’t want to pay, it’s perhaps better to head to Dún Eochla, which perhaps even more impressive in scale. These historical sights blend in with its natural wonders, such as Poll na Bpeist or “the wormhole”. This natural, perfectly rectangular pool sits atop a bare, rocky clifftop. As calm as it seems, diving into the pool is strongly advised against. Sometimes, the drop down to the water can be about 15 metres, with waves crashing over the clifftops and draining down into the pool. Find hostels in Aran Islands Connemara, County Galway Connemara is another national park, in the west of the country, but it differs a lot to the others. The Wicklow mountains are characterised by rolling valleys and forests, whereas Killarney has huge lakes and dramatic rocky mountains. Connemara national park, on the other hand, feature huge, rounded hills that are curved like a camel’s hump. The roads wind through the misty valleys as you approach the park’s visitor centre, about an hour and a half away from Galway. From here, there are several well-marked walking and hiking routes, each for different abilities. The toughest one leads to the summit of Diamond Hill, going over boardwalk, and rocky slopes, with views of the sea on three sides and golden beaches in the distance. When you reach the summit, you can see all the way down to the Victorian grandeur of Kylemore Abbey. Kylemore Abbey is a huge 19th century “castle” – but it’s the setting that really sets it apart. Unlike other, similar places, it is set against the backdrop of a steep mountain slope, with a serene lake stretching out in front. However, the main highlight is provided by the gardens. The manicured flowerbeds contrast beautifully with the surrounding wilderness and the kitchen gardens are full of juicy redcurrants, blackcurrants and raspberries. Find hostels in Connemara North coast of Northern Ireland, County Antrim and County Derry/Londonderry The north coast is probably the one of the most well-known and best places to visit in Northern Ireland. It’s known for its white sandy beaches, green fields and of course, the Giant’s Causeway. More recently, it’s gained fame as one of the locations for the acclaimed fantasy series, Game of Thrones. These Game of Thrones locations are worth seeing for the sake of their wild beauty, even if you’re not a fantasy fan. One such place is Ballintoy harbour, a tiny cove at the bottom of a single-track winding road, full of little fishing boats. Another recommended stop is at the Dark Hedges, otherwise known as the “King’s Road”, where ancient trees curve and twist to form an eerie tunnel. If you want a little adventure, and are a fan of wildlife, catch the boat from Ballycastle to Rathlin Island. During the late spring and summer months, it’s home to a huge colony of birds who nest on its high cliffs, including cute little puffins! If you’re lucky, you’ll also get to see seals relaxing around the harbour. For something a little more daring, head to the notorious Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, where you can test your mettle by walking across a vertical drop above the rough, churning waves. If you’d rather just relax, there’s always the White Rocks beach, near Portrush, with its golden sands and dazzling white limestone cliffs. The most famous sight around here, the Giant’s Causeway, is also worth seeing. Layers upon layers of hexagonal columns rise up out of the ocean, looking as if they were fashioned by a giant’s hand. the best part is probably the walk, which takes you over the cliffs, giving you a spectacular bird’s eye view. And for those in need of a little refreshment after a tiring day outdoors, the Old Bushmills Distillery is just a few miles away. Founded in 1608, it’s also the oldest continually-operating distillery in the world. Find hostels in Derry Mourne Mountains, County Down This is where you’ll find Northern Ireland’s biggest mountain, Slieve Donard. You can reach it without a car, by taking a bus from Belfast to the seaside town of Newcastle. The route is quite easy to follow, but requires hiking shoes, as it can be a bit muddy in places. The views from the summit, however, are gorgeous, looking out for miles out over the coast. If you’d prefer to do something more gentle, you can also hike to a viewpoint part of the way up the mountain, or just walk along the beautiful seafront promenade with an ice cream. Those people renting a car should also consider visiting the Silent Valley Reservoir. This huge artificial lake supplies the entire population of Belfast and is hidden away in the narrow space between the mountain slopes. It’s a beautiful and secluded location to sit, relax, or take a walk around. Dublin Temple Bar, Dublin :@diogopalhais If you ask anyone who’s visited Ireland about the best places to see, the Republic of Ireland’s capital is always high on the list. There’s s a lot to see, a lot to do, as well as a lot of visitors! The historical centre is packed to the brim with beautiful buildings and parks, many of which are free. Free attractions in Dublin: Parks: Stephen’s Green: this 17th century square is filled with trees, ponds and sculptures, and was one of the spots held by the rebels during the 1916 Easter Rising. Merrion Square: another park in a city square, which is home to a famous statue of Oscar Wilde. Phoenix Park: this is the largest urban park in Europe, and home to a herd of deer! Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence of the President of Ireland is located here, and on Saturdays, you can even book a free guided tour! Museums and Galleries: As Ireland’s capital, Dublin is home to many of Ireland’s best public museums and galleries, many of which are free to explore, so take advantage of this! Chester Beattie Library: housed in Dublin Castle, this museum displays beautiful and rare manuscripts from places such as East Asia, the Middle East and North America. Irish Museum of Modern Art: situated in a former hospital, this place has six multi-roomed exhibits, which are constantly changing. National Gallery of Ireland: this fascinating gallery includes medieval, renaissance and modern works, including those of renowned local artists. National Museum of Ireland: this is not really one museum, but four, with three of them located in Dublin – specialising in Archaeology, Natural History and Decorative Arts. Given its history full of literature, scholarship, conflict and revolution: Dublin is fascinating just to wander around. So, take advantage of a free walking tour, or explore these historical sites for yourself: Statues of O’Connell Street: this busy shopping street is full of statues of famous Irish revolutionaries, labour leaders, parliamentarians and reformers, including Daniel O’Connell, after whom it is named. GPO (General Post Office): this imposing stone building was the main headquarters of those taking part in the Easter rising, an armed insurrection that aimed to create an independent Irish Republic. There is a paid exhibition inside, but you can still visit the post office itself, which has beautiful floors and an ornate ceiling. Trinity College Grounds: you have to pay a steep charge to visit its historical library, which contains the precious medieval manuscript “the Book of Kells”. However, the grounds themselves are free to enter. Famine Memorial: this tribute to the millions of people who died and emigrated during the potato famine of 1845-1849, shows emaciated figures trekking along to the port of Dublin in search of a new life abroad (though many died during their journey). Glasnevin cemetery: this is the resting place for many famous Irish figures, including the musician Luke Kelly, of the Dubliners, and the writer Brendan Behan. One paid attraction that is worth seeing is Kilmainham Gaol. This cold, grey stone building, located in a quiet suburb, has witnessed many key events in Irish history, including five rebellions. It is where the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were held and then executed. It has held prisoners from the subsequent Irish War of Independence and Irish Civil War. Perhaps the most shocking fact, however, is how some victims of the famine committed crimes simply to be held here and have a roof over their heads. Going out in Dublin can feel overwhelming, with hordes of tourists flocking into the iconic pubs of the Temple Bar area, which gets extremely crowded and quite rowdy. In terms of iconic bars, O’Donoghue’s near Merrion Square is a good bet. This spot has live music every night and is where the trad band “The Dubliners” started out. Although it’s packed with tourists, the crowd is generally less rowdy. Also worth a visit is the Brazen Head, which claims to be Ireland’s oldest pub, dating back to 1198. For somewhere a bit more off the beaten track, head north of the river to the area of Stoneybatter, where you’ll find great pubs and cocktail bars, full of locals. We arrived in the middle of the “Stoneybatter Festival” which takes place in June each year. The events even included Wuffstock, a fancy-dress parade for dogs and their owners! Find out more about all the free things to do in Dublin in our guide. Find hostels in Dublin Kilkenny Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny :@kmitchhodge Kilkenny, although compact, is worth visiting. Hundreds of years of history is packed into two adjoining streets, known as the Medieval Mile, which stretches from the cathedral at one end and the castle at the other. The space in between is teeming with history: from the Tudor Roche House to the Black Abbey. It’s not all grey, medieval stone though, the town is like a picture postcard snapshot of Ireland – with colourful pubs, restaurants and cafes on cobbled streets. As well as being a medieval town, Kilkenny is known as being the birthplace of Smithwicks (pronounced Smith-icks), probably the second most well-known Irish beer (after Guinness). You can still visit the old brewery today, where you’ll get the chance taste the beer at different stages of the brewing process and smell the different types of hops used. This will give you all you need to bluff with even the most seasoned of craft beer snobs! Even if you’re not all that interested in this boozy barley beverage, the tour is fascinating simply from a historical point of view: it’s built on the ruins of an abbey that brewed beer until it was closed down by King Henry VIII. In the end, you’ll get the chance to sample a pint, with three different varieties on offer! In the same way as with its historical sights, Kilkenny’s nightlife packs a big punch for its size, with over 15 bars and pubs within 10-15 minutes’ walk of one-another.  It’s a historic town, so there are tourists, but it’s nowhere near as crowded as central Dublin. Plus, if you’re more of a fan of tea and coffee than beer, don’t fret! Kilkenny has some cute little cafes, including Cakeface patisserie, which serves up delicious baked treats. Find hostels in Kilkenny Waterford Waterford :@yaboicarl Waterford is one of Ireland’s oldest cities, dating back to Viking times. The traces of this history are most evident in the old part of the city, the so-called “Viking Triangle”. In fact, there are six medieval towers scattered around. If it’s a rainy day, why not visit the “Museum of Treasures”? This is actually made up of three separate buildings, each within 3 minutes’ walk of each other: the Viking-built Reginald’s tower, the Medieval Museum and the Bishop’s Palace. The city itself is incredibly pretty, its main street extending along a stretch of river for about a kilometre and a half. This creates a dazzling effect as the lights from bars, restaurants, and shops are reflected in the water. Step back from here, and you’ll end up on bustling pedestrian streets full of little squares, coffee shops and boutiques. Given that it’s a relatively small city and not as much of a tourist hotspot as Dublin, it’s easy to wander from one place to the other without getting lost.  We’d recommend a little bar called ‘An Uisce Beatha’, the Irish name for whisky literally translating as “water of life”. This pub hosts a lively, youthful crowd, with free music on most nights. Find hostels in Waterford Cork Cork :@yvesalarie Cork is the Republic of Ireland’s second city, but sees less travellers than Dublin and Galway. However, it really shouldn’t, as it’s absolutely full of life, music and history! Also just outside Cork is Blarney castle, one of the most famous attractions in all of Ireland. It’s a very touristy spot, and entrance costs between €14 and €18 (with online discounts available). Although this may seem like a lot, the castle’s gardens are huge and there’s a lot to see – in fact, you could spend the whole day exploring. The beautiful grounds contain a garden of poisonous plants, a glade filled with huge ferns and a waterfall, as well as a dungeon, where you can crawl through medieval stone passages on your hands and knees. In the high season, queues for the castle can be huge, but you can avoid this by going on a weekday. Once you get to the top, you can admire the views, and kiss the legendary Blarney stone, which is said to bless you with the gift of the gab. The whole thing might seem like a bit of a silly tourist ritual, but it’s impossible not to get caught up in the atmosphere of the whole thing! Cork itself is great for going out, with music around every corner and streets full of people. In the Victorian Quarter there’s Sin É, which serves a huge selection of whiskies, gins and beers, as well as having a traditional music session every night. If you want to listen to something a bit different, head down to the Crane Lane Theatre. This consists of three different bars, each with different things going on, as well as the theatre itself. There you can see free gigs (everything from jazz to reggae), DJ nights, and even take a dance lesson. Oh, and if you’re looking for a caffeine rather than alcohol-based pick-me-up, head to Three Fools’ Coffee or Cork Coffee Roasters. Budget travellers looking for something to do can take a wander around the Campus of University College Cork. Here, you can enjoy the parkland, visit the exhibitions at the Glucksman Institute, and admire the beautiful stained-glass windows of the Great Hall, all without spending a cent. The English Market is also free to enter, but you’ll probably end up spending something! It’s situated in a building that dates back to 1786 and is full of stalls selling fresh meat, fish, vegetables and fresh local baked goods, as well as arts and crafts. There’s even a brightly coloured fountain filled with models of birds! For something quirky to do, head to the Butter Museum: Cork used to be a centre of the huge Irish butter business, and even had its own Butter Exchange (like a Wall Street for butter). Just around the corner, you will see (or hear) Shandon Church. Here you can pay to climb the tower and have a go at ringing the bells yourself. A little less imposing is Shandon Sweets, a cute family run factory and shop, where you can enjoy some locally-made sugary goodness. Find hostels in Cork Galway Galway, Ireland :@mymytudoan Galway is smaller than Dublin, Belfast and Cork – but is very lively (perhaps, in part, due to its high student population). You can see this in the Latin Quarter – home to many medieval buildings and filled with narrow, cobbled streets onto which partygoers pour onto to at night to enjoy a drink in the open air. We went to the Quays bar, which blasted out cheesy indie and pop hits all night long. We also ended up in a great rock bar called Sally Long’s, after which we headed to the west end to hear some traditional music at the Crane Bar. There was a trad music session in the upstairs room, with everyone crowded around, sitting on stools, listening attentively to around 8 musicians on fiddle, tin whistle, flute and mandolin. The historic Latin Quarter is also great for exploring during the day, and as you head further down the river, you’ll find another historical landmark, the Spanish Arch. This stone gateway, built in 1584, is connected to the remains of the city walls, and used to house the soldiers who manned the battlements. On the other side of this is the Galway City Museum, which is free to enter, and will give you an insight into what Galway looked like in medieval times. It also houses a full-size “Galway Hooker”: a sailboat designed to withstand the harsh North Atlantic weather. Although Galway’s medieval buildings date back hundreds of years, the cathedral was only built in the 50s and 60s. It looks much older, but it’s actually the last great stone cathedral to be built in Europe. It’s worth visiting to admire the artwork underneath the dome, consisting of angels and stars set against an emerald green background. Another thing that’s great about Galway is that if it’s a sunny day, and you don’t feel tramping around the streets or standing indoors, you can easily just head out to the area of Salthill. This is just 20 minutes’ walk from Eyre Square, past the west end and has some beautiful beaches, as well as a diving platform where you take the plunge into the not-so-tropical water of Galway Bay. Find hostels in Galway Belfast Belfast :@kaelihearn The island’s other capital city, Belfast, is very different to Dublin. It’s a much younger city and is perhaps less “classically beautiful”. However, it’s emerged from its turbulent past to become a great destination and has somewhat of an alternative feel in places. It’s also cheaper for going out than in a lot of cities in the Republic, with a great bar and restaurant scene. In terms of sights, you’ll be spoilt for choice. A lot of hostels are located around the university, which is made up of beautiful redbrick buildings. Just around the corner, you’ll be able to see the Botanical Gardens, with its ornate Victorian greenhouse, as well as the Ulster Museum. Alternatively, you can visit the exhibitions at the City Hall, and take a tour of this spectacular building, which is full of marble floors and columns, stained glass windows and chandeliers. Best of all, every one of these attractions are completely free! One of Belfast’s biggest draws in recent years has been the Titanic Museum, a huge shining metal structure, as high as the ship itself, where you can find interactive exhibitions and even a ride guiding you through the history of the shipyards. It may seem quite pricey, but the ticket also includes entrance to the Nomadic, a boat that brought passengers to the Titanic at Cherbourg, France. If you want to go out somewhere that’s cheap and student friendly, the area around the University and the Dublin Road is a good bet. However, for something slightly more upmarket, the Cathedral Quarter is the place to go. Here you can find “the Harp Bar”, which is all red velvet seats and fancy decorations, or the Dirty Onion, which has an outdoor terrace in a ruined building. There are also cultural venues, such as the MAC and Black Box, which host art exhibitions, theatrical performances and films. Still, if you’d prefer something a little more alternative, it’s just a short walk to the Sunflower Bar, which hosts musical events ranging from ukulele sessions to bluegrass music, and attracts a young, progressive, activist crowd. Find hostels in Belfast Derry/Londonderry Londonderry : @kmitchhodge Northern Ireland’s second city is definitely worth a stop, not least because it’s the only fully-intact walled city in all of Ireland. You can still walk round the top of the walls, free of charge, look down over the rest of the city. Within the walls themselves, you’ll find the “Tower Museum”, which takes you through the city’s eventful history, from prehistoric times to the sectarian violence that plagued the city from the 1960s to the 1990s. It’s not all dark and depressing though: you’ll also hear about the city’s cultural heritage, including the band “The Undertones”, who penned the song “Teenage Kicks”. The history of the Derry/Londonderry, is very contested, all the way down to the city’s name. It should come as no surprise then, that it has witnessed key events for people on both sides of the Unionist/Nationalist divide. The city saw historic civil rights marches in the 1960s and early 1970s. The predominantly nationalist “Bogside” also witnessed clashes between police and the local residents, as well as the incident known as “Bloody Sunday”. It’s in the Bogside that you’ll find the Free Derry Museum (which shares its name with a famous mural), a place that recounts the story of this conflict. On the other side there is the Siege Museum, which focuses on 17th century siege during which the Protestants of Derry/Londonderry held out against an army led by the Catholic King James. However, there’s more to the city than the dark days of its past, with plenty of cheery, and good value bars and restaurants. One such place is Sandino’s, which is full of posters and memorabilia supporting various progressive causes, and often hosts great live music events. You can also pose with one of the city’s newest murals, a painting of the stars of Derry Girls, a hit comedy series set in the city! Find hostels in Derry/Londonderry Travelling around Ireland :@iaraanddavid_travel Unfortunately, in Ireland, the public transport network isn’t as extensive or developed as in other western European countries. However, both buses and trains are relatively affordable, making backpacking on a budget in Ireland easy. There are easy links between a lot of the major towns and cities. But when it comes to more rural spots, provision can be a bit lacking. Trains in Ireland are modern, comfortable and usually punctual, with good links on the east coast and to Galway. The prices here are reasonable too: an advance ticket between Dublin and Kilkenny can cost as little as €14, with extra discounts available for students. But there’s no direct line from Waterford to Cork, which makes a round trip by train difficult. Travelling by train also needs planning, as they often don’t run as regularly as buses or coaches. In the west of Ireland, train links are much less developed, and although it’s easy to reach Galway, heading north through the scenic counties of Sligo and Mayo requires a lot of changeovers. It’s even harder to navigate the scenic and isolated county of Donegal, where there are no train connections at all. Indeed, in the past, many rural train stations were shut down in favour of a (short-sighted) transport policy favouring cars. On the other hand, some of these former lines, such as the “Waterford Greenway”, have been repurposed as cycle and walking paths – allowing you to explore the countryside away from the roads. Trains in Northern Ireland are pretty lacking too, and many places in the southwest, such as the beautiful Lakeland county of Fermanagh, have no railway lines at all. Luckily for tourists, in addition to the line from Belfast to Dublin, there’s one that stretches north, linking Belfast to towns on the scenic Causeway coast, such as Portrush and Castlerock. This same line then heads west alongside the sea and finishes in the city of Derry/Londonderry, with the last stretch of the journey overlooking the sea. One of the easiest ways to get to places is travelling around Ireland by bus. A lot of the services, especially those between more major towns and cities, are comfortable and modern, and have lots of luggage space, as well as occasional internet access. These usually run more regularly than trains and are often just as quick. They also have routes between cities where trains do not, and if you’re travelling up the west coast without a car, buses are a lifesaver. They can reach beautiful rural areas and isolated counties such as Donegal where trains do not. In addition, local bus services will allow you travel to tourist attractions just outside cities. From Dublin, you can catch a bus to Enniskerry and explore the Wicklow Mountains, from Cork, you can head out to the colourful little fishing village of Kinsale. There are a lot of isolated sights in Ireland that can’t easily be reached by bus or train, and require you to take an organised tour. Some of these go directly from the hostels, and are pretty good value. Another alternative is travelling around Ireland by car for the ultimate Ireland road trip! This will allow you to see ruined churches, abbeys and abandoned stone cottages, as well as letting you stop to get out and appreciate the landscape: something you’ll want to do every five minutes or so! Just be aware that the roads in some rural areas are full of cracks, are narrow, and sometimes even have sheep wandering across them. Accommodation in Ireland Gardiner House Hostel, Dublin Ireland is a popular place for backpackers, meaning that there’s a wide range of hostels and budget accommodation. Hostels in cities such as Dublin and Galway tend to be bigger, with more going on, but can be quite busy. In the countryside, or smaller towns, such as Kilkenny, you can find cute little places with just a handful of rooms, where it’s easy to get to know other guests! Hostels in Dublin and Galway are significantly more expensive than other places, with prices soaring on the weekends. However, nightly rates in Dublin can more than double to over €50, the price of a weekend room in Galway is more reasonable at around €30. Strangely, the same is not true of Cork, where prices remain pretty steady. Where you stay in Dublin depends a lot on what you want to do. Gardiner House Hostel is about 20 minutes’ walk from the city centre, allowing you to avoid the noisiness of the city centre. Another great spot, Abigail’s Hostel, is right in the middle of Temple Bar, hosting nightly pub crawls and surrounded by lively pubs, bars and clubs. There are also a couple of places that are a little closer to the city, but in the quieter areas, such as the Four Courts Hostel. All these places have facilities including storage lockers and fully-equipped kitchens, as well as providing a free breakfast and wifi. There’s also plenty of choice when it comes to hostels in Galway, with almost all of them being rated above an 8 on the Hostelworld website. Sleepzone is good if you want somewhere central at a reasonable price: it’s five minutes from Kinlay Square Centre, most of the dorms are ensuites and there’s a fantastic kitchen, TV room and outdoor terrace. Kinlay Eyre Square Hostel, which is just around the corner, is another good choice. But if you want something a little quieter and still within walking distance of the city, you can stay at Nest Boutique Hostel, located right beside the beaches of Salthill. Hostels in Cork are pretty few and far between, with the choice essentially coming down to Kinlay House Cork and Bru Bar & Hostel. Both are located at the northern end of the city centre, close to sights such as the Shandon Bells and the Butter Museum. Both also offer free Wifi and free breakfast. Bru Bar & Hostel, as you might guess from the name, it has its own bar with discounts available for guests! But if you want to relax, go for Kinlay House, you can get access to the pool and gym next door (which includes a jacuzzi and steam room) for €5. Some of the best hostels we stayed in on our trip were in rural areas, where you can find small, cosy places that feel more like guesthouses. One of those places is Tom’s Cottage, an eco-friendly hostel that’s a 15-minute drive from Waterford. Apart from a couple of houses across the road, there’s nothing but green fields all around, making it the perfect place to relax and recharge. Tom, who runs the hostel, is an incredibly friendly guy, often even inviting guests to hear him play in an Irish trad music band at the local pub. Global Village, Belfast When it comes to city hostels, Belfast is really good value. Global Village, Vagabonds and Botanical Backpackers are all rated at 9 or above on Hostelworld. They’re also located in the youthful Queen’s Quarter, nearby Queen’s University Belfast. You can get a bed from about £14 and all of them offer free breakfast, WiFi and a common room to relax and hang out in. There are also plenty of hostels in the towns and villages in the north coast. Bushmills Youth Hostel is perfectly situated, just 5 minutes’ walk from the Old Bushmills Distillery and a short bus ride from the Giant’s Causeway. The village itself also has plenty of pubs, restaurants and cafés. If you don’t mind being a little more isolated, the Sheep Island View hostel in the village of Ballintoy is a good shout. Its picturesque location overlooks the sea and cliffs, and is only a short walk from a cute little harbour and beach. Outside Belfast and the north coast, there aren’t so many options when it comes to hostels in Northern Ireland. While there’s not many dorms in Derry/Londonderry, Hostel Connect is great value and fantastically located, with beds for as little as £17.30 (€19.26). Compare all hostels in Ireland Ireland Backpacking Itinerary Connemara National Park :@benorloff  There are endless things to see and explore in Ireland, and you could spend years without having discovered all that it has to offer. However, this being the real world, most people don’t have that much time or money. So, to help you, we’ve put together a few rough travel itineraries. Given how different every backpacker is, we’ve tried to make this relatively flexible. Just bear in mind that it’s not exhaustive and you may want to skip certain places or choose to discover somewhere else entirely. We’ll start with a simple Ireland itinerary, for 7 days long, as many backpackers won’t have much more time than that. Lack of time shouldn’t put you off though, as there’s plenty you can see if you manage it right. Day 1: Dublin This is where you’ll most likely be arriving into, whether by boat or by plane. Depending on the amount of time you have, you can explore some of the free museums, or Phoenix Park (which doesn’t close, meaning you can go and visit later in the evening to save some time). Day 2: Kilkenny The journey here from Dublin is less than two hours by bus or train. This means you’ll have time to explore the medieval sights of the city, whether it’s the castle, cathedral or abbey! If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you can always pop into the brewery. Day 3: Waterford Again, this Viking city is a short hop by bus or train from Kilkenny. You can either wander around and take in these sights for yourself, take a city tour, or visit one of the city’s museums. If you’re more of a sporty type, you can head out along the Waterford Greenway cycle route! Day 4: Cork The easiest way to get here from Waterford is by bus, as the train takes a long and complicated route. Once you’re here, you can head out on a local bus to Blarney to explore the castle and gardens. Or you can choose to stay in the city and ring the bells of Shandon at St. Anne’s Church, as well as visiting the Butter Museum, university campus and English Market. Day 5: Galway The bus journey from Cork to Galway takes a little longer, at around two and a half hours. But this will still allow you to explore some of the main sights, such as the Cathedral and Spanish Arch, as well as enjoying the local nightlife. Day 6: Galway day trip Galway is a good base for exploring some of the most scenic areas in Ireland. From here, you can take a day trip out to Connemara National Park, or to the Aran Islands. Those of you who have a car can always spend a night in Connemara if you want! Day 7: Dublin From Galway you can take a bus or train straight back to Dublin. Spend your afternoon exploring more of the free museums and galleries, wandering around the city centre parks, or heading out to Kilmainham Gaol. If you’ve got a car, and enjoy the outdoors, you can easily do a day trip out to the Wicklow Mountains instead of spending a second day in Dublin (or skip a destination and go to Killarney national park instead). If you’d rather explore the big city more, you can even catch the bus or train from Cork straight back to Dublin. It’s all up to you! Even though it’s a small island, for an Ireland itinerary, 14 days isn’t that long. Given that lack of public transport in some places makes things complicated, the guide below sets out separate routes for travelling with and without a car, giving you some alternatives if you want to alter your journey a bit. :@iaraanddavid_travel By public transport Day 1: Dublin (See section above) Day 2: Kilkenny (See section above) Day 3:  Waterford (See section above) Day 4: Cork (See section above) Day 5: Killarney Take a day trip out through the National Park by bus, a boat trip around the lakes, or visit Ross Castle, which is just a short walk away! Day 6: Killarney Take a trip out to see the gorgeous Dingle peninsula, and maybe even go whale watching. Day 7: Cork Use your second day in Cork to explore some of the sights of the city, or head out to Blarney, whichever you missed the first-time round! Day 8: Galway (See section above) Day 9: Galway day trip (See section above) Day 10: Dublin (see section above) Days 11-14 Option 1: you can take the bus to Letterkenny, in County Donegal, basing yourself there for two or three nights. You can then take day trips out to places such as Errigal, Slieve League or the Inishowen Peninsula, before heading back to Dublin for another night before you get your flight. Option 2: you can get the train or bus up to Belfast, stay there a night or two, then head up to the north coast for a night. After this you can head back to Belfast and then to Dublin (if you’re flying home from there). Option 3: if you don’t want to go that far, you can simply go hiking in the Wicklow mountains, and take some extra time to explore Dublin’s many sights. By car Day 1: Kilkenny Head straight from the airport to this beautiful medieval town. Day 2: Waterford (See above) Day 3: Cork Use the drive from Cork to see some of the breathtaking Copper Coast, and maybe visit some scenic villages along the way. Day 4: Cork (See section above) Day 5: Killarney Check in and then head off to explore the beautiful Dingle peninsula, stopping off at the beach if it’s a sunny day. Day 6: Killarney Take a trip around the Ring of Kerry road to see some stunning landscapes, or park up somewhere in the national park to do a hike. It’s also worth making a slight diversion to see the Gap of Dunloe. Day 7: Galway Head to Galway, perhaps stopping off at the famous “Cliffs of Moher” along the way. Use the rest of the day to explore the town and its sights! Day 8: Galway You can use this day to see the Aran Islands, either driving or taking the bus to the ferry terminal. Day 9: Connemara Head out to Connemara and explore the unique mountains. You can take the Connemara Loop route (see below), go hiking, or even do some water sports on Killary Fjord. Days 10-12: Option 1: take the car up the West Coast, along the Wild Atlantic Way (see below) to Donegal. There you can visit the cliffs of Slieve League and nearby beaches, then head on up to the Derryveagh Mountains and Glenveagh National Park. You can spend the third day exploring more of Donegal or visit Derry/Londonderry, just over the border. Option 2: take the car up to Belfast and then spend a couple of days exploring the north coast or go to Derry/Londonderry. Option 3: head to the Wicklow mountains, and spend a couple of days hiking and exploring, before heading back to Dublin. You can even go back to the city a day earlier, if you want more of a chance to see all its sights properly. Once you get back to Dublin, you can return your rental car and spend the next couple of days exploring the city. Day 13: Dublin (See above) Day 14: Dublin (See above) Given its small size, it’s pretty easy to put together a Northern Ireland itinerary. However, if you’d like to visit the west of Northern Ireland as well, transport can be a bit of an issue. To help with this, I’ve put together one itinerary for those with a car, and one for those without a car. Without a car Day 1: Belfast Here you can spend the day exploring the free attractions around the University, including the museum and botanical gardens. Afterwards, why not go out to explore some of the pubs and coffee shops around the Cathedral Quarter? Here, you can find out what exhibitions and events are going on at the MAC or Black Box. Day 2: north coast In the morning, take the train to Coleraine. Then, take the train to Portrush, where you can go to the beach, go surfing, or just enjoy an ice cream by the sea. Alternatively, you can head to Bushmills, from where you can take the bus or walk to the Giant’s Causeway, and take a tour of the whiskey distillery. Day 3: north coast You can take the bus from either Portrush or Bushmills to Ballycastle, from where you can head off to see the wildlife of Rathlin Island. Another option is to go to Ballintoy harbour, which (as mentioned above) was a filming location for Game of Thrones. Day 4: Derry/Londonderry Take the bus from Bushmills or train from Portrush to Coleraine. From there, you can take the train to Derry/Londonderry. You can explore the city walls, cathedral, Guildhall and museums, and have a night out if you’re feeling like it. Day 5: Belfast On returning to Belfast you can visit the Titanic Experience museum, as well as taking a tour of the City Hall. Day 6: head home or take a day trip to the Mournes. From there, you can head home, or if you want to explore a bit more, take the bus down to Newcastle. You can even walk from the town to the peak of Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest mountain. With a car Day 1: north coast Drive from the airport in Belfast up to a hostel in Bushmills or Portrush. On the way you can visit various scenic spots, some of which have been in the TV series “Game of Thrones”, such as the Dark Hedges and Ballintoy harbour. Later on, you can visit the Giant’s Causeway, and then, if you’re staying in Bushmills, make a stop at the legendary distillery. You can also take the beautifully scenic Antrim coast road (see below) – a scenic, but indirect route. Day 2: north coast On your second day, you can visit the seaside town of Portrush, and go for a surfing lesson, or just enjoy a day by the sea. You can also get the ferry from Ballycastle to go and enjoy the wildlife there. Day 3: Derry/Londonderry (See above) Day 4: Option 1: head back to Belfast for a couple of days, and see some of the things you missed. Option 2: go and explore Donegal, just over the border before heading back. Option 3: continue your Northern Ireland journey, by going to see the beautiful Lakelands of County Fermanagh. From there, you can head back east to Newcastle and the Mournes (see section above), before returning to Belfast. When you take a car around Ireland, it’s not just a mode of transport. For many people, doing an Ireland road trip is a long-held dream. There are plenty of amazing roads through the breathtaking countryside, so we’ve included a short selection of some great routes that you can include in your itinerary: Causeway Coastal Route – County Antrim and Derry/Londonderry This route stretches all the way from Belfast, heading past castles, green forested valleys, little beaches and harbours, as well as Game of Thrones sights. The most scenic part of it is probably “the Antrim Coast Road” which was built in the 19th century. It runs along a small stretch of ground beneath the foot of the cliffs and the sea, making it a beautiful drive. Wild Atlantic Way This 2,500 km signposted route covers the entire length of Ireland’s west coast, from just outside Derry/Londonderry all the way to Kinsale, outside Cork. The website Wild Atlantic Way lets you customise your journey, so you don’t have to tackle the whole thing in one trip: Ring of Kerry This road takes you right around Killarney National Park, taking in some of its most remarkable and beautiful sights, such as Moll’s Gap and Torc waterfall. Conveniently, it starts and finishes in the town of Killarney, where there are plenty of hostels. Connemara Loop Like the Ring of Kerry, this signposted circuit takes you around the beautiful mountains, lakes and fjords of the Connemara National Park. (Bonus non-car route) Waterford Greenway You don’t need to have a car to explore the Irish countryside at your leisure, and the Waterford Greenway is a great example of this. Built along a disused railway line, it cuts through beautiful landscapes on its way from Waterford city to the harbour town of Dungarvan. Cost of backpacking Ireland   :@iaraanddavid_travel When you’re backpacking around Ireland, you’ll notice that prices can vary widely from place to place. Restaurants, groceries and accommodation in bigger cities tend to cost a lot more than rural areas. Northern Ireland is also generally cheaper, especially when it comes to alcohol. So, if you’re going through Northern Ireland on your way to the Republic, and enjoy the occasional drink, it’s best to stock up on alcohol there and take it with you. One saving grace is that the costs of travel are quite cheap – both with intercity buses and trains. However, if you’re travelling long distances by rail, it’s worth booking in advance to get a good deal. Also, there are plenty of free attractions. The countryside is full of gorgeous hiking routes, abandoned buildings, and castles and monasteries that are free to explore. In the cities, you can find green parks full of flowers, as well as museums, botanical gardens and scenic university campuses, many of which charge no entrance fee. When it comes to food, it’s obviously best to stay out of the touristy areas. If you want something cheap, but don’t want to cook, there are supermarkets such as Dunnes and small shops such as Centra, where you can find salad bars full of rice, pasta and veggies, as well as fast food such as pizzas, cooked breakfasts and potato wedges! Remembering the currency Ireland uses is pretty simple if you remember one thing: the Republic of Ireland uses the Euro, and because Northern Ireland is part of the UK, it uses British Pounds. Even though Northern Irish notes look different, you will still be able to spend English or Scottish notes there without any problems. Budget for backpacking Ireland :@iaraanddavid_travel When you’re backpacking around Ireland, travel costs per day can be difficult to estimate, depending on where you’re going, what and where you’re eating and where you’re staying. So, I’ve set out a rough guide to potential prices for each activity, at the lower and higher price ends: Costs per day (Republic of Ireland) Average Price – (Lower end) Average Price (Upper end) Transport €5 (short intercity bus) €25 (small hire car) Breakfast €0 (free hostel breakfast) €8 (breakfast in a café) Lunch €5 (salad bar at a supermarket, deli or sandwich) €12 (lunch at a café) Snacks €2 (supermarket) €6 (artisan coffee shop coffee and baked treat) Dinner €6 (ingredients from supermarket to cook at home) €26 (nice restaurant in Dublin including drink) Drinks €8 (for a cheap bottle of wine, or four cans of beer) €5.50 x 3 = €16.50 (three pints in a Dublin pub) Hostels €15 (hostel in a rural area) €55 (hostel on a weekend in Dublin) Total price €41 €148.50   Costs per day (Northern Ireland) Average Price – (Lower end) Average Price (Upper end) Transport £10 (intercity bus) £20 (small hire car) Breakfast £0 (free hostel breakfast) £6 (breakfast in a cafe) Lunch £3 (supermarket “meal deal”) £10 (hot café lunch) Snacks £2 (supermarket) £4 (coffee shop coffee and cake) Dinner £4 (ingredients from supermarket to cook at home) £10 (hot café lunch) Drinks £2 (supermarket) £4 (coffee shop coffee and cake) Hostels £12 (for a dorm in Belfast) £24 (for a shared private room)   Total price £33 £78 Dublin has a reputation for being expensive, and once you get there, you’ll realise it’s not entirely undeserved. However, since it’s the capital, there are plenty of free attractions, which I’ve listed in the section “where to go in Ireland”, above. To help you out some more, I’ve set out some other tips for visiting Dublin on a budget below: Taxis in Dublin are extortionate – and can be about €18 for a 10-15 minute journey. It’s better to either walk or take advantage of the city’s many buses and trams. Another big cost is accommodation. Obviously, hostels are a great place to stay and meet other like-minded people, as well as for saving money, but prices skyrocket on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s best to go during the week. Food and drink are obviously expensive in Dublin, especially in areas such as Temple Bar- meaning it’s often better to cook in or grab something ready-made from a supermarket. If you want to eat out, remember, the further you go out from the city centre, the less likely you’re going to get stung with high prices. If money’s a little tight, it’s perhaps best to enjoy one nice meal out, rather than going to a string of mediocre places and spending more money overall. What to eat and drink in Ireland Duke of York Pub, Belfast :@kmitchhodge Traditional Irish food is rich and hearty, perfect for a grey, rainy day. One great thing about food in Ireland is the quality produce: fish from the nearby sea, fresh local fruit and vegetables, cheese from local creameries and freshly baked sweet treats. The best places to look out for fresh local produce are at the markets. Both Belfast (St. George’s Market) and Cork (the English Market) have centuries-old marketplaces serving up fresh fish, fruit and veg and cooked food, alongside arts and crafts. One of the great delights of Irish cuisine is the bread, specifically soda bread and wheaten (or brown soda, depending on where you’re from). White soda is soft, fluffy and dense, and in the North is often served fried as part of a cooked breakfast. This makes it beautifully crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside: an unhealthy, but vegetarian-friendly treat. There’s also brown soda, or wheaten, which is rich, crumbly and best served with a steaming hot bowl of vegetable soup. It may be a stereotype – but traditionally, the Irish do eat a lot of potatoes. Many people, especially the older generation, are connoisseurs, knowing all the different varieties. There’s no better way to enjoy these beautiful carbs than in champ: a dish consisting of crunchy spring onions mixed into potatoes with rich butter and milk to make smooth, creamy side. Alternatively, there’s Colcannon, in which flavoursome curly green cabbage is mixed in instead. When it comes to pub food, the Irish do it really well. Some meals are similar to what you can get in Britain, but with a bit of a twist. The classic example of this is the steak and Guinness pie, ideally with a crumbly buttery crust, the beer adding to the rich, meaty flavour. If this sounds appealing, head to The Pie Maker in Galway, where you can also find chicken and vegetarian pies baked with a delicious spelt-flour crust. If that’s not your thing, try a warming lamb stew, or the most simple Irish dish of all, bacon, potatoes and cabbage. For Irish snacks, the best place to go is the bakery. Here you’ll find beautiful, soft scones in a variety of flavours, as well as huge array of traybakes. One such delight is Fifteens, which you’ll only be able to find in Northern Ireland. These are delicious, squidgy treats made from 15 cherries, 15 marshmallows, 15 biscuits mixed up with sweetened condensed milk. Ireland also has soft drinks and crisps you won’t find anywhere else. People are fanatical about Tayto crisps, but there’s a big rivalry here, as the brands are different in the North and South. We’ll leave it up to you to decide which you prefer! On St. Patrick’s Day, you’ll probably find the usual treats, such as candy floss and chips, being sold around the streets. However, there are no real St. Patrick’s Day food traditions: green beer and milkshakes are both American inventions. If you really want to go traditional, it’s probably best to go with a hearty stew or lamb roast. Up North though, at traditional fairs, there are some odd food traditions. Go to the Auld Lammas Fair in Ballycastle and you’ll find people snacking on “dulse”, a type of edible seaweed, and “yellow man” – a type of honeycomb that’s liable to break your teeth if you’re not careful! Ireland is pretty renowned for its beer, and Guinness beer is one of its main exports. You can even do a tour of their brewery in Dublin! The pub culture is also very prominent particularly in cities like Dublin and Galway. Irish culture and people Until relatively recently, Ireland was a very rural country and one of the poorest in Europe. It has had a long and turbulent history, characterised by war, colonisation, famine, violent revolution and sectarian tension. However, it also has a long tradition of scholarship, poetry and music. Although it’s now a thoroughly modern country, Ireland’s culture has been shaped by its history. One thing that can’t be denied however, is the warmth and hospitality of its people, perhaps owing itself to the that fact that, in the past tight-knit communities had to rely on each other to get through hardship. Below, I’ll set out some Irish culture facts to help you get by, and hopefully give you a deeper appreciation for the things you’ll come across.  There are some isolated parts of Ireland, particularly in the west, where you can still see traces of the old, slow rural way of life. Many parts of the County Donegal, for example, still feel very cut off from the rest of the world.  Here you can find Doagh Famine Village and Glencolumbkille Folk Village: which both allow you to see the type of two-room white cottages where whole families used to live, scraping a meagre living off the barren land. You can also witness rural life first hand, by visiting the working farms at Muckross House in County Kerry, which still use age-old agricultural techniques. If you’re a dog lover, and want to get a taste of life in the Irish countryside, why not go to see some sheepdog demonstrations at “Away to Me”, which is part of a working farm in southern Donegal? It is also mostly in the western counties that you’ll find Gaeltachta, areas in which the Irish language is spoken in an everyday context. These include the Aran Islands and Connemara in Galway, as large areas of Donegal and Kerry. Irish shouldn’t be confused with the local dialect of English however, since it’s from a completely different language family. The first time you’ll encounter it will probably be on road signs, all of which are bilingual. In places like Dublin, you’re unlikely to hear it, but go into a pub in certain rural areas in the west, and you’ll hear locals switching seamlessly between English and Irish. But don’t worry, even in Gaeltacht areas, almost everyone speaks English at a native level too. Still, there are summer Irish language courses available in Gaeltacht areas if you’re interested in learning more.  Traditional music is a big part of Irish culture, and typically involves instruments such as the fiddle (violin), tin whistle, flute, banjo, guitar and uillean pipes (a type of Irish bagpipes). The style includes songs that tell tales of lost loves, historical events, misfortune and celebration, coming from a time when stories were passed down through word of mouth. There’s also more instrumental music, which is often played at lively traditional dances called céilis. The music also can be performed in a more casual, informal environment. A group of musicians often gather round a pub table, sipping beer and playing songs together, something that’s known as a session (séisun). This creates a warm and friendly atmosphere, with people in the bar chatting to each other rather than sitting in silence. :@iaraanddavid_travel Northern Irish culture is similar to the rest of Ireland, and you’ll find traditional music, quaint rural villages and friendly, hospitable people there too. However, the tension surrounding historical events feels much closer. From the late 60s to mid-90s there was conflict arising from tensions between those who identified as Irish and support a united Ireland, and those who identified as British. Today, these tensions have greatly lessened, with both sides, especially young people, freely mixing with one another. In reality, they share most aspects of their culture, yet close links with southwest Scotland have left their mark here. You may hear this in the way people speak, and encounter Scots-language poetry, bagpipe performances and highland dancing. Another aspect of life in Ireland is Irish Gypsy culture. Known commonly as “gypsies” but more accurately referred to as travellers, these people are a recognised ethnic minority group, making up around 0.5% of the Irish population. They mainly speak English, but also use “Shelta” or “Cant”, a language formed using aspects of both English and Irish. They are a traditionally nomadic, setting up camp in traditional “stopping places”. Traditionally travellers played a key role in the Irish economy, providing seasonal labour in planting or harvesting crops, as well as trading in certain wares. However, the historical prejudice against these groups has put increasing pressure on them: many cannot camp in their traditional spaces without fear of eviction, and they are often discriminated against by society at large. Travel advice for Ireland Ireland visa Not only is the Republic of Ireland a member state of the EU, it’s also part of the so-called “common travel area”. This means that British citizens technically don’t need visas or passports to cross the border. However, airport officials will check the ID of visitors travelling by air from the UK. Travelling from the UK by sea doesn’t require any ID, but it’s still best to bring either your passport or driving licence in case you need to prove your nationality at some point. Northern Ireland is even easier to visit when travelling from the UK, as you won’t have to go through any sort of passport control, with most airlines accepting UK driving licences as a form of ID (to be safe, check your airline’s website before travelling). If you’re a non-UK citizen, it’s best to bring either your passport or national identity card. Crossing the border between Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland is even easier, as there are no controls or checkpoints, meaning you won’t need any documents to do so. Although both the UK (including Northern Ireland) and Republic of Ireland are currently Member States of the EU, they are not part of the “Schengen Zone”, which abolishes internal border controls. This means that you will be subject to passport control when travelling from another EU country. However, if you are an EU citizen, this will only consist of a quick glance at your ID, after which you’ll be waved through. You’ll then have the same rights to travel/stay as in any other Member State, allowing you stay for three months with no further conditions. If you want to stay for longer, you may need to get a job, apply to study, or prove you have sufficient means to support yourself, including health insurance. Please bear in mind however that the rights and visa requirements applicable to EU citizens travelling to Northern Ireland, as well as the requirements for crossing the Irish/UK border, may change after the Brexit deadline on 31 October 2019. Visitors to Ireland from outside the UK and EU may not need a visa either. For Australian, Canadian, US and New Zealand citizens, as well as nationals of the other countries listed here who are visiting Ireland, visa requirements are practically non-existent. Citizens of these countries are entitled to visa-free entry for up to 90 days in the Republic of Ireland. In general, the visa requirements in Northern Ireland are the same as the rest of the UK. Visitors from certain countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the USA or Canada who are flying to Northern Ireland (or elsewhere in the UK) can enter the country and stay for up to 6 months without a visa.  However, they must bring the same documents as you would if applying for a visa. If you are travelling for tourism, this simply constitutes a travel document (i.e. a passport). If the travel document is not in English or Welsh, this must be translated into English. For any further document requirements that may need, please check this page. Also bear in mind however, that if you are already visiting the Republic of Ireland, you can visit Northern Ireland by crossing the border on land without having to go through any checks. If you want to stay in the Republic of Ireland for a little longer, but are not an EU or UK citizen, there’s a chance you could apply for a working holiday scheme. These schemes are based on two-way agreements between Ireland and other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA. There are specific requirements for each, and you can find the details under the following links: Australia Canada New Zealand USA There are similar schemes in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK for citizens of Australia, Canada and New Zealand (see more details here), but there is no UK working holiday scheme for US citizens. So, to sum up, Ireland’s a great destination, with small, but lively cities, in addition to beautiful landscapes. There are plenty of places to go hiking, cycling, and when the weather’s nice, there aren’t many places with nicer beaches. It’s somewhere you can find complete isolation and serenity, or enjoy the atmosphere of a busy pub. It may not the warmest place in the world, but with all this to offer, don’t miss out on what is surely one of Europe’s most scenic, interesting and friendly destinations. About the Author: I’m David Irvine, and I’m originally from Northern Ireland. I’ve got a passion for languages, other cultures, and learning about local history. I’m currently based in Glasgow, Scotland, have previously lived and worked in Germany and in Portugal, and love nothing more than showing people around my favourite places, wherever I am. I’m a translator (of German, French and Portuguese), and love adapting travel writing for speakers of different languages. I’m also an occasional scribbler, passionate (geeky) fan of jazz music and amateur dramatics enthusiast. You can follow my travels (along with my partner, Iara) at @iaraanddavid_travel and find out more about my translating/blogging work on my LinkedIn profile. Special thanks goes out to my girlfriend, Iara Calton, for helping me research my trip, taking beautiful pictures and putting up with my scatter-brained nature. Thanks too to Allie Mairs and Philip Tallon for their company on the second leg of the journey, especially to Phil, for driving us around for miles! Keep Reading 15 best places to visit in Ireland The 15 best hostels in Ireland The best hostels in Galway The post The ultimate guide to backpacking Ireland appeared first on Hostelworld Blog. #NorthernIreland #Ireland #TravelTips

Arplis - News source https://arplis.com/blogs/news/four-leaf-clovers-leprechauns-travellers-beer-just-some-of-the-many-things-that-come-to-mind-when-you-think-of-ireland

15 Budget Friendly European City - #Austria, #Belgrade, #BosniaAndHerzegovina, #Bratislava, #BratislavaCastle, #Bucharest, #DnieperRiver, #Europe, #EuropeanCity, #Holiday, #Holidays, #Hungary, #Kiev, #Krakow, #Lviv, #LvivOperaHouse, #NikolaTeslaMuseum, #Poland, #Prague, #Sarajevo, #Serbia, #Slovakia, #Sofia, #StPetersburg, #Travel, #Traveller, #Travels, #Ukraine, #UNESCO, #UseumOfYugoslav, #Zagreb

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15 Budget Friendly European City

 in Europe, continues to welcome visitors with historical beauty and cultural heritage in Europe.. Well what are the countries that you can travel with low budget? For the people who are planning to travel, eating, drinking , walking around European cities with the cheapest 15 I looked for you. 15 let’s do this together let’s make this the city.

Belgrade

the capital of Serbia and the Balkans, Belgrade translated into Turkish, the meaning of the White City. The National Library of Serbia in Belgrade, National Theatre and the city’s cultural and art centers. Beer festival repeated every year and the Nikola Tesla Museum, Belgrade is a paradise full travel. The white color doesn’t look too out, but Belgrade nightlife and cheap alcohol… that you can go without a visa, with the possibility of the Balkans in Serbia naughty boy can enter with only a passport, and you can enjoy affordable prices.

where do you go?

The Nikola Tesla museum, cathedral of Saint Sava, Student cultural centers, night clubs, Museum of Yugoslav history

  Bratislava

Slovakia’s capital Bratislava and the border to Austria and Hungary and which is one of two cities in the world that has this feature. At the same time, which is one of the production bases in Europe, Bratislava, is in possession of a very famous European brand factories.

where do you go?

The Old Town, Slovak National Museum, Bratislava Castle, Primate’s Palace, Michael’s Gate

Bucharest

established on the fertile soil of the Danube River, an other city, the capital of Romania is Bucharest. Traces of the streets and buildings of that period from the communist era, Bucharest hosts the architecture itself hides. People in Romania spoke fluent English, and many of the stores let me remind that there is no Turkish brands in Bucharest. Lipscani street vendors and mobile shop don’t forget to try the flavors in the part.

where do you go?

The Parliament building, the characters in the park, Revolution Square, National History Museum, Lipscani street

Lviv

Lviv which is the entry point for thousands of tourists every day, it’s quite a young city. The hostel is a young city with cheap food and beer 24 hours a day. And transportation and accommodation according to Turkey, but very, very cheap. Made in the spring of each year in the City Music Festival and Opera Festival repeated every year adds to the intellectual accumulation of the city. I have to mention that were very beautiful girls from Lviv.

where do you go?

a statue of the man in the hat, Muzeje Square, Victorian Tea House, the square, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lviv Opera House

  Kiev

the capital of Ukraine and home to works by Eastern Europe’s most cultural city, Kiev, the Dnieper River on both sides of established, quaint city. In Kiev where you can travel with a full budget to the appropriate student-friendly city.

where do you go?

The St. Sophia Cathedral, Golden Gate Park, Liberty Square, 2. World War II Museum, the Golden Gate

  Krakow

Poland’s, which is one of the oldest and largest cities of Krakow, a city known to host the king of. Welcomes millions of tourists every year in Krakow from the Second World War was in ruins, and a city is able to pull himself together. An enjoyable trip in addition to intellectual knowledge with Krakow if you want to return.

where do you go?

florianska street, the Vistula River, Sukiennice, Cathedral Museum, and Wavel Castle.

  Prague

the city’s most beautiful and nostalgic Central Europe, Prague. It was visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year, and beer, with the remaining from the Soviet era and Nazi breezes to the fullest Prague is a city that you will spend your trip budget friendly. That which is the capital of the Czech Republic with a Schengen visa you can log on to Prague , in the center of divided into zones from 1 to 20; 20. as we went through the region, quite away from the city centre.

where do you go?

The Charles Bridge, the Astronomical Clock, St. Vitus Cathedral, John Lennon Wall, the Franz Kafka Museum.

  Riga

among the most lively and most vibrant capitals in the Baltic city of Riga, capital of Latvia. Nightlife Riga with the Baltic culture blended with a heated atmosphere despite the cold life with warm people around. The blonde gene is dominant, and in this country it is possible to see beautiful blondes everywhere. Just lift your head and look around.

where do you go?

karakafali house, Freedom Monument, Riga Cathedral, St. Peter’s Cathedral, TV Tower

  Sarajevo

broken’s capital is the heart of the Balkans, Sarajevo, the capital is hosting the blues and the history; you just log in with your passport that you can other Balkan city. You can look for souvenirs in this city, where historic streets able to find flight tickets at affordable prices.

where do you go?

The Old Bridge, Mosque Husrevbey, the tunnel Museum, miljack River, Bascarsija

  Sofia

The Sofia valley that was established in the socialist period in both capital and contains tracks from Orthodox traditions. In a short time Sofia is a tourist city that you can visit fun and at the same time. Snow fun in ski resort, in mountain, you can spend a day avito.

where do you go?

The Museum of socialist art, the artist bars, Alexander Nevski Cathedral, studentski Grad, Oborishte

    St. Petersburg

which is a city which inspires writing novels Dostoevsky’s St. Petersburg, Russia 2. the largest city and cultural center of Russia. It is possible to see these channels and the channels on each side of the city a special beauty to the city, they add. Known as the gateway to Europe, this city European cities -especially Venice – inspired and claimed that it was created.

where do you go?

The Hermitage Museum, Katherina the great Statue in White Nights Dance Festival, Bloody Church, Peterhof

  Warsaw

in the Second World War 80% of which were rebuilt with the help of the Soviet Union This city was destroyed. Poland’s largest city and capital, Warsaw, is a European city that hosts the traces from the Soviet era. Host a student city with a student population full and vibrant night life. As it was in Poland, all in Warsaw , compared to other European cities and between destinations that you can visit for less money

where do you go?

The Old Town in Warsaw, Palace of Culture and Science, Lazienki Park, Nowy swiat street, Prague

    Vilnius

as the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, close to the Baltic Sea in the cold weather containing within a closed air. Rather than stay in the center of the city, very near to interesting places in the center of destinations you can visit. Visit Vilnius and get to know enough for 24 hours.

where do you go?

Stikliu street, National Museum of Lithuania, St. Anne’s Church, Uzupis, Museum of Genocide victims

  Zagreb

along the Dalmatian coast in Croatia, a country that was founded, which is the most populous city in Zagreb. Streets steeped in history, convenient transportation and the kind of boutique hotels of Zagreb is the capital of Culture. The city will be crowded in the winter while during the summer months with the majority of the population down to the coastal town takes on a silent character.

where do you go?

Zagreb Cathedral, Upper Town, maksimir Park, ban jelacic square, tkalciceva street

*Prices number’is taken from. According to changes in the exchange rates may vary.

Five Must-See Places in Québec City By Salim Khoja

Quebec City is a beautiful place to explore. It has many beautiful places to discover. I, Salim Khoja, have brought you five must-see places that you can not afford to miss.

Here they are.

Château Frontenac

Built-in 1894 for Canadian Pacific Railway, Château Frontenac is a place of historic significance. It was the residence of the governor in colonial days. It is also known for hosting the Québec Conference in August 1943, in which prominent world leaders of that time like Winston Churchill,William L. M. King, and Franklin D. Roosevelt participated. It is now amongst the most prominent landmarks in Quebec City and you can see it from miles away. Seeing it after the sunset is a great experience.

Museum of Civilization

Located in the heart of the lower city, the Museum of Civilization was opened for public in December 1988. The museum will allow you to understand the history of human society in Quebec. You will see great art and artifact collections.

Eglise Notre Dame des Victoires

Builtin the late 17th century, Eglise Notre Dame des Victoires is named amongst the oldest Catholic churches in North America. The cathedral has been rebuilt twice – once after it was damaged in during a battle, and later when it was ruined by fire.

Terrasse Dufferin

You can see great views of Quebec and the St. Lawrence River from here. However, this is not the right place to visit in winter because, in winter, it is fully covered with snow. Summer is the best time to visit the park because, in summers, street performers are there to entertain you and hawkers and vendors to sell you coffee and snacks.

Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré

Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is amongst the top five national shrines in Canada. It is known for miraculous Catholic Church which is said to have treated many sick and disabled people.

Like these, there are many must-see places in Quebec City. Explore the web to find the detailed list and then make your Quebec City tour plan.

Cordoba and Granada

27 January 2017

They say ‘never start with an apology’, but this week of sightseeing has been so overwhelming to the senses, that any effort to summarise it is doomed to failure.  Not helped by finding the camera battery flat on day one, and no charger packed. D’oh. Ellen took loads of pictures, and these will follow, but in the meantime I include some links.

How to start? There is no point just rewriting the guide book, so I will just give a hint at what we got up to, and what it was like.

18 Jan    Ellen arrives Alicante.

Drive back to Cartagena through a blizzard. Ellen staying in hotel near the Naval museum.  Locals all very excited by worst weather conditions (ie first snow) since 1983.

19 Jan    Day set aside for sightseeing around Cartagena. Very, very cold, raining, snow on ground on hills. Marble walkways through town treacherously slippery. Sightseeing largely abandoned. Ellen still staying in hotel near Naval museum.

20 Jan    C&E set off for Cordoba. Five hour trip, stunning drive through the Sierra Nevada, snow on verges and covering the hills.  Slightly worrying conditions, but it was all fine.

Arrive Cordoba, hotel a 3m walkway away from the famous Mosque/Cathedral, in pedestrianised ‘no cars except authorised’ zone, which we drive through to park under the hotel. Armed police obviously not on traffic duty and not bothered.

Lovely hotel, the ‘Maimonides’.

21 Jan    Cordoba Mosque/Cathedral visit. Wow. Search for ‘Cordoba Cathedral images’ for better pictures than mine. (Ahem)

Mosque and cathedral both stunning, architecturally and historically of huge significance within Spain and on the wider political/religious stage. The rhythm of the repeating arch design of the mosque is disrupted by the imposition of the cathedral through the middle of the building, in an act which is generally regarded now as the most astonishing cultural vandalism.  Wikipedia says:

The insertion (of the cathedral into the mosque) was constructed by permission of Charles V, king of Castile and Aragon. However, when Charles V visited the completed cathedral he was displeased by the result and famously commented, "they have taken something unique in all the world and destroyed it to build something you can find in any city."

The church is itself is beautiful, introducing a shock of light and vertical space to the intimate gloom of the mosque, and contains amazing architectural detailing, most notably a vast and exquisitely carved choir stall construction.

The transition between Christian and Moorish control, which happened several times over the centuries, is presented within the building as an entirely orderly, peaceful and voluntary transaction. Seems unlikely….

The ‘Spanish Inquisition museum’ nearby boasts ‘six rooms of torture equipment as used by…’. Deeply nasty – the tone of it was horrible; titillating, prurient, pornographic. We skipped it in favour of some of the more uplifting offerings.

22 Jan    Cordoba Azahara palace https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medina_Azahara  – ruins of a moorish palace outside Cordoba. Apparently this is one of the most extravagantly constructed and decorated palaces ever, almost entirely looted out over the centuries, leaving only enigmatic ruins. The visitor centre at the bottom of the hill is the only source of any information on the site.  The signage and visitor information at the site itself is quite astonishingly poor, the ruins capped and ‘reconstructed’ in places in modern times, leaving the visitor mostly just baffled.

 Nearby, there was a small mountainside settlement called ‘Las Ermitas’, a cluster of monastic cells around a beautiful little chapel, exuberantly decorated in the baroque style, in stark contrast to the asceticism of the monks’ cells. The last monks left in the late 50’s. A wonderfully peaceful and holy place.  http://www.cordoba24.info/english/html/ermitas.html The tranquil mood was broken slightly by the drive down, which saw Ellen, unused to being a passenger, struggling with the drive down the winding, narrow road. Hilarious.

Over the two-and-a-half days in Cordoba, we also visited:

·         Jewish quarter, http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/juderia.htm including a tiny synagogue. The jews were hounded out of Spain during the Spanish Inquisition, and almost all traces of them removed. This is allegedly one of only three old Synagogues on the Iberian peninsular.

·         Roman bridge,  http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/romanbridge.htm  awarded a prize by architects following highly controversial reworking in recent years, permanently removing roman paving and parapets to facilitate a new lighting scheme.

·         Huge riverbed; mostly now swamp and scrub with some large willow trees, navigable to here from the sea in ancient times. There is a modern pontoon on very long dolphin, so presumably there is some local traffic, and times when the river levels rise substantially.

·         Little townhouse; built, decorated and furnished in the Arabic style – fascinating to see how the bare bones of the architecture come alive when dressed for living, with bright tapestries and cushions, cooling plants and small fountains and pools full of cut flowers. http://www.lacasaandalusi.com  

The drive to Granada was again lovely, about two hours, mostly through olive and orange groves, the trees making wonderful patterns in the rolling hills.

23 Jan    Granada.

We stayed for three nights in the Hotel ‘Washington Irving’, named after the New York writer who stayed hereabouts while visiting the area to write his ‘Tales of the Alhambra’.

The hotel is quite posh, and very newly refurbished, with our guide book (originally published about 10 years ago) referring to the place as ‘derelict’. Unrecognisable as an ‘old’ building, it has been architected into an anonymous modern international hotel, with no trace of the quirky 19th century ambience the guidebook said we might glimpse through the barred broken glass doorway.  Our room was lovely, very glamorous and comfortable, the room itself reasonably priced, although their priorities require some tweaks – there was a wonderfully ridiculous ‘pillow menu’, from which you can choose (and I quote) “…to enjoy your dreams in a different way…” reclining on an “Audrey Hepburn” or “James Dean”, or perhaps “for our younger guests” – a “Mickey Mouse” – but nowhere to hang a dressing gown while you shower.

The hotel is currently let down by a comical food offering; Ellen’s main course arrived looking more like a tapas, with two very tiny cutlets of pork perched in the middle of a huge plate decorated with a drizzle of some pretty goo. We waited for the dish of vegetables to arrive, but no, that was it – beautiful and tasty, but hugely overpriced, and just not enough to eat.

On checking out, we intended to let them know what we thought of their food, but they forgot to charge us for parking the car (18Euro per day) so we said nothing and legged it.

24 Jan    Alhambra.

To say anything about the Alhambra is to select, leave out, and struggle for descriptive superlatives. There are endless websites.

It is a complex of buildings within a high protective and defensive curtainwall on top of a hill; constructed and reconstructed, destroyed and restored over the centuries of its existence, for a wide range of motives. The brilliantly readable guidebook by Robert Irwin advised that almost everything we think we know about the place is wrong, with the truth of its original design now lost, the function and flow of the rooms further obscured by fantasy/myth/legend and poor historical archaeology, compounded by well-intentioned ‘restoration’ over time, and the need to pass many thousands of tourists through the place as fast as possible.

It is impossible to be ‘objective’ about the place; the scale of it, and its very foreign-ness, demands that we try and make sense of it, and we can only do that within the framework of our own life and experiences. Poverty and excess, power and subjugation, religious conviction and political duplicity – it is all here, confusing and enigmatic.

The Rasmid Palace is utterly beautiful, tiled with complex tessellated patterns and decorative plasterwork, the proportions of the buildings and their adornment all according to Pythagorean mathematical rules including ‘the golden ratio’. Paradoxically, much of the Alhambra has survived because it was made using ‘poor’ materials (wood, plaster, ceramic tiles), with virtually no intrinsic value and hence not worth looting.

The Palace of Carlos V, built in the centre of the complex, probably on the foundations of earlier Moorish buildings, is a striking square building in massive stone, with a circular courtyard, completely out of keeping with the rest of the compound. It now houses a museum, and art galleries.

The Generalife is a separate, much smaller, more domestic-scaled complex slightly further up the hill, with a wonderful garden.

The entire Alhambra complex is irrigated by an sophisticated arrangement of aqueducts and underground pipework, feeding fountains and pools as well as kitchen and ornamental gardens.

Ellen retired for a siesta, while I took in the Generalife, and later the steep footpath down between the Alhambra compound and the Generalife, to the Albaicin.

The setting of the Alhambra is stunning, with views down over the Albaicin area, a maze of tiny lanes around white-painted red-tiled buildings in the Moorish style, mostly built around little courtyards. The lower lanes are chaotic and colourful with market traders selling Moorish lanterns, textiles and leather goods.

In the other direction, the Sierra Nevada towers over the valley, the high snowfields catching the low winter sun.

The only significant irritation was the jostle of (mostly but not exclusively Japanese) tourists with bloody selfie-sticks, their backs to the sublime scenery and architecture, gurning and pouting at their cameras. During the busy season later in the year this must be a real joy. Do they ever actually look at the pictures they take? And when they do, what do they see?

25th Jan We spent the day in recovery, drifting into the town mid-morning, wandering around slightly aimlessly, drifting into a random art exhibition of photographs -of all things- the 9/11 attacks in New York, a very personal event for Ellen, who lost some close friends that day. We sat for an hour watching a sort of slide show of stunning and horrifying pictures, talking about it.

Lunch was a coffee and a shared pizza at a café in a square. A small group of young men at a nearby table were very striking, simply because their faces were so like those we had seen in the 15th century paintings in the Carlos V museum. Their modern clothes seemed like costumes, their ‘real’ clothes somewhere piled just out of sight, perhaps with their pikestaffs and standards leaning against a nearby wall. A very odd experience.  Ellen says that this rarely happens in the States, where the many mixed immigrant populations have homogenised over the generations.

The Albaicin deserved another visit, and we spent a couple of hours wandering up and down the little lanes, peering through gateway railings, framing the view of the Alhambra with another alignment of lanes, the Sierra Nevada above.

The Royal Chapel of Isabella and Ferdinand (aka Mr and Mrs Spanish Inquisition) nearby boasts two of the most enormous sideboards I have ever seen, each about 8m long, and the most gaudy and stupendous baroque altarpiece, depicting the martyrdom of several saints in gloriously grotesque and fully detailed technicolour.  For me, the very common Spanish-flavoured focus on suffering as a religious journey here ceased to be a meditation on the human condition, and stepped over the bounds of decency to become voyeuristic sadism, perhaps because of the close association of the place with Ferdinand and Isabella. They do not come across as nice people.

26th Jan Drive back to Cartagena, through the wonderful Sierra Nevada.Tapas in our usual bar.

27th Jan Ellen home, driven to the airport for 10am. Collapse in heap, write this, shopping, tv, bed.

Ellen promises to share her wonderful photos when she gets back, so I will post a selection when I get them.

It has been a wonderful few days; the places themselves, and stimulating company, talking a lot about everything.

Even with so many riveting distractions, it was difficult not to keep returning to the Trump question – sorry Ellen, I really don’t hold you personally responsible, but he is just SO bizarre. But also, in the context of so much historical excess and madness, he fits right in.

Portugal

Portugal is a country for hedonists with a long history. Wandering the cozy streets of its cities, you can feel for a moment somewhere in Spain or southern France. With one fundamental difference: there are almost no ubiquitous tourists format "galloping across Europe", this place - rather for wealthy travelers who prefer a special, elitist vacation. Here they value tradition, honor the rich historical heritage, know how to enjoy life and not stingy on comfort, creating it for themselves and for dear in every sense of the word guests. Breathing in the smell of oranges and eucalyptus, strolling along the waterfront, enjoying wine to the sad songs of Fado in picturesque cafes, you can get to know the real Europe - the one that is too proud and beautiful to participate in the tourist race.

Regions and resorts of Portugal

Photo by nextvoyage on Pixabay The capital is Lisbon, which became the center of the country in the 13th century and 5 centuries later was destroyed by an earthquake, but quickly regained its greatness. The most famous attraction is St. George's Castle: a formidable fortress on a hill which once belonged to a Moorish emir and later to the Portuguese kings. The Lisbon Cathedral, which has survived the earthquake and shows traces of Rococo, Baroque, Gothic and Neoclassical architecture, is also a survivor. There are beaches in the vicinity of the capital - a succession of fashionable resorts called the Lisbon Riviera. The main attraction of Lisbon are the winding streets of the old neighborhoods: meandering between the neat houses with a azulejos tile decor, you can not help but feel the mood of the city. The second most visited city is Porto, which leads its history since the 4th century. The best place to start in the capital of Porto - no, not the bar - is the historic center, protected by UNESCO. Here are both the fortress-like cathedral and the impressively sized Church of São Francisco.

Photo by BernardoUPloud on Pixabay Tired of being monumental, head to the Ribeira neighborhood, with its colorful little houses that overlap each other to create a charming atmosphere. And after the tour, it's time to relax on any of the fine or sandy beaches in the city. Fifty kilometers north of Porto is Braga, the center of Portuguese Catholicism with the residence of the Archbishop. Not surprisingly, the main tourist attractions here are cathedrals and churches built in Gothic, Romanesque and other styles. Coimbra's main attraction is the oldest university in the country - a complex of smart baroque buildings, including even the former royal palace. It's also a great shopping experience with plenty of bookstores, boutiques and antique shops. Évora is also an ideal place for gastronomic pleasures: its cheeses, desserts and wines are over the top. Nourish your appetite by exploring the architectural beauty of the surrounding countryside, some beautifully preserved Neolithic monuments, and the ruins of a Roman temple and medieval cathedrals in the city itself. For the tastiest seafood, head to Faro, which is usually the starting point of excursions to the south of Portugal. The port restaurants are a handy place to stop by, right from the Blue Flag beach. Obidos - a small town and very cozy: snow-white villas, paved walkways, bright flowerbeds, as if came off a beautiful postcard. Found a place here and the sights: worth just a medieval castle, where if you want - and enough thickness of the purse - you can even spend the night. Setúbal is also known for its beautiful scenery and ancient architecture - the forts and cathedrals are a sight to behold in the mountains. See the full list of Portugal's cities and resorts on our page. Portugal is in two time zones: UTC-1 and UTC. The Azores are in UTC-1. The rest of the country (e.g. the cities of Porto and Faro) is in UTC time zone. In summer, the clocks in Portugal are changed.

Portugal's climate

Photo by Leslin_Liu on Pixabay Portugal has a subtropical Mediterranean climate: mild, without sharp fluctuations in temperature. In the north, due to the Gulf Stream, the maritime climate prevails. Summers are dry and sunny, but not hot (average temperature about +20 ° C, in the mountains - about +18 ° C), winter is cool (from +4 ° to +10 ° C) and rainy. In the south of the country is warm and dry. Average January temperature is +5 … +10 ° C, July +20 … +27 ° C. The water in summer warms up to +20 … +23 ° C. The best way to get acquainted with Portugal from May to October, the weather at this time is almost always warm and sunny, the rain is a rarity, and you'll feel comfortable on the beach and on foot. But be careful about swimming: because of the ocean currents the water on the Portuguese coast is cool. Swimming is better to the south of Lisbon, where the Atlantic is warmer by 2-3 ° C, and the difference is noticeable. North of the capital, most vacationers prefer to sunbathe and enjoy the scenery. Spring is the best time for surfing, but in winter it's rainy, although the sun often returns to the south.

Visa and customs

Portugal is a Schengen country, and Russian citizens need a visa and insurance to visit the country. Import and export of foreign currency is not limited. When entering from non-EU countries, amounts over 10,000 EUR are subject to mandatory declaration. The prices on this page are for September 2018. You can import duty-free 200 cigarettes (alternatively, 250 g of tobacco or 50 cigars), 1 liter of spirits and 2 liters of wine. Allowed 500 g of coffee and 100 g of tea, 50 ml of perfume and 250 ml of toilet water. Importing and exporting drugs, items of historical value, weapons and ammunition, as well as animals and plants listed as endangered species are prohibited. Potatoes produced outside the European Union, any meat and milk products and chocolate are also banned. Tax free Prices in Portugal are quite high, so the Tax free system is very useful here. You can save up to 10-14%, the tax is returned on purchases worth 61 EUR and more in stores participating in the program. You will get two receipts: a regular cash register receipt and a special tax-free receipt, which you can fill out on your own or delegate this task to a salesperson with a foreign passport. The second part of the challenge is at the airport. Arriving at the airport at least 4 hours before departure you have to show the customs agent the unpacked goods, both receipts and your passport, get a special stamp and go to the Global Blue desk for the issuance of VAT. Information on check-in points Tax-Free - on the map of the airport or at the information desk. Those leaving the country by car will have to go through the same procedures at the EU border.

Transport

Photo by Nudio on Pixabay There are four types of buses in Portugal: expressos, rapidas, carreiras marked "CR" (stop at every intersection), and alta qualidade (luxury). The ticket Lisbon - Faro by express bus costs about 17-35 EUR (4 hours of travel time). The bus Lisbon - Porto takes 3,5 hours and the journey costs from 19-29 EUR. During the high season is better to book tickets in advance. Prices on local routes are affordable, and in the summer - even more so. There are often discounts for passengers under 26 years. The railroad connects Lisbon with the south of Portugal. Travelling by train is longer than by express bus, but cheaper. There are regional trains that stop at all stops, fast inter-regional trains and express trains. Learn the schedule and ticket prices on the official website of railroads. Public transport in cities A well-developed, well-organised transport network makes it possible to travel comfortably within Portuguese cities. Buses are available in every town and cost 1,40 EUR (1,80 EUR from the driver). There are night buses in Lisbon. To stop the bus, you must wave to the driver from the bus stop. Entrance is through the front door only. The capital and Porto have a metro: the first consists of 4 lines and runs from 6:00 to 1:00, the second consists of 6 lines and closes at 1:30. You can pay only with plastic cards. One trip in the capital subway costs 1,40 EUR, in Porto - from 1,30 EUR, depending on the zone. The cost of the Metro and Bus card in Lisbon is EUR 6,30 per day. The Zapping card is also available at the price of EUR 1,30 and is rechargeable for any amount from 3 to 40 EUR. In Porto, all public transport tickets cost 15 EUR for 24 hours and 26 EUR for 48 hours. Points of sale are located in stations and metro stations. For holders of the Lisboa Card (price from 15 EUR per day) travel on public transport is free. Another popular form of transportation in major cities - streetcars. In Lisbon there are both modern trains (route number 15, going to the area of Belem), and charming old cars, which take tourists to sights. The most famous is the route № 28, which runs along the main sightseeing points: from the castle of St. George to Augusta Street with the Arc de Triomphe. The cost is 2,90 EUR. Enjoy also a trip in a retro streetcar through the streets of Porto (tickets 2,50 EUR). A double-decker sightseeing bus is an alternative to the streetcar: a one-day trip to the capital city costs from 20 EUR, to Porto - from 10 EUR. There are audio guides in 7 languages on board and you can get on and off at any stop. Portuguese cabs are black and green or beige, equipped with indicators (green signal means "busy") and meters. The average fare per ride is 3,90 EUR, for each km - 0,56 EUR. Out-of-town trips are paid not by the meter, but by the kilometer (the cost includes return trip back to the city). It is no use to catch a cab in the street: you will have to look for a special parking or to call for a car by phone (plus 0,80 EUR to the cost of transfer). A trip around Lisbon costs 15 - 20 EUR on average and getting to the airport - 25 EUR. At nighttime prices go up by 20%, cab drivers are usually given a tip of 10%. An option for the sportiest is a bike rental: a day of skiing will cost from 20 EUR, rental stations are available in all major cities. But calculate your strength soberly: the Portuguese streets are fraught with sharp turns, steep climbs and descents.

Hotels in Portugal

Photo by z0man on Pixabay Portugal is dominated by high-level hotels. Most of them operate on a breakfast basis, half-board is rare, there is no all-inclusive system. This is due to the fact that the country has a very tasty and diverse cuisine: tourists prefer to try everything in different places rather than eat at the hotel buffet. The best hotels - old hotels (pousadas), corresponding to the level of 4-5 "stars". Historic pousadas are old castles and fortresses, reconstructed and turned into luxury hotels (there are about 50 in total). Staying in them is considered prestigious. There are also regional "pouzades", which are manor houses or houses built in the typical architectural style for this area. Here guests are served mostly local specialties. There are accommodations for budget tourists in Portugal as well. For example, local hostels are recognized as one of the best in Europe: they regularly top the prestigious world ratings and please their guests with hospitality, cleanliness and decent level of service. The cost of a bed in a shared room in Lisbon, Porto or Algarve starts from 16 EUR per night. Prices in the capital's hotels 2 * - from 55 EUR, in the hotels above - from 65 EUR per night. The mains voltage is 220 V, 50 Hz, the sockets are standard European.

Safety

Photo by nuno_lopes on Pixabay In Portugal it is not terrible to walk along the street at any time of the day, but it is better not to leave valuables in the car or on the beach completely unattended. Do not carry a purse in your pocket, photo and video cameras are better to hang around the neck. Cars in the country almost never stolen, there are no dangerous diseases, no need for special vaccinations. In major cities you can drink tap water, but in some areas - for example, in the Algarve - it is too salty. Portugal is located in a seismically active area, about twice a year earthquakes occur here. Another natural hazard - forest fires, so campfires on beaches, parks and forest belts are strictly forbidden: if you are lucky you get a fine, if not - jail. Besides, the local government toughened a ban on smoking: it is possible to light a cigarette only in specially allocated zones on streets and in establishments of public catering, the charge for disobedience - 50-750 EUR. But to the light drugs, as it seems strange, the guards of the order are more or less loyal. You can buy "weed" right in the center, but 90% of the cases it will be low-quality fake. And loyalty is loyalty, but you should not be cheeky and demonstratively smoke a joint in the middle of the avenue.

Beaches in Portugal

Photo by makunin on Pixabay In Portugal all beaches are municipal. For two sun beds and an umbrella you will have to pay from 8 EUR per day. However, wealthy tourists (and others in the country almost do not go) is not afraid of this. On the Lisbon Riviera and the Algarve - fine white sand, Madeira beaches are pebbly or artificial. Flags warn about the state of the ocean: red - the sea is rough and swimming is strictly forbidden, yellow - you must be very careful, green - safe. The season officially kicks off June 15 and runs until September 15. The closest beach to Lisbon is in the town of Carcavelos, which never stops for the day or night. The coast is wide and sandy and has a gently sloping entrance to the water while the sun shines. It's a great spot for surfing, picnics, and leisurely meandering between bars. At night, Carcavelos becomes a trendy party spot, making the nightclubbing and sandy beach party all the rage until dawn. The most famous sporting beach is Guincho in Cascais, not far from the capital. There are always impressive waves and wind here, so surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers are magnetically attracted to the area. The coast is wide, the approach is easy, and there are cafes and picnic grounds nearby. Adherents of a more relaxed holiday suit the nearby "Torre" or "Riberia". Another famous spot for wave conquerors - the picturesque beach "Ribeira da Illas" in the town of Erisheira, which has won the unofficial title of "world reserve surfing". The coastline of the south of Portugal is dotted with beaches, one of the most popular resorts in the Algarve - Lagos: here and the rocky tunnels, and secluded corners for nudists, and equipped areas for recreation. One of the oldest nudist beaches is nearby, on the island of Tavira, with its serene atmosphere, clear waters and the eloquent title of "Nude Beach". For seclusion, the tiny island of Porto Santo, for example, has a 9-kilometer-long stretch of stunning sandy beaches. Sunbathing and swimming is possible not only on the ocean: in the town of Macedo de Cavaleiroos a recreation area is equipped with a reservoir at Albufeira do Azibu. The water here is clean, the river sand is snow-white, the beauty of sunsets is breathtaking, and the safety is guaranteed by the Blue Flag.

Diving

Photo by joakant on Pixabay Divers love Portugal because of the amazing beauty of the underwater world, excellent visibility at different depths, mild climate and developed infrastructure, so that even the cool ocean is not an obstacle. Read the full article

10-Day New Mexico Road Trip Itinerary • The Blonde Abroad

Hey there! I’m Laurel Tincher, founder of the blog By Laurel Christine. I write about sustainable living and reconnecting with nature, including stories about travel, fashion, design, and more. My adventures in sustainability have taken me all over the world, from my home state of California to my current home base in beautiful Hawaii.

Recently I had the opportunity to take a road trip around New Mexico, and it was one of the best road trips I’ve ever been on!

It’s no wonder why New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment. From ancient natural wonders to Native American and Southwestern culture, to UFOs and alien lore, the state is one of the most wonderfully unique destinations in the United States and the world.

On top of its cultural and natural sites, you’ll find incredible food and friendly locals throughout the state. A road trip is the best way to experience all that New Mexico has to offer. You can pack in all the major cultural and natural highlights in a 10-day to a two-week trip.

The main airport in New Mexico is in Albuquerque. I wanted to make sure to visit White Sands, which is a long drive from that airport, so I decided to fly into Albuquerque and fly out of El Paso, Texas, which worked out well.

This trip itinerary includes stops in Taos and Santa Fe, plus outdoor excursions to the Bisti Badlands and White Sands National Park, with many other amazing sites along the way.

The Best  Time to Visit

New Mexico gets snow in the winter and has sweltering, dry summers, so the ideal times to visit are from March-June or September-November. The fall is a less popular time for tourists, so things will be less crowded if you go that time of year.

There are also many festivals throughout the year if you have the opportunity to time your trip around a special local event.

I went on this road trip in June. The heat wasn’t too severe, but going in early summer did mean I had to take more breaks from the sun when visiting the parks and monuments.

Keep in mind that New Mexico can get sudden rain and lightning storms throughout the year. There were afternoon storms in the northern part of the state during the first several days of my trip.

Make sure your car has good wheels and working windshield wipers. I rented a 4WD car and was glad I did, although it isn’t essential for this trip.

My 10-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Albuquerque

Day 2: Albuquerque

Day 3: Bisti Badlands

Day 4-5: Taos

Day 6-7: Santa Fe

Day 8: Bandelier National Monument

Day 9: Las Cruces

Day 10: White Sands National Park

Casa Rondeña Winery

Day One: Arrive in Albuquerque

New Mexico’s largest city blends historical culture with a modern downtown.

There are many ways to experience the natural beauty of the high desert area, which is the perfect introduction to the breathtaking state. I loved visiting local wineries and exploring Old Town Albuquerque.

If you visit in October, be sure to catch the world’s largest hot air balloon festival.

Top Things to See and Do in Albuquerque:

Explore historic adobe buildings, museums, and shops in Old Town.

View local flora and fauna at the ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden.

Hike La Luz Trail to the top of South Sandia Peak for a beautiful view of the city. If the weather’s good, take the cable car back down to the bottom.

Experience local wines at Casa Rondeña Winery.

Where to Stay in Albuquerque:

Stay at Los Poblanos Historic Inn and Organic Farm for a relaxing countryside experience. At the hotel, you can ride bikes through lavender fields and eat food grown right on the property.

If you don’t stay at Los Poblanos, definitely still stop in for a coffee or a meal.

Day Two: Continue Exploring Albuquerque

I would recommend exploring Old Town and hiking Laz Luz Trail on your first day to get acquainted with the area. If you aren’t up for the full hike, you can drive to the bottom of the cable car station for a stunning sunset view of the city.

On day two, visit the ABQ BioPark and go wine tasting. You can also walk along the Rio Grande at the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park.

Bisti Badlands

Day Three: Hike the Bisti Badlands

Take the 40 West to the 371 North

[Approx. 182 miles | 3 hours]

Exploring the Bisti Badlands, or Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, was one of the highlights of my road trip. It may seem like a long way to go, but it is well worth it, especially if you’re a photographer or nature and history lover!

The Bisti is a 45,000-acre desert wilderness area with some of the most unique rock formations on Earth. In prehistoric times the area was a coastal swamp, home to dinosaurs, reptiles, and other ancient creatures.

I would highly recommend booking a walking tour with Navajo Tours USA, especially if you’re traveling solo. It’s easy to get disoriented out there, so by going with a guide you’ll be sure to see all the best sites without having to worry about getting lost.

Plus, you’ll learn so much about the geologic history of the region and the local Navajo culture. I was traveling solo and booked a one-on-one tour, which was such an incredible experience!

Navajo Tours offers both morning and evening hikes, so if you leave Albuquerque early, you can do the evening tour, and then you can always go back again in the morning on your own if you want more time there.

A few things to keep in mind:

Farmington is the closest place to stay for a visit to the Bisti Badlands, and it is about an hour’s drive between the city and the Bisti wilderness.

There are no services or bathrooms at the Bisti Badlands. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, pack water and snacks, and make sure your phone is charged before you go.

What to Do Around Farmington in Addition to the Bisti Badlands:

The Aztec Ruins National Monument is a fascinating preserved site that’s free to visit.

Make the short drive out to Ship Rock, a 1500 ft. rock formation with religious significance to the Navajo Nation.

Where to Stay in Farmington:

The Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Farmington is a comfortable and convenient place to land for your Bisti Badlands adventure.

You can also camp in some regions of the Bisti Badlands if you’re planning on bringing your camping gear.

Day Four: Drive to Taos

Take the 64 East

[Approx. 214 miles | 4 hours]

Taos is a lovely artist colony, full of galleries, museums, and historic adobe buildings. I could picture having my own art retreat there! The high elevation town is a popular destination for travelers in all seasons due to its access to nearby ski resorts. There are so many unique things to do in this vibrant community.

Top Things to See and Do in Taos:

Where to Stay in Taos:

Staying at the Earthship community just outside Taos is a once in a lifetime experience.

The Phoenix Earthship, which can be booked on Airbnb, includes a gorgeous greenhouse and unique, sustainably designed biotecture, with a full kitchen and plentiful living space

It is a large space for a solo traveler, but I also stayed in one of the smaller Earthships, and it was definitely worth splurging on the Phoenix to get the full Earthship experience.

Taos is a lovely artist colony, full of galleries, museums, and historic adobe buildings.

Day Five: Explore Taos and Visit Taos Pueblo

Just one mile north of town, Taos Pueblo is an ancient pueblo still inhabited by a Native American tribe of Puebloan people. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the United States.

The adobe dwellings were built about 1,000 years ago, and about 150 people currently live there full-time. I really enjoyed chatting with the residents, trying local foods, and learning about this fascinating community.

Day Six: Drive to Santa Fe

Take the 68 South to the 84 South

[Approx. 70 miles | 1 ½ hours]

It’s a short, beautiful drive from Taos to the capital city of Santa Fe. You can leave early and pack in a day of hiking at Ghost Ranch or take your time and enjoy a leisurely day on the road.

Where to Stop Along the Drive to Santa Fe:

I had heard fantastic things about hiking at Ghost Ranch, so I drove out there on my way to Santa Fe. When I arrived, I realized I didn’t have enough time to do any of the hikes, so I left and drove all the way back to the 68 South!

Helpful Tip

Lesson learned! It’s not worth driving out there unless you have at least a few hours to explore. If you have an extra night or two and have a chance to book a stay at the nearby Origin at Rancho de San Juan retreat center, it looks incredible.

Chimayo is a small town just 40 minutes outside Santa Fe.

It features a historic church and several well-known weaving shops and is known for its famous Chimayo peppers. Be sure to find a cafe that serves chile hot chocolate drinks, so delicious!

Where to Stay in Santa Fe:

Stay at Hotel St. Francis for its cozy and classic Santa Fe style in the heart of the city.

Meow Wolf

Day Seven: Explore Santa Fe

New Mexico’s capital is known for its art scene and pueblo-style architecture. The city is a blend of old and new, and filled with an abundance of culture and creativity.

Top Things to See and Do in Santa Fe:

Rent a bicycle and explore the city on wheels, or ride one of the many local trails.

Visit the historic Santa Fe Plaza, full of unique shops and restaurants.

Eat local and organic Mexican food at Cafe Pasqual’s.

Immerse yourself in a mysterious multimedia art experience at Meow Wolf.

Don your cowboy hat and head to the Santa Fe Opera for a unique desert performance. The stunning opera house is partially open to the outdoors, allowing for incredible sunset and night sky views.

Day Eight: Bandelier National Monument

An hour outside Santa Fe, Bandelier National Monument is a perfect half-day excursion.

Within the park are 11,000-year-old human settlements built into a rocky canyon. If you aren’t afraid of ladders, you can climb up inside some of the highest settlements. Otherwise, there are more accessible cave dwellings to explore.

If you have extra time to explore the area, Tent Rocks National Monument and the Santa Fe National Forest are both incredible natural environments to visit near the city.

Day Nine: Drive to Las Cruces

Take the 25 South

[Approx. 285 miles | 4 ½ hours]

The final stretch of this ultimate New Mexico road trip takes you almost to the southern border of the state. Las Cruces lies at the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, just north of the U.S. border with Mexico.

Along the drive, stop at the Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge to view birds and other local wildlife. There is a loop road you can drive around for easy viewing, or you can take more time to hike in the nature preserve.

Top Things to See and Do in Las Cruces:

Go wine tasting at the many local wineries around the city. Although New Mexico is not a well-known wine region, winemakers around the state produce a plethora of high-quality wines.

Visit a pecan farm. In addition to wineries, Las Cruces is home to dozens of pecan farms, some of which are open to visitors.

Where to Stay in Las Cruces:

Stay at Lundeen Inn of the Arts to connect with the local desert culture. Full of history and Southwestern art, the hotel is the perfect place to end a New Mexico road trip.

Day Ten: Visit White Sands National Park

The last stop on the journey is one of my favorite places on Earth. White Sands National Park is the world’s largest gypsum dune field.

The ethereal white dunes stretch on for 275 square miles. In the park, you can go on numerous hikes into the dunes, take amazing photos, and even go sledding down the dunes! Be sure to stay for sunset, it was one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.

Tips for Visiting White Sands National Park:

It takes about an hour to drive from Las Cruces to the park.

Pack sunscreen, water, and a hat. Take breaks from the sun often, as you don’t always realize how hot and dehydrated you’re getting.

I was concerned about getting lost in the dunes, but you won’t have any issues if you keep an eye on the road that winds through the park.

Pick up snacks and food for lunch at Mountain View Market Co+Op in Las Cruces.

Grab coffee and breakfast for the road at Nessa’s Cafe.

Trip Additions

Final  Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this road trip guide to New Mexico! For more New Mexico recommendations, visit my New Mexico posts here.

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