Boston is a city that breathes the history of the United States Independence, and walking along the famous historical landmarks is of course a must. The Freedom Trail, easily identified by following the various markings on the sidewalks, runs through sites you’ll recognize as references in history books and pictures. The trail starts near the Tourist Office in Boston Common and covers important churches and chapels, cemeteries where emblematic… Read more »
Archives: Great spots
One of the most adorable neighborhoods of Boston, Beacon Hill, is simply delightful. You will likely be enchanted by its Victorian charm, the peaceful cobblestone streets with flowering trees, the small buildings with rows of aligned bricks, the old wooden structures. Walking around this residential neighborhood, one of the most exclusive in Boston, is very pleasant. Visit one of the most photographed streets of the US, the… Read more »
Many pictures of Boston depict the very building that is today known as Quincy Market, an old chaotic open air market which was rebuilt as a structure with Greek inspired themes and an ornamental interior dome. The old market became a mall of shops and restaurants well frequented by locals and travelers alike. Across from it is Faneuil Hall, a building erect by a French family of… Read more »
The gardens known as Public Garden, and the oldest park in the US, Boston Common, are next door neighbors. As such, your visit can include both and you can also visit picturesque Beacon Hill, which is located right next to the parks. In the Public Garden you’ll find statues of well-known historical figures, a small lake with pedal boats, a small iron gate which guarantees some lovely pictures… Read more »
A stroll around Newbury Street in the Back Bay neighborhood is very pleasant, even if you are not planning to shop. It is worth a visit just to have a look at the interesting shop windows, many of which are quirky independent shops, and enjoy the cafes and restaurants. Back Bay is a residential area and you’ll undoubtedly notice a larger amount of locals than… Read more »
If you are planning on staying a few days in Santorini, as we did (we like to really get to know and explore each destination), there are good options for sunbathing and swimming. Be mindful that Santorini beaches look different than the beach scene which may come to mind when you think of Greek islands. Here, the cliffs and caldera make for a unique landscape.… Read more »
Oia, the most popular area of Santorini, is packed with day tourists, which can be a little overwhelming in high season. We recommend you go down to one of the most magical and tranquil spots in the island: Ammoudi. You can reach this hidden gem by car, quadricycle or scooter. Enjoy the views as you make your way there and park anywhere at the end… Read more »
The Akrotiri archeological site gathers a collection of artefacts and remains from temples and past lives, discovered over 30 years of excavations. A trip to Greece can spark a certain curiosity about ruins, which have witnessed centuries of history. Should your trip also include Athens, you can probably skip this site and enjoy the beaches and other attractions unique to Santorini. However, if you are… Read more »
Avoid the tourist boat-tours with set itineraries, during which you cannot determine your own pace and opt instead for a private tour. If you are in a group, it will not likely cost that much more and will most certainly be more enjoyable. The best companies on the island are Santorini Yachting Club and Sunset Oia. We did try a third company, but had a few… Read more »
If you are spending a few days in Santorini and have time to see another island, take a short trip to nearby Ios. It’s well known for its beautiful flatter landscape, when compared to Santorini, and picture perfect seas, which have a myriad of hues of blue in contrast to Santorini’s almost monotone deep blue sea. There is a daily Santorini-Ios service which leaves in… Read more »
It is possible that a visit to Ponta da Piedade is already on your list, but this is such an unmissable experience we did not want you to overlook it. If you are staying at the Memmo Baleeira don’t miss this tour, it’s a short drive away. Go early, park your car and climb down the steps to come to one of the most spectacular… Read more »
The Praia do Carvalho is a hidden gem in the small town of Carvoeiro, one of our favorite beaches in the region. If you are staying at Tivoli Carvoeiro don’t miss spending a day on this beach, it is just a six minute drive away. Located in the lower part of a small cliff, to reach it you must go down some steps and through… Read more »
Spend a few hours in the small village of Alvor, a ten minute drive from Portimão. In the summertime and windier seasons you’ll find many sports enthusiasts practicing kite and wind surfing. If you enjoy water sports, take this opportunity to brave the sea and wind at Alvor! But even if that is not quite your thing, you’ll likely still enjoy seeing the sea covered… Read more »
What a fantastic day! We started in the Vilamoura region, a more conventional beach for Algarve standards, yet very beautiful. Ahead of you an infinite deep blue sea and behind you the red cliffs and rocky towers. You’ll need to park on the upper region of the cliff and climb down to the beach. There is a small beach hut selling beverages, sandwiches and ice… Read more »
The most well-known beach in Portimão is Praia da Rocha, where some of our suggested hotels are located, like the Hotel da Rocha and the Bela Vista. It is long, full of bars, restaurants, playgrounds for children and water sports equipment. Although we like the views to this beach, as some of our hotels and many of the restaurants we tried were in the area,… Read more »
If you are in Faro, the Algarve’s largest city, this boat trip is really lovely. Please be mindful that Faro is far from the most popular sights which come to mind when you think of the Algarve, the rocks and cliffs and magnificent views. In Faro one can mix up the sea and the river and the infrastructure is very simple with no starred restaurants… Read more »
If you are staying in the region of Faro (our suggestion is the Hotel Faro), a drive to Santa Luzia, known as the “Octopus city” makes for a nice half day trip. This tiny fishermen’s village has been slowly growing. Today it has a few summer homes and a main riverside street full of restaurants. Make your choice and savor some octopus, and later take… Read more »
A day in Dürnstein is a lovely day trip when staying in Vienna. This small town looks like something out of a story book fairy tale. Right by the Danube, it offers beautiful views of the river and Wachau valley, a UNESCO heritage site. It is a perfect day trip, located one hour away from Vienna, and it can be reached by train, car or… Read more »
Certainly, a trip to Vienna will include a visit to Hofburg Palace, but many are not aware that the palace is home to the Spanish Riding School of Vienna. Watching a horse show will make for a unique experience, distinct from the many visits to palaces and museums. These beautiful traditional performances take place in an 18th Century Baroque building and date back to the… Read more »
An old textile company and manufacturing complex that was shut down many years ago and that has been transformed in one of the coolest areas in town. That’s LX Factory, an assemblage of galleries, design shops and venues to eat and drink. Actually, it also holds offices and studios of creative professionals and start-ups, which you can see in the different floors of the old… Read more »