Reading Time: 3 minutesIn this post we share photos of Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor in Munich, Germany.
UNESCO Travel: Sintra, Portugal
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Reading Time: 6 minutesIn this post we share photos from Sintra, Portugal, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sintra is home to a rich history and boasts a remarkable cultural heritage. The town’s historic center, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is filled with magnificent palaces, historic buildings, and charming cobblestone streets that transport visitors back in time. The fairy-tale-like Pena Palace, perched on a hilltop, offers breathtaking views.
Sintra is famous for its stunning palaces and castles. Apart from the Pena Palace, the Quinta da Regaleira and the National Palace of Sintra are also popular attractions. These architectural marvels showcase a blend of Romantic, Gothic, and Moorish styles, captivating visitors with their exquisite designs and intricate details.
Nestled in the lush greenery of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Sintra is a paradise for nature lovers. The park offers stunning landscapes, dense forests, and picturesque hiking trails. The region is known for its microclimate which creates a mystical ambiance, often enveloping the mountains in mist.
Sintra has inspired artists, writers, and poets throughout the centuries with its mystical atmosphere. The combination of its stunning natural scenery, enchanting palaces, and mystical legends adds to its allure. The “Cultural Landscape of Sintra” has been the inspiration for many literary works, including Lord Byron’s poem “Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage.”
Sintra is not just a feast for the eyes; it is also a culinary delight. Visitors can indulge in traditional Portuguese cuisine, such as freshly caught fish, delicious pastries like Travesseiros and Queijadas, and fine wines. The town is also home to charming cafes and restaurants that offer a warm and hospitable atmosphere.
Visiting Sintra offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in an enchanting blend of history, culture, nature, and beauty. It’s no wonder that this charming town continues to captivate the hearts of visitors from around the world.
Reading Time: 4 minutesIn this post we share photos from Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy.
Bellagio is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, idyllic charm, and rich cultural heritage.
Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio exudes a romantic ambiance. Its narrow cobblestone streets, enchanting alleyways, elegant villas and blooming gardens create a dreamy atmosphere that is perfect for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
With its roots tracing back to Roman times, Bellagio is steeped in history. The town’s historic center showcases buildings adorned with ornate facades, charming squares, and quaint churches. Exploring Bellagio feels like stepping back in time.
Consider visiting Villa Melzi Gardens, Villa Serbelloni, Punta Spartivento, San Giacomo Basilica, old town, and take a funicular ride to Montanaro while in town.
Reading Time: 3 minutesIn this post we share photos from Villa Monastero in Varenna, Lake Como, Italy.
Varenna is a charming village located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. The town’s charm is found in its architecture, cobblestone streets, quaint alleyways, trattorias serving traditional Italian cuisine, and panoramic views of the lake.
One of Varenna’s main attractions is Villa Monastero, a beautiful villa and botanical garden that spans two kilometers along the shores of Lake Como. The meticulously maintained gardens showcases diverse array of plant species and vivid blooms.
The villa dates to the 12th century when it began as a Cistercian convent. Over the centuries, it underwent various transformations and expansions, resulting in a harmonious blend of medieval, Renaissance, and neoclassical styles. The villa’s richly adorned rooms feature period furnishings, intricate frescoes, and beautifully crafted details, providing a glimpse into its noble past.
Villa Monastero serves as an acclaimed center for scientific research and cultural events. Hosting international conferences and exhibitions, the villa is an intellectual hub that fosters dialogues on various disciplines, including environmental sustainability, biology, and physics.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a curious explorer, Villa Monastero offers a remarkable experience that seamlessly blends art, culture, and scientific discovery.
Reading Time: 5 minutesIn this post we share photos from Park Hyatt Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
The Park Hyatt Zurich Switzerland offers an unparalleled experience for visitors looking for luxury and sophistication. Nestled in the heart of Zurich and just two blocks from the lake with its scenic promenade, lined with charming cafes and restaurants, visitors can relax and soak in the stunning views from the hotel or lakeside.
From the moment guests step into the lobby, they are greeted with warm hospitality and impeccable service. The hotel’s spacious and beautifully designed rooms and suites provide a tranquil haven, ensuring a restful stay. With a world-class spa, fitness center, and an array of dining options, guests can indulge in ultimate relaxation and culinary delights.
Whether you are seeking a romantic getaway or a memorable corporate event, the Park Hyatt Zurich Switzerland promises an unforgettable stay.
Reading Time: 4 minutesIn this post we share photos from Lenno, Lake Como, Italy.
Reading Time: 2 minutesThis is a recommended itinerary for a first time visit to the Andalucia region of Spain. For visitors who are looking to move beyond major cities like Madrid and Barcelona and find the essence of Spain, Andalucia may be the answer.
Situated on the southern band of the country, this region is rich with history between the Moors and Catholics, is known as the world’s olive oil capitol, is home to flamenco, and offers gorgeous naturescapes.
This is trip filled with UNESCO Heritage Sites including the Alcázar Palace in Seville, the Historic Centre of Cordoba and the Alhambra, Generalife and Albayzín in Granada.
This itinerary assumes that travel will start and end in Seville (due to its airport with commuter flights available throughout Spain, Portugal and broader Europe) and makes use of a private rental car. There is an option to continue travels throughout Spain from Granada instead of returning back to Seville.
Reading Time: 8 minutesIn this post we share photos from a day at TerrAzoia, an organic farm that is nestled in the Sintra-Cascais Nature Park, Portugal.
We participated in two cooking classes: traditional Portuguese and Tunisian cuisine. During our midday break we hiked through the nature park to a lookout that offered sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
Reading Time: 3 minutes
In this post we look at a real life case study of our spending during 90 continuous days of travel in Schengen Area Europe.
This is an average of our spending across 13 countries within the Schengen Area. We plan to create detailed analysis of our per-country spending within the Schengen Area countries in future posts.