Month: July 2016

Activity Breaks at Manerba del Garda #ActivityBreaks.com

July 29, 2016

During my time at Manerba del Garda, I was happy to be part of ActivityBreaks tours. ActivityBreaks offers several leisure activities at Manerba del Garda, which is located on southwestern shore of Lake Garda. The area is perfect for cycling or hiking. If you are interested in hiking, you can hike to Rocca di Manerba del Garda and visit its museum. The entry is for free. It is the perfect place for a short sit-down and buying a drink or snack. ActivityBreaks cycling tour is a perfect opportunity to explore the area and the mountains by bike.

The tour, which includes cannoning, stand up paddle-boarding and cycling, is for those who really need to feel the adrenalin.

Are you not really interested in activities and prefer a relaxing vacation? In that case enjoy Manerba’s wine cellars and discover the lake by boat.

Another great way to get to know lake Garda is by hiring a boat for two days and spending the days on the water.

All tours offered by ActivityBreaks include a stay at the lovely La Quiete Park hotel, which is only 50m away from the lake. Read more about it in my last article!

Limone sul Garda is only 40 minutes away from Manerba de Garda. The 40 minutes will fly by so fast because of the beautiful drive. Limone sul Garda is famous for growing lemons and other citrus fruits.

A bit further in the opposite direction, you will find Sirmione. It is one of the most famous places around lake Garda.

La Quiete Park Hotel, a welcoming hotel that lives up to its name!

July 26, 2016

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When I arrived at La Quiete Park Hotel at Manerba del Garda, Elena welcomed me very friendly and my stay felt like home very quickly! With its welcoming facade and charming garden, I totally enjoyed the extraordinary beauty of the surroundings in piece and quiet.

After I checked in, Elena showed me my cozy double room, which includes two wardrobes, en suite, a desk, an armchair and a pleasant outlook. I especially liked the small vanity in the bathroom where I could put all my cosmetics.

From 10 am to 5 pm all soft drinks and warm drinks were for free, which was very convenient during the warm season.

These drinks were also included for breakfast and dinner. Breakfast was available from 7.30 am with bread, cake, biscuits, milk, tea, juices, yogurt, jams, fruits, cereals, toast, eggs, cheeses and meats. I always had an extensive and tasty breakfast outside at the garden.

The dinner could already been selected from the menu during the breakfast.

It started with a big salad buffet and continued with a three-course menu.

Those, who wish to work off the calories before or after breakfast or dinner, are more than welcome to play tennis, go for a swim or rent a bike. These facilities are all free of course.

Lake Garda is only 50m away from La Quiete Park Hotel. If you want to know more about my stay at Manerba del Garda stay tuned and wait for my next post!

Germany’s capital is…?

July 17, 2016

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BERLIN!!! As I paid only 9€ for a flight with Ryanair to Berlin, I could not resist the temptation.

Where to stay?

Due to the cheap flight, I was able to spend more for my Hotel. This time I stayed at the five star hotel Sofitel Berlin Kurfürstendamm. Even the smallest room is about 35 to 40 square meter and is equipped with a TV, bathtub, shower, desk, a spacious wardrobe and generous windows. As if that were not enough, a bottle of water and WIFI are also free. The breakfast is always rich, tasty and varied. The selection varies from different types of bread, croissants, sausages and cheese. If you prefer a healthy breakfast, you will get yoghurt, fruits, vegetables and salmon for example. My favorite part of the breakfast were the pancakes.

As the name indicates, the hotel is located on the Kurfürstendamm, which is Berlin’s biggest shopping mile. You are able to reach all main attractions by foot from the hotel. The train and bus station is just 2 minutes away.

Where to eat?

I spent most of the time in Berlin Mitte, which is located around Alexanderplatz. The best and most stylish coffee is made by the coffee roastery, the Barn.

Zeit für Brot, a little bakery in Mitte, has amazing scrolls with white chocolate or raspberries for example. Take your time and have a seat outside to watch Berliner.

Däri serves the best frozen yogurts in the city. The yogurt is very creamy and the selection of toppings is enormous. The prices are between 3-5€ depending on the toppings.

Kauf dich glücklich is an amazing place to go at any time of the day. Try its delicious waffles, a fresh juice or one of the tasteful smoothies.

Do you love sweets? Whether as decoration, as present for guests or as dessert buffet, Candy & Cake serves the best cupcakes, cakepops, ice and tortes! I met Lisa on an event at Umspannwerk in Berlin and was fascinated by herself (such a friendly woman) and her desserts! Feel free to contact her and try her delicious Candy & Cake: candyandcake@mail.de .

Do you like second-hand shopping?

Then don’t miss out Paul’s Boutique with trendy second-hand clothes!

Hamburg, meine Perle!

July 10, 2016

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My return flight took me back from a sunny and warm Santorini to changeable weather conditions in Hamburg. But even the cloudy weather did not prevent me to discover the beautiful and interesting sides of Hamburg.

Where to stay?

The hotel ARCOTEL Onyx is directly located on the Reeperbahn. The Reeperbahn is well known for its nightlife, pubs and strip clubs. From the Reeperbahn, you reach all sights within 15 minutes by foot. Although, the hotel is placed on a well attended street in St. Pauli, you will not hear the noise. The hotel ARCOTEL Onyx offers a rich and inventive breakfast. Do not forget to try the waffles, which you can make by yourself!

What to do in Hamburg?

You are able to see all the main attractions in Hamburg within 2 days. You should visit them in the following order:

The fish market is only opened at the weekend between 5am and 9am. You will find fresh fish, fruit baskets and beautiful flowers. It is a perfect location for having breakfast.
From the fish market you move on to the old Elbe tunnel, which was the first river tunnel on the continet. It takes about 10 minutes to cross it but then you will have a fantastic view of Hamburg’s Landungsbrücken.
Take a small cruise at the Landungsbrücken to enjoy Hamburg’s warehouse district and port city. The cruise takes about an hour and costs around 18€ for adults and 8€ for children.
Back at the Landungsbrücken, you walk to the warehouse district. You will come along a coffee roastery, which has the best coffee and Hamburg’s virtual wonderland, which is one of the best attractions in Hamburg.
By reaching the town hall, you are already at city centre. Enjoy Hamburg’s shopping street, called Jungfernstieg, its Binnenalster and do not miss the Nivea shop!

Tips

For a great shot, have a drink or lunch/dinner at CLOUDS, which is next to the hotel ARCOTEL Onyx.

Hamburg is also well known for its musicals!!!

Island hooping in Greece – Santorini, Greece’s most popular island!

July 5, 2016

by fastenurseatbelts

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It took me about three hours to get to Santorini from Naxos. I did not even notice how time flew by. Santorini’s sublime scenery impressed me from the very beginning.

Where to stay?

Hotel Narkissos at Kamari beach is the best place to stay, if you prefer to stay close to the beach and to take the bus to Fira or Oia. Kamari beach is famous for its crystal water and black volcanic sand. It has a long street (around 2 kilometers) of lovely seaside restaurants and small shops.

Kamari beach and the bus stop are only 4 minutes away from hotel Narkissos (by foot). The bus goes to Fira every 20 minutes all day long and costs 1,80€ for each way. A supermarket is also close by. The price/performance is excellent! The room has air-conditioning, free WIFI and a big fridge. Breakfasts costs only 4€, which includes Greek yoghurt, honey, fruits, cereals, bread, ham, cheese, boiled eggs, cake, juice and hot drinks. I enjoyed having a balcony.

What to do?

Santorini has several breath-taking views such as the steep cliffs, the luxurious hotels and its beautiful sunsets. Watching the sunset is a must!

The best way to see the whole island is the walking trail that connects Oia to Fira. It took me about 3 hours to reach Oia. Apart from the fascinating views of the sea, you should keep an eye on the nature, doors and buildings. It is important to wear good shoes for the long way.

Don’t miss!

Obelix is a great fast food restaurant in the heart of Fira. The Gyros are yummy and you are able to watch the world go by while eating your gyro and drinking a beer.

Volcano Blue has a special offer during lunch time, which is awesome! The restaurant is located in the middle of Fira. The service was outstanding and very sympathetic. I had a complimentary grappa after my meal. It is a great place to enjoy Fira’s stunning sunset. Definitely try the local white wine (5€) and the Greek seafood menu for two, which only costs 39€.

Creme de la Crepe has the best Nutella crepes in Santorini. Watching them being prepared is part of the experience. The owners are very nice and the menu has a wide variety to choose from.

Island hooping in Greece – Paros & Antiparos

July 2, 2016

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It took me about 45 minutes with the ferry to get from Naxos to Paros. I planned to stay at Paros for one day.

Where to stay?

Alexandra’s rooms are only 10 minutes away from the port by foot. The rooms are big, clean, comfortable and have a lovely bathroom.

What to do?

Paros charming old town is certainly worth a visit! You will find loads of shops and restaurants. Try an ice or a waffle from VANILLA GELATERIA PAROS! So delicious!! Meltemi Café Paros makes the best crêpe on the island! It is also a great spot for sunset cocktails!

Antiparos with its stunning beaches is only 30 minutes away from Paros by boat. The trip costs 5€ (one way) and starts at the port. It leaves about every hour.

If you like horse riding, think about a riding tour in the morning at the beach in Paros.