Tag: vacation

Living like George Clooney at Lake Como

Lake como, Bellagio, italy

One of my daily routines is checking flight fares. While I was checking the flight fares, I recognized that Ryanair flies to Bergamo for just 25€ over the weekend so that I can book our outward flight on Friday night and return flight on Monday morning.

Einer meiner täglichen Routinen ist die Überprüfung der Flugpreise. Während ich die Flugpreise überprüfe, erkenne ich, dass Ryanair nach Bergamo für nur 25 € über das Wochenende fliegt. So buche ich unseren Hinflug am Freitagabend und den Rückflug am Montagmorgen.

Nachdem ich unsere Buchungsbestätigung erhalten habe, mache ich Pläne für das Wochenende. Wie ihr wahrscheinlich wisst, war ich schon in Bergamo. Also meine Optionen für das Wochenende sind entweder Mailand oder zu einem See, der in der Nähe des Flughafens liegt.

After I received our booking confirmation, I made plans for the weekend. As you probably know, I have already been to Bergamo. So my options for the weekend are either Milano or to a lake, which is close to the airport.

Lake como, Bellagio, italy

When I see the pictures of lake Como, I am sure that this will be our next destination. It is only an hour drive away from the airport and the Fiat 500 I rent by AVIS costs only 48€ for three days. I still have to decide which city around the lake I want to go to now. This is not an easy decision as cities such as Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo, and Varenna around the midsection of the lake are all very pretty.

Wenn ich die Bilder vom Comer See sehe, bin ich sicher, dass dies unser nächstes Ziel sein wird. Es ist nur eine Autostunde entfernt vom Flughafen und die Miete für einen Fiat 500 von AVIS kostet nur 48 € für drei Tage. Jetzt muss ich noch entscheiden, in welche Stadt um den See ich gehen will. Das ist keine leichte Entscheidung, denn die Städte wie Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzo und Varenna um den Mittelteil des Sees sind alle sehr hübsch.

Lake como, Bellagio, italy

However, it took me just a few minutes to find a stunning hotel II Perlo Panorama. I could not find any other hotel with this kind of view over the whole lake and with such an adorable garden.

Allerdings dauert es nur ein paar Minuten und ich finde das atemberaubende Hotel II Perlo Panorama. Ich konnte kein anderes Hotel mit dieser Art von Aussicht über den ganzen See und mit einem so schönen Garten finden.

Lake como, Bellagio, italy

When we arrived at the hotel, Carlo, the hotel director gave us a warm welcome. But not only the customer service at Carlo is an absolute standout, the spacious rooms are also very clean and so comfy for a stay at Lake Como

Als wir dann im Hotel ankommen, gibt Carlo, der Hoteldirektor, uns einen herzlichen Empfang. Aber nicht nur der Service von Carlo und seinem Team ist ein absolutes Ausmaß, die geräumigen Zimmer sind sehr sauber und so gemütlich für einen Aufenthalt am Comer See.

Lake como, Bellagio, italy

Our first day had such an unbelievable start! I guess that I don’t need to say more than “delightful breakfast with a view above the pearl of Lake Como”.

Unser erster Tag hat einen so unglaublichen Start! Ich glaube, dass ich nicht mehr sagen muss als “herrliches Frühstück mit Blick über die Perle des Comer Sees”.

Lake como, Bellagio, italy

Lake como, Bellagio, italy

The healthy and rich breakfast gave us enough strength for our first biking trip around the mountains. We rented the bikes at the bike shop in the hotel. Luca and his fiancé provided us with e-bike so that we are able to reach Madonna del Ghisallo, which had a gigantic view above the lake, and you can also find a museum with old pictures from Giro Italia and a pretty chapel there. On our way up, we also had a break at two other viewpoints to enjoy the charme of Lake Como. I am sure that you’ll find a route that suits you on the 160km around the lake. Our route was only 7,5 km long for each way.

Das gesunde und reichhaltige Frühstück gibt uns genug Kraft für unsere erste Radtour rund um die Berge. Wir mieten die Fahrräder im Fahrradladen im Hotel. Luca und seine Verlobte versorgen uns mit einem E-Bike, so dass wir ganz leicht Madonna del Ghisallo erreichen können, wo man nicht nur einen gigantischen Blick über den See hat, sondern auch ein Museum mit alten Bildern aus Giro Italia und einer hübschen Kapelle. Auf unserem Weg nach oben machen wir auch eine Pause an zwei anderen Aussichtspunkten, um den Charme des Comer Sees zu genießen. Ich bin sicher, dass ihr eine Route findet, die zu euch passt auf den 160 km um den See. Unser Weg war nur 7,5 km lang für jeden Weg.

In the afternoon, we decided to go for a swim at Lake Como. Due to the fact that many parts of the lake are private, it is not so easy to find a place for swimming, but in San Giovanni, we found a really nice spot with a cool “beach bar”.

Am Nachmittag beschließen wir, am Comer See zu schwimmen. Aufgrund der Tatsache, dass viele Teile des Sees privat sind, ist es nicht so einfach, einen Platz zum Schwimmen zu finden, aber in San Giovanni finden wir einen wirklich schönen Ort mit einer coolen “Strandbar”.

Lake como, Bellagio, italy

Just a few walking minutes away from our top secret spot, we decided to have dinner at ristorante Mella. If you have not heard of the restaurant before, it is hard to find. The tasty fresh lake fish is caught by the chef himself. The quiet area and the harbor in front of the restaurant are lovely during the evening. When you’re at the rustic restaurant, you feel like being an Italian. All delivered food looks really well. Just be careful what you order if you do not like whole skinned fish.

Nur wenige Gehminuten von unserem geheimen Spot entfernt, beschließen wir, im Ristorante Mella zu Abend zu essen. Wenn du noch nicht von dem Restaurant gehört hast, ist es schwer zu finden. Der leckere frische Seefisch wird vom Koch selbst gefangen. Die ruhige Lage und der Hafen vor dem Restaurant sind während des Abends schön. Im rustikalen Restaurant fühlt ihr euch wie ein echter Italiener. Das ausgelieferte Essen sieht sehr gut aus.

After all the food and drinks, we think that a bit watersports would not be too bad. Furthermore, I want to discover Lake Como from a different perspective and I actually did! Michele, the owner of Bellagio Water Sports, looks like a real and very cool Italian! He does not only look like a cool guy, he truly is one! We had so much fun during our two hour trip along the coast of the lake that the time passed too quickly. We chose to use a SUP for the tour, but the others took a kayak, which is more relaxing and comfortable. Michele showed us parts of the lake, which you cannot see if you are not on the water. Honestly, if you are in Bellagio, do not miss one of Michele’s tours!

Nach all den Speisen und Getränken denken wir, dass ein bisschen Wassersport nicht so schlecht wäre. Außerdem möchte ich den Comer See aus einer anderen Perspektive entdecken und das habe ich auch gemacht! Michele, der Besitzer von Bellagio Water Sports, sieht aus wie ein echter und sehr cooler Italiener! Er sieht nicht nur wie ein cooler Kerl aus, er ist wirklich einer! Wir haben so viel Spaß während unserer zwei Stunden Fahrt entlang der Küste des Sees, dass die Zeit zu schnell verging. Wir haben uns entschlossen, eine SUP für die Tour zu benutzen, aber die anderen nehmen ein Kajak, was entspannender und gemütlicher ist. Michele zeigt alle Teile des Sees, die man nicht sehen kann, wenn man nicht auf dem Wasser ist. Ehrlich gesagt, wenn ihr in Bellagio seid, verpasst nicht eine von Micheles Touren!

Having burned so many calories, I definitely deserve the next stop in Belaggio: Ristorante Salice Blue. Luigi, the chef of the restaurant, absolutely deserves all the medals, awards, and trophies he has already won in the international cooking competitions. Every course has its own note and looks so perfect and delicate. The exquisite dishes spoil your palate for sure!

Nachdem ich so viele Kalorien verbrannt habe, verdiene ich definitiv den nächsten Halt in Belaggio: Ristorante Salice Blue. Luigi, der Küchenchef des Restaurants, verdient absolut alle Medaillen, Auszeichnungen und Trophäen, die er bereits in internationalen Kochwettbewerben gewonnen hat. Jeder Gang hat seine eigene Note und sieht so perfekt und lecker aus. Die exquisiten Gerichte verwöhnen euren Gaumen mit Sicherheit!

During the afternoon, we spent our time in the enjoyable city center of Bellago. We walked through the small alleys and enjoyed all the little Italian shops. You also find loads of delicious ice cream in the city center.

Während des Nachmittags verbringen wir unsere Zeit in der angenehmen Innenstadt von Bellagio. Wir gehen durch die kleinen Gassen und genießen alle kleinen italienischen Läden. Ihr findet auch viele leckere Eisdielen in der Innenstadt.

Lake como, Bellagio, italy

Subsequently, our day couldn’t have had a better Italian ending than having a romantic dinner (pizza and wine) at the garden of our lovely hotel.

Anschließend konnte unser Tag kein besseres italienisches Ende haben als ein romantisches Abendessen (Pizza und Wein) im Garten unseres schönen Hotels.

Lake como, Bellagio, italy

https://youtu.be/iMK_yZmjFtk

A romantic place to spend your Valentine’s day!

Book a trip for you and your love at a real romantic hotel, and trust me, you’ll definitely be on cloud nine! The Romantik Hotel The Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa will not only spoil you with culinary delights but also with pure relaxation, fun, entertainment and love, especially during the winter time; Tschiertschen is a winter wonderland.

Hotel Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa , Tschiertschen, Chur, Schweiz

Hotel Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa , Tschiertschen, Chur, Schweiz

The newly renovated hotel with a modern interior design is directly at the ski lift, which is perfect for beginners or smooth drivers. If you are not into skiing, explore the hiking trails in front of the hotel or rent an e-mountain bike. Duke and I sledged at the back of the hotel, and I was happy that I did not have to run up the mountain by myself all the time. The mountain in the back of the hotel has a small ski lift for children, beginners or sled fanatics. After a long day on the slopes, you have to visit the hotel’s Apres-Ski bar for a flavourful aperitif.

The romantic amongst the guests may prefer a day in the wellness area and relax in the numerous saunas. Afterwards, I highly recommend a full-body massage.

Hotel Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa , Tschiertschen, Chur, Schweiz

In the evening, you and your loved one will enjoy a festive candle light dinner for two or even with several friends.

I don’t believe that someone will not love it  at the Romantik Hotel TheAlpina Mountain Resort & Spa as Mrs. & Mr Gehring run the place with great pleasure and professionalism. They make sure that you don’t miss anything. Loads of guests (including myself) returned to the hotel because of the atmosphere and the fantastic scenery. The Romantik Hotel The Alpina Mountain Resort & Spa is not just worth a visit during the winter time but also during the summer time.

Vacation at the castle park

das Hotel am Schlosspark Zum Kurfürst, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Munich, München

Walking down the palace garden, enjoying the magnificent nature and the breath-taking architectural masterpiece which will take you back centuries;the large baroque park in the style of Versailles will definitely captivate you!

Not only the princes would love Oberschleißheim, but also the princesses! Why? The Allianz Arena is located very close as if you were staying in Munich! Furthermore, it is usually difficult to leave the football stadium back to Munich after a match because the majority wants to go back to Munich. If you stay at Hotel am Schlosspark Zum Kurfürst, you would avoid the rush and get back to a place where you’ll find everything you need; relaxation, food, drinks, entertainment and comfort.

das Hotel am Schlosspark Zum Kurfürst, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Munich, München

The Hotel am Schlosspark Zum Kurfürst is not just a 15 minute drive from Munich, but it is also very easy to reach with the S-Bahn from and to Munich. Besides, the hotel provides a free shuttle to the train station, which is 5 minutes away. I drove from the Dolomites to the hotel with my stylish Nissan Juke which I could park for free on the hotel’s parking area. After a four-hour drive, I really love the sauna area and the pool. From my tidy and cosy room, I could see the stunning palace and the hotel garden. The palace garden is less than a minute walk from there. The hotel’s restaurant across the main entrance offers an excellent dinner.

das Hotel am Schlosspark Zum Kurfürst, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Munich, München

das Hotel am Schlosspark Zum Kurfürst, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Munich, München

das Hotel am Schlosspark Zum Kurfürst, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Munich, München

The staff gave me a warm welcome and was more than happy to show me around and answer all my questions. I read at Tripadvisorthat someone complained that the staff in the breakfast hall do not pay so much attention, but I totally disagree with this feedback. Even though I was distracted by the delightful and amazingly delicious traditional breakfast, the staff members always looked after every guest in the breakfast hall!

What to do at the hotel?

  • Play bowling in the hotel.
  • Visit the old and new castle called “Schloss Schleißheim” next to Nymphenburg castle. It is one of the biggest palaces around Munich and it belongs to one of the greatest baroque castles in Germany. Be aware that the castle is closed on Mondays.
  • If you are someone who likes to travel, you have to visit the historic airfield museum. At the old palace, you will experience a century of civil and military aeronautics history.
  • Explore Munich for a day.
  • Choose one of the hiking trails close to the hotel and walk through the forests and nature.
  • Take a look at the Munich Olympic Regatta Center, which was created for the Olympic Games in 1972.

das Hotel am Schlosspark Zum Kurfürst, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Munich, München

5 Reasons why you should visit this place!

Madonna Di Campiglio, Dolomites, Italy, Skiing, Hotel Miramonti, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

You have no idea where to spent your next winter holiday? Then this is the perfect place for your next winter trip! It doesn’t matter if you are a pro on skis or if you don’t even know how to put them on. Hotel Miramonti in Madonna Di Campiglio is the ultimate winter getaway for everyone who wants to be active, enjoy, party or relax.

  • Rooms that you never want to leave

Madonna Di Campiglio, Dolomites, Italy, Skiing, Hotel Miramonti, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Honestly, I don’t know which part of the room I should start with! My room was not only modern and very clean but also enormous! It is the optimal size to live in. I loved the interior design and the bright colours.

The spacious dressing room forced me to unpack my suitcases. Normally, I never unpack my suitcases because I have to leave after a few days anyways, and I am too lazy, but this time I could not resist ;-).

Madonna Di Campiglio, Dolomites, Italy, Skiing, Hotel Miramonti, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

The toilet is separated from the bathroom, which is ideal for young couples or those who prefer to have more privacy. The bench in the shower is tempting to shower longer than needed. After a hot shower, you lay down in your large and comfortable bed.

While your boyfriend, brother, friend or husband waits on the cozy sofa, you get ready at your make-up table. In the unlikely event that you get bored, sit on the balcony and watch the people on the street or the ski slopes. Right behind the hotel, you will see the World Cup Slalom ski slope.

  • Ski slopes for all levels

Hotel Miramonti is located in the middle of all ski slopes in Madonna di Campiglio. You will not need a car to get to any ski slope.

Madonna Di Campiglio, Dolomites, Italy, Skiing, Hotel Miramonti, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Additionally, all ski slopes are connected with each other, which means that you have thousands of blue, red and black options each day. Read more about my ski route tips in my next article. Just two minutes walking distance from the hotel, you will find a ski and snowboard rental called “rent and go”.

Madonna Di Campiglio, Dolomites, Italy, Skiing, Hotel Miramonti, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

  • Daily relaxation for body and mind

After my days on the ski runs, I would either go shopping, or relax in Hotel Miramonti’s sauna or massage chair. Madonna Di Campiglio offers several shops with clothes, gourmet food and furniture made of wood. Next to the hotel, you will find Barbara’s sport outlet, which has stylish designer clothes for an affordable price. If you need a souvenir, visit the gourmet shop and have a look at the selection of bacon, cheese, snaps, tea and chocolate.

  • Culinary delight, which deserves a star

Not only is the service at Hotel Miramonti excellent, but the food is delicious. In the morning, you have an extensive breakfast buffet with a wide variety of sweet and savoury specialities. Don’t forget to try an omelette! The breakfast prepares you for a great start into the day!

After a long day, you will enjoy the 4-course-menu. For the main course, I always recommend to take the fish because it was even more delicious than the meat. However, there was no course, which I did not like, but look at the images by yourself. Sometimes pictures say more than a thousand words.

  • Unbeatable value

Thanks to activitybreaks.com I booked a really good offer. A 7-night package costs 954€ per person during the Christmas time and includes:

  • 7 nights in classic double room in 4* Hotel Miramonti
  • Half board basis
  • 6 day ski pass
  • 6 day ski equipment hire
  • 1x25min massage
  • Use of hotel sauna & gym

This is an unbeatable value for money in this area! If you do not want drive to Madonna Di Campiglio, you can fly to Bergamo or Verona for example. A flight from Cologne to Bergamo costs around 10€ (without luggage) and the airport bus to the skiing area costs 35€ per person/one-way. The bus ride from Bergamo takes about four hours. The airport Verona is a bit closer than Bergamo.

A unique weekend trip to Reykjavik

Reykjavik, 22 Hill Hotel, Room with a view, Hotel, Iceland

During the winter time, you either ask yourself if you should go skiing or fly into the sun. That’s not the only opportunity you have during autumn and winter. Don’t you want to do something different? Then you should definitely try Reykjavik! A short trip with unforgettable experiences of nature. As almost every trip to the sights start from Reykjavik; it is the best place to be!

How to get to Reykjavik?

I flew from Dusseldorf to Reykjavik by AirBerlin. The return ticket costs 250€, which includes one suitcase. I know that Eurowings, Wow Air and Icelandair also fly to Reykjavik and are cheaper most of the time. It is important to know that all international flights fly to Keflavik, which is 40 minutes away from the Reykjavik. Only domestic flights fly to Reykjavik airport. The bus from Keflavik to your hotel, in Reykjavik, costs around 20-25€ (one-way). You can either choose between Gray Line or Flybus. The public transport is not much cheaper and takes way longer!

Where to stay?

 Luckily, I could test one hotel and one apartment in Reykjavik. 22 Hill Hotel is in a great location, just off the main road to the city centre.

It took me around 10 minutes and I was already on the shopping street. The staff is extremely friendly, informative and helpful. Coffee is always free on each floor. Unfortunately, the WIFI was a bit slow, which is not too bad, because you surf less and talk more! My room was spacious and clean! I loved the big TV! If you have to leave early to catch a flight, you will get a “take away breakfast”.

I’m afraid that I was not really impressed by the breakfast hall and the breakfast itself but that’s only my personal opinion. The breakfast buffet had everything you need but it was not beautifully presented. Furthermore, the kitchen staff tried the marmalade with his knife just next to me. I really enjoyed the delicious bread!

Price range: 119€ – 269€

My absolute favourite was “Room with a view”.

I am still amazed when I think about the stunning apartment! The name says it all! The gigantic view over Reykjavik’s main shopping street beautified my stay. It was hard to leave the apartment for any sightseeing as it is so adorable!

At my last night I enjoyed a soothing bubble bath.

Reykjavik, 22 Hill Hotel, Room with a view, Hotel, Iceland

Price range: 130€ – 450€

 

Culinary delight

I ate the grill fish feast menu. The best of the menu was the starter, the Hallgrims Shellfish soup with scallop, blue mussel, shrimp and fennel. I also liked the grill fish combo and of course, the dessert. The atmosphere is really nice and comfortable. The friendly staff of the modern restaurant is more than helpful.

  • Glo, vegan and vegetarian restaurant

You almost always have a line when you go to the canteen style restaurant, but it is worth the wait and the line goes by quickly. All the salads are tasty and the portions are really gorgeous. My favourite is the chocolate cake with cream.

Find out more about what you have to do in Reykjavik in my article HERE.

The ultimate place for the Golden Circle tour in Iceland

Riding Tours South Iceland, Riding, Horse Riding, Icelandic Horse

The first question I asked myself when I heard about the Golden Circle: “what is the Golden Circle?” Well, just about some of the most amazing sights in Iceland! You can either book a Golden Circle Tour from Reykjavik (there are loads of operators), or rent a car and drive the route by yourself, which is much more convenient, because you are able to stop at the countless stopping points along the route.

Car Rental, Route 1, Route 1 Car Rental, Iceland, Car

Here are the most important stops:

  • Strokkur Geyser

The fountain is located in the southwest part of the country. The entrance is for free, similar to all the natural attractions in Iceland. In front of the geyser, it took only about 4 minutes and I saw the first eruption. Then I had to wait another 7 minutes for the next eruption, which was directly followed by a small one. Its height was about 15 – 20 m but it can also be higher. You don’t have to worry that you will not see the eruption. It is one of the most reliable geysers I have ever seen. Be careful, the water is really hot.

  • Gullfoss Waterfall

One of the most impressive waterfalls I have ever seen and it is just a 10-minute drive from Geysir. The waterfall is so big! Even though some sections were covered in ice, it was an amazing sight. The stairs are quite slippery at the moment. The view is great from both platforms. Sometimes the lower part is closed due to weather conditions. On your way back you can buy some accessorises in the gift shop.

  • Thingvellir National Park

Personally, I could not make it to the UNESCO World Heritage but I have heard that it is wonderful and that you can see lakes, waterfalls and pure nature. Furthermore, it belongs to the Golden Circle tour.

 

Ultimate Place for the Golden Circle tour

Guesthouse Fludir is just 25 minutes away from the attractions mentioned above and 1 hour drive away from Reykjavik. The peaceful and beautiful environment will let you relax from your everyday life. I loved the river, which I could see from my balcony every day. My room was spacious and very clean. Especially the bathroom was excellent.

The freshly made breakfast was exceptional. During my seven-day stay in Iceland, it was the first time that I got a self-made smoothie and fruits. In addition, the breakfast included a variety of cheese, ham and hearing. Dinner can be taken, too, at the restaurant. The running people are very nice and helpful.

What to do in Fludir?

Riding Tours South Iceland, Riding, Horse Riding, Icelandic Horse

The secret lagoon is just 10minutes away. I have been horse riding at Riding Tours South Iceland. It has been the best experience during my whole trip. The staff was more than kind, so warm and friendly. The horses seemed so happy and healthy. I had the feeling that they all gave me a warm welcome. Marcus, who was my tour guide, was super friendly and always looked after to me, to make sure I was ok. The scenery during the riding tour was unbelievable. I always wanted to ride through the snow. I felt really safe on the horse and even it was cold outside, I was not freezing due to the ski suit. If you want to have an amazing experience, have a tour at Riding Tours South Iceland.