Tag: vacation

Have you ever heard of Hveragerði in Iceland?

Guesthouse Iceland, Guesthouse Reykjavik, Reykjavik, Iceland, Guesthouse Frumskogar, Hvergardi, Hotel, Accomodation

Avoid the expensive Reykjavik and visit Hveragerði with loads of thermal baths and greenhouses. Stay in a peaceful town to nature. Hveragerði is only a 35-minute drive from Reykjavik and it is a great starting point to visit main attractions in Iceland! To get to Hveragerði, you should rent a car. In general, it is cheaper to rent a car and explore the country this way if you are traveling with more than one. Furthermore, you are more flexible and able to make new plans if the weather condition changes. You can even spend several days in Hveragerði for hiking, playing golf, riding horses, visiting an art museum or culinary delight.

Guesthouse Iceland, Guesthouse Reykjavik, Reykjavik, Iceland, Guesthouse Frumskogar, Hvergardi, Hotel, Accomodation

Place to stay

I spent three days at an apartment, at the lovely Guesthouse Frumskógar. I really liked that a supermarket, a bakery, tourist information, gift shops, petrol station and restaurants were just 2 minutes away by car. It is a good base to visit the famous Golden Circle, which is an hour and a half drive away and to visit Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss Waterfalls and Reynisdrangar, which is about the same distance as the Golden Circle and also a beautiful route.

I lived in a spacious apartment with my own bathroom. The apartment was really clean, the Wi-Fi worked great as well as the heating. I liked the choice of books in the apartment. Every morning, I could listen to the stylish radio and in the evening,watch the television with candlelight and sip on delicious tea. The kitchen has everything you need for cooking a meal.

Outside you have the possibility to use the hot tub or steam sauna. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the time to use it. I loved that I could just park in front of the apartment.

An apartment for two people costs around 115€/night and a double room with a shared bathroom costs around 80€/night.

Where to eat?

Restaurant Hver at Hotel Ork, offers a very delicious à la carte menu or Christmas buffet during the holidays. I ate a slowly cooked lamb fillet, potato terrine, root vegetable and herb stock. As for dessert, I had chocolate mousse with homemade raspberry sauce. The tasteful and modern decorated restaurant has a really comfortable atmosphere and you will just feel good. The service is excellent! Very friendly and courteous.

Entertainment

Guesthouse Iceland, Guesthouse Reykjavik, Reykjavik, Iceland, Guesthouse Frumskogar, Hvergardi, Hotel, Accomodation

 One evening, I went to an exciting horse show at Fakasel Horse Park. The show is perfect if you want to know more about the history of Icelandic horses. A cat joined me on the tribune to watch the show, which made me feel good and comfortable. The show was about 40 minutes and the rider have made a great effort to entertain the audience. After the show, we could meet the horses and pet the horses backstage. If you are hungry before or after the show, you can have dinner or drinks at the restaurant.

Guesthouse Iceland, Guesthouse Reykjavik, Reykjavik, Iceland, Guesthouse Frumskogar, Hvergardi, Hotel, Accomodation

Price for the evening show:

Adults: Kr. 5.200.-

Children aged 0-12 years old: Kr. 2.600.-

 

How to crash your car in Iceland? Be aware of these 5 signs!

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

Actually, Iceland has only one main route… Route 1! The ring road goes around the whole island and is about 1330 km long. It is hard to get lost because this road connects all the villages on the island. Additionally, major attractions are by the route 1 such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls. Even though it is difficult to get lost, you have to be carefully if you drive in Iceland for your first time. Luckily, Íris from Route 1 Car Rental informed me about the roads in Iceland. Of course, you cannot remember everything what you are told not to do (at least I can’t) and you have to experience the roads by yourself.

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

If it is your first time in Iceland, I would recommend to rent a car like my Suzuki Jimny, which I got from Route 1 Car Rental. Why I recommend you a 4×4 for your first time? Well, if you are not used to the “off roads” and the signs, a small SUV will save your life! So it is worth it to pay around 86€ for a day! The pick up in Reykjavik is for free and it costs 18€ at the airport, which is still much cheaper than the fee of their compeitiors.

Be aware of the following signs:

  • Single lane bridge – Only one car can cross the bridge.
  • Gravel road – Honestly, if you are not used to it, drive especially slowly. Your tires can lose grip if you are too fast.
  • Pavement changes to gravel – A gravel road is coming up. Same rules as mentioned above.
  • Danger of sudden icy conditions – As it can be really cold in Iceland, icy really means icy!
  • Blind crest – I did not like this sign. It means that you cannot see what is coming! Keep on the right side of your road.

Don’t forget that all off-road driving is illegal! During the wintertime, roads can be very icy. Reduce speed if you are not used to this. Don’t just stop on the road for a picture. There are almost every place  for taking a picture. Check conditions before you start your trip because I did not and ended up in front of a road, which is closed during wintertime. It took me 40 minutes more to get to my destination. Call 112 for an emergency. And always remember to Fasten Ur Seatbelts!

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

10 reasons why you have to spend your next holiday in Croatia

Villa Ana Bol, Brac, Croatia
  1. Food

Try burek with cheese or meat at a bakery or get it from the supermarket. If you like octopus, have a black risotto. A more savoury dish is cevapcici with chips and ajvar.

  1. Small islands

I mentioned already in one of my articles before that Croatia’s islands can also be called the European Maledives. Visit Brač, Hvar or any other island. Every city has beautiful islands around.

Villa Ana Bol, Brac, Croatia, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

  1. Nature

Don’t miss one of the two famous national parks, Plitvice Lake or Krka, when you are in Zadar or Split. Adriatic4You offers great trips to both parks.

Adiatic4you Fasten Ur Seatbelts Krak National Park

  1. Prices

Croatia is not as expensive as other summer destinations in Europe. Restaurants are much cheaper as well as supermarkets.

  1. Uber

Croatia has Uber since a few months, which is totally awesome!! Heading from one place to the other costs almost the same as taking the bus. A ride, which takes about 10 minutes costs about 5€. So don’t forget to download the app before your trip.

  1. People

Croatians are very nice. You do not have to be afraid if you travel alone. I have been on my own and I always felt safe!

Sailing Croatia Split

  1. Sunsets

You must have seen at least one sunset in Croatia. Zadar’s sunset at the sea organs is very famous but you could also enjoy it on a sunset sailing trip or even just at the beach.

Opcija Tour Sailing split trip day

  1. Activities

I promise you that you will never get bored in Croatia. There are so many activities offered such as hiking, biking, riding, sailing, water sports, day trips and many more.

Opcija Tour Sailing split trip day

  1. Game of Thrones

All Game of Thrones fans have the opportunity to see where their favourite TV show was taken. Walk through King’s Landing and think yourself back in the time of the show.

Dubrovnik Old City Historical City

  1. Lovely family-run apartments

My last stop was in Mlini, which is a 10 min drive away from Dubrovnik. Villa Mlini has lovely apartments and double rooms next to the beach. I really loved the little and comfortable balcony with sea view.

My room was very clean and I slept well in the big bed. The owners are very nice and will always help you if you need anything.

In addition, Mlini is not overloaded with tourists and you have so many little beaches close to Villa Mlini. Although, Mlini is a much smaller place at the coast than Dubrovnik, you will find many places to eat and a supermarket. I recommend to take the ferry to Dubrovnik instead of taking the bus. It takes about 15 minutes longer but you will have a wonderful time on the boat with a stunning view. At the beaches in Mlini, you will find many places to rent a boat, kayak, paddleboat or to do any water activities.

Activity Breaks at Manerba del Garda #ActivityBreaks.com

Manerba del Garda

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.

Manerba del Garda

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.

Manerba del Garda

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!

La Quiete Park Hotel Manerba

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.