We spent several weeks exploring Italy’s Veneto Region and were constantly surprised by how few international visitors we came across almost everywhere outside of the huge tourist destinations, like Verona or Venice. In Vicenza, it felt especially strange, because the city has so much going for it with its pretty squares, impressive churches, and endless…
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ItalyA Driving Tour through the Valpolicella-Region – A fun Day Trip from Verona
As much as we enjoy exploring Italian cities, there usually comes a point where we need a bit of a break from visiting churches or museums. We felt that way after exploring Verona for a few days, but fortunately, it’s very easy to escape to the countryside here. Just north of the city lies the…
ItalyA Guide to Visiting Italy’s Unique Madonna della Corona Sanctuary
The Sanctuary of the Madonna della Corona was one of the most striking sights that we came across in Italy’s Veneto Region, as it clings dramatically to the side of a cliff hundreds of meters over the valley floor. The church dates back to the 16th century, and is still one of Italy’s most important…
ItalyThe 4 Must-See Churches in the UNESCO-listed Centre of Verona, Italy
Verona might be best known for its Romeo and Juliet locations, but after spending a couple of days exploring the city, we mostly fell in love with the many beautiful examples of medieval architecture. The entire historic centre was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, including the city’s many medieval churches. There are…
ItalyA Guide to the Locations from Romeo and Juliet in Verona, Italy
Verona is one of my favourite cities in Northern Italy’s Veneto Region, mostly because of its beautifully preserved medieval city core and the many remains of Roman architecture. Still, most people probably know it as the setting of William Shakespeare’s 1597 play Romeo and Juliet. It’s clear that the source material that Shakespeare borrowed from…
GermanyWhere to Stay in Leipzig – The Best Hotels, Hostels and Apartment Hotels
Leipzig was once known mainly for its trade fairs and musical heritage, but over the years it has arguably developed into central Germany’s main cultural hotspot. Stefanie and I have lived here for quite a while now and still regularly come across new cafés, museums or little shops that we hadn’t noticed before. We also…
GermanyThe Complete Guide to Berlin’s Modernism Housing Estates World Heritage Site
Some people might have been surprised when UNESCO made the decision to put six 20th-century housing estates in Berlin on its list of World Heritage Sites in 2008. At first glance, they might not be as deserving of the status as more spectacular places like Japan’s Itsukushima Shrine or the Taj Mahal. Even so, I…
GermanyWhat to Know About Visiting Berlin’s Abandoned Teufelsberg Radar Station
More than 30 years after the German reunification, Berlin still has its fair share of atmospheric abandoned places from the Cold War era. Over the years, I visited quite a few, including the surreal Spreepark Theme Park and the eerie Sanatorium Complex in the forest near Beelitz. I’d still say that none of them are…
GermanyVisiting Berlin’s Twin-Peaks-themed Black Lodge Bar
Unfortunately, the Black Lodge bar closed in 2024. I decided to leave the article online to give you an idea what it was like. Berlin sure is home to some unusual sights. Over the years I’ve explored everything from a creepy abandoned amusement park to a dilapidated Cold War-era listening post. One of my favourite…
GermanyWhat to Know About Exploring Berlin’s Abandoned Spreepark Theme Park
Berlin certainly doesn’t suffer from a shortage of unusual attractions. Over the years, I’ve checked out many quirky places in the city, from an abandoned Cold War-era listening post to a bar recreating the Black Lodge from Twin Peaks. Still, the abandoned GDR-era theme park that is gradually being reconquered by nature is by far…