In blog 2. April 2024

15 Best Places to Visit in Istria, Croatia

Istria is a famous peninsula in Croatia and, certainly, one of the most impressive destinations in the entire Adriatic. Absolutely enchanting beaches, fascinating hilly landscapes and romantic mountain villages are just some of the most beautiful attractions to discover in Istria! But above all, it is the world-famous coastal towns such as Pula, Porec and Rovinj that attract countless visitors from all over the world every year. Furthermore, the culinary offer of this region is also fantastic. A varied Mediterranean cuisine, excellent wines, the best olive oil and local truffles make a vacation in Istria a true pleasure. But where is the most beautiful place in Istria, what are the best things to do, the most popular resorts and the best excursion destinations?

In this travel guide, we give you all the important information and tips about Istria in Croatia. In addition, we show you the best things to do in Istria, beautiful pictures, reveal exclusive insider tips and tell you where the best places to stay are.

Good to know!

The region of Istria is best discovered on your own by car or rental car. This is the only way to explore all the fascinating places, attractions, and excursion destinations individually.

With almost 540 kilometers of coastline, Istria has countless great places to spend a beach holiday. Here you will find the most beautiful beaches in Istria, including insider tips.

The best travel time for visiting Istria is in the warm months, from May to the end of September. Especially on the coast, you then often enjoy between 25 and 30 degrees.

A vacation in a mobile home is becoming increasingly popular in Istria, along with apartments and hotels. We reveal the most beautiful mobile homes here.

Istria

General Information about Istria

Istria is the largest peninsula on the northern Adriatic Sea with an area of 3500 square kilometers. It borders Slovenia to the north and Croatia’s Kvarner Bay to the west. Istria is one of the top destinations for summer vacations due to its central location and many fantastic bays. However, this vacation region has much more to offer than sun, beach and sea, as Istria is home to some of the best attractions in all of Croatia. Among the most famous landmarks are Pula, with its amphitheater, and the impressive coastal towns of Rovinj and Porec, which have a picturesque old town. In addition, Istria has more than 30 nature reserves, more than 2,000 caves, spectacular waterfalls, and charming hilltop villages such as Motovun and Hum.

With an average of 2,400 hours of sunshine per year, you can usually count on a lot of sun and good weather during your vacation in Istria. The climate is Mediterranean mild, making it perfect for swimming, sightseeing, excursions and sporting activities such as cycling and hiking. The most common way to travel to Istria is by car, motor home or caravan. Flying is also an option, although many choose to rent a car once arriving. The nearest airports are in Pula and Rijeka.

Istria

Best Places to Visit in Istria

There is a lot to experience during a visit to Istria, as the choice of attractions and exciting activities seems almost endless. Here you will find a comprehensive list of the most beautiful places and the best things to do in Istria that should not be missed!

Pula

Probably one of the most beautiful things to see in Istria is the impressive port city of Pula in the south of the peninsula. The highlight is the extremely charming old town with countless historical attractions, first and foremost the Roman amphitheater, which is even considered one of the landmarks of Istria. Strolling through the charming stone alleys, you can enjoy the genuine Croatian flair, eat in small nice restaurants or treat yourself to a glass of wine in one of the beautiful quaint town squares. Also the surroundings of Pula are absolutely worth seeing and offer countless possibilities for excursions and activities.

But also the beautiful beaches in Pula are a wonderful thing. They are located around the port city and are among the best in the entire holiday region. Another reason why Pula is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Istria.

Tip: The Park Plaza Arena Pula is the perfect hotel for a vacation by the sea. Located at the famous Hawaii Beach, it is also only 5 kilometers away from the historic old town.

Pula

Rovinj

The harbor town of Rovinj is a famous attraction and definitely a true must-see in Istria. This fascinating coastal town truly amazes visitors as one of the most beautiful old towns in Croatia. Really impressive are especially the colorful town houses, which are lined up close to each other from the sea up to the top of the town. Small, winding alleys lead through the center up to the city hill, the highest point of Rovinj, where the church of St. Euphemia is located. The views up there are spectacular! Along the way, you’ll discover countless pretty attractions and photo spots, and cute restaurants and cafés invite you to take a comfortable sightseeing break.

Not only the old town of Rovinj is worth seeing. The beautiful bays and picturesque beaches of Rovinj, all located not far from the historical center, are also a real highlight. This is just one more reason why a vacation in this town is more than worth it!

Tip: The grandiose 5-star Hotel Monte Mulini is the perfect place for a special stay in Rovinj! This hotel is located on a beautiful beach and the old town is also within walking distance!

Rovinj

Porec

Porec is a real highlight and one of the best places to visit in Istria. Especially enchanting is the romantic old town, which is located on a small peninsula and is surrounded by a picturesque waterfront promenade. The center of the city is home to some wonderfully beautiful attractions, some of which date back to Roman times, and most of which are located in charming historic squares. One of the best things to do in this coastal town is a visit to the fascinating Euphrasius Basilica from the 6th century, which has even been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In addition, this Istrian seaside resort is a true paradise for vacationers who love the sea. Not far from the Old Town, along the picturesque coastline, there are the stunning beaches of Porec, which are actually an ideal place for a vacation by the sea!

Tip: Also the perfect offer of accommodations and campsites with cool mobile homes ultimately makes Porec to one of the top destinations in Istria.

Porec

Motovun

A visit to Motovun, situated in the green hinterland, is one of the best things to do in Istria. Surrounded by a picturesque landscape of vineyards and the green fields of the valley of the Mirna River, Motovun impresses first and foremost with its beautiful and colorful old town. It is perched on a steep, 277-meter-high hill and offers a magnificent view of the Istrian hill country. Among the main attractions are the historic city walls and charming medieval streets, as well as the many excellent restaurants and traditional konobas.

Motovun in Istria is also well-known for its abundance of truffles, and as a result, you can find them on every menu and in many of the delicatessen shops in the area.

Tip: A very special hotel recommendation is the beautiful Wine & Heritage Hotel ROXANICH in a unique location with an infinity pool.

Motovun

Kamenjak Nature Park

A magnificent place to visit in Istria is Cape Kamenjak, a breathtaking nature park on the shores of the resort town of Premantura. The highlight of the park is the impressive 30 kilometers of rugged coastline, where you can find probably the most spectacular cliffs in the entire region. In addition, there are countless hiking and biking trails that wind through the park’s fantastic scenery. Along the way, you can visit a small dinosaur nature trail and take a break at a really cool safari bar with an adventure playground. There are also many small, picturesque bays and beaches, which are among the most beautiful in Istria.

If you travel to Istria in winter, you may even be lucky enough to see gray seals and dolphins in this nature park! In the summer, on the other hand, the Nature Park of Cap Kamenjak is a popular place for swimming and relaxing.

Tip: Very recommended is the lovely Aparthotel Punta Blu in the popular resort of Premantura, which has a pool and beautiful rooms.

Kamenjak National Park

Umag

The coastal town of Umag is one of the most sought after places for a vacation in Istria! Even the world-famous magazine National Geographic has already chosen it as one of the 10 best summer destinations in the world. Impressive is the extremely charming old town and the beautiful coastal landscape that surrounds the resort. In addition, there are really wonderful beaches and bays where you can relax and unwind. But also the hinterland with the vineyards and the mountain villages is absolutely worth seeing and offers countless possibilities for excursions and activities.

Tip: The Hotel Sol Sipar is one of the best hotels in Umag. Here you can enjoy a great location directly by the sea, a delicious breakfast and the old town can also be easily reached on foot.

Umag

Hum

The town of Hum, located in the hinterland of the peninsula, is one of the attractions that should not be missed when visiting Istria. It proudly holds the nickname “the smallest town in the world” and indeed, this village is absolutely tiny! Only about 30 people live in this medieval village, whose history dates back to the 11th century. The small town consists of only 2 cross streets, a few houses, a church, a town wall, a konoba and a cemetery. Strolling through the historic stone streets, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time and discover a lot worth seeing, despite its rather small size.

The cute delicatessen shops in the center of town are also very inviting, offering regional delicacies such as olive oil, truffle products and Istrian honey. Especially Biska, the famous mistletoe schnapps from Hum, is a must-try on any visit.

Tip: A stay in the smallest town is an experience. A real insider’s tip is the beautiful Apartment Dores, where you can enjoy peace and relaxation.

Hum – The Smallest Town in the World

Vrsar

The town of Vrsar is a small pearl on the west coast of Istria and definitely a highlight of Istria. The most important attraction is the charming medieval old town, which delights with its location on a hill and its quiet flair. The old stone houses are lined up closely together, and with the church of St. Martin at the top, create a unique backdrop. Below is probably one of the most romantic harbors in Istria, where countless boats and yachts rock in the calm sea and create a magnificent panorama with the old town in the background. Also beautiful are the coves and beaches in Vrsar, which are located around the center and are ideal for a beach vacation.

Tip: For a vacation in Vrsar there is a fine offer of fantastic accommodations. Recommendable are the Apartments Belvedere, which inspire with best beach location and pool.

Vrsar

Zarečki Krov Waterfall

One of the unique things to do is a day trip to Zarečki Krov Waterfall, probably the most stunning waterfall in Istria. It is located inland, not far from the small town of Pazin and delights with extraordinary scenery. Over 10-meter, this waterfall plunges into a basin with impressively bright turquoise watercolors, which create an absolutely magical ambience with the surrounding forests and the spectacular rock formation. Locals in particular are familiar with this gorgeous spot, where people gather to picnic, swim and jump off the cliffs.

Tip: During a trip to the waterfall, you should also plan a visit to the small castle of Pazin. Nearby, there is also a cool zip line that leads across the steep canyon.

Zarecki Krov Waterfall

Novigrad

Novigrad is one of the most charming coastal towns in Istria. Especially fascinating is the beautiful, romantic old town with the dreamy town harbor Mandrac and the picturesque waterfront promenade. The countless pastel-colored town houses create a marvelous ambience, and Novigrad’s colorful umbrella streets have become a popular photo motif in Istria. A walk through the town reveals many attractions worth seeing, first and foremost the well-preserved medieval town wall and the imposing church of St. Pelagius as a landmark.

Also amazing are the countless beautiful beaches in Novigrad, which are lined up along the coast and conjure up the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable vacation.

Tip: Novigrad is a great choice for a vacation in Istria. Fantastic is the Boutique Hotel Rivalmare, a small, fine hotel directly by the sea and close to the old town!

Novigrad

Brijuni National Park

A popular destination for day trips in Istria is Brijuni National Park near the resort of Fazana. This is an archipelago of 14 islands or islets, which has been protected since 1983. Daily excursion boats and a ferry take visitors to the largest island, Veli Brijun. Here, you can visit some highlights, such as the local safari park with lamas and zebras, a bird reserve in the south of the island and interesting archaeological sites. Really nice is also the approximately 24 kilometers long bicycle networks, which is perfect for extensive bike tours through the national park.

Tip: The easiest way to reach the Brijuni National Park is by ferry from Fazana. The ticket price already includes admission to the national park.

Brijuni Islands

Labin

The small town of Labin is located on the east coast and is a truly wonderful place in Istria. Especially beautiful is the medieval old town, which has recently developed into a charming town of culture with numerous artists. During a tour of the town, one walks through indescribably beautiful alleys, where many small galleries and stores have settled. Charming cafés and excellent restaurants make a trip really cozy and invite guests to linger.

Tip: Just a few kilometers from Labin away is the popular seaside resort Rabac, which delights with a variety of true dream beaches.

Labin City Museum

Cave Jama Baredine

The Jama Baredine Cave is a fascinating attraction and a popular destination in Istria. This stunningly beautiful, 132 meter deep stalactite cave is probably one of the most impressive in Croatia! On a guided tour, you will visit five halls with incredibly impressive rock and stalactite formations. There is also a chance to take a look at the rare grotto olm. The cave was opened to the public in 1995 and can be visited from April to October. This is a real highlight that will delight both adults and children!

Jama Baredine Cave

Limski Canal

Limski Canal, also called Lim Fjord, runs between the vacation regions of Vrsar and Rovinj and is a true natural beauty in Istria. It has a length of about 11 kilometers and leads through a picturesque river valley into the sea. Thanks to the relatively low salt and high oxygen content, fish and shellfish are farmed here. Boat trips into the Limski Fjord are a popular activity offered in the surrounding resorts. Even if you travel by car, you can enjoy beautiful viewpoints over the channel along the coastal road. There are also small market stalls that sell regional products, such as schnapps and olive oil.

Tip: Beautiful excursions by wooden boats to the Limski Canal can also be found online on GetYourGuide! Many of those boat tours also include a lunch.

Limski Canal

Bale

Bale is an attractive middle-age town in Istria, situated only 5 km from the sea. It is situated on a 142-meter-high karst hill and offers an enchanting view of the picturesque landscape. Also known as the “Stone Town”, a unique, dreamy setting awaits you as you walk through the center, taking you on a sort of journey through time. Along the way, you’ll discover countless photo opportunities and places of interest that invite you to linger and marvel. The surroundings of Bale are also beautiful, with countless olive trees and green vineyards. A real insider tip among the most beautiful sights in Istria!

Tip: Near Bale is the stunning Wine Hotel and Restaurant Meneghetti, one of the absolute best hotels for a luxurious vacation in Istria.

Bale – Isrtia

10 Unique Things to do in Lake Bled (Slovenia)

Lake Bled in Slovenia is a true natural gem and is one of the absolute highlights of the famous town of Bled. The fairytale setting that surrounds this lake is as beautiful and unique as if straight out of a travel magazine, and famous far beyond the country’s borders. One of the most amazing thigs to do is a boat ride to the Assumption of Mary Church, which is located on a tiny island in the emerald green glacial lake and is the landmark actually the landmark of the resort. In addition, there are numerous other spectacular attractions and destinations around Lake Bled, all of which make a visit to Bled an unforgettable experience.

In this travel guide, we will give you all the important info and tips about Lake Bled in Slovenia. We show you amazing pictures, the best things to do and attractions, and where to find brilliant places to stay in Bled.

Lake Bled

Good to know!

If you are still looking for a very special accommodation, then we can recommend the Grand Hotel Toplice in a prime location on the lake, with a pool and in-house lido.

Really famous in Bled is the Bled Cream Cake, a delicious dessert that you should not miss. The Café Park, where the original Bled Creme cake is served, is fantastic.

Lake Bled is a wonderful place for having a swim in summer. In June, the Grajsko Kopališče lido opens, and the Velika Zaka beach on the north shore also invites to bathe in the lake.

Excursion to Lake Bled are also popular from Ljublijana. Really brilliant day trips can be found online at GetYourGuide.

Lake Bled

General information about Lake Bled

Lake Bled, or Blejsko jezero, is a famous lake in the Gorenjska region in western Slovenia. It is located right near Bled, a pretty spa town from which the lake takes its name and which is also famous for its numerous thermal springs. With a length of about 2.1 kilometers and a width of up to 1.4 kilometers, the lake is not too big and can even be walked via a 6-kilometer path. Thanks to the underground warm thermal springs, the emerald-colored glacial lake has even 23° C to 25° C in summer, which promises pleasant water temperatures for bathing.

The most important attraction, and why Bled actually became so famous internationally as a tourist destination, is the picturesque little island in the lake on which the pilgrimage church of the Assumption of Mary stands. The backdrop with the islet is almost kitschy beautiful and makes this attraction one of the most photographed in Slovenia. Another highlight is the castle of Bled, which is enthroned on a rock above the lake and inspires with a fabulous view. In addition, you can also take great hikes around Bled as well as numerous excursions.

Lake Bled

Best Thing to Do at Lake Bled

On a visit to Lake Bled you can expect beautiful attractions, plenty of exciting activities and fantastic excursion destinations. The most important things to do include a visit to the romantic church island, the Bled Castle, the spectacular viewpoints and the picturesque lakeside promenade. We have summarized the best things to do at Lake Bled for you here at a glance:

Bled Castle

Bled Castle is definitely one of the most beautiful attractions at Lake Bled. Built on a 139-meter-high rock, this fortress towers majestically over the landscape and, together with the lake, conjures up a picturesque backdrop. The history of Bled Castle dates back to 1011, which makes it the oldest castle in Slovenia. The short climb to the fortress is worth it because once you reach the top, several interesting attractions await you. Worth seeing are the castle museum, the castle chapel, the blacksmith’s workshop and also the castle print shop, where you can even print your own souvenir. The absolute highlight, however, is the castle terrace, from which you can enjoy one of the best views of Lake Bled with the church island. Moreover, a cozy café invites to linger and enjoy the scenery.

Bled Castle

Bleder See – Castle View

Bled Island

The most famous landmark of Bled is the pilgrimage church of the Assumption of Mary, also called the Church of the Virgin Mary. It is located on the tiny Bled Island called Blejski otok and can be reached by one of the beautiful traditional Pletna wooden boats. But before you can visit the church, you have to climb 99 steps. If you feel like it, you can then also climb the 52-meter-high bell tower and enjoy a picturesque view of Lake Bled. In any case, you should ring the wishing bell there, which, according to legend, makes all wishes come true.

Tip: In the restaurant “Poticnica” on the island you can taste Potica, a traditional Slovenian festive pastry!

Church of the Assumption of Mary

Hiking around Lake Bled

A short hike, a walk or a tour by bike around Lake Bled is probably the best way to explore the most beautiful places in the area. The entire circular trail is about 6 kilometers long, and for a leisurely tour, you can plan on walking for about 2 hours. Along the promenade, there are always romantic places to enjoy the wonderful ambience of Lake Bled. Also great are the many small cafés around the lake, which invite for a stop and enjoy a piece of homemade cream slices. No matter what time of the year, whether in spring, in summer, Bled in autumn or in winter, a walk around the lake is definitely one of the best things to do!

Tip: If you love hiking, you can additionally explore the viewpoints Ojstrica and Mala Osojnica or take the path over the castle.

Lake Bled

Boat Ride on Lake Bled

An unforgettable experience and one of the best things to do is a boat trip on Lake Bled. During a trip on the traditional wooden boats, the so called Pletna boats, you have the opportunity to visit Bled Island and the Church of St. Mary and experience the lake from its most beautiful side. There is a saying that if you haven’t taken a pletna in Bled, you haven’t really visited this place! Worthwhile and a romantic alternative is a tour by rowing boat. You can rent it for a reasonable price at the Pension Pletna and row to the church island.

Lake Bled

Lake Bled Boat Trip

Lake Bled

Mala Osojnica & Ojstrica Viewpoint

The most beautiful view of Lake Bled can definitely be enjoyed from Mala Osojnica Viewpoint. The view of the lake, the church and the mountains is truly breathtaking. However, this popular viewpoint can only be reached via the circular hiking trail No.6, and for the ascent you should plan about 30 – 40 minutes walking time. In any case, good shoes are recommended, as the path is quite steep and in the end, 80 metal steps have to be climbed.

Tip: A little shorter but still beautiful is the hike to the Ojstrica Viewpoint. This viewpoint can be reached in about 20 minutes, and even from up there you have a fantastic panorama!

Lake Bled – Mala Osojnica Viewpoint

Excursions to the surroundings of Lake Bled

Not only is Lake Bled worth seeing, but also the surrounding area is absolutely charming! Rushing waterfalls, imposing mountains and spectacular gorges are just a few of the attractions nearby. Here are the best excursions you can make from Bled:

Vintgar Gorge

The Vintgar Gorge is probably one of the most beautiful things to see near Bled. The breathtaking gorge is located only about 4 kilometers from Lake Bled, and a hike along the wooden footbridges through the spectacular gorge is a unique experience. Really special is the emerald-colored rushing river, which, together with the mighty rocks and the big waterfall at the end of the gorge, conjures up an almost surreal scenery.

Vintgar Gorge

Lake Bohinj

Beautiful and worth a trip is the Lake Bohinj. This picturesque natural attraction is located only 27 kilometers from Bled and can be reached in no time by car or bus. But not only is the lake romantic, breathtaking are also the mountains of this region. If you like, take the gondola up to the local mountain Vogel or go on exciting hikes in the Triglav National Park. Camping at Bohinj Lake is also very popular and a great option for those traveling by caravan or camper!

Lake Bohinj

Savica Waterfall

Savica Waterfall is located about 35 kilometers from Bled and is definitely one of the most worth visiting waterfalls in Slovenia. You can reach it from the parking lot via a hike. After climbing over 500 stairs, you will be rewarded with a magnificent panorama. Especially impressive are the turquoise blue water colors, which give this natural jewel its special appearance.

Savica Waterfall

Pericnik Waterfall

The Pericnik waterfall is a real insider tip for an unforgettable excursion from Bled. This force of nature impresses with a height of over 50 meters and is an absolute highlight, especially in rainy weather. A special feature is that you can get really close to the rushing waters, and even a narrow path leads along behind the waterfall.

Pericnik Waterfall

Where to Stay at Lake Bled

For a vacation in Bled, on Lake Bled, you’ll find a great range of accommodations. Most of the accommodations are privately run apartments, but there are also nice guesthouses, really great hotels and campsites. If you’re looking for tips on where to stay in Bled, we can give you these recommendations…It’s worth a look!

Dream Hotel next to the Lake: The Grand Hotel Toplice is one of the best hotels on Lake Bled. Guests love the wonderful location directly on the lake, the great pool and the spa area.
B&B with breakfast: The Penzion Mayer is a beautiful B&B in a central location and, moreover, inspires with delicious breakfast. Parking and bicycles are free of charge here.
Apartment House at the Lake: The Lake Bled Apartments are an insider tip! The location directly on the lake is unbeatable, and also the rowing boats can be used free of charge.
Glamping with style: The Pension & Glamping Pibernik is located about 2 kilometers from the lake and scores with amazing facilities in beautiful nature and a great pool to relax.

Find the best accommodation at Lake Bled:

Booking.com

Top 20 Amazing Things to Do in Graz, Austria

The unbelievable variety of impressive things to do in Graz makes this destination just perfect for a city trip. Like Vienna and Salzburg, Graz is definitely one of the most worth seeing cities in Austria! Especially the extremely charming historical old town, with the famous Clock Tower as its landmark, inspires visitors from all over the world. However, this city has many more attractions to offer. Countless interesting museums, beautiful castles, palaces and churches and also modern architectural buildings can be explored on a trip to Graz. In addition, there is a huge selection of hip pubs, cool scene bars and top restaurants, which see to culinary well-being, and the legendary nightlife of Graz. No matter if you visit the city on a day trip or for a couple of days – Graz is always worth your time!

In this travel guide, we will give you all the important information and tips for a perfect visit to Graz in Austria. We also show you the most beautiful things to do in Graz, great pictures and the best places to stay in the city.

Good to know!

If you are still looking for a special place to stay in Graz, we can recommend the stylish Aiola Living, a stunning boutique hotel in the center of the city.

Really great is the Joanneums 24h or 48h ticket. It includes 20 museums in Graz such as the Kunsthaus, Landeszeughaus and the museums in the Joanneumsviertel for a low price!

The best travel time for a trip to Graz is in spring and summer. But also in winter, when the many Christmas markets open, Graz is absolutely worth seeing.

If you love shopping, you will find numerous shopping streets in the city center, such as the famous Herrengasse, Schmiedgasse, Sporgasse and the noble Stempfergasse.

Graz Hauptplatz (Main Square)

Best Things to Do in Graz

Since 1999, the old town of Graz has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks to its many fascinating attractions, it is one of the most beautiful cities for a sightseeing tour in Austria. During a city walk, a new highlight is waiting for you almost at every corner. Also fantastic is that most of the attractions can be explored comfortably by foot during a city walk. Here are the top things to do in Graz, Austria:

Schlossberg Graz

The Graz Schlossberg, where the Clock Tower is located, is the absolute heart of the city and a visit is certainly one of the absolute best things to do in Graz. It is only a few minutes’ walk from the old town’s center to the top of the hill, whereby the walk along the Kriegersteig probably is the most beautiful ascent. Many also like to take the famous Schlossberg cable car or the elevator to enjoy the probably most spectacular view of Graz.

But not only the view from the top is unique, wonderful attractions like the Clock Tower of Graz with its beautiful park, the 34-meter-high bell tower, the casemates in the exposed cellars of the former Schlosshauptmannhaus and the Chinese Pavilion are just a few of the places to visit here. In addition, several cafés and restaurants as well as a beer garden offer refreshments with a panoramic view of Graz.

Tip: In only 40 seconds the Schlossberg Slide, the longest indoor slide in Europe, takes you back down to the historic center of the city.

Clock Tower at Schlossberg Graz

Viewpoint Schlossberg Graz

Chinese Pavilion

Schlossberg Cable Car

Bell Tower

Clock Tower

The absolute highlight on the Schlossberg is the 28-meter-high clock tower, the landmark of Graz. It is enthroned above the city and can be seen from many places in the city center. Built in the 13th century, it has had its present appearance since the new fortification in the 16th century. A special feature of this attraction is the clock face because the minute and hour hands are reversed! Amazingly beautiful is also the park with its pretty flowerbeds, which is located directly beneath the tower.

Clock Tower

Fairytale Train & Schlossberg Slide

Not only on the Schlossberg, but also inside the city hill, there are exciting things to experience! The best thing to do is a slide with the Schlossberg slide, an amusing way to get from the Schlossberg back down to the city in about 40 seconds. The Märchenbahn, a fairy-tale trail, is especially interesting for small children. During a half-hour ride, visitors go deep into the Schlossberg and discover a fairy-tale world with a witch kingdom, fairy-tale forest, and a cave of robbers and treasures.

Fairytale Train & Schlossberg Slide

Grazer Burg (Graz Castle)

The Grazer Burg (Graz Castle) is located directly in the city center and was built as early as 1438. Badly damaged in the Second World War, it was rebuilt in 1947. In the process, various new buildings were constructed, which are known today as the “New Castle”. Many areas of the castle area are open to the public and many attractions there, such as the castle courtyards, the double spiral staircase, the Styrian Gallery of Honor and the “city center” can be visited free of charge. Beautiful and really worth seeing is also the Burggarten, a lovely park with its picturesque rose gardens. It is a true oasis in the city and the perfect place for a relaxing sightseeing break.

Castle in Graz (Grazer Burg)

Graz Castle

Double Spiral Staircase

An insider tip among the attractions in Graz is the double spiral staircase. Built in 1499 it is located in the castle courtyard and is accessible free of charge. The so-called “reconciliation staircase” depicts the separation and reconciliation. It consists of two symmetrical stone stairs running in opposite directions, which converge spirally on each floor, and at the same time separate again. For architecture fans and photographers, it’s a must-see in Graz!

Double Spiral Staircase

Graz Hauptplatz (Main Square)

Graz Hauptplatz is the main square and at the same time the center of the old town, and certainly the most beautiful square in the state capital. Already laid out in 1160, this historic place still enchants with an extra portion of charm and the many beautiful attractions, such as the Archduke Johann Fountain Monument and the magnificent City Hall. Really cool are also the traditional Graz market stalls, where hearty sausages and delicious organic juices are offered. In addition, events are held regularly on the main square.

Tip: Just a few steps away from the main square is the trendy design hotel Aiola Living, a guarantee for a stylish stay in Graz.

Graz Hauptplatz (Main Square)

Rathaus (City Hall)

One of the most important attractions in Graz is the Rathaus, the City Hall on the main square of the city. This building was erected at the beginning of the 19th century and its impressive facade was decorated according to the late Gothic style. In every season, countless events take place here, directly in front of the building. The Christmas market in winter with oversized Advent calendar lighting, the Sound Light Festival in spring, sand sculptures, as well as the Long Table of the Capital of Enjoyment in summer are just a few of the highlights.

Rathaus (City Hall)

Joanneum Quarter

The Joanneum Quarter is home to many interesting museums, and so a visit is definitely one of the best things to do in Graz. The Neue Galerie Graz with modern and contemporary art and the Museum of Natural History with a huge variety of interesting exhibits are especially worth seeing. The CoSA – Center of Science Activities, where technology and natural sciences are made easy to understand through play and experiments, is really cool and a real highlight as well for children.

Joanneum Quarter – Museum of Natural History

Naturkundemuseum im Johanneumsviertel

Neue Galerie Graz – Art Museum

Landhaushof

The Landhaushof is the picturesque courtyard of the Grazer Landhaus and moreover a fantastic visitor tip on our list of the best things to do in Graz. Especially impressive is the architecture, with the magnificent arcades of the Renaissance building. The historic fountain and the faun statue are also worth seeing. Gorgeous and a small highlight is the green wooden gate with the Styrian Panther, which has become a popular photo motif.

Tip: In winter, when the famous ice sculptures of the Graz nativity scene are illuminated, a particularly beautiful backdrop awaits you.

Landhaushof

Landeszeughaus

The Landeszeughaus, one of the main attractions of Graz, is definitely worth a visit. It was built during 1642 to 1647 and was once the central arsenal of Styria. Today a museum, you can admire the world’s largest historical armory with 32,000 objects. To learn more about it, the very interesting guided tours through the museum are really recommendable. These take place daily at 11:00 and 14:00 in German and at 12:30 in English.

Landeszeughaus (Museum)

Herrengasse & Painted House

Herrengasse is the most important shopping mile and enchants with its many stores and boutiques and countless magnificent buildings. Very centrally located, it runs between the main square and the Jakominiplatz, and offers shopaholics everything their hearts desire. But also for sightseeing in Graz this street should not be missed: Here you will discover beautiful baroque buildings, countless buildings from the founder times when the nobility once lived, and the Landeszeughaus is also located in this street.

One of the most interesting houses in Herrengasse is the Painted House. It is hard to miss because the entire facade with over 220 m² was artistically painted here. A historical wall tattoo that you should not miss on any trip to Graz.

Herrengasse

Painted House

Kunsthaus (Art House)

The Kunsthaus (Art House) is one of the city’s landmarks. This futuristic building was erected in 2003, the year of the Capital of Culture, and has been a popular tourist attraction in Graz ever since. Many visitors compare it to a human heart, others recognize it as a spaceship, and its creators lovingly refer to it as “friendly alien”. The museum hosts various art exhibitions. Also the viewing platform on the top floor is really cool, from where you can enjoy a nice view of the old town of Graz and over to the Schlossberg.

Tip: On the first floor you will find the very hip Kunsthaus-Café, which serves delicious breakfast and mega fantastic burgers!

Kunsthaus (Art House)

Museum of History

A very interesting attraction of Graz is the Museum of History. The museum is located in a beautiful palace in the old town and, above all, history lovers will enjoy the well-chosen exhibits. By no means should you miss the magnificent Hall of Mirrors, which is located in the right wing of the town house. Very few people know that this museum is also included in the Joanneums-24-hour ticket.

Museum of History

Murinsel

The Murinsel (Mur Island) was built as part of the 2003 Capital of Culture and is now a popular place to visit in Graz, which has actually become a landmark of the city. It is a floating island, which can be accessed from both sides of the river Mur via a bridge. The really cool, futuristic design in the form of a half-open shell is particularly captivating. Inside, there is a cozy café that invites you to take a sightseeing break with a view of the rushing Mur.

Tip: Thanks to the beautiful lighting, this special attraction is worth a visit even at night!

Murinsel

Mausoleum

Especially worth seeing is the Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II, an impressive building which was built in the early 17th century. This imperial resting place lies somewhat hidden behind the cathedral of Graz. With its turquoise roof domes, this attraction is a real eye-catcher and a very popular photo motif. But you should also take a look at the interior of the mausoleum, where, among other things, the resting place of Ferdinand’s mother, Maria of Bavaria, is located.

Tip: The entrance to the mausoleum is free of charge.

Mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II

Graz Cathedral

The Graz Cathedral is considered one of the most culturally significant attractions in Graz and should therefore not be missed on any sightseeing tour though the city. Together with the mausoleum, the old university and the castle, this sacred site forms the so-called Graz City Crown. This church is not only interesting from the outside, but also the interior with its magnificent high age and the beautiful fresco paintings is spectacular. Very interesting is also the God plague picture, a remnant from the Gothic period. This fresco is a bit hidden on the southern outer wall of the cathedral in Graz.

Tip: There are some fantastic places to stay for a Graz vacation in the area, including the popular boutique hotel Dom with its sensational breakfast.

Graz Cathedral

Glockenspielplatz

A real insider tip in Graz is a visit to the Glockenspielplatz because here an exceptional spectacle awaits you. Every day, punctually at 11:00 am, 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm, a cute couple of traditional costumed figures appear at the gable of the house and dance to the local carillon. A charming experience, best enjoyed in the cozy cafés and restaurants on the square of the Glockenspielplatz.

Glockenspielplatz

Eggenberg Palace

Eggenberg Palace is one of the most beautiful castle complexes in Styria. In addition, this important building is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is therefore a real must see on every city trip to Graz. Here you can marvel at the unbelievably beautiful state rooms, the castle church “Maria Schnee” and the Planetary Hall, completed in 1685. Picturesque are also the historical rose gardens, which bloom in full splendor from the end of May to June. With a bit of luck, you will also discover the castle’s peacocks during your visit, which regularly stroll through the extensive landscape garden.

Tip: The Eggenberg Palace is located just outside the old town and can be easily reached by tram.

Eggenberg Palace

Where to Stay in Graz

On a visit to Graz you will find a fabulous range of different amazing accommodations. Most of the places are nice city hotels, but there are also excellent B&Bs, apartments, boutique-hotels and backpacker hostels to choose from. If you are still looking for the perfect accommodation in Graz, then we can give you these tips along the way…It’s worth a look!

City-Hotel: The Lendhotel is a really cool city hotel in the center of Graz. Guests love the delicious breakfast and the roof terrace is also fabulous!
Nice Guesthouse: Really nice for a stay in Graz is the Gästehaus Moßhammer, a highly recommended guesthouse near the city center!
Apartments: The Parksuites Apartments Graz offer top modern, fabulously equipped vacation apartments in the best location in the center of Graz!
4-Star Hotel: The Hotel Weitzer is a wonderful 4-star hotel in the heart of Graz. Guests love the unique charm, the location next to the Mur and the breakfast is also great!

Find the best accommodation in Graz:

Booking.com

More about Austria:

In blog 10. January 2024

Thailand Island Hopping: Krabi to Koh Lipe (Route & Tips)

Island hopping in Thailand is becoming increasingly popular. Numerous travelers and backpackers from all over the world come every year to explore the beautiful islands in South Thailand. An itinerary for an island hopping in Thailand trip can be easily put together by yourself and is a great choice to explore the most beautiful places of the countries islands world. The accommodations are good and cheap, and the transport from one island to another is easy to organize. Especially popular are the amazing islands of the Andaman Sea, with the tour from Krabi to Koh Lipe being one of the most spectacular. But what are the best highlights for Thailand island hopping, what are the insider tips, and which islands are a must on any itinerary?

In this travel guide you will find all the important information about island hopping in Thailand. We give you plenty of tips to plan your itinerary, great recommendations and show you one of the absolutely best routes for your individual tour.

Thailand Island Hopping

Good to know!

The best time for island hopping in the Andaman Sea is from December to the end of April. Then the rainy season is over, and you can enjoy a lot of sun and hardly any rain!

2 weeks of island hopping is just enough to explore some of the best islands in Thailand. However, if you want to see a bit more, 3 weeks or 4 weeks is the perfect amount of time.

Getting between the islands is uncomplicated by speedboat, ferry or longtail boat. Tickets are available locally, but also online, for example easy on 12go.asia.

Under “Packing list Thailand” you will also find a packing list for island hopping! Especially, a waterproof backpack is really practical to protect important valuables from moisture.

Thailand Island Hopping

Thailand Island Hopping: Your Perfect Itinerary

Island hopping in Thailand gives you the opportunity to experience some of the absolute most beautiful highlights and beaches of the country. Here you virtually hop from one tropical island pearl to the next, and you will get the chance to visit real dream islands off the typical routes. Here you will find a recommendation for a perfect island-hopping route through the Andaman Sea.

Krabi

Krabi Province is one of the most scenic areas in southern Thailand and Krabi Town is the ideal starting point for island hopping tours to the breathtaking island world. Also we suggest starting your itinerary from Krabi. Krabi Town does not have beaches, but the night market, the nearby Tiger Cave Temple and the Emerald Pool are definitely worth a visit. Moreover, this small town is located only 13 kilometers from Krabi airport and 4 kilometers from the ferry. Another point why you should start your island hopping trip here.

Tip: In Krabi Town, we can recommend the beautiful Family Tree Hotel. This affordable design hotel is centrally located and also offers a delicious breakfast.

Krabi Town

Railay Beach

Railay Beach is a peninsula, but since the bay is separated from the mainland by deep jungle and can only be reached by longtail boat from Krabi town or Ao Nang, you immediately get a real island feeling. In addition, many small offshore islands await you here, which you can reach via a short trip with the longtail boat on a 4 Island Tour. The gigantic limestone rocks, the jungle, the breathtaking Phra Nang Beach and the beautiful Railay Beach offer an unbeatable ambience. A real paradise for beach lovers, but also for climbers!

Tip: Really ingenious is the Bhu Nga Thani Resort & Spa. It is located very romantically, directly on the sea and the modern pool area is an absolute highlight.

Railay Beach

Koh Jum (Koh Pu)

Koh Jum is, still, one of the absolute insider tips among backpackers and individual travelers, and moreover, a real highlight of any Thailand island-hopping itinerary. This island is located on the west coast of Thailand, and it is still really tranquil, the locals are extremely hospitable, and the beaches are wonderful for swimming. If you like it very quiet, and you enjoy being part of local life, then you should definitely put Koh Jum on your Thailand Island Hopping list.

Tip: On Koh Jum you can still find the typical bungalows directly by the sea! Really lovely is the inexpensive Sun Smile Beach, but also the luxurious Koh Jum Beach Villas are a great choice.

Ko Jum

Koh Lanta

The island of Koh Lanta has always inspired and is in any case a place that you must have seen and experienced when going on an island hopping trip in Thailand. You can explore the sights of the island best with a scooter, which you can borrow at every corner. Beautiful quiet beaches in Koh Lanta can be found everywhere along the coast, up to the end of the national park. Really great are the quaint hippie bars, which give this island a really chill flair and from where you can enjoy probably the most beautiful sunsets in Thailand.

Tip: If you are looking for really great places for where to stay in Koh Lanta, we recommend taking a look at the unique and yet quite affordable Lanta Casa Blanca!

Klong Khong Beach

Koh Ngai (Ko Hai)

Koh Ngai is one of those dream islands where you would like to be stranded. The white, fine sandy beach lined with palm trees and the crystal clear water are simply breathtakingly beautiful. There are no roads, no stores, no noisy tuk-tuks, only peace and relaxation. The island is absolutely paradise and therefore a real insider tip of every island hopping route. Backpackers stay here best and cheapest in a tent hotel, directly on the beach. Of course, you will also find some more luxury hotels with pools and restaurants on this island.

Tip: Really recommendable is the Thanya Beach Resort, which convinces with dreamlike bungalows, pool and excellent location on the most beautiful beach section of the island.

Koh Ngai (Koh Hai)

Koh Mook

Koh Mook is an island that shouldn’t be missed on any island route through South Thailand. Much of this island pearl consists of deep jungle and intact nature, but you will also find small, charming villages and beaches that are lined with palm trees. In addition, you will find here probably the most famous sight of the Trang region! A real highlight is the Emerald Cave, a sea cave that leads to a pirate bay. Beautiful and another celebrity is the Sivalai Beach, most likely one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

Tip: For an exceptional stay, we recommend the Sivalai Beach Resort, a dreamlike hotel at the island’s most beautiful beach. For backpackers, we can recommend the lovely Mook Montra.

Koh Mook – Sivalai Beach

Koh Kradan

Koh Kradan is a true dream island and a must when Thailand island hopping! The turquoise blue sea and velvety soft light sandy beach conjure a tropical backdrop like from a picture book. If you like snorkeling, Koh Kradan is the right place for you. At the offshore reef, you have the opportunity to explore a colorful underwater world. You can definitely spend a few relaxing days on this island pearl as well. If you don’t have that much time, the best way to visit this beautiful place is to take a longtail boat trip from the neighboring islands of Koh Mook or Koh Ngai.

Tip: Koh Kradan has only a few accommodations, these should be booked in advance. Especially recommended is the fantastic The Reef Resort with its house reef!

Koh Kradan

Koh Bulon

Koh Bulon is probably one of the most stunning islands in Thailand and for many travelers an absolute highlight on every island hopping route. The mini island is undoubtedly still a real insider tip, and you can expect a postcard idyll at its best. Absolutely spectacular are the gorgeous white beaches, the turquoise blue sea and the breathtakingly quiet flair that surrounds Koh Bulon. In addition, the island is tiny, and so you walk from one end of the island to the other just 20 minutes. Many people skip this beautiful paradise on their way to Koh Lipe. Actually, it’s a pity, this island should definitely be seen.

Koh Bulone – Thailand Island Hopping

Koh Lipe

The famous island of Koh Lipe, with its beautiful white sandy beaches and the still intact coral reefs, attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. Despite the many vacationers, you should absolutely have seen this island jewel once. Especially when diving and snorkeling, you get your money’s worth! Koh Lipe is the last stop on this island hopping route. If you still haven’t had enough, you can travel on to Malaysia/Langkawi or head for the great islands on the east coast.

The more comfortable way back is by speedboat to Pak Bara Pier in Satun on the mainland, and further by minibus to Krabi.

Tip: A unique stay guarantees the Ten Moons Lipe Resort, which is a really popular place to stay and therefore often fully booked.

Koh Lipe

Thailand Island Hopping Tips:

Travel Time: The best travel time for island hopping on the west coast of southern Thailand is from November to mid-April. During this time, the rainy season should be over, but it can rain occasionally from time to time. In the rainy season, like in Mai, July, August and September, you have to expect limited ferry connections and plenty of hotels and restaurants will be closed! On the other hand, you will find some amazingly cheap hotel deals. More about the best travel times in SEA check out here – best time to travel to Southeast Asia.
How long: For a complete tour, we suggested planning at least 3 weeks, better even 4 weeks’ time. If you only have 2 weeks for island hopping, then just think about which island in the south of Thailand you really want to see and skip some other islands. For one week of island hopping, we would recommend visiting the islands Koh Mook, Koh Ngai and Koh Kradan.
Cost: Prices for Island Hopping can be very varied depending on if you are traveling on a budget or if you prefer luxury travel. Plan for your trip as a backpacker with a budget of a minimum of 45 euros per day. Of course, for luxury also in Thailand, there are no price limits. Generally, the food in Thailand is quite cheap. For local dishes such as Phat Thai, Green Curry or Fried Rice, you can count on about 1.00-3.00 Euro per dish. Simple beach huts are available from around 500 baht.
Where to stay: Generally, you will find on each island mentioned above a selection of different accommodation in every price range. The prices vary depending on the season, and you often get cheap bargains in the low season. Higher prices will be charged around Christmastime and holidays. Best to compare the hotel ratings and rates on booking.com.
Rent scooters: Exploring an island by scooter is a fantastic way to see all the amazing beaches and small villages. We did that on Koh Lanta and Koh Jum, and it was a great adventure.
Getting around: On each of the islands described above, you will find hotels and agencies that will be more than happy to organize your onward transport. If you want to organize your transport ticket in advance, you should use 12go.asia. You usually travel between the islands by speed boat, ferry or longtail boat. Comparing the prices before booking is always a good idea because there are a variety of providers and variants.

Find the best accommodation in South Thailand:

Booking.com

20 Amazing Things to Do in Salzburg (Austria)

Salzburg, with its many attractions and the gorgeous old town is, along with Vienna and Graz, certainly one of the most beautiful cities in Austria. There are so many things to see and to do in Salzburg! The historic center is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1977 and thrilled with numerous attractions, an incredibly imposing architecture, the many historic buildings and spectacular viewpoints. Of course, the city is also world-famous for its prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was born in the famous Getreidegasse. In addition, Salzburg was a filming location for the internationally famous movie “Sound of Music”, and many visitors still come to visit the original locations in the old town and surrounding area. But what are the best things to do in Salzburg, what are the most amazing attractions and the best tips for a Salzburg itinerary?

In this travel guide you will find the most amazing things to do in Salzburg. In addition, we show you stunning pictures, reveal the most beautiful viewpoints, give useful tips and show where to find the best accommodation in Salzburg.

Good to know!

If you are still looking for a fantastic accommodation or hotel in Salzburg, then we can recommend the charming Numa I Mozart in boutique hotel style.

You can save money with the Salzburg Card, which includes the most important attractions, museums, and even rides on public transportation.

To explore all the beautiful places and attractions in Salzburg, you should definitely plan 2 or better 3 days for your city trip.

There are plenty of things to do in Salzburg! On GetYourGuide you can find the coolest excursions, city tours, cooking classes, tickets for classical concerts and boat trips.

Salzburg

The Best Things to Do in Salzburg

Salzburg really has plenty of things to do to offer. Fabulous palaces and castles, beautiful parks, interesting museums, imposing churches, breathtaking viewpoints, traditional breweries and musical events. All this and much more awaits you on a perfect visit to Salzburg. We have compiled here the best activities, places, and attractions of Salzburg that you should certainly see.

Salzburg Cathedral & DomQuartier

A visit to Salzburg Cathedral is certainly one of the things to do in Salzburg because this building is absolutely impressive from the inside as well as from the outside. The imposing church dates back to the early Baroque period and shapes the cityscape of Salzburg with its mighty dome and towers. The cathedral square is also the site of the annual Christmas market in winter and the famous Salzburg Festival in summer. Next to the cathedral is the DomQuartier, a massive complex of five museums. You should definitely visit the panorama terrace, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of baroque Salzburg and the cathedral square.

Salzburg Catherdral

Residence Square

Kapitelplatz

Salzburg Catherdral

DomQuartier Salzburg

Getreidegasse

The Getreidegasse is Salzburg’s most famous shopping street and the pulsating heart of the city. Particularly characteristic are the neat old guild signs, the advertising signs on the house facades, which adorn the stores and restaurants. If you take a closer look, you will notice that the older houses are also often decorated with dates, the name of former owners and also with the eye of God. Moreover, in Getreidegasse No. 9 there is one of the most important attractions of Salzburg, the Mozart House. In this beautiful yellow town house, the world-famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756.

Getreidegasse

Mozart’s Birthplace

Visiting the Mozart’s Birthplace is a real highlight for Mozart fans from all over the world, and the museum is one of the most famous attractions in Salzburg. It is located in the yellow “Hagenauer Haus” at Getreidegasse 9. During a tour of the exhibition, there is much to see on 3 floors, and you get exclusive insights into Mozart’s past. Historical instruments such as the children’s violin, documents, photos, and letters can be marveled at during a tour. The museum focuses mainly on Mozart’s earlier years, as he spent his childhood and youth here.

Tip: A real insider tip for a vacation is the Next2Mozart Apartment. It is located directly in the famous Getreidegasse, just a few steps away from Mozart’s birthplace.

Mozart House (Mozart Birthplace)

Mönchsberg

The 508 meters high Mönchsberg is one of the most important attractions in Salzburg, and a walk along the panoramic path with a view of the old town is a dreamlike experience. You should visit the viewing platform, which is located right next to the Museum of Modern Art and Café M32, and which inspires with the most stunning view of Salzburg. But also the Museum of Modern Art is fascinating. Here, international art treasures from the 20th and 21st centuries can be admired. The Mönchsberg is easily accessible by elevator or via the panorama-path. During this walk, you can experience the green Salzburg from its most beautiful side!

Mönchsberg Salzburg

Hohensalzburg Fortress

The spectacular Hohensalzburg Fortress is one of the main landmarks of Salzburg and also the heart of the historic old town. A visit to this stunning place is an absolute highlight and definitely this impressive fortress is one of the most beautiful attractions in Salzburg. The 900-year-old Hohensalzburg Fortress is located at the top of the Mönchsberg and can either be climbed on foot, or you can comfortably take the fortress train, which is located next to the Stieglkeller and the Festungsgasse. The view from the top over the roofs of Salzburg is simply stunning! If you have time and want to, you can also visit the interesting castle museum.

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Hohensalzburg

Hohensalzburg Museum

Hohensalzburg Fortress

Hohensalzburg Fortress (Viewpoint)

Mirabell Gardens & Mirabell Palace

A visit to Mirabell Palace and Mirabell Gardens is definitely one of the best things to do in Salzburg. In spring and summer, when the flowers are in bloom, the setting is simply fabulous. This place was also one of the filming locations of the most famous movie scenes of “Sound of Music” and is therefore a popular attraction for fans from all over the world. Surrounded by the gardens is also the Mirabell Palace, which was built in 1606. The historic castle is definitely one of the most romantic castles in Salzburg, with beautiful concerts being held in the famous Marble Hall.

Tip: Almost daily classical concerts are held in the stunning Mirabell Palace. On GetYourGuide you can find tickets for this popular event!

Mirabell Gardens

Mirabelle Palace

Kapuzinerberg

The 640-meter high Kapuzinerberg is located on the right bank of the Salzach River and offers one of the most spectacular viewpoints of Salzburg. To get there, there are several options. Either you choose the Imbergstiege from the Steingasse, or you take the path from the Franziskanertor in the Linzergasse. The climb is a bit steep, but the panorama of the old town and Hohensalzburg Fortress is simply fantastic. The view from the Kapuzinerberg is probably one of the best in the city and should not be missed during a stay in Salzburg.

Tip: With a little luck, you can also observe chamois during your walk on the Kapuzinerberg. An experience that is most likely unique during any city trip.

Kapuzinerberg

Salzburg’s Cemeteries & Catacombs

Salzburg is home to several interesting cemeteries, two of which are particularly worth visiting. St. Peter’s Cemetery is located on the edge of the Mönchsberg next to a spectacular rock face. You should definitely visit the catacombs, which were cut into the rock there. Especially the view over the cemetery and the historical buildings is worth the low entrance fee! The St. Sebastian cemetery, a true jewel of the city of Salzburg, is also very interesting. The old cemetery is the final resting place of many famous personalities, such as Mozart’s father Leopold and his wife Constanze.

Catacombs (St. Peters Cemetery)

St. Sebastian Cemetery

Haus der Natur

The Haus der Natur is definitely one of the best museums in Salzburg. On an area of 7,000 m², visitors can explore interesting and interactive exhibitions around the topic of nature and science. This museum inspires both young and old! Among other things, there is a fascinating underwater world to discover, a reptile zoo and a wide variety of themed rooms, ranging from the Arctic to the rainforest. The interactive science center is also unique, as is the exhibition on space travel. The House of Nature is one of the best places to see in Salzburg and should therefore definitely be put on your travel list.

Haus der Natur

Bridges of Salzburg

The many charming bridges are a real gem of Salzburg, and a walk along the picturesque Salzach River is a great experience. One of the most beautiful attractions is the Mozartsteg, which was opened as a toll bridge back in 1903. The Markatsteg, which is hung with countless colorful castles, is also worth a visit, especially since you can enjoy a wonderful panorama over the river from there. Beautiful night shots are often taken from the Müllnersteg. From there you can best capture the city panorama, including the river and the fortress.

Mozartsteg

Müllnersteg

Hellbrunn Palace & Trick Fountains

Visiting the Hellbrunn Palace is one of the best things to do on any Salzburg city break. The beautiful grounds with the romantic park and the enchanting surroundings captivate visitors from all over the world. Particularly famous are also the Hellbrunn Trick fountains, a fun experience for young and old. Mysterious grottos, water-powered figures and hidden splash features provide numerous wow moments. Especially in summer, the “wet” surprises offer welcome cooling. A real insider tip for a successful Salzburg trip.

Hellbrunn Palace

Hellbrunn Palace Trick Fountain

Hellbrunn Wasserspiele-Trick Fountain

Hellbrunn Palace

Mozartplatz & Residence Square

One of the most stunning attractions in Salzburg is the picturesque Residence Square with its impressive 17th century Residence Fountain. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the famous Salzburg Cathedral. This square is a particularly magnificent forecourt between the prince-archbishop’s residences and, due to its central location, can hardly be missed during a city tour. Just around the corner, you can also visit the picturesque Mozartplatz with its bronze statue of Mozart, another important place to see in the old town of Salzburg.

Mozartplatz

Alter Markt & Cafe Tomaselli

The so-called Alter Markt is the old marketplace in Salzburg and moreover one of the most beautiful squares in Salzburg. It was founded as early as the 13th century and was once used as a weekly marketplace. Traditional festivals such as the Whitsun dance or summer solstice celebrations were also celebrated there. Nowadays, this square inspires with an incredible ambience, with the pretty Florian fountain and with the old town houses. Why not take a coffee break at the traditional Tomaselli coffee house, where Salzburgers have been enjoying their coffee for over 150 years. The seats on the roof terrace are highly sought after.

Tip: If you’re looking for the original Mozartkugeln, Salzburg’s most famous treat, you’ll find them at Konditorei Fürst on Alter Markt, across from Café Tomaselli.

Cafe Tomaselli

Stieglkeller Brewery

The Stieglkeller is located in the heart of Salzburg, and its guest garden is one of the most amazing in the old town. From the terrace of the traditional brewery you can enjoy a cool beer and delicious food with a magnificent view of the old town of Salzburg. The location, directly under the fortress, is unique and if you have time, you can sit there even longer. You should try the Austrian specialties such as the traditional Wiener Schnitzel, the Bier-Bratl and of course there is also the local Salzburg dessert, the famous “Salzburger Nockerl“.

Stieglkeller Brewery

Salzburg Hellbrunn Zoo

The Salzburg Hellbrunn Zoo is a real must-see, as it is definitely one of the most beautiful zoos in Austria. A large part was already from the 15th century the archiepiscopal game park, with the zoo today a popular destination for families. Nestled in a gorgeous landscape, this place is home to a variety of interesting animal species on 14 hectares, which are kept in enclosures that are as close to nature as possible. One of the main attractions in the zoo is the African section, with the lion house and the savannah enclosure. The entrance to the Salzburg Hellbrunn Zoo is not far from the Hellbrunn Palace Park, and a visit can therefore be easily combined.

Zoo Salzburg

Salzburg Zoo

Schloss Leopoldskron

The fairytale-like palace Schloss Leopoldskron is located on a small idyllic lake and can be explored via a short walk from the old town, but also by bike. Built in 1736, the castle was a meeting place for the cultural and art scene at the time and is now one of the most important attractions in Salzburg. It also served as the filming location for the world-famous movie “Sound of Music”. Today, Schloss Leopoldskron is one of the most exclusive hotels in the city and a real insider tip for an exceptional stay in Salzburg!

Schloss Leopoldskron

Things to do around Salzburg

As you can see, there are plenty of wonderful attractions to admire in the old town. But also in the surrounding area around Salzburg some great sights and destinations are waiting for you. Here are the best tips for unique things to do nearby Salzburg:

Zell am See: Beautiful Zell am See is located in the south of Salzburg. It delights with a wonderful idyll of high mountains, glaciers, gorges and crystal-clear lakes.
Krimml Waterfalls: The Krimml Waterfalls are another highlight in the area around Salzburg. The waterfalls are the largest in Europe and an excursion is highly recommended.
Wolfgangsee: The Lake Wolfgang is a fabulous tip for a trip from Salzburg. Especially recommended, is also a ride with the Schafbergbahn!
Hallstatt: Famous Hallstatt in Austria belongs to one of the most popular excursions from Salzburg. This place is one of the most beautiful in Austria and is a must on every trip.
Vienna: If you like, you can also combine your vacation in Salzburg with a visit to Vienna, the Austrian capital, which is 3 hours away.

Hallstatt

Vienna Michaelerplatz

Krimml Waterfalls

Where to Stay in Salzburg

In Salzburg you will find a terrific offer of different accommodations. Most of the best places to stay are city hotels, but there are also excellent guesthouses, apartments and backpacker hostels to choose from. If you are still looking for the perfect accommodation in Salzburg, we can give you these tips…It’s worth a look!

4-Star Hotel with Rooftop Bar: The Hotel Stein scores with a great roof terrace. The rooftop bar offers a fabulous view of the fortress and the old town.
Lovely Vacation Apartment: The modern City-Center Apartments are really great. They are in a prime location, right in the middle of the famous Getreidegasse.
Chic Boutique Hotel: The Hotel & Villa Auersperg is a fantastic boutique hotel in the heart of Salzburg. Guests love the charming garden terrace and lovely spa area.
Hotel with Free Parking: The Bergland Hotel is family-run hotel just a bit outside the center. Here, the good price and the free parking spaces are fantastic.

Find the best accommodation in Salzburg:

Booking.com

Keep Exploring

More City-Trips

In blog 3. January 2024

4 Days in Rome Itinerary: Travel & Sightseeing Guide

There is a reason why Rome is one of the most famous and traveled cities in Europe. Visitors love the mixture of old culture with the fantastic Italian cuisine: It feels like walking through an outdoor museum and with every step you take, you can follow a path of culture and history. Above all, you are going to get spoiled with fantastic photo motives, world famous sights and all this is topped with the delicious Italian cuisine. There are so many things to do in Rome and that’s why it can be a bit confusing how to plan a trip. This Rome itinerary is designed to give you some ideas for what to do in 4 days in Rome and about the best places to visit.

Honestly, no trip to Italy is complete without checking out Rome. So, let’s explore the Eternal City! Here is our perfect Rome in 4 days itinerary:

Good to know!

The perfect Rome itinerary belongs well planned! To avoid unnecessary long queues and to save money, you should definitely get yourself a Rome Pass in advance.

4 days in Rome is just the perfect amount of time to see the cities best attractions. If you are planning some day trips, then you could easily spend some more days in this amazing city.

Are you wondering what is the best area to stay for your city trip? Under “Where to stay in Rome” we show you the best hotels and areas, that are perfect for your next vacation.

Trevi Fountain

Rome Itinerary: What to do in Rome in 4 days

Rome is probably one of the most interesting cities in Europe and a trip there is absolutely recommended. On a city break you can discover ancient Roman splendor buildings, explore the Vatican City, visit impressive museums, try the possibly best ice cream in the world and stroll through romantic Italian quarters. So that you don’t lose the overview, we put together the best attractions and things to do for spending 4 days in Rome.

Day 1 in Rome

Vatican City & Vatican Museum

Visiting the Vatican was really amazing and for us one of the most popular Roman attractions. Plan your visit very early in the morning to avoid queueing at St. Peter’s Basilica and best to start your sightseeing day in Vatican with the St. Peters Basilica! The Basilica opens at 7.00 am, be there at this time to enjoy the beautiful calm Basilica and save the time to queue for other great stuff to explore. From the top of the Basilica you will get rewarded with the most stunning view of Rome!

Take enough time for the Vatican City –you could spend hours there and still not have seen everything. Certainly, the ultimate must see are the St. Peters Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum.

Vatican

Basilica of St. Peter – Vatican

Vatican Basilica Rome

Vatican – Top of the Basilica

Basilica – Vatican view to the Apostolic Palace

I case you are planning on visiting the Vatican Museum and you want to avoid a super-long queue, we recommend you book the tickets in advance. There had been a lot of tourists inside – therefore it was not that impressive for us – I believe that we missed a lot due to the crowd. So be there in the morning and skip the line of the Vatican Museum with pre-booking the ticket online!

Vatican Museum

Castel Sant’Angelo

This castle was once the tallest building of Rome and its named after the famous river bridge statue of Michael the Archangel. However, as a short pitstop or also a visit inside the museum with audio guide inside – the Castel Sant Angelo is really worth a visit. It should be added that up from the terrace you will have a panoramic view of the whole city.

Castel Sant’Angelo

The Pantheon & Piazza Navona

The Pantheon is such a magnificent structure! This giant architecture will blow your mind, so don’t miss it! Interesting is that the building is a former Roman temple but was transformed into a church in the 7th century. It’s one of the best-preserved buildings in Rome and an absolute must-see.

Pantheon

Piazza della Rotonda – Pantheon

Piazza di Pietra

Restaurant near Piazza Navona

Just around the corner you will find the Piazza Navona with the spectacular Sant’Agnese in Agone church. The square is amazingly beautiful with many lovely restaurants and cafes around.

Piazza Navona – Sant’Agnese in Agone

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

The Trevi Fountain is the largest baroque fountain of Rome and definitely one of the most famous fountains in the world. That’s why, the Trevi Fountain is, after the Colosseum, the most photographed monument in town and tourist flock to see that impressive attraction. No itinerary of Rome is complete without throwing some money inside the fountain. According to the legend, coins have to be thrown using the right hand over the left shoulder. Only then you will be guaranteed a return trip to Rome.

Tip: Visit the Fontana di Trevi very early in the morning, to avoid the crowds.

Trevi Fountain – Fontana di Trevi

Day 2 in Rome

The Colosseum

As the Colosseum is the landmark of Rome, it’s the most visited place in this city and definitely one of the top things to do in Rome. Still today the roman Colosseum is an iconic symbol for not just Rome but even for Italy. If you plan a visit inside, you should book your tickets in advance, so you don’t have to wait in a queue and you can easily skip the line of the Colosseum. Advisable is to buy a combi ticket that includes the world-famous Colosseum, the Forum Romanum and the Palatin.

Rome

Inside the Coloseum

Forum Romanum & The Palatin

The Forum Romanum is really impressive! Don`t miss seeing the beautiful remains of the ancient Rome. If you don`t have enough time or /and you want to save money, you can walk up to the Via Monte Tarpeo, where you will find a fantastic photo spot for the forum Romanum for free. The Palatin is just a few minutes’ walk from the grand arena and stands 40 meters above the Roman forum. Also, from the Palatin Hill, you will have a great viewpoint to the colosseum.

Tip: This archaeological site is included in the Colosseum Combi Ticket.

Palatine Hill

Palatin – View to Colosseum

Palatin – near Colosseum

Palatin

Forum Romanum

Formum Romanum – viewpoint Via Monte Tarpeo

Piazza Venezia & Piazza del Campidoglio

The Piazza Venezia is a great starting point to explore the ancient Forums, the Museo Sacrario delle Bandiere and also the Colosseum is not far away. The unique architecture of the white grand building is a must-see and from the Terrazza delle Quadrighe you will get a wonderful view. Highly recommended!

Piazza Venezia – Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II

View from Terrazza delle Quadrighe – Piazza Venecia

Piazza Venezia – Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II

View from Terrazza delle Quadrighe

Terrazza delle Quadrighe

Trajans Forum – View from Terrazza delle Quadrighe

Another highlight of Rome is the Piazza del Campidiglio, a Roman Square located between Forum Romanum and Piazza Venezia. Climb up the stairs and admire this geometric lined square designed no less than Michaelangelo.

Piazza del Campidoglio

Day 3 in Rome

Circus Maximus & Bocca della Verità

There is not much left of the Circus Maximus, the ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium. Never mind, it’s really nice to walk along and imagine the massive events and huge chariot races which have taken place in that area. The Mouth of Truth is just near the famous Circus Maximus. The legend has been that if you put your hand in the mouth and tell a lie, your hand will be chopped off.

Bocca della Verità

Circus Maximus

Trastevere

Trastevere is a lovely neighborhood beyond the Tiber River and one of the most cutest districts to explore. There are beautiful streets for strolling around and nice coffee places to take some breaks. Also there a plenty of fantastic restaurants to try some traditional foods in Italy! Don`t miss to walk up the hill, from where you will have some of the best city views. All in all, a pleasant place to spend an afternoon in Rome.

Piazza di Santa Maria – Trastevere

Trastevere

Ponte dei Quattro Capi

Trastevere

Fontana dell’Acqua Paola

Villa Borghese Park & Spanish Steps

When we go on city trips, we love to wander around a lot. Especially the Villa Borghese Park is a fantastic place to relax after long hours of sightseeing. Also, the Galleria Borghese is a wonderful attraction in Rome and different collections of paintings and sculptures are exhibited there.

Villa Borghese Park – Temple of Asclepius

Borghese Park

Trinità dei Monti

Viewpoint to the the Eternal City

Near the park there is the lovely Trinità dei Monti church which is located at the top, leading to the famous Spanish Steps. From the very top steps you definitely will marble at the picturesque Roman Scenery. Obviously, the 135 steps can be a bit challenging but as it is one of Rome’s top attraction it’s worth it.

Spanish Steps @Sazonov Vladimir – stock.adobe.com

Day 4 in Rome

Via Appia

To escape the city stress, we highly suggest a visit to the ancient Via Appia. Via Appia is one of the earliest roads of the ancient Rome and was a connection to the smaller regions of greater Rome. Along that road, different sights, such as Mausoleums, Catacombs, temples and other remains of the Ancient Rome can be explored. To explore the 18 km of history, you have to take some time and so the entire fourth day in Rome is reserved for that excursion. It’s a real pleasure driving with a bike along this ancient path and inhaling the great historic atmosphere there. Regular bikes or even electrical bikes can be rented at many of the cafes and restaurant.

Tip: Because the Via Appia Antica is located at the southern End of Rome you have to take the public bus. The best option to go there is the bus Nr. 118 – From Colosseum to Via Appia. To explore the 18 km road, you should rent a bicycle.

Via Appia – Bicycle tour

Via Appia

Where to Stay in Rome?

There are so many different places for where to stay in Rome. From inexpensive hostels to apartments, boutique hotels or the absolute best luxury hotels, everything is available. Everyone can be sure to find the perfect place to stay. If you are still looking for a recommendable accommodation in Rome, we can give you these accommodation tips…it’s worth a look!

Budget Hostel: Backpacker love the RomeHello with the central location and the underground station right next to the hostel. It’s a fantastic possibility for planning a budget friendly stay!
B&B: The Relais 155 Guest House is a small and affordable guest house with lovely hosts, good breakfast and clean rooms.
4-Star Hotel: The Hotel Degli Artisti is conveniently located to quickly reach many attractions in Rome. Breakfast is fantastic, and you can enjoy a great atmosphere on the roof terrace.
5-Star Hotel: The Hotel Splendide Royal is a beautiful and elegant 5-star hotel, close to Villa Borghese and within walking distance of the Spanish Steps and many other highlights of the city.

More Infos about spending 4 days in Rome

Planing a trip with your family? Here is a complete guide about visiting Rome with kids.
Discover Rome with this complete guide about the 47 interesting facts about Rome!
Skip the line at Vatican and Colosseum: To safe time, book the tickets for the Vatikan and Colosseum in advance – they are on the list of the most famous landmarks in Europe and therefore highly visited!
When visiting Rome: This city is all year around worth a visit. Even Rome in January is recommended! For the best travel times, check out this guide about the best time to visit Rome.
Where to eat in Rome: Check out the quick guide for visiting Real Rome Restaurants
You are planning a visit to Italy and you are not sure where to go? Check out the best places to visit in Italy
We also recommend visiting these rooftop bars in Rome

Rome is an awesome city and, as you can see there plenty of things to see and to do. All in all, 4 days in Rome is the perfect amount of time to explore the Eternal City and to make the most of your trip.

More about Italy:

In blog 2. July 2023

Ait-Ben-Haddou: Guide for Morocco’s famous Ksar

Ait-Ben-Haddou in Morocco is a beautiful, fortified village in the southeast of the country and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The small town was built around 1,000 years ago and was an important point along the caravan route back then. Today, Ait-Ben-Haddou is one of the most visited attractions in Morocco and probably the most attractive stop on round trips across the country. Due to its unique architecture and incredibly magical ambience, Ait-Ben-Haddou has already served as a movie set for many well-known films. Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and Lawrence of Arabia were all filmed here, for example! Yes, a visit to this pretty village is worthwhile, and so every Morocco traveler should have seen the largest Kasbah in the country.

In this travel guide, we give you all the essential info about Ait-Ben-Haddou in Morocco. In addition, we show you amazing pictures, and give tips about how to get there, accommodation and the most beautiful viewpoints of the mud city.

Good to know!

Many visit Ait-Ben-Haddou on a guided day or multi-day tour. On GetYourGuide you can find unforgettable excursions, which usually include other attractions of southern Morocco on the program.

You can definitely explore Ait-Ben-Haddou by yourself with a rental car. A perfect itinerary for a road trip through Morocco should not be without a stop in the famous fortress town!

Half a day in Ait-Ben-Haddou is enough. However, if you want to experience the desert village at sunset and enjoy the surroundings, you better should plan 1 or 2 nights.

If you are still looking for a very special accommodation, we can recommend the very charming Riad Caravane, with a fabulous breakfast and a nice pool.

Ait Ben Haddou

General info about Ait-Ben-Haddou

Ait-Ben-Haddou, or also known as Aït Benhaddou, is a famous fortified mud town at the shore of the Atlas Mountains, about 30 kilometers from the city of Ouarzazate. The town sits proudly on a hill overlooking the barren landscape, and the river Asif Mellah conjures up a picture-perfect backdrop at the gates of the old town. The historic center of the town, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1987, is particularly impressive. At the top of the hill above the fortified old town is the 17th century fortress, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the region!

The construction of the brown-red town houses is considered a special feature. Thus, the old mud houses were built close together and sometimes even nested inside each other. Some historic town dwellings are still in good condition and can also be visited from the inside.

In addition, Ait-Ben-Haddou served as the location for many films. Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Asterix and Obelix, Aladdin, Prince of Persia, the Mummie, The Hills Have Eyes II, Babel, Alexander and Laurence of Arabia are just a few of the most famous!

Ait Ben Haddou

How to get to Ait-Ben-Haddou from Marrakech

Ait-Ben-Haddou is about 180 kilometers southeast of Marrakech and can be reached either by rental car or on a guided tour. Actually, the journey from Marrakech to Ait-Ben-Haddou is fantastically beautiful. Your trip will lead over the High Atlas and past the Tizi n Tichka Pass. You will enjoy grandiose landscapes, a unique mountain world and finally reach the beautiful south of Morocco. If you love taking pictures, then you should allow yourself enough time to drive over this panoramic mountain road.

Atlas Road from Marrakech

View to High Atlas Mountains

Red colored rocks at Tiz Imguer

By car we drove from Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains towards the city of Ouarzazate and on to Ait-Ben-Haddou. The way is the goal, and so it is on this panoramic road. After Marrakech, the landscapes begin to change rapidly, and you marvel at the lush greens that conjure up a breathtaking backdrop. In time, the road begins to rise and you pass the first rustic mountain villages of the Atlas Mountains.

Tip: Make sure you take a break in the café at Tiz Imguer! From there you have a great view of the red rocky mountains and the wide valley. With a little luck, you can see some meerkats here.

Driving the High Atlas Mountain Road

Village – High Atlas Road

High Atlas Road – Morocco road trip

High Atlas Road

Further, the road will take you up to the Atlas mountains and finally, you will get to the Tizi n Tichka Pass. Many amazing photo opportunities and viewpoints can be found right next to the road. One more reason why it is worthwhile to explore Morocco by car. Once at the top, you can admire the High Atlas with its breathtaking white peaks. This zigzag road goes up to 2260 meters. If you are interested in minerals, then you are definitely in the right place because along the Atlas Street there are always stones for sale.

Stone sellers – High Atlas Mountain

Tizi n Tichka Pass – High Atlas

After Tizi n Tichka Pass, as the mountain descends, the landscape changes dramatically again. Dry hills, huge rock formations and ancient kasbahs are the heralds of the Sahara. The area around Ait-Ben-Haddou is already very dry and suddenly, as if from nowhere you can already spot the first camels.

Village on the way to Ait-Ben-Haddou

Altas Road Morocco

Rocky stone formation – Road to Ait-Ben-Haddou

Village at Atlas Road near Ouarzazate

Viewpoint – Atlas Road

Camel ride – Atlas Mountain

Atlas Mountain Road

Things to Do in Ait-Ben-Haddou

Taking a walk is the perfect thing to do for exploring the beautiful mud city Ait-Ben-Haddou. As you cross the river, you’ll get an idea of this spectacular city. Walking inside the huge Kasbah, you have the opportunity to explore some of the old houses from the inside. The entrance fee of these small museums often costs only 1 Euro and gives an exclusive insight into the life of earlier times.

Ait Ben Haddou

Ksar Ait-Ben-Haddou

Inside Ait-Ben-Haddou

Ait Ben Haddou

Ait-Ben-Haddou Inside

On the way to the top of the village Ait-Ben-Haddou you will find plenty of souvenir shops, some restaurants and really lovely cafés. Some of these are really popular spots for Instagram shots. In former days, this fortified town was huge, and it’s hard to believe that 2,500 people lived here until 50 years ago. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with an incredible view over the barren desert landscape. This is, in our opinion, the best part of the tour. You can see all over the valley along the village, the many beautiful clay buildings, rocky lunar landscapes to the white peaks of the Atlas Mountains. One can imagine the Berber life 1000 years ago.

Inside Ait-Ben-Haddou

Viewpoint to the desert

Viewpoint Ait Ben Haddou

Viewpoint

Small Souk at Ait-Ben-Haddou

Viewpoint

Entrance to Ait-Ben-Haddou

Best Viewpoints of Ait-Ben-Haddou

The entire panorama of this village is just amazingly beautiful, and the colors of the city change depending on the time of day. Ait-Ben-Haddou offers wonderful photo opportunities at morning-lights, and not only professional photographers can look forward to taking unique pictures here.

Tip: The best views of Ait-Ben-Haddou are from one of the many rooftop hotels and accommodations around the desert city.

Mint tea at Ait-Ben-Haddou

Famous Movies

No wonder this magical place has become that famous. Because Ait-Ben-Haddou served as a movie set of many Hollywood strips. Here are a few of the movies filmed there: Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Asterix and Obelix, Aladdin, Prince of Persia, The Mummie, The Hills Have Eyes II, Babel, Alexander, Laurence of Arabia and many more.

Admission and Opening Hours

The entrance to Ait-Ben-Haddou is completely free. A small admission fee is only for visiting certain private museums. There are no official opening times, so you can visit the town at any time. But especially nice are exploration tours in the late afternoon or early morning, when most of the tourists are gone.

Trips from Marrakech to Ait-Ben-Haddou

Certainly, you can also join a guided tour from Marrakech to visit the mud city of Ait-Ben-Haddou. Either day tours, but also multi-day tours with a subsequent visit to the desert in Merzouga or Zagora are offered. On GetYourGuide you will find a wide range of excursions.

Where to Stay in Ait-Ben-Haddou

In Ait-Ben-Haddou you can find really charming small hotels to stay in. We would recommend that you choose a Kasbah directly in the mud city or, even better, an accommodation with a view of the beautiful mud city. Having breakfast in such an ambience is unbeatable. Here are the hotel tips for Ait-Ben-Haddou…It’s worth a look!

Kasbah in the Old Town: The Kasbah Tebi is romantically located directly in the old town center of Ait Ben Haddou. In the evening there is no electricity, only a sea of candlelight. A secret tip!
Hotel with pool: The beautiful accommodation Paradise of Silence inspires its guests with great rooms, a pool and really delicious cuisine!
Kasbah with a View: As a budget alternative, we can recommend Chez Brahim. The view of the mud city from the roof terrace is simply incredible.

Find the best accommodation in Ait-Ben-Haddou:

Booking.com

3 Days in Vienna Itinerary: Travel & Sightseeing Guide

Planning your Vienna itinerary and looking for the highlights, attractions and the best things to do in Vienna ? Here you will find our suggestion for amazing 3 days in Vienna! We show you what you can experience in two, three or more days and which attractions you should not miss on any visit. On top of that, there are lots of travel tips, we reveal the most beautiful places in the city and grandiose viewpoints, as well as real insider tips that certainly not everyone knows! Whether it’s your first trip to the Austrian capital or you’ve visited this beautiful city before, with this perfect Vienna itinerary your short trip will be unforgettable.

In this travel guide we are going to share our ultimate 3 days in Vienna itinerary for an unforgettable city trip and additionally we show you the best attractions while staying in this wonderful Austrian city.

Good to know!

If you are searching for particularly beautiful accommodations and hotels in Vienna, then we can recommend the hip Hotel Altstadt Vienna. This boutique hotel inspires with a lot of attention to detail and delicious breakfast!

Vienna is the city of unforgettable experiences! A classical concert evening, a market visit with tasting, a coffee house tour or a cooking class are just a few cool things you can also find online on GetyourGuide.

If you are in Vienna for 3 days, then it is definitely worth buying a 72-hour ticket of the Wiener Linien. This ticket is valid in all trams, buses and subways of Vienna and brings you easily to the most popular attractions of the city.

Did you know that Vienna is only 45-minutes away from Bratislava and is easily accessible by boat or train. Therefore, many combine their Vienna city trip with sightseeing to the most beautiful attractions in Bratislava.

Vienna Itinerary, DAY 1

Start your Vienna trip with exploring the beautiful Belvedere Palace and the magnificent baroque gardens. At first walk from the Upper Belvedere down to the Lower Belvedere and enjoy the outstanding beautiful scenery. We really loved the flower gardens and the reflecting pool in front of the palace. Even though the Belvedere is one of Vienna’s most impressive palaces, at morning time you will have all the area nearly to yourself. In case you are a fan of art you definitely should consider a visit of the Belvedere museums too: A permanent exhibition at the Upper Belvedere displays among others the world-famous Klimt´s Kiss.

Tip: Right nearby is the “Stöckl im Park”, a fantastic restaurant with a wonderful Viennese flair and delicious schnitzel.

Belvedere Palace

At early lunch time we recommend a visit to Vienna’s most popular market, the Naschmarkt which is just a short walk from Karlsplatz. Make a stop at the St. Charles Church, an eye-catching religious building with a magnificent blue cupula. Not just in summer, but also in winter the Karlsplatz is really worth a visit at this time a traditional Christmas market is taking place in front of the church.

Karlsplatz

Without a doubt, the Naschmarkt is one of the coolest places for where to eat in Vienna and a popular meeting point for young and old. In generally, the market has around 120 market stands and restaurants, selling exotic products and delicacies from all over the world.

Naschmarkt

The Ringstrasse is a 5,3 km long road that circles Vienna’s city centre. On that street, you are going to pass some of the most remarkable and breath-taking buildings of the town. The most noteworthy sights are the Parliament, the City Hall, the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) and the Burgtheater. A lovely option is to tour the Ringstrasse on the tourist Ring Tram or you can also catch the public city tram (Nr.1 & Nr. 2).

Ringstrasse

Volksgarten

Vienna City Hall (Rathaus)

Hofburg

If you have some time left we recommend a visit inside the glorious Burgtheater. You can visit this theatre without seeing a performance by taking a guided tour (daily 15:00). There you will learn a lot about the fascinating history of the Burgtheater and you will get a look behind the scenes. On top you are going to see the breath-taking beautiful grand staircase and the famous ceiling paintings by Gustav Klimt.

Burgtheather

Burgtheater

Burgtheather

For the evening we round of our first day of sight-seeing with a visit to Vienna’s amusement park the Prater. Why not dine out at the Schweizerhaus restaurant for tasting some traditional Austrian food. It is famous for serving the best Schnitzel in Vienna!

For entering the Wiener Prater you won`t have to pay any entrance fee, you just have to pay for the attractions you would like to ride. Even if you are not that kind of adrenal junkie you will love exploring the nostalgic Prater with its unique atmosphere. Recommended is a ride with the Giant Ferries Wheel which is Vienna’s landmark.

Vienna Prater (Wiener Prater)

Prater

Vienna Ghost House

Vienna Prater

Vienna Itinerary, DAY 2

A trip to Vienna won’t be complete without visiting one of the numerous museums. Actually, we loved visiting the Museum of Natural History. The huge museum exhibits over 30 million objects and we had been fascinating by the dimension. Also, the Art History museum located at the opposite is well worth seeing. Absolutely interesting is the MuseumsQuartier, spreading over 90,000m2 encompassing 60 cultural institutions.

Natural History Museum

MuseumsQuartier

If you are around also take the chance to look inside the Palace of Justice! Step inside and you will find yourself in one of the most impressive locations you will find in Vienna. The grand staircase dominates the huge hall and the imposing interior will take your breath away! Most of the people don`t know that the building is open for the public and the entrance is for free. Furthermore from the roof-top Cafè you will have an amazing view.

Palace of Justice – Vienna

Rooftop – Vienna

After spending the morning inside a museum, you should hit off to see the world-famous Lipizzaner horses. Best you cross the picturesque square Michaelaplatz to buy tickets for the Spanish riding school. Just take a rest at the baroque square and watch the traditional Vienna Fiaker passing by. Visiting the white Lipizzaner show was just lovely. It was so interesting to watch the horsemanship accompanied by classical music. Good to know: This noble horse and the traditional stallions can be seen for free, just peep in at Reitschulgasse 2.

Vienna Michaelerplatz

Spanish Riding School

Another must do in Vienna is a visiting an original Viennese coffee house. You are going to find plenty of them inside Vienna’s Old town. All along, the Viennese coffee house is a typical institution of Vienna that plays an important role in Viennese culture. Have a break, enjoy a delicious “Melange” coffee and soak in this elegant and very specific atmosphere.

Traditional Viennese Coffee House

Later, we recommend to have a look inside the Austrian National Library, the State Hall. The imposing baroque hall impressed us a lot! More than 200.000 tomes are exhibited and four picturesque Venetian baroque globes grace the ancient library.

State Hall of the Austrian National Library

Most surprising for us was the visit inside the Imperial Crypt also named the Capuchin Cryp. That place contains the bodies of the Habsburg rulers: 149 Habsburgs, including 12 emperors as well as 19 empresses and queens, have their final resting inside the crypt. Popular examples are Franz Joseph I., Empress Elisabeth and Crown Prince Rudolf and visitors can observe their magnificent free-standing tombs.

Imperial Crypt

Capuchin Crypt (Imperial Crypt)

Don`t leave the town without window shopping at the Graben, the Kohlmarkt and the Kärntnerstraße, Viennas most exclusive shopping streets! Even if you don`t likes shopping, walking down the Graben street towards the St. Stephen´s Cathedral. With its beautiful architecture like the Peterskirche the short walk is really pleasureable.

Vienna Shopping Street

Kohlmarkt – Michaelaplatz

Graben – Shopping Street

Peterskirche

St. Stephen´s Cathedral is one of the main attractions of Vienna and the inside as well as the outside are worth a visit. But also recommendable is the view from the top of the Cathedral. You are going to have the best view of Vienna at the northern tower (Pummerin).

St. Stephen’s Cathedral – North Tower

As few of the main sights are located along the Ringstrasse, for example, the Opera house and the Burggarten. Take a break at the wonderful Palmenhouse at Burggarten and enjoy the picturesque scenery. As soon as the sun goes down head of to see the Opera house: At night the Opera is stunningly lit and looks drop-dead gorgeous!

Burggarten

Vienna State Opera

Vienna Itinerary, DAY 3

After breakfast, set off to Schönbrunn Palace! Because it’s Austria’s most visited tourist attraction you should be there early. That’s why at morning time you will find a calm and peaceful location. Take a stroll along the magnificent Schönbrunn Gardens and inhale the grand imperial atmosphere. Also you shouldn’t miss to walk up to the Gloriette and get rewarded with one of Vienna’s most breathtaking views. Take some time to explore the Schönbrunn Palace. We had been surprised about all the picturesque smaller gardens, fountains and statues.

Schönbrunn Palace

Gloriette

There’s even a Palmenhaus and the world’s oldest zoo, the Schönbrunn Zoo to explore. The entire area is part of the imperial summer residence and is even listed as an UNESCO world heritage site. The palaces itself is enormous, with a total of 1,441 rooms. Certain parts of the castle and exhibitions can be visited.

Schönbrunn – Palmenhaus

If you are interested in outstanding architecture you should definitely go and see the popular Hundertwasserhouse. This architectural masterpiece was designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser and constructed between 1983 – 1985. You have to know that The Hundertwasserhouse can only be viewed from outside but the exterior façade draws attention to itself and gives a fantastic foto motif.

Hundertwasser House

Where to Stay in Vienna

There is a huge range of brilliant accommodation in Vienna. From cheap backpacker hostels, to vacation apartments, to boutique hotels or absolute luxury hotels, everything is represented. If you are still looking for a recommended place to stay in Vienna, then we can give you these accommodation tips on the way…it’s worth a look!

Backpacker Hostel: The Vienna Boutique Hostel is a real insider tip for Vienna. Not only does the unique interior inspire, but the location in one of Vienna’s trendy districts is also ingenious!
Apartments: The apartments of JOYN Vienna convince with modern furnishings, good equipment and fantastic location at the main station.
3-star Hotel: The Motel One Wien-Staatsoper is the top address for a budget and at the same time stylish stay in the heart of Vienna.
4-star Hotel: Really nice is the Altstadt Vienna, a boutique hotel with individually designed rooms, very good breakfast and afternoon snack.

Hotel Altstadt Vienna

Tip: Flight tickets to Vienna can be easily found at Skyscanner or Kiwi. If you like to learn more about traveling in Central Europe, you should check out “the epic central europe itinerary“.

Find the best accommodation in Vienna:

Booking.com

More about Austria:

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. Meaning that if you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Transparency: For this stay we were invited by Hotel Altstadt Vienna. As usual, our opinion remains unaffected.

In blog 6. May 2023

Hallstatt, Austria | Best Attractions & Places to Visit

Hallstatt, Austria: Best Attractions & Places to Visit

Hallstatt in Austria is a breathtaking beautiful village in the Dachstein Salzkammergut region and one of the most famous tourist attractions in Austria. Located next to the idyllic Lake Hallstatt, this small town with only 750 inhabitants enchants visitors from all over the world. Above all, Hallstatt is known for the incredibly spectacular location between high mountains and the mystical lake. Together with the Dachstein Mountain and the inner Salzkammergut, Hallstatt is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Therefore, there are wonderful attractions and places to visit on a holiday and also the area around Hallstatt has countless memorable activities and highlights to offer.

This is a comprehensive travel guide for people visiting Hallstatt in Austria. Here we show you the best things to do in Hallstatt and around. What are the best activities, the best viewpoints and ultimate photo spots?

Lake Hallstatt

Best Attractions in Hallstatt, Austria

In Hallstatt, there are really wonderful attractions to discover. Here you can stroll through a picturesque old town, admire the old wooden houses, a beautiful market square and enjoy an unbelievable view from the Hallstatt Skywalk. But the salt mines are also worth seeing. Here are the best things to do in Hallstatt, which shouldn’t be missed on any trip to Austria.

Explore the Old Town

The special thing about Hallstatt in Austria is definitely the exceptionally beautiful old town, which owes its existence to the rich salt deposits of the region. In the past, until the end of the 19th century, due to its extraordinary location, this place could only be reached by boat or by foot. The pretty old wooden houses built close to each other are densely embedded between the high mountains and the beautiful Lake Hallstatt, which is regarded as one of the prettiest lakes in Austria! A panorama like the one you know from postcards – no wonder that Hallstatt is probably the most photographed in Austria.

Tip: On a guided photo tour you have the opportunity to explore the historic center off the beaten track and, at the same time, you can take professional pictures of Hallstatt!

Lake Hallstatt

Hallstätter Lake

During a visit to Hallstatt, you should not miss out on a walk through the centre. In addition to that, explore the small side streets of the old town, there are many attractions to discover. The best thing to do is just to stroll around and see the secret corners of the old town. In small shops you can buy all sorts of gifts and souvenirs but also art works and crafts, natural products and sweets, such as gingerbread are offered in Hallstatt.

Tip: If you fancy something different, you can rent a pretty dirndl in Hallstatt and then explore the lovely town in the traditional Austrian costume.

Hallstatt

Hallstatt – Winter

Hallstatt Market Square

One of the most famous attractions in Hallstatt and a popular motif of many travel pictures is the historic market square with the beautiful Trinity Column. Especially lovely are the many colorful houses, which are decorated with magnificent flowers in summer. There is always something going on at Hallstatt’s marketplace and whether in summer or in winter, plenty of events take place. For example, every year in December there is the Hallstatt Christmas market. In spring, the Corpus Christi procession takes place on the market square.

Tip: For an exceptional holiday in Hallstatt we recommend the Seehotel Grüner Baum – one of the best hotels on Lake Hallstatt. It is located in the center, right on the market square, and at the same time it is situated directly on the beautiful lake.

Market Square

Cemetery and the “Bone House”

One of the most interesting places to visit in Hallstatt is definitely the “Beinhaus” – translated the bone house – next to the cemetery. Located on a hill, from the parish church of the Assumption (Maria am Berg) you will enjoy a fabulous view of Hallstatt and Lake Hallstatt. Right next to it is the idyllic cemetery of Hallstatt and the Bone House of the small Michaelskapelle.

The special feature of Hallstatt’s Beinhaus are the many colorful painted skull bones. Around 600 of these ornate and labelled bones were picked up in the Ossuary. Some are from the 8th century, and some even date back to the 20th century. The reason: The cemetery in Hallstatt is quite small and so graves had to be reused for new funerals. Bones that were found were brought to the Bone House. There they got some kind of second funeral. For reasons of piety, we do not show you any photos here.

Hallstatt – Cemetery

St.Michael Church

Taking photos from Hallstatt Viewpoint

Who does not know the world-famous photos of Hallstatt: The magnificent view of the idyllic village with the beautiful church, the wonderful Lake Hallstatt and the mountains as a backdrop? Nowadays, it is the most photographed attraction in Austria. No matter what time of year, be it spring, summer, autumn or winter – this view will not only delight photographers and Instagrammers.

Tip: Here at the Hallstatt Viewpoint, there is always a hustle and bustle. But if you come when the sun starts to rise, you can enjoy this beautiful scenery with much more peace.

Hallstatt

World Heritage Skywalk & Salt Mines

A visit to the Hallstatt Skywalk, the so-called “World Heritage Skywalk“, is really impressive and absolutely recommended. This attraction is located on the Salzberg, about 360 meters above the roofs of Hallstatt. From this vantage point, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Hallstatt, the old town and the spectacular mountains of the Salzkammergut. The Skywalk can either be reached comfortably by the funicular railway or active people hike up 1 hour to reach the World Heritage Skywalk.

On the Salzberg, in addition to the excellent view, there is another important attraction of Hallstatt waiting for you: the salt mines. Already around 7,000 years ago, the white gold was mined here in the region. Guided tours through the salt mines are offered here every day. A great experience for old and young.

Skywalk Hallstatt – World Heritage View

Skywalk – World Heritage View

Attractions in the area near Hallstatt

The Hallstatt – Dachstein Salzkammergut region has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1997 and offers some wonderful places to visit; enough to spend several days in Hallstatt. Especially nature lovers, sports and outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the Salzkammergut. Here are the best attractions that make the area around Hallstatt so unique:

Dachstein Krippenstein & 5-Fingers Skywalk

The mountains around Hallstatt are gorgeous. A real highlight is definitely a visit to the Dachstein Krippenstein. For that, it is best you take the cable car up to the mountain station at 2,100 meters above sea level. Up there are beautiful panoramic walks where you can enjoy a heavenly view of the Dachstein montain down to Lake Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut. The mountain landscape is just astonishing and very idyllic, and with a bit of luck, even a peaceful herd of sheep is running towards you.

Dachstein Krippenstein – Salzkammergut

Dachstein Krippenstein

Five Fingers

However, the most important attraction is the 5-Fingers Skywalk with its gigantic view down to the valley. This spectacular skywalk has the shape of a hand and was built an incredible 500 meters above a rocky slope. From this vantage point, you truly have the most exciting and fascinating view over the Salzkammergut and down to Hallstatt. To get to this 5 fingers platform, you should start at Krippenstein mountain station and take the fairly easy but still beautiful hike towards this viewpoint. The hike takes about 20–30 minutes, depending on how many photo stops you want to take.

Five Fingers Skywalk – Viewing Platform

Discover the Dachstein Ice Caves

Another fantastic place to visit near Hallstatt is the ice cave. The so-called Dachstein Giant Ice Cave is located in Obertraun below the Krippenstein. During a guided tour, visitors admire the underground ice landscapes, walk past huge ice formations and mighty ice chapels. In summer, this tourist attraction offers pleasant refreshment and even when it rains in Hallstatt a visit to the caves is the perfect excursion program.

Tip: The Dachstein Giant Ice Cave is closed in winter. It usually opens from the end of April to the end of October.

Dachstein Ice Cave – Krippenstein

Ice Cave Dachstein

Hiking at Löckermoos

A hike to the Löckermoos and the Loecker Lake Gosau is an unforgettable nature experience and an absolute insider tip for the Lake Hallstatt region! This beautiful high moor is located near Gosau, about 15 kilometers from Hallstatt. On a circular hike, you marvel at an intact nature system at an altitude of 1,400 meters above sea level and enjoy a brilliant view of the tines of the Gosaukamm.

Tip: The Löckermoos is gorgeous during sunrise, when the rising sun colors the mountain panorama in amazing pink variations.

Löckermoos Lake

If you want to take a break during your hike, the best place for a stopover is the Badstubnhütte. The dear hostess Linde takes special care of her guests!

Hiking tour Löckermoos moor – Gosau

Badstub’n Hütte Gosau – Löckermoos

Badstub’n Hütte Gosau

Lake Gosausee

In addition to Lake Hallstatt, the Lake Gosausee is another important natural attraction in Salzkammergut. This beautiful mountain lake enchants with a unique panorama. The view of the crystal-clear lake, the Dachstein and the surrounding mountains are simply breathtaking and beautiful. When the weather is good, Gosausee glows in the most beautiful blues and greens. In summer, you can enjoy really great hikes here. The Gosaukammbahn takes you up to the Zwieselalm. In winter, Gosau is a popular ski resort.

Tip: Due to its proximity to Hallstatt and the beautiful nature, Gosau is a popular holiday area. Very nice and located directly on the lake is the Gasthof Gosausee.

Lake Gosau

How do I get to Hallstatt

In order to get to Hallstatt, you have several options. The easiest way is to drive your own car or rent a car. With the car, you have the advantage of reaching the most beautiful places around Hallstatt quickly.

But also a journey by bus or train is possible. The quickest way to reach Hallstatt is by bus from Salzburg. If you want to come by train, then the Salzkammergutbahn takes you to Bad Goisern, Hallstatt and Obertraun.

If you would like to take the plane, then Salzburg would be the nearest airport to Hallstatt. A larger offer of flights might be found at Vienna airport or Munich airport. Cheap flights can be found on websites, such as Skyscanner.

Day Tours to Hallstatt

Certainly, you can also visit Hallstatt as part of a day trip. If you would like to join a guided tour, then there are some nice trips that you can go on from Salzburg. Also Austria’s capital, Vienna, offers various tours. Fantastic excursions can be found online, for example on GetyourGuide – there are helpful reviews, and you can book your favorite tour easily. Many of the excursions can be cancelled for free until 24 hours before the start.

Where to stay at Lake Hallstatt & Surrounding Areas

Getting accommodation in the old town is very popular and therefore more expensive. Cheap and good hotels can be found in the region around the lake, such as in Gosau or Bad Goisern. If you are looking for a great place to stasy in the Hallstatt region, we can recommend the following hotels and apartments:

Haus am See: The Haus am See is situated on the northern shore of Lake Hallstatt. Here you can enjoy a wonderful ambience, and it is only a 10 minutes’ drive to the old town.
Rustic-comfortable double rooms: The Welterbe-Wirtshaus Steegwirt near Bad Goisern offers really cosy and quaint rooms; a really great place to explore the wonderful Lake Hallstatt and its surroundings.
Great Hotel in Hallstatt: The Seehotel Grüner Baum is one of the best hotels in Hallstatt. Ingenious accommodation for an exceptional holiday at Lake Hallstatt!
Pension in Gosau: The Landhaus Koller in Gosau spoils its guests with a wonderful and idyllic location, a beautiful pool area and a delicious breakfast.

Conclusion: Hallstatt is one of the most amazing places to visit in Austria. Due to its wonderful attractions, the Hallstatt lake and the great opportunities for excursions in Salzkammergut, you can spend a few unforgettable days in the holiday region.

Find the best Accommodation at Lake Hallstatt:

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More about Austria:

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. Meaning that if you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

In blog 9. May 2022

Marrakech in 3 Days: An Itinerary for Marrakech

Marrakech, also known as Morocco’s red city, is the fourth biggest city of the country and one of the top cities to visit in Morocco. No matter if you are going there for a city trip or as a part of a Morocco road trip – the vibrant old town of Marrakech (Medina) will enchant you, that’s for sure. Enjoy the unique flair of the famous Djemaa el Fna square and watch the snake charmers’, acrobats’ and drummers’ show. Drink delicious mint tea inside the oriental Medina and explore Marrakech`s Old Town which is fully packed with history and culture. Don`t mind getting lost, there is a surprise around each corner. 3 Days in Marrakech is the perfect amount of time to explore all the best sights and places of this magical destination.

In this itinerary for Marrakesh you are going to read more about the most amazing things to see and the best sights that shouldn`t be missed. On top, we are going to provide you with some useful tips and hotel recommendations for your next city trip to Marrakech. Follow the itinerary to get the most out of your stay!

So let`s explore Marrakech! Here is our itinerary for 3 days in Marrakech.

Day 1 in Marrakech

The Medina – Old town Marrakech

The ancient walled old town named Medina is a narrow labyrinthine of alleys and oriental souks. Beneath each corner there is something interesting to see – so don`t mind getting lost. The medina is really mysterious, a bit noisy, with lots of hustle and bustle and so wonderful colorful and exotic. Full with history and culture, strolling around in is like stepping back in time and also many of the top sights of Marrakech are located inside the Medina. Getting lost inside the medina is the best start to explore the city.

Moulay El yazid Mosque – Medina

Bab Agnaou

Medina – old town

Medina – spice market

Medina – old town

Medina

El Badi Palace

Our first stop was the El-Badi Palast, an ancient ruined palace built at the end of the sixteenth century. We walked through the vast courtyard with its huge pools and the sunken gardens, where orange trees were blooming. Our Tip: When you climb up the ruined ramparts of the palace, you will get the most wonderful view of the medina on the one side and on the other side of the palace with the Atlas Mountain in the background.

El Badi Palace

Place des Ferblantiers

On your Way to El-Badi Palace and Bahia Palace you are likely to cross this place. There are some great shops selling traditional Moroccan hand crafts, souvenirs and aromatic spices. There is not too much hassle and we were amazed by all the beautiful Moroccan lamps!

Place des Ferblantiers

Bahia Palace

Not getting enough of exploring Marrakesh best sights, we went to the famous Bahia-Palace. The palace means „The Beautiful“ – and it’s truly an architectural beauty! For sure you will love the stunning mosaics and fascinating history about the palace of a former Grand Vizier. The Bahia Palace should not be missed – it’s a main attraction of Marrakesh.

Bahia Palace

Djemaa el Fna & the Snake Charmers

Visiting the Djemaa el Fna was quite an adventure! At daytime it’s the home of the Snake Charmers, Water Sellers, Story Tellers, and Henna Makers – at night the food stalls open and you will smell the delicious Moroccan cuisine.
It’s best to watch the goings-on at the sunset from one of the terrace cafes while enjoying a mint tea.

Snake Charmers – Djemaa el Fna

Djemaa el Fna

Marrakech

An amazing viewpoint you will find at the Le Grand Balcon Cafe Glacier!

Grand Balcon Cafe Glacier

Djemaa el Fna – Le Grand Balcon Cafe Glacier

Djemaa el Fna – sunset view from the Cafe Glacier

Day 2 in Marrakech

Jardin Majorelle – Majorelle Garden

The next day we left the medina to visit the Jardin Majorelle, but even though we arrived earlier, there were lots of people who were waiting to see the gardens. No wonder, it’s the most visited site in Morocco.
The Garden is just beautiful, a little oasis in the middle of the chaotic city. 300 different exotic plants, pretty fountains, cobalt blue colored bridges and buildings- this lovely place offers some fantastic photo motifs! Visiting the Majorelle Garden was our highlight of all the 3 days in Marrakesh!

Majorelle Garden & Jardin Majorelle

Majorelle Garden – Jardin Majorelle

Souks of Marrakech

The souks of Marrakesh are also located inside of the medina. We wandered around for a while just watching the ongoing spectacle, even if you are not up to buying something, it’s a great experience: The mixture of the smell of spices with the fume of the motorbikes, the butcher selling his meat next to the pottery stall, the shouts of the shop holders – donkey wagons on the buzzling tiny streets.

Our Tip: Try to bargain and never take the first price. You can bargain up to 1/3 of the first price!

Medina – Souks

Souk of Marrakech

Medina

Medina – old town

Medina – Souks of Marrakech

Souks of Marrakech

Medina – Souk – Old town

Souk of Marrakech

Medina

Souk of Marrakesh

Koutoubia Mosque

Nearby the Souks and just next to Djemaa el Fna, you will find the Koutoubia Mosque- Marrakesh largest Mosque. This eye-catching building, the minaret is built about 70 meters from the ground, is surrounded by a beautiful huge garden area. The mosque is closed for Non-Muslims, but can be visited with guided tours.

Koutoubia Mosque

Booking.com

Day 3 in Marrakech

Medersa Ben Youssef & Dar Bellarj

The last day of our stay in Marrakech, we got up early again to make the most of the day. First, we visited the Medersa Ben Youssef, a historic Islamic school. This magnificent building with its stuccowork and wood carving is a must see in Marrakesh. Take your time to explore this masterpiece! We stayed there quite a long time to enjoy the incredible architecture and the stuccowork. Our tip for photographers: for good shots, it’s better to come early in the morning.

Medersa Ben Youssef

3 days in Marrakech – Medersa Ben Youssef

Dar Bellarj

Menara Gardens

After some refreshing orange juice, we went to see the Menara Gardens. It’s a lovely place to see. We rounded the big pool and watched the locals enjoying their day. Some children jumped into the water, some guys played guitar and families were having picnicks. It was really relaxing and different from the hectic city life in the old town of Marrakesh. Entrance to the gardens is free but it’s located a bit outside so you have to go by taxi.

Menara Gardens – Jardin Manara

New Town

Actually, the new city of Marrakech is really cool and modern and a contrast to the old city. It’s very new and modern with plenty of shops like H&M, Zara, Starbuck and McDonalds there. Our Tip: Get some delicious ice-cream from the famous 16 Cafe – it’s known to serve the best desserts in town!

What to eat/drink in Marrakech

We loved to eat Moroccan food, the tajines are delicious. Tajine is a traditional meal, named after the special pot in which it is cooked. Try the kefta tajine (meatballs in an egg and tomato sauce) and the lemon tajine (chicken, olives and citrus fruits). And what to drink: Mint tea! Green tea, blended with fresh mint and plenty of sugar. And freshly squeezed orange juice – it’s best in Morocco!

Traditional fresh Mint Tea

Beef Tajine – Traditional food

Where to stay in Marrakech

Riad Dar Fangui was actually a good choice for starting our Morocco trip. It’s located in the center, with a nice rooftop terrace, charming rooms and a budget price. After checking in, our host served us some delicious traditional mint tea – we immediately felt welcome. The terrace had a fantastic view to the roofs and the nearby Moulay El yazid Mosque, so we stayed there for a while just to relax.

NOTE: Fresh mint tea is the welcome drink in Morocco –and it’s a part of the Moroccan hospitality.

Riad Dar Fangui

The Riad Irene is a real oasis in this chaotic city – it was so calm and peaceful. Actually it is our favorite hotel in Marrakesh. Incredibly, there’s a big banana tree growing from just inside this place! The rooms are just beautiful with lot of details and the rooftop terrace was really cozy. Pascal and Irene, the hosts, were just amazing, providing useful information and insider tips of Marrakesh to their guests. Every morning we were spoiled with a fantastic breakfast – with freshly squeezed orange juice, yoghurt, cake and delicious milk coffee.

Riad Irene – Marrakech

PlacesOfJuma – Insider Tips Marrakesh

Where to stay in Marrakesh: Choose one of the typical Moroccan style riads – there is a wide range of different types in all price classes.
Negotiate prices: Try to bargain – never take the first price. You can bargain up to 1/3 of the first price! You should bargain in souks and with the taxi prices
Avoid Ramadan: most restaurants and lots of shops will be closed at daytime.
Best travel time Morocco: Spring and autumn are the most popular times to visit. The weather is the most pleasant at this time.
Best views of Marrekesh: Visit one of the rooftop cafes at the Djemaa el Fna!
Photography: Marrakech is a great place for photography – but at the Djemaa el Fna you have to pay for taking pics with the snake charmers or other artists.
European food: If you fancy eating some European food you should visit the New City of Marrakesh. There you can find pizza, ice-cream, burger and lots of different stores.
Shopping in Marrakesh: There are huge souks inside of the Medina, where you can buy spices and morocccan souvenir. The big shopping malls are located in the New City.
Parking Marrakech: There are no parking possibilities inside the Medina, so we picked up our rental car the next day and started with our Morocco round trip. (Read more > Morocco roadtrip)
ATP-Tournament Grand Prix Hassan II takes place each year in March – for more information you can visit the ATP-Homepage.

Czech Republic Itinerary: Ultimate Road Trip

Czech Republic Itinerary: A Perfect Road Trip

The Czech Republic is a fantastic travel country, spoiled with culture, great architecture and amazing nature jewels. With around 2000 Castles, it is the most castle dense region in the world. The local food is more than delicious! You will feel like you’re in paradise if you are not a vegetarian. And do not miss the opportunity to try some of the world’s best beers! Our 12-day road trip through the Czech Republic was a wonderful experience and gave us the chance to see some of the best sights.

We had been to Praha years ago, but this summer we decided to explore some other parts of the Czech Republic. The Czech Republic road trip took us around 12 days and we visited some of the best places. So in this blog post we will share our perfect Czech Republic itinerary with you and give a useful overview if you are planning a trip there.

At the end of this Czech Republic road trip itinerary, you will find useful insider tips for your next visit! So let’s explore this outstanding country! Here is our Czech Republic Itinerary for a perfect road trip:

Cesky Krumlov

Day 1-2: Cesky Krumlov is one of the most beautiful small towns in Europe. Though most people just visit it for a day trip, we spent 3 days in this beautiful village and we didn’t get bored. The Historic Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Center, with beautiful bright-colored buildings, which give you great photo motives. From the Cesky Krumlov Castle you will have a brilliant view to the town below and also the view from the tower of the Castle is breathtaking. If you like art, you should absolutely visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum. The best goulash and beer we had in the Eggenberg Brewery – the stuff is a bit grumpy there, but the food is delicious. We recommend staying the night in the Hotel Myln, located just next to the river – sure you will love the view!

Cesky Krumlov

Old Town

Muzeum Loutek

Eggenberg Brewery

Krumlov Castle Tower

Hluboka Castle

Day 3: Visiting Hluboka Castle is like visiting a fairy tale and it’s known as one of the most beautiful castles in Czech Republic. The locals call it the Czech Neuschwanstein Castle! You should be there in the early morning to avoid the crowds. Actually, visiting the Hluboka Castle was a highlight at the Czech Republic road trip! Located only 170 metres from the Hluboka Castle is the Hotel Stekl, which is one of the best places to stay in this area.

Castle Hluboka, Czech Republic — Castle Hluboka

Heading to the Marianske Lazne, we came around to the Temelin nuclear power station – that was quite scary for us. In Austria we do not have any of them – and this one is one of the oldest and most unsecure in Europe. It looks giant with its 155 m high cooling towers.

Temelin – Nuclear Power Station

Marianske Lazne – Marienbad

Day 3-5: The Marianske Lazne town offers lovely parks and elegant, historical buildings. You shouldn’t miss the “singing fountain” next to the beautiful yellow baroque Colonnades. The different composition of the town’s numerous springs makes it the perfect place to treat a wide variety of ailments.

The Singing Fountain

The Parks of Marianske Lazne

Marianske Lazne

The Parks of Marianske Lazne

Marianske Lazne

The spa colonnade – Marianske Lazne

We loved our stay in the Danubius Hotels – the renovated old hotel was a hotspot of the aristocracy, so bathing in Roman style baths with its original red pillars from 1896 was a great experience! If you want to see the Roman baths you have to book a room in one of the Danubius Hotels in Marianske Lazne. They are all connected with a tunnel and you can use all the amenities.

Danubius Health Spa Resort – Marienbad

View from the balkony – Danubius Resorts

Original Roman baths – Danubius Resort

Karlovy Vary – Karslbad

Day 5-6: The main reason people are visiting this picturesque spa village is because of the healing hot drinking water. You will see plenty of people strolling around with a little cup with water in their hand. The water is for free, you can buy one of the pretty drinking cups and try it!
It’s beautiful to wander around the promenade, take some pics and eat some sweet typical Karlovy Vary wafers. For a special city view: There is a great photo spot next to villa Lützow. The lovely town has plenty of amazing historical buildings and hotels. Our favorite choice is the Hotel Ontario, which looks back upon a 150-year-long tradition!

Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary old town

Casino Royal (James Bond) – Emperor Spa

Karlovy Vary – drinking cups

Mill Colonnade – Karlovy Vary

Park Colonnade – Karlovy Vary

Orthodox Church of Saint Peter and Paul – Karlovy Vary

Villa Ritter

Mill Colonnade – Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary view from Villa Lützow

Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Day 7: With incredible sandstone rocks like the Pravcicka brana, the Bohemian Switzerland is a must-see in the Czech Republic. The main starting point for hiking is Hrensko – but don’t stay there for the night – it’s too crowded there. Our recommendation: Go with the car inside the park and stay in Mezna. It’s a quiet and an idyllic place, in the early morning you can even see deer. Mezna is perfectly next to the hiking round trail – so it’s a fantastic starting point too. Be aware that the Pravcicka brana opens at 10:00, it was not fun standing in front of closed doors because we had been too early. We would recommend going there in the late afternoon, to avoid the crowds and to have the best light for taking pics.

Pravcicka brana

Bohemian Switzerland National Park

Pravcicka brana

The roundtrip takes around 5 hours. You will pass the Edmunds Gorge with a boat. If you fancy to see more, you can extend your hike and visit the Wild Gorge. For the night we stayed at Penzion Na Vyhlídce, a lovely accommodation and great starting point for the walking trails.

Edmunds Gorge

We had some time left, so we did a half day excursion to Germany to visit the famous Bastei Bridge.

Bohemian Paradise – Cesky Raj

Day 8-9: Hiking in Cesky Ray was just wonderful. Dramatic rock formations located in deep shady forests– doped with the fairy tale castle Hrubá Skála. This castle, which is nowadays a hotel, was also our starting point for the hiking trail – there is a great roundtrip that takes about 3 hours when you’re walking. At best, you take a map in front of the castle! The Mariánská vyhlídka viewpoint features a fantastic view to Hruba Skala. You will find it on the yellow path. Another great viewpoint is the Vyhlídka na Kapelu –from where you can see a group of rocks called “Kapela”.

Hruba Skala – Viewpoint Mariánská vyhlídka

EA Zamecky Hotel Hruba Skala

Cesky Raj

Kapela – Viewpoint Vyhlídka na Kapelu

Hruba Skala – Cesky Raj

Kapela – Viewpoint Vyhlídka na Kapelu

Mala Skala

Prague

Day 10-12: It was our second time in Prague, and again it was a fantastic stay. Honestly, Prague is one of our favorite cities in Europe –a mix of culture, vibrant lifestyle and good food. Don’t miss the Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square with its Astronomical Clock. Also, really cool are the funky statues in Prague! Like the crawling baby statues or the statue of two guys peeing.

Tons of tourists pass the popular Charles Bridge every day, but just a few are going up to the Charles Bridge Tower. Up there is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Prague. From there you will have an outstanding city view.

Really worth a visit is also the John Lennon Wall, a fine example of surreal art in Prague

Tip: Check out this complete guide about the best Boutique Hotels in Prague!

Charles Bridge – Prague

Most Legii – Legion´s Bridge

Starometske namestíi

Prague Astronomical Clock – Staroměstské náměstí Prague

Charles Bridge Tower Prague

John Lennon Wall

Franz Kafka museum Prague

Prague Castle viewpoint

Karlstejn Castle

If you have some time left, you could also visit the Karlstejn Castle, 30 km from Prague. It’s a special looking Gothic Castle and with its blue roofs – it looks like out of a Disney Movie.

Karlstejn Castle – Czech Republic road trip itinerary

Karlstejn Castle – View from the golf course

Czech Republic Insider Tips

Where to eat: The best goulash you will get in the Eggenberg Brewery in Cesky Krumlov
What to drink: Beer, that’s for sure! The Czech Republic is well-known for its beer production. But there is also a great offer on wines. Check out this complete guide about Moravian wines!
Where to stay: Myln Hotel in Cesky Krumlov, The Danubios Hotel in Marianske Lazne, The Vienna House in Karlsbad
Souvenirs: Take some typical Czech Wafels from Mariankse Lazne or Karlovy Vary back home – in Prague you pay the triple price more for them
Bohemian Switzerland: It’s just next to Germany, so it would be possible to visit Leipzig and the Bastei Brigde.
Opening hours: The opening hours tend to be later than usual sometimes, so check them out before. Like the Pravcicka Brana have opening timings from 10:00-18:00.
Bohemian Paradise: The area is huge and there are a lot of hiking trails – if you want to see the rock formations you have to go the Hubra Skala. In front of the castle, you can buy a map.
Tours: Amazing day Tours from Prague to Bohemian Paradise and to Bohemian Switzerland NP can be booked at Prague Active.

More about Czech Republic:

In blog 9. November 2019

Montenegro Travel Guide: A Road Trip Itinerary!

Montenegro is a fantastic country to travel and especially for road trips! Therefore, in the last few years it became more and more interesting for travelers from all over the world. With an outstanding coast, picturesque old towns, stunning canyons, huge lakes and beautiful mountains, there are so many things to do in Montenegro and incredible beautiful places to explore. The prices are still moderate and the country is very safe. It’s the best to visit Montenegro by a road trip: Especially driving in Montenegro is safe, the streets are good and you are independent when you are traveling around by car.

At the end of this Montenegro itinerary, you will find some helpful insider tips! So let’s explore Montenegro by car! Here is our itinerary for a perfect road trip to the best attractions and beaches in Montenegro:

Montenegro Road Trip Itinerary – Coastal Region

Herceg Novi

Herceg Novi was our first stop of our Montenegro road trip. It’s a lovely and picturesque little coastal town located near Dubrovnik. After a long drive through Croatia, we spent a few hours there to relax and get some first impressions of Montenegro. We had a delicious coffee in the old main square, and after we took some time to explore the old town with its stunning old city walls.

Tip: Check out Things to do in Herceg Novi for more information about visiting this lovely town!

Herceg Novi – Square of Nikola Dzhurkovich

Herceg Novi – Church of Michael the Archangel

Herceg Novi – old town

Herceg Novi – view from Kanli Kula Fortress

Herceg Novi – The Church of St. Jerome

Herceg Novi

Perast

For the night, we went further to Perast. Perast is a cute old coastal town – with a lot of charm, some nice seaside restaurants and the wonderful view of the two famous islets, the Gospa od Škrpjela – Our Lady of the Rock and the island St. Georges. The picturesque island Gospa od Škrpjela is accessible by taxi boat from Perast, and definitely worth a visit! If you are looking for a wonderful place to stay, you should definitely check out the Monte Bay Retreat Hotel. It is situated in the hills above Perast and offers absolutely incredible views of Perast!

Perast viewpoint

Perast seafront – Restaurant

St. George island – Perast

Island Gospa od Skrpjela

Island Gospa od Skrpjela – Perast

Island Gospa od Skrpjela – Adriatic Coast

Peninsula Lustica

Our next stop was the beautiful peninsula Lustica. Lustica has some nice sandy beaches, and it is furthermore a fantastic starting point for excursions. From there we went to Kotor, Tivat, Cetinje and the Lovcen National Park. At Lustica you will find some great apartments for rent – we decided on a typical stone house for the next days.

Apartment Lustica

Peninsula Lustica – Beach

Lustica – Konoba Maestral

Kotor & Kotor Bay

Kotor in Montenegro is a must-see. There are plenty of hidden gems to discover. You can wander around for hours and soak in the remarkable atmosphere. Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and a very popular place in Montenegro – there a lots of tourists around in summertime. Best you explore the city in the early morning or in the evening, when the cruise ship tourists are back to their boats! The best viewpoint on Kotor Bay we found while driving by car on the road to Cetinje (road P1) – the scenery was just breathtaking. Actually, staying in Kotor for one or two nights is a great idea to get to know this lovely town.

Kotor Main Square – Old town

St. Tryphon Cathedral – Kotor

Kotor old town

Bay of Kotor

Cats of Kotor

Kotor old town

Kotor – Church of Sveti Luka

Bay of Kotor

Cetinje & Lovcen National Park

Cetinje is the old royal capital – it’s perfect to escape the tourist crowds and to get a more authentic Montenegro impression. The monastery is definitely lovely! We also highly recommend the Lovcen National Park with the stunning Njegos Mausoleum – which gives a fantastic photo spot!

Lovcen National Park (Njegos Mausoleum)

Lovcen

Court Church on Cipur – Cetinje

Cetinje Monastery

Cetinje

Montenegro road trip itinerary

Kotor Bay View – On the way to Cetinje

“The most beautiful contact between the earth and sea took place at the Montenegrin littoral” (Lord Byron)

Tivat

Near Kotor there is another top place you shouldn’t miss – Tivat with its Porto Montenegro. It’s a new and modern marina for luxury yachts – and now one of the hottest tourist spots in Montenegro. Cool place for a quick stop over!

Port of Tivat

Port of Tivat – Yachts

Sveti Stefan

After some exciting days, we left Lustica and drove in the direction Buljarica Beach, there we stayed for the next week to do some sunbathing and explore the surrounded area. Buljarica is not far from Budva, Sveti Stefan, Bar and Skadar Lake – so a great option to stay. For the evening, you should go to Petrovac, there you will find plenty of restaurants, ice cream shops and bars.

Sveti Stefan, which is also located next to the coastal road, probably gives one of the most famous photo motifs of Montenegro. Today, the island is home to a luxury resort – but there is a possibility to visit the beach. You have to know that the beach on the left side is for free – the beach on the right side is private, and you pay 50 Euros per person. One of the best views of Sveti Stefan offers the Hotel Adrovic!

Sveti Stefan

Queens Beach and Sveti Stefan beach: This outstanding places definitely belong to the most beautiful beaches in Montenegro.

Queens Beach (Sveti Stefan)

Sveti Stefan – Viewpoint

Budva

Budva is absolutely a hot spot for Russian Tourists – there are lots of luxury locations! The old town is more than charming and lots of beautiful beaches are in walking distance. If you take the coastal road you will get an incredible view down to the city. Here, is more about the best things to do in Budva!

Budva Beach – City Beach

Budva – Sveti Nikola

Jaz Beach (Budva)

Budva old town

Budva

Mogren beach – Budva

Mogren Beach (Budva)

Stari Bar

If you have some time left, you should definitely visit Stari Bar – a picturesque ruin city. Take some time to walk around, the location is wonderful calm and beautiful. Cheap and convenient parking is available if you come by car.

View to Stari Bar

Stari Bar – Old town of Bar

Stari Bar

Montenegro Road Trip – Northern Mountainous Region

Lake Skadar

On the last day in Buljarica we decided to visit Lake Skadar. It’s the largest lake in Southern Europe and if you are lucky, you can even see pelicans there. The most beautiful postcard view you will get at the Pavlova Strana viewpoint – a mind blowing place! You have to go to this beautiful place by car or by boat from Virpazar to Rijeka Crnojevica – from there it is 3.5 km to the viewpoint.

Driving by car is definitely the best possibility to explore this wonderful part of the lake. Then you will have the chance to stop at all the outstanding viewpoints and nature places. Visiting Lake Skadar and enjoying the incredible, beautiful landscapes is definitely one of the top highlights when you are on a road trip through Montenegro.

Skadarsko Jezero

Rijeka Crnojevica – Skadar Lake – Skadarsko Jezero

Rijeka Crnojevica – Skadar Lake

Skadar Lake National Park

Rijeka Crnojevica – Skadar Lake

Skadarsko Jezero

Skadarsko Jerzero

Rijeka Crnojevica – Skadarsko Jezero

Skadar Lake – Skadarsko Jezero – Rijeka Crnojevica

Moraca River Canyon

After two exciting weeks of exploring the coast, we headed off to the north, to Biogradska Gora and to the Durmitor National Park. The road is just amazingly beautiful. On the way, we passed the breathtaking Moraca Canyon and had a short stop visiting the Moraca Monastery. After 2.5 hours of driving by car, we arrived in Kolasin, where we stayed one night in a really comfortable and lovely apartment.

Moraca River – Canyon – Road to Kolasin

Moraca River Canyon – Near Kolasin

Moraca River – Canyon

Moraca Monastery – Moraca River

Moraca Monastery

Biogradska Gora National Park – Kolasin

The next day we did a fantastic hiking tour inside the Biogradska Gora National Park. There is a wonderful hiking trail – 3 hours, starting at the Biogradska Lake (Biogradsko Jezero). On the top you will have a fantastic view to the black lake and the strudl at the mountain hut was just amazing. The Biogradska Gora National Park is one of the oldest virgin forests in Europe – and home to a huge diversity of fauna and flora.

The best place to stay for the night is Kolasin.

Biogradska Gora National Park

Bear tracks at the Biogradska Gora National Park

Biogradska Gora National Park Mountain Hut

world’s best strudl – Biogradska Gora National Park

Flora and fauna – Biogradska Gora National Park

Biogradska Gora National Park

Flora and fauna – Biogradska Gora National Park

Biogradsko jezero – Biogradska Gora Lake – Kolasin

Tara River Canyon

The next day we went to Zabljak and next to the road you are going to find one of the world deepest canyons – the Tara Canyon – sure you can’t miss it. Rafting tours along the Tara River is one of the country’s most popular tourist activities. There are lots of nice places along the picturesque turquoise Tara River to take some break and to do great pics. Also beautiful is The Monastery of the Holy Trinity of Pljevlja – which is about 37 km from the Tara Canyon Bridge.

Tara River Canyon

Road to Zabljak – Tara River Canyon

Tara River Canyon – Road to Durmitor Nationalpark

Durdevica Bridge – Tara River Canyon

Tara River Canyon

Monastery of the Holy Trinity of Pljevlja

Durmitor National Park – Zabljak

Durmitor National Park has fantastic mountains for hiking and in the winter, it’s a popular ski area! It’s a real paradise for mountain-lovers and the nature has an incredible diversity. We loved the incredible Crno Jezero (Black Lake), it’s the largest and most visited part of the Durmitor National Park. We wished we had more time to explore this area – Durmitor National Park is a highlight of any road trip in Montenegro! If you would love staying longer in this area just check out the Hotel Soa, which is located very central.

Durmitor National Park – Zabljak

Durmitor National Park (Crno Lake)

Durmitor National Park – Zabljak

Durmitor National Park – Rabbit o the road

Crno Jezero – Durmitor National Park – Crno Lake

Ostrog Monastery

Visiting the monastery was our last stop on our Montenegro road trip . The Ostrog Monastery is the most popular pilgrim site of Montenegro. It’s built into rocky mountain cliffs, which gives an unforgettable impression. This place is really worth a visit and for sure one of the best things to see in Montenegro!

Ostrog Monastery

Driving in Montenegro

If you are planning a holiday in Montenegro and you would like to do lots of sightseeing, we recommend exploring the country by car. However, if you go by your own car or if you hire one in any case you will be much more flexible. The streets are well maintained, and the traffic isn’t that busy. At least one week or better more should be planned for visiting all the wonderful places and sights. Our tip: Rent your car in advanced and compare the prices! To be on the safe side, don’t forget to book a car insurance! Check out “Montenegro driving tips” for more information, and don’t miss reading this inspiring travel quotes for your next trip!

Road trip itinerary Montenegro – Insider Tips

Driving in Montenegro: If you are planning a journey, you should hire a car, you will be much more flexible. The streets are well maintained and the traffic isn`t that bussy.
Where to stay: Montenegro has a wide range of apartments for rent – so that’s a fantastic budget option. Also you will find lots of luxury hotels!
Skadar Lake: If you are looking for the famous instagram motif of Skadar Lake – don`t do the boat trip at Hotel Pelikan (Virpazar) – you have to go there by car. Arriving in Virpazar you have to turn left, take the road to Rijeka Crnojevića – boat trips are also offered there and it’s much more beautiful. (24 km – 50 min). The road is really impressive and there are lots of fantastic viewpoints.
What to wear: Note that in the North it’s much colder than in the South, even in June we found some snow on the mountains. So don`t forget to take some warm clothes with you.

In Morocco 10. April 2019

2 Weeks in Morocco: A perfect Road Trip Itinerary

Morocco – a really varied land with incredible things to see and lots of fantastic experience to make. This country impressed us a lot and still after 10 years of traveling together, it was an intense adventure there. Take some time for this country to see it and to feel it. “In Europe you have the watches, in Africa we have time” – make sure that you know: The clocks tick differently there! 2 weeks in Morocco is the perfect amount of time to hit the country’s best places like Morocco’s desert, the huge Oasis, the impressive mountainous region, oriental towns and the Atlantic Ocean. Certainly, we recommend to visit Morocco on a road trip – the people are always very helpful and the country is still very safe.

All in all, this self-drive road trip itinerary will help you planning a road trip to Morocco and to make sure that you make the best of your 2 weeks in Morocco. Additionally, you will get much useful information about how to travel on a budget, the best trip route and what are the best things to do in Morocco.

Road Trip in Morocco Itinerary: Self-drive and self-organized – let’s check out the 2 Weeks in Morocco itinerary:

Marrakech

Day 1-2 First stop at our road trip through Morocco! We checked into our beautiful riad and enjoyed the first traditional moroccan mint tea – really delicious. From the first minute we felt welcome and comfortable. We had 2 days to explore the city, perfect to see all the interesting places like the most famous Djemaa el Fna, the Medina and the Medersa Ben Youssef. Read more about Marrakech: Sightseeing Marrakesh & our top travel tips

The Riad Irene is an amazing choice if you want to stay in a beautiful Riad in the middle of the old town.

Moulay El yazid Mosque – Marrakesh

Majorelle Gardens – Marrakech

El Badi Palace

Spice Market – Marrakesh

Djemaa El Fna – Marrakesh

Medina of Marrakesh

Menara Gardens – Marrakesh

Bahia Palace

Ait Ben Haddou & High Atlas Mountain Road

Day 3 Crossing the High Atlas mountain was one of the most beautiful road trip adventures we have ever been. We took the road through the Tizi n’Tichka, a mountain pass with 2.260 m. The route from Marrakesh to Ait Ben Haddou is stunning, you will find plenty of photo spots on your way. Bye the way, if you’re planning to go trekking in Morocco, the Atlas Mountain will be a fantastic choice for you!

After 185 km drive, we had arrived at Ait Ben Haddou – a must see in Morocco by the way. Ait Ben Haddou is a traditional mud brick city and it is on the UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE List. The most wonderful view for sunset and early morning lights you are going to have from the Riad Chez Brahim.

Ait-Ben-Haddou is an ultimate highlight of this country and should not be missed on any Morocco itinerary!

High Atlas Road – Morocco road trip

Driving the High Atlas Mountain Road

Tizi n Tichka Pass – High Atlas

High Atlas Road

Morocco – High Atlas Road

High Atlas

Ait Ben Haddou

Viewpoint

Ait Ben Haddou

Road of a Thousand Kasbahs & Rose Valley

Day 4 We left Ait Ben Haddou early in the morning and we took the road of a thousand Kasbahs – What a gorgeous landscape! Fresh oasis all over and this picturesque old Kasbahs – totally you should visit the Kasbah Taourit and the Kasbah Amridil! In the late afternoon we arrived at the Rose Valley (125 km) – a place where we could imagine to stay even longer next time!

Our little hotel Dar Timitar was just wonderful – with an outstanding view high above the Rose Valley. The sunset with view all over the huge oasis was one of our travel highlights in Morocco.

Kasbah Amridil in Skoura

El Kelaa des Mgouna – Dar Tamitar Hotel – Rose Valley

Rose Valley – 2 weeks in Morocco

El Kelaa des Mgouna – Rose Valley

El Kelaa des Mgouna – Dar Tamitar Hotel – Rose Valley

El Kelaa des Mgouna – Rose Valley Sunset

El Kelaa des Mgouna (Rose Valley)

Dades Valley & Dades Gorge

Day 5 (115 km) The next day we explored the Dades Gorge with it’s dramatic landscapes like the Monkey Fingers at the beginning of the gorge und the winding road to the top of the gorge – where there’s a coffee place –Tisdrine – with a great view! Our tip: If you have some time you should drive the road for around 15 km further on – the landscapes are amazing there. For the night we had an unforgettable stay at a lovely berber riad. The host family was lovely – they made us a great evening with traditional local berber songs and learning their berber language.

Dades Valley

Dades Gorge

Dades Valley – Morocco road trip itinerary

Dades Valley – self drive

Dades Gorge – Winding Road Morocco

Todra Gorge – Tinghir

Day 6 Tinghir (75 km)) is a beautiful immense oasis, you come face to face with pure nature and picturesque landscapes. Take some stops at the road to the gorge – where you will have some great views to the beautiful oasis. Outstanding is also the Todra Gorge which has probably one of the most impressive canyons in the world. For the night we stayed in a lovely hotel on the road to the canyon in Kasbah Restaurant Amazir. A beautiful and calm place with pool and nice location just next to the river.

Tinghir Oasis & Todra Gorge

Todra Gorge – Todra Canyon

Merzouga – Sahara Desert Morocco

Day 7-10 The 270 km from Tinghir to Merzouga had been quite long, but the landscapes is becoming more and more impressiv the closer you get there. We had an amazing time with the guys from the Berber Camp visiting the Erg Chebbi on the back of a camel and camping in the middle of the desert was just perfect! If you fancy to buy some original berber clothes, you should visit the center of Merzouga town. Visiting the Sahara Desert in Morocco was our favorite experience and a highlight of our Morocco itinerary!

Sahara Desert Morocco, Road Trip

Merzouga

Merzouga – Morocco Desert Tour

Merzouga Camel Trekking

Erg Chebbi – Sahara Desert

Merzouga – Desert Berber Fire Camp

Merzouga Desert Camp

Camel Trekking Morocco

Erg Chebbi – Merzouga – Sahara Desert

Merzouga – Sahara Desert Camp

Road from Merzouga to Fez

Day 9 The way is the goal (470 km) – the road to Fez is quite long – but anyway you will have a lot of great photo spots on your road trip. Consider staying a night in Zaida if you can`t drive that long. The Monkeyforest next to Azrou was quite cool – where we had the possibility to feed monkeys. You can also do a stopover in Ifran, Morocco’s „Little Switzerland“ located in the Middle Atlas Mountains.
When you do your road trip by car, make sure you are staying outside of the medina.

Rissani

ZiZ Valley -Viewpoint to the Oasis Near Erfroud

Morocco Road Trip to Merzouga

Middle Atlas Mountain road – Road to Fez

Zaida

ZiZ Valley – Near Erfroud – post box

Cedar Forest in Azrou – feeding monkeys

Middle Atlas – Road to Fez

Road from Merouga to Fez – Middle Atlas

Middle Atlas – Viewpoint Tunnel du Legionär – self drive

Fez

Day 10 Yes what can I say – either you love it or you hate it. But all the visitors agree on one thing– this city is unique. Take your time to explore Fez. The medina is huge and so you can wander around for hours without getting bored. Visiting the Tanneries of Fez is a very special expirience. But be aware: it`s smelling strongly and some people even getting sick.

If you come to Fez by rental car and in case you need a parking lot outside of the medina, we recommend to book the Riad Passiflora. Otherwise you should choose one of the amazing Riads inside of the Medina.

Note: The shop owners of the tanneries can be annoying, you can try to tip them first, so normally they won’t bother you anymore and you can do you photography without disturbing.

Borj Sud – Viewpoint

Bab Bou Jeloud – Blue Gate

Fez – Medina

Chouara (Chouwara) – Tanneries

Fez – Chouwara Tanneries

Fez – Place Seffarine

Medina – Souk

Royal Palace – colorful brass doors

Rabat & Casablanca

Day 11-12 (270 km) Rabat and Casablanca are totally underrated and lots of tourists missing out on seeing this amazing cities. Half day for Rabat and a half day for Casablanca are enough to see the best sights! And honestly the the Hassan II Mosque is a must see – but to drive in Casablanca is very adventurous too. Don`t miss the beautiful seafront of Casablanca. For the night we stayed in a Mohammedia in a fantastic valued Hotel.

Rabat Habour

Rabat – Hassan Tower

Rabat Seafront – Coast

Rabat Medina

Casablanca (Hassan II Mosque)

Casablanca City Beach

Casablanca Beach – Atlantic Coast

The Atlantic Coast of Morocco

Day 12-13 (400 km) We really loved the Atlantic! The coast road is spoiled with beautiful wild beaches and impressing cliffs. One night we stayed in El Jadida, at the Les Cyprès and one more in Oualidia, a small village with the most beautiful beach for swimming and also very recommended to do a boat trip for birdwatching.

Oualidia Beach

Alantic Coast, self drive, road trip

Oualidia Lagoon

Atlantic Coast market

El Jadida – Mc Donalds

El Jadida Beach

Alantic Coast – 2 weeks road trip

Alantic Coast Morocco

Alantic Coast

Alantic Coast road trip

Alantic Coast – Morocco

Essouira

Day 13-14 Essouira also known as “the jewel of the Atlantic” – for us the perfect getaway to relax after the long journey. The windy beach is known for kitesurfing, windsurfing, camel ride and long beach walks. The city itself is lovely, with a souk – of course, witch nice little cafes and plenty of good restaurants. Also the fish market in the morning is also worth a visit! For the night we stayed at the Atlas Essaouira & Spa.

Essaouira was one of our favorite spots on our Morocco itinerary. Check out the ulitimate Essaouira Guide for more infos.

Essaouira – Borj El Barmil

Essaouira – Medina

Essaouira

Medina of Essaouira

Essaouira – Borj El Barmil

Essaouira

Essaouira Beach

Essaouira

Day 14 (200 km) On the road back to Marrakesh, if you are lucky you can see the tree goats. This was our last stop of our driving itinerary. The last days, we made some more pics and did our final shopping.

Tree goats

Planning your Morocco Road Trip

Remember, make sure you planning enough time for your Morocco itinerary! We always do that and that’s so important if you want to have a great time. For Morocco the wisdom is: “The way is the goal” – and it’s so true – the best photo spots we found have just been next to the road. 2 weeks in Morocco or even more are the perfect amount of time to explore the country.

Flights to Marrakech arrive at Menara Airport and we can recommend to book your ticket at Skyscanner.
No, two weeks in Morocco are not too long! You will be surprised about the many amazing things to see and to do in Morocco. Better you plan road trip around Morocco a bit longer…
For being well prepared, make sure you are checking out this ultimate road trip packing list!
If you don`t have enough time to do a 2 weeks Morocco itinerary by your own, than you still have the possibility to book some exciting guided Morocco Tours and Activities.

If you have more time than two weeks, you can also visit Chefchaouen (the blue city), Tafroute, Ouzoud waterfall, the Legzira Beach, Taghazout and Taroudante.

Driving in Morocco

If you are planning a road trip in Morocco and you would like to do lots of sightseeing we recommend to explore the country by car. Driving in Morocco can be lots of fun but also a bit challenging. Anyhow, with your own car you are going to be much more flexible then traveling with a tours bus. At least 2 weeks or better more should be planned for visiting all the wonderful places and sights. Definitely, you should rent your car in advanced and compare the prices! Don`t forget to book a car insurance.

Thanks for reading our Morocco itinerary!

Malaysia Backpacking: Itinerary for visiting Malaysia

This Malaysia Backpacking itinerary will be a great source if you consider this amazing country for your next trip. We will show you the best places to visit in Malaysia, give you a Malaysia itinerary and surely some general travel tips for your next backpacking trip!

Why should you visit Malaysia for backpacking?

Malaysia is a fantastic travel country, with lots of amazing things do and incredible places to explore. Here a the main points on why backpackers love to visit Malaysia:

There are not only the most beautiful landscapes and great islands with some fab beaches, but also modern cities, deep jungles and some huge mountains.
Malaysia belongs to the easiest countries for backpacking in South East Asia and many backpackers travel through this country! Transport, either bus or flights are easy to organize and there are plenty of budget accommodations to find.
The prices in Malaysia for food, transport and accommodations are cheap and comparable with Thailand. On top of that, comfortable buses and low-cost air connections makes it easy to travel through Malaysia.

So, don’t wait, let’s explore Malaysia by backpacking: Here is our ultimate Malaysia itinerary for an unforgettable backpacking trip:

Langkawi

This fantastic island Langkawi was our first destination when we arrived in Malaysia. We came directly from Thailand, where we had a great time on our Thailand Island hopping tour. Langkawi is not far from the border of Thailand and easy to reach by ferry. Because of its status of a „duty free“ island, the prices at the island are incredible cheap. But this should not be the main reason to visit Langkawi – there are plenty of amazing sights and beaches. A must-do is to take here a ride with the SkyCab, a cable car that takes you up to the Mt. Machincang. From there you have to visit the SkyBridge – definitely for those who have no fear of heights!

Additionally we recommend renting a scooter and explore the island by yourself. It’s safe to drive around and the island is not that big. We also visited the scary crocodile show in the Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi – Jalan Datai, the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls and the Underwater World Langkawi which was also nice to visit. Next time we will definitely stay longer, to see more of the great spots of Langkawi!

The Pantai Cenang beach area is the best place to stay for travelers and backpackers. There you are going to find motorbike rentals, shops, restaurants, a beautiful beach and certainly some budget guesthouse options.

Tip: Read more about the best night markets in Langkawi!

Sky Bridge – Mount Mat Cinchang

Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi

Langkawi Sky-Bridge and Cable Car

Penang & George Town

Penang was so cool! We had such an exciting stay there – sometimes you are not sure if you are still in Malaysia, in China or in Europe. George Town, the capital, of Penang, has a unique multicultural history and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is full of historic buildings, starting from churches, and British colonial monuments to Chinese shop houses and temples. Backpackers love the food culture in Penang, especially in George Town you can explore the best food scene in Malaysia.

George Town has a huge backpacker scene where you can find plenty of recommended budget accommodations. Bye the way, here is a fantastic guide for backpacking in Penang!

Kuan Yin Temple – George Town

Hainan Temple in George Town – Chinese Temple

Kuan Yin Temple – George Town

George Town – Penang – Chinese museum

Penang Peranakan Mansion

George Town – Penang City Hall

George Town kolonial style

George Town – Mlaaysia backpacking Trip

The Blue Mansion – Cheong Fat Tze is a must see if you are visiting George Town and the most popular tourist attraction!

The Blue Mansion – George Town

The Blue Mansion in George Town

Really worth a visit is the colorful Kek Lok Si Temple near George Town which is home to more than 10.000 Buddha statues! Here you will explore the largest Buddhist temple in the whole of Malaysia! A real highlight of any backpacking route!

It’s also an impressive adventure to visit the Snake Temple – 12 km from George Town. Inside of the temple it was so tranquil, the air was filled with holy smoke and the snakes seemed to be asleep – luckily!

Sri Vishwanather Sri Visalatchi Temple near Snake Temple Penang

Sri Vishwanather Sri Visalatchi Temple near Snake Temple Pulau Pinang

Kek Lok Si Temple Penang – Malaysia

Kek Lok Si Temple Penang

Penang Snake Temple

Another highlight in Penang is the Penang Hill Station, a former colonial station built by the British during their occupation in Malaysia. Today it’s a famous tourist attraction from where you will enjoy amazing city-views. Most tourists take the cable to the top but also hiking to Penang Hill is a fantastic activity!

Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands is a popular destination for Malaysia visitors who want to escape some days from the hot climate. Above all, the stunning hill station is a perfect place for hiking! There a plenty of hiking trails, we had been up to the Gungung Brinchang and inside the moosy forest. Easily you can stay there a few days, it’s so relaxing there. For exploring the area and the beautiful green tea plantation it is best to hire a motor scooter. It was fun driving around and to stop wherever we found a great place for taking pics and drinking tea. Just near to each tea plantage are cute tea-shops where we tried some delicious black teas. Additionally you can visit plenty of tourist attractions like butterfly farm, strawberry farm, Cactus Valley and Honey Bee Farm. Visiting the Cameron Highlands was a highlight of our Malaysia itinerary and should be high up on any bucket list.

Cameron Highlands – Tea plantage

Tea Plantage – Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands – Malaysia

Tea Plantage – Cameron Highlands

Gungung Brinchang – jungle hiking trip

View to the Mossy Forest jungle

Lizard at Cameron Highlands

Tea Plantage – Cameron Highlands

For the night we stayed in Tanah Rata, in this little town there are plenty of backpacker accommodations, tour operators and it’s a perfect starting point for exploring the Cameron Highlands area. Moreover, there are lots of delicious Indian restaurants.

Cameron Highlands

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is one of the most popular destinations for backpackers in South East Asia and such a great city to visit! The Petronas Twin Towers with its 452 m are just breath taking and the must-see in this town. You should go there in the evening, then the towers are alight, and they look even more majestic! If you love shopping you have to go inside the towers, there are plenty of different shops and restaurants inside. Additionally we visited the Aquarium in this huge complex. We didn’t go up to the towers but we visited the nearby Menara KL Tower with 421 m. From there you will get the most fantastic view of the town and trough the Petronas Twin Towers. Even though the Petronal Twin Towers are the main attraction in Kuala Lumpur, there a plenty of other sights to visit.

Petronas Towers – Kuala Lumpur – Malaysia

Another must see it’s the Merdeka Square with the tallest flagpole in the world, Jamek Mosque the Masjid Negara Mosque and the Planetarium Negara. Also cool is the Bird Park in Kuala Lumpur, a giant garden full of different Asian birds flying around freely. You can admire the colorful parrots, there are flamingos and even hornbills. Definately one of the things to do in Kuala Lumpur!

We stayed in China town, a vibrant backpacker district in Kuala Lumpur. There a plenty of backpacker guest houses and it’s located very centrally with walking distance to many sights. Additionally you will have a wide range of shops, tasty restaurants and food stalls. If you want to read more about KL, check out the Kuala Lumpur Itinerary.

Kuala Lumpur – Berjaya Times Square

Aquaria KLCC inside the Petronas Towers

Bird Park in Kuala Lumpur

Merdeka Square – Sultan Abdul Samad Building

Chinese New Year at Kuala Lumpur

Jamek Mosque

Kuala Lumpur

Batu Caves

Just around 15 km north of Kuala Lumpur are the spectacular Batu Caves. Visiting the most important Hindu temple outside of India was just an incredible experience – we had been to India before – but still we were amazed. There is a 15m tall version of the Hindu God Hanuman just at the entrance of the cave. Full of adrenalin we walked up the 272 stairs to enter the caves. That was quite fun cause lots of monkeys where waiting for us. The Batu Caves are unbelievable huge – just feel free to walk around and take pics – but don’t forget you have to be dress properly before entering the holy caves!

Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur

Tioman Islands

Malaysia has, like Thailand, plenty of islands to explore. We were in Tioman, but just for one night because sand flees disturbed our stay. Although Tioman is really beautiful we had to leave the island on the next day to avoid some more nasty bites – Luckily we had been spoiled with great beaches and islands on our Thailand Island Hopping trip so it was okay for us to leave earlier.

Tioman Island

Because of the better budget options, backpackers prefer to stay at Salang and Air Batang.

Tioman Island Hotel

Tioman Island – Huge Lizards

Tioman

Tioman Island

Taman Negara National Park

If you guys not have enough time to flight to Borneo but you would love to visit the jungle you should definitely visit the Taman Negara National Park. The place is a paradise for nature lovers and it’s well known for the deep jungle trails, camping and rafting tours. Rainforest tours and excursions can be booked in may agencies and hostels in advanced.

Generally, the better budget options can be found outside the park while inside you are going to find anything from luxury chalets to basic campsites.

Borneo in Malaysia – Sarawak & Sabah

All in all, for us, backpacking in Borneo was just an incredible adventure and we can say it’s a real paradise for backpackers. Borneo is located on the other peninsula of Malaysia and cheap flights are offered amongst others from KL to both, Sarawak and Sabah. We were inside of deep jungles, we saw plenty of wildlife and we were on top of the highest mountain of South East Asia.

Bako Park – Borneo – Sarawak

Long nosed monkey in Bako National Park – Borneo

T. Pandan Kecil beach in Bako Park

Borneo

Inside the Niah Caves – Sarawak

Kinabatangan River – Borneo – Sabah

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15 Best Places to Visit in Istria, Croatia

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General Information about Istria

Best Places to Visit in Istria

Pula

Rovinj

Porec

Motovun

Kamenjak Nature Park

Umag

Hum

Vrsar

Zarečki Krov Waterfall

Novigrad

Brijuni National Park

Labin

Cave Jama Baredine

Limski Canal

Bale

Read more about Croatia:

10 Unique Things to do in Lake Bled (Slovenia)

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General information about Lake Bled

Best Thing to Do at Lake Bled

Bled Castle

Bled Island

Hiking around Lake Bled

Boat Ride on Lake Bled

Mala Osojnica & Ojstrica Viewpoint

Excursions to the surroundings of Lake Bled

Vintgar Gorge

Lake Bohinj

Savica Waterfall

Pericnik Waterfall

Where to Stay at Lake Bled

Find the best accommodation at Lake Bled:

Read more about Slovenia:

Top 20 Amazing Things to Do in Graz, Austria

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Best Things to Do in Graz

Schlossberg Graz

Clock Tower

Fairytale Train & Schlossberg Slide

Grazer Burg (Graz Castle)

Double Spiral Staircase

Graz Hauptplatz (Main Square)

Rathaus (City Hall)

Joanneum Quarter

Landhaushof

Landeszeughaus

Herrengasse & Painted House

Kunsthaus (Art House)

Museum of History

Murinsel

Mausoleum

Graz Cathedral

Glockenspielplatz

Eggenberg Palace

Where to Stay in Graz

Find the best accommodation in Graz:

More about Austria:

Thailand Island Hopping: Krabi to Koh Lipe (Route & Tips)

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Thailand Island Hopping: Your Perfect Itinerary

Krabi

Railay Beach

Koh Jum (Koh Pu)

Koh Lanta

Koh Ngai (Ko Hai)

Koh Mook

Koh Kradan

Koh Bulon

Koh Lipe

Thailand Island Hopping Tips:

Find the best accommodation in South Thailand:

Read more about Thailands Paradise Islands:

20 Amazing Things to Do in Salzburg (Austria)

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The Best Things to Do in Salzburg