Adventurous Andrea

The Solo Female Travel Blog

Destinations

Exploring Rome with a Twist

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Rome is quite unlike most of the other big cities of Europe. Pretty much wherever you stay in Rome you are surrounded by history. From most locations, you can see the city´s iconic ancient landmarks. There are very few modern tall buildings to get in the way of the view.

At first glance, the city appears to be somewhere that only people who are interested in history would want to visit. However, in reality, this is far from the truth. As you will see, it has plenty to offer all types of visitors.

Cultural experiences with a twist

The city offers, new and modern ways to enjoy the ancient attractions. You can find a great example on this website. There you can buy yourself a ticket for an opera that takes place outside. The dramatic ruins of the Baths of Caracalla provide the backdrop. This is a stunning venue. Whether you are new to opera or a long-term fan, it really is a performance that should not be mixed.

Take a Segway tour

Riding a Segway is always fun, so why not take the chance to ride one to see the most important sights in the city. There are several to choose from, so you are bound to find one that fits in with your interests.

Take a Vesper tour

Another fun way to see the city is to do so from the back of a traditional Vesper scooter. It has the added benefit of being one of the fastest ways to get around. The foodie Vesper tour is an even better option. It is a great way to see the sights and enjoy some of the city´s hidden food haunts. These small cafes and food stalls cater mainly for the local residents of Rome, so the food genuinely reflects the tastes of the area and it is often far cheaper than what is on offer in the more touristy places.

Street art tours

If you like modern culture, why not take the street art tour. For many years, a local collective of artists and others have been using the hidden corners of the city as huge canvases. Over the years, they have created many truly unique artworks. The Museo di Urban Art di Roma (MURo) tours are a great way to experience a different side of the city and see some of the city´s spectacular murals. You can find out more about this organisation, their work and tours here.

Discover underground Rome

Surprisingly, some of the most interesting things to see and do in Rome are located underground. For many centuries, the inhabitants of the city have used the space below the buildings in a variety of ways. Oddly, amongst the most popular tours are those that take you into the catacombs where various religious groups buried their dead.

If that sounds a bit too morbid for you, do not worry because you can still enjoy touring the underground sights of Rome. There are also underground temples, churches, the remains of an ornamental canal for you to visit instead. There is even a whole wing of Nero´s spectacular villa that has been built on top of many times.

Why You Should Book a Cruise for 2017

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A cruise holiday is often subject to a lot of stereotypes – it’s expensive, only pensioners go on cruises, it’ll be boring. But one in eight foreign package holidays is now a cruise, showing that it’s an increasingly popular choice for travelling, for people of all ages. Here are three reasons why you should consider a cruise in 2017.

1.  Plenty to Keep You Entertained

Cruises aren’t just for pensioners. You can meet people of all different ages as cruises are popular with everyone, from young and old couples, or families with children. On-board, there’s something for everyone and you won’t complain about being bored.

The facilities on cruise ships are excellent, offering their guests a number of bars, casinos, discotheques and theatres to keep them entertained on a night. Most have a gym so you can keep up your fitness regime while you’re away or indulge in a pamper session in the spa.

2.  Excellent Dining Options

If you’re a foodie, a cruise will offer you countless options for dining. The main dining room and buffet are often included in the cruise fare, but if you don’t mind paying a little extra, there will be a number of upscale and casual dining spots to satisfy your appetite.

In general, cruise ships offer a sit-down meal in the main dining room, which will often have a dress code at dinner but if you prefer something more casual, most ships will also have a buffet restaurant. On larger cruise ships, guests can choose from a variety of smaller, specialty restaurants where you’ll find French, Italian, Japanese cuisines and many more.

3.  Perfect for Exploration

There’s a common misconception that a cruise holiday means you’ll be stuck on the ship and won’t have much time to spend in port. However, if you pick the right deal, you can find cruise-and-stay packages, or spend an extended stay in port. For some cruises, port stops will last a few hours, or even most of the day, with the option to go on pre-planned excursions.

One of the key benefits of a cruise is that you can visit several places in one holiday. Not many other holiday packages offer you the chance to see places like Italy, Greece and Montenegro all in one trip, like the MSC Musica cruise from Iglu Cruise. It’s perfect for those who want to get a taste of each place and decide whether to book a longer visit in the future.

Throw away any misconceptions you have about cruises and book your next adventure today. You won’t find many other holiday packages that offer you such variety in terms of destinations, dining and entertainment.

 

4 Overlooked Holiday Destinations In Europe

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Europe has long been one of the world’s most popular destinations, with travelers all over the world coveting the chance to explore its many magical and diverse cities. From the luxury resorts on the south coast, the romantic streets of Paris or the beautiful Christmas markets of Austria and Germany, there are so many classic sights to see.

However, this also means that many of Europe’s most hidden gems are often overlooked. The following cities would never appear on a ‘Best of Europe’ list, but they’re each spectacular destinations that do not deserve being overlooked.

St. Petersburg, Russia

Awash with culture and history, a simple walk around the streets of St. Petersburg will show you why it’s such an incredible place to visit. The Baroque and neoclassical architecture is a spectacle for the eyes, and many of its most prolific buildings are as beautiful as they are fascinating.

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The city houses some of the most classic Russian experiences, including the Alexandrinksy theatre, where you can enjoy authentic ballets and haunting operas. There are also a plethora of world famous landmarks here, including the notorious Winter Palace and Palace Square. Museum lovers will also jump at the chance to witness the astounding collection of the Hermitage Museum.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

The tiny country of Slovenia is nestled between Italy and Croatia, and is often overlooked in favor of its more well-known neighbors.  Ljubljana is a quaint and picturesque city, showcasing life in Southern Europe beautifully.  Cafés stretch up the side of the Llubljanica River and the views of the old town are an alluring sight. Visitors can while away the hours in the beautiful Tivoli Park, or visit one of the city’s many museums.

Ljubljana is also a great place to plan a trip to see Lake Bled. This postcard spot is arguably one of the most beautiful sights on the continent, with its azure waters and thick pined forest. The highlight of the excursion is by far the chance to row across the waters, to visit the central island, which is home to an impressive medieval castle.

Seville, Spain

When most consider a holiday in Spain, they often choose places such as Barcelona, Madrid or one of the Spanish islands. However, the often-overlooked coast of Andalucia is home to what many describe as ‘the true Spain’.  Seville is a lively and exciting city, bustling with the energy and fiery passions of the Spanish people.

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Highlights include the nightly flamenco performances, which give you taste of the traditional culture, and the many tapas restaurants whose atmosphere continues into the early hours. The Alcazar Palace is a beautiful and fascinating landmark, which documents the many invasions of Spain in its intricate and luxurious design.

Kerry, Ireland

Ireland is slowly moving its way up in terms of popularity for travelers. However, its sleepy west coast still offers an authentic and secluded retreat for those wanting to see all it has to offer. The county of Kerry is at the South-West tip and offers many wondrous sights.  Alongside its luscious green countryside, this wild Atlantic coastline boasts cliffs and rock formations that will astound you.

The ring of Kerry is a beautiful and scenic route that circles around all of the areas greatest attractions, and is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. You can also witness Ireland’s vast history in the hills, as there are many medieval and prehistoric remains dotted around. The Cahergal Stone Fort dates back to 600AD, although there is evidence of camps at Ferriter’s Cove, which are thought to be over 6,500 years old.

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Sometimes getting off the beaten track and exploring somewhere new provides the best travel experience there is. So what are you waiting for? Add these overlooked spots to your travel bucket list today!

Guest post Sponsored by the Corinthia Hotels.

City Breaks to Sample in 2017

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The vibrant energy of the city, although it can get chaotic at times, is one thing that most people find appealing in an urban metropolis. From its busy shops to its crowded streets, cities can offer a different kind of experience. With this, if you are planning a city break, keep on reading and we’ll suggest some of the best places that can be taken into consideration.

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New York

Known as a concrete jungle, New York is one city that is often included in the travel bucket list of many people. It is home to some iconic landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building. One of its top attractions is the Central Park, an expansive greenery in the heart of the city. Whether it is summer or winter, there are lots of activities that you can enjoy in the park. Never leave New York without visiting Times Square.  Make sure to snap a shot of its streets with busy people and adorned with bright billboards. There are also plenty of museums to visit, such as Solomon Guggenheim Museum, Whitney Museum of American Art, American Museum of Natural History, Museum of Modern Art, and Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Rome

This is one of the best cities in the world when it comes to history. Its rich past is one thing that has captivated the attention of many tourists. While a lot of other cities are dense with towering skyscrapers, in Rome, you can see ancient structures, such as the Colosseum and Parthenon. The Spanish Steps, which are located at Piazza di Spagna, is another attraction that should not be missed. There are also many museums that you can visit, although not as grand as the ones in Vatican. Do not leave Rome without feasting on pizza and gelato.

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Cape Town

From breath-taking landscapes to pristine beaches, Cape Town is one city that has it all. Whether you prefer to go out partying or just enjoy a laidback ambiance, there is something that you will enjoy here. Among others, one of its best attractions is the Table Mountain National Park. If you want to sample the best wines from the region, on the other hand, head to Cape Winelands. For its beaches, Boulders Beach is one of the most popular, which is known for its penguins. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a shopping and entertainment centre, take time to visit Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

Dubai

The luxury of Dubai is over the top and hard to rival by any other city. One of its best attractions is the Burj Al Arab, a 7-star all-suite hotel with interiors that glitter in gold. Meanwhile, in Downtown Dubai, you can find Burj Khalifa, which is known as the tallest structure in the world. On its base, you can find the Dubai Fountains, which holds the record of being the largest dancing fountain in the world. Your holiday in Dubai is also not complete without heading to Palm Jumeirah, a collection of man-made islands and is home to a number of hotels and casinos. If you’re feeling brave then you can try sky diving.