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Agros Rose Festival 2019 – Cyprus Annual Event

Agros Rose Festival is held this year on the 11-12th and 18th and 19th of May in Agros Village in Cyprus. I visited the Agros Rose Festival on Sunday the 12th of May and need to admit that it was one of the best festivals I've been to. If you really want to enjoy this I would advise you to visit early in the morning in order to avoid the crowds. We were there at 10:30 in the morning, when it was still not that hot and the place was not packed - and you'll find a nearby car parking space. During the festival, visitors have the chance to see and enjoy various exhibitions of products made of local roses, learn more about the procedure of making rose water, enjoy a traditional dance program and traditional music and taste some products made of rose also as other Cypriot traditional products. We visited the Rose factory which is one of the most interesting and characteristic spots in Agros. You will be toured around the factory and hear how rose water is made, from which roses, when and long does it take to produce. You'll get to try rose water, rose chocolates, hand creams, liquors, even toothpaste (everything that has to do with cosmetics is considered to be organic).  There are kiosks serving food and drinks, and other kiosks that sell rose products including food, drinks, cosmetics, candles etc. There's a hop on hop off train touring the area (2 EUROS). Check below the festival plan to get an idea of what to expect if you decide to visit. Agros Rose Festival 2019 Photos About Agros Agros is a village built on the Troodos Mountains, in the region of Pitsilia, in southwest Cyprus, which has built amphitheatrically among high mountains at an altitude of 1100 metres with a population of approximately 1,000. The village is located 45 minutes away from the cities of Nicosia and Limassol, 20 minutes from Troödos Square and 80 minutes from the international airports of Larnaca and Paphos [ref: [...]

2019-05-14T08:51:36+03:00May 14th, 2019|

Peles Castle, Romania: A must-visit attraction

Peles Castle is been considered one of the most stunning and most impressive castles in Romania, especially in winter. I had no idea about this Castle before I planned my visit to Bucharest. When I was planning my excursions, my main one was to visit the famous Bran Castle (mostly known as Dracula's Castle) between Transylvania and Wallachia. After visiting both castles, Peles Castle is the most stunning one between the two. I visited the Castle on a snowy day. I always prefer to take private tours to save time and reach the places I visit early in order to avoid the crowds. I usually book via Viator (that's my own personal space for booking tickets via Viator). The Castle is located in Sinaia area, located only about 75 miles north of Bucharest, Romania’s capital, or one hour and a half by train. So if you don't wish to go on a private tour, you can easily get to Sinaia either by car (on the E60 or DN1 road) or by train. For this specific tour, you may find a variety of options by searching for Peles Castle. Reasons to visit Peles Castle 1. Rich History The grand castle was built at the wish of King Carol I (1839–1914), the first Romanian King, as a summer retreat. It was one of the most modern European constructions during that period since it had central heating and electricity. Since then, it has accommodated various historical figures and later on it was used as a private haven for communist leaders and senior officials from around the globe. 2.Architecture and Design In order to enter the Castle, you need to cover your shoes with plastic covers in order to keep the place clean and respect the place. As we went through the Castle, our guide explained a lot of things about the architecture, the design and the purpose of each room. Its 160 sumptuous rooms are embellished with the finest examples of European art, including Murano chandeliers, German stained-glass windows, Handmade silk embroideries, Cordoba leather-covered walls. Some of the rooms [...]

2019-01-07T16:13:07+03:00January 6th, 2019|

Limassol Wine Festival 2018

The Limassol Wine Festival is a 10-day annual cultural and vibrant event that takes place every year, since 1961 at end of August - beginning of September. The Limassol Wine Festival, one of the most popular events in Cyprus, takes place in the Limassol Municipal Gardens, which are located on the east side of the town near the sea.There are pavilions on both sides of the main entrance belonging to the Limassol wineries including ETKO, KEO, LOEL, SODAP, and LAONA, where the visitors can taste, free of charge, all kinds of wines. When you purchase your entrance ticket, you are also given a 20% discount voucher which you can redeem at these wineries.During the event, you will enjoy a celebration of food and wine. There's a variety of kiosks that cook Cypriot food e.g. mostly souvlakia. You'll get to listen to Cypriot music and watch Cypriot and Greek dancing.If you happen to be in Cyprus during this period, a visit to Limassol would not be complete without attending one of the biggest and most significant cultural events on the island.Download the full program to see what kind of activities and events have been planned and plan accordingly your visit. DOWNLOAD FULL PROGRAM Limassol Wine Festival Tickets Adults: over 18 years old: 5 Euro 20% off all bottled wines (applies to 1 bottle, excluding Commandaria) from ETKO, LOEL, KEO or SODAP wineries. Children/ Teenagers from 6 – 18 years old: 3 Euro Plastic wine bottle: 1.50 Euro Wine glass: 1.50 Euro Wine glass with stem: 2.50 Euro Venue AddressLemesos Municipal Gardens28th October AvenueLemesos, CyprusOperating TimesWeekdays 19:00 - 23:00Saturday & Sunday 19:00 - 23:30 ParkingA big parking space located on the Municipal Garden Theatre’s eastern side is provided free of charge by the Limassol Municipality (Pafilia plot). Get a glimpse into last year's event (2017) by watching the video from blogger Amanda Kate at FoodyFair.  

2018-09-03T09:39:59+03:00September 2nd, 2018|

The Great Wall of China – Mutianyu

The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe with an eye to expansion [Ref: Wikepedia] Why Was the Great Wall of China Built? Originally built as a wartime defense, the Great Wall of China features many towers and passes. When Emperor Qin Shi Huang first proposed the so-called Long Wall, it was meant to defend the Chinese states against nomadic tribes from the north. During the Han Dynasty the Great Wall was extended to protect the Silk Road trade. The Ming Dynasty, which “took a largely defensive stance,” according to History.com, is known for not only extending the Great Wall, but also repairing and reinforcing existing structures. Getting to the Great Wall (Mutianyu section) from Beijing The beautiful Great Wall is just 70 miles from Beijing. But getting there can be a bit tricky for travelers making the trek solo. Visitors sticking with public transportation will first need to get to Dongzhimen Station, where you can take an hour-long express bus ride to Huairou Station. Then, you’ll need to transfer to a bus stopping at the Mutianyu Roundabout. Most experts on travel to the Great Wall will recommend skipping the train and opting for a hired car and a guide. Especially when your time in Beijing is limited I would strongly advice you to go there with a private tour guide. A tour guide will take you early in the morning to the less popular sections of the wall will help you to maximize your time. We pre-booked a small-Group Great Wall Experience Tour that started at 7:00 in the morning in order to avoid the crowds. The distance from Beijing center is around 73 kilometers (45 miles). It took us around 2 hours to arrive at Mutianyu by mini bus. Mutianyu Mutianyu is the mostly restored, spectacular [...]

2018-08-23T14:02:29+03:00August 22nd, 2018|

Chania, a beautiful port town in Crete

Chania is a city on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. It’s known for its 14th-century Venetian harbor, narrow streets and waterfront restaurants. I have visited Chania 3 times. From where I live the distance is very short and the price is quite cheap! We got a direct Ryanair flight to Chania from Paphos which cost us around 65 Euros return. When you arrive at Chania airport, if you’re a group it’s worth taking a taxi to the center which is around 15 EUR or take the bus which is around 2 EUR. Stay We stayed at the Kasteli Studios & Apartments in the 3 bedroom house. It was wonderful. The house was clean and cozy. It's a nice traditional place with a garden, an amazing place to sit and relax since it’s quite. Better to stay here than any other luxury hotel. The owner, Mr. Alexis welcomed us and provided us with drinks and fruit. He also answered any questions we had regarding the place and provided us information about places we can visit. Our rooms were cleaned and tidied every day. The location of Kasteli Studios is near the port and the Chania center; you only need to walk 2-3 minutes to get to the old port. I would totally recommend the place and will come back for sure when we are in Chania again. I also stayed at Elia Daliani Suites right in the center however during the night the street is very noisy due to the fact that there's a lot of bars in the same street. Booking.com Eat & Drink Every morning we had breakfast in Aroma at the old port. You can get a coffee and a ham & cheese sandwich for 3-4 EUR. The best food we had in Chania was at Tamam and Ta Chalkina. We visited Tamam, near the old port, during lunchtime. I would totally recommend you to go there if you are in Chania and have the Tamam salad and the Iranian rice, awesome tastes. Both restaurants provide you with a nice atmosphere and great food. Some [...]

2018-07-23T15:00:54+03:00June 19th, 2018|

Balos Lagoon, Crete – A MUST visit

The famous Balos Lagoon is the most photographed beach and a touristic spot in Crete. Balos Lagoon is located approximately 56km northwest of Chania and 17km northwest of Kissamos, between the Cape Gramvousa and the small Cape Tigani and below the range of Platiskinos. Balos is famous for its crystal clear waters, its natural beauty, and its beautiful scenery. During summer time, Balos is visited by thousands of locals and tourists, who arrive mostly by the ferries from Kissamos port. If you do not like crowds, you’d better avoid visiting the beach in July and August (especially after midday). The perfect time is to arrive at Balos is early in the morning, before the boats arrive from Kissamos. Accessing the Lagoon The best and most convenient way to visit Balos blue lagoon is to drive there. No matter where you are located in Crete, just take a car and start your journey early in the morning. Bear in mind that the road from Kaliviani until you reach Cape Gramvousa is not premixed. Once you reach Kaliviani you'll be required to pay a fee, per person, which is used for the preservation of Balos. After a few miles, you will reach a wide parking area. Make sure to drive slowly and enjoy the scene. On the way, you'll get to see many goats. Bear in mind, if you visit the beach with a ferry you won't get to admire this wonderful view, so I strongly recommend you to go there by car or bus in order to view the lagoon from the top of the hill. From there you'll have to walk down to reach the lagoon. My first advice is to wear trainers and NOT FLIP FLOPS! My second tip is to have water with you. Balos Lagoon has white sand and exotic white, vivid blue and turquoise waters. The sea is very shallow and warm making it ideal for children. In some areas, the sand has a slightly pink color, because of hundreds of crushed shells. Beyond the rocks at [...]

2018-06-07T14:30:28+03:00June 7th, 2018|

Experiment Aveiro: Group Activities

Aveiro, the Portuguese Venice, a city in Portugal, with more than 250 years of ancient history. Visit this unique city and its Ria, get to know secrets and traditions which have been transformed into true tourist experiences. A wide, safe and clean city, with a differentiated tourist offer, with all the comfort and hospitality indispensable and make your trip a unique and unforgettable experience. Visit Aveiro and be amazed by its many charms.Below we are introducing you top activities to experiment in Aveiro in order to learn the history and experience the culture of this beautiful city. Salt Pans Experience Adaptation of a traditional salt field, for the teaching of salt crystallization and of all elements associated with the process. The visit is accompanied by tourism technician adapting the various contents to different audiences.Price for Groups: 3,00€ p/person Duration: Takes around 45’minutes Funceramics “Pottery Experience” Let's try the Wheel of Potter! Feeling in the wet hands the piece of shapeless clay that with the master’s help is taking shape. Taking advantage of the compass swayed by the foot, we will make the Wheel turn at the desired pace. It is necessary to dry and to bake so that in the end, it finally becomes Ceramic.Price for Groups: 3,00€ p/person Duration: Takes around 60’minutes Moliceiro Ride The experience of getting to know the city aboard the Moliceiro - typical boat of the Ria de Aveiro. Tour within the urban canals and performed with all security and comfort. Visit the 4 channels of the city accompanied by a tour guide.Price for Groups: 6,00€ p/person Duration: Takes around 45’minutes Workshop Ovos Moles Learn How to Make Ovos Moles with a professional. Visit a place of manufacture of Ovos Moles, a typical sweet of Aveiro, and learn how they are made and all the historical surroundings of these sweets conventual without missing the final taste and tasting sweet.Price for Groups: 3,00€ p/person Duration: Takes around 45’minutes Touristic Train Come to visit the city of Aveiro, in the most [...]

2018-04-22T13:34:22+03:00April 22nd, 2018|

Spring Europe Travel Destinations

There's nothing like a last minute decision to spend a few days at a lovely destination before hot summer arrives. If you don't have schoolchildren, May is the best period to take your Europe Spring Holidays. Sea and skies are blue, flowers are blooming and everything is quieter and pricing wise, it's a better value. So here we are, proposing you 5 of our Top Spring Europe Travel destinations. 1. Bucharest, Romania 2. Seville, Spain 3. Krakow, Poland 4.Ghent, Belgium 5. Aveiro, Portugal

2018-04-21T07:48:33+03:00April 21st, 2018|

Things To Do in Bucharest: For First Time Visitors

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is an attractive city for visitors looking to experience something different and authentic. In case you’re planning to visit Bucharest for the first time, here are my Things To Do in Bucharest based on my latest trip there. Bucharest weather, during my visit, was cold since I visited in February so you'll notice that my photos are not so bright and colorful. Explore the Old Town Bucharest Old Town should be the first part of your Bucharest trip. It's advised to have a walk around during the afternoon until night. It's both amazing during daylight and nighttime. The capital preserves some of the oldest monuments whilst the lively streets are packed with many restaurants and bar. Some of the major attractions include the 19th-century Manuc Inn, the oldest church in the city and the oldest residence of medieval princes, the 18th-century Stavropoleos Monastery and old merchant streets. Visit the City’s Historic Churches Romania is Eastern Orthodox, but the real beauty of Bucharest's architecture is not found in the big cathedrals you'll see around. Many date from the 17th and 18th centuries and fuse elements of Byzantine, Greek, Ottoman, and Renaissance styles. The churches share common elements that include impossibly high steeples built over tiny floor plans, elaborate frescoes, and signature details such as raised pillars and stone balustrades. The Stavropoleos Church in the Old City is an excellent example, with its rich wall paintings and finely carved doors. Other churches to look for include St. Apostles’ Church, Antim Church, and the hard-to-find-but-worth-the-effort Doamnei Church. Take a photo at the Colourful Umbrella Street Another colorful side street, which I've found on Instagram, is Parasolowe Knajpy, where Pizza Colosseum is located. It’s hidden in a passageway just off one of the main roads of Bucharest and attracts loads of people on a daily basis who seek to photography the colorful umbrella rooftop. Palace of the Parliament The Palace of the Parliament is one of the main tourist attractions in Bucharest. It is the world's 2nd largest administrative building (after the Pentagon), an architectural colossus that also claims the title of the heaviest building in the world. With more [...]

2018-03-20T13:03:49+03:00March 19th, 2018|
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