There are so many beautiful places to see, but today I will tell you about some of the places I visited and my own experiences.
If you are planning a long weekend getaway, I recommend a visit to charming Mystic, Connecticut. Mystic is an old whaling town that has a beautiful aquarium, fishing village exhibition, and great shopping. It has old world charm and you can experience the 19th century way of life. This place is children and dog friendly. Remember movie "Mystic Pizza"?
Well, the place is still there. It attracts a lot of tourists and is located on a main street. Check their event schedule on line for concerts and lobster festivals.
If you are in a mood for something tropical, Cancun Mexico is a great vacation destination. Always make sure that you get an all inclusive package hotel stay. This usually includes 3 meals a day and as many cocktails a day as you want to drink. This way there is no need to carry your wallet around while laying on the beach or pool.
Service in Mexican hotels is usually exceptional and friendly. You will need a current passport for this destination.
If you are in a mood for something more exotic, I recommend visiting Istanbul, Turkey. Istanbul is a truly remarkable place. It has a rich history; it was at the center of three world empires, The Holy Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire and the Islamic empire. These cultures meshed over the centuries to mold the dynamic Turkish society that we know today. The city of Istanbul is unique in the way that half of it the “old city” is in Europe while the other half the “the new city” lies across the bridge in Asia.
Istanbul is a true conglomerate of European and Middle Eastern cultures. Hotels are beautiful and range from the budget to the most elegant. And while you are there you must treat yourself to the spectacular sightseeing. You will fall in love with Turkish hospitality and the architectural splendor of this City. On a must seen list are: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and The Grand Bazaar.
Another “must see” destination in Turkey is Ephesus, once, the trade centre of the ancient world, a religious centre of the early Christianity, and today Ephesus is an important tourism centre in Turkey. In the ancient world, Ephesus was a center of travel and commerce. Situated on the Aegean Sea at the mouth of the Cayster River, the city was one of the greatest seaports of the ancient world. The ancient city Ephesus is located in Selcuk, a small town 30km away from Kusadasi.
A “must see” 9km north of Ephesus, is the shrine of Virgin Mary, Mariamana.
It has a marvelous atmosphere hidden in the green lush mountain side. It is the place where Our Blessed Mother Mary, may have spent her last days. Indeed, she may have come in the area together with Saint John, who spent several years in the area to spread Christianity.
Interesting fact: we all know a term "Turkish coffee". I was traveling to Turkey hoping to try a real turkey coffee made in hot sand and served in tiny cups. Reality: most of Turks drink tea:-)))
Overall, delicious Mediterranean food, exotic sightseeing and great shopping - I will never forget my trip to Turkey!
My most favorite destination is Italy.
Italy has many beautiful and historic cities worth visiting. Amazing history and culture, breathtaking architecture, great food, beautiful people, amazing fashion center of Europe - this is Italy.
While is Rome (smiling, thinking about the movie) you must see the Coliseum or Flavian Amphitheater built by emperor Titus in 80AD, located in the heart of Rome and considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.
On "a must see list" are The Vatican, Saint Pete's Basilica, Saint Peters Square, St. Peitro Invincoli Church, and Spanish Steps.
It is easy to travel around Italy. Trains are quite expensive, but comfortable and fast. Florence or Firenze is located on the river Arno and is famous for its history and architecture and considered the birthplace of Renaissance. A day trip to Florence is a must do.
Interesting fact: it is well known that while visiting fountain De'travia, in Rome you must throw money over your head for good luck, love, and fortune. To my surprise I didn't see any money in the fountain or see anyone doing it:-)
Dinning in Italy is easy, it is your choice to have dinner in a restaurant (approx.50 to 60 $ for 2 people) or pizza for $5.
Tips: booking and traveling to Italy on your own, will save you a few thousand dollars vs. booking through a traveling agency. Though if it is your first time going to Europe, going with a group of people your best bet. This kind of traveling also require passport.
My next dreamy destination is Paris. I nearly future I promise to tell you about my trip to Paris.
The world is a beautiful place and there is nothing like seeing different cultures and beautiful history. These are the kind of vacations you remember for lifetime.
Tell me about your most memorable vacations and if you have any questions – Ask Erena!
If you are planning a long weekend getaway, I recommend a visit to charming Mystic, Connecticut. Mystic is an old whaling town that has a beautiful aquarium, fishing village exhibition, and great shopping. It has old world charm and you can experience the 19th century way of life. This place is children and dog friendly. Remember movie "Mystic Pizza"? 
Well, the place is still there. It attracts a lot of tourists and is located on a main street. Check their event schedule on line for concerts and lobster festivals. 
Service in Mexican hotels is usually exceptional and friendly. You will need a current passport for this destination.
If you are in a mood for something more exotic, I recommend visiting Istanbul, Turkey. Istanbul is a truly remarkable place. It has a rich history; it was at the center of three world empires, The Holy Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire and the Islamic empire. These cultures meshed over the centuries to mold the dynamic Turkish society that we know today. The city of Istanbul is unique in the way that half of it the “old city” is in Europe while the other half the “the new city” lies across the bridge in Asia.
Istanbul is a true conglomerate of European and Middle Eastern cultures. Hotels are beautiful and range from the budget to the most elegant. And while you are there you must treat yourself to the spectacular sightseeing. You will fall in love with Turkish hospitality and the architectural splendor of this City. On a must seen list are: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and The Grand Bazaar.
Another “must see” destination in Turkey is Ephesus, once, the trade centre of the ancient world, a religious centre of the early Christianity, and today Ephesus is an important tourism centre in Turkey. In the ancient world, Ephesus was a center of travel and commerce. Situated on the Aegean Sea at the mouth of the Cayster River, the city was one of the greatest seaports of the ancient world. The ancient city Ephesus is located in Selcuk, a small town 30km away from Kusadasi.
A “must see” 9km north of Ephesus, is the shrine of Virgin Mary, Mariamana.
Interesting fact: we all know a term "Turkish coffee". I was traveling to Turkey hoping to try a real turkey coffee made in hot sand and served in tiny cups. Reality: most of Turks drink tea:-)))
Overall, delicious Mediterranean food, exotic sightseeing and great shopping - I will never forget my trip to Turkey!
My most favorite destination is Italy. Italy has many beautiful and historic cities worth visiting. Amazing history and culture, breathtaking architecture, great food, beautiful people, amazing fashion center of Europe - this is Italy.
While is Rome (smiling, thinking about the movie) you must see the Coliseum or Flavian Amphitheater built by emperor Titus in 80AD, located in the heart of Rome and considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering.
On "a must see list" are The Vatican, Saint Pete's Basilica, Saint Peters Square, St. Peitro Invincoli Church, and Spanish Steps.
Dinning in Italy is easy, it is your choice to have dinner in a restaurant (approx.50 to 60 $ for 2 people) or pizza for $5.
Tips: booking and traveling to Italy on your own, will save you a few thousand dollars vs. booking through a traveling agency. Though if it is your first time going to Europe, going with a group of people your best bet. This kind of traveling also require passport.
My next dreamy destination is Paris. I nearly future I promise to tell you about my trip to Paris.
The world is a beautiful place and there is nothing like seeing different cultures and beautiful history. These are the kind of vacations you remember for lifetime.
Tell me about your most memorable vacations and if you have any questions – Ask Erena!
I've also visited Mystic pizza, I just wasn't crazy about their pizza, I like more Chicago style, but....it was nice going to say that we actually went there since it was in that movie.:-)
ReplyDeleteRome was also very nice, yes, have been there as well.
Thank you for commenting on my post! I didn't like Mystic pizza either, nor I liked the movie. LOL. But it was nice trip to Mystic:-)
ReplyDeleteMystic is a nice area, my ex and I used to have a sailboat and it was moored in Noank, right next to Mystic.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome for the comment.
Love your recommendations. I also love that Mystic is such a short trip for me. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I am happy you liked my post:-) Travelling is incredible!
ReplyDelete