Ponte dei Salti is a medieval-style bridge that is located in the Verzasca Valley in southern Switzerland. It looks like something right out of a fairytale, this double-arched bridge that spans a crystal clear, aquamarine river. Right around the corner is the tiny town of Lavertezzo, and with its stone buildings and church, complements the bridge perfectly. On a hot, …
If you are looking for a short but sweet hike in the Jungfrau region of the Bernese Oberland, the Eiger Trail is a great one to consider. This point-to-point hike follows the north face of the Eiger mountain. Along the way, you get jaw-dropping views across the Lauterbrunnen Valley to Mürren and also down to Grindelwald. This was one of …
Lake Como…a destination that is glamorous, romantic, and gorgeous. This lake is a slice of Italian paradise, and for many people, a visit to Bellagio is the highlight. Also called the Pearl of Lake Como, Bellagio is the perfect mix of photogenic streets, small shops, wonderful restaurants, and gorgeous views across Lake Como. If you are planning a visit to …
Devils Bridge is a wonderful hike in Sedona. With an easy hiking trail, beautiful red rock scenery, and of course, the chance to have your photo taken on top of Devils Bridge, this hike makes the top of the list for many visitors to Sedona. This is one of the most popular trails in Sedona so be prepared to share …
Saguaro National Park is named for the Saguaro cactus, which grows only in the Sonoran Desert. This is an easy park to visit, with scenic drives and short walks among the towering cacti. A half day is all you need to see the highlights, but with more time you can tour the entire park, go on a day hike, or …
Petrified Forest National Park beat all of my expectations. I imagined a barren desert with a few colorful hills, some ancient, petrified stumps, and soaring temperatures in the early summer. Instead, we were treated to the colorful, uniquely beautiful hills of the Painted Desert, giant, petrified trees that puzzle the mind, and the chance to walk backcountry trails without another …
Bear Mountain is one of the tallest peaks in Sedona. From the top, you are rewarded with panoramic views of the red rocks of Sedona as well as the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. Getting here is a challenge. This is a short hike, just 5 miles round trip, but the elevation gain is huge. The trail alternates between relatively …
Hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim is a bucket list adventure. Over the course of nearly 24 miles, hikers descend below the level of the rim, cross the mighty Colorado River, and climb back up the other side. It’s challenging, it’s exhilarating, and it is truly an unforgettable experience. However, this is a massive hike and in order to have the …
Awe-inspiring, challenging, exhausting, unforgettable…these are all words to describe the trek across the Grand Canyon. If you are up for a big adventure, hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim is one for the bucket list. This is the land of extremes. In the summer months, the temperature can fluctuate along the trail as much as 80 degrees in one day. You …
On this 10-day Greece itinerary, visit three beautiful Greek islands and the city of Athens. Start in Santorini, a volcanic island that is dotted with picture-perfect villages and is famous for its legendary sunsets. Next, travel to Naxos, a quieter, greener island that is easier on the wallet and an unexpected surprise for many travelers. Spend a day in Mykonos, …
Santorini is a popular destination on many traveler’s wish lists, for good reason. The beaches, the photogenic villages, and the breathtaking sunsets in Oia attract a lot of visitors to this tiny island. If you are planning your Santorini itinerary, we have some suggestions for you. Whether you have 1, 2, or 3 days in Santorini, learn how to plan …
With 2 days in Athens, explore ancient Greek and Roman ruins, enjoy the view from a rooftop restaurant, go shopping, get a history lesson at one of several world-class museums, and of course, visit the amazing Acropolis. Sites such as the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus draw big crowds. The last thing you want …
Planning a trip to Greece can be very exciting. This country offers a wonderful mix of ancient, historical sites, breathtaking scenery, and of course, those amazing Greek islands. While you are in the planning phase, there are some things you should know before you go. Here are our Greece travel tips, tips to help you have the best experience in …
Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and it is filled with archaeological treasures. The Acropolis and Parthenon are the big draw for first-time visitors, but the city is littered with ancient Greek and Roman ruins. Visiting Athens is like taking a step back in time, a wonderful history lesson that is great for all ages. Whether you have …
Walking from Fira to Oia is one of Santorini’s top experiences. Hike along the rim of a caldera, explore the towns of Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira, and enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the islands. If you go the entire distance, you will walk just over 10 km (about 6 miles). The walking path is a mix …
Hiking to Apano Kastro was our favorite “unexpected” surprise in Naxos. This is a wonderful short hike to the ruins of ancient Venetian citadel. Explore the ancient ruins and get one of the best views over the island of Naxos. When researching things to do on Naxos, photos of Apano Kastro caught my eye. However, when we did this, there …
Naxos is the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades. Lounge on the white, sandy beaches, visit ancient temples, hike to the summit of Mount Zas, go windsurfing, and explore the charming villages…these all make the list of the best things to do in Naxos. On our recent trip to Greece, we hopped from Mykonos to Naxos to Santorini by …
If you are making a decision about where to stay in Athens, you have a lot of options. Whether you want a luxury experience, a room with a view of the Acropolis, or a budget hotel with an awesome location, we have some suggestions for you. Where to Stay in Athens The main places to visit in Athens are clustered …
The center of Naxos is mountainous and dotted with small, picturesque villages. It is a beautiful area and it looks remotely different from the landscapes we saw on Mykonos and Santorini. Naxos is green, forested, idyllic, and much quieter than the other islands. If you are looking for a very nice, easy walk that takes you through several villages and …
The Acropolis is the centerpiece of Athens. Rising up from the city center is a rocky, fortified, limestone plateau, topped with the Parthenon and several other ancient monuments. For most visitors to Athens, a visit to the Acropolis tops the list of things to do, making this a very popular place to visit. If you want to know how to …