Thursday, October 29, 2015

Lake Como and Monza

The Italian region of Lombardy is impressive with its hills, lakes, mountains and plains, an area of rich history and traditions. Located in the north of the country and sharing a border with Switzerland, Lombardy is largely known as an industrial and economic region.

The main stop of our trip is Milano, a city of innovation, technology, fashion, entertainment, history, art and culture. Here we find some of the main touristic attractions.

We combine our stay in Milano with a day trip to Lake Como, a very popular tourist destination in Lombardy. The best way to reach the lake is by train from Milano. There are regular trains to the charming historical city of Como.

Once arrived at Como we take the main street from the train station to the lake. Walking along the promenade we got fascinated by admirable sceneries. The natural beauty and the stunning landscapes make this highly-pleasant walk an unforgettable experience. 





The mountain lake is very popular for its landscapes.




Since the Roman times the lake has attracted the reach aristocracy which selected the place as the best destination for retrieve. Nowadays many celebrities have villas here.





Como water aerodrome.





We take a rest in one of the local restaurants and taste the traditional dish polenta. From here we enjoy the panoramic views of Lake Como and the Alps.


Lake Como offers magnificent sceneries and a unique contact with nature. This is one of the most beautiful European lakes, a place which is a well worth visiting.



On the way back to Milano we visit the city of Monza, another attractive and world-famous destination. 






The small city is best known for its motor racing circuit which hosts the Italian Grand Prix of Formula One.






Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral with the white and black marble façade and the campanile.





The arengario



Lombardy has many facets and countless attractive spots to offer in terms of its natural, cultural and architectural sightseeing. The region has its own charm and this unique journey offers us one restful and entertaining holiday.


Saturday, October 24, 2015

Serra de Tramuntana


After a short stop at Port de Soller we go back to Palma by buss. This trip is the best option to discover the entire region. The buss takes the narrow steep road. From here we enjoy the mountain area and its unique beauty. 

 



Going uphill we get fascinated by the breathtaking views around us.

 


 

Typical landscape marked with agricultural terraces, steep streets and stone houses.

 


Located parallel to Mallorca’s west coast, Serra de Tramuntana reveals outstanding views towards the sea.

 


 

Idyllic landscapes overlooking the Mediterranean.




 


 

Inspiring landscapes of the small peaceful village Deia.

  


Located several kilometers away, Valldemossa is internationally famous with its outstanding beauty. Artists from all over the world have visited this village, seeking for inspiration in its unique nature.

 

Serra de Tramuntana is a unique mountain. The nature has created here impressive spots that make our vacation in Mallorca unforgettable.

Port de Soller

One of the most spectacular regions of Mallorca is Serra de Tramuntana, an area with a great cultural and natural significant. This important reserve has a Unesco Heritage Status. The mountain is famous with its unique flora and fauna.

There are several ways to explore this region. We take the traditional historical train with wooden carriages from Palma to Soller.

 


 

The area is surrounded by olive and orange trees, steep streets and houses with modern architecture.







Travelling by tram from Soller to its port. In this part of the mountain the area becomes grandiose.





Port de Soller is one of the most visited beaches on Mallorca, because of its spectacular scenery.





A village graced with harmonious panoramic views.








Place with a flair and magnificent nature.






 Magical spots towards the bay.
 

Monday, October 19, 2015

Lago Trasimeno



Located close to Perugia, Lago Trasimeno is the biggest lake of the Apennine Peninsula. The area is famous with its natural beauty and rich history. There is so much to explore and discover here. The lake is surrounded by old small towns and villages, picturesque green hills and castles.






The lake can be easily reached from Perugia, there are direct trains to one of the main towns on the lake-Passignano sul Trasimeno, famous with its cultural and landscape heritage.



 

The Roman origins of the town can still be easily recognized in the parallel narrow streets in the historical center.

 

 

Old stone houses and breathtaking landscapes.





La Rocca- the fortress and one of the most panoramic spots revealing magnificent views over the lake and the promenade.



 


Place blessed with the most beautiful sunset imaginable. Unforgettable!!!



Passignano is a charming fishing town a unique combination of history and nature. It is a must visit town during a stay in Umbria.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Assisi



Assisi is a typical beautiful Umbrian city .The small town is a birth place of San Francesco, who founded the Franciscan religious order.


Assisi can be easily access by train to Santa Maria degli Angeli, a small town located in the plain at the foot of Monte Subasio.


Once arrived at Santa Maria degli Angeli we visit the Portiuncula, the most sacred place for the Franciscans. Here Francesco heard the Gospel and felt his vocation to live in poverty with his disciples. Here he lived at the beginning with the first brothers, here he died in 1226.  

 


 


Nowadays the majestic monumental Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli is one of the seven big Basilicas of the world.

 

We take a buss and after 20 min reach Assisi. 

 

 

The city is located on the hill and its white buildings are in contrast with the green landscapes.

 

 

The medieval city is dominated by the two religious orders of St. Francesco and St. Chiara. Assisi has a phantastic and well preserved historical city center, influenced by many civilizations. 


 

 

We stroll through the narrow streets and admire monuments, churches and art treasures.


The city is one of the main touristic attractions in Umbria. Visitors, Franciscan monks and pilgrims create one unique religious atmosphere.

 

 


In the Basilica of Santa Chiara are preserved some important Franciscan relics including the crypt with the body of St. Chiara, laid out in a crystal sarcophagus. 


One of the most important churches in Assisi is the Cathedral of Saint Rofino, the place where St. Francesco and St. Chiara were baptized. Here St. Chiara got impressed by St. Francesco preaching and realized her mission in life.





The Romanesque building nowadays is one of the most important churches in Assisi.





The double church of San Francesco di Assisi consists of two imposant churches built shortly after San Francesco’s canonization. 





World famous are the frescoes of the painter Giotto di Bondone, demonstrating the development of Italian art in this period. We also got very impressed by these fascinating paintings.





The range and religious importance gives the basilica a unique place in the entire Christian world.





Breathtaking views from Assisi over the valley.


Assisi has a huge religious and cultural influence over the catholic world, a mystical place with a reach history and traditions which definitely influenced our stay in Umbria.