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Showing posts from 2021

Exploring Prague: A Traveler's Guide

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Figure 1.  View of Castle District from Old Town  (or  Staré Mesto ) Getting Around Central Prague is easily managed on foot (though be sure to wear comfortable shoes). For longer trips, the city has a reliable public-transport system of metros, trams and buses. The system is integrated, meaning that the same tickets are valid on all types of transport, and for transfers between them. [2] Walking  Central Prague is compact, and individual neighborhoods are easily explored on foot. Tram  Extensive network; best way to get around shorter distances between neighborhoods. Metro  Fast and frequent, good for visiting outlying areas or covering longer distances. Bus  Not much use in the city center, except when travelling to/from the airport; operates in areas not covered by tram or metro. Taxi  Relatively cheap but prone to rip-off drivers. Prague Integrated Transport  ( PID ) is an integrated public transport system including metro , tramways...

Italy Travel—Visiting Positano along the Amalfi Coast

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View of Positano Spiaggia (main beach) and its hillside Its scenic vistas, art history, and incredible food and drink have long made Italy a destination for romance-seekers, foodies, and adventurers. But Positano , located just south of Naples along the Amalfi Coast , is a true jewel to visit: [5] One of the most iconic towns on Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Positano is a sunbaked slice of craggy cliffs, pastel facades, uber-fresh seafood and ice-cold limoncello – all in close proximity to Pompeii and Capri .   Top 10 Places On The Amalfi Coast (YouTube link ) When to Travel The  best time  to visit is  in spring or early autumn .  In summer, the coast's single road (SS163) gets very busy and prices are inflated;  in winter   much of the coast simply shuts down . Positano on Amalfi Coast (Source: Lonely Planet) Public Transport (Train and Bus) You can take the train from Naples Porta Nolana station to Sorrento .   Circumvesuviana  is a r...

Italy Travel Tips

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Italy is filled with riches. It offers you spectacular cities, ancient ruins, wonderful museums, soaring mountains, great beaches, and beautiful natural scenery – all packed in one. Planning for your first trip If you plan to visit Italy for the first time, here are the tips for you: [6] Take it slow Forget your diet Visit Italy to indulge and live your life to its fullest. Do your research Avoid tourist foods Don’t eat or drink in the main city square . These spots are usually overpriced tourist traps.  Just  walk two blocks away from those tourist spots and you will find cheaper food choices . Fewer stop is better Pick the right season Be alert for travel scams Taxi scams—Insist the meter be turned on, or make sure you’re aware of any flat-rate pricing. Anyone who approaches you with lavender, flowers or a pizza box. Just walk the other way. Put your luggage on a diet Don't pack too much.  Mobility is essential.  Only pack for your carry-on.  But whatever you ...

England Travel—Visiting London

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Video 1.   London Complete Travel Guide - England Travel Ideas - Bucket List (YouTube link ) Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, London Kew Gardens , probably the world’s most famous garden , is a  UNESCO World Heritage Site . The garden, created in 1759, boasts the earliest and greatest botanic garden, including breathtaking landscapes, historic buildings, along with one of the rarest and most interesting range of plants. Hop aboard the Kew Explorer land train to enjoy the 40-minute tour of the gardens and learn about Kew’s plants, trees and history. Don’t miss the newly refurbished Temperate House – the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse . Figure 1.  Holland Park (London; 05/05/2021) Figure 2.  Three main areas you would like to visit (from Video 1) Palace of Westminster Just across from Westminster station, the Gothic Revival turrets of the Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower – which houses  Big Ben  – draw curious eyes towards the sky. [11] ...

Conquering Italy's Train System: A First-Timer's Guide

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Click  here  for a mobile-friendly version. How to use the Train in Sicily - Trenitalia App and Physical Ticket for Italy (YouTube link ) Train travel can be a great way to see Italy.  Trains run frequently, but with some delays.    According to a study by Trenitalia, the national railway company, the average delay for long-distance trains is 15 minutes . For regional trains , the average delay is 20 minutes . The high-speed trains service the major cities you’re likely to visit (like Florence and  Venice ), while slower intercity trains access secondary locations.   Riding on high-speed intercity trains can be very fast.   With the journey time between Rome and  Milan  taking just under three hours and the time between  Rome  and  Venice  taking just under four hours. Local trains serve cities such as Rome, allowing for quick transport through the entire area. Inter-city trains are the ideal way to create...

Exploring the Amalfi Coast, Italy's Stunning Coastal Paradise

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Figure 1.  Amalfi Coast, Italy Video 1.  Walking in  Ravello  & the  Villa Cimbrone  (YouTube link ) The  Amalfi Coast  is one of Italy’s top destinations. With stunning sparkling, blue water, sandy beaches and quaint hillside towns it is just beautiful.  Where is the Amalfi Coast? Amalfi is 170 miles (275km) south west of Rome, or about three and half hours driving. Ravello — Romantic gardens, heavenly views, and a world-class music festival  define this Amalfi Coast jewel.  The 13th-century, Moorish-style  Villa Rufolo  offers far-reaching views from its terraced gardens, and hosts indoor and outdoor concerts during the popular summertime Ravello Festival .  Villa Cimbrone  (a nice place to say " Ti Amo "), a medieval-style estate perched on a steep outcrop, is surrounded by another celebrated garden.  Figure 2.  Ports and departures for Capri, Ischia, Positano, and Sorrento [2...