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The Island of the Venetian Lagoon, Murano, Burano and Torcello

November 13, 2011 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Looking for a day trip while staying in Venice? While there is plenty to see outside of the city there is still quite a bit to see close at hand.

The three islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello all sit in the Venetian Lagoon and are easily reached by a number of water taxis, or vaporetti. Tour companies do offer combined tours of all the islands, but the time on each one is limited. Seeing each one on your own gives you more time to take in the local color. So take a day and venture out of your hotel or apartments in Venice to explore 3 of the most famous of 117 small islands that make up Venice.

Murano Island

On Murano Island, it’s all about the glass. To preserve the secrets of Murano glass, and to prevent the spread of fire through the water bound city of Venice, workers once had to live on the island. Today visitors can see glass-making at the Fornace – Entrata Libera, a factory that is open to the public. After a ten minute demonstration, exit through the showroom where you may find your own bit of authentic Murano glass. The Museo Vetrario, or the Glass Museum, has samples of glass that are as old as Egypt’s pyramids. Murano Island is easily reached by waterbus from a number of stops throughout the Venetian waterfront. Most of the restaurants are along the Campo Santo Stefano and the canals. Some are pricey affairs, but snack bars offer budget-minded pizzas, sandwiches or gelato treats.

Burano Island

Burano Island is where you go to find hand-made lace, this quiet locale’s claim to fame. The Lace Museum traces the tradition of the island’s lace industry and a number of shops market the locally made creations. Most of the island’s canals are framed with colorful homes, made even brighter by window boxes filled with flowers. Boats are docked along the canals, the Venetian equivalent of the family car. The even smaller island of Mazzorbo is connected to Burano by a foot bridge. A water taxi from Fondamente Nove will get your directly to Burano. Trattoria al Gatto Nero is the one restaurant on the island.

Torcello Island

Largely a nature preserve, Torcello Island is also home to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Dell’Assunta, dating back to the 7th century. The cathedral is home to mosaics from the Byzantine Period, added to the structure in the 11th and 12th centuries. A tiny museum sits at the top of the bell tower. This is the island to visit if you want a little bit of peace and quiet. One restaurant, Osteria al Pointe del Diavolo, is an upscale affair offering both indoor and outdoor dining and an assortment of dishes featuring seafood, pasta and local vegetables. To reach Torcello, take a water taxi from Fondamente Nove to Burano Island and then transfer to the Line T water taxi.

After spending a great day visiting the 3 islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello you will be ready to return to your Venice apartments or hotels to clean up before spending the evening enjoying the lights and nightlife that Italy’s romantic city has to offer.

Filed Under: Burano, Europe, Featured, Italy, Murano, Torcello, Travel Photos, Venice

Cinque Terre, A Day Trip From Florence Italy

September 28, 2011 By phagemann Leave a Comment

The Cinque Terre region on the Ligurian coast of Italy is one of the places to visit on a day trip from Florence. This group of five villages is approximately 165 kilometers (103 miles) northwest of Florence. Visitors can reach the Cinque Terre from Florence by driving or taking a train. The roads in the Cinque Terre are very narrow and winding. Travelers may prefer to take a train to the town of La Spezia. This trip takes approximately two and a half hours. A train trip from La Spezia to Riomaggiore takes a few minutes. The Cinque Terre villages are Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare.

Every village in the Cinque Terre has its own train station. Travelers can purchase Cinque Terre cards at every station. These cards can be used to ride the train between the villages all day and will give visitors access to the walking trails between the villages.

Visitors can climb a road from the Riomaggiore train station to reach the Castle of Riomaggiore from the 13th century. Travelers can dive and sail in the water near Riomaggiore. The terrace at A Pie de Ma restaurant here overlooks the sea. Guests can order salted anchovies, fish carpaccio and other dishes made from local seafood. Local wine is served with the food.

The path to from Riomaggiore to Manarola, the Via dell’Amore, runs along hills above the sea. This path is two kilometers long. Travelers can also take the train from Riomaggiore to Manarola.

Colorful houses perch on hills above the sea in Manarola. The town is surrounded by grapevines. There are hiking trails in the hills above Manarola. The church of San Lorenzo in the piazza was built in the 14th century. The church’s bell tower dates back to the 12th century and was originally a watchtower. Local seafood dishes served at Il Porticciolo in Manarola include stuffed squid, anchovies flavored with lemon, stuffed mussels and grilled swordfish.

The village of Corniglia is on a hill above the water. Visitors can climb a staircase with 400 steps from the beach or take a shuttle bus to reach the village. The village is surrounded on three sides by vineyards and terraces. Visitors can sit in the quiet town square and soak up the sun. Customers at the Osteria a Cantina de Mananan can order roast rabbit and anchovies stuffed with herbs. This little restaurant is in the stone cellar of an old house.

Travelers can take a 90-minute hike or a four-minute train ride from Corniglia to Vernazza. Parts of Vernazza were built during medieval times. The lookout tower was built in the 11th century. Seafood risotto is served at the Belforte restaurant here.

Visitors who walk from Vernazza to Monterosso al Mare will pass quiet coves and waterfalls. Historic buildings in Monterosso al Mare include the church of San Giovanni Battista from 1220. The Ristorante Belvedere here has tables by the water. Stuffed mussels and octopus salad are two of the menu items.

Filed Under: Cinque Terre, Europe, Featured, Italy, Travel Photos

Day Tripping Between Seville and Granada Spain

September 22, 2011 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Granada is a beautiful and historic city found in Andalucia, Southern Spain. The atmosphere less touristy than many nearby Spanish cities, and the local residents are both friendly and welcoming. There are countless fascinating historical landmarks worth a visit in this incredible city, including the famed Alhambra, the Cathedral of Granada and Plaza Nueva. With so many inviting stops and delicious food, it is no surprise that many visitors head to Granada time and time again. It is also a worthwhile trip from nearby locations like Seville. Here are just some of the many reasons to visit Granada:

Getting to Granada is a simple process. There are several flights that arrive in the city’s international airport, including those from Madrid, Rome, Paris and Milan. In addition, there are several bus and train options from the surrounding Spanish cities. From Seville, there are regular buses as well as 4 daily train trips from city to city. For those wishing to arrive by car, the drive from Seville to Granada takes slightly under three hours, and is visibly signposted the entire journey.

Granada is home to countless unbelievable historical sites. The most popular site of all is of course the Alhambra, an incredible complex from the 13th century. It is a combination of a fortress, palace, giant gardens and even a municipal district area. It is without a doubt the most impressive tourist destination in the Granada, and perhaps even Spain. History enthusiasts, architectural buffs, or any one wanting to get a better understanding of Spanish heritage can appreciate it. Along with the Alhambra, Granada offers cultural sites like the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Moorish village Albayzín, the breathtaking cave district of Sacromonte, and stunning churches like the Cathedral of Granada, the Royal Chapel and the Santo Domingo Church.

Granada also boasts an impressive selection of bars and restaurant serving delicious and traditional foods. A popular choice is to visit some of the bars and indulge is tapas as you sip a local sherry. Many tapas are free, but for the heartier items expect to pay. Embrace the unique heritage of Granada by frequenting an Arabian style restaurant like Bar Oum Kalsoum, or a traditional Spanish tapas bar like Oryza. For a quick meal or even a sweet pastry, be sure not to miss the mouth watering creations from La Blanca Paloma, found on Reyes Catolicos and known among locals as the best bakery in the city.

Filed Under: Europe, Featured, Granada, Spain, Travel Photos

Grenada, Spice Island of the Caribbean

August 24, 2010 By phagemann 1 Comment

Catamaran Sailboats Grenada

The Island nation of Grenada lies at the southernmost tip of the Caribbean in what is known as the Windward Islands. Making up the nation of Grenada are three sister islands, Grenada, Carriacou and Pitite Martinique. Situated in the eastern Caribbean, the island nation is only 100 miles north of the South America continent and the country of Venezuela. To the southeast one will find the island nations of Trinidad and Tobago. To the northeast lie the islands of St. Vincent , Grenadines and 158 miles the island of Barbados

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Filed Under: Caribbean, Grenada, Travel Photos

Puerto Madera Buenos Aires Argentina

August 23, 2010 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Puenta de la Mujer, Puerto Madera, Buenos Aires Argentina

Buenos Aires, meaning good air, is the largest city in Argentina and also serves as the capital of the country. Buenos Aires a high energy city with strong European ties is a port city located on the southern shore of the Rio de la Plata bordering Uruguay. Situated on the southeastern coast of South America, Buenos Aires is the continents third largest metropolitan area. Located in the Pampas Region of Argentina, Buenos Aires is geographically bordered by the Rio de la Plata to the east northeast, by the river Riachuelo to the southeast and Avenida General Paz separating the city from the Province of Buenos Aires to the west.
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Filed Under: Argentina, Buenos Aires, South America, Travel Photos

Montezuma Costa Rica

August 12, 2010 By phagemann 1 Comment

Beach at Motezuma Costa Rica

Located on the southern shore of the Nicoya Peninsula is the seaside village of Montezuma. The village has a carefree laid back atmosphere which has attracted many young foreigners over the years. Montezuma has been found to be a great place to chill and enjoy the quiet tranquil atmosphere, with many local flavored shops and restaurants adding to this bohemian lifestyle. Backpackers and eco tourist have found the rock strewn beaches, rivers as well as the scenic waterfalls make this a must see destination in Costa Rica.
Explore more of Montezuma Costa Rica with Beachcomber Pete

Filed Under: Central America, Costa Rica, Travel Photos

Mira Flores Lock Panama Canal, Panama

August 9, 2010 By phagemann 6 Comments

Ship being pulled into Mira Flores Lock Panama Canal, Panama

Cutting the Isthmus’s of Panama in two, the mighty Panama Canal, is still considered one of mankind’s engineering marvels. From the Caribbean port city of Colon, the canal winds its way across 48 miles of the Isthmus of Panama passing through 17 man made lakes, Gatun Lake being the largest and 3 locks, Miraflores, Pedro Miguel and Gatun locks, with the Miraflores lock being the most famous. The canal ends on the Pacific side as it passes under the Bridge of the Americas and enters the Gulf of Panama.

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Filed Under: Central America, Panama, Travel Photos

Window to the Pacific Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve Costa Rica

August 9, 2010 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Window to the Pacific, Cabao Blanco Nature Reserve Costa Rica

Window to the Pacific, Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve Costa Rica

Located at the southern most point of the Nicoya Peninsula lays Cabo Blanco “Absolute” Nature Reserve. Listed as one of Costa Rica’s best and beautiful nature reserves, Cabo Blanco is made up of 2,896 acres of pristine white sand and shell strewn beaches. From the tide pools along the ocean to the evergreen forest inland, this moist micro climate makes this a Naturist paradise. Winding trails and deserted beaches one will find Cabo Blanco is quite different from the rest of the Nicoya Peninsula.

Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve was created in 1963 much from the efforts of Nils Olof Wesberg and his wife Karen Mogensen , Danish-Swedish immigrants that lived in nearby Montezuma. The couple was upset after finding large sections of the area clear cut in the late 50’s and pushed for the area to become a Nature Reserve in the Costa Rica Park system. Today only around 15% of primary forest remains with the largest portion of forest being around 50 years old. Wesberg and his wife Mogenson were intrumental in the push for ecological areas and reserves throughout Costa Rica. Wesberg was murdered in 1975 during one such campaign in the Osa Peninsula. Mogensen continued the couples work till her death in 1994.
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Filed Under: Costa Rica, Travel Photos

Sugarloaf Mountain Rio de Janeiro

February 2, 2010 By phagemann Leave a Comment

6 Hours in Rio de Janeiro (part 2) We flew in for the day from Sao Paulo with another 6 hour layover in Rio de Janeiro. Looking to see how we could spend the afternoon in Rio, my copilot and me grabbed a taxi at the airport and headed for Sugarloaf Mountain or Pao de Acucar as the Brazilians call it.

Located at the mouth of Guanabara Bay lies Sugar Loaf Mountain. Driving along the avenue flanking Botafogo Beach you are given an excellent side view of Morro da Urca, the lower mountain at 700 feet and Sugarloaf Mountain at 1300 feet. The taxi driver dropped us off at Urca where the cable car station is located to climb the mountains. Two glass enclosed cable cars carrying up to 75 passengers leave the station every 20 minutes for the 5 minute ride to the first stop at Morro da Urca. Excellent views of Sugar Loaf Mountain, Botafogo Beach as well as downtown Rio and Corcovado with the statue of Christ Redeemer can be seen from the Morro da Urca station.

Next was another cable car ride to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain with unbelievable views of the entrance of Guanabara Bay and Niteroi City located on the eastern shore of the Guanabara Bay. To the north is Aeroporto Santos Dumont, with the planes today taking off headed right towards Sugarloaf before banking off to the east, to the west another great view of Corcovado and the city of Rio, coming around and looking south a great view of Copacabana. On the top of Sugarloaf mountain there were several trails wandering thru jungle like vegetation offering great viewing points around the mountain, we did see a couple of climbers finishing up a climb with ropes and repelling equipment. Both Sugarloaf and Morro da Urca had snack bars and facilities.

Traveling to the top of Surgarloaf Mountain one needs to plan on a minimum of 3 hours to enjoy the views, today’s adventure took us 5 1/2 hours from Rio’s Galeao International Airport, to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain and return to the airport.

Before leaving and heading out to Sugarloaf Mountain we were told it is best to see Sugarloaf first and much higher Corcovado with the statue of Christ Redeemer second so one is not disappointed by the views. We found the views from Sugarloaf were spectacular and well worth the visit.
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Filed Under: 6 Hours in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Featured, Travel Adventures, Travel Photos