It is easy to arrive at Constanta. There are many ways but from Bucurest is the easiest way, by bus. Bucurest is the capital of Romania and you can find plenty of flights arriving at Bucurest.
Constanta is a big Romanian city situated on the Black Sea. It has the biggest Romanian seaport and it is a strong water connection for Romania for centuries.
My visit here was because of Erasmus Plus Exchange Program. We were youth group of 25 people from different European countries – Romania, Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, Turkey (non-European country), Greece.
I spent one really amazing day in Constanta playing “where is what”.
With my Romanian spiritual sister
Where is the oldest building in Constanta? – The oldest building is Constanta Casino situated along The Black Sea alley in the old part of the city center. This is the most impressive building here and it’s a pure love for the architects’ eyes.
Where you can get some fun with locals? – On the Black sea alley in the old part of Constanta. Actually right where the Constanta Casino is. It is a very nice boardwalk and you can feel and smell the sea, touch the Romanian spirit and even talk with some locals.
Is there a mosque in Constanta? – Yes, part of the locals is Muslims.
Where is the best place to eat? – Tomis Harbor. It is part of the port and there are restourants and nice coffee shops.
Find one beautiful beach on the Black Sea in Constanta. – Easy! Mamaia Beach is natural and gives you a charming wide view of the sea. It is a nice place to walk, jump, relax, have a sit and just watching the water.
Constanta has many museums and I visited The Museum of National History and Archeology. It was curious to see plenty of the Romanian history, traditional clothes, and accessories. It was a mixture of Greek and Roman heritage. We found out interesting pieces and fragments from Romanian sculptors, painters, artist.
I spent one really crazy and busy day in Constanta and I loved the city. It is not so big as Bucurest but it has authentic spirit and salt taste.
It was totally worth it to visit Constanta even for a day. Actually, you don’t need to spend many days – just a weekend is enough to enjoy the city and explore the interesting places there.
I see you checking for a ticket! Let me do the same and find my next destination!
Bulgaria has 4 seasons and I am so happy to live here in Sofia, Bulgaria and enjoy every one of them!
The autumn is amazing time, not too hot and not too cold. Humans always look for the balance in their life and the autumn is the greatest time to take the energy of the nature. I enjoy my everyday walks, I enjoy being with my dog in South Park in Sofia. I strongly recommend as a must to visit this beautiful park if you visit Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria.
Home is the best destination for me right now, I am collecting naturally painted leaves, running between the colorful trees with my puppy and just relaxing.
The sun gives me soft kisses and makes me feel stronger.
I love this season, it smells on mature fruits, leaves and pumpkins. Smells good, tastes good and that’s why I choose it as my favorite!
I suggest to visit Sofia during the autumn, this time of the year I find it the most beautiful!
Rome is my favorite metropolitan city in Europe. The Renaissance is in the air and everything is so impressive here. The time is never enough for this amazing city.
On the roof of St Peter Basilica
But the tourists are so much! You can get mad because of the thousands of people everywhere and you can destroy your holiday while waiting on huge queue, being in a group with so many and different people, so in the end you can feel just tired and frustrated.
This article is about how to behave smart and skip the big lines, being alone in usually crowded places, how to visit all the exciting things without getting pissed off. Rome is beating in a crazy rhythm and a good time schedule is the key for amazing time and you’ll have time to feel the energy of the places and to enjoy the food and the weather.
Roman Forum
Smart time schedule for sightseeing in Rome:
1. Vatican city – Probably you read a lot about it, it is different city than Rome, located in the heart of Rome and it’s fully autonomous. It has its own lows and rules and you must follow them as a tourist if you want to go inside. Big problem here it is always very crowded, you can spend half day just waiting to go inside and you will not have enough time to explore all the museums and the gardens.
Tip 1: Buy your ticket online in advance or go in front of the main entrance and ask for a qualified guide. Otherwise there is unwritten rule you will be treated with the lowest priority on the queue. My advice is to spend a bit more money and have a guide (ticket + a guide is around 50 $) because this will make your stay in Vatican city more useful, you will learn new things in a funny interactive way and you will get more into the historical details. And you can ask whatever you want and you’ll get the answer, and this is super cool because in Vatican a lot of questions will appear! Also as a part of a group you will be treated with priority on the entrance.
Vatican symbol in the museums of Vatican city
Tip 2: For the Vatican gardens you will need to book your ticket 2-3 months in advance. Depending on how much you want to see them – think for that some months before your staying in Rome. You can see them from the roof of St Peter basilica for free.
Vatican gardens
Tip 3: Don’t be frustrated if you don’t see everything. This is mission impossible. Vatican city needs months to be discovered, so stay focused on what you see, feel the energy of the museums you will visit and enjoy Sistine Chapel.
Tip 4: Stay quite inside the Sistine Chapel. Don’t take pictures and videos – it is not allowed! Nippon Television Network Corporation of Japan owns the rights for all videos and photos and in case somebody take a photo, a fee might be registered! and when you want to leave, take the right exist which will lead you directly to St Peter Cathedral. If you take the left exist you will be back at the beginning of the museums and you will need to wait on another queue for the St Peter Cathedral.
Walking on the roof of St Peter BasilicaIn the Basilica St Peter cover your shoulders and legs
Tip 5: You can have some snack with you as you will probably spend about 6 hours and inside the Vatican city there are no food places for tourist.
For Vatican city a day will be enough to be touched by the power of Art, to explore the main halls, to enjoy Sistine Chapel and St Peter.
In front of St Peter Basilica
2. Coliseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Circus Maximus – 1 or 2 days in a row
Did you watch the movie Gladiator, if so – keep calm and wait for the moment you will start feeling as an actor in the movie. Coliseum is amazing from the outside. During the night the atmosphere turns even more to a magic. It is totally worth it to go inside and spend some nice hours exploring the past and the cruel fights that had happened.
Tip 6: Depending on your time take a guide or audo record with you. You will hear about really interesting stories which had taken place inside the Coliseum. With the audo you are a little bit more free to do whatever you want and go where you choose without waiting for all the people in the group.
Exploring Coliseum
Tip 7: The Coliseum ticket can be combined with The Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. The ticket can be one for all these 3! And the good news are you will have 2 days to explore them with one ticket. But you can delay Coliseum for your 2nd day. With this combined ticket you have to start from The Roman Forum first!
Roman Forum
Tip 8: Take the combined ticket from Tip 7 from the entrance of the Forum which is next to the Piazza Venezia, don’t buy it from the main entrance next to the Coliseum as there the queue is much bigger. Once you enter in the Roman Forum you can reach directly from the inside The Coliseum and The Palatine Hill.
Tip 9: If you delay your visit to Coliseum for the second day – once on the queue, go in front of all people and show your ticket. It is allowed to skip the line in case you have your ticket in advance as described in Tip 7 and Tip 8.
Tip 10: Circus Maximus can be combined also during this visit. Enjoy it!
3. Spanish steps and Fontana Di Trevi
Di Trevi is always romantic but I like it more in the night!
Tip 11: These two sightseengs are in the heart of the city center of Rome. It’s better go there during the night. Of course you will pass by them many times during the day as well. During the night it is not so crowded, especially worth it for Fontana Di Trevi. Spanish steps are a good place to eat gelato and feel the Roman love in the air!
Spanish steps
4. Piazza Venezia has special place in my heart!
It is modern Piazza and personally I can say this is the most beautiful one in Rome. It is so enormous and so impressive. The building is marble and white. The view is so cool! The two fires at the entrance of the building represent Roman people always keep the fire. You can visit Piazza Venezia many times and every time it looks different.
Tip 12: Close to Piazza Venezia is the main street Corso in Rome. You can combine the visit here with a walk after that on the Corso street. And plenty of restaurants, coffees, shops and souvenirs can be found. Of course the smell of pasta, pizza and wine is everywhere!
5. Piazza Navona and The Pantheon
Two amazing places to have fun! Piazza Navona is another charming place to eat gelato, relax and enjoy the two beautiful fountains there. There are very nice restaurants but they are quite expensive.
Tip 13: If you want to eat somewhere in the city center, avoid the restaurants in front of Piazza Navona. Take some small narrow streets and find a place close to Piazza Navona but not on it. The prices will be different but the quality will stay the same.
At Piazza Navona
Tip 14: Go inside The Pantheon and enjoy the energy, take some history background and the place will be even more alive.
One of the oldest building in Rome – Pantheon. It is older than Vatican city!
6. Tiber and castle St Angelo
If you like to spend hours in museums and different castles – check St Angelo castle as well. The price is 15 EUR. Tip 15: If you are more about the nature – spend some time in front of the castle. There is a beautiful bridge and the river Tiber is making the nature around so fresh and green. Nice chance to eat gelato or find a restaurant near the St Angelo Castle and enjoy some pasta and wine.
7. Villa Borghese and the whole Borghese gardens are a good way to spend really funny time laying on a green grass. The park is with small lakes, beautiful trees and flowers and it is so relaxing to just sit on a bench. Tip 16: Combine the walk through Villa Borghese with a nice lunch, drink wine and be an actor/ actress of this Renaissance masterpiece. You can hire rickshaw or a bike and be active and free. Amazing way to have some fun with your friends, to burn some calories and deserve the dinner.
On the Borhese terrace there is nice view!
I believe these tips are quite helpful because they are about the most wanted to be visited places in Rome. Of course this is not the entire list of all sightseeings as there is something to be seen on every corner in Rome. But for the rest there is not so much pressure and queues.
Keep calm and enjoy Rome!
I spent one amazing week in Rome, full of surprises and unexpected joyful moments. Rome is my favorite European metropolitan city and my heart starts beating in the rhythm of Renaissance every time I am in Rome. But this time I discover the beauty of Tivoli – just 30 km away from the crowded Rome!
It is easy to go there – a plane to Rome and then you can find one day trips to Tivoli or just go to the train station Termini (in Rome) and in 40 minutes you will arrive in Tivoli.
Tovoli is a small city with narrow streets which smell on coffee and delicious bread panini. The atmosphere is charming, harmonic and you can fall in love with Tivoli from the very first moment!
It has the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen. Villa d’Este and Villa Gregoriana – the masterpiece of many centuries. Both places are beautiful gardens which represents the scientific and creative achievements of thousands famous painters, physicist, architects, sculptors, and any other kind of аrt people. There is another ancient garden Villa Adriana but it is out of the city Tivoli. It should takes 1 hour to reach it. I read amazing reviews for Villa Adriana but I could’t manage to visit it this time. Amazing excuse to come back in Tivoli !
Villa Gregoriana’s view to Tempio della SibiaParco Villa Gregoriana
Villa Gregoriana is a funny way to spend amazing time and even to have your lunch away from the big city’s noise and vanity. It has crazy wild paths and waterfall. While walking Tempio della Sibia is wathing you from the top of the gardens. One of the ways to enter in Villa Gregoriana is from the side of Tempio della Sibia. The other way is across the bridge.
Tempo della Sibia is ancient temple from Roman times located in acropolis of Tivoli, in the province of Rome. The temple is huge and well preserved and there is a nice restaurant nearby where you can eat delicious food and enjoy the beauty of both the temple and Villa Gregoriana. The restaurant has Michelin sighs for 2017, 2016, 2015 and the food here must be tested. Unfortunately during my stay the restaurant was closed.
Villa d’Este is UNESCO World Herritage and it has been created before Christ. During the centuries many creative people has been building more and more beautiful masterpieces inside. It is very famous with its fountains. Villa d’Este is 4 hectares residential place and the best gardens to walk through! Some of the fountains are singing at fixed hours, other have light shows.
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Villa d’Este. This part of the park is dedicated to Rome cityRepresenting the power of Rome city in Villa d’EsteVilla d’Este is magnificent place to be!Villa d’Este has so much art inside!Beautiful fountain in Villa d’Este and unexpected rainbow!This part of Villa d’Este is dedicated to Piazza Navona in RomeMather of Nature!
Beautiful view of one of the towers in Villa d’Este!Crazy cave in Villa d’Este with a light night showSome of the fountains are with monkey’s faces and all are different…
Is it romantic here?
Travel Tip: Check the opening hours for both villas and plan in advance when what. If you have a day for both villas, better to do Villa Gregoriana first because usually Villa d’Este opens in a later hour. Between the two walks a lunch can be included 🙂 Home made pasta and pizza are always the best choice.
While walking through the Tivoli’s streets searching for some souvenirs, I found Rocca Pia. Another well preserved historical sightseeing in Tivoli – the castle of the city with imposing structure and ancient architecture. The sightseeing of Tivoli can been seen from the top if you go inside. I enjoy Rocca Pia from the outside because of my time schedule. If you have experienced the Rocca Pia atmosphere from the inside, please share your excitements as comments 🙂
Arco dei Padri Costituenti is modern arc in the center of Tivoli. Perfect place for snack or gelato. From this point you can reach all sightseeings of Tivoli in 5-10 minutes, you are close to the central streets where you can eat delicious homemade pasta and drink homemade wine.
So start planning a trip to Tivoli! and don’t miss: Villa d’Este, Villa Gregoriana, Tempio della Sibia, Rocca Pia, city center and the small restaurants and bakeries. Feel the energy of Tivoli!
The sun is up and the summer is coming soon here in Bulgaria. There are amazing Black sea beaches and summer spirit everywhere!
Do you remember my story for Sunny beach. Now let me take you in a place where the story is the opposite – it is relaxing area, beautiful, exciting wide siren beaches.
Here we are – Kavaci, region Burgas. It is between Burgas and Sozopol – so it is really reachable destination on the Bulgarian Black sea.
There is a forest around to decorate the camping area of Kavaci. The subject of protection here is the rare Pontic white dunes and the characteristic sand-dunes.
The name of the district Kavaci originates from the word “kavak” which in Turkish means the poplar, and is so named because of the poplars that grow in the area.
Laying on the beach, drinking cocktail, reading a book… And watching the seagulls’ dance in the air… sounds like a paradise and it is possible! Kavaci. Black sea! Bulgaria!
I was there in September, so my pictures are a little bit different from the usual summer pictures. But I think the beauty of the place is so obvious. Follow me!
Kavaci is famous with the camping area but also have four stars hotels around. Absolutely for everyone destination!
I like the area because it’s calm and I can practice sport activities on the Black sea beaches here (That’s why I decided to go in September), I can stay alone and just breathe. And of course there are beach bars in Kavaci for the time when your summer party spirit will get wild.
I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than the sea before storming!
Can’t wait to visit this summer the Bulgarian Black sea!
Merida is the capital of the autonomous community of Extremadura, Spain. The city sits proudly on the Iberian Peninsula just 174 miles (280 km) southwest of Madrid.
Merida can be reached by plane to Madrid and from there rent-a-car/ train or bus. Merida is also very close to Portugal and the trip can be combined with some places in Portugal. Check my amazing experience in Lisbon here.
Unique region with strong Roman influence. Over time, the Extremadura region was held under Christian, Moorish and Portuguese control – marvelous mix of cultures and spirits in Spain!
When I was there sometimes I had the feeling I am in Rome but the Spanish language always turned me back in the reality.
Let me start with the most visited part of Merida, Spain – Mérida Theatre – one of the oldest archaeological sites in Spain. The ticket is less than 10 EUR, so it is a must to go there when you visit Merida, Spain.
Roman Theatre is one of the most Roman places in Merida. It is built in Emerita Augusta (the old name of Merida, it means the Army of Augustus), located in the archaeological ensemble of Merida, one of the largest and most extensive archaeological sites in Spain. It is World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Beautiful wide stage and so much Roman spirit around. Behind the stage is a garden area surrounded by columns. It makes me feel a part of the past. I had so much fun around!
While trying to find some place to eat, I found The Temple of Diana – Perfect Roman style under the Extremadura sun.
An old couple joined our group for a walk around the Roman ruins and they gave us more information about Merida.
Acueducto de los Milagros, another extraordinary example of Roman masterwork, is the ruins of the Roman aqueduct bridge – great place to sit and relax with a drink.
Another bridge which connects Merida with small village area around is the Roman Bridge of Merida – Puente de Lusitania. It is nice to crossed it and have amazing view from there. Perfect time to take some photos.
I spent some time in the village area around Merida and the nature was so beautiful!
Something I missed to visit because I did’t have enough time – National Museum of Roman Art – Museo Nacional de Arte Romano. My friends strongly recommend it as a very arty place.
Do you like circus? If yes, then Roman Circus (Circo romano) in Merida, Spain is waiting for you!
It is ruined Roman circus used for Chariot racing – so exciting and very dangerous for the racers in the past, spectacular for watching.
Tip: don’t miss the local Jamón ibérico (Iberian ham) in Merida, Spain. The food is delicious! Taste sangria!
Spent at least one whole day walking around the city Merida to feel the energy. Enjoj Spain!
For centuries the Romanian city Brasov has been gateway towards the South and East. The Harvard professor Samuel Huntington used the term “The Clash of Civilizations” for Brasov.
I see for the second time in my life the name of the city “written” in the mountain. The first time was in Los Angeles.
The Old Town of the city still reminds us for the Medieval battles. The Old Town had been fortress. This can be seen from the top of the Mount Tampa, one of the crazy things to do in Brasov. The Mount Tampa is an easy way to „climb“ the mountain and to have the best view on the top. It takes around 14 minutes in both directions to go on the top and back.
You can be lost in The Old Town of Brasov and start thinking you are in Italy not in Romania. Sorry for the comparison, but I really see a lot of common things between Romanian and Italian and the languages are closed enough so they can understand each other perfect!
The long pedestrian street in the heart of The Old Town of Brasov is beautiful and can take you directly in front of the Cathedral on the main square – Council Square of Brasov. For all tourist there are plenty of bars, restaurants, coffee bars. I am in love with the main square of the Romanian city Brasov. I can stay here with hours just to drink coffee and be grateful for the moment!
The Old town of Brasov has green areas and relaxing zones, so it is really nice to have time for the city, not to be in a rush there!
The night life is interesting, it is a nice mixture between Balkans and Western Europe spirit. I had delicious dinner in Brasserie Brasov on the Council Square. Check it at tripadvsor here: Brasserie Brasov.During the dinner there was incredible music. The decors on the floor and on the roof are kind of religious and at the same time very beautiful. The style inside is medieval and modern, perfect combination. The place is so unique and I strongly recommend it!
TIP: Don’t expect the spirit of the Old Town to be outside of the Old Town. After going out of the Old Town of Brasov, you are in a big Romanian city – crowded, dirty, a lot of people in a rush. Better plant to spend the night in The Old Town, there are small boutique hotels with breakfast included on a fare prices.
This destination can be combined with the Castle Bran, the castle of Dracula. Also close is the Castle Peles. Unfortunately I couldn’t manage to visit these castles as my travel was just for a weekend, but this is a sweet excuse to go back and to look for more adventures in Romania again.
May be you already have checked my expression of the beautiful city Sibiu in Romania.
I have a night story hereand I found my favorite clothing store Gossip Tree.
I am in Sibiu (Romania) again and while walking on the streets I have the feeling the houses stare at me, the trees follow me and I have some invisible eyes on my back every time.
I will not explain more with words, just with pictures.
Sibiu is watching you! Did you get the same expression?
Roman Theatre is one of the most Roman places in Merida. It is built in Emerita Augusta (the old name of Merida, it means the Army of Augustus), located in the archaeological ensemble of Merida, one of the largest and most extensive archaeological sites in Spain. It is World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Beautiful wide stage and so much Roman spirit around. Behind the stage is a garden area surrounded by columns. It makes me feel a part of the past. I had so much fun around!
An old couple joined our group for a walk around the Roman ruins and they gave us more information about Merida.
Acueducto de los Milagros, another extraordinary example of Roman masterwork, is the ruins of the Roman aqueduct bridge – great place to sit and relax with a drink.
It is ruined Roman circus used for Chariot racing – so exciting and very dangerous for the racers in the past, spectacular for watching.
You can be lost in The Old Town of Brasov and start thinking you are in Italy not in Romania. Sorry for the comparison, but I really see a lot of common things between Romanian and Italian and the languages are closed enough so they can understand each other perfect!
