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Asturias is a mountainous and coastal region in the North of Spain that is well known amongst Spaniards for it's natural beauty, incredible hikes, natural beaches and delicious food. It's a different side of Spain, a far cry from the Mediterranean beaches and extravagant parties most international tourists know, but in my opinion, it's the best Spain has to offer. It is relatively unknown amongst international tourists. This guide to Asturias is the result of my experience traveling multiple times to this region and dozens of hours of research. It has all the information you will need to travel to this part of the world and save you hours and hours of planning and stress. I have included numerous recommendations on natural parks, hikes, beaches, towns and other places to visit, as well as 15+ accomodation and eating-out options in different areas of Asturias. Most importantly, I have included information on how to get to Asturias and how to move around the region, currency, travel safety, and visa and entry requirements so you don't have to be too bothered by the logistics. I've got you covered! This guide is divided into sections so you can read the entire guide or go to the sections that interest you the most. It also includes an interactive map and it's mobile-friendly, so you can access all the info on your phone when you download the thatch app, and, most importantly, this is a living guide, so I'll update this at no extra cost to you.
Adventure • Foodie • Nature • People & Culture • Road Trip • Beach • Mountain • Camping
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Venice, also known as the "City of Canals”, “The Floating City” and "Serenissima”, is a place like no other - charming through its intricate alleys and walkways over the canals, with no cars/scooters or traffic noise to spoil the romance in the air. Gondolas floating here and there, idyllic cozy terraces just around every other corner, Italian delicacies all over and relaxed people wandering about. Venice's culinary delights include Sarde in Saor, Risotto al nero di seppia (black squid ink risotto), Bigoli in salsa, Baccalà mantecato (whipped codfish), Fegato alla veneziana (liver with onions), and Risi e bisi. Don't miss cicchetti (small plates) and Tiramisu for dessert. Highlights: 🍾 Bellini is the name of a cocktail invented in Venice about 80 years ago. A Bellini consists of peaches and Prosecco (Italian version of Champagne). The peaches are squeezed and the juice is mixed with Prosecco. The glasses in which the Bellini is served have to be very cold. For the typical Venetian Bellini only white peaches are used. 🛶 A gondola is a traditional narrow and long Venetian rowing boat. The boat is steered by one person called a gondolier with the help of one long oar. Centuries ago, gondolas were the main means of transport in Venice. Now they have become a very popular tourist attraction, and perhaps the most recognisable symbol of Venice. Although a bit expensive (standard gondola rides in Venice have a fixed cost of 80 euros for a private 25-30 minutes tour. At night, however, the cost of a gondola ride is 120 euros for a private 25-30 minutes tour. If you desire to stay longer, tell the gondolier and ask for the price before the start of the tour) a gondola ride might just be the most romantic thing to do in Venice. 🥠Baicoli is a typical Venetian biscuit. The shape of the biscuit resembles that of a sea bass, hence the name - "baicoli" means "sea bass" in the Venetian dialect. Back in the old times, when Venetian sailors prepared for long journeys, the captains made sure to procure a lot of baicoli. The biscuits were used as bread, and because of being very dry, they could survive for a very long time. Baicoli are typically vanilla-flavored, and are sold in metal boxes, easy to transport and keep fresh for long. The metal boxes, in which the baicoli are sold today, carry a picture of Venetian men and women in traditional clothing of olden times. Other traditional sweets to try: Mandorlato di Cologna Veneta (especially at Christmas). 🍘 Frittelle - They are Venetian doughnuts served only during Carnival. They can be stuffed with pistachio cream, zabaione and chocolate.
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Fascinating places in Rome - a little bit of this, a little bit of that, mixing classics with some unpopular, hidden gems! Where to eat/drink (including a bunch of beautiful rooftops), where to shop (outlets, bespoke & made in Italy - brands you rarely find outside this country) and what to visit around (gorgeous sights included, so be sure to check them out and take lots of pictures). Highlights: 🛵 Vespa - is an Italian luxury brand of scooters and mopeds manufactured by Piaggio. The name means wasp in Italian. An Italian icon since 1946. You’ll see many of these all over the city. 🍕 Roman style Pizza - we encounter "pizza al taglio," which means "by the cut". The scizzas, which are a type of scissors, are used to cut this pizza into square-shaped slices. This helps to maintain the structure of both the toppings and the crust. There is also “pizza bassa”, with a thin base. Roman pizza is practically the opposite to Neapolitan pizza: it is crispy and they are not afraid of toppings. A classic on all menus in Rome is the Capricciosa: topped with ham, mushrooms, olives, artichoke, an egg and tomato. Oil is added to the dough and there is much less water than the Naples version. 🥯 The maritozzo - is a classic sweet pastry, traditionally packed full of whipped cream, which has satisfied Romans for centuries. The dough-based bun is typically eaten in Rome for breakfast but can also be eaten as a hefty snack, or dessert, throughout the day. ☕️ Ristretto - is Italian for "short shots", and that's exactly what this shot of espresso brings to the table. Its main difference is that it takes a shorter extraction time, and uses less water therefore the flavor is rich and bold, and very intense. 🍧 La Grattachecca Romana - a favourite icy drink with fruity flavor; for the Romans, the grattachecca is sacred - strictly prepared by hand in the historical kiosks of the Rioni Trastevere, Testaccio and Prati, in the lively Ponte Milvio area and Trieste and Trionfale districts. Grattachecca derives, in fact, from the action with which the “ghiacciata" (ice) is produced: with a special tool, the ice is scraped off a block, called the "checca" in Roman dialect. 🛍️ When it comes to shopping, Rome can be quite the haven for designer brands, but there is no other fashion house more Roman than Valentino Garavani. The brand’s design (its famous studs) has its origins in the Renaissance architecture of Rome - the “bugnato” technique of the ancient Roman buildings. The largest Valentino store (in the world) lies here, in Rome, on the famous Piazza di Spagna site.
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Barcelona - the capital of Catalonia - is a vibrant and dynamic city, full of exciting things to do. From its stunning architecture to its delicious food and lively culture, there's never a dull moment in this city. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia and Palau Nacional, or stroll along the famous La Rambla promenade, taking in the sights and sounds of street performers and vendors. Barcelona is also renowned for its art scene, with world-class museums and galleries showcasing the works of famous artists like Picasso and Miro. Catalans have their own traditional dishes. Chief among them is pork sausage both cooked (butifarra) and cured (fuet), as well as the ubiquitous pa amb tomàquet (pan con tomate in Spanish), grilled bread rubbed with tomato and garlic, drizzled with olive oil, and sprinkled with sea salt. For something more local, try fideuà, essentially the Catalan version of paella, made with short noodles instead of rice. Make sure to sweeten up your trip with: - xuxo: traditional Catalan pastry with sweet cream filling and sugar coating; - mel i mato: dessert made from fresh goat cheese drizzled with honey; - tarta de Santiago: a Galician almond cake made with ground almonds; - panellets: small, round pastries made from ground almonds and flavored with coffee or lemon For drinks, have a vermut (vermouth) instead of sangria; it's served over ice and garnished with a slice of orange and/or olives. Also, you can try Cava, which got its name back in 1970 with the idea of distinguishing it from French champagne, the word meaning ‘Cave’ or ‘cellar’. Cava is rapidly gaining prominence in the world and rivaling champagne, 95% of all Catalan cava is made in Penedès in the vineyards surrounding the village of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, close to Barcelona. 🏵️ The famous Antoni Gaudí - Spanish architect and designer from Catalonia, known as the greatest exponent of Catalan Modernism - worked almost entirely in or near Barcelona, therefore the city boasts with his works: Casa Batlló, Casa Milá La Pedrera (you can grasp a sight of the interior while having a coffee at Cafe de la Pedrera DON'T MISS: the gift shop is amazing), Casa Vicens, Park Güell, Sagrada Família church, etc. ⚽️ For football enthusiats: you have to take a look around Camp Nou. 💡A trip to Abbey of Montserrat would also make a great idea. ⛱️Perhaps a day trip to Costa Brava (90 min by bus)?! 😎 🛍️When it comes to shopping, make sure you visit Girona Street. Here, outlet stores welcome visitors with open arms, offering tempting deals and unique finds.
Accessibility • Budget • Coffee • Foodie • Relaxation • Shopping • People & Culture • Art
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Complete guide with attractions and venues where to eat/drink, get those very special souvenirs from (bespoke & local brands and markets) and catch a beautiful sight…or just your breath after walking up and down the hills of this marvellous city. Lisbon is all about art, colors, architecture and GOOD vibes! 🇵🇹💚 💡General tip: combine Lisbon with visits/stays in Sintra and Porto. Highlights: 🚋 Trams - The Lisbon tramway network is a system of trams in operation since 1873; it presently comprises six lines and has a length of 31 km with 63 trams in operation (45 historic "Remodelados", 8 historic "Ligeiros" and 10 modern articulated trams). Tram 28 is famous because happens to go past many of the city's most significant landmarks in districts like Alfama, Baixa and Estrela. Because the route also uses some heritage-style tram carriages, it has become a popular tourist attraction in the city. 💠 Azulejos - is a form of Spanish and Portuguese painted tin-glazed ceramic tilework. Azulejos happen to be one of the most distinctive art forms in Portugal and are found on the interior and exterior of churches, palaces, ordinary houses, schools, and nowadays, restaurants, bars and even railways or subway stations. 🧼 Soaps - Oprah Winfrey said they're one of her favorite things, so the world is now also a fan of Portuguese soaps. But they're not recent products. They've been made since the 1800s and are 100% natural. They've maintained beautiful Art Deco and Art Nouveau packagings from the 1920s, and have become one of the favorite gifts to take from Portugal. 🥮 Pastel de nata - is a Portuguese egg custard tart pastry, optionally dusted with cinnamon - looks like a cross between a custard tart and a cake; created by monks in the Jerónimos Monastery, a major tourist attraction today and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 🍲You also have to try these traditional dishes: Bifana, Sardines, Caracoletas & Prego na Pao, Alheira de Mirandela, Queijadas. 🧉Ginja - also known as ginjinha. This sour cherry liqueur is a tourist favorite but has sweetened locals’ palates for a long time too. There are establishments in Lisbon entirely dedicated to selling this sweet beverage made with Morello cherries, a variety of spices, and plenty of sugar. Nowadays, ginja is also served in edible chocolate cups. While you may choose among white chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate, dark chocolate does indeed pair beautifully with the super sweet, almost syrupy drink.
Shopping
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Enjoy some “tres jolie” days walking around the Parisian streets and boost up your energy level 🔋 with some coffee just after/before a “little” shopping spree. This list includes many of the city’s cafes (Paris is now a specialty coffee - and pastry - capital) and all the good spots to shop something that will surely indulge all of your needs/senses (main focus on French brands). 💡Be sure to check the vintage selling gems spreaded all over Paris!!! 💰 By the way, massive sales happen twice a year in France: in July and January. Called “les soldes” in French, the sales normally last around four weeks and the discounts increase as the weeks pass. Even if you don’t catch the sales, designer shops give you the opportunity of buying small accesories (keychains for example), leather goods (belts, gloves, card holders, passport covers, etc) or scarves/caps/ties - even umbrellas, which make for exceptional souvenirs. Perhaps you can even get the chance of seeing the “art of making” a product in the workshop/workroom of the artisans. Plus, visiting the shopping venues could turn into an amazing experience as many of them are soooo Instagrammable! Highlights: 🥐 Croissant - is a buttery, flaky, viennoiserie pastry inspired by the shape of the Austrian kipferl but using the French yeast-leavened laminated dough. Croissants are named for their historical crescent shape. The modern croissant seems to have been created by the French chef Sylvain Claudius Goy. 🥖 Baguette - is a long, thin type of bread of French origin that is commonly made from basic lean dough (the dough, though not the shape, is defined by French law). It is distinguishable by its length and crisp crust. 🧀 Fromage de France - there are more than 1,000 kinds of cheese in France! Being in Paris is being in the Ville des Fromages, the City of Cheese. Some of the most known: Camembert, Brie de Meaux, Roquefort, Reblochon, Munster, Pont l'Évêque, Époisses de Bourgogne, Comté. Tip: go for a “cheese and wine” tasting. 🐌 Escargot - any of several species of edible land snails, a delicacy of French cuisine. Although the snails eaten as escargots are terrestrial, they are technically mollusks and therefore classified as seafood. 🍷 French wine - France is one of the largest wine producers in the world. Red wines from grape varieties like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel. Rosé wines like the Provençal rosé and the sweet White Zinfandels. White wines like a Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, or a Moscato. Sparkling wines from Champagne and Vouvray.
Shopping • Coffee
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Spending some time in beautiful Florence? This is a complete list that provides you with a handful of options: accommodation, tourist attractions, shops, bars and restaurants - you’ll need no other guide, I promise! So…have a bite and a drink alongside Arno river and take home the most impressive bespoke souvenirs. The city is walkable and it blends art and history and romantic vibes all together and pretty soon you’ll find yourself in love. 💓 Must do - trips to picturesque towns located nearby: • San Gimignano: 1h away • Siena: 1h10 away • Volterra: 1h20 away Highlights: ⚜️ Il Giglio - giglio bottonato, is mainly known from the crest of the city of Florence. In the Florentine fleurs-de-lis, the stamens are always posed between the petals. This is also the emblem of the city and you shall see it depicted all over. 🍨 Gelato “crema fiorentina” - is the specific flavor of Florence, made with a simple combination of egg yolks, milk, and sugar. It is often flavored with chestnut honey, while another common addition includes crumbled amaretti cookies or almond liqueur. It is a neutral ice cream flavor with delicate pale-yellow color. 🍧 Affogato - a delightful and simple Italian dessert or beverage that combines two beloved elements: espresso and gelato or ice cream. The word "affogato" in Italian means "drowned," and that perfectly describes the preparation of this delicious treat. The basic affogato recipe involves pouring a hot, freshly brewed espresso over a scoop of cold gelato or ice cream. The hot espresso contrasts with the cold and creamy gelato, resulting in a harmonious and satisfying flavour combination. 🥩 Bistecca alla fiorentina - Italian steak made of young steer (vitellone) or heifer (scottona) that, combined with the specific preparation, makes it one of the most popular dishes of Tuscan cuisine. 🍷 "Buchette del vino" - or wine windows, are a peculiar feature of Florence. They are foot-high, dome-shaped holes in the thick, stone palazzi of the Renaissance city that six centuries ago were used to sell wine in a fiasco (glass bottle) without having to open a shop and avoid paying taxes. These wine windows also posed a useful anti-contagion way to sell wine during the epidemic of 1630-1633. At that time, the bubonic plague hit Florence hard, killing 12% of the city's population.
Romantic
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This guide takes you on a sassy tour of the city of the canals or the “Venice of the North” - with a bit of something for everyone! The city is famous for its arhitecture, art museums and traditions that are well kept alive and praised. But it is also famous for cannabis-serving coffeeshops (this guide provides a list with such venues), red-light district, quirky bars and bizarre museums. So, whether on foot or by bike/boat, take this guide & stroll around this outstanding city in search for fun, food, souvenirs and all those Dutch vibes that you heard so much about. When it comes to traditional food, be sure to try: - Haring or 'Hollandse Nieuwe' (Dutch new herring), probably the most famous Dutch food. Pickled herring is a delicacy in Holland. The raw herring is served together with chopped raw onions and gherkins. - Stamppot, an old dish of mashed potatoes combined with root vegetables, like turnip, carrot and onion, but it can also include dark, leafy greens like kale/spinach (make sure you order it the traditional way, with smoked sausage). - Erwtensoep, a thick split pea soup; - Bitterballen similar to a scotch egg, they are balls of finely chopped beef or veal that are seasoned with a mixture of spices, then rolled in bread crumbs and deep fried. Also, make sure you try out some desserts: - Poffertjes, small pancakes, baked in an iron skillet and traditionally served with melted butter, dusted with icing sugar - Pannenkoeken, another traditional sort of pancakes - Oliebollen ‘oil spheres' are balls of dumpling batter fried in hot oil and later sprinkled with icing sugar. Highlights: 🌷Dutch tulips - It was in the 16th century that tulips were imported to Holland from the Ottoman Empire. In no time, tulips became the most sought-after commodity in the entire Netherlands, after Carolus Clusius wrote what's considered the first major book about the flower. In the early 1600s, professional cultivators of tulips began to refine techniques to grow and produce the flowers locally in Holland, establishing a flourishing business sector that has persisted to this day. The tulips mostly bloom during the spring season, from mid-April to mid-May, in Amsterdam. The Tulip Festival will begin on March 23rd and go on till May 14th, 2023 👡 Klompen - Dutch clogs are a type of footwear made in part or completely from wood. The iconic footwear of the Netherlands were the shoes of choice for Dutch laborers of centuries past. The wooden slip-ons were sturdy, cheap and—when stuffed with straw—cozy and warm. The first Dutch clog is dated from the year 1230. The shoe is deeply ingrained in Dutch culture and some people in rural areas still wear them today! 🚲 Dutch bikes - are a style of urban commuting bikes that have been used in the Netherlands for decades and have grown in popularity in cities around the world. Dutch bicycles are upright or “sit-up” style – with taller frames than typical bicycles. This position allows for very good visibility and great comfort. A popular form of Dutch bicycles is the Omafiets (translates to Grandma's bike). 🗼 Dutch windmills - were built originally to pump the water out from the land because the Netherlands is so flat and below sea level. With the land always getting flooded, farming was almost impossible, hence the need to force out the water by means of the windmills. 🧇 Stroopwafel - the most classic of all Dutch sweets and a perfect gift from Holland - literally means “syrup waffle” and it’s a round crunchy waffle with chewy caramel filling. The correct way of eating it is: put it on your coffee or tea cup and wait for a minute until the caramel melts and the waffle warms up – it enhances its flavour and makes it taste as fresh from the oven. Delicious! 🧀 Dutch cheese - especially Gouda, Edam and Maasdam, well known and exported all over the world. Apart from the classics, try some really special ones: a turquoise-coloured cheese with lavender, pink-coloured cheese with red pesto, champagne gouda or even… coconut gouda! A typical cheese from Amsterdam is Old Amsterdam, exceptional premium aged gouda cheese. 🥃 Genever (also called Jenever) - is the traditional liquor of the Netherlands, from which gin has evolved. Some tasters say the flavor of this spirit is similar to white whiskey. Oude (old) genever is the traditional style, with a malty botanical flavor. Jonge (young) genever is a newer recipe with a cleaner taste, more similar to vodka. There are several genever distilleries in Amsterdam, each with their own secret recipes.
Solo Female • Groups • Adventure • Architecture • Art • Foodie • History • Shopping
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Prague is definitely worth visiting. It is a beautiful city with rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural diversity. The city offers a range of activities, including sightseeing, exploring museums and galleries, enjoying the nightlife, and sampling delicious Czech cuisine. Additionally, Prague is a relatively affordable city, making it an attractive travel destination for budget-conscious travelers. Souvenirs you can bring home: Bohemian Glass (near Prague, there are five Czech glass and crystal factories that can be visited), Prague Garnet (this precious gemstone is a symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage), Mucha Posters by Alfons Mucha, Beer Cosmetics, Wooden Toys, Marionette Puppets, Karlovy Vary Spa Wafers, Kafka Museum Souvenirs, Special Reading Material from Palac Knih Luxor, Czech porcelain, the Prague golem, something with Krtek - the little mole (a famous cartoon character). When it comes to food, be sure to check: - Kolachkes (Traditional Czech Cookies) are small, sweet, and perfect for snacking on while exploring the city; made from a rich, buttery dough that is rolled into small balls and then filled with a variety of sweet fillings such as fruit preserves, nutella or poppy seeds (and are often sprinkled with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness) - Trdelník, made from a dough composed of yeast, flour, sugar, and eggs, the seemingly gourmet treat is wrapped around a spit and grilled until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Traditionally coated in sugar and cinnamon for a sweet and aromatic flavor. Beverages? Beer, Becherovka (Herbal Liquor), Absinthe. Highlights: 🍺 Beer - The Czechs will tell you that their beer is the best in the world, and they ought to know. Per capita, the Czech Republic consumes more beer than any other country. Pilsner Urquell, the worldʼs first pilsner beer, is top of the line; Gambrinus, made at the same brewery, is also good. The dark Krušovice has a surprisingly light quality; Budvar is the original Budweiser; and Staropramen is the Czech Republicʼs proud working-class brew. Small brewery labels, like Bernard and Lobkowicz, are also worth trying. Czech beer is rated by degrees – 10 degree, 11 degree, 12 degree – with the alcohol content increasing as the numbers rise. 🗿The Golem - Prague golem is a legendary figure in the city’s history and has become a popular souvenir for visitors. The Golem is said to have been created in the early 19th century by a rabbi named Judah Loew, who used the creature to protect the Jewish people from persecution. According to legend, the golem was made of clay and was brought to life through a magical ritual; it quickly became known for its immense strength and loyalty to its creator, but its power was also feared. Eventually, the rabbi realized he needed to destroy the creature before it caused any harm. Today, the golem is a symbol of Jewish heritage and the power of folklore.
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