Category: europe

  • Tuscany: Amazing Value & a Foodie’s Paradise

    Tuscany: Amazing Value & a Foodie’s Paradise

    Located in central Italy, Tuscany is known for its stunning scenery, charming villages and delicious cuisine. If you’re planning a trip to Tuscany, there are some places you shouldn’t miss.

    Florence is one of the tourist attractions in Tuscany. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is home to many famous museums and historic monuments such as the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo and Ponte Vecchio. Visitors can also stroll the charming streets of the Oltrarno district, known for its artisan workshops and small family-run boutiques. Secondly, another must-see in Tuscany is the hill town of Siena. Known as Ile he Campo, its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the famous Palio horse race. Siena is also known for its beautiful Gothic architecture, including the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

    Whereas, for those who want to experience the beautiful Tuscan countryside, a visit to the Chianti wine region is a must. Chianti’s rolling hills and scenic vineyards are perfect for scenic drives and guided wine tours. Conversely, visitors can also stop by a local winery to taste famous Chianti Classico wines and enjoy traditional Tuscan cuisine. Even more, Tuscany is famous for its delicious and hearty cuisine. Some of the best regional dishes include pasta with wild boar sauce, ribollita soup, and bistecca alla fiorentina (a large grilled T-bone steak).

    Trattoria Mario, Florence

    Above all, if you’re looking for the best places to eat in Florence, Trattoria Mario is a hotspot for traditional Tuscan cuisine. Granting that, this family-run trattoria in the heart of Florence has been serving delicious, authentic cuisine for over 50 years. One of Trattoria Mario’s standout dishes is pasta with wild boar sauce. In the first place, a dish that is irresistible for meat lovers, with plump wild boar meat mixed with a rich sauce. Next, another very popular dish is the bistecca alla fiorentina. This is a large grilled T-bone steak cooked to perfection and served with roasted vegetables.

    “She is known for her warm personality and her ability to make guests feel at home. She can recommend the best food and wine based on your tastes.”

    Anyhow, Trattoria Mario is known not only for its delicious food, but also for its friendly and attentive service. One outstanding waitress is Ginevra, and she has worked there for over 20 years. She is known for her warm personality and her ability to make guests feel at home. She can recommend the best food and wine based on your tastes. When we visited she recommended we start with Ribollita Soup and I’m glad we took her advice. It was superb. For our main course we had to try the wild boar and I can truly say – it was an unforgettable memory. The richness of the sauce stays with you for a lifetime.

    Trattoria La Torre, Siena

    Trattoria La Torre is a hidden gem in the heart of Siena. Tucked away in one of Siena’s charming streets, Trattoria La Torre is a hidden gem offering the true taste of traditional Tuscan cuisine. To begin with, this cozy, family-run trattoria has been serving delicious food for over 30 years. One of their signature dishes at Trattoria La Torre is homemade pasta with wild mushroom sauce. With fresh local mushrooms and a rich, flavorful sauce, this dish is a must for pasta lovers. My wife had this dish and she can’t wait to return for another round.

    Another popular dish is the ‘pici’ pasta with truffle sauce. This is thick hand-rolled pasta that is perfectly cooked and served with truffle sauce. The truffles are collected by the owner himself. I actually had this and my taste buds were jumping for joy. The truffle sauce is mind blowing.

    In addition to its delicious cuisine, Trattoria La Torre is known for its intimate and warm atmosphere. Our waitress was Rossella, who has been working at the trattoria for over 15 years. She is known for her friendly personality and her ability to make guests feel like part of her family. She will recommend the best dishes based on your tastes and will also tell you the story behind the dishes.

    If you’re looking for traditional Tuscan cuisine in a homely setting, Trattoria La Torre is the place to go. With homemade pasta, friendly service and a cozy atmosphere, it’s no wonder this trattoria has long been a favorite with locals and visitors alike.

    Overall, Tuscany has a wealth of culture, history and beautiful landscapes. With its quaint streets, delicious food and wine, and charming villages, Tuscany is the perfect destination for a memorable vacation.

    OllieM Rating:

    Price Value: Worth Every Penny *****
    Proximity: Close ****
    Safety: Safe *****
    Cleanliness: ****
    Hospitality: *****
    Fun Factor: Woohoo ****
    Great for Kids and Adults: Kids and Adults ***
    Will we return: YES! ****
    blog contributor and travel extraordinaire Ollie D
    Ollie D is the leading contributor at OllieM

     

  • Discover Portugal: Your next vacation destination

    Discover Portugal: Your next vacation destination

    Portugal is a country steeped in history, culture and natural beauty. From bustling cities to picturesque landscapes, there is no shortage of great places to visit. Here are the top 4 places to add to your itinerary when traveling to Portugal. Lisbon – the capital of Portugal is a must-see. Its charming streets, historic buildings and delicious seafood make it a top choice for travelers. Don’t miss the chance to ride the tram through the city and visit the famous Belem Tower.

    Whether you’re a budget traveler or just looking for a more authentic experience, staying in a hostel in Portugal is a great option. Here are some of the best hostels to stay in Lisbon.

    Lisbon Hostels

    Goodnight Hostel – This city center hostel offers a great location and a friendly atmosphere. The hostel has a variety of room options ranging from dormitories to private rooms. All with comfortable beds, lockers and free WiFi. The staff are friendly and always happy to help with recommendations and reservations. YES!

    Lisbon Hostel – This hostel is perfect for travelers who want to experience the city’s nightlife. It is located in the trendy Bairro Alto district, known for its bars, clubs and restaurants. The hostel has a variety of room options and even features a roof terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the city views.

    Lisb’on Hostel – Perfect for budget travelers, this hostel offers clean, comfortable and affordable accommodation. The hostel is located in the historic center of Alfama, ideal for exploring the city’s historic sites. The hostel also has a communal kitchen where you can prepare your own meals and a patio area where you can relax and unwind.

    Porto Hostels

    Porto – Often referred to as ‘the gateway to the Douro Valley’, Porto is a city that blends old-world charm with modern flair. The Ribeira district is particularly impressive with its colorful houses and river views. Visitors can also take a tour of the famous Port He Wine Cellar and sample local varietals.

    Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, is a destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Known for its quaint streets, historic buildings and famous Porto wine. The city is a must-see for any traveler. For lodging on a budget I love to stay at hostels when visiting Europe especially Portugal.

    Porto Spot Hostel – This hostel offers a prime location in the heart of Porto’s historic centre, close to many of the city’s top attractions. The hostel offers a variety of room options. From dormitories to private rooms, all with comfortable beds, lockers and free WiFi. The staff are friendly and always happy to help with recommendations and reservations.

    Yellow House Hostel – This hostel is perfect for travelers who want to experience the city’s nightlife. It is located in the trendy Galleria de Paris district, known for its bars, clubs and restaurants. The hostel has a variety of room options and even features a roof terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the city views.

    No matter which hostel you choose, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience in Porto. Its unique blend of culture, history and natural beauty makes it a must-see city for travelers.

    Algarve Hostels

    Algarve – This southern region of Portugal is known for its beautiful coastline, picturesque beaches and bustling seaside towns. Travelers like Albufeira for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches. Located in southern Portugal, the Algarve is known for its beautiful coastline, picturesque beaches and bustling seaside towns. It is a popular destination for travelers seeking sun, sea and sand. In order to get the maximum value from sightseeing Portugal I like to stay at hostels since I love blending in with the local culture. Here are the top hostels I’ve visited in Algarve.

    Algarve Surf Hostel – This hostel is perfect for travelers who want to ride the waves. Located in the town of Sagres, you have easy access to the best surf spots in the area. The hostel has a variety of room options ranging from dormitories to private rooms. All with comfortable beds, lockers and free his WiFi. The staff are friendly and always happy to help with recommendations and reservations.

    The Yellow Hostel – This hostel offers an excellent location in the historic city center of Tavira. The hostel offers a variety of room options, including private rooms and dormitories, all with comfortable beds, lockers, and free WiFi. The hostel also has a terrace area, perfect for enjoying the city view while having a drink or meal.

    Regardless of your choice, you’re sure to have an amazing time in the Algarve. The region’s stunning coastline, picturesque beaches and bustling seaside towns make it a must-see for travelers.

    Sintra Hostels

    Sintra – Located just outside Lisbon, Sintra is a small town of cultural and historical importance. The city has several impressive palaces and castles, including the Sintra National Palace and the Pena Palace. Visitors can also explore the city’s charming streets and gardens.
    A small town just outside Lisbon, Sintra is a destination of cultural and historical importance. The city has several impressive palaces and castles, including the Sintra National Palace and the Pena Palace. I love traveling on the frugal side which is why I usually stay at hostels.

    Sintra Hills Hostel – This hostel offers a prime location in the heart of Sintra’s historic centre, close to many of the city’s top attractions. The hostel offers a variety of room options. From dormitories to private rooms, all with comfortable beds, lockers and free WiFi. The staff are friendly and always happy to help with recommendations and reservations.

    Sintra Dream Hostel – This hostel enjoys an excellent location in the charming city of Sintra. Providing easy access to major attractions such as Pena Palace, Moorish Castle and Sintra National Palace. The hostel offers a variety of room options, including private rooms and dormitories. All with comfortable beds, lockers, and free WiFi. The hostel also has a terrace area, perfect for enjoying the city view while having a drink or meal.

     

     

     

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