When you’re on the road in Europe, travelling from place to place, you make occasional stops. Sometimes those are just restaurants by the road, and sometimes you’ll stop in a smaller but popular tourist destination. If you’re passing through Italy, you will probably stop to take a bite at Autogrill, or visit Pisa, Siena, Ravenna or Verona. But what about other small places that are not as popular but are also interesting and beautiful; places that are not crowded with tourists or traffic, where you can take a walk and stop for lunch or dinner.
When I was driving back home from Lugano (a town in Switzerland very dear to me), passing through Italian region of Lombardy, I turned and made a stop in Sirmione. Northeast part of Italy and Switzerland are beautiful because of many lakes in the area. Sirmione is situated on Lake Garda. This area was a favorite resort to rich families from Verona and other nearby cities from 1st century BC. During the Roman era Sirmione became a fortified strongpoint defending the southern shore of the lake, partially due to its position (look at the map). Over the centuries it came into possession of different kingdoms are republics. At one point the noble family of the Scaliger (Scaligeri), who were lords of Verona, took over the leadership. They built this castle below which is today about a thousand years old.
Sirmione is a nice town to visit. There are a number of churches besides the Scaglieri castle and the ruins of Catullus residence. Maybe you read Gaius Valerius Catullus poetry and know who he was (he was an ancient Roman poet who lived in Sirmione). It was summer time when I visited. I took a walk, made some photos (as usual), stopped in some local shops to see what crafts they occupied with (mostly pottery and blacksmith) and went to a local gallery.
One of the things I liked the most is this house…looks even more unbelievable when you see it n front of you…
All in all, Sirmione was great. The amazing view of lake Garda, calm atmosphere of the town and a few interesting places were just right…
Did you make a stop in a smaller town that left an impression on you? Which is it?
Stella – European Travelling Advisor
I’m happy to announce that my “A day in Graz” lens was finally published today. It took me some time to write out the whole story in one piece and to present it in a way that anyone who hasn’t been there can easily get the idea of what it’s like to visit Graz…as I always try to do the same here, on my blog.
Torrita di Siena, 14th century village near Siena and other interesting towns close by. But even better, you have entire Tuscany to explore…Pisa, Lucca, Florence, Arezzo… The best way to get here is to take a flight to Florence, maybe spend a day there, if for no other reason than to be stunned by the complex of Florence cathedral; a combination of romanesque, gothic and reneissance architecture which was built by great artists like Arnolfo di Cambio, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti and Giotto. And then take an hour drive to Residenza D’Arte.
to travel outside my home country since I was just three years old. That way you easily get to love it and it becomes your lifestyle.
Three weeks is a long time for a vacation but you don’t need three weeks to see the difference. Travel is so broadening because you take the time to live in a place that is in so many ways different than the one you live in, because you immerse yourself in another culture, you learn about the place, the art, the people , the food. You interact with strangers, exchange opinions. Consciously or unconsciously, you learn and you change. While you’re away travelling, you are more open to the experiences and to absorbing all the pictures and all that is happening around you. So even a day or two will be enough to make a change, to deepen your insights.
Travel isn’t only broadening because you learn about what you see. One of the main reasons is also relaxation. This time I’m not talking about physical relaxation, I’m talking about relaxing your mind. Have you noticed the difference, how you forget about everything you had on your mind by then? And how some of your points of view and opinions have changed, how now you feel like you know a lot more, how you can speak about some things from your own experience and realize the difference before now and then? Do you remember how energetic you are when you return, how everything seems easier? Try writing when you return from your trip. It can be about anything really…you’ll be surprised by what you see.
Another great artist exhibiting at Centre Pompidou is Damian Ortega. A Latin American artist and 
Today, Orient Express, no longer offers the original well-known route. They are running somewhat shorter routes all around Europe but with the quality and the experience that stays remembered by anyone who takes one of those remarkable trips. 
Orient served in front of you. Breakfasts and afternoon teas are served in compartments. Special requests, like asking for vegetarian or vegan menu, can be made at the time of booking. In the evening your steward will transform your compartment in a bedroom. And, of course, except from the spectacular scenery and amazing menus, you can enjoy the bar and the boutique. Here is a 
The coaches of the authentic Orient Express were the place of many historical scenes and intrigues. One of the sleeping coaches, no. 3309, was a part of the train that was in 1929. stuck in snow for 10 days about a 100 km from Istanbul. The passengers only survived because the locals from the villages in the neighbourhood helped. Some of the coaches were a German loot during World War II. Even Bulgarian king Boris the Third was a train enthusiast and sometimes drove it himself.
By now you probably know I love travelling by train. Very often when someone asks me what is the best way to see the countryside, or how to get to know more of the country except the final destination, I suggest the train. Well, there are always the benefits and the limitations. Looking at the overall picture, when I was reading a blog called 
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