MT#5 - Hiking in Europe

Hear about a 7-day itinerary for the island of Kyushu, Japan as the Amateur Traveler talks to Adeline Kuroki, the owner of Saver and Soak travel company about her adopted home in southern Japan. https://amateurtraveler.com/kyushu-itinerary-7-days/ Why should you go to Kyushu? Adeline says, "I think there's so many things to do there. Also, it's a great way to get off the beaten path away from a lot of other tourists. Japan. For good reason, it's definitely very popular. It's easy to fly into Tokyo and so many people want to go and visit Kyoto, Osaka, and a lot of those really popular areas that are really starting to suffer from a lot of overtourism. There's so many beautiful places that you can go to in other parts of Japan that are just as beautiful and a lot more off the beaten path. And in a lot of ways, I think it's a lot more welcoming to visitors because there are a lot fewer visitors." Day 1: Arrival in Fukuoka Arrive in Fukuoka, either by bullet train or flight. Explore Yusentei Park and enjoy a traditional bowl of matcha tea at the tea house. Wander through Nishijin Shotengai, a pedestrian street filled with traditional shops and restaurants. Sample local dishes such as Tonkotsu ramen and fresh seafood, including the famous twitching squid. Connect with English speakers at the Cheers Bar Overnight in Fukuoka. ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10 Mars 202442min

Hear about travel to Northern Tasmania as the Amateur Traveler talks to Paula Barnes from trulyexpattravel.com about an unexpected visit to this popular region. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-northern-tasmania/ Why should you go to Northern Tasmania? Paula says, "Firstly, it's because it's now classed as 1 of the 50 cities that is the City of Gastronomy. Australia has 2. We have 1 in Bendigo but we also now have 1 in Launceston and it's a foodie's paradise. It's also an amazing landscape and it's an adventure area. I thought this part of the world had Queenstown in New Zealand, but I'm telling you now, I think Queenstown needs to move over because I think this part of the world has as many amazing adventure things to do. We don't have bungee jumping, but we have everything else." Suggested Itinerary: Day 1: Launceston Exploration and Culinary Delights Morning: Arrive in Launceston by flying from Hobart, driving from Hobart, or driving from Devonport and taking the ferry. Start your day at the Launceston Harvest Market to indulge in local produce and culinary delights. If it's not a Saturday, explore the cafes in Launceston, such as Tattler Lane by Sweet Brew, known for its excellent coffee and breakfast offerings. Midday: Visit the Japanese monkeys in the park, a unique attraction gifted by Launceston's sister city, Aikido, in Japan. Take a leisurely stroll through the park and explore its historical significance. Afternoon: Immerse yourself in history at the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing artifacts and stories of the region's past. Evening: Enjoy pre-dinner drinks at Bar Urbane, overlooking the scenic Tamar River, followed by a delightful Asian fusion dinner at Mudbar, known for its seafood and eclectic flavors. Accommodation: Choose between Big 4 Caravan Park for a budget-friendly option with self-catering facilities or Pepper's Seaport Hotel or Florance Launceston for a more luxurious stay with convenient car parking. ... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2 Mars 202450min

Hear about travel to Poland as the Amateur Traveler talks to Sharon Kurtz from sharonkkurtz.com about her recent trip exploring the culture and food of Warsaw, Krakow, and Poznan. show notes - https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-poland-warsaw-krakow-and-poznan Sharon says, "It is a beautiful country. It's a blend of history that goes back to the tenth century. And then it has sad history, World War II, and then they were occupied by the Soviets and got their independence in 1989. And some people seem to have this feeling that they're gray and it's sad and dark, and nothing could be further from the truth. It's vibrant and it's really an exciting place to go in Central Europe." Here's a recommended itinerary for visiting Warsaw, Krakow, and Poznan in Poland: Day 1-3: Warsaw • Start your trip in Warsaw, the capital city of Poland. • Explore the reconstructed Old Town Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which showcases the resilience of the Polish people after World War II. • Visit the Old Town Square fountain with the mermaid sculpture, symbolizing strength and protection. • Explore the Chopin Museum and enjoy a classical concert in Łazienki Park. • Dive into Warsaw's history with visits to the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. • Enjoy the vibrant modern cityscape, including skyscrapers and bustling city life. Accommodation in Warsaw: Consider staying at Hotel Verte, a Marriott property with a rich history, a palace reconstructed after World War II. Day 4-6: Krakow • Take a 2-hour train ride to Krakow, the cultural capital of Poland. • Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town, filled with well-preserved medieval architecture. • Explore Kazimierz's historic Jewish quarter, known for its synagogues, cemeteries, and vibrant atmosphere. • Visit Saint Mary's Basilica and experience the haunting trumpet call played from its tower. • Discover the majestic Wawel Castle and its Gothic cathedral. • Delve into Krakow's poignant history with a visit to Schindler's Factory and the remnants of the Jewish ghetto. • Consider a one-day Auschwitz and Krakow Salt Mines tour. Accommodation in Krakow: Consider staying in centrally located accommodations to explore the city's attractions easily. Day 7-9: Poznan • Travel to Poznan, the oldest city in Poland, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. • Explore the colorful Old Town Square and witness the daily spectacle of mechanical billy goats butting heads at noon. • Visit Cathedral Island to see the oldest church in Poland and the graves of early rulers. • Experience the interactive Enigma Museum, showcasing Poland's contributions to World War II code-breaking efforts. • Indulge in Poznan's culinary delights, including the famous Saint Martin's croissant with its unique legend. • Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Poznan's nightlife and cultural offerings. Accommodation in Poznan: Choose accommodations near the Old Town Square to immerse yourself in the city's historic charm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

24 Feb 202451min

Hear about a week-long road trip from Dublin to Cork through southeastern Ireland as the Amateur Traveler talks to Amber Hagerty from AmberEverywhere.com about this out-of-the-way corner of Ireland. Day 1: Dublin to Wicklow Morning: Arrive in Dublin and explore the city. Visit Bar 1661 for the best Irish coffee and Trinity College to admire the campus. Afternoon: Indulge in some delicious ice cream at Murphy's on Wicklow Street in Temple Bar. Evening: Rent a car and drive south to Bray. Enjoy a stroll along the promenade, have dinner at a local restaurant like Daata, and consider doing the cliff walk to Greystones for breathtaking views. ... https://amateurtraveler.com/dublin-to-cork-road-trip-in-southeastern-ireland/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

17 Feb 202455min

Hear about a German road trip to 9 UNESCO Cities as the Amateur Traveler talks to Renee Hannes from dreamplanexperience.com about her exploration of the land of her ancestors. https://amateurtraveler.com/germany-road-trip-to-9-unesco-cities/ Renee says, "I just returned from living in Berlin for 3 months. So had an opportunity to make a little bit of a longer trip and was there with my husband and dog and lived in Berlin and I had a good chance to be able to see the city and lots of other places around it. I had this long list of places on my to-do list. I think like most travelers, I become very quickly overwhelmed with how many places I wanted to see. So I thought why not think about what are those places that are worthy of a visit?" "That's where I came upon thinking about it from a UNESCO perspective and UNESCO sites are always worthy places to visit special places to visit in terms of the history and the moments in history that they help create and shape the architecture that usually is pretty spectacular to be able to see from, nature and the landscapes that we want to protect and then also it gives us really good insights into the culture. So after I had that long list, I went back and thought, what is close to Berlin? And that's how I was able to stumble on these 9 destinations." City 1: Berlin UNESCO Site: Museum Island: Spend the first day exploring Museum Island, home to five world-class museums. Delve into history, art, and archaeology at the Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Bode Museum, and the famous Pergamon Museum (when it reopens). City 2: Potsdam (Day Trip from Berlin) UNESCO Site: Sans Souci Palace and Park: Explore the stunning Sans Souci Palace, a masterpiece of Rococo architecture, surrounded by beautiful gardens, fountains, and other palaces. Optional Activities: Visit the Dutch Quarter and the historic center of Potsdam. City 3: Wittenberg (Short Train Ride from Berlin) UNESCO Site: Martin Luther's 95 Theses Site: Visit the place where Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door, sparking the Protestant Reformation. City Exploration: Wander through the charming streets of Wittenberg's Old Town. If possible, visit the city in June for the Luther Wedding celebration. City 4: Quedlinburg UNESCO Site: Old Town with Half-Timbered Houses: Immerse yourself in the enchanting medieval atmosphere of Quedlinburg's Old Town, characterized by over 1300 half-timbered houses. Activities: Climb to the top of the hill for panoramic views of the town from the castle. Explore the Quedlinburg Cathedral and the Culture Church. Visit museums showcasing the town's history and heritage. City 5: Goslar (Day Trip from Quedlinburg) UNESCO Sites: Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz): Discover the grandeur of the Imperial Palace overlooking Goslar. Optional Activities: Take a guided tour of the Rammelsberg mine, gaining insights into a thousand years of mining history. Explore the old town with its half-timbered houses and churches. Take a ride on a train through the Harz Mountains on the Harz Railway. City 6: Hamburg Highlights: Warehouse District (Speicherstadt): Explore the UNESCO-listed Speicherstadt, Hamburg's historic warehouse district. Marvel at the red brick buildings lining the canals, reminiscent of the city's trading past. Hamburg City Center: Stroll through the city center, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and visit landmarks like St. Michael's Church and the Rathaus (City Hall). City 7: Lubeck (Day Trip from Hamburg) UNESCO Site: Holstentor Gate: Visit the iconic Holstentor Gate, the entrance to Lubeck's Old Town, representing the city's historical significance as a trading hub. Exploring Beyond Main Streets: Wander off the main streets to discover elegant homes reflecting the wealth of medieval merchants. Explore St. Mary's Church and other architectural gems. Marzipan Delights: Visit the Niederegger marzipan shop to indulge in marzipan treats and learn about the city's marzipan-making history. Cities 8 and 9: Wismar and Stralsund UNESCO Sites: Wismar: Explore the charming town of Wismar on the Baltic Sea, known for its fortified walls, historic market square, and lively harbor atmosphere. Stralsund: Visit Stralsund, another Baltic Sea gem, with a large public square featuring diverse architectural styles. Explore St. Nicholas Church and enjoy seafood at the harbor. Return to Berlin A 9-city UNESCO road trip through Germany offers a blend of historical exploration, architectural marvels, and scenic beauty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

10 Feb 20241h 3min

Hear about travel to Zaragoza as the Amateur Traveler talks to Cat Driver about this historic but under-visited region of Spain. https://amateurtraveler.com/things-to-do-in-zaragoza-spain/ Cat says, "Every time I have said to people that I lived in Spain and they asked me where and I say Zaragoza, I usually just get a blank stare and then I have to explain it. Zaragoza is between Barcelona and Madrid almost exactly. I was teaching English there. I decided on Zaragoza because it  had everything I wanted. It was very local, not much English so I'd be forced to learn Spanish. The transportation connections are great, and it has a really low cost of living. So I thought it was the perfect place to go and teach English and that's what drew me there." "I think other people should go to Zaragoza because it is wonderful. It is a really underrated part of Spain. It doesn't see many North American visitors. I don't really know why  because it's so close to Barcelona and Madrid and that's where everybody goes. But Saragossa is really an undiscovered gem. It's a really beautiful place to experience a real Spanish local life. It has all of the history that people are looking for when they go to Spain. It's  steeped in Roman, Muslim, and Christian history and also has a really thriving modern art and culture scene. It's also really fabulous for the outdoors. Anybody who likes hiking, and cycling and skiing, it's a wonderful place to base yourself to explore the areas around Zaragoza that would offer that." Cat starts us in the historic center of Zaragoza in the Plaza del Pilar that holds both of Zaragoza's co-cathedrals. The Virgin of the pillar is the patron saint of Zaragoza and everything revolves around her. In October the plaza and streets fill with night parades and flower offerings during the Fiestas del Pilar. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar is the most photographed building in the city with its 4 bell towers that make it look as much like a mosque as a cathedral. The interior has Goya masterpieces in situ. The Mudéjar architecture of Aragon with its moorish influence has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Buildings that are included in that designation in Zaragoza include: the Mudéjar remains of the Palace of Aljafería Zaragoza, the Tower and Parish church of San Pablo Zaragoza, and the Apse, parish and dome of La Seo (the other cathedral). The origins of the town go back to Roman times, which it was known as Caesaraugusta. There is a Roman history museum of the old forum near the Plaza del Pilar as well as an old Roman Amphitheater. The stature of Caesar Augustus in front of the city market was a gift from Franco. Cat recommends a number of museums in the city including the Goya Museum, the Museo Pablo Gargallo, the IAACC Pablo Serrano, the CaixaForum Zaragoza, the Zaragoza Museum, and the Alma Mater Museum. For those less inclined to visit museums you might check out a Chocopass from the local tourism board instead. We talk about a number of side trips from the city including the city of Tarazona and the Monasterio de Piedra. Tarazona is the place to go for more Mudéjar architecture, Jewish history and... perhaps ironically... Spanish ham. The Monasterio de Piedra which is an old monastery where the monks made chocolate and wine. The monastery is built in a park with waterfalls. For hiking Cat recommends the village of Agüero which is an old village surrounded by rock formations. If you are looking for a rich, beautiful part of Spain that doesn't get enough love... can we recommend Zaragoza and Aragon?   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3 Feb 202455min

Hear about travel to the island nation of Malta as Chris Christensen, the Amateur Traveler, tells about a recent week-long trip to the island at the center of the Mediterranean Sea. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-the-island-of-malta/ Why should you visit Malta? Malta is an amazing island country with a rich history and spectacular scenery. The one-week itinerary for Malta includes the following highlights: Sunday: Take a harbor cruise around Valletta. Pick up a 7-day bus pass, if you are getting around by public transportation Explore Valletta a UNESCO city, and visit the Upper Barrakka Monday: Take a guided tour of Valletta Underground, exploring where the residents of Valletta took shelter from WWII bombing Visit St John’s Co-cathedral. Lunch in Birgu  Visit Mdina, the old capital, also known as the "silent city." Tuesday: See the colorful Marsaxlokk harbor and Għar Dalam Cave with its pigmy elephant and hippo skeletons Visit Ħal Tarxien, an open-air megalithic temple site. Visit Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a prehistoric underground necropolis and UNESCO site. Explore Fort Saint Angelo in Birgu. Wednesday: Visit Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra, UNESCO megalithic temple sites. Explore the Blue Grotto (weather-dependent). Visit Mdina, including the cathedral Stop at a museum dedicated to the Roman Villa in Rabat. Explore St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat. Thursday: Travel to Gozo, and stay in Victoria. Visit Ggantija Temples, another UNESCO site and megalithic temple. Explore Citadella fortress in Victoria. Have dinner in St George's Square Friday: Visit San Blas Tower and Ramla Beach in Gozo. Return to Malta in the afternoon. Saturday: Move to Fortellessa and explore Valletta. Visit Upper Barrakka, Lower Barrakka, and Fort St Elmo. Relax in the city and soak in the atmosphere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

27 Jan 202453min

Hear about travel to Croatia's Istrian Peninsula as the Amateur Traveler talks to Olivia from inspiredbycroatia.com about her adopted country. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-croatias-istrian-peninsula/ Why should you go to the Istrian Peninsula? Olivia says, "I think that Istria is still a little bit underrated. Personally, I like to Talk about it as this like a fairytale like region. It has quite a strong Italian heritage somewhat reminiscent of Tuscany, but with a Croatian flair It's filled with these emerald green hills dotted with medieval villages throughout the food there is absolutely Fantastic." "If you're a foodie you want to go to Istria, their home to lots of truffles, so you'll find truffles in a lot of the dishes there. And then in addition to the green interior, we have the rugged coastline rocky coastline, but beautiful blue pristine water and beaches, and it really just has the best of both worlds." Olivia recommends this itinerary: Day 1: Pula Explore Pula, the largest city in Istria. Visit the Roman Arena, a well-preserved amphitheater. Explore other historic sites like the Temple of Augustus and the ancient Roman Forum. Visit the Museum of Olive Oil and the castle. Drive to Verudela Peninsula for a swim in the sea and explore the rocky coastline. Optional: Attend the Pula Film Festival which is held in July. Day 2: Fažana and Brioni National Park Drive to Fažana, a village 15 minutes north of Pula. Take a day trip to Brijuni National Park, an archipelago with untouched nature and Roman ruins. Explore the islands, including a tourist train ride and optional activities like renting a golf cart or bike, or driving Tito's car. Return to Fažana for a meal at Alla Beccaccia, a family-run restaurant. Day 3: Rovinj Head north to Rovinj, a charming fishing village. Explore the town, visit the church, and walk down Grisea Street. Visit Mediterraneo Bar for a seaside cafe experience. Day 4: Visit the Limfjord Take a boat ride on the Limfjord Head to Bale for a visit to local wineries. Day 5: Porič and Umag Drive to Porič, a seaside town popular among European travelers. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site and stroll down the main Roman street. Spend the afternoon walking along the Riviera for swimming. Head further north to Umag, known for the Croatia Open UMAG tennis tournament. Optional: Explore Savudrija and visit the oldest lighthouse. Day 6: Green Istria - Motovun, Grožnjan, Momjan Visit Motovun, a hilltop town known for truffles. Explore the town, visit Truba Jazz and Wine Bar, and possibly attend the Motovon Summer Film Festival. Head to Grožnjan, a charming town known for artists and musicians. Explore the cobblestone streets and visit Truba Jazz and Wine Bar. End the day in Momjan at Kono Bastari Podrum for dinner and Kozlovich Winery for wine tasting. Day 7: Buzet, Truffle Tasting, and Hum Visit Buzet and tour the Aura Distillery for brandies, liqueurs, and gin tasting. Head to Karlić Tartufi for truffle tasting, a truffle hunting experience, and a cooking demonstration. Optional: Stop at Kotli for waterfalls and small pools. Visit the "smallest town in the world", Hum. Enjoy your trip to Istria! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20 Jan 202444min