Travel Destination: Venice, Italy

Happy Weekend! :D

I hope you are all having a fabulous one!

A few days ago, I made a post about The Tourist, and I mentioned how much I wanted to go to Venice... I haven't made a Travel Destination post in a while, and hey, it's the weekend so why not take a tour of Venice with me? :)

Okay, the first thing we're gonna do: ride a gondola! As tempting as the gondolas are in Las Vegas' Venetian Hotel, there is no doubt in my mind that they are nothing compared to the real thing, haha. ;)

So, we are riding a gondola!

gondolas on Bacino Orseolo

Venetian gondolas

After our gondola ride, we are going to eat gelato! :D

Delicious!

Then we can find a restaurant on the bank of the Grand Canal near Rialto Bridge.

Or head over to Piazza San Marco, walk around, take pictures, and eat!

Cafe Florian

Cafe Florian on Piazza San Marco

We can also buy food from this floating green grocer - how fun! :)

Carnival participants

Ca'Macana Carnival mask

Let's take a stroll on Rio della Sensa.

Walk around some more or ride a gondola again?

Beach, anyone? Let's go to Lido di Jesolo beach, east of Venice.

Watch the sunset while rowing in a lagoon near the Lido.

We can observe an artist painting at Pescaria market or visit many of Venice's art museums.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Another thing on our list: feed pigeons at St. Mark's Square!

Bucintoro Galleon leading the Historical Regatta pageant in Grand Canal

Ponte dell'Academia in Campo San Vidal

San Marco across the Canal

*Sigh* Absolutely beautiful!

How cool is this photo?!

If you feel like buying souvenirs, we can go check out this store that sells Venetian glass. :)

And we can walk around some more to take in beautiful Venice.

Gothic Palazzo Ducale

view of Castello from Chiesa di San Giorgio Maggiore

view from Campanille Tower

view of Piazza San Marco from Basilica di San Marco

***photos from www.lonelyplanet.com***

That's about it for our little weekend trip to Venice. I hope you guys had fun! :)

Have you been to Venice? Any travel tips for us? :D

I wish you all a wonderful weekend! :)

P.S. My $100 Shopbop gift card giveaway ends tonight! Enter here.

Getaways Guest Blog Series: Joanna from Design Shuffle

This week we're going to try something a little different, instead of info on a fave past vacation we have a guest post about a destination that a blogger dreams of visiting. Joanna is a writer for Design Shuffle, where you can find top tier interior design ideas from around the world – from New York Interior Designers to Los Angeles Interior Designers and more. If you love scoping pictures of interiors and decor inspiration then you should check out Design Shuffle! Read on to find out where Joanna is planning on visiting next...

(via)

Favorite Vacation Spot

My long time friend D. has been working furiously for the past few years launching yet another successful online venture (his first sold for over $43 million a few years ago.) Too bad none of my interior design ideas ever pan out quite like his ideas do. Anyway, his latest venture is proving to be quite interesting. Recently, he let family and friends know, via Facebook no less, that he was picking up and moving his whole operation to Malta.

Excuse me, Malta, where the heck is that?

I must have been out sick the day they covered this small little gem of a country in geography class because I had no clue where it was. Once D. broke the news, I jumped on Google and read everything I could about his new country to be. I instantly fell in love and will be visiting my friend over the summer, thus the “wanna-be” getaway post status. While I haven’t actually visited yet, I have done my homework enough to give you a good idea what wonders Malta has in store for the prospective visitor.

Malta (via)

With a land mass of a mere 316 sq. km and a population of only 400,000, Malta is one of the smallest countries in the world. Yet, it is one of largest inhabited islands amongst a group of seven in the Mediterranean Sea. There are actually three main inhabited islands that make up the Republic of Malta: Malta, Gozo and Comino. According to LonelyPlanet.com, “few European countries have such concentrated history, architecture and, yes, beaches in so tiny an area.”

Fisherman's Cove, Malta (via)

This photograph of the Malta coastline, by Anselmo Albert Torres, looks so vivid it appears to be a painting instead of an actual image of the island. And this is just one tiny area amongst all the beauty that can be found throughout the country.

Where to Stay

Fortina Spa, Malta (via)

Considered to be an important part of the overall “Malta experience,” the five-star Fortina Spa Resort offers over 250 luxurious health and beauty treatments, superb accommodations and eating experiences not to be missed. Amazingly, it is the second largest spa resort in Europe.

Where to Eat
 

Malta Dining (via)

Due to its mixed European history, Malta offers a wide variety of cuisines from Asian to Italian at its many restaurants. Steak, seafood, pizza and pasta are favorite dishes among tourists and locals alike. St. Julian’s Blue Elephant restaurant is known as one of the most romantic spots in Malta. Diners sit in private huts among waterfalls, lush greenery and tropical flowers. They also serve what is considered the best royal Thai cuisine in the country.


What to Do

Storybook of Malta (via)

Known for its shopping, Malta is filled with touristy shops and markets. Maltese artists and craftspeople offer handicrafts such as Gozo lace, silver filigree work and decorative glass and pottery. You won’t be lacking for home décor ideas after visiting the local shopping scene.

Historical sites are plentiful in Malta due to its rich heritage as a stronghold for many past governments. St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Casa Rocca Piccola, and Hal Safflieni Hypogeum are three of the top historical spots visited by tourists.

Sunbathing and water sports on Malta’s beaches are highly popular amongst locals and tourists alike. While sandy beaches tend to be the most popular, especially for families, there are rocky cliff areas for diving and exploring as well. Popular sandy beaches include Meliieha Bay, Ghaidra Bay and Golden Bay.


Packing Tips

Malta Beaches (via)

Take your typical beach attire as Malta’s summers are long, hot and dry. Sundresses and espadrilles are perfect for sightseeing and bathing suits and cover-ups are standard attire for the beach and water activities.

Thanks Joanna - Stay tuned for more great Getaways Guest Posts from some fabulous bloggers that will be coming down the pipeline soon!

Getaways Guest Blog Series: Stacey from Quintessence

I'm very happy to have the lovely Stacey from Quintessence as a a Getaways Guest Blogger today. Stacey's blog is filled with thoughtful, informative posts on everything from wine and design to movies. Here's a bit about Stacey's vacation tips and faves...

Favorite Vacation Spot

I want to thank Connie for inviting me to participate in her fun Getaways Guest Blog Series. For me it was an easy choice since I have been going to the same vacation spot for many years. Nantucket is a small (only 14 miles long by 3-1/2 miles wide) island 30 miles off the coast of Massachusetts with over 82 miles of beautiful unspoiled beaches, a charming historic town of cobblestone streets, chic shops and restaurants and an abundance of natural beauty, 40% of which is protected by the Land Trust.

Photos Courtesy of The Wauwinet Inn

Where to Stay

The Wauwinet Inn is a luxe Relais & Chateau property on the northeast part of the island where it is very narrow, so there is access to both bay and ocean. You can stay in the lovely main building or rent a cottage. Toppers is their award winning restaurant and there is a fabulous spa as well but the best part is sitting out on the lawn in the evening enjoying a spectacular Nantucket sunset overlooking the bay with a glass of champagne or a cocktail.


Photo Credit: Michael Galvin/Nantucket Chamber of Commerce



Where To Eat

Nantucket has a wide variety of great restaurants. For an adult evening out without the kids, our choice frequently is The Chanticleer in the “other town” of Siasconset (pronounced Sconset). Reopened a couple of years ago as a more casual version of the original French restaurant, we like the more laid back bar area to enjoy the bistro cuisine. Or go for a leisurely lunch and sit in the beautiful rose garden outside.

What To Do

One of the best aspects of Nantucket is that there is something for everyone at every age making it the perfect getaway location for either a family or a couple. From exploring the many beaches to visiting the historic whaling museum to renting bikes to tour the island, you could easily fill up a long weekend or week with activities.

And there is always town with its many tempting shops for fashion, art and decor. I always find something new to bring home.


Photo Courtesy of NJ Tours



5 Vacation Essentials

Essentials for a Nantucket vacation are good sunscreen, strong sunglasses, a great cap or hat, a book for the beach, and your camera. And if you’re renting a house, make sure you have a hair dryer because Nantucket is a notorious bad hair island.

Top: Birger et Mikkelson, pants: J Brand, sandals: Prada,

Bag: Chloe, Hat: Helen Kaminski, Sunglasses: Oliver Peoples

Packing Tips

Packing for Nantucket can be tough because of the unpredictable weather. Style tends to be casual chic. For day I pack long slim shorts or capris, fitted tees and a couple sun dresses with flats or comfortable sandals and havianas and a cover up for the beach. For evening I always bring several pairs of white pants from jeans to dressier versions that I can wear with a variety of tops, a couple sleeveless summer dresses in case we get invited to a party and sandals with a bit more of a heel. You have to bring an assortment of layers like sweaters and wraps because it can be hot during the day but the ocean breezes mean evenings get quite cool. I add belts and accessories to mix up my looks.

Favorite Travelling Companion

My favorite traveling companions to Nantucket are my husband and children. My kids have been going their entire lives and look forward to our traditions such as lobster dinners and family game nights - thank goodness we have an even number for teams. As you can see, even my dog likes it! My husband and I try to go up by ourselves once a year for a long weekend where we just relax and do things both together and apart. We’ll spend afternoons lounging at the beach (me under an umbrella) or he’ll get in some golf or fishing while I poke around town. Then we’ll rendezvous back at the house for a home cooked meal of fresh grilled swordfish and sweet island corn or go out to Chanticleer’s (see above) or Lola’s for sushi.

Photo of Prague via

Next Spot I'd Like to Visit

My husband would like to go to Hawaii because he prefers vacations where he can do things outside -golf, snorkle etc. Another option he likes is a ski vacation in the Rockies or Alps. Any more urban destinations that interest me like Prague or Barcelona I'll have to do with girlfriends!!

Travel Destination: Greece

Happy Monday!

Since the week has just started, I thought it'd be nice for us to take a little trip. It's been a while since my last Travel Destination post, and I remember Carrie from http://www.readmylifeascarrie.blogspot.com/ requesting that we go to Greece next.

So, let's go! :D

***photos are in no particular order***

Athens at night

Parthenon, Acropolis Hill, and some houses of Anafiotika - seen from Lykavittos Hill

Agios Minos Cathedral

Cape Sounio - located at the eastern part of the country.

The Temple of Poseidon is located in Cape Sounio.

Greek Orthodox chapel and an approaching ferry - island of Santorini



Church of Agia Fotini




interior of the Chapel of Agia Fotini - combines Byzantine and Hellenistic elements



Boat cruising through Corinth Canal




south coast of Crete

How beautiful is this photo?!



cruise ship


Delphi


Temple of Apollo in Delphi


ferry ride

The water is soooooo beautiful!



We can swim and sunbathe near Hera's Temple.


House of Cleopatra




While on vacation, we can still update our blogs because they have internet cafes! :)


sunbathing on Kathisma Beach



Matala Beach

The man-made caves date back to prehistoric times.


Take a therapeutic dip on Moustos Lake.




town and harbor of the island of Mykonos

The island fortress of Bourtzi, Nafplio harbor -- seen from Palamidi fortress.


Are you into hiking?

descending trail on Mt. Olympus

western face of Mytikas on Mt. Olympus

If you're like me, then hiking is probably not your thing. No worries, there are a lot of other things we can do... like watch musical and theatrical performances at the open-air theater on Lykavittos Hill.

We can also swim and walk along the shores of Pebble Beach at Kokkari.

The Parthenon at sunset




I love these cute little umbrellas on Perissa Beach on the east coast of Santorini. (P.S. That's black sand!)

Piraeus - the main port of Athens

Potami Beach

Perhaps, one of the most well-known of the Greek islands: Santorini.

white-washed houses and blue domes

Southern Aegean village of Oia

Santorini sunset







I would love to eat at this waterfront restaurant!

A traditional Greek tavern.

Taverns are an integral part of Greek culture and cuisine.

This then brings us to an important aspect of our little trip to Greece: Greek food! :D

olives

Greek salad choriatiki

Fasolada - soup made of beans, tomatoes, carrots, celery, and olive oil

Moussaka - an oven-baked layer dish.

It is usually a ground meat and eggplant casserole, topped with bechamel sauce, then browned.

Pikilia platter

Pitas with Gyros

Gyros - meat roasted on a vertically turning spit and served with sauce and garnishes on a pita bread

Taramosalata - fish roe mixed with boiled potatoes or moistened breadcrumbs, olive oil, and lemon juice

Ready for dessert?

Kourabiedes - Christmas cookies

Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts

And of course, baklava! Yum! :D

Well, that's about it for our trip to Greece. :)

Have you been to Greece? What else should we do when we go there? What other places should we visit?

If you have a place in mind for our next virtual trip, let me know!

Have a great week, everyone! :D

***images and info from www.google.com, www.lonelyplanet.com, and www.wikipedia.com***