venice travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises spa and resorts

The one-time capital of Russia, founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, is like a living museum where white is recurring theme. To live out those Dr. Zhivago fantasies, visit in winter when a dusting of snow covers the city’s golden cupolas, whereas in summer, the sun shines all night during the ‘‘White Nights”. Magical, full of history and charm, the Venice of the North’s highlights include the Winter Palace, home to the Hermitage Museum’s amazing three million pieces of art. Spoil Yourself and book into the Kempinski Moika 22 overlooking the Hermitage. Located in a traditional St. Petersburg mansion, it dates back to 1853, during the reign of Czar Nicholas I. Photo by: heini-pdm
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The traditional Carnival of Venice was discovered on Saturday evening with a horse parade and play “Servant of two masters” performed by the street artists to San Marco Square. The Venetian Carnival held for centuries and will continue for ten days – from the 6th to the February 16th.  The period of the carnival is one of the most important events of the year. The program includes masked balls and theatrical productions. However, tourists will be tempted by competing carnivals in Rome and Viareggio.
Continue reading The Venetian Carnival – edition 2010

It is well worth taking a tour off the conventional tourist route to visit this ancient island just 300 km offshore from the mainland town of Brodarica, Croatia. Karpanj is the smallest and lowest inhabited island of the Adriatic at only 7 m above sea level at its highest point. A nobleman by the name of Juric purchased the uninhabited island in 1436 and donated it to the Franciscans who built a monastery there. When the Turks started plundering the coastline, the monk sheltered refugees from the mainland and eventually allowed them to build a settlement on the island.
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There really is no way to describe the uniqueness of this island – very romantic and picturesque. Burano is a little, very pretty island, located about 30 minutes by ferry from Venice. It’s famous for its lace making and the colorful fishermen’s houses. No cars, just boats, clothes hanging out on lines from the windows…
Continue reading The photographer’s paradise – the colors of Burano

Cres is one of the largest 1,200 islands along the Croatian coast. It is situated in the Gulf of Kvarner to the east of Istria. It is long, narrow and mountainous, stretching 68 km from north to south and 12 km across at its widest point. The incredible sheer of astonishing cliffs are a habitat of the griffon vulture, the largest bird in Europe. Photo  by: Reinhard.Pantke
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In the southern coast of Croatia, rising out of the Adriatic is the island of Korcula. The island has beautiful low mountains, pine forests, olive groves and scent of wild herbs. At 47 km long and 6 to 7 km wide, it is one of the larger Croatian island. The main draw on this charming island is the town of Korcula, a medieval walled town on a promontory of land protruding out into the Paljesac Channel. Photo by: kamakaks
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Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany, perfect destination to explore its culture walking or on water. The port of Hamburg is the second largest port in Europe. Huge numbers of rivers, canals and lakes offer many opportunities for sightseeing the city from water. Hamburg has more bridges than Venice, Amsterdam and London, all together.
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