Today we have a surprise destination for you! A destination that will definitely go up in the next few years due to tourism, a place that is a perfect city break, a lowl budget one, ideal for both short getaways and long adventures on the ski slopes or on mountain trails.

For more travel inspiration watch our video!!!

Thermal baths in Tbilisi

It is all about Georgia, Tbilisi, which is also its capital city. But let’s get to know Georgia a little better through some interesting facts:

• And lets start with the name! We call the people of Georgia, Georgians, “Workers of the Earth “, they call themselves Sakartveli and the rest of the World Gurtjistan which means wolves. The legend has it that the name Georgia has been given by the Greeks as we are talking about a nation who is more than capable with farming!
• The country declared independence from Soviet Union in 1991 9th of April.
• The official currency is the GEL with the Lari subdivision and exchange rate with the Euro is 1 to  3 approx.
• The old capital of Georgia was the Mtskheta which is now under the protection of UNESCO as well as many monuments of the country.
• The country is in dispute with Russia because of the territories of Aphazia and Ossetia, in case some of you are interested in learning more…
• The country is famous for its good tasty wine and is known for its special wine that matures in pots.
• Also it is a rising winter destination because of the Snowy Mountains, the low budget resorts, the trails  of the nature and the hot baths!
• In summer Georgia is transformed into a well known tourist resort as well with the seaside Batoumi.
• The river Kura or Mtkvari that permeates the city, also crosses Turkey and Azerbaijan.
• Before its christianisation Georgia had pagans (visit the Uplistsikhe Caves and meet myths about Pagan gods, Berikan Pagan ceremony).

Tastes from Georgia

For Georgian food we can talk for hours, its really tasty! Briefly we recommend you to try:

• Khachapuri Pie
• Ajarian Khachapuri Pie which has been awarded as Number 1 by the world-renowned culinary magazine taste.com
• Lahmajoun
• Natakhtari Beer
• Churchkhela
• Wine
• Chacha drink 55 degrees of alcohol
• Khinkali Kalakuri

The highlights of the city

• Freedom Square
• Bridge of Peace
• Metekhi Temple (12th century)
• Anchiskhati Church
• Mtatsminda or David Mountain
• Hot baths
• St. George’s Church (Kashveti Church)
• Tbilisi Sulfuric Baths
• The Government House
• Tbilisi Botanical Garden
• The cable car Narikala Fortress
• Sioni or Zion Cathedra
• Mother of Georgia
• The clock on Shavteli Street where every day at 12.00 and 19.00 a pleasant melody is heard and called The circle of life
• The old walls
• The old town, totally hipster!
• Armenian TV producer
• Statue Tamada Sufra Proffessor the wise banker with the horn in the hand who announced the toasts.

Practical issues

SIM card for your smartphone can be found  free with very cheap Internet cost at the airport just before your exit. Wifi  is everywhere and it is  for free!
Currency exchange can be found in many central locations.
The museums are closed on Mondays.
There is a mall where you can do some shopping! There is also a bazaar which is more easily accessible (flea market)!

Transportation

Transportation from the airport of Kutaisi  to Tbilisi is really easy as Georgian Bus buses departing according to your flights. Tickets can be purchased on Internet or just before leaving the airport.  In the city we were by feet, actually we did 50 miles in less than 2.3 days! The city is pleasantly walked has comfortable sidewalks, underground and aboveground crossings in which all… All drivers stop for the pedestrians! There are taxis, just download the application Yandex (uber-type) those of you who intend to use them and finally there are the yellow buses starting from the central square of freedom!

Nearby Adventures

• Ski (two ski resorre)
• Trekking (Summer months)
• Uplistsikhe Cave Town
• Stalin Museum
• Gori Fortress
• Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin
• Mtskheta
• Jvari Monastery
• Svetitskhoveli Monastery
• Samtavro Monastery
• Bebris Fortress (The Elder’s Fortress)

We recommend on the first day a Free walking tour with Giorgi! He will show you the whole city and  it is  far most the best Walking tour we have ever tried and trust us we have  joined a lot of tours so many years of travelling. On the same afternoon, a cable car ride can be experienced.
On the Second day an excursion to monuments located outside of Tbilisi is a must. Information can be found here.
On day three… for ski lovers, skiing! For lovers of hiking, hiking! For lovers of relaxation, warm baths!

Suggestions for exit and food

Drink (all Hipster places so if you are not fun of it you will not like them)

• Warsawa
• Art Cafe
• Moulin Electrique

Food

• 21
• Khinkali House
• Meama

Coffee

• Art Cafe
• Moulin Electrique

Budget per person for three days
Airtickets with Wizzair €30
Hotel “Good ” €50 the three-day
Transportation to and from airport €12
Food €10 in a good restaurant with beer and salad
Beer €1.5
Pies 1-3 € (from the shops that buy the locals are under €1)
Sweet delicacies locally made with Muto and walnuts €0.60
Coffee 0.30-1.30 € (in the local shops more economical)
One day excursion outside Tbilisi €20
Free walking tour as you wish, eg. 10 €
Cable Car €1.30
Souvenirs €5 (eg. 10 magnets)
About €160 per person, the weekend!

We hope you enjoyed our post and visit Georgia soon!

Modloba means thanks!

The post BEST OF TBILISI – TRAVEL IN GEORGIA appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

1. Oreini Arcadia

Thinking about getting out and experiencing the great outdoors? the surrounding nature of Oreini Arcadia has the perfect solution for you! Its picturesque villages are among the most beautiful architectural examples of Greek craftmanship. Walk the main street of  Vitina with its traditional shops, where you can fetch the famous fir honey and drink coffee in the central square. Passing the “Path of Love”, will be direct you in Elati, then visit the “village of Letters” Dimitsana, the famous Museum of Water Power, beautiful mansions and the Philosopher’s Monastery while you and will fall in love with the picturesque Stemnitsa.  The traditional greek food is great  and for trekking lovers there are beautiful routes that lead to the river Lucio, as well as many small villages waiting to be discovered (Greek, Karytaina etc.)

Accessibility: about two hours time from Athens.

Arachova is one of the most picturesque parts of Greece, with excellent services that find ideal extensions to tradition. You can walk through the main path, which is full of small traditional shops (do not forget to buy formaela!). Drink your coffee in one of the haunts of Lakka Square. Do not hesitate to take the 264 steps that lead you to the church of Saint George! And if you want an extra … escape,  Agoriani is waiting for you at 25 miles away.

Accessibility: about two hours time from Athens.

3. Kalavrita

Kalavrita is one of the most beautiful winter resorts in Greece at an affordable price! Take a walk through dozens of shops at the main street and go sightseeing (Municipal Museum of the Holocaust, Place of Sacrifice, Holy Monastery of Great Cave, the famous Monastery of Agia Lavra and the Cave of Lakes in the village castle! For the romantic ones there is an hourly “must” route to nature with the traditional train called “odontotos” from Kalavryta to Diakofto village, for the most athletic ones hiking on the same route will last about 5 hours (without return).

Accessibility: about two hours time from Athens.

4. Pilio

If you consider yourself a nature lover, head straight to the breathtaking Pilio.The combination of sea and mountains makes it an ideal destination for all four seasons! Winter city breaks introduces to you the beauty of Portaria. Arriving at the central square, you see the City Hall and an elegant building called Zoulia mansion where you can find the Folklore Museum. You can lose yourself in quaint cobbled alleyways to shop traditional products from the Women’s Agricultural Association, admire mansions of unique architecture, surrender yourself to the running water and the outstanding green landscape and taste local delicacies in Mercouri Square, which is full of traditional taverns. At Makrinitsa (10 ‘ away from Portaria) you can wander through the narrow streets among the traditional stone houses. The quais.nt alleyways  lead to the paved square, where you can enjoy your coffee, with the extraordinary view of Volos city unfolding before you. the post-Byzantine churches and medieval tower Skoteinioti in Koukourava, the lower district of Makrinitsa, are waiting to be discovered! Don’t forget to… “check in” at Tsagarada and get photographed with the plane tree of Tsagarada, one of the oldest trees in Europe. Its age is 1000 years!

Accessibility: about four hours time from Athens.

5. Trikala Korinthias

If you wish to change scenes, to let the magnificence of nature to calm you down, to try unique flavors, and all these half hours from Athens. Left the car in Lower – Kato  Trikala and start your tour of the oldest settlement. A cobblestone square, the Church of St. Demetrius, and traditional taverns compose the picture! You continue with the Medium  -Mesaia Trikala, full of traditional tavernas (greek traditional restaurants), the shops with the traditional products the and beautiful hostels. At Upper – Ano Trikala, tall towers and abandoned mansions justify their name during the Turkish occupation as “archontomachalas”. For  dining choose rooster in wine sauce with noodles homemade pies and stews.

Accessibility: about an hour and a half time from Athens

In winter landscape is magical and eerie, like a storyline from a fairy tale. The lake is wearing the most romantic of colors and invites for relaxation and direct contact with nature. You can take a course around the lake (about 60 km.). You will get to know beautiful places and villages like Mouzaki Morfovouni, the village of Dionysus, the Mesenikola -with attentive Wine and Vine Museum, the “balcony” of the lake, Neochori, Kalyvia Pezoulas and the water dam. For the sport lovers there are plenty of outdour activities like archery or even flying with jelicopter above the lake.

Accessibility: about four hours time from Athens.

It is for sure that you will  be filled up with green, you will relax by nature excursions and drink plenty of champagne. You can explore the city and take excursions in the wider region. We recommend the route to Prouso, where you will meet historiac Karyschades, the  Voutiro, the Mikro and Megalo Horio (small and big village), and the famous Touch of the Virgin. One of the must do of the Megalo Horio is try Galaktompoureko (greek traditional dessert)! Other villages worth seeing is the Domnista, Krikello and Snakes which have wonderful view of the lake of Kremaston.

Accessibility: about four hours time from Athens.

8. Oreini Naupaktia – Naupaktos

Nafpaktos gives you many choices.The winter days you will enjoy the mountain while at the same time discovering Villages submerged in firs. Mountains, ravines, rivers … A landscape of incomparable natural beauty …especially when the snow falls, descends rooftops and decorates the scene with winter gifts!

Accessibility: about three hours time from Athens.

The post 7+1 WINTER CITY BREAKS CLOSE TO ATHENS appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

1. Set a budget

Its not just a case of paying the flight tickets, your available cash will dictate whether you stay in hotels, hostels, airbnbs, campsites or on couches! You ll also need cash for travel insurance, visas, vaccinations and other travel essentials! Yur daily expenses will be far higher in Western Europe and North America than in South East Asia, Indonesia and India!

Extra tip! Spend less time in more expensive countries!

2. Pack as little as possible

Never pack more than you are willing to carry! As long a you have your passport, phone and a few credit cards anything else can be replaced on the road! Read our post about travel light!

3.Be flexible

Moving your departure date by a few days can save money, mid week flights are generally cheaper as for example on Christmas days.

budget travel nonstoptravellers

4.Plan

If you need to hang a world map on your wall or a scratch off map put some pins or stickers on it and reinforce the idea you ll be there soon! Adjust them if your itinerary strategy or motivation changes.

5.Talk to an expert

Especially when planning long trips for the first time it is quite possible that you re gonna make mistakes! Talk to an expert before you book, either it’s a travel agency or a more advanced traveler than you are! They surely will know which routes work best and cost least!

6.Book your tickets

Bying your tickets in advance (of course after having done a good research for the cheapest flights) will most likely cost less than if you were to book after departuring! All the above depends on the travel style you have chosen! If you are able of travelling for 1 year in Africa for example there no such need!

7.Make some hacking

If you aren’t a frequent traveler search the rewards plan of each airline before booking!!!

8.Don’t be too agile

Unless you decided to travelling a more agile way! Try to make some research before travelling that will save you both time and money!

9.Check weather

Look at weather conditions for the specific times you ll be in various places. So focus on what tyou want to do most and research conditions there. There are some times though when  being in some regions the wrong time that might bring unexpected benefits!

10.Give time in your first cities

Give yourself smooth arrivals in foreign cities by knowing where you ll be going when you get off a plane. Try to spend there at least one day, besides it a great chance to get to meet another cities in just 24 hours!

Read our post about our travel resources!

The post TIPS FOR BUDGET TRAVEL appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

In Venice we found ourselves by chance and we could even say we avoided it a bit because of the numerous tourists that have been invading it in recent years! Having won an air voucher in a competition we decided to visit it for a weekend and of course the experience was wonderful! Unfortunately we visited Venice after the heavy rainfall that hit the country but luckily for us the timing worked out to our favour. Not many tourists and we enjoyed the city as the locals do!

Food

Italy and food… It is a combination well known all over the world!!! And when we talk about food we mean pizzas and pasta, i.e. spaghetti!

From pizzas, of course, we ate countless margaritas and diabolas! The cost was just 2.50 €/piece! We picked out the pizzeria Quanto Pasta where you will find a kind man from Turkey who will welcome you with the most perfect smile and there is room inside the store to relax from your walk (most shops are only for take away so there is not many places to sit and just have a pizza).

Then we choose the other favorite Italian habit, which is none other than spaghetti and gnocchi (just try them with cheese and basil sause)! Everything you can imagine about pasta you will find it there! In the city you will find many shops to serve delicious dishes, with prices starting from 15 €/person (1 plate plus service fee, without salad or any drinks).

Drink

So… we ve talked about food, now lets talk about drinks! When we say drinks in Venice we mean 3 things… espresso cafe, Aperol and wine! All three wonderful and favorite, each one for a different time of the day!

Well… espresso you will find literally everywhere! With prices starting from €1 ala Italiano… You enter a bar, you order, you drink and leave in 5 minutes the most!! Thats the Italian way!  We really loved a small shop in an alley, ideal for a break from your walk! You can have a cup of coffee in San Marco Square, but prepare for steep prices. The most historic and famous café of the square is the Florian Cafe which is preferred by tourists (a tray with beautiful glasses of coffee and ornaments costs more than €10)! Look for the cheaper solution in the Dorsoduro area!

Aperol Spritz you will also find everywhere… quick stop for aperitivo, don’t sit down for ages! Prices start from €3 per glass! The shops we visited were Corner pub and Bacarando in Corte Dell Orso.

Finally for wine lovers  the choices are also many but here we suggest you choose the Black Jack which will definitely draw your attentions for its special appearance, at the corner of a beautiful little square. Combine your wine with some cheese! Prices for a bottle vary considerably depending on the brand but a glass starts at €6.

Stay – Accommodation

In general Venice is considered an expensive city and indeed the accommodation especially in the center is quite a bit of a crush. However, since it is worth staying in the center of the city, at the beautiful picturesque alleys and next to the gondola we recommend the accommodation to be somewhere centrally located! Generally in Italy there are apartments with many rooms and common areas (kitchen-bathroom) which are located in central locations and cost a little money. We stayed at one of these in a central location and paid 120 €/2 nights just search on the Airbnb platform.

What to see in Venice

• The main attraction of Venice is Venice itself! Enjoy walking for endless hours, get lost in the colorful alleys, admire the canals, photograph the beautiful corners and generally step away from the main center area! You will find yourself in magical places and you will be absolutely by yourself!
• The second largest attraction is the square of San Marco, which has taken its name from the cathedral that dominates the square!
• The bridge of sighs has been turned into a symbol of love and is almost behind the church of San Marco.
• The Palace of the Doge (20 € per person), the residence of the leaders of Venice.

What to do in Venice

The most well-known experience in Venice is of course the vaporetto ride (fairly economical-generally the transport network is huge and waterful!-it has many stops which you can easily locate & spot and contain detailed information for the itineraries of Vaporeti) or the gondola ride to the Grande Canal. In any case, you have the opportunity to wander through the city’s canals and admire it through a different perspective!

Note that the gondola ride (which in our opinion shows neither romantic, nor tourist, nor scenic… Sorry!) It costs from 80 €/30 minutes and more during commercial hours! We had read a lot about gondoliers and romance and songs like Amore mio etc… We were told that nothing like this was ever seen, except thta in real life the Gondoliers just did their job, wore some funny hats and most of them weren’t even Italians. We do not say it to deconstruct the experience (in the end we did not try it by ourselves) we simply write about what what we saw, because after all it is all about expectations. Its You choice guys! We d love to hear your opinion after all! We trully believe that Gondolas in Alsace are more romantic than in Venice!

Finally, it is customary to have a one-day excursion to the Murano Island, known for its handmade laces. To get to the island we suggest that you take a 24-hour ticket with 20 € per person (there is also a simple ticket which is not suitable for you who want to explore Murano for some hours).

48 Hours in Venice

We arrived on Friday afternoon and left at Sunday noon !

On the first day we recommend walking the city, a gondola ride (for those of you who insist on doing so) and taste Italian flavors and wine! On the second day (start early travellers!) Visit Piazza San Marco, the cathedral and the surrounding sights and then travel to Murano Island! Returning indulge in delicious Italian treats! Third day wake up and enjoy fragrant espresso before the first tourists wake up, take a photo walk, grab a margarita pizza and get ready for the ride back home!

To and from the airport

Access to the city of Venice is very easy, no reservation is required unless you are traveling high season, with one of the following ways:

Waterbus with 14 €/person/route for 75 minutes
Bus with 8 €/per person/route for 40 minutes

This was our proposal to enjoy Venice within 48 hours! We recommend sport shoes, a raincoat, bags (for feet), a scarf for the evening and good mood!!! We hope you had fun with us and soon see your own pictures of the beautiful Venice!

The post THINGS TO DO IN VENICE appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

General Information

The area is part of the Colorado Plateau, the height of which ranges from 5,000 to 6,000 feet from sea level. The red color of the landscape is due to iron oxide and the dark color of the rocks from manganese oxide. The Monument Valley is a large area, part of which is a park, known as the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, like the national parks of the USA, with the difference that it belongs to the nation of Navajo.

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park

The entrance to the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is $10 per person or $20 oer car and you are not relieved of payment if you have the annual ticket of national parks. The operation hours of the park are 6 a.m.-8 a.m. in the summer months (May-September) while the rest are from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (October to April).

Your main activity in the park is to drive along the path (Valley Drive), a total length of 17 miles that crosses the valley and you can admire the amazing scenery. The road is earthen and in many places rocky for this reason is not suitable for cars that are low height. Many visitors choose to make the journey on their own, but there are also many organized tours that offer you a unique experience. We chose to take a guided tour and we did not regret it, you can read here our experience with Monument Valley Safari. If you choose to do the journey yourself, estimate 2-4 hours, depending on which points you stop. In summer you may find traffic, for this reason you could visit the park in the morning hours, where the photos are better, because of the colors.

During the journey you have to see many interesting points, with the goddess to the rocks vary depending on the angle you look at them. The valley was made known by the Westerns that were shot there. Some of the most interesting places along the route can be seen on the map that we prepared for you.

Where to stay in Monument Valley

The nearest big town in Monument Valley is Kayenta, 40 km away. There you can find various hotels at relatively good prices. At the nearest distances you can stay in hotels or motels that you will find in the Goulding ‘ s area near the airport of Monument Valley. Special experience, but relatively expensive is “the view hotel” at the entrance of the park, with amazing goddess in it. You can also find various campsites, with tents for rent, at relatively good prices, such as the one we found on Airbnb.

Other things to do near Monument Valley

If you want to go to Monument Valley you should not forget to go to some special attractions in the surrounding area. We distinguished the following:

• Goosenecks State Park

Also a park which does not belong to the National parks network of the USA, but is in the possession of the Navajo Nation. It is very small but worth a visit as it has an amazing view of the San Juan River and will remind you very much of Horshoe bend, but nut crowded. It is an amazing place for camping and to rest. The entrance to the park is $5 per car and is at a distance of 48 km and 35 minutes from the entrance of the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.

• Mexican hat

Mexican Hat is a special rock formation, which is worth admiring if you are in the area. You will find many places near the road where you can stop and enjoy the view.

• Forrest Gump Point

It is a spot with an amazing view of the Monument Valley and the endless road that crosses the plateau. Known point from the movie Forrest Gump, is an area where o lot of tourists stop to take pictures.

The Monument Valley is a unique experience that will remain indelible in our minds. We hope we help organising your trip!!!…enjoy!!!!.

The post MONUMENT VALLEY UTAH – WHAT TO DO appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

A tour in Los Angeles in an educating and entertaining way, conveniently stopping at key places of interest. On the tour, you will see the absolute best that the city has to offer from historic Hollywood, to glitzy Beverly Hills, to the Trendy Sunset Strip and everywhere in between!

After visiting LA Downtown and having checked the starts at Walk of fame and the amazing Dolby theater in Hollywood we crossed across the street and found ourselves in a beautiful place, easily recognizable by its vivid orange colour! Time to meet Proper Sightseeing and its team! Jackie, Tony and the best driver ever David were there to welcome us in the warmest way! Extraordinary vibes and passionate people eager to explain any details about the tour just to make sure that all passengers would make the most out of it!

The crazy orange bus is there for us and the adventure begins! You can start at any of the stops you wish and of course take your time sightseeing after hopping off the bus! You have the freedom to hop-on and hop-off as many times as you’d like. Sit back, relax on fully cushioned seats, and explore one of the globe’s most creative and expressive cities in a manner, and at a speed, that suits your interests!

We started our tour from the very first stop, but there more to explore since there are 13 stops in total waiting you to discover them all! So lets take a look:

Stop 1: PROPER/TMZ TOUR CENTER

First Stop is located close to El Capitan Theatre across the street from the Hollywood & Highland
shopping center. Come in & purchase your sightseeing tickets! The friendly staff we ll help you out!

Stop 2: ROCK WALK (GUITAR CENTER)

Second stop is a music shop with the largest chain of musical instruments throughout the US! This
location is best known to be a place where famous musical artists and bands have imprinted their hands.

Stop 3: LAUGH FACTORY/CHATEAU MARMONT

Third stop is recognized as “the #1 comedy club in the country” by USA Today. Great stop to enjoy a stroll down Sunset Strip & all the area’s most famous hotels!

Stop 4: COMEDY STORE/SUNSET STRIP

Fourth stop is where hilarious performances are held nightly. The popular late night show host, Johnny Carson, was one
of the first to perform here when it opened.

Stop 5: WHISKEY A GO GO

Fifth stop is an awesome rock band venue where you can catch rock music nightly! This venue is located on the
Sunset Strip, which is known for the famous wall-to-wall colorful billboard ads, notorious bars, nightclubs, rock clubs and more!

Stop 6: WEST HOLLYWOOD/PACIFIC DESIGN CENTER
Sixth stop is an award winning design center that showcases the best modern interior design. The city of
WEST HOLLYWOOD offers amazing food and beverage options.

Stop 7: 3RD STREET/BEVERLY HILLSMON-SAT:
Seventh stop is a connection stop is where you can check out Rodeo Drive and the beauty of the wellknown
Beverly Hills. This city is comprised of the most luxurious shopping, dining, and hotel destinations in the world.

Stop 8: BEVERLY CENTER
Eight stop is California’s hot spot for shopping with 8 floors, 160 stores, and brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci,
and Michael Kors inside. Nearby is LA’s famous Restaurant Row featuring notable restaurants such as The Original Lawry’s Prime Rib, Fogo de Chao, The Stinking Rose and more!

Stop 9: LA BREA TAR PITS/LACMA
Ninenth stop is where you can visit the Tar Pits Museum & the Los Angeles County Museum of Art- LACMA;
the largest museum in the Western US with over 100,000 sculptures, paintings, other fine works of art. Just a block away
from Petersen Automotive Museum’s rare car collection.

Stop 10: ORIGINAL FARMERS MARKET/THE GROVE
Tenth stop is where you’ll be surrounded by over 160 shopping stores & restaurants! The
Original Farmers Market features more than 100 restaurants, grocers, and tourist shops. North of the market is the famous
CBS studios, where The Price is Right, Dancing with the Stars, and American Idol are filmed.

Stop 11: MELROSE SHOPPING
Elenenth  stop is where you can walk down the street that made the show “Melrose Place” famous. Excellent
dining choices and wonderful local shopping makes this stop a must! Don’t forget to stop at Pink’s Hotdog stand where you can get one of the most delicious hot dogs in LA or even possibly spot a local celebrity getting their grub on. Make sure you bring cash if you want a hot dog!

Stop 12: PARAMOUNT STUDIOS
Twelveth stop is where you will get off if you made a reservation to do the Paramount Studio Tour. North of the
studio is the final resting place for Hollywood’s founders, stars, directors, writers, and performers at The Hollywood Cemetery.

Stop 13: HOLLYWOOD & VINE/PANTAGES THEATRE
Last but not least stop is the last stop before returning to stop #1. If you want to explore the Walk of Fame, see
the famous Capitol Records, visit the Pantages Theatre or see what’s happening in the area, get off here! This intersection used to be the Time Square of the West Coast and the main hub for what was happening in Hollywood

So travellers all you have to do is relax and explore the City of Los Angeles at your own pace on our fantastic Hop On Hop Off tour and spend time at the most famous locations! This team is full of energy and passion for what they do!

The Proper Sightseeing’s Hop-On Hop-Off tour was complimentary though all the opinions expressed above remain our own and they are based on our personal experience! Totally recommended!!! Many thanks for the amazing experience!

The post DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD AND BEVERLY HILLS BY PROPER SIGHTSEEING HOP ON – OFF BUS TOUR appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

1.Los Angeles – Santa Monica

• 06.00 Wake up at Hollywood
• 06.30 Uber to Downtown LA – Breakfast accross the Bradburry Building – Bradburry Building – Open Market – Walt Disney Concert Hall – Skypace – The last bookstore – Grab some coffee
• 10.00 Uber to Hollywood – Walk of fame – Highland Mall – Dolby Theater – Hollywood sign – Chinese Theater
• 12.00 Ride Proper Sightseeing (Hop on – off bus) see the whole itinerary here
• 14.00 Beverly Hills – Rodeo Drive – LACMA
• 15.30 Uber to Santa Monica
• 16.00 Bike Center Santa Monica for more info click here – Santa Monica beach – Santa Monica Pier – Little Venice – Muscle beach – Boardwalk
• 20.30 Uber to Hollywood

2.Los Angeles – Malibu – San Barbara –  San Simeon- Bixby bridge – Big Sur – Karmel

• 06.00 Wake up at Hollywood
• 06.30 To Griffith Observatory  – Donuts for breakfast & black coffee
• 08.30 Universal Studios – grab a light lunch at Universal park
• 13.00 Maibu – Lululemon – Farm deck – Pier – Lighhouse – Pacific Ocean view
• 14.00 Santa Barbara – San Simeon – Elephants seals view – Piedras blancas light station – – Bixby bridge – Big Sur – Rocky point
• 22.00 Carmel by the sea

california roadtrip

3.Karmel- Silicon Valley – San Francisco

• 06.00 Wake up at Karmel – Donuts for breakfast & black coffee
• 06.30 Carmel by the sea –  Lone Cypress (or just other trees… free of charge) – Mission
• 10.00 To Silicon Valley
• 14.00 To Premium Outlets San Francisco – Lunch
• 20.30 San Francisco

california roadtrip

4.San Francisco

• 06.00 Wake up in San Francisco (Guerrero street)
• 06.30 Uber to Painted Ladies – Uber to SF Downtown – Civic Center city hall – Powel Station – Cable car turnaround –  Financial District – Ferry Building
• 12.00 Uber  to Fisherman’s Wharf – Pier 39 – Sea lions – Lunch at Bubba Gump
• 14.00 Jump Bikes to Ghirardeli chocolate factory – Golden Gate Bridge – Lombard Street
• 18.00 Cable car towards Powel Station – Try both 3 lines – Dinner

5. San Francisco – Wine country – Mendocino Country – Redwood Valley – Fair Oaks

• 07.00 Wake up – Cereal Bars for breakfast & black coffee
• 08.00 Uber to Dylan’s tours
• 09.00 Dylan’s tours – Original 6 hours City Loop Electric Bikes – For the whole itinerary check here (Golden gate park, Height – Ashburry, Golden Gate Bridge etc.)
• 15.00 Lunch – San Francisco to Wine country – Stop at Sausalito – Battery Spencer – Bonita Light house – Muir Woods
• 16.00 Wineries

california roadtrip

6.Wine country – Mendocino Country – Redwood Valley – Fair Oaks

• 09.00 Wake up – Breakfast
• 12.00 Wineries

7.Fair Oaks – Sacramento – Amador city – Sutter creek – Columbia State Park – Sonora – Jamestown

• 07.00 Wake up – Brunch by the Lake
• 12.00 Placerville – Shutter Creek
• 17.00 Columbia State Historic Park
• 18.30 James Town – Dinner

8.Yosemite National Park – Tunnel view – Bridalveil fall viewing point – El capitan meadow – Lower Yosemite Fall -Vista Point – Mirror lake – Tuolumne Grove Trailhead – Olmsted point – Whoa Nellie Deli – Mono Lake – South Tufa Area 

• 06.00 Wake up – Donuts again for breakfast
• 07.00 Yosemite Entrance
• 08.5 Yosemite Valley – Tunnel view – Bridal veil fall – El Capitan Weadow – Vernal falls – Mirror lakes – Lower Yosemite Fall – Tuolumne grove trailhead – Tenaya lake – Whoa Nellie Deli – Mono lake South Tufa Area
• 19.30 Mammoth lake – Dinner

california roadtrip

9 Mammoth lakes – Devil’s Postpile National Monument – Bishop – Lone Pine – Death Valley National Park (Devils Golf Course, Badwater Basin, Artist’s Palette, Zabriskie Point) – Las Vegas

• 06.00 Wake up at Mammoth lake
• 06.50 Devil’s Postpile
• 9.10 Bishop for gas and breakfast at Schats Bakery
• 10.25 Lone Pine – Badwater – Artist’s pallete – Devils golf course
• 14.15 Zabriskie Point
• 17.00 Las Vegas – Dinner

california roadtrip

10.Las Vegas – Route 66 California Highway – Hooover Dam – Grand Canyon – Grand Canyon Village and Navajo Point – Page

• 06.00 Wake up – Breakfast at Motel (oh yeah)
• 06.30 Welcome to fabulous las Vegas sign
• 07.50 Hoover Dam
• 08.20 Route 66 entrance
• 12.40 Grand canyon village – Bright Angel Lodge parking – Shuttle bus to Mojave – Maricopa – Powell – Hop – By car to Yavapai point – Mother point- Pipe creek vista – Yaki point – Grandview, Moran, Lipan, Navajo, Desert view watch
• 19.30 Page – Dinner

11.Horseshoe Bend – Antelope Canyon – Gooseneck’s state park – Glen Canyon Dam Overlook – Mexican Hat – Monument Valley

• 06.00 Wake up – breakfast
• 06.45 Horse shoe bend – Sunrise
• 07.45 Antelope Canyon Upper
• 12.45 Goosenecks state park – Mexican hat
• 15.00 Forrest Gump poin – Monument Valley
• Camping Night at Monument Valley – booked through airbnb platform

california roadtrip

12. Monument Valley – Monument Valley Safari – Las Vegas

• 07.00 Wake up
• 08.00 Monument Valley Safari
• 12.00 Glen Canyon Dam overlook – If theres is time see Toadstool Hoodoos – Kanab – Valley of state park
• 19.20 Las Vegas Airport

We hope you enjoyed our detailed itinerary and we would be very happy to know that you tried it yourself! The final total cost of airtickets, accommodation, transportation, Internet, water, food etc… was approximately  €3,700, not bad ha??? If some of you would like to send you an even more detailed itinerary with miles, the exact times etc. Send us an email via our contact form and we will be happy to share it with you!

Finally, we will be glad to have you in our travel company! You can subscribe to our newsletter here:

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We chose The Bike Center in Santa Monica, the perfect place for the lovers of cycling, for their years of experience and values in promoting a culture of sustainable environmentally friendly means of transportation such as bikes!

At the entrance of the Bike Center, two wonderful bicycles with the necessary equipment (helmets and locks) were waiting for us! That’s where we met four amazing people, the Bike Center team! Meet sweet Sandie, the most adventurous Sandra, eager-to-help Iggy and of course Ron the owner of the Bike Center in Santa Monica, who was rather helpful, friendly and willing to show us around The Bike Center, and share his ideas and values of using the bike as a part of our daily life! After having explored the Bike Center, they explained to us that their moto “Why not take the bike, instead of the car?” is more than just a moto, it’s a way of thinking and living!

They are actively participating in the transformation of Santa Monica into a community of bicycle travelling both for the tourists and the locals. They positively see the prevalence of cycling in the future offering, not only unforgettable cycling rides, but tours as well! The main aim of The Bike Center is to establish the use of bikes in everyone’s mind, whether it is for a tourist who wants to enjoy the wonderful beach through an interesting cycling experience, or for the locals who commute to and from their workplace! For this reason they have prepared special facilities with safety lockers, showers and storage lockers where the personal objects of cyclists can be safely stored!

In addition to bicycle and equipment rentals, The Bike Center in Santa Monica offers various tours and cycling experiences that feature Santa Monica and Los Angeles’ main attractions, which include tours that combine food tasting experiences, segway tours and walking food tours! The Bike Center covers all the needs associated with cycling! In addition to renting and selling bicycles and equipment, they offer a number of other services. Experienced specialists are there for you to help or advice you and let you know about their bike travel programs. And of course, while you are cycling or exploring the city on foot, your luggage and personal stuff is safe in the special lockers we mentioned above!

We did not join any tours, we chose to take a bike ride instead, but we got all the necessary instructions and tips from the tour expert Sandra, a real bike enthusiast who shared with us her favorite spots to live the experience in the best possible way! The California Incline bicycle path is a wonderful place where you leave the city and its roads through a unique circular descent by bike, and you find yourself suddenly in front of an extraordinary beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean! Wonderful and indescribable view… The feeling was awesome!

The Bike Center in Santa Monica is located in a fairly accessible area, near the Pier of Santa Monica and very close to the Metro station! The team is willing and ready to help you choose and customize the right bike for you or show you around the shower facilities, so dont you worry about anything!

The thing that also characterizes this team is the moto “locals too, not just tourists” and we hope this great team can inspire both locals and travellers to use bikes because it truly stands out by building a community of unique cyclists both in Santa Monica and Los Angeles!

A wonderful experience that we highly recommend to anyone of you who is lucky enough to travel to Santa Monica! For those of you who live or work there already, no further recommendations are needed. The Bike Center in Santa Monica and its wonderful team are waiting for you in their modern and friendly Bike Center to initiate you in the world of bikes! The team is more than eager to share its secrets and tips for a more sustainable way of travel! We fully support such efforts and it is a pleasure and an honour to be able to promote such professionals to the wide travelling audience!

Many, many sincere thanks to the Bike Center of Santa Monica for their kind offer to us! The bike ride was complimentary by The Bike Center of Santa Monica but all the opinions expressed above is our personal view which was based on our personal experience of the excellent service and quality bicycles that we got from The Bike Center!

The post THE BIKE CENTER SANTA MONICA “WHY TAKE THE BIKE INSTEAD OF THE CAR?” appeared first on Nonstoptravellers.

1.Accessibility: Always talking about the center you need nothing but a pair of sneakers and in one day you’ve been all over town. If you are, of course, a fan of cycling, you can rent a bike and enjoy your walk on the beach. If you’re tired again, we have a solution. The bus line 50 takes you to a quick tour of the city’s attractions with brief stops and information.

2. Multiculturalism: Undoubtedly one of the European capitals of Erasmus with a strong youthful character, and attracts people of all ages from all over the world who choose to stay in one of the hospitable hostels of the city. The long history engraved in the corners of the city (eg port, Jewish community, etc) is waiting for you to discover it.

3.Sights: From the White Tower to the Yedi Koules (castles) in Ano Polis, you will surely want to make some stops in museums such as archaeological, Byzantine, Macedonian history, Hebrew, folklore, cinema, contemporary art, and Monuments such as Arch of Galerius (the famous Kamara), Rotunda, Roman market, covered market.

4.Alternative Entertainment: In Thessaloniki you can enjoy any form of entertainment. From the favorite Rempetadika, Ouzo and the famous Ladadika to the festival of film, music, photography and countless clubs to choose from. You can also board a pirate ship and go around the beach sipping your coffee or drink, while the street musicians give a melodic touch to the streets of the city.

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Russia the Emperor Land

This article began as a joke with Olga to whom I said she has no right to make a promotion in her previous article about a trip to Moscow because of her half russian origin!

Why don’t you write an article, then;> “was her answer.   I never back to a challenge, so… here i am!

Although “The term life journey” is one of the most common in terms when describing travel, it is not easy to think of something more precise for Russia. With an area far more bigger than the whole of Europe and history which has set the course of the world RussiA is an unforgettable experience for every traveller!

Moscow Russia bridgetomoscow.com

The legend named Moscow Third Rome, since the niece of Constantine Palaiologos married there after the fall of the city (the title of the Tsar is in fact the title of Caesar in Russian language and the eagle on the Russian flag is rooted in Byzantine double-headed eagle.). Arriving in Moscow what makes the first impression is the size. Everything is HUGE! The tails of cars, the volume of buildings and especially, the wealth of museums but also the palaces and the characteristic churches with the golden domes. Cadillac and Bugatti on Tberskagia Street, but also homeless outside of the Rolex Boutique a few straits below. The only thing that is certain is that the country is appropriate for social reflection.

The first shock… The Red Square

You’ll never forget the moment you walk through the gate of the Red Square. It’s true like getting into a fairy tale where the buildings are marshmallows. Facing three of the most beautiful buildings you’ll ever see in your life.

A warm coffee or a sweet in Gum, the largest department store located in the square is imposed as a walk afterwards as the center is extremely impressive.

The basics

Let’s face something in a low voice. Europeans with travel education often end up returning from museum to museum simply because they have nothing better to do or because we have badly planned our travel time. In Moscow this practice will simply lead you to wander around waiting for endless queues and controls (airport type) consuming an infinite time which they could devote to more interesting activities. So we present the most interesting and original museums that one can see.

• Diamond Museum: One of a kind!
• Space Museum: Remember that the Russians first conquered space and in Moscow Yuri Gagarin is a national hero.
• Pushkin Museum
• Lenin Mausoleum: You agree or not with his ideas belonged to the personalities who changed the world. The spectacle is staggering!

The Good stuff!

The surprises in Moscow never end. The city is immense and the only thing that limits you to its beautiful is your time and budget since the city is one of the most expensive in the world. With a good division of the two, you’re overlapped.

Moscow Russia bakeryandsnacks.com

Ritz Carlton-Red Square

It is really worth ride on the terrace of the Ritz for a coffee to see the breathtaking view of the Red Square. What will keep you there forever is the view of the seven “brothers”, the seven imposing buildings that Stalin built to symbolize the foundations on which a state must step.

Cafe Pushkin

My favorite! The Pushkin Café dates back to 1999 and is something you should not miss while you are in Moscow. Some people compare it to Cafe Greco in Rome.  Only it is much better!! The Russian cuisine is mixed with the French producing wonderful dishes (and sweets, try them!) but most importantly: Tsarist Russia revives before your eyes! Waiters with proepanastatikes Russian uniforms, pocket watches and some with the typical sideburns (!!) of the season put you 200 years behind.

Russian Ballet

If you’ve seen the Black Swan that gave Natalie Portman the ¨ Oscar now get ready to see it and live as you are in the birthplace of this art. The ballet was the entertainment of the Tsarist courtyard and there are many interesting stories among the dancers to gain the favor of the czars, but also to rise in the hierarchy, (for example the placement of broken glasses in the ballet of Prima Ballerina). Although you can enjoy the ballet and in St. Petersburg, the Bolshoi Theatre is located in Moscow. Book your tickets early as the prices can be extremely high and try to see it as a new experience as it looks nothing like anything you may have seen in Europe. (such as opera or Musical). I’m sure you’ll remember forever.

Red Square Street Food

Those who love street food, and know that we are many, do not forget to try the street food you serve in the Red Square. There are several shops with their own tables where you can sit right after the museum tour. The street food is basically grilled meat (chicken and lamb) neat or in sandwiches and also some special burger. They are delicious and really worth a try.

Always remember that the world is like a book. And those you dont travel only read the same one page!

We wait for your experiences and (всегда путешествие)!

This was the experience of Sakis from his trip to Moscow, it was his own narrative and his own travel story! Thank you very much for the wonderful article, we very much appreciate your gift to our blog! If you liked the story of Sakis and would like to share some travel history with other travelers you can send it to us via our contact form and do not forget to do subscribe in our newsletter:

Meet Sakis:

Μόσχα Ρωσία Moscow Russia

To whom they may concern… I am Sakis, the man who wrote this article for you. In case you wannna know my story, I come from a little town with big dreams, an amazing family, friends and a brother. I had the privilege to have an amazing mother who is the greatest traveler I’ve ever known, (only compared to Olga!). For whatever came later she is to blame…! Since I was 9 when I travelled for my first time to Czechs Republic I knew that I would travel till I die.  Several years later I have been to many countries and the more I travel the less i think they are.  My purpose is to give you information’s to manage your travelling time the best you can only from places I have been. Always Remember … The world is a book and those who do not travel only read the same page! e-mail: slekkas00@gmail.com ● Nationality: Hellenic ● Date of birth: 16/09/1996

*feature photo legersholidays.com

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