Paris: Disneyland

Back in June last year (can't believe it's been that long since I've posted) I visited Paris. It was during that wonderful heatwave we had and it couldn't have been more perfect weather to visit Disneyland.

I had never actually visited Disneyland in Paris before so I was excited to see how it matched up to the original in Anaheim. We got there bright and early for a full day to try and pack as much in as possible and that we certainly did.

We jumped straight into the rides and went on the Tower of Terror which I had never been on before but really enjoyed, it's a shame that they are getting rid of the ride.

Sintra: Castle of the Moors

After Pena Palace we then visited the Castle of the Moors. This was included in our ticket with the palace and the two were a short walk from each other. It was a beautiful sunny day in Sintra making for some beautiful views from the castle.

The castle itself was very grand and steeped in history. There were loads of high turrets and steep steps, the walk around it was a really good workout. 

Sintra: Pena Palace

While in Lisbon we took a quick trip over to Sintra for the day. The train is quick, cheap and easy to figure out and there are many wonderful sights to see.

One of the places we visited on the day was Pena Palace. We chose to walk to the palace not quite realising how much of a hike it was, while it was beautiful scenery it sure was hard work! Make sure to get a bus or taxi up- unless you're a fan of a good hike.

Lisbon: Belem: Jeronimos Monastery

Next up on the Lisbon tour we had a trip to Belem to visit Jeronimos Monastery. Construction of the building began in 1501 and was completed 100 years later, it is the former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome. The monastery is a beautiful example of late Gothic architecture and the building has since been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Lisbon: Santa Justa Lift

 Next stop on the Lisbon tour was the Santa Justa Lift located in the centre of Lisbon. It is a vertical structure consisting of a metal tower an observation platform and a walkway across to the shopping complex and the church ruins.

Lisbon: Rua Augusta Arch

Back in September I visited Lisbon and I have finally decided to blog the experience. It's very belated I know!

One of the first sights we visited was the Rua Augusta Arch, it was located a short walk from our hotel and we just happened to stumble upon it on the first day.

Me and my friend had ordered Lisboa Card's and this attraction was included with this. Meaning you could go up the arch as many times as you wanted in the time that your card was valid for.

The Best Sights I've Visited

With the snow causing everything to come to a crashing halt this past week I've been reminiscing to better weather holidays. 

It got me thinking about some of the best places and sights that I've visited and I thought I would share these with you. Just to prepare you this list is a long one!

Empire State Building - New York

Visiting the Empire state building was always at the top of my list and it sure did not disappoint! We went to the top at night time while the whole city was lit up making the whole experience ten times better. A night I will not soon forget!

A Weekend in Edinburgh

Back at the beginning of October I had a quick trip up to Edinburgh for a couple of days to visit a good friend. This would be the furthest inland I had been to Scotland and I planned to make the most of the trip.

The plan was to catch up and have cocktails. It was the Edinburgh Cocktail Festival the weekend I was up, meaning that if you had a wristband you could get a different discount cocktail at each bar.

Travel: Prague Petrin Tower (Rozhledna)

The Petrin Tower located in Petrin Hill Park is Prague's version of the Eiffel Tower allowing a panoramic view from the top.

Easy to walk to over the Charles Bridge into Mala Strana and up to Petrin where there is a funicular railway up to the top of the hill. (Handy tip if you have a days travel pass this is included on that ticket.)

A Week in Dublin

Back at the beginning of April I visited Dublin for a week with a friend, this was the first time either of us had ever been to Ireland and we planned to make the most of it.

We booked a sweet little Airbnb room just up from St Stephens park giving us a short walk into the centre every morning through the park. St Stephens park had beautiful arrangements of flowers and I can imagine sitting in there while it's sunny with a good book is a fantasic way to relax.

Prague: The Charles Bridge

While in Prague one of the sights that you have to go see if the Charles Bridge, it is a stunning piece of architecture. While pretty much all of the architecture in Prague is stunning this bridge can not be beat in terms of beauty and history! The bridge crosses the Vlatava river in between the new town and the old town.

Travel: Prague Astronomical Clock

 Back in February I visited the beautiful city of Prague! As everyone has said time and time before it truly is a fairytale city!

There are beautiful buildings and architecture everywhere that you look, no two buildings are the same.

There are so many different sights to see and behold and the one that I was most looking forward to was the Astronomical Clock.

All the photos I had seen of this prior to going were stunning and when in person it looked even more fairytale-esque.

Travel: Prague: An Overview

 Back at the end of February I visited Prague, I had heard so many people rave about the beauty of the city, its buildings and how cheap it was to visit.

Me and my friend booked to go happy with our destination, we stayed just outside Prague in Andel and we were unfortunately booked into the wrong hotel (that's a story for another day.) Despite this our holiday was not ruined and we saw some breathtaking sights!

Travel: Nice

I visited Nice in October and I have delayed making a full post about my trip because to begin with the experience was down right awful.

This was not due to the city itself or any of the sights, rather the hotel that we were staying at to begin with. On the day we arrived the first evening we went out for food someone went into our room and stole from my friend. (I thankfully had all of my valuables on me).

Hello 2017

Today is the first day of the new year (where did 2016 go seriously!?) I thought I would share with you all my goals for the coming year.

1. Travel more - I've already got two holidays in the works one being Prague and the other being Iceland. I'm super excited to see more sights and explore new places.

Travel: Italy: Ventimiglia Friday Market

As Nice is so close to the boarder between France and Italy we decided to hope over for the day and visit the Friday Market in Ventimiglia. This was probably the closest tourist attraction we could find that would mean it was a day trip only.

Travel: Nice Market

While in Nice we visited the market they have looking for some souvenirs and bargains. The market runs down a strip in between restaurants in the old town and had lots of potential gift ideas and food. Which is always a must!

Nice: Day Out in Monaco

Another of our many day trips out was to Monaco, this was something we had booked in advance as part of a guided tour.

They took us to Monaco ville and Monte Carlo, no sights were included but we had time in the tour to go visit them.

A Day in Cannes

While in Nice we took a day trip out to Cannes known for the glitzy film festival and stunning scenery.

We lucked out and the weather was sunny and incredibly warm. We were hoping to have a tour of the Palais des Festivals but happened to visit while there was a business conference on.

Travel: Yosemite National Park

Another stop on our trip was Yosemite National Park which is located in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. 

The park is stunning and absolutely massive we were put on the tourist trail in the valley which wasn't long and there was no chance of you losing your way and getting lost, you could just follow the crowds. The weather was sweltering but the trees gave off some much needed shade and you got sprayed with water from the waterfalls while walking by.