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Author: Iulian Milcomete

Jardin Exotique de Monaco_feature

Jardin Exotique de Monaco, France: Off The Beaten Path

 

Located on the dramatic cliffside of Monaco, the Jardin Exotique de Monaco is the perfect day trip if you’re staying in the south of France. With succulents, cacti, and panoramic views of the Mediterranean, the flourishing garden is a mountain oasis for all ages. As part of the Jardin Exotique, we suggest taking a guided tour of the beautiful grotto on the property!

 

Originally brought from Mexico in the late 1860s, the succulents were grown by Augustin Gastaud, Chief Gardener of the State Gardens of Monaco, in the Jardin St Martin. The exotic plants were later transplanted by Prince of Monaco Albert I to a piece of land in Les Moneghetti in 1912. This property was the start of the Jardin Exotique de Monaco.

 

During the construction of walking paths and footbridges, it was found that the property was sitting on an ancient grotto, filled with evidence of prehistoric human inhabitants. It is well worth it to take a tour of the enchanting underground cavern. There is also a museum of Prehistoric Anthropology within the gardens to display the findings of the excavation.

 

Over the years, exotic plants have been added to the garden from all over the world; you will find vegetation from Central and South America, South and Oriental Africa, Arabian Peninsula, and the South-West of the USA. With such a diverse range of plants, along with the stunning view over Monaco’s shining coast, the Jardin Exotique is a fantastic stop along the Mediterranean for a picturesque afternoon.

 

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Meteora, Greece: Off The Beaten Path

 

“Hovering in the air,” the Meteora monasteries are pillars of beauty, ingenuity, architecture, history, faith and culture amidst the rocky landscape of Greece’s inlands. Built into the rocky columns, the six active monasteries each have their own personalities and histories; all are worth traveling to!

 

During the 11th century, the area was settled by monks living in caves within the mountains. As the Turkish occupation expanded, the monks moved higher into the cliffs of Meteora, until they reached the inaccessible peaks in which they now sit. With ladders, baskets, and pulley systems, the monks were able to build incredible buildings atop the stone pillars in order to live out their days of devotion and hermitage. Today, only a handful of monks live at the properties and maintain their way of life, despite the visitors seeking peace, culture, and of course, a stunningly beautiful view!

 

To say that ‘the hike into the monasteries is picturesque’ would be an understatement. Though, it is not for the faint of heart. Parts of the trails (in particular, the trail leading to The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas) can be difficult for some as it is very steep. Thankfully, there are now roads that connect the monasteries; you can drive in, park, and walk just a short distance to arrive at the spectacular structures. Please note: the monasteries have differing closing times as well as lunch breaks. Be sure to check the dress code requirements before you arrive.

 

Featured image: © Lorenzo Spoleti | Unsplash

 

Tall statue of Gregory of Nin reading from a document with a bell tower looming in the background

Gregory of Nin, Croatia: Off The Beaten Path

 

Standing watch in front of the Golden Gates of Split, Gregory of Nin serves as the protector of the city, and protector of the Croatian language. Be sure to stop at Gregory’s statue for a bit of good luck; locals have rubbed his big toe for years hoping for good fortune in their endeavors.

 

In 926, Pope Ivan X outlawed Slavic languages in the Church; Latin was the single permitted language to be used for Mass and Church business. As very few Croatians spoke Latin, Grgur Ninski (a medieval bishop of Nin) made his opinion known loud and clear, to the detriment of his position. With passionate speeches and declaratory accusations, Gregory championed the Croatian language, and fought to keep it within the Church for the sake of the Croatian people.

 

Towering at 28 feet tall, the statue of Gregory of Nin is a well loved monument with locals and globe-trotters alike. Although his body is deep bronze in color, a single toe is now a smooth, golden surface due to years of being rubbed for good luck. Originally erected in the Peristyle of Diocletian’s Palace, the statue was relocated multiple times; Gregory of Nin now stands guard at the entrance to the city, symbolizing hope and national pride for all who enter.

 

Featured image: © TravelTellyDreamstime.com
Parc del Laberint d'Horta

Parc del Laberint d’Horta, Spain: Off The Beaten Path

 

A neoclassical-romantic estate museum, and the oldest garden in Barcelona, the Parc del Laberint d’Horta makes for a picturesque afternoon in nature. With ornate fountains, marble statues, and a reflection pool all vying for your attention, the main attraction of this grand garden surely is its extravagant cypress maze.

 

Entering the park, you’ll walk through an ornate gate and notice the palace of the Desvalls (the original owners of the property). The Desvall’s neo-classical estate began work in 1791, and was renovated and updated in the mid-19th century, adding a romantic garden that included a waterfall, gazebos, and plenty of flower beds. If you look close enough, you’ll notice depictions of Greek mythology on the sculptures and architecture.

 

© Iakov Filimonov | Dreamstime.com

 

When you’re feeling brave, head to the neoclassical garden, down to the lower terrace, and enter the winding labyrinth. Make your way around corners and down corridors of pollarded cypress trees until you reach the center of the maze: the statue of Eros. If you can find your way back out of this winding puzzle, your next stop is the two pavilions: the first was created in the Italian style featuring temples, columns, and statues. The second is dedicated to the nine muses and is home to a large pond and natural spring.

 

Continuing towards the romantic garden, you’ll find beautiful flower beds surrounding various motifs alluding to themes of death. If you head all the way down to the northernmost end of the romantic garden, you’ll find a stunning waterfall covered in moss.

 

 

Parc del Laberint d’Horta has stood the test of time, and changed with time to become the glorious estate it is today. With a plethora of nooks, pavilions, and corners to explore, this garden makes for a romantic and adventurous day out!

 

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Isola San Giulio, Italy: Off The Beaten Path

 

Peeking up out of Lake Orta, just 400 meters from shore, the fairytale Isola San Giulio emerges from the rippling waves in the form of a beautiful and quaint village. With soaring mountains as the backdrop, and with picturesque architecture in both renaissance and baroque styles, the tiny island is irresistibly photogenic.

 

As you first arrive at the dock, follow the “way of silence and meditation,” a narrow street that meanders around the entirety of the island. Along the way, stop by the Romanesque Basilica di San Giulio (a 19th century seminary, and the top attraction of St. Julius Island), the bishop’s palace, and the Benedictine abbey. This abbey is still a permanent convent of cloistered nuns who devote themselves to prayer, study, restoration of church vestments, and making the famous “pane di San Giulio.”

 

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© Frank BachDreamstime.com

 

There are a handful of mansions to visit while exploring the secluded island, including Villa Perone and Villa Crespi, both of which are magnificently styled with gardens. Most of the other buildings on the Isola San Giulio are private residences, though one of the oldest, Villa Tallone, opens yearly to host classical concerts.

 

With a rich history, and a whole lot of beauty and character, St. Julius Island is a perfect day trip for those traveling within the Piedmont area of Italy and looking for a remote adventure.

 

Featured image: © ThegateagencyDreamstime.com

 

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La Scarzuola, Italy: Off The Beaten Path

 

A surreal and magical place, with hidden chambers and mysterious symbolism, La Scarzuola is a fairytale convent with an evocative atmosphere. From extravagant mosaics to looming gargoyles and the all-seeing-eye, this 16th century monastery-turned-haunting-wonderland is characterized by an astronomical and labyrinthine feel.

 

According to medieval chronicles, this is the place where Saint Francis of Assisi planted a rose and a laurel; miraculously, a fountain sprung up and flowed. Saint Francis built himself a hut at the spot in 1218, and the counts of Marsciano later constructed a church and convent complex in its place as a remembrance of the miracle.

 

In 1956, the complex was bought by milan architect Tomaso Buzzi and transformed it into his idea of an “ideal city.” Apparently inspired by Francesco Colonna’s romantic story, “Hypnerotomachia Poliphili,” the architectural style best associated with La Scarzuola is neo-mannerism; the use of stairs in various directions, the deliberate disproportion of some structures, the heaping together of buildings and monuments, they all point to his bizarre and slightly idealistic vision. With 7 theaters and an eccentric design, this “lay city” was quite the contrast to the “holy city” adjacent to it.

 

A sort of “autobiography in stone,” La Scarzuola is a physical reflection of Buzzi’s philosophical inner life as well as an interpretation of the unconscious mind. A modge-podge of familiar monuments (Arc de Triomphe, Parthenon, etc) are intertwined with dark symbolism in layers of structures and winding corridors, all paralleling and defying the church convent next door. As a real eschatological allegory of existence, La Scarzuola is worth traveling to Italy’s Umbria region for.

 

Featured image: © JavarmanDreamstime.com

 

Quinta da Regaleira, Portugal: Off The Beaten Path

 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site close to Lisbon, Quinta da Regaleira is a grand estate that’s home to a mystical and luxurious palace, as well as secret tunnels, and enchanting gardens peppered with pagan symbolism. Explore the lush greenery and winding paths, while knowing you’re walking through history and into a modern-day oasis.

 

Originally constructed in the last days of the Portuguese monarchy, between 1904 and 1910, and later renovated by Italian set-designer and architect Luigi Manini, the masterpiece of today attracts travelers with exotic taste. The grand house is split over five floors and has an ornate Gothic façade, though this structural feat draws from Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, and Manueline styles.

 

© ZastavkinDreamstime.com

 

Although the palace is stunningly beautiful, the real attraction is the surrounding landscape. Featuring ornate fountains, grottoes, and statues throughout, the gardens of the Quinta da Regaleira were styled to represent ancient secret orders, with hidden tunnels, and concealed symbolism. Scattered throughout the property, you’ll find references to the Knights Templar, the Masons, and dark alchemy. Possibly the strangest feature, the Initiation Well is full of occult symbols and represents the initiation ceremony for the Knights Templar. At the bottom of the well lies a concealed passageway that runs 27 meters until it intersects with a network of underground tunnels that run the length of the gardens.

 

Rising from the lush forest, this Gothic estate holds mystery and adventure waiting to be sought out.

 

Featured image: © Tata103Dreamstime.com

 

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Baia, Italy: Off The Beaten Path

 

On the northwest shore of the Gulf of Naples, there’s an enchanting glimpse of history in the depths of the sea: The Archeological Marine Park of Baia. What was once a thriving holiday resort for the ultra-wealthy Romans, Baia was later partially submerged due to volcanic activity. With an otherworldly sense of awe and quiet, explorers can snorkel or scuba dive to view the intricate mosaics, marbled floors, eerie statues, and imperial baths.

 

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From 100BC to 500AD, Baia was a destination spot for the super-rich; it was deemed more fashionable than Capri or even Pompeii. Roman socialites constructed luxury summer villas that included ornate tile floors, grand columns, and beautiful murals. Down the street, these high caliper Romans would seek out mineral baths that were set atop local hot springs. They were truly living in extravagance.

 

But opulence and vice sometimes go hand in hand. Along with the riches and fame, Baia was notorious for its rumors of scandal, corruption, and hedonistic offerings. Sextus Propertius characterized Baia as a “den of licentiousness and vice,” while Seneca the Younger describes it in one of the moral epistles as a “vortex of luxury” and a “harbor of vice.” With a dark side to its fame, Baia was attacked during the Barbarian Invasions, as well as throughout the 8th century. It was later abandoned in 1500AD for recurrent malaria spikes.

 

As it was located in the Phlegraean Fields, an active volcanic area, the town eventually began sinking into the sea, with the lower part of town being fully submerged by the end of the 8th century. Today, this previously elite city includes above ground ruins (Parco Archeologico delle Terme di Baia), as well as a series of 5 underwater sites that range from 5-13 meters in depth. An incredible submerged city, Baia is an adventure waiting to happen.

 

3 Romantic Restaurants in Rome

There’s a reason Rome and romance sound alike; we believe it’s because Rome is arguably the most romantic place on earth. Even Paris can do little but tag along in its wake. The streets that wind around old palaces; the beautiful bridges above the Tibet river; the grand monuments riddling numerous squares; these are all things that speak of exoticism.

WAC Travel from Nyack, New York, is a full-service travel agency that has seen first-hand how Rome induces love between people. Many of our customers are couples who want to explore all the wonders Rome has to offer, and we’re always more than happy to oblige them.

We take our customers to the most amazing places in Rome, and restaurants are always at the top of our list. Sometimes, our customers know what they want, and other times, we handle it. Either way, they all leave these restaurants with wide and satisfied smiles. We picked out 3 of the best on our list just for you. So, go on and have a read.

 

  • Antico Arco

We’re not exactly sure what we love more about Antico Arco: The food served there or the things you see even before you get there; that’s a treat on its own. To get to the restaurant by foot, walk up the hill behind Trastevere (a very colorful and lovely place!) and before you will be a beautiful panoramic view of the city. You’ll even be able to see the famed Colosseum and Spanish Steps! But don’t get too carried away; the Antic Arc awaits.

This restaurant is also located at the top of the hill, and we’ll tell you right now that it’s one of the coziest restaurants in the entire city. The service is excellent and the food is simply gorgeous. Even though it’s a great place, we like the Antico Arco mostly because it’s an escape from all the hubbub of the city, so you might want to give it a try.

  • Restaurant Roof Garden Forum Hotel

Ever had an excellent meal on a rooftop before? Now’s your chance. What sets this restaurant apart from others is how unique it is. Right from the setting to the variety of delicacies you see on the menu, you get really the feeling that you’re seated somewhere special and different. And the menu is laden with a diverse selection of excellent local food and international delicacies.

Of course, being a rooftop restaurant, you can expect to see amazing views of Rome while you dine. The Antico Arco serves as the perfect backdrop for one of the many romantic scenes in Rome. We can tell you so much about it, but our words can never truly capture its beauty. You have to see it to truly appreciate it.

  • Pizzeria Da Remo

It wouldn’t be Italy if pizza wasn’t involved in some way, would it? You won’t see pristine tablecloths at this restaurant, and nor will there be panoramic views of the city from where you’re seated, but whatever it lacks, it makes up for with the best pizza you’ll ever see and taste.

You and your loved one will have a wonderful time here, and not just because of the food. The restaurant is often filled to the brim with couples just like you happily munching on pizza with the thinnest and perfect base. But you’ll never feel as if the place is too crowded. On the contrary, the life and sounds of gaiety in the air are some of the things that make the Pizzeria Da Remo even more endearing.

We’ve been to these restaurants so many times and we love them; we’ve taken our customers there and they also love them; we’ll gladly take you there too, and we wager you’ll love them more than all of us! Reach out to WAC Travel and we’ll help you plan a vacation in Italy that neither you or your loved one will soon forget.

4 Great Places to Visit in Greece

Greece seems like a place frozen in time, doesn’t it? Hop on Google and the first things you see when you type ‘Greece’ are ancient monuments and buildings that stand in stark contrast to the modern skyscrapers and minimalistic structures dominating the rest of the world. But that’s where Greece’s beauty lies: The fact this ancient city has remained steadfast against the winds of change is remarkable. Greece is pretty much one, giant museum.

WAC Travel loves visiting Greece. But we love taking vacationers like you to Greece even more! Our customers appreciate the tailor-made itinerary we prepare for them anytime they land in this country. We’re a full-service travel agency in Nyack, New York, but our passion lies in taking people to some of the most amazing countries and places in Europe. Greece has a wealth of them and the 3 below are easily the most iconic!

 

  • Crete

Crete a large Greek Island-the largest, to be precise-and it makes excellent use of this space. People call it a place of contrasts because you have jagged mountains rising and falling into a land that stretches to a stunning coastline. Elsewhere, there is rolling countryside riddled with olive trees and lovely farms. Almost anywhere your feet carry you will be painted with natural beauty.

The metropolitan cities are also great places to see and explore, and if you seek a more quiet and sedate experience, then visit the quiet villages with outdoor coffee shops. We have to mention the archeological sites too, which are arguably Greece’s most iconic structures. You’ll see clear archeological traces of numerous civilizations that at one point in time called Greece their home.

  • Cape Sounion

Here lies the temple of the mighty Poseidon, god of the sea! You can’t separate Greek history and culture from Greek gods. Cape Sounion, found at the southernmost tip of the peninsula of Attica, is the site of the ruins of Poseidon’s temple. The ruins are scattered atop a headland and bordered on 3 sides by the blue sea.

Cape Sounion is a very popular day-excursion site. Tourists and vacationers often flock there during the day, all of them eager to see the ruins and the sun as it sets over the Aegean Sea. That’s a spectacle that foreigners always seek and Cape Sounion never disappoints.

  • Delphi

Even though Cape Sounion is a great and popular tourist destination, Delphi can give it a run for its money. Delphi isn’t really far from Athens-about 2 and a half hours away-and in the days of yore, it was a revered place. Ancient Greeks dedicated it to Apollo and believed it was the center of the earth itself. Back then, people would come and seek enlightenment from the priestess on matters that affected them: Farming, politics, relationship, etc. In modern day, evidence of this is everywhere you look. All around you will be the ruins of the Athenian Treasury, Temple of Apollo, and the theater that once saw events of the famed Pythian Games.

Delphi may now only be a shadow of its former self but you’ll still find it an amazing place and one that deserves your time. We’ve been there and now we want you to go there too and marvel at immortal structures. Call WAC Travel and we’ll make certain your vacation in Greece ranks among the best you’ve ever been on!