Europe

Tips for Choosing Accommodation in Italy

July 31, 2018 by Jen Seligmann Leave a Comment

From rustic country houses to sleek urban apartments, there’s a wide variety of accommodation to choose from in Italy.

To narrow down your options, it’s helpful to first understand the different types of typical lodging and their primary benefits. Here are a few tips to tailor your accommodation to the holiday of your dreams!

Take hotel star ratings with a grain of salt

Like any travel destination, hotels in Italy will be assigned a star value to indicate their quality. However, it’s a good idea to compare the specific amenities along with these star ratings to make sure you’ve found a room to best suit your requirements.

There may be a 4-star hotel with plenty of character and an outdoor pool, but it might not include air conditioning, for example. This is due to the variety in age of many buildings in Italy, so always read reviews and hotel websites to make sure you’ll be comfortable.

Don’t rule out hostels

While hostels have long been associated with dormitory accommodation for younger backpackers, today’s hostels have gone through a significant upgrade and now offer many of the luxury amenities you’d associate more with a traditional hotel.

You can often find private rooms with en-suite bathrooms included, for example, along with all of the social benefits that the traditional hostelling experience provides.

It can be a great way to meet people if you’re touring around Italy on your own, at any age!

Consider a villa rental for longer stays

A villa rental may conjure up visions of antique grandeur, but villa holidays in Italy are super flexible. They’re usually self-catering, which allows you to save money on eating out in restaurants for every meal.

There’s a wide range of different sizes and styles, so you can click here for villa rentals in Italy to get an idea of the options.

For groups of friends, families, or anyone interested in a longer stay in the Italian countryside, they can be not only affordable in comparison to hotels but also more convenient since you’ll have more space to spread out.

**Understand what agriturismo entails**

A popular accommodation in Italy is the ‘agriturismo’ or farm holiday, but it’s closer in scope to a bed and breakfast than a working farm experience.

You won’t be expected to milk your cows for breakfast! Staying on a farm in Italy can include outdoor activities, cooking classes, or wine tasting, and accommodations can range from rustic to luxurious.

Don’t rule out more unusual accommodation

Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative when you’re looking at where to stay. For example, monasteries sometimes open up their doors to visitors in line with their tradition of housing travelling pilgrims over the centuries.

If you do decide to go this route, make sure you understand the house rules and curfews!

No matter which type of accommodation you choose, read online reviews carefully to compare your options and find the perfect fit for your Italian adventure.

Things to Do in Nice

July 8, 2018 by Jen Seligmann 11 Comments

The heart of the French Riviera, Nice is everything you’ve heard it is and so much more.

Nice is a mixture of grit and opulence drenched with loads of sunshine. While the beaches and promenade are the places to be and be seen, it’s the winding cobblestone lanes of the old town you’ll want to get lost in and find your own little piece of Nice.

Here is my list of things to do in Nice that will keep you busy for a few days on this world famous coastline.

Promenade des Anglais

From the Promenade des Anglais you can enjoy the sunshine, beautiful views of the sea and the gorgeous Baie des Anges. The Promenade stretches for 7km along the coastline and in the summer is packed with people taking a stroll, riding their bikes or rollerblading.

You can walk the promenade or for something a bit more active, why not hire rollerblades, a bike or even a segway to experience this beautiful part of the city.

Address: The Promenade runs right along the beaches at Nice.

Soak Up the Sun on the Beach

One of the quintessential Nice experiences is to spend at least a few hours on the beach. There are many big, small, private or secluded beaches in and around Nice but for a short term visitor you can’t go past the stretch of beach right on the edge of the Old Town.

If you can’t handle sitting or laying on the pebbles that make up the beach, then there are private areas where you can pay €10-20 for a comfortable padded sun lounger and umbrella. There is even food and drink service right to your seat!

Address: Various

Cost: Free to sit on the pebbles or hire a sun lounger on a private beach starting from €10.00 per person.

Hours: Private beaches open from 09:00 until sunset.

Wander the Vieux (Old Town)

Getting lost in the narrow colourful streets of the Vieux is an absolutely must. The streets are lined with unique galleries; sidewalk cafés where locals enjoy their coffee and a chat; and greengrocers selling local produce.

And while you’re wandering the Old Town, make sure you stop by the Cours Saleya Market, the city’s oldest flower and produce market.

Address: Cours Saleya, Vieux

Hours: Market open 06:00 – 17:30 Tuesday to Saturday and to 13:30 Sunday

Musee Matisse

Museum Matisse, Nice - Things to Do in Nice - The Trusted Traveller — *Source*

Nice is full of excellent galleries however, if you are to see only one, let is be the Matisse Museum. Henri Matisse lived in Nice from 1917 until his death in 1954.

The museum is located in a 17th-century villa on Cimiez Hill with a lot of his life’s work on display. Pieces range from the 1890s to post Second World War.

Address: 164 av des Arènes de Cimiez, Nice

Cost: Adult €10.00 | Under 18 Free

Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 Wednesday to Monday

More Information: http://www.musee-matisse-nice.org/

Russian Orthodox Cathedral

On of the more unexpected sights to see in Nice is the Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Built in 1912, this impressive piece of architecture was the first church to be designated a Russian Orthodox cathedral outside of Russia.

Visit to find out more about the history of the church and explore it’s interesting interior and exterior.

Address: Avenue Nicolas II, Nice

Cost: Free

Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 daily

More Information: http://www.sobor.fr/

See more of France

France Travel Guide

The Best of France: A Two Week Itinerary

30 Things to Do in Paris

7 Places to Visit in France That Aren’t Paris

Climb Castle Hill

At the very end of the promenade is Castle Hill. Climb the 300 plus steps (or take the lift!) to admire the gorgeous views of Nice, the beaches and the bay.

At the top are the ruins of a Château, a few cafés, a playground and the chance to take some nice walks. It’s a nice place to visit early in the morning to beat the heat and potentially have the view all to yourself.

Cost: Free

Hours: 08:00 – 18:00 daily (last lift 30 minutes prior to closing)

Day Trip Along the French Riviera Coast

Nice is just one of many towns along the French Riviera Coast and if you have a day to spare why not hire a car and take a drive along this stunning stretch of road.

Make stops in at least Antibes, Cannes and St Tropez along the way. Take a dip at the beach, walk the promenades and stop off at lookout points along the way. Or even continue onto Marseille and loop back via the inland route to Nice.

More Information: I recommend car hire from Expedia.com.

Explore the French Riviera with these day tours from Nice

Best of the French Riviera – full-day tour of this stunning coastline.

Nice to Saint Tropez by Boat – round-trip excursion to Saint Tropez by boat.

French Riviera Village and Countryside – spend the day on the coast and countryside discovering the villages of the French Riviera.

Night Out in Monaco

Just half an hour east of Nice is the independent micro-state of Monaco, one of the worlds smallest countries.

Famous for the yearly Grand Prix and home to some of the worlds richest and most famous, Monaco is a great place to spend an evening.

I suggest getting there just before sunset and heading up to the palace to see the colours change over the city and harbour. Then head down to the Monte Carlo Casino.

You can either spend the evening inside the casino or in one of the bars just outside and enjoy the people and car watching with a drink.

Address: Bus number 100 leaves from Ségurane (next to Place Garibaldi) and Place d’Armesevery.

Cost: One-way €1.50 purchased from driver

Hours: 06:00 – 20:00 daily every 15-20 minutes | Suggest a taxi to return to Nice after bus hours.

More Information: http://www.visitmonaco.com/

Other Ways to Visit Monaco

Monaco, Monte Carlo and Eze – visit one of the world’s smallest countries on this half-day trip.

Nice to Monaco Ferry – round-trip excursion to Monaco by boat.

Where to Stay

Budget

Hotel des Dames
This colourful hotel is basic yet comfortable and it is located an easy walk to everything that Nice offers. Free wi-fi, breakfast and access to a lovely patio are all included.
Check availability, prices and book this hotel

Mid-Range

Ibis Styles Nice Centre Gare
Just minutes walk to the beach, this lovely beach style hotel is well equipped with everything you would expect from an Ibis hotel.Free wi-fi is available in room.
Check availability, prices and book this hotel

Luxury

Hotel Negresco
Across from the beach, this famous hotel provides luxury rooms and facilities to match. Free wi-fi, four poster beds and on-site fitness centre make this a comfortable choice.
Check availability, prices and book this hotel

Or why not book an Airbnb stay. Use this link to get up to $45AUD off.

Looking for more to see and do in and around Nice?

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour – choose from 1 or 2 day passes to see it all in Nice.

Verdon Gorge Day Trip – visit this stunning gorge on a day-trip from Nice.

A Day in Provence – explore picture perfect Provence on the day-trip from Nice.

Wine Tour in Cotes de Provence – spend a full day wine tasting your way through Provence.

PIN THIS FOR LATER!

Things to Do in Nice, France - The Trusted Traveller

Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. If you found this article helpful, please consider using them to book your trip. It costs you no extra and helps to keep The Trusted Traveller running.

Over to you!

What of this list of things to do in Nice are you most keen to see and do?

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

30 Things to Do in Paris – Part 1

July 8, 2018 by Jen Seligmann 15 Comments

The most visited city in the world, Paris, or as it’s more affectionately know, The City of Lights, is passionately loved by so many people all over the world. People who’ve been there once, twice or more, and people who dream of one day stepping foot in this intoxicating city.

It’s a city with many opposite faces. You’ll find total grandeur as you walk down the main thoroughfares, but as soon as you duck down a side street, you’re in a quaint village completely sheltered from the loud bustling city beyond.

In this two-part series discover my list of the top 30 amazing things to do in Paris. Here are the first 15 and you can check out part two at the bottom of this post.

Eiffel Tower

What better place to start a visit in Paris than at what is quite possibly the worlds most iconic attraction, the Eiffel Tower.

Built in 1889 for the World’s Fair, the Eiffel Tower was never meant to be a permanent structure and was strongly opposed by the contemporary artist community at the time.

Despite this, today it is the icon of the City of Lights and can be seen rising high above Paris from just about every corner of the city.

The best views of the tower can be found at the opposite end of the Champs de Mars or at the Trocodero. The tower is also nice viewed from the river and the top of Montparnasse Tower.

Queues to take a lift up the tower to the second and third levels can be long. If this is something you really want to do, I suggest booking ahead (details of that below). You can also take the stairs to levels one and two for a more energetic visit.

There is also a restaurant on the first floor which is very popular and reservations need to be made months in advance, especially during peak season in summer.

Address: Champ de Mars, 7th Arrondissement

Cost: Tickets start from €10 for adults

Hours: 09:00-00:45 21 June to 2 September | 09:30-23:45 rest of the year

More Information: http://www.toureiffel.paris/

Eiffel Tower Experiences

Eiffel Tower Second Floor – priority access to the second-floor with a host to answer all you questions.

Dinner at 58 Tour Eiffel – enjoy a 3 or 4 course meal, complimentary drink and priority lift access at this spectacular Eiffel Tower restaurant.

Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line Summit Tour – join your guide on a tour to the summit of the Eiffel Tower without the queues.

Arc de Triomphe

Located at the western end of the Champs-Élysées, The Arc de Triomphe was built to honour those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars.

On the inner and outer surfaces of the Arc you’ll find the names of all French victories and generals inscribed. Beneath the Arc in the vault is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I.

You can climb the steps to the top for nice views over Paris and down the avenues that run off the centre of the Arc.

Address: Place Charles-de-Gaulle, 8th Arrondissement

Cost: Adult €12.00, Concession €9.00, Free for under 18 with a paying adult and for 18-25 EU residents

Hours: 10:00-23:00 April to September | 10:00-22:30 rest of the year

More Information: http://arc-de-triomphe.monuments-nationaux.fr/

Arc de Triomphe Tickets

Skip-the-Line Ard de Triomphe Ticket – skip the queues at this popular Paris monument with this priority access ticket.

Jardin des Tuileries

This popular public garden, located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, became a public park after the French Revolution.

It’s a lovely spot for a stroll along the central gravel path or to take a wander off into the smaller gardens along the sides for some peace.

The central pond, surrounded by chairs with people relaxing, makes for an excellent spot to do a little people watching while you rest your feet.

Address: 1st Arrondissement

Cost: Free

Hours: From the last Sunday in March to 31 May, and from 1 September to the last Saturday in September: 07:00-21:00. From 1 June to 31 August: 07:00-23:00. From the last Sunday in September to the last Saturday in March: 07:30-19:30.

The Best Areas to Stay in Paris -on Frugal First Class Travel.

The Louvre Museum

The world’s largest and most visited museum, The Louvre attracts nearly 10 million visitors each year. The museum is spread across three wings with eight different departments and over 35,000 works of art and artifacts on display.

One visit is most certainly not enough to take it all in, so a little forward planning about what you want to see is a must.

The most popular piece in the museum is of course Leonardo da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa which you’ll find crowded with people anytime the museum is open.

The main and most popular entrance to the museum is via the glass pyramid, however if you want to avoid the queues try another entrance.

Buying an advance ticket allows you direct access through the glass pyramid without queuing.

Address: 1st Arrondissement

Cost: Permanent Collection €17.00, separate tickets need to be purchased for temporary exhibitions | Free for under 18 and residents of the EU aged between 18-25, people with disabilities and the person accompanying them and people on income support.

Hours: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 09:00-18:00 | Wednesday, Friday 09:00-21:45 | Closed on Tuesdays

More Information: http://www.louvre.fr/

Louvre Entrance Tickets

Skip-the-Line Louvre Entrance Tickets – don’t wait time in queues with this timed entry ticket to the world’s most popular art gallery.

Sacre Coeur

This popular basilica is located on the highest ground of an area called Montmartre in the 18th arrodissement.

Sacre Coeur is a fully functional Roman Catholic church dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and holds multiple daily services open to locals and visitors as well as being open to all at other times throughout the day.

Inside its best feature is the mosaics which are some of the nicest you’ll find in Europe. Visitors can walk the 300 plus steps to the top of the dome for panoramic views over Paris or descend into the crypts (temporarily closed as at July 2018) to see tombs and interesting artifacts from the basilicas history.

For something really special, visit during Sunday mass at 11:00, 18:00 or 22:00 to hear the Grand Organ play. I visited by accident at this time and it was one of my most memorable travel moments.

The area in front of the basilica also affords spectacular views looking out over the city but unfortunately because of its popularity, it attracts pick-pockets and scammers, so watch your belongings and keep your wits about you while enjoying the views.

Address: Esplanade of the Basilica, 18th Arrondissement

Cost: Free

Hours: Basilica 06:00-22:30 daily | Dome 08:30-20:00 May to September and 09:00-17:00 October to April

More Information: http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/

Montmartre

Montmartre is a popular district of Paris that has for a long time attracted artists to set up workshops and build a community. The likes of Dalí, Monet, Picasso and van Gogh have all worked in or around the Montmartre area at some point during their lives.

Today the area still attracts artists but mostly the ones with a lot of money as prices in the area have shot up with its popularity.

During the day get lost wandering the steep cobblestone streets and at night come back for the nightlife, authentic Parisian cuisine and interesting characters.

Address: 18th Arrondissement

Montmartre Tour

Sacre Coeur and Montmartre Tour – explore this interesting bohemia area of Paris with an expert guide. Includes a tour of Sacre Coeur.

Champs-Élysées

This almost 2 km avenue runs from the Place de la Concorde all the way up to the Arc du Triomphe and is lined with important buildings, stores and cafes.

The avenue is used each year on July 14 for the Bastille Day parade and as the end to the last leg of the Tour de France.

If you don’t happen to be in town for either of those events then I can assure you there is still plenty to see along the avenue.

On the lower part of the Champs-Élysées you’ll find the Grand and Petit Palais surrounded by some pretty gardens in the Jardin des Champs-Élysées.

As you start to head up the hill to the Arc, you’ll find retail stores from some of the worlds biggest brands with both high street prices and luxury goods.

There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants with pavement seating, perfect for people watching, although a tad pricey and touristy.

Address: 8th Arrondissement

More Paris Tours

Paris City Pass – included admission to 60 museums, sights, and attractions in Paris plus free metro, bus and train travel.

Paris Highlights Bike Tour – see the highlights of Pairs on a 3-hour bike tour of Paris.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour – choose from 1, 2, or 3 day tickets to see it all from the top of an open top bus.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world and is one of the top five most popular sights in Paris.

The cathedral is famous for its incredible stained glass windows, with the most impressive being the Rose window, and for the gargoyles that guard the cathedral from above.

Inside it is simply breathtaking and anyone who loves visiting churches and religious buildings around the world won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve enjoyed the inside you can then climb the 387 steps to the top to get a closer look at those gargoyles, the roof and spires of the cathedral and for lovely views over the city.

Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Place, 4th Arrondissement

Cost: Cathedral entry is free | Tower Adults €8.50, Concession €6.50, free for under 18s and EU residents aged between 18-25.

Hours: Catherdral 06:00-18:45 daily | Tower April to September 10:00-18:30, July and August, Fridays, Saturdays until 23:00, October to March 10:00-17:30

More Information: http://www.notredamedeparis.fr/

Notre Dame Experiences

Notre Dame Cathedral Guided Tour – with a guide, explore the cathedral and learn more about its history.

Montparnasse Tower

So you’ve been up the Eiffel Tower already and gotten a great view of the city, so why should you waste your money going up another tower? To get the view of the Eiffel Tower of course!

From the top of the 59 storey open air Montparnasse Tower you can get 360º views of Paris including the city’s famous tower.

My suggestion is to go at night and experience the hourly show that the Eiffel Tower puts on, sparkling like a million diamonds. But if you do visit during the day and its clear, you’ll be able to see for over 40 km.

Address: 33 Avenue du Maine, 15th Arrondissement

Cost: Adults €18.00, student €15.00, 4-11 years €9.50, disabled €8.50, under 4 years free

Hours: 09:30-23:30 all year

More Information: http://www.tourmontparnasse56.com/

Montparnasse Tower Tickets

Montparnasse Tickets – access to the 56th floor and roof terrace without the queues.

Walking Tour of The Marais

The Marais is one of the most charming areas of Paris. Crammed into one small area down small crooked medieval lanes you’ll find bars and restaurants alive with patrons, trendy fashion boutiques, old-fashioned bread shops and patisseries, fashionable art galleries and museums.

The best way to get a feel for the area and learn about its history is on a walking tour. There are a few on offer depending on what you are interested in learning more about.

Guides are local and really know their stuff. What I love about these tours are that they focus less on tourist landmarks and more on authentic details of the area.

Marais Walking Tours

2-Hour Walking Tour of Le Marais – learn about the history and culture of this interesting area.

Gourmet Marais 3-Hour Food Tour – taste the best of what the Marais has to offer.

Opera Garnier

The home of Paris Opera, the Opera Garnier, is known for its opulent interiors and grand exterior but mostly for being the home of The Phantom of the Opera.

In 1910 Gaston Leroux used rumours of a ghost that haunted the Opera Garnier to write the gothic love story that has since been shown on stage and screen.

There are two ways you can take peek inside. Buy a ticket to the theatre which will set you back a small fortune or your can visit on a tour. With general entry you are free to roam the public areas at your leisure or you can take a tour an learn more about its history.

Address: Corner of Rues Scribe and Auber, 9th Arrondissement

Cost: General Entry (includes audio guide) Adult €12.00, 12-25 years €8.00 | Tours (includes entry and tour) Adult €15.50, Student under 26 €11.00, Child under 10 €8.50

Hours: 10:00-17:00 daily, check the website for specific closures

More Information: http://visitepalaisgarnier.fr/

Opera Garnier Experiences

Opera Garnier Tour with Expert Guide – join an expert guide on a tour of the Opera Garnier.

Palace of Versailles

This grand chateau on the outskirts of Paris was the center of political power in France from 1682 until the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789 when Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were taken back to the centre of Paris and guillotined.

The most famous palace in France is simply spectacular inside and out. You’ll find grand rooms filled with priceless works of art, furniture and antiquities on the inside and sprawling perfectly manicured gardens on the outside. A visit to Versailles makes a worthy half day trip from the centre of the city.

Even if you’re not into palaces and their over the top interiors, its worth the effort just to wander the grounds.

Address: Place d’Armes, Versailles

Cost: Passport tickets include access to everything – Adults €20.00, free for under 18 with accompanying adult and EU residents aged between 18-25. Tickets are also available for each attraction within the grounds.

Hours: Closed Monday’s year round | April to October 09:00-18:30 | November to March 09:00-17:30

More Information: http://en.chateauversailles.fr/

Palace of Versailles Tickets

Palace of Versailles and Gardens – skip-the-lines with this full access ticket to one of the most opulent palaces in the world.

Les Invalides

This complex of buildings houses museums and monuments on the military history of France with its most popular being the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The main buildings gold dome can be seen throughout Paris and is one of the most recognisable buildings in the city’s skyline.

Apart from visiting the tomb of Napoleon you can find out more about him and the French army by visiting Musée de l’Armée, a military museum dedicated to the Army of France. Also in the grounds is the Musée des Plans-Reliefs and the Musée d’Histoire Contemporaine.

Address: 129 rue de Grenelle, 7th Arrondissement

Cost: One ticket for all Museums (permanent exhibits only) and Napoleons Tomb – €12.00

Hours: Check the website for opening times.

More Information: http://www.musee-armee.fr/

Les Invalides Tickets

Les Invalides – priority entry to Napoleon’s Tomb and the Army Museum.

Cruise the Seine

Any city built on a waterway should be seen from the water and Paris is no exception especially because more of the city’s best architecture and landmarks line the Seine River.

There are lots of different types of cruises you can do like lunch or dinner cruises, private charter, sightseeing tours, night tours etc.

I’ve cruised the Seine both day and night and can’t split them for which experience was better. If you have time, I recommend doing both. All cruises will take you under all the city’s famous bridges and past its famous sites.

Seine River Cruise Options

Batobus River Seine Shuttle Boat – hop-on hop-off style cruise.

Bateaux Parisiens Dinner Cruise – cruise while enjoying dinner.

Seine River Cruise with Champagne – cruise with a glass of champagne included.

Bateaux Parisiens 2-Hour Lunch Cruise – cruise with lunch included.

Where to Stay in Paris

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.