Matador Network's Blog, page 278
June 21, 2023
Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro? Read This Before You Start Planning.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa, which means it’s one of the famous “Seven Summits:” the highest peak on each of the planet’s seven continents. That alone is enough to make even casual hikers start dreaming of a hiking vacation, but when you add in the fact that’s near wildlife reserves, beautiful coffee plantations, and some of the prettiest landscapes in Africa, and it becomes the first (and often, only) of the Seven Summits many hikers will ever reach.
But that’s not surprising, as Mount Kilimanjaro is usually considered the easiest of the Seven Summits. That’s primarily because it doesn’t require any technical skills or mountaineering knowledge, though you will find very steep sections, plus some rocky scrambles. Oh, and porters carry your gear. And there are covered huts to sleep in along the way. And the weather is fairly nice and warm (at least the beginning).
Of course, it wasn’t always that straightforward, and the first person to climb Mount Kilimanjaro (Hans Meyer) didn’t stand on the summit until 1889. It was his third attempt, so don’t feel bad if you don’t make it to the top on your first (though most people do).
If you’re thinking about planning a trip to hike Mount Kilimanjaro, here’s what to know before you begin your trip planning. And, yes, you may see elephants on the way up.
Where is Mount Kilimanjaro?How tall is Mount Kilimanjaro?How long does it take to hike? What month is best?How much does it cost to hike Mount Kilimanjaro?How hard is it?How cold is Mount Kilimanjaro at the summit?Is it an active volcano?Other things to do in Kilimanjaro National ParkWhere to stay around Kilimanjaro National ParkWhere is Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro is famous for being the highest mountain in Africa. It’s in northern Tanzania, near the border with Kenya and close to Mount Meru (the second-highest mountain in Africa). That puts it fairly close to Lake Victoria and the safari reserves and coffee plantations near Nairobi, making visiting Mount Kilimanjoaro an excellent finale to a larger trip through eastern Africa.
The actual Mount Kilimanjaro is in Kilimanjaro National Park, which covers 652 square miles of forests, desert, brush, and grasslands. You’ll want to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, from where you’ll head either to Moshi (55 minutes from the airport) or Arusha (just over an hour from the airport). Those are the two starting points for treks.
You can find flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport from cities like Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Doha, Qatar; Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania; and even Amsterdam, in The Netherlands.
How tall is Mount Kilimanjaro?
Photo: D. Currin/Shutterstock
Mount Kilimanjaro is about 19,340 feet (or 5,895 meters) above sea level. The mountain actually has three peaks: Kibo is the highest and home to the main summit, followed by Mawenzi at 16,890 feet above sea level and Shira at 13,00 feet above sea level. That puts it nowhere near the tallest mountains on Earth.
However, if you go by prominence — how much taller the mountain is than the terrain around it — it’s the fourth most prominent in the world, and more prominent than Mount Everest (because the base of Everest is already 17,598 feet above sea level). You gain “only” about 11,500 feet of elevation to climb Everest, but you’ll gain about 13,000 feet of elevation while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? When should you go?
How long it takes to climb Kilimanjaro depends on a few factors, including which route you take, your speed, and what type of weather or terrain conditions you encounter along the way. On average, most climbers take between 6 to 8 days to complete the ascent and descent.
Here are the approximate durations for each of the popular routes:
The Marangu Route (also called the Coca-Cola Route) is usually the shortest, covering 43.5 miles and typically taking 5-6 days.The Shira Route starts from a higher elevation and usually takes 6 days to cover the 36-mile route.The Machame Route (Whiskey Route) is one of the most popular, and you’ll find itineraries offering 6- and 7-day trips to cover the 40-mile route.The Lemosho Route is 41.5 miles, with most climbers taking 7 to 8 days to complete the trek.The Rongai Route starts from the northeastern side of the mountain and is 46 miles, usually taking around 6 or 7 days. Spoiler: it’s also called the easy route.The Northern Circuit Route is the longest route at 54.6 miles and usually takes 9 days.You’ll also need to factor in your travel time, as it takes a full week or more to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. So you’ll need to count on a few buffer days on either end to adjust to the time zone, travel within the country, and get any last-minutes supplies you may need before you lace up your hiking boots.
The climbing season is year-round, but the best time of year to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is usually between December and March. That’s the summer season in Tanzania, so it’s warmer with lower chances of rain. The rainy season runs from late May to mid-June, so it’s generally best to avoid those months. The end of June through early October is colder but also dry, but by November, the rains are back. Of course, rainy season treks usually cost less, so if you don’t mind some moisture and potentially obscured views, go for it. Just consider packing a rain jacket or two.
How much does it cost to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
More luxurious trips include stays at private camps with dining tents and furniture (all carried by local porters, instead of you). Photo: Slepitssskaya/Shutterstock
How much it costs to climb Mount Kilimanjaro depends mostly on what level of luxury you’d like. You’re not allowed to climb it without a guide, but there’s a lot of range within that. The permit alone is $1,000, however, so don’t expect it to be cheap.
Monkey Adventures has a five-day package that starts at $1,350 and includes your guides, porters, transportations, hut fees, meals, and other basics, but you can opt for more luxurious trips, too. Luxurious trips with companies like Thompson Safaris include private (and extra-tall) tents with raised beds and actual mattresses, solar lighting, toilet tents, all meals, and lots of creature comforts to make your trek seem more like a walk. Of course, that’ll set you back more than $8,000, depending on your departure date.
If you go with a local operator, you can find a good, safe company in the $2,500-$3,000 range per person. Western operators not based in east Africa will probably charge more like $3,500+. Group-based operators like G Adventures list the cost to climb Mount Kilimanjaro at $2,200 for a basic 7-day trek up to $4,200 for a longer trek with more comfortable, private campsites.
How hard is it?
Photo: Timaldo/Shutterstock
Kili is considered the easiest of the Seven Summits, but that doesn’t mean it’s objectively easy. However, it’s the only one of the Seven Summits that doesn’t require much training or any type of real mountaineering knowledge. As long as you can hike for several days in a row, you can probably do it. The success rate for summiting Mount Kilimanjaro is roughly 70-80 percent.
Whether you’re likely to succeed seems based primarily on how much time you give yourself. The quicker people try to do it, the more likely they are to get fatigued or hurt and not make it to the top. So if you’re on the fence, choose the maximum number of days you can do on your chosen route. This also gives your body the maximum amount of time to acclimatize, making it easier to avoid the perils of altitude sickness. For some, altitude sickness is no more than a weak headache and sore muscles; for others, it can be life-threatening.
How hard it is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro also depends on which route you choose. An unofficial study found that the Lemosho route done in 8 days had a 90 percent success rate, and the 9-day northern circuit had a 95 percent success rate, probably because hikers aren’t feeling rushed.
Remember, however, that you’re still doing a lot of elevation gain in just a few days. Even if you don’t train, you should be in reasonably decent shape and have some experience with long-distance day or overnight hikes. You also need to be prepared for extreme sun, snow, heavy wind and rain, and potentially cold and foggy conditions that can limit your field of vision. Always listen to your guide’s advice, even if you’re a very experienced hiker. Evacuations by helicopter can cost $6,000 or more.
How cold is it at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro?
Photo: mikluha_maklai/Shutterstock
It can be extremely cold at the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, often reaching below freezing. The highest point on Kibu that most people consider the summit is Uhuru Peak, and at 19,341 feet above sea level, it’s pretty cold. Add in thinner air, and it always feels wintery. Look at photos of people at the summit, and you’ll see they usually have insulated down jackets, gloves, face coverings, and beanies.
As a very loose rule, expect the summit to be between 20 degrees Fahrenheit and -20 degrees Fahrenheit ( -6 to -28 C). Storms and whipping wind can make it feel much colder, so just prepare for it to be extremely cold, and be happily surprised if it’s not.
For your summit attempt, keep two things in mind:
You don’t spend much time at the summit — maybe 30 minutes or so to take photos. Then, you head back down. While the night before your summit attempt will likely still be quite cold, you won’t be in the below-freezing, crazy cold summit temperatures for very long.However: most tour operators start the summit day very early, often around 1 AM. That gives you plenty of time to make the attempt, reach the top, and hike back down to your campsite for that evening. But at 1 AM, you’ll likely be very tired, and climbing out of a warm sleeping bag to hike in the cold isn’t all that pleasant. Err on the side of dressing too warmly on summit day.Is Mount Kilimanjaro an active volcano?The mountain that looks like a volcano is, indeed, a volcano. Photo: kavram/Shutterstock
Mount Kilimanjaro is technically a dormant stratovolcano, meaning it’s currently inactive, but has the potential to erupt in the future. That’s a lot safer than an active volcano, but there’s always a chance it could erupt again. However, there are almost always signs that a volcano is about to erupt, so in general, volcanic activity isn’t something you need to worry about while hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.
The last major eruption of Mount Kilimanjaro occurred over 360,000 years ago, and since then, there have been no recorded eruptions. There are a few fumaroles on the mountain, though, especially near the Kibu crater on the summit. Because they emit gas and steam, researchers know there’s still some level of geothermal activity beneath the mountain. Several scientific organizations are constantly monitoring the mountain, including the Smithsonian Institute’s Global Volcanism Program.
While the idea of hiking on a volcano may seem scary, it’s more common than you’d think. Mount Fuji in Japan, Mount St. Helens in Washington State, and Cotopaxi in Ecuador are all volcanoes, and people hike them every day. In fact, all three of those are still active, which makes Kili a lot safer.
Other things to do in Kilimanjaro National Park
Photo: Moshe EINHORN/Shutterstock
Kilimanjaro National Park offers other things to do besides multi-day summit attempts.
Safaris: Though most photos of Kilimanjaro are from the summit, the lower parts of the trail are lush and jungle-filled. The mix of landscapes provides an ideal home for wildlife like elephants, buffaloes, leopards, zebras, and various species of primates. The northern part of the park, around the lower slopes, is particularly known for its wildlife.Many guided day hikes around the park have a focus on spotting wildlife, and the nearby town of Arusha is known as being the starting point for single- and multi-day wildlife trips. You can book one in advance from an operator or take your pick from vendors selling guiding services and trips on the side of the road.Day Hikes: Kilimanjaro National Park offers several shorter trails, and you can always do the first segment of any of the summit treks as a one-day hike. Popular day hikes include the Materuni Waterfall (3 miles, 800-foot gain), the Marunga Gate (10.5 miles, 2,960-foot gain), and the Machame Gate to Machame Hut (12.8 miles, 4,000-foot gain). Guides are required to do any hiking in the park; fortunately, just about every hotel, coffee shop, and tourist center can recommend one.Coffee Plantation Tours: Tanzania is known for its coffee production, and the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro are home to some of the country’s best beans. Consider taking a guided tour that combines a trip to a park waterfall with a coffee plantation visit, or reach out to a business like Kilimanjaro Plantation to arrange a hike after your tasting (or vice-versa). Also nearby is Machare Coffee, which runs a boutique hotel on the farm not far from Kilimanjaro National ParkWhere to stay in Tanzania
When you’re trekking on the mountain, you’ll stay either in huts (along the Marangu route) or in designated campgrounds. And some higher-end guiding companies have their own campground sections with nicer tents and dining areas, sort of like an Everest base camp. But you’ll need somewhere to stay before and after your trek. Even if you’re a budget traveler, you may find that it’s worth it to spring for a higher-end hotel to ensure a good nights sleep before you begin or have a comfortable place to recover after you finish the trek.
Note that some tour prices include lodging the night before you begin, so make sure yours doesn’t before you book a room.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Kaliwa Lodge, Moshi
Photo: Expedia
Kaliwa Lodge is one of the nicer hotels in Moshi. It’s a riverside property with big patios and an outdoor whiskey bar and restaurant with views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Most people staying there will probably also starting or ending a Kilimanjaro hike, so expect to do a lot of story swapping around the communal spaces. Rooms start around $189 per night.
The Manor at Ngorongoro, Arusha
Photo: Expedia
The Manor at Ngorongoro is one of the prettiest hotels in Tanzania and, fortunately, it’s in Arusha. The historical home-turned-hotel sits on a coffee farm and rooms and suites are luxurious and large. It’s a great place to stay if you want to add extra activities on to your trip as the hotel can arrange safari drives, horseback riding, or evening sundowners (cocktails) outdoors in the garden. Rooms, admittedly, are steep, starting at over $1,000 a night. 
How To Take Your Dog or Cat on an Amtrak Trip
Making travel plans that don’t include Fido or Whiskers is nothing short of heartbreaking. While it’s easy to take your dog or cat on the road with you to pet-friendly hotels and certain US national parks, if you’re not driving to your destination, things can get a little more difficult. If you’re planning to travel by train in the US and want to make sure that your beloved pet will be welcomed on board, have a good look at Amtrak’s pet policy first.
Are dogs allowed on Amtrak?Can my dog travel next to me on Amtrak?How do you travel with a 50-pound dog on Amtrak?Can dogs go on sleeper trains?How do I calm my dog down on a train?Can cats go on Amtrak?Can you take a cat in a carrier on the train?Are cats allowed on the Auto Train to Florida?How much does it cost to take your dog on Amtrak?Do I need to make a reservation for my pet to travel on Amtrak?Are dogs allowed on Amtrak?Amtrak’s pet policy states that dogs are allowed on Amtrak trains for a fee and under the following conditions:
You can only take one dog on the train with you.The combined weight of your dog and their carrier must not exceed 20 pounds.Your dog must be eight weeks old or older and must be well behaved, silent, and clean.Your dog must be up to date on all its vaccinations.You must sign the Amtrak’s pet release document at check-in.You cannot take your dog on an Amtrak train journey that exceeds seven hours (including connection time between two trains).Dogs are prohibited on the following Amtrak route and trains: Capitol Corridor (between San Jose, CA, and Auburn, CA); Keystone Service (between New York City and Harrisburg, PA); Pennsylvanian (between New York City and Pittsburgh, PA); San Joaquins (between San Francisco Bay Area and Bakersfield, CA); and on the Auto Train (between Lorton, VA, and Sanford, FL). You cannot take your dog into Canada on the Adirondack, Maple Leaf, and Amtrak Cascades routes. Dogs are not allowed on Amtrak’s Thruway services.Note that unlike pets, service animals are allowed on all Amtrak trains, routes, and services. There are specific guidelines for taking service animals on Amtrak.
Can my dog travel next to me on Amtrak?
Photo: Annette Shaff/Shutterstock
Your dog can only travel on Amtrak trains if they are kept in a closed carrier at all times. The carrier must be placed under your seat. You must always be near the carrier to care for your pet and never leave them alone.
Your pet carrier can be soft sided or hard sided but must be leak proof and allow for air flow. Your pet carrier must not exceed the following dimensions: 19 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 10.5 inches in height.
Your pet carrier is considered as one piece of carry-on luggage.
How do you travel with a 50 pound dog on Amtrak?According to Amtrak’s pet policy, you cannot travel with a dog whose weight and that of their carrier exceeds 20 pounds.
Can dogs go on sleeper trains?Your pet (cat or dog) is only allowed to travel in Coach Class on regular Amtrak trains, and only in Business Class on board Acela trains. Pets are not allowed in private rooms such as Roomettes or Bedrooms.
The following Amtrak routes have designated Coach cars for pets and their owners:
Amtrak Cascades (in Washington and Oregon)Carl Sandburg (between Chicago and Quincy, IL)Illinois Zephyr (between Chicago and Quincy, IL)Illini (between Chicago and Carbondale, IL)Lincoln Service (between Chicago and St. Louis, MO)Saluki (between Chicago and Carbondale, IL)Pere Marquette (between Chicago and Grand Rapids, MI)Wolverine (between Chicago and Pontiac, MI)Blue Water (between Chicago and Port Huron, MI)Hiawatha (between Chicago and Milwaukee, WI)Missouri River Runner (between St. Louis and Kansas City)How do I calm my dog down on a train?If you cannot guarantee that your dog (or cat) will be well-behaved and silent during your Amtrak train trip, visit your vet well ahead of time and ask for medication or tips to calm down your pet. Test the medication and try out the tips out before your train trip to ensure your pet reacts the way you need them to.
Can cats go on Amtrak?Yes, cats are allowed on board Amtrak trains under the same conditions as dogs:
You can only take one cat on the train with you.The combined weight of your cat and their carrier must not be heavier than 20 pounds.Your cat must be eight week old or older and must be well behaved, silent, and clean.Your cat must have all its vaccinations up to date.You must sign the Amtrak’s pet release document at check-in.You cannot take your cat on an Amtrak train journey that is longer than seven hours (including transfer time between two trains).Cats are only allowed in Coach Class and Acela Business Class.Can you take a cat in a carrier on the train?
Bad carrier for a trip on an Amtrak train (left). Appropriate carrier (right). Photos from left to right: skrotov/Shutterstock and alenka2194/Shutterstock
Just like for dogs, using a closed and leak-proof carrier is the only way to take your cat on Amtrak. Your cat must be kept in the carrier at all times and the carrier must be placed under your seat. You must never leave your cat alone during your Amtrak train trip.
Your cat carrier (which counts as one carry-on luggage under Amtrak’s pet policy) can be soft sided or hard sided and must not exceed the following dimensions: 19 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 10.5 inches in height.
Are cats allowed on the Auto Train to Florida?Neither cats nor dogs are allowed on the Auto Train. Cats and dogs are prohibited on the following Amtrak routes, trains, and services:
Capitol Corridor (between San Jose, CA, and Auburn, CA)Keystone Service (between New York City and Harrisburg, PA)Pennsylvanian (between New York City and Pittsburgh, PA)San Joaquins (between San Francisco Bay Area and Bakersfield, CA)Auto Train (between Lorton, VA, and Sanford, FL)Amtrak’s Thruway servicesAcross the border into Canada on the Adirondack, Maple Leaf, and Amtrak Cascades routes.How much does it cost to take your dog on Amtrak?It costs between $29 and $39 to bring your dog or cat on an Amtrak train, depending on the route.
Amtrak routeCostAcela (Boston – Washington, DC)$39Adirondack (New York City)$39Amtrak Cascades (Seattle – Portland – Eugene)$29Amtrak Hartford Line/Valley Flyer (New Haven – Springfield – Greenfield)$39Berkshire Flyer (New York City – Albany – Pittsfield) $39California Zephyr (Chicago – Denver – Emeryville)$39; $29 between Chicago and GalesburgCapitol Limited (Washington, DC – Cleveland – Chicago)$39Cardinal (New York City – Cincinnati – Indianapolis – Chicago)$39Carolinian (New York City – Raleigh – Charlotte)$39; $29 between Rocky Mount and CharlotteCity of New Orleans (Chicago – Memphis – New Orleans)$39; $29 between Chicago and CarbondaleCoast Starlight (Seattle – Portland – Los Angeles)$39; $29 between Seattle and Eugene & San Luis Obispo and Los AngelesCrescent (New York City – Altanta – New Orleans)$39; $29 between Greensboro and CharlotteDowneaster (Brunswick – Portland – Boston)$29Empire Builder (Chicago – Minneapolis – Seattle/Portland)$39; $29 between Chicago and MilwaukeeEmpire Service (New York City – Albany – Niagara Falls)$39Ethan Allen Express (Burlington – Albany – New York City)$39Heartland Flyer (Oklahoma City – Fort Worth)$29Hiawatha (Chicago – Milwaukee)$29Illinois Service (Chicago – Quincy – Carbondale)$29Lake Shore Limited (New York City/Boston – Albany – Chicago)$39Maple Leaf (Toronto – Niagara Falls – New York City)$39Michigan Services (Chicago – Grand Rapids – Detroit – Pontiac)$29Missouri River Runner (St. Louis – Kansas City)$29Northeast Regional (Boston – Springfield – Washington, DC – Norfolk/Newport News)$39Pacific Surfliner (San Luis Obispo – Santa Barbara – Los Angeles – San Diego)$29Palmetto (New York City – Washington, DC – Savannah)$39Piedmont (Raleigh – Charlotte)$29Silver Meteor (New York City – Washington, DC – Miami)$39Silver Star (New York City – Washington, DC – Miami)$39; $29 between Rocky Mount and CarySouthwest Chief (Chicago – Kansas City – Albuquerque – Los Angeles)$39; $29 between Chicago and GalesburgDo I need to make a reservation for my pet to travel on Amtrak?It is very important that you make your reservation for your pet well ahead of your trip. Amtrak only allows five pets per train.
6 Must-Try Restaurants To Visit on Your Next Trip To Italy for a True Taste of the Cuisine
Food and drink in Italy are a celebration of taste, tradition, and the art of indulgence. Renowned worldwide, Italian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of regional specialties and iconic dishes that have become culinary icons. From the aromatic flavors of freshly made pasta to the exquisite simplicity of a Neapolitan pizza, Italian food captivates the senses. Alongside the incredible cuisine, Italy is equally famous for its diverse selection of wines, from the full-bodied reds of Tuscany to the sparkling prosecco of Veneto. Whether exploring local trattorias or fine dining establishments, embracing the food and drink in Italy is a journey of pleasure, where every meal becomes a moment to savor the country’s culinary heritage. These restaurants will help you experience the best of the best.
Lido 84@foodwtf Cacio e pepe #pasta cooked al dente inside a pig’s bladder with pecorino cheese, salt, pepper and water#Lido84 in #LakeGarda #Italy
IG: @jokuti #michelinstar #michelinrestaurant #pastatok ♬ Dolce Nonna – Wayne Jones & Amy Hayashi-Jones
The famous Italian restaurant Lido 84 is renowned for its cacio e pepe. Chef Riccardo Camanini put a twist on this classic pasta dish by combining various cheeses, including pecorino and parmesan, with a blend of spices and black pepper. The preparation involves using hand-rolled spaghetti cooked al dente, and the cheese mixture creates a rich and creamy sauce. Lido 84 prides itself on sourcing local and seasonal ingredients, reflecting the flavors of Lake Garda, where the restaurant is located.
Lido 84’s cacio e pepe dish has gained popularity for its innovative approach and commitment to quality ingredients. The chef and his team personally visit local farmers and fishermen to select fresh produce and seafood. This emphasis on local sourcing allows the restaurant to showcase the vibrant flavors of the region. Lido 84’s cacio e pepe highlights its dedication to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
Lido 84: Corso Giuseppe Zanardelli, 196, 25083 Gardone Riviera BS, Italy
Alfredo alla Scrofa@matadornetwork For many, one dish instantly pops to mind at the mention of Italian-American cuisine: fettuccine alfredo. Discover the real taste of Italy with this delicious and authentic fettuccine alfredo from Alfredo Alla Scrofa in Rome, ItalyShare this with the person you’d want to try this mouthwatering Italian dish with
Located in Rome, the iconic Roman restaurant Alfredo alla Scrofa has a rich history dating back to 1907 when Alfredo di Lelio created the recipe for Fettuccine Alfredo. The dish consists of fresh fettuccine pasta coated in a creamy sauce made from butter and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Alfredo alla Scrofa has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic taste of this classic Italian dish. The restaurant takes pride in preserving the original recipe and preparing the dish tableside, ensuring a theatrical and traditional dining experience. The restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and maintaining the legacy of Alfredo di Lelio makes it a must-visit spot for fettuccine Alfredo enthusiasts in Rome.
Alfredo alla Scrofa: Via della Scrofa, 104/a, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Il Vero Alfredo:: Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 30, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
@foodwtf A must-do experience while in #Florence is ordering a glass of wine from the famous wine window
Explore the fascinating history of wine windows in Florence, which date back centuries and are now a unique way to wine taste in the city. Wine windows, known as buchette del vino in Italian, were originally created during the Plague years as a means for wine producers to sell their wine directly to customers while maintaining a healthy distance. These small, wooden windows were installed in the walls of buildings, allowing customers to purchase wine without entering the premises.
In recent years, the tradition of wine windows has seen a revival in Florence, and several establishments have reintroduced them as a way to serve wine to customers. Wine lovers can now embark on a self-guided wine window tour through the city, stopping at various historic locations to sample different wines. This tasting experience offers a glimpse into Florence’s rich cultural heritage and allows visitors to connect with the city’s past while enjoying its vibrant present-day wine scene.
Mr. 100 Tiramisu@foodwtf Did you know this spot inCheck out #Mr100Tiramisu for the ultimate experience
Save this post for your trip to Rome
Mr 100 Tiramisu is a well loved tiramisu shop in Rome. As the name suggests, it’s known for its exceptional variety and quality of tiramisu. With a name inspired by its impressive menu boasting over 100 different flavors, this establishment has become a go-to destination for tiramisu enthusiasts worldwide. The shop offers a wide range of traditional and innovative flavors, catering to diverse palates and dietary preferences.
At Mr 100 Tiramisu, customers can indulge in classic tiramisu variations like the traditional coffee-flavored recipe and explore unique and creative twists on this beloved Italian dessert. From fruity combinations like strawberry or lemon tiramisu to indulgent options such as Nutella or caramel, there is something to satisfy everyone. The shop prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and maintaining the authenticity of the dessert, ensuring that each bite delivers a rich and creamy experience.
Mr 100 Tiramisu: Via dei Sediari, 11/12, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
All’Antico Vinaio@foodwtf This sandwich shop is known for having the best #paninis in #Florence
All’Antico Vinaio is a well-loved restaurant located in Florence (with another location in Rome). It has gained a reputation as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and tourists alike. The restaurant is best known for its exceptional sandwiches, which are generously filled with high-quality ingredients and bursting with flavors. All’Antico Vinaio has long-standing history dates back to 1989 when the shop opened its doors.
Visitors to All’Antico Vinaio are greeted by various ingredients and toppings, including various cured meats, cheeses, vegetables, and spreads. The sandwiches are prepared to order, allowing customers to customize their selections based on personal preferences. The generous portions and flavorful combinations have made these sandwiches a favorite among locals and tourists, resulting in long lines of eager patrons waiting to savor the culinary delights.
Florence: Via dei Neri, 65r, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Rome: Piazza della Maddalena, 3, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
@foodwtf
The Hotel Calimala Angel Roofbar is an exquisite and vibrant destination located in Florence, Italy. The rooftop bar offers visitors a remarkable experience with stunning panoramic views of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Duomo and Palazzo Vecchio. This sophisticated venue, situated atop the Hotel Calimala, provides an ideal setting to relax and enjoy the beauty of Florence.
The Angel Roofbar at Hotel Calimala hosts a restaurant, two indoor and outdoor bar areas, a plunge pool, and a beautiful floral garden patio fashioned by Vieri Torrigiani of the Torrigiani Family. The chic atmosphere is complemented by stylish furniture and a well-curated selection of beverages, including a range of cocktails, wines, and spirits. Guests can unwind in plush seating areas while savoring their drinks, immersing themselves in the vibrant ambiance of the bar.
Where: Via Calimala, 2, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy
These Unique Paris Airbnbs and Hotels Offer a Stay Unlike Any Other
Paris, the enchanting capital of France, is renowned for its extraordinary accommodations that embody elegance, charm, and sophistication. With a multitude of options to choose from, visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s distinct character and create unforgettable memories. From lavish luxury hotels with stunning views of iconic landmarks to cozy boutique hotels tucked away in picturesque neighborhoods, Paris offers a diverse range of accommodations. A blend of history, culture, and sophistication comes with every Paris trip for an exceptional stay, made even more memorable by the city’s remarkable accommodations.
We hope you love the spaces we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Penthouse Airbnb in Paris@epic.stays #stitch with @melissaamale Airbnb linked in bio
The penthouse sits in an enviable location, providing sweeping panoramic views of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower (make sure you read up on the best ways to visit before seeing it up close) and Notre Dame Cathedral. The penthouse’s exquisite interior design seamlessly combines modern aesthetics with classic French elements. The living spaces are tastefully adorned and thoughtfully arranged, creating an atmosphere of elegance and comfort.
The penthouse presents spacious and beautifully furnished rooms featuring high-end amenities and luxurious touches. The attention to detail is evident in every corner, from the meticulously chosen decor to the carefully curated artwork. The result is a sophisticated and inviting space that exudes charm and refinement. One of the standout features of the penthouse is its rooftop terrace, providing guests with a mesmerizing setting to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city. Whether it’s sipping a glass of Champagne while gazing at the Eiffel Tower or simply relishing the enchanting ambiance, the terrace offers a truly magical experience.
Paris Airbnb with romantic view of Eiffel Tower@epic.stays #Airbnb linked in bio
Rather than focusing on the traditional visit to the landmark, here’s an alternative way to enjoy the iconic Eiffel Tower. The Airbnb listing offers a stunning and romantic view of the Eiffel Tower, allowing guests to experience the iconic landmark up close. Located in the heart of Paris, the accommodation provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the enchanting beauty of the Eiffel Tower right from the comfort of the rental. With its prime location and captivating view, this Airbnb promises a memorable and magical stay for those seeking a special connection with one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks.
The romantic Eiffel Tower Airbnb offers includes three bedrooms, a large living room, a separate TV room, two bathrooms (one with a bathtub and shower), an additional toilet, a well-equipped kitchen, and housekeeping. The Airbnb is thoughtfully designed with elegant decor, luxurious amenities, and intimate spaces, ensuring an atmosphere of romance and tranquility. Guest can indulge in dinners on the private balcony, savoring meals while being mesmerized by the glittering lights of the tower. With its perfect blend of comfort, charm, and proximity to one of the world’s most renowned landmarks, the romantic Eiffel Tower Airbnb promises an idyllic retreat for those seeking an extraordinary and unforgettable experience in the City of Love.
Maison Colbert@noblackoutdatesHotel Maison Colbert in
Maison Colbert is a charming Paris boutique hotel offering a delightful and comfortable stay for guests. The hotel combines modern elegance with traditional French charm. Maison Colbert is beautifully decorated with exquisite artwork, ornate furnishings, and stunning chandeliers, creating a lavish and sophisticated ambiance. The spacious rooms and luxurious amenities make it a truly indulgent place to stay.
There’s also a historical significance of Maison Colbert, as the building dates back to the 17th century. The mansion’s rich heritage adds to its allure, providing guests with a sense of stepping into a bygone era. The hotel features well-appointed rooms that are tastefully decorated and equipped with modern amenities for a pleasant stay and beautiful gardens surrounding the mansion, offering a serene and picturesque retreat within the bustling city of Paris. With its prime location in the heart of Paris, guests have convenient access to popular attractions, shopping districts, and dining options.
Charming Paris Airbnb@epic.stays Save this #airbnb for your next trip to #Paris
Looking for another accommodation with Eiffel Tower views? Look no further. This unique Airbnb accommodation is located in a picturesque neighborhood, with large windows that frame the iconic landmark. Guests staying in this Airbnb have the opportunity to wake up to breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower and witness its mesmerizing light show at night from the comfort of their own space. The surrounding neighborhood showcases its charm and proximity to other Parisian attractions. While staying at this Airbnb, discover quaint streets, charming cafes, and vibrant local markets nearby.
The Dadou Hotel@epic.stays It doesn't get any better than a movie and spa day in #Paris
Discover Parisian charm and comfort at The Dadou Hotel, a boutique accommodation in the heart of the city. The hotel’s cozy and inviting atmosphere features beautifully decorated rooms and a stylish lobby. The hotel exudes a sense of warmth and comfort, with carefully chosen furnishings and thoughtful design elements. The hotel features well-appointed rooms with stylish decor, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. Guests can enjoy amenities such as comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel’s prime location in the heart of Paris is surrounded by vibrant streets, lively cafes, and other nearby attractions. The Dadou Hotel serves as a convenient and welcoming base for visitors to explore the city, immersing themselves in the Parisian culture and lifestyle.
The Best Bali Airbnbs and Hotels To Embrace Nature in Luxury
When it comes to accommodations, Bali offers a wealth of options that cater to every traveler’s desires. From luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy boutique villas nestled amidst rice paddies, Bali’s lodging choices are as diverse as its landscapes. Immerse yourself in opulence and indulge in world-class amenities, or embrace the island’s bohemian charm by staying in guesthouses surrounded by lush gardens. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Bali’s best accommodations provide the perfect sanctuary to unwind and create unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise.
We hope you love the spaces we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Jungle Views Villa@epic.stays #stitch with @thatbalibitch
This stunning jungle villa in Bali is a haven of tranquility, offering a luxurious and secluded retreat in nature’s embrace. The villa is in the heart of the jungle, where guests can truly disconnect from the outside world.
Its open-air living spaces and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding greenery offer a truly immersive experience. The villa’s design seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor elements, allowing guests to embrace their surroundings’ tranquility fully. An absence of Wi-Fi encourages a deeper connection with the natural environment and a chance to disconnect from the outside world. This jungle villa provides an idyllic sanctuary where guests can awaken to the melodies of birds, unwind among the lush foliage, and find solace in the enchanting beauty of Bali’s jungle landscapes.
The Karma Kandara@epic.stays Incredible shower views from
Experience pure luxury and breathtaking ocean views at Karma Kandara, an exquisite cliffside resort in Bali. Nestled atop a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, the resort features breathtaking natural beauty and offers a luxurious escape. The resort’s elegant accommodations include private villas and a magnificent infinity pool. It also showcases the array of amenities available to guests, such as the beach club, spa, and dining options, emphasizing the overall sense of relaxation and indulgence that visitors can expect at Karma Kandara.
The essence of Karma Kandara Resort paints a vivid picture of its captivating location and opulent offerings. With its alluring blend of relaxation and indulgence, Karma Kandara promises an unforgettable experience of serenity and indulgence for those seeking an escape from the ordinary.
Rumah Pohon Tree House@visit Rumah Pohon Tree House —
The enchanting Rumah Pohon Tree House is located in Nusa Penida, Bali. This treehouse is surrounded by lush greenery and overlooks the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The tree house is a simple yet charming structure built around a tree trunk, providing travelers with an intimate and cozy escape. The breathtaking panoramic views, tranquil atmosphere, and sense of serenity are things that guests can experience while staying at this extraordinary tree house. With its simplicity and intimate setting, the tree house presents an opportunity for travelers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in a serene and rustic escape.
The Bulgari Hotel@visit Did you know that the luxury designer #Bulgari has a 5-star hotel in #Bali?
Indulge in elegance and opulence at Bulgari Hotel, a luxurious retreat showcasing Balinese charm. The hotel has opulent features, showcasing its impressive architecture, luxurious infinity pool, and breathtaking ocean views. The upscale amenities — including a spa, private beach, and gourmet dining options — create an indulgent and relaxed atmosphere. With its panoramic views and top-notch amenities, the Bulgari Hotel Bali emerges as a premier destination for travelers seeking an unparalleled experience of luxury in the heart of Bali.
The Magic Hills Villa@epic.stays
Magic Hills Villa in Bali has a spacious and elegantly designed interior, including the bedrooms, living areas, and outdoor spaces that give guests a glimpse of the lavishness that awaits inside. The villa’s exceptional amenities, such as the infinity pool, private gym, and dedicated staff, further enhance the experience of indulgence and relaxation.
The Magic Hills Villa is situated in the breathtaking landscape of Bali, surrounded by verdant hills and offering panoramic views of the island’s natural beauty. The villa’s harmonious integration with its surroundings showcases the seamless blending of indoor and outdoor spaces. It highlights the villa’s expansive infinity pool, where guests can bask in the sun while enjoying the picturesque vistas. The Magic Hills Villa also features personalized service the villa’s dedicated staff provides, ensuring that every need and desire is catered to.
Hoshinoya Resort@epic.stays This resort in #Bali has a #funicular that transports you throughout the property
The Hoshinoya Resort in Bali is an exquisite haven nestled in the heart of Ubud. Immersed in the serenity of nature, this luxurious retreat offers an unforgettable escape from the bustling world. The resort features a harmonious blend of traditional Balinese architecture and modern design, creating an atmosphere of elegance and tranquility. Guests at Hoshinoya Resort can indulge in spacious villas and rooms adorned with natural materials, providing a sense of warmth and comfort. Each accommodation offers breathtaking views of the Ayung River, further enhancing the serene ambiance. The resort’s commitment to relaxation and rejuvenation is showcased through its exceptional spa facilities, where guests can immerse themselves in traditional Balinese treatments and find solace in their tranquil surroundings. With its impeccable service, stunning natural setting, and dedication to cultural authenticity, the Hoshinoya Resort in Bali offers a unique and memorable experience for travelers seeking peace and luxury.
Veluvana Bali Cobra House@epic.stays #stitch with @epic.stays #Airbnb linked in bio
The Veluvana Bali Cobra House is a unique and captivating Airbnb listing. It showcases the striking design of the property, featuring a prominent cobra-shaped structure serving as the bedroom, surrounded by lush greenery. The serene ambiance and natural setting provide a tranquil escape for guests to unwind and reconnect with nature. The distinctive features and amenities of Veluvana include a private pool and garden area and a stylish and comfortable interior. It also emphasizes the property’s eco-friendly focus, with sustainable design elements and the use of natural materials. The Veluvana is an exceptional accommodation choice in Bali, offering a fusion of artistic design, a peaceful environment, and eco-consciousness for travelers seeking a unique and memorable experience.
More like thisEpic StaysThis House Shaped Like a Bug Is Bali's Strangest-Looking AirbnbEnhance Your Journey Along Amtrak’s Palmetto Route With These Airbnbs
Chugging through 11 states and 55 stations on the East Coast, Amtrak’s Silver Service/Palmetto route unites the Silver Meteor, the Silver Star, and the Palmetto trains. This scenic passageway calls in at riveting Northeast cities and dips into Deep South history before terminating near Florida’s subtropical beaches and wetlands.
Comfortable berths are available onboard but if time is on your side, you’ll want to stretch this journey out and plan stopovers. These First Class Airbnbs along Amtrak’s Silver Service/Palmetto train route are located at key destinations in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, South Carolina, and more.
Traveling along the Amtrak Palmetto Route? Check out more accommodations:These Manhattan Airbnbs showcase the best of New York CityThese Airbnbs in Brooklyn offer beautiful views of the city and skylineThe best Airbnbs in Philadelphia, from a Wintercourt studio to a Scandinavian tiny homeThese Airbnbs in Miami put you near the city’s best beaches and neighborhoodsTop Orlando Airbnbs with a pool for the ultimate Florida getaway
We hope you love these Airbnbs along Amtrak’s Silver Service/Palmetto route! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Manhattan condo near Penn Amtrak terminal
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosNobody ever regretted blowing their savings on million-dollar views like these. A 10-minute walk from Moynihan Train Hall, this high-level apartment in the heart of New York City supplies a bird’s eye perspective of the Empire State Building. Pack your swimsuit if you want to use the shared pool and sauna. It’s your call whether you bother with cooking or treat yourself in the foodie hubs of Hell’s Kitchen and Chelsea.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $1,200 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosSeeing as the A and C lines get you to Penn Station in 20 minutes, this DUMBO penthouse near the subway is another contender for where to stay in the Big Apple. Soak up the Manhattan cityscape from the Jacuzzi and remember to set your alarm clock in time for sunrise – it’s worth the early start. This minimalist apartment is steps from Pebble Beach and the New York Transit Museum.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $450 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosConvenient for Newark Amtrak Station and Liberty Airport, this spacious condo features 12-foot-high ceilings and duck egg blue accents. There’s so much natural light that the pendant lights barely get a look in. A chic subway tile shower will get you in the mood for your long journey down the East Coast. Two blocks from the station, this Airbnb in Newark is just a 20-minute subway ride to Manhattan.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $180 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosBefore jumping the state border, spend a day or two exploring the monuments of Trenton, NJ. This cozy triplex has been jazzed up with a stainless steel kitchen, jetted tub, and ornamental fireplaces. It’s close enough to walk to Trenton Transit Center and the downtown museums while Princeton, Six Flags Great Adventure, and the Jersey Shore are tempting day trips from this rail-y great Airbnb.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $290 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThere’s no need to fly to Europe for an alpine experience when you stay at this chalet-inspired Airbnb in Philadelphia’s Art Museum enclave. Suitable for a remote worker or couple, this higgledy-piggledy home showcases original art by the owner. Natural sunlight pours into the loft office (a meditation den, if you prefer), and the bedroom opens onto a terrace. There’s no mountain view but your imagination can run riot.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $194 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosIf you’re looking for larger accommodations for your Philly reunion, this five-bedroom warehouse loft houses 14 and accepts dogs. Beyond the hotel-standard rooms, the rental unit has pool and ping pong tables, a popcorn machine, a chef’s kitchen, and a private home gym. Furnished with exposed brickwork and raw materials, you can’t find a cooler “Play” Airbnb on the Amtrak Silver Service/Palmetto train route.
Fourteen guests, five bedrooms
Price: $1,535 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosCentrally located, this luxury apartment features all the amenities a railroad wayfarer needs: a full kitchen, laundry facilities, and a bed that beats a berth. Most of the city’s parks, culture spots, and delis are walkable. However, this Airbnb near Wilmington’s Amtrak station comes with free garage parking, making it easy to rent a car and explore the parks and beaches of the three-state Delmarva Peninsula during your stopover.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $120 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosElevate your East Coast Grand Tour with a night in this Little Italy mansion, modeled on an Italian Villa. The super-luxe property is fitted with high-end furniture, linens, and marble soaker tubs for relieving a stiff back. Best of all, the indoor pool and exercise studio are for your exclusive use and there’s a loggia and roof deck where you can people-watch and dine on pizza under the Maryland sun.
Twelve guests, four bedrooms
Price: $1,000 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosIn walking distance of Union Market and the United States Capitol, this is one of the best Airbnbs along Amtrak’s Silver Service/Palmetto train route for hardcore sightseeing. Perfect for a couple or solo traveler, this central studio has a lush yard and a communal roof deck with a cabana. These spaces are only shared with the host and one other unit. There’s zero need to rent a car while staying at this pet-friendly garden apartment in Washington, DC.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $210 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosFredericksburg, VA, is one of the best stops on Amtrak’s Silver Service for a refresher on what you learned in history class. This modern two-bedroom rental is contained within a restored duplex home and is rigged with all you need for an overnighter or longer stay. It’s within walking distance of the train station and there are free bikes for getting around the battlefields, farms, and heritage sites.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $193 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosSituated in a calm neighborhood, this boho cottage is a 10-minute cab ride from Raleigh Union Station. The decor is inspired by the natural world, with forest-colored accent walls and plants galore. Wind down in the hammock in the yard while your pup shakes off any cabin fever on the fenced lawn. There’s a bus stop down the street but you might want to rent a bike or hail the occasional Uber/Lyft.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $300 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosAlight in the South Carolina capital and mix and match art galleries, riverside biking, and fishing. This 1905 property has been revamped with modern appliances, a whirlpool tub, and gas fireplaces. Sip morning coffee on the porch rockers while plotting out the next leg of your passage. A five-minute Uber ride from the Silver Star, you can walk everywhere once you’ve unpacked. Otherwise, there’s space to park three rentals.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $286 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosSeeing as humidity is on the rise, an Airbnb in Charleston, SC, with a pool is called for. This duplex villa is beautifully styled with a light-filled bedroom on the second level and a first-floor lounge and kitchen. The patio doors reveal a tranquil courtyard where breakfasting next to the fish pond and taking a dip in the shared saltwater pool is obligatory. Hop off the Silver Service/Palmetto and walk anywhere from this downtown rental.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $429 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosWake up to views of Forsyth Park from the second-floor balcony at this renovated vacation home. The mid-century aesthetic and playful color scheme creates a homely environment. Thoroughly modernized, the kitchen contains all the cookware you need and there’s an office for remote workers. Most of Historic Downtown Savannah is walkable and you can unwind among the orange trees in the communal courtyard garden after a day touring the sights.
Nine guests, three bedrooms
Price: $637 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosSpare yourself from bringing your own bike on the Silver Service and stay at this Jax Beach Airbnb where a pair of two-wheelers are waiting for you. This boho bungalow comes with a private yard, laundry, and a full kitchen for throwing together al fresco suppers. Thirty minutes by Uber/Lyft from the Amtrak station, these seaside digs are within walking distance of the Seawalk Pavilion, yoga studios, and seafood shacks.
Three guests, two bedrooms
Price: $155 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis single-family home is the quintessential Floridian retreat. The rental has a private pool overlooking Lake Porter, complimentary kayaks and paddleboards, plus a games room and cornhole for evening entertainment. There’s tons of space to spread out, with a state-of-the-art kitchen when you get a craving for home comforts. In order to get around the Orlando theme parks, you’ll need to hire a vehicle after leaving the Amtrak.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $458 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosPart of the Sailport Waterfront Resort, staying at this Tampa, FLO Airbnb gives you free rein to use the complex pool, fishing dock, and tiki huts. Sunsets from the balcony are unreal and justify the Uber from Tampa Union Amtrak Station. Other than mooching around the downtown cultural sights, you may choose to hire a car and explore the wider Tampa Bay area or get your adrenaline fix at Busch Gardens.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price: $258 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosUpon checking into this Key West-style cottage and getting a whiff of the palms, you might convince yourself that you’re in the Florida Keys. This cute-as-a-button West Palm Airbnb is a three-minute taxi from the Silver Service Amtrak station. Seeing as the complimentary cruiser bikes have you covered for downtown and the beach, there’s no reason to rent a car. The pad is fully furnished with a laundry room and a grill.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $116 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosClose to Everglades National Park and Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL, this family-friendly vacation rental features a private pool and backyard golf course. In true Floridian style, the waterfront dwelling has an outdoor kitchen and a mix of covered and uncovered seating. Realistically, you’ll spend minimal time indoors – besides a foosball tournament in the games room. There’s plenty of parking space for a hire car.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $815 per night
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Photo: AirbnbSee more photosWhether you’ve ridden cross-country or are planning a local staycation, this swanky modern villa in the Miami Design District is the best place to hang your cap. All interiors are brand-new – including the restaurant-standard kitchen – while the backyard pool area is a sun trap. One of the best all-inclusive Airbnbs along Amtrak’s Silver Service/Palmetto train route, the host can arrange grocery stocking, bartenders, catering, and romantic packages.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $945 per night
Aspen Isn’t Just About Skiing. It’s One of the Best Kayak Destinations in the West
Everyone knows Aspen, Colorado, for its famous ski scene, but this destination in the heart of the Rocky Mountains offers endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. While skiing and snowboarding may be the first activities that come to mind, the warmer months bring a whole new world of adventure. One activity that continues to gain popularity in this picturesque town is kayaking. With its stunning rivers and breathtaking scenery, you haven’t kayaked until you’ve kayaked in Aspen.
Where to start your kayak adventureThe Roaring Fork River, which flows through Aspen, offers some of the best kayaking spots in the region. This river is a tributary of the Colorado River and boasts a variety of sections, ranging from Class I to Class IV rapids. The most popular kayaking stretch lies between Basalt and Carbondale, where paddlers can navigate through exhilarating rapids while marveling at the surrounding natural beauty. For those looking for a more leisurely experience, the lower section of the river near Glenwood Springs provides a gentle and scenic float.
Safety should always be a top priority when kayaking, especially in the fast-moving waters of the Roaring Fork River. It’s essential to wear a life jacket at all times and carry a whistle to signal for help if needed. Additionally, be sure to check the weather forecast and river conditions before heading out, as water levels can change rapidly in the mountains.
How to get startedIf you’re new to kayaking or looking to brush up on your skills, Aspen is home to several outfitters that offer guided tours and instruction. Many of these companies provide all necessary equipment, as well as experienced guides to help you navigate the river safely. No matter your skill level, a guided tour can help you build confidence on the water and make the most of your kayaking adventure.
June 20, 2023
A New Scandinavian Airlines Route Allows US Travelers To Visit a Quieter, Natural Side of Denmark
Imagine a place where two seas collide, oysters are on every menu, and friendly faces greet you wherever you roam. Then imagine it’s even easier to get to now that there are direct flights from the United States. The area known as North Jutland in Denmark hasn’t been a major tourist destination for people from the US in the past, but a new direct Scandinavian Airlines flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to the heart of North Jutland could change that.
On arrival, there’s no shortage of things to do in this region that covers the uppermost tip of the country. North Jutland is home to Denmark’s first national park, a sand-buried church, the best surfing spots in the country, phenomenal art, and some of the best seafood restaurants in the country.
Adventure experiences in North JutlandCold Hawaii
Photo: speedshutter Photography/Shutterstock
If surfing is your forte, make sure you stop at Cold Hawaii, a series of beaches located between Agger and Hanstholm. Rasmus Johnsen, founder and owner of the coworking space Cowork Klitmøller, is one of the major players behind the master plan for Cold Hawaii, and he was instrumental in making the region the location for the Stand-up Paddleboarding World Championships. Like the name suggests, this area attracts surfers from all over the world to ride the waves just like they do in Hawaii. The only difference is that you’ll need a wetsuit year-round (or a dry suit for colder months). Gear up at West Wind Surf Shop located just across the street from the beach where you can also book all types of surf lessons.
West Wind Surf Shop: Ørhagevej 150, 7700 Thisted, Denmark
National Park Thy
Photo: LouieLea/Shutterstock
When you’re done surfing in Vorupør, stop by the Nationalpark Center Thy information center located on the beach. Here, you’ll be greeted by a massive wooden map in the center depicting Denmark’s first national park. It’s unmanned, but you can pick up any of the informational packets or purchase publications about the park for a donation. This 244 square kilometer (about 94 square miles) park is world renowned for its extensive wilderness and wildlife habitat. Visitors can experience its magic through a variety of outdoor activities including hiking the North Sea Trail and staying overnight in the lean-tos found throughout the trail.
National Park Thy: Vesterhavsgade 168, 7700 Thisted, Denmark
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Get your adrenaline pumping and book a dune-buggy excursion along the coastal beaches of North Jutland. OutNature was founded in 2008 and has since brought thousands of visitors adventuring along the incredible scenery of the west coast of Denmark. The tours vary depending on your interest, including kayaking, four-wheeling, snorkeling, and surfing excursions as well as even a bunker treasure hunt. The staff are all well-educated in the geology of these coastal areas, so be sure to ask as many questions as you want.
OutNature: Sdr Strandvej 6E9480 Løkken, Denmark
Skagen Bike Tour
Photo: Arne Bramsen/Shutterstock
One of the best ways to see the town of Skagen in North Jutland is by bike. To make sure you don’t miss anything, book a tour with Claus Bruun. He knows the city inside and out and shows you to all the best spots (and perhaps a secret spot) to see. He chats about the history of the color of the houses (they’re all a particular shade of yellow) and why artists have long found this area so inviting. Visit places like the coastal museum and the fisherman’s huts as well as the Skagen Museum, Peder Ravn’s Gallery Munk (and bookmark his studio for paint-and-sip style classes), and Brøndums Hotel.
Claus Bruun Skagen tour: Contact for booking
Sandormen
Photo: Sarah Lamagna
Take the tractor-pulled wagon called Sandormen to the northernmost point of Denmark. The point where the Baltic and North Seas merge together is called Grennen and should be on every vacationer’s schedule. At the tip of Denmark, you can take off your shoes and wade through exactly where the two seas meet. It’s an extremely interesting phenomenon where waves hit each other from opposite directions. There is, however, no swimming in this area due to the strong currents.
Sandormen: Gamle Landevej 39, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Island activities in North Jutland
Photo: Sarah Lamagna
Located off the eastern coast of North Jutland lies the island of Læsø (pronounced lay-shure). You can reach the island by taking a ferry from Frederikshavn through the Kattegat Sea (part of the Baltic Sea). Even though North Jutland, in general, is a relaxing and peaceful place to visit, Læsø is even more so with traditional food ways, eccentric artists like Anne Julie, and unique architecture. Plus, 75 percent of the island is protected and has the most hours of sunshine than any other place in Denmark.
Farm shop Læsø TangAt this farm shop, you can dive into several types of seaweed-inspired snacks. Try the seaweed almonds – they will be the most wonderful thing to ever hit your mouth. You can even take a guided seaweed trip to understand how seaweed is collected, dried, and made into wonderful food.
Læsø Tang: Doktorvejen 16, 9940 Byrum, Denmark
Tanghusruten
Photo: Sarah Lamagna
The seaweed roofs of Læsø bring tourists from all over the world. You can take a hike along the “liquor roads” (as locals call them due to them being the smaller roads where the cops don’t usually go) to view the 30 seaweed-thatched houses that are left. Despite the name, the roofs are actually made from eel grass, not seaweed, but it doesn’t quite roll off the tongue as nicely. One of the seaweed houses is now a museum called Museumsgården, where the roof is currently undergoing renovation led by master thatcher Henning Johansen. If you get a chance to meet and chat with him, do it – hopefully he’ll be wearing his Nordic sweater and smoking a pipe.
Tanghusruten: Gammel Østerbyvej 22, 9940 Læsø, Denmark
Læsø Saltsyderi
Photo: Sarah Lamagna
One of the most popular destinations on the island is Læsø Saltsyderi. Here, workers collect salt like they used to in the olden days: by hand (although now they use tractors to haul the salt rather than a horse and cart). You can see part of the salt seething operation and get a glimpse into how the salt is made at Læsø Saltsyderi. Don’t forget to stop by the shop and bulk up on the highly sought after salt.
Læsø Saltsyderi: Hornfiskrønvej 3, 9940 Læsø, Denmark
Rønnerbussen
Photo: Sarah Lamagna
While you’re at Læsø Saltsyderi, take the Rønnerbussen out to the salt flats to witness another part of the salt seething operation. Thomas Olsen (owner and tour guide) takes you on a journey to the beach in a tractor-pulled wagon where you can see incredible wildlife and take in the views. He may even pull over to have you taste one of the island’s smaller creatures: yellow meadow ants (apparently, they taste like citrus).
Rønnerbussen: Frysehusvej 4, 9940 Læsø, Denmark
Historic sights in North JutlandRegan Vest
Photo: Sarah Lamagna
In one of the most fascinating landmarks in Denmark lies rich history and incredible architectural feats. Regan Vest is a now inactive nuclear bunker from the 1960s that’s been turned into a Cold War museum. The bunker was meant to hold 350 government officials and administrative/bunker staff positions, and could be self-sustained for 10 days (basically enough time to live through a nuclear explosion). Tours run daily, and you can only visit Regan Vest with a valid ticket and tour guide. Note that tickets are extremely limited and sell out very fast.
Regan Vest: Mariane Thomsens Gade 1c8000 Aarhus, Denmark
Hanstholm Lighthouse
Photo: BMJ/Shutterstock
Check out one of the most spectacular views of North Jutland from the Hanstholm Lighthouse. It was the first rotating lens lighthouse ever built in Denmark, and looks out onto the northern border of Thy National Park and Hanstholm Wildlife Reserve. The winding staircase can get a bit tight and scary for folks who are scared of heights, so be mindful when entering the stairs.
Hanstholm Lighthouse: Tårnvej 21, 7730 Hanstholm, Denmark
Sand-buried church
Photo: Sarah Lamagna
Technically called Sct. Laurentius Church, this 14th century church has been slowly covered up by the rising sand dunes. It had to cease its congregation in 1795 due to the sand. You can view the church any time of year, but every summer, Skagen Church has service here from mid-June to mid-August.
Sct. Laurentius Church: Gamle Landevej 63, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Experience unique art in North JutlandKunsten Museum of Modern ArtView this post on InstagramA post shared by Kunsten Museum of Modern Art (@kunstendk)
Aalborg’s Museum of Modern Art opened in 1972 but underwent a renovation completed in 2016. It was designed by the Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, who loved working with the elements of nature – more specifically, the sun. As you walk through the building, you’ll notice how each room uses the natural light to enhance the art. The current featured exhibit is from Shara Hughes, a contemporary American artist, who paints “invented landscapes” that contain clashing colors that are both shocking and beautiful. The beams that are built within the exhibition room act as reflectors to the sun, illuminating Shara’s art in the ways it was intended.
Kunsten Museum of Modern Art: Kong Christians Alle 50, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
Utzon CenterView this post on InstagramA post shared by Utzon Center (@utzoncenter)
Built by Jørn Utzon, the famous architect behind the Sydney Opera House, Utzon Center displays the many aspects of sustainable architecture. The various exhibitions showcase the major developments of architecture, including how humans can build and live on the moon in their “A Space Saga” room. Take a tour through the lunar habitat that space architects lived in for 60 days in Greenland to test it out. Or head to the Lego room where over 10,000 Legos greet visitors to try their hands at their own architecture.
Utzon Center: Slotspladsen 4, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
Museum for Papirkunst
Photo: Sarah Lamagna
Although it’s just a paper museum, Museum for Papirkunst is unlike any other museum you’ve ever been to. The entire collection is made from, you guessed it, paper. But who knew that paper could be used to make so many different types of art? Art comes from artists like Felix Semper, Vally Nomidou, Warren King, and the founder herself, Bit Vejle. You will be immersed in a light and shadow experience when touring through Bit’s masterpieces that she made only using sewing scissors. You have to see it to believe it.
Museum for Papirkunst: Ilsigvej 2, 9492 Blokhus, Denmark
Goldsmith Jan JørgensenView this post on InstagramA post shared by Jan Jørgensen smykker (@janjorgensensmykker)
This place is more than a jewelry store — it includes an open studio for goldsmiths to perfect their craft in front of customers (no pressure, though). The owner and man behind the exquisite jewelry, Jan Jørgensen, makes many of the items you’ll find in the store. Lately, he has been interested in using lab-grown diamonds as a more sustainable way to make the jewelry that he loves. Sustainability is a huge part of his business from the diamonds to the 100-percent recycled gold to even the vacuum bags being burned and recycled.
Goldsmith Jan Jørgensen: Springvandstorvet 4, 6, 9492 Blokhus, Denmark
Skagen Museum
Photo: Sarah Lamagna
The Skagen Museum hosts pieces from artists that worked and lived in Skagen. Artists and painters came from Copenhagen to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. They created a sort of artist commune in Skagen where they enjoyed each other’s company away from civilization. And, yes, you can understand why artists might be inspired by the Skagen light — especially if you’re lucky enough to view a sunset. At the museum you’ll see hundreds of paintings including the famous “Summer Evening on Skagen Sønderstrand” by Peder Krøyer – a work that every Danish child knows well.
Skagen Museum: Brøndumsvej 4, 9990 Skagen, Denmark
Where to eat and drink in North JutlandRestaurant EmilView this post on InstagramA post shared by Restaurant Emil (@restaurant_emil)
When visiting North Jutland, you’ll likely be eating a lot of fish and seafood. But owner and chef Emil Thaanup decided to put a twist on Denmark’s best-known foods. His passion for bringing new light to old dishes is at the forefront of your experience when you eat here. Emil puts major emphasis on the ecology and sustainability of the surrounding waters of Denmark, so he chooses suppliers and farmers that share his same values. And as a bonus, Restaurant Emil doesn’t require a big bank account – all dishes are reasonable in price for the masses to enjoy (think $50/person for an eight-course dinner). It’s a set menu and changes depending on the season, but includes a five-snack/three-dish or five-snack/seven-dish course selection.
Restaurant Emil: Vesterbro 65, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
Restaurant TriView this post on InstagramA post shared by Restaurant Tri (@restaurant_tri)
For a rich and decadent dining experience, head to Restaurant Tri for a 13-to-17 course dinner (depending on the season). Owner and head chef Thomas Min Jorgensen likes to say he “gives stories not servings” and he definitely delivers that. Each course is delicately selected to enhance the customer’s experience with the nature that surrounds them. From the floor-to-ceiling (actually, the roof is glass too) windows to the locally produced food, Thomas brings sustainability to the table. The restaurant opened in the Fall of 2022 and already has received multiple awards and nominations, including Most Sustainable Restaurant, Best Fish and Shellfish Menu, and Best New Restaurant. Reservations are recommended, especially during the high summer season.
Restaurant Tri: http://restaurant-tri.com/
Kessus HusView this post on InstagramA post shared by Kesses Hus (@kesseshus)
Owner Mai used to spend her days as an engineer, but got tired of city life so she moved to North Jutland for the peace and nature. Now she builds masterpieces through the Danish pancakes (similar to crepes) she serves her customers. Choose from sweet or savory dishes and relax in the laidback atmosphere of the restaurant. Don’t forget to try the rhubarb lemonade – it’s as delicious as it sounds.
Kessus Hus: Bavnbak 4, 7700 Klitmøller, Denmark
Læsø Island
Photo: Sarah Lamagna
The island is famous for its langoustines (as well as prawns and crab legs) that are caught just off its shores. The fishing industry is an integral part of island life, and most locals are connected in some way to it. The best places to get this delicious food is grabbing lunch at Huset Palsgaard and dinner at VestersVenner Badehotel Strandgaarden.
Thy Whiskey
Photo: Sarah Lamagna
With neighbors like the sand dunes and Thy National Park, the Thy Whiskey estate is as beautiful as it can get. The family has been farming these exact lands for centuries and the estate still includes a working dairy farm. The grains left over from the whiskey-making process are given to the cows for a healthy, balanced diet. Thy Whiskey is 100-percent single estate and single farm origin, meaning it doesn’t get much more sustainable than this. The limited-edition whiskeys have earned awards like Single Estate Whiskey of the Year 2023, Best European Single Malt 2020, and Gold and Category winners at the World Whiskey Awards.
Thy Whiskey: Gyrupvej 14, 7752 Snedsted, Denmark
Where to stay in North JutlandWe hope you love the spaces we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
Hotel Hanstholm MadbarViews don’t get much better than staying at this quirky and unique hotel at the tip of Hanstholm. It’s a small hotel with just a handful of rooms, which are equipped with a separate, small kitchen and living area. The in-house restaurant and bar are quiet in the mornings but lively in the evenings with locals reminiscing after a long day.
Hotel Pier 5
Photo: Expedia
Unparalleled views of the Limfjord greet every guest when they stay at Hotel Pier 5 in Aalborg. There are 154 modern and sleek rooms fit for any traveler. The owners are big supporters of sustainability and you can see it in how they run their hotel. Local and organic bath products are provided to guests for personal use. Even the hotel restaurant focuses its efforts into supporting local Danish producers. You’ll rest easy not only because the beds are comfy, but your mind will also be at ease knowing you’re supporting a great company.
Strandhotellet Blokhus
Photo: Expedia
Can you think of a hotel that has its own orangery (or, in layman’s terms, an orange tree greenhouse)? Look no further than Strandhotellet in Blokhus, which not only has an orangery but 37 beautiful rooms, a pavilion, wellness area, restaurant, and lounge. Each one of the hotel rooms has a different color scheme, including calming sea blues and vibrant bumblebee yellows.
Located within Strandhotellet Blokhus, Restaurant Blå serves a fine dining experience for guests and visitors alike. The menu is inspired by the rich history of being a beach hotel, and therefore has a multitude of fish and shellfish options (there is also locally sourced meat on the menu as well for those who might need a break from seafood).
Ruths Hotel
Photo: Expedia
At almost 120 years old, Ruths Hotel has become one of the most famous hotels in Skagen — and all of North Jutland. Surrounded by rose hips, sandy beaches, and dune grass, natural beauty abounds when you stay at the property. Rooms vary between standard rooms, junior suites, and one- to two-bedroom apartments. There is a wellness spa on site to make your relaxing getaway even more peaceful.
Hotel Løkken Strand
Photo: Expedia
This small boutique hotel in Løkken was built within an old schoolhouse. You can still see the floors of the gymnasium if you use the conference room. The owners have even used some of the old gym equipment to hang various plants and kitchen items. There are a total of 15 spacious rooms available and equipped with eco-certified bedding and Yrolí Skincare bath products.
Located within Hotel Løkken Strand, Restaurant VANDret focuses, like many restaurants in the area, on local production and supporting local farmers. Many of the dishes are built around the sea that surrounds the area including oysters as well as crab and cod. The fish is served with locally grown vegetables that accentuate the flavors.
Brøndums Hotel
Photo: Expedia
This historic hotel sits in the center of Skagen. It was first owned by Ane Kirstine Brøndum, famous Skagen artist Anna Ancher’s grandmother, in 1839. The hotel has five different buildings you can stay in, including the main building that’s still styled as a dorm-like hotel where washrooms are separate from rooms. The restaurant within the hotel is a great place to unwind after walking around Skagen for the day. If you’ve never tried a famous Danish open-faced sandwich, this is the place to order one.
How to Travel to North Jutland
Photo: Sarah Lamagna
For US travelers, the new Scandinavian Airlines flight from Newark Liberty International Airport directly to Aalborg, Denmark in the heart of North Jutland. The brand-new Airbus A321LR brings you over to North Jutland in just over seven hours. There are only 157 seats on this plane, making it light to fly and one of the most sustainable flights to take overseas. For those that can swing it, upgrading to business class means you’ll have a fully flat bed to get the best night’s sleep on the red eye flight.
If Newark isn’t an option for you to fly through, you can also fly with Scandinavian Airlines directly to Copenhagen from major US and Canadian cities including through JFK, Chicago O’Hare, Boston-Logan, Miami, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC. Once in Copenhagen, you can take another flight to Aalborg or rent a car to see the countryside.
Renting a car is a necessity once you land in Aalborg or Copenhagen. Once you arrive in the towns, though, feel free to park the car and rent a bike (many of the hotels offer this service) to view the towns from a different angle. Not only will you be taking care of the earth, but you also won’t miss the things you likely would have in a car. Plus, you’ll fit in just like a local. If bikes make you nervous, most of the cities are walkable and can be seen on foot.
This Train Will Take You Across Ireland From East To West in Less Than 2.5 Hours
If you’ve been visiting Dublin for a few days, have checked out the capital’s greatest museums and spent time in its best non-touristy pubs, it may be time to move on and see what the rest of Ireland has to offer. And because the Republic of Ireland is a small country with a solid railway network, you can go from one end of it to the other very quickly and for very cheap. Irish Rail’s trains from Dublin to Galway allow you to cross the country, from the Irish Sea to the Atlantic Ocean (and vice-versa) in a flash.
How far is Galway from Dublin?Is there a high-speed train from Dublin to Galway?How much does it cost to take the train from Dublin to Galway?How long is the train from Dublin to Galway?How often are there trains between Galway and Dublin?Is it better to take a bus or a train from Dublin to Galway?Is Galway Ireland worth visiting?How many days do you need in Galway?The best hotels in GalwayHow far is Galway from Dublin?Galway is around 130 miles away from Dublin. You can opt to travel between the two cities by car which would take around 2.5 hours. (Note that in Ireland people drive on the left in right-hand drive cars.) Or you can choose to travel with one of the several bus companies that cover that route, including CityLink, GoBus, and Aircoach. But he quickest and most comfortable way to travel between Dublin and Galway is to ride the train with Irish Rail from Dublin Heuston Station to Galway railway station.
Is there a high-speed train from Dublin to Galway?No, there is no high-speed train running between Dublin and Galway. The trains that operate on this route are InterCity Railcars (ICR) whose maximum speed is 99.4 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour). InterCity trains between Dublin and Galway complete the trip in 2.5 hours or less.
How much does it cost to take the train from Dublin to Galway?Photo: mark gusev/Shutterstock
The lowest fare to travel on the train between Dublin and Galway is $15.25 (13.99 €) and the highest fare is $17.43 (15.99 €). The price varies according to the level of flexibility you want in regard to canceling or modifying your reservation. The lowest fare seats tend to sell out quickly so book it early for the best price. Note that there is only one class of service on Irish rail’s InterCity trains.
How long is the train from Dublin to Galway?The train between Dublin and Galway is direct and takes between two hours and 18 minutes and two hours and 31 minutes to reach its destination.
How often are there trains between Galway and Dublin?
Photo: Ronin of Rock/Shutterstock
Trains from Dublin Heuston to Galway railway station run daily. From Monday to Friday, there are nine departures per day, with the first train leaving at 7:35 AM and the last train leaving at 7:35 PM. On Saturday, there are eight departures, from 7:35 AM to 7:35 PM. On Sunday, there are six departures, from 8 AM to 8:30 PM.
Trains from Galway railway station to Dublin Heuston run daily. From Monday to Friday, there are 10 departures per day, with the first train leaving at 5:25 AM and the last train leaving at 7:20 PM. On Saturday, there are nine departure from 6:25 AM to 7:20 PM. On Sunday, there are six departures, from 8:05 AM to 6 PM.
Is it better to take a bus or a train from Dublin to Galway?There are several bus companies traveling between Dublin and Galway daily, including CityBus, GoBus, and Aircoach. While buses are more frequent, they take just as long or longer than the trains to complete the trip, they stop more often, and they are less comfortable. Fares are very similar, but taking the train tends to be cheaper.
Is Galway, Ireland, worth visiting?If you’re traveling around Ireland, you cannot skip a visit to Galway. Where Dublin is busy, modern, and trendy, Galway is low-key, artsy, and traditional. Galway feels more like a fishing town than Ireland’s third largest city, despite its large and celebrated university and 83,000 inhabitants. The population of Galway consists of a lot of students, making for a fun and lively atmosphere. The heart of the action, by day or by night, is around Quay Street with its great shopping and pubs where Irish music is played most nights. Galway is the halfway point on the Wild Atlantic Way, and it’s the getaway to the world-famous lanscapes of the Cliffs of Moher, the Connemara, and the Aran Islands.
How many days do you need in Galway?If you’re going to Galway, plan to stay three or four days. That way, you’ll get to see the highlights of the city and enjoy its bohemian vibe, as well as take a couple of full day trips to the Connemara or the Cliffs of Moher, both of which you’d be remiss to pass on.
The best hotels in GalwayFor great places to stay in Dublin, check out Matador’s selection of Airbnbs near the city’s coolest attractions.
We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.
The G Hotel and Spa
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: ExpediaSee more photosJust a five-minute taxi ride from the train station and the city center, the G Hotel and Spa is a five-star spa hotel with views on Lough Atalia. The property has a variety of rooms to accommodate your party and your budget, all of which are elegantly decorated thanks to a recent extensive $1 million refurbishment. The G Hotel and Spa is the perfect place to stay for those who want to enjoy the energy and attractions of the city and be able retreat from it when needed. The spa offers a variety of treatments including massages and facials, and there is a thermal suite equipped with a pool, a sauna, heated loungers, and more. The hotel is also home is a restaurant, a cocktail bar, and three lounges where to enjoy meals, drinks, or afternoon tea.
Book NowHarbour Hotel
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: ExpediaSee more photosThe Harbour Hotel is a four-star property located in the heart of the action, a 10-minute walk from the Galway railway station and the city center. The interior decor of this 96-room hotel is tasteful and homely. There is a renowed on-site restaurant, Dillisk on the Docks, and an outdoors terrace from where guests can relax.
Book NowThe Galmont
Photo: Expedia
Photo: Expedia
Photo: ExpediaSee more photosThe Galmont is a four-star property located less than 15 minutes on foot from the railway station and the Galway city center. Home to an award-winning spa with a thermal suite, a sauna, and an indoor pool, the 275-room property is ideal for travelers who wish to relax or treat themselves to a massage, facial, scrub, manicure, pedicure, or more. The interior decor is elegant and understated, and the large terrace has views on Lough Atalia. The on-site Marinas Restaurant and the Coopers Bar & Lounge will fill all your dining needs, including afternoon tea.
Exploring the Local Side of Jordan Through Its Sights, Aromas, and Flavors
Step into the cramped hall of Jordan’s Souk el-Khodra, the Amman Vegetable Market, and the aroma is the first thing you notice. Certainly, the colors are dazzling – the bright green of raw chickpeas, deep purple of sumac, golden turmeric, and dozens more vibrant provisions decorate brimful tables. Meanwhile, the ambient haggling in Jordanian Arabic provides a melodic soundtrack.
But it’s the scents that captivate. Many vendors have their own roasting ovens, which genty spin as they roast peanuts, tree nuts, and watermelon seeds, emitting their rich perfumes. These creamy, wafting smells mix with warm hints of cardamom, cinnamon, and clove are sprinkled with the pungent perfume of thyme, fenugreek, marjoram, and countless more herbs.
Photo: Noelle Salmi
Our guide at the market and throughout the week is Moayad Al Otaibi. The son of a chef, Otaibi studied worked in kitchen and studied archeology in college, making him the perfect guide for a pilot tour of Jordan oriented on food to be offered by the travel company Explore. The seven-day trip costs between $1470 to $1630, excluding flights, with a $530 surcharge for single-occupancy travelers. Explore works with local providers to design journeys, which can last from four days to three weeks and are bookable three months to over a year in advance.
The Vegetable Market is located near an ancient amphitheater in the oldest part of Amman. At a shop just next door to it are yet more spices, offered up as dried leaves and berries or ground into powders. Many are blended into combinations to be purchased whole or crushed – among them several versions of za’atar, a mix of thyme and sesame that may also contain other herbs and spices. In Jordan, za’atar often includes the lemony tartness of sumac.
“Almost all the spices come from India,” says Moayad Al Otaibi. “We use the same spices, but with Middle Eastern flavors.”
Photo: Noelle Salmi
Al Otaibi, an Amman native, is passionate about his country’s cuisine and enthusiastically details how to prepare each dish we encounter. On our trip we’ll admire Jordan’s deservedly famous highlights, Petra and the Wadi Rum desert, while also visiting village bakeries and dairies, hiking through fields of wild herbs, and helping cook our meals.
A trip to the Ajloun Forest Reserve in 3,500-foot hills north of Amman gives us a first taste of Jordanian flavors and hospitality. On our journey there, we pass the Jerash region, home not only to extensive Roman ruins but to copious olive groves. At the reserve itself, a workshop converts olive oil from those groves into moisturizing soap bars, either plain or enriched with ingredients like pomegranate and oatmeal.
Next door, the Biscuit House bakery turns out sheets of redolent cookies flavored with cardamom, honey, pistachio, or ginger and filled with dates, tahini, or honey. Alongside them are savory biscuits of fennel, olive oil, or thyme and cheese. Energized by the tasty confections, we hike quickly through forests of carob, pistachio, and evergreen oaks in comfortable mountain temperatures.
We end our trek just beyond the reserve, where lunch prepared in a family home by Eman Dwekat and served by her sons is a delight. A roasting pan called a sawani holds chicken that’s been marinated overnight in garlic and lemon and slow roasted with eggplant and potatoes, while another holds minced lamb served with sauteed onions and spices. The meal also features rice tinted bright yellow by turmeric and saffron, and mutabal, which is a baba ganoush with tahini.
Two additional dishes – mashed potatoes wrapped in filo dough and chicken with onions and sumac rolled in thin bread called shrak – hint at the importance of bread in Jordanian cuisine. The meal is capped by the arrival of a golden tray bearing small glass cups filled with bright, mahogany-hued tea infused with sage leaves. The aroma is so intoxicating that I sip the tea as slowly as possible to keep breathing in the musky, verdant fragrance.
Photo: Noelle Salmi
“In Jordan, we love the tea with any flavor. Not milk, no. Sage or cinnamon, mint, cardamom, thyme, any of these herbs we add to the tea. Or we make a mixture,” says Al Otaibi.
I try another herb the next day in the Dana Biosphere Reserve, a 120-square-mile haven for hundreds of unique animals like sand cats and Nubian ibexes, over 200 bird species, and hundreds of plant species, many endemic. Midway through a hike past Aleppo pines, white pines, and balut oaks we stop to rest atop a rocky outcrop. Granite peaks topping 4,500 feet soar to our right, limestone and sandstone hills lay before us, while, to our left, the desert stretches into the distance.
Photo: Noelle Salmi
Our hiking guide Ahmed Ali heats up tea in a dented metal teapot over a small, open flame and adds in an herb that he’s gathered on our walk. Ali serves it in tiny paper cups, and I’m greeted by the wafting scent of artemisia. Once again, a few sprigs have transformed a simple cup of tea.
The vast terrain we see, from the sub-sea-level sands to the stony mountains, belongs to the Dana Biosphere. In the cool breeze, Al Otaibi explains, “The Bedouin does not change the clothes. They change the location. In the summer, they come to the mountains. In the winter, they are in the desert.”
Jordan is home to several Bedouin tribes that still inhabit its desert areas, as well as urban residents who are proud of their sometimes distant Bedouin heritage. While 92 percent of Jordanians are Muslim, eight percent of the population identifies as Christian, in a mix of Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant denominations. In Jordan, you won’t find alcohol in most locally owned hotels and restaurants, but liquor stores carry wines produced by two well-known Jordanian Christian vintners, Zumat and Haddad.
Photo: PhotoHunterQais/Shutterstock
While each region has its own specialties, Jordan’s national dish is rooted both in its Bedouin desert history and its legacy as a cultural crossroads. Mansaf is usually made with lamb, which is slow-cooked in a rich yogurt sauce and served over rice atop a layer of shrak bread. Mansaf is served for lunch at every Jordanian wedding, sometimes to hundreds of guests, who partake in the meal while standing.
To discover the source of mansaf’s distinct taste, we travel south to the desert, stopping in the village of Al Shobak. There, a local women’s cooperative makes Mansaf’s essential ingredient to sell to the community: laban jameed, or “hard yogurt.”
Inside a basic concrete building, a mass that looks like whitish clay is drying amid layers of sheets on the floor. A sample reveals it tastes like a cross between strained yogurt and feta. Behind it, trays display white and yellow orbs the size of grapefruits. These are dried balls of labneh, a yogurt-cheese, and the yellow ones have been seasoned with turmeric.
Although labneh is a Bedouin tradition, camel milk is unsuitable for it, as it’s too low in fat, says Al Otaibi. However, camel milk is rich in protein and vitamins, he says, adding, “A glass of camel milk and some dates is an excellent breakfast.”
Labneh is instead made from goat and sheep milk, which is salted, shaped into spheres, and dried. In the desert’s arid climate, labneh balls last several months unrefrigerated and are always at hand. That matters, since according to Bedouin tradition one should be prepared to cook Mansaf at a moment’s notice.
Should a stranger come to you in the desert, you must take them in. You will then kill one of your sheeps or goats, boil the meat, then add a dried labneh ball to the broth to make the rich Mansaf sauce. Only after you have served the Mansaf on its bed of golden rice and your guest has had their fill, may you and your family dine on what is left. Jordanians say that the need to treat newcomers with respect arose from life in harsh desert conditions.
Even before trying Mansaf at the end of the week, I experience Jordanian hospitality with each encounter, be it a shopkeeper, business owner, or taxi driver. Again and again I hear, “You’re welcome. Welcome to Jordan.”
The spiced rice on which Mansaf is served doesn’t grow in the desert, but we grasp its origins when we visit Petra the next day.
Photo: Noelle Salmi
Petra’s dramatic topography is the result of three tectonic plates pushing a 500 million-year-old seabed upwards – producing swirling sandstone features, sheltered glens, and narrow canyons. The formations were so remarkable and useful that the Nabateans, possibly a Bedouin tribe who arrived there from Yemen over two millennia ago, worshiped the gods of the mountains.
The Nabateans became excellent traders who eased the flow of spices, incense, and textiles between Asia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. They also helped move metals like gold, iron, and copper and many other items. In the 1.2-mile entrance into Petra through the Siq canyon, or “narrow passage,” you’ll spot a faint carving in the sandstone wall: that of a camel trader, with camels moving both in and out of Petra. The carving attests to the centrality of trading to Nabateans.
Photo: Noelle Salmi
The wealth that Nabateans amassed as traders financed the construction of cisterns, dams, and ornate mausoleums carved from the natural sandstone walls. The Siq walk ends at the first mausoleum, the Treasury, inaccurately named by early looters who hoped to find riches inside. Al Otaibi points out the motley mix of architectural styles and depictions of Egyptian, Roman, and Nabatean gods on the Treasury’s facade – probably carved to appeal to the Nabateans’ many trading partners.
Multiple tour groups have reached the Treasury before us, the midmorning sun has temporarily bleached the sandstone, and detritus of camels, horses, and donkeys leaves a faint, unpleasant odor. Retreating to a corner of the Treasury’s gulch, I order a coffee from local Bedouins. The small, steamy cup delivers a welcome new aroma. This time it is cardamom, a spice typically included in Arabic coffee.
Revived, I push on, trekking another two miles beyond the Treasury, leaving many tourists behind and passing endless caves and carvings. Two of us scale precariously etched steps to ledges that offer commanding views of the “Fortress City.” As afternoon sets in, we work our way back to the Petra entrance slowly. Few other tourists remain and the sandstone walls have taken on stunning sunset tones. Mesmerizing layers of pink, crimson, and burgundy explain Petra’s other nickname: “The Rose City.”
We have a hand in cooking dinner that evening, which introduces us to another Jordanian dish: maglouba, meaning “upside-down.” In a large soup pot, chicken is topped with vegetables like eggplant, potatoes, and cauliflower, with rice atop it all. Once it is cooked, the pot is turned over onto a platter and, with a flourish, lifted up to reveal a medley of meat and vegetables, which are then sprinkled with almonds or pine nuts.
Our day in Petra has made clear how the nutty eastern spices that flavor maglouba and color its rice, like cinnamon, turmeric, cardamom, cumin, and cloves, as well the rice itself, first made their way into this region of the world.
Photo: Noelle Salmi
While rice is a Jordanian mainstay, bread is equally vital. Quality is also so highly praised that at Amman’s elegant Tawaheen al-Hawa restaurant, a Bedouin woman in the front hall makes layer after layer of shrak, reassuring diners of the unleavened bread’s freshness.
After departing Petra the next day, we visit Sahtean Bakery in Al Taybeah village to make our own bread. This one, taboon, is named for the oven in which it’s cooked. In the past, this oven would have been carved into the ground and covered with a metal top. After first rising overnight, the rolled out dough would have been cooked atop hot stones inside the taboon – resulting in nubby, circular loaves.
At Sahtean, we roll out the loaves ourselves, but the hot stones on which we lay them occupy racks in commercially sized ovens. After five to six minutes in high heat, the crispy-soft, round loaves are removed and stacked, to be enjoyed immediately. We stand at a tall, round table and, using torn pieces of the just-baked taboon as spoons, dip into multiple mezes, like baba ganoush, hummus, and galayet, a sauce of sauteed tomatoes and onions flavored with garlic or cardamom.
Bakery owner Uday Khalayfeh, known as Lorans to western guests, and his family have also laid out sweet spreads. Lorans suggests I grab a chunk of halva, a powdery, sesame-seed candy, with the bread and then dip it into a bowl of date syrup. The rich, almost wine-like complexity of the sweet syrup is so unexpected that I ask Lorans how long it took to prepare. Five months, he replies.
Photo: Noelle Salmi
In the late afternoon, we drive into the Wadi Rum desert, whose dunes, mountains, and crags have served as settings for Star Wars, The Martian, Dune, and countless other films. They prove much weirder in real life. Tiers upon tiers of reddish rock appear to be crying tears of stone. After regarding a sunset even redder than the rocks, we return to Sky Village Camp, a collection of semi-permanent camel-hair tents tucked into a secluded arroyo.
We watch as a three-tiered metal tray that has been cooked under sand is unearthed, and we savor the flavors of the desert and spices from ancient Nabatean’s trade routes under the star-speckled sky. The meats and vegetables of the zarb, as this earth-cooked meal is called, are accompanied by a toothsome mezes and a tangy za’atar-seasoned fattoush salad. After dinner, we sit around the fire as our host Ibrahim Hlalat offers us cups of tea with our choice of herbs. I opt for mint and sage.
Dressed in a khaki Bedouin robe, Hlalat tells us that we are guests in his country and his desert, and we are most welcome. Sated from another unforgettable meal under a visible Milky Way and taking in the dreamy herbal scent of the tea, I feel Jordanian hospitality. I feel welcome.
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