My Travel Tips And Itinerary To Go Around The Globe

Eat like a local in Rome – top 10 restaurants and street food to experience delicious traditional Roman food

6 Comments / 14 November 2022

On your way to Rome, or already there, and you need help choosing where to eat avoiding tourist traps? You happen to be in the right place because I am going to give you the names of the top 10 restaurants and street food shops in Rome, where you can eat like a local and experience traditional Roman food that you will remember forever.

When you think about Rome suddenly you imagine yourself surrounded by famous sights, cobblestones (Sampietrini) streets and you figure to be immersed into one of the most historical cities in the world, within almost 2800 years since its foundations; known for the endless monuments, churches and museums to visit.

Eat like a local in rome skyline — _{Photo by Pixabay}

But the capital city of Italy is not “only” history and monuments, the food has big importance if you are visiting for the first time, nonetheless if you are in Rome for the 10th time. That is why I decided to share with you the best tips, as a Roman, on how to eat like a local in Rome and which are the top 10 restaurants and street food shops you don’t want to miss.

How to eat like a local in Rome

Eating like a local in Rome does not mean necessarily staying far from the city centre, in fact, your main goal will be only to avoid the tourist trap; as most of the top 10 restaurants to try traditional food will be within the city centre.

Don’t forget some important “rules” on how to eat like a local in Rome:

Don’t order Cappuccino with your meals: this is exclusively a morning beverage.
Consider having a street food lunch style while getting lost on the beautiful streets.
Avoid the tourist traps in the easier way: no pictures menus, no food on display and no high prices.
Not only eat like a local but consider eating with locals by having a late lunch, around 1/1.30 pm and late dinner circa at 9 pm.
Take your time to order, give them time to cook and take the time back to enjoy the food.

Eat like a local in a Restaurant

Lucky enough to have been raised in one of my favourite cities so far and moreover to have spent 5 years of my life in a hospitality High School in Trastevere – the heart of the city from my point of view. These helped me grow up my culinary love for traditional Roman food and here is when I started to search for the top 10 restaurants in Rome.

10-top-restaurants-eat-like-a-local-in-rome

Finally, after almost a decade since I finished my studies, I am able to share with you some of the best places to eat like a local in Rome. By creating this I had the chance to compare my top 10 best restaurants and street food choice with my friends and family, doing a survey and realised that most of the places we have chosen are the same and so these will be for you a little treasure for your journey in Rome.

By locals with love.

Felice a Testaccio

Since 1936, this “fine dining” Trattoria, da Felice a Testaccio, in the heart of one historical neighbourhood of Rome, delights everyone with freshly prepared traditional roman dishes. It is a restaurant you can’t miss to try. Every time I am back home, I book a table here to make sure I will eat the perfect “welcome back” meal.

Speciality: Tonnarelli cacio e pepe. Despite being my favourite traditional Roman dish, here at Felice a Testaccio the finishing process of adding the Cacio and Pepe mix will happen at your table, right under your nose. A good way to start enjoying your food, don’t you think?

Budget: €€ between 20-40 € per person.

Where: Testaccio, in Via Mastro Giorgio, 29.

Opening time: Monday to Friday from 12.30 to 15.30 and from 19.00 to 23.30.

Il Duca

Minutes away from Piazza Trilussa, in the beautiful Trastevere; il Duca restaurants offer a very peculiar rustic style environment and quality for the choice of its best and fresh ingredients. The traditions and the passion for the food are, since 1988, the key of this family business and their recipes are handed down from generation. Here you can be sure to have some of the best traditional Roman food.

Speciality: Spaghetti alla Carbonara is their best-selling due to the use of Amatrice Guanciale and the DOP Pecorino Romano. Il Duca also prepares daily homemade pasta and 30+ hours of Sourdough with the best Italian flours, so make sure to try one of these or even both.

Budget: €€ between 30-50 € per person.

Where: Trastevere, Vicolo del Cinque, 56.

Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday from 18.30 to 00.00, Sunday from 12.30 to 15.30 and closed on Monday.

Cesare al Casaletto

If you are in Rome to eat like a proper local and getting to avoid tourist traps at the same time, this is the perfect Trattoria for you. Located only a few tram (number 8) stops from Viale Trastevere, Cesare al Casaletto offers a menu that ranges the traditional Roman food, a good amount of seafood dishes and finally the proper pizza Romana: thin with a crunchy crust and light as the dough is left leavened to perfection.

Speciality: Make sure you order ‘Polpette di bollito’ (stew meatballs) and ‘Crochette di melanzane all’arrabiata’ (hot eggplants croquettes) you will love the explosion of flavours in your mouth. Don’t be afraid to try also any other fried dishes such as the battered mozzarella and ‘Fiore di zucca fritto’ (anchovies zucchini flower) or the ‘Filetto di baccala’ (battered cod).

Budget: €€ between 20-40 € per person.

Where: Monteverde, Via del Casaletto, 45.

Opening time: Thursday to Tuesday from 12.45 to 15.00 and from 19.45 to 23.00. Closed on Wednesday.

Meo Patacca

Da Meo Patacca Osteria is situated in one of my favourite Piazza in Trastevere’s narrow streets. In this building traditions, cinema, arts and people gathered to create the beautiful vibes this place still has after its boom during the Dolce Vita age (’50s and ’60s). The different halls inside the restaurants, the waiters dressed in ‘800-era clothes and the professional musician playing every night the typical Roman and Napolitan songs will let you enjoy not only the food but the experience itself.

Speciality: The best way to start your meal is for sure with antipasto, so opt for the ‘Meo Maxi’ (cheese, cured meat, bruschetta, vegetable in oil and a hot treat Chef’s choice. The main dishes are so tasty too, so any of them will be a win.

Budget: €€ between 20-40 € per person.

Where: Trastevere, Piazza dei Mercanti, 30.

Opening time: Monday to Sunday from 19.00 to 23.00 and Saturday/ Sunday from 12.30 to 15.00

Lo scopettaro

Emerged as one of the best authentic restaurants in Rome, lo Scopettaro, is situated in one of the beautiful neighbourhoods of the Capital City; here most of the best traditional food can be eaten by locals and like a local (if you are visiting).

Lo Scopettaro was born in 1930, initially as a broom shop; but funny story: the shop quickly turns into a trattoria when the artisanal’s wife cooked for the husband a tasty pasta with beans and the smell was so inviting that suddenly she started to have more and more guest enjoying this simple, yet traditional food.

Dare to try this typical Roman Trattoria, kept simple and unique.

Eat-like-a-local-in-rome-lo-scopettaro — _{Photo by LoScopettaro / Beans in crockpot}

Speciality: Carciofi (artichokes) alla Romana, cicoria ripassata (sautèè Chicory) or Rigatoni alla Pajata are some of the best dishes here. If you are not alone, order different dishes and share to be able to try different things.

Budget: €€ between 20-40 € per person.

Where: Testaccio, Lungotevere Testaccio, 7.

Opening time: Monday to Sunday from 12.30 to 14.45 and from 19.30 to 22.45.

Eat street food like a local in Rome

To eat like a local in Rome you shouldn’t be considering only the authentic restaurants, trattoria and osteria but eating like a local in Rome – said from the local that I am – means as well, to experience the street food that the Capital City offers.

This is why in the second part of “Eat like a local in Rome”, I decided to include some of the best places to enjoy Roman traditional street food.

Eat-like-a-local-in-rome-street-food — _{Photo by Viator}

Here are just 5 of the best places I have been eating lately in Rome, but these five are definitely the must-try original or simple street food. You will be delighted with the richest flavours connected by the strong traditions and the everyday study to make better recipes with innovative techniques; to please everyone with simple, seasonal and quality ingredients.

Trapizzino

During my last year spent in Rome, before becoming an ex-pat in 2014, I was working in a restaurant in Trastevere. The crazy weekly hours, the many covers from breakfast till dinner time and the non-stop production make me feel tired and enthusiastic at the same time. I was only 20 years old and working under lots of stress was a misunderstandable emotion, but I had so much energy that during my break I was able to ride my bicycle from Trastevere to Testaccio (10 minutes) and reach this new original business which just opened and that from day one showed to be a winning idea.

Trapizzino is this tremendously amazing idea from Stefano Callegari, which had the power to enclose two traditional things and create a unique “street food”. A triangular pizza bianca slice, freshly made with lievito madre and stone ground flour, stuffed with your favourite traditional – roman and Italian – sauce.

Eat-like-a-local-in-rome-trapizzino-street-food — _{Photo by Scattidigusto}

Speciality: My weakness for eggplant is a big thing, I can eat them every day in any different way; so definitely my favourite Trapizzino will be the “Parmigiana di Melanzane”. Tasty and vegetarian options are also Burrata and scapece zucchini or pumpkin, almond and Pecorino cheese.

Budget: 5€ is the standard price for a Trapizzino and 2€ for a Suppli.

Where: The first Trapizzino opened in Testaccio, following a few more openings not only in Rome but in Milan, Turin, Trieste, Florence and New York.

Testaccio, Via Giovanni Branca 88
Ponte Milvio, Piazzale di Ponte Milvio 13
Trastevere, Piazza Trilussa 46
Piazza Bologna, Piazzale delle Province 9
Mercato Centrale, Stazione Termini Via Giovanni Giolitti 36
Piazza Risorgimento, Be.Re Via Vespasiano 2

Supplì

From 1979 Supplì intend to create a new way of fast food, known these days as “street food”, producing freshly made traditional delicatessen. The captivating smell in the heart of Trastevere will definitely capture you from the closest tram stop. Here you will face plenty of options to choose from for your takeaway food; pasta, pizza, roasted and fried food.

Speciality: Obviously you can’t go to Supplì and not have at least one of their tasty and rich supplì, Cacio e pepe or Classico are my favourites.

Budget: € starting from as little as 2€ for a supplì.

Where: Trastevere, Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 137

Opening time: Monday to Tuesday from 9 to 17 / Wednesday to Saturday from 9 to 21.

Antico Forno Roscioli

Antico Forno Roscioli has this strong goal of satisfying Roman’s palate, so get ready to eat like a local in this Bakery situated 1 minute away from Piazza Campo ‘de Fiori.

The original old furnace structure dates back to Rome in 1824, but the Roscioli family bought it in 1972 and every day since then, they make sure to give locals and tourists also the best products. Gathering traditions and evolutions, the family, is focused on using the best selections of ingredients and on applying – when needed – new techniques over the old ones in order to please every customer.

Eat-like-a-local-in-rome-antico-forno-roscioli — _{Photo by AnticofornoRoscioli}

Speciality: Buy pizza al taglio, as a local would eat here, and definitely just a single bite will let you fall in love with the crunchiness of the slice, the taste of the sauce on top and the lightness of the dough. Trust me, the taste of a simple Pizza Rossa will be just the beginning of a love story with this Forno.

Budget: € starting from as little as 5€ per person.

Where: Campo ‘de Fiori, Via dei Chiavari, 34

Opening time: Monday to Sunday from 7.30 to 20.30.

Forno Campo ‘de Fiori

As said earlier, I was so lucky to attend high school lost in one of Trastevere’s streets. So every time the school organized a day trip or a couple of hours at the closer Cinema, my classmate and I, we were passing by Piazza Campo ‘de Fiori.

This square is famous for many things such as the biggest daily open-air Market in Rome, Giordano Bruno’s memorial in the Piazza centre, the historic cinema and the simple yet so traditional Forno Campo ‘de Fiori.

If you want to eat like a local in Rome this is a must-try Forno, to experience the so famous traditional bakery products. The little shop offers simple, super fresh, super tasty products; definitely worth queueing to eat your food surrounded by this historical square and buildings.

Eat-like-a-local-in-rome-Forno-campo-de-fiori — _{Photo by Lequattrodame}

Speciality: Pizza Bianca, yes as simple as that. One of the best pizza al taglio you will eat in beautiful Rome. If you want to try something sweet I love their “Crostata di Visciole” (Sour cherry tart).

Budget: € get ready to spend few Euros for a good slice of Pizza Bianca (or to spend a lot cause you can’t get to choose only one thing to eat).

Where: Campo de’ Fiori, 22

Opening time: Monday to Saturday from 8 to 14.30 and from 16.30 to 19.30.

Il maritozzo Rosso

In 2016 a new way of eating Maritozzo was born in Trastevere, the idea was to create this special “street food” mixing something so traditional, such as the Maritozzo (a typical Roman kind of brioche, stuffed with whipped cream), with not any more sweet stuffing, but replacing it with the savouries fillings. The idea boomed and today, in 2022, the Maritozzo Rosso is awarded as “Regional Champion of Lazio” by the “Gambero Rosso’s Street Food guide”.

Every day the Maritozzi are freshly prepared and stuffed with traditional roman and Italian ingredients. Here you can taste the balance of traditions and innovations and you can definitely feel the passion the staff put into what they do.

Perhaps you rather have your lunch in a restaurant? Don’t worry, because Maritozzo Rosso has two locations; offering the exact same menu, but with more tables and comfortable sits to enjoy the “street food” in slow food style in the beautiful neighbourhood of Prati.

Eat-like-a-local-in-rome-maritozzo-rosso — _{Photo by Romeing}

Speciality: Maritozzo with broccoli, anchovies and pecorino or with creamed cod and hummus were my favourites. If you are a meat eater try them all, I believe you will not regret it.

Budget: € starting from 6.50€ per Maritozzo.

Where:

Trastevere, Vicolo del cedro, 26
Prati, Via Pietro Cavallini 25

Opening time: in Trastevere: Monday to Friday from 12.30 to 15.30 and from 19.00 to 23.30. In Prati: Monday to Friday from 12 to 15 and from 18.30 to 23.

Roma campo de fiori — _{Photo by VitaItaliantour}

Here we are at the end of your foodie journey in Rome. I really hope you get the chance to eat at least in a few of these places I put together for you.

As a chef, but mainly as a food lover, I believe that every place you visit deserves an unforgettable food experience. Eating like a local in the country you are visiting will not only fulfil yourself but will support the local restaurants, shops, bakeries, pizzerias and small businesses giving them the chance to keep offering the best service, with quality and devotion.

Leave me your feedback in the comment and any questions you would like me to answer. Any extra tips to have the best food experience and to feel like a local is always given with pleasure.

Eat like a local in Rome – top 10 restaurants and street food to experience delicious traditional Roman food Read More »

thorsborne-trail-hinchinbrook-island-view

The wild Thorsborne Trail. Things you need to know to hike the Hinchinbrook Island National Park.

17 October 2022

Are you ready to experience one of the wildest and most challenging walks of Tropical Queensland, Australia? I probably wasn’t until I did it, so here are for you all my tips and personal advice for you to organize and love this hiking.

The Thorsborne Trail on Hinchinbrook Island is ideal for travellers who love, as I do, outdoor adventure and also like to challenge their body, strength and mind.

thorsborne-trail-hinchinbrook-island-lookout

Here is what you will find in this article, read everything and spot the little itinerary to plan at best this unforgettable hike.

Hiking the Thorsborne Trail

Rated as one of the top ten walks on the planet, the Hinchinbrook Island National Park offers a 32km long trail; which extends through the thick rainforests, the east coast’s white sandy beaches and the waterfalls, to immerse between the vast tropical lands and the deep green misty mountains.

Situated just over 200km south of Cairns and less than an hour from the nearest city of Townsville, Hinchinbrook Island is Australia’s largest Island National Park and is separated from the mainland by the Hinchinbrook Channel, detaching the coast of the nearby Cardwell.

Here you will find a quick and easy guide for your 4 days on the Thorsborne Trail, things I wish I did know before and tips to enjoy the most this wild and exciting hiking.

When to visit the Island

The best time to walk the Thorbone Trail on Hinchinbrook Island is from April to September. The climate will be warm but bearable in these months, as the wet season/summer is over and the Tropical Queensland winter offers cooler and dryer weather.

Not only for the “cooler” temperature but also making your 4-day plan in this period, will allow you to have enough water sources during your hiking, without the need to take with you litres and litres of water. Hinchinbrook Island is a very peculiar and unique island to hike and visit. There are only a few human traces and drinking tap water isn’t one of them, so you will have to rely on the water you will meet on the way.

wild thorsborne trail hinchinbrook island4

Hey, this is Rebecca an Italian travel and food lover, who’s exploring the world and beyond taking care of the beautiful planet we are lucky to live in.

If you want to know more about me and what I do why don’t you read here..

Getting to Hinchinbrook Island

With just 40 people permitted to camp on the island at any one time, a camping permit is required for all the camping sites along the Thorsborne Trail; a reason why the earlier you book your camping permit, the luckiest you will be to reserve the spot for the days you wish. You can make your booking here.

Once you have your Thorsborne Trail permit you will be able to go further with the ferry reservation. Daily operating from only two different companies, the ferries depart from Lucinda with Absolute North Charter and from Cardwell with Hinchinbrook Island Cruises.

thorsborne-trail-hinchinbrook-island-ferry

Both the ferry companies offer transfer to either end of the National Park Trail, south or the north end is completely up to you. Just keep in mind the best way to do it is from North to South, as water sources are more walking towards South of Hinchinbrook Island.

Thorsborne Trail difficult level

Four days through the Thorborne Trail is certainly enough for the actual 32km of hiking. The maximum length of staying is 5 days but it can be easily done in 3 to 4 days.

thorsborne-trail-hinchinbrook-island-creek

Based on my personal experience, I highly recommend spreading the walk in the full 3 nights and 4 days. The reason is mostly for the sake of the walk itself, for the chance to enjoy every little spot, the vibes and the simplicity of life in these “particular conditions”.

Protected since 1932, the trail is managed under the minimal impact bushwalking and no-trace camping ethic to help maintain the wild habitats and minimize the impact. The walk scenery changes creating a unique journey through Hinchinbrook Island National Park. Pristine beaches and bays, mountainous peaks, bright green and dense rainforest, mangrove and eucalyptus forest, waterfalls and creeks and enormous red rock to climb are only the frames of this unforgettable and breathtaking painting you are going to hike.

The grade difficulty of the Thorsborne Trail is difficult to challenge and I strongly agree with this. Perpahs I am not the number one hiker of our time, I do enjoy a lot of walks and hikes in general, as I did back in Switzerland, Thailand and Italy. This doesn’t make me a professional hiker either, so this trail was for me a good effort, still, I was capable to do it so and the reward was more than appreciated.

So don’t be afraid, the trail might cross different terrain, but it is not impossible to do it and all the people I met during my journey were from 16 years old to 65 and more. Take your time and don’t worry, you will not fail.

Pack smart and leave only footprints

One of the most important things about this hiking trip was for me – and other people I know who experienced the Thorsborne Trail – the “what, how and why” of packing your backpack for the 4 days in the smartest way. Pre-planning can be very helpful as the main need is to be self-sufficient, be able to rely on your own sources and obviously be sure to leave on your journey nothing but footprints.

thorsborne-trail-Hinchinbrook-island-falls

As you might have understood, the Hinchinbrook Island National Park does offer wilderness and nature, which means the usual facilities you seek in long hiking won’t be available here. Toilets, for example, are only in the main camping area and this for sure is the biggest and only service to be found through the trail. But here is what you can do to carry the right weight on your backpack and have a smooth experience without the need to leave anything behind, so to keep the beauty of the island as intact as possible.

Consider this list a very helpful one for your packing:

Make sure to have a good backpack, something around 40/50L of capacity and with plenty of outer pockets, to keep handy the most useful things. If the backpack comes with a water cover that’s a plus point, other just bring a cover bag to use in the chance of rain.
Lightweight and compact tents, sleeping bags and mattresses are so important, you don’t want to carry a huge tent or sleeping bag as every single gram will add to your back during the entire hike.
At least 3 litres hydration pack, or insulated bottles that you will fill up with water during the trail at the waterfalls and creeks. Better to take with you water purification tablets or simply boil the water before drinking it. To be honest, I haven’t, I was drinking the water from the source without treating it and I was fine.
Sunglasses are really important. Most of the time, especially the first 2 days you will be walking on the open bays, so under the direct sun. Don’t forget to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Mosquito repellent is a must, honestly, the amount of flies and others living on the island is crazy and if you are a person most likely to be bitten they will definitely enjoy doing it. My mistake was to take a DIY product with me, to be as less impactful as possible, but I regret it. These insects were starving! Don’t be afraid to take a good repellent and also some mosquito coils to use when you are in the camping areas.
Of course, you will need comfortable and reliable hiking shoes or boots to deal with the different surfaces you will walk. From climbing rocks over the shore to walking into some mud in the eucalyptus forest.
Camp kitchen to provide your main meals of the hiking, I carried the light and complete 360° Furno stove & pot set. Also don’t forget your food, which can be simple as your needs or dehydrated as a good and tasty alternative. I personally opt for plain rice with carrots for the main meals, it’s definitely up to your taste and needs.
A torch or headlamp for the light you will need after sunsets.
Make sure you have more than enough snacks to rely on during the walk. Fresh fruits, protein bars, cholates and nuts are good ways to have your sugar dose and satisfaction.
After or during your daily hiking you will be dying to jump into waterfalls, so don’t forget to pack your swimmers.
Hand sanitiser is very important as “normal” toilets are far from where you’ll be, surely just back on the mainland.
The biggest suggestion regarding your outfit is first to check the forecast and second to consider that the temperature is not dropping under 13° C at night. So heavy clothes are not necessary, probably I would think of a cosy jumper – just for the feeling of it – and a couple of changes of clothes.
Toiletries- of course, you don’t want to forget a toothbrush, a good and eco-friendly toothpaste and toilet paper.

thorsborne-trail-hinchinbrook-island-travel

Seems like a pretty big list of important things to have, but it is just the very necessities you will need to carry over with you. The better you can manage this weight, the smoother your Hinchinbrook Island hiking will be. Just keep in mind there is no rubbish bin on the Thorsborne Trail, so all that is arriving with you will be also following on your way out. In this way, the following people that come to enjoy this experience after you will have the chance to love and make the most of all the beauty you have seen and lived for these days.

Be Crocwise in Crocountry and enjoy the birdwatching

What is it like to visit Tropical Queensland and not run the risk of seeing a crocodile? Hinchinbrook Island National Park is known to have a small number of visitors at the time, 40 to be exact, this allows the wildlife to be the main inhabitants of the Park.

Obviously, crocodiles are a big slice of this wildlife cake and, as you might know, they can be in the ocean and outside also. Make sure you consider reading these tips to avoid any danger.

thorsborne-trail-Hinchinbrook-island-overview

Even though don’t be afraid to spot goannas, lots of bird species, colourful butterflies and all the beautiful flora and fauna predominating the surroundings. My favourite was the birds singing at dawn and the sunsets framed by the breathtaking landscapes and environments.

Quick 4 days itinerary on Thorsborne Trail

As promised here is the little itinerary to do the hike in the best way, from North of Hinchinbrook Island to the South. The journey will start early as the Absolute North ferry leaves Lucinda at 8 am and you will be able to start the walk around 9 to 9.30 am at Ramsay Bay; ending up on day 4 at Gorge Point at a different time, depending on the creek tides (make sure you check this in advance). Consider also making little changes depending on your feelings once you are there because, in the end, the real reason why you’re doing this is to really enjoy the route and the vibes you will have around.

Day 1: From Ramsay to Little Ramsay Bay, 6.5 km, allow about 5 hours.

Day 2: From Little Ramsay Bay to Zoe Bay, 10.5 km, allow about 6 hours.

Day 3: From Zoe Bay to Mulligan Falls, 7.5 km, allow 4.5 hours hike.

Day 4: From Mulligan Falls to Gorge Point, 7.5 km, allow about 2.5 hours.

This experience left me with lots of good memories and beautiful feelings even after 1 month. I will be advising this hiking to most of the people I will meet on my Tropical Queensland adventure and beyond.

thorsborne-trail-hinchinbrook-island-sunset

I really hope you will make this one of the best experiences you had in your life. Let me know what your thoughts are and how your experience was; if you are interested in other tips for this itinerary just comment below and I will be happy to help.

The wild Thorsborne Trail. Things you need to know to hike the Hinchinbrook Island National Park. Read More »

Airlie beach to Cape Tribulation. The outstanding North Queensland 15 days itinerary

8 October 2022

The second largest State of Australia, Queensland, is situated on the northeastern side of the country and extends over 1.853.000 km². Due to its size, the climate and the landscapes change from north to south; delighting you with arid-desert weather in the interiors regions, refreshing misty mountains, stunning and warm sandy beaches and finally, tropical rainforest and coral reefs within its tropical and sub-tropical climate.

Airlie beach to Cape Tribulation josephine falls

This itinerary is a 15 days road trip from Airlie Beach to Cape Tribulation, the North and Tropical part of this stunning State which is Queensland. Breathless and unforgettable locations are listed below to make the most of this trip. From beautiful animals you will be able to spot, to waterfalls and of course the evergreen Daintree rainforest and the spectacular Great Barrier Reef; all assembled in 2 weeks trip.

As you are planning an itinerary in North Queensland you will be meeting many cities, but mostly nature spots, which I loved to visit. I can’t wait to share with you this terrific itinerary of Tropical Queensland, so sit comfortably and get ready to take notes, as after so much researching and planning made before the departing day, this was the best route to do from Airlie beach to Cape Tribulation.

Cape Tribulation 1 — _{Photo Reefencounter.com.au}

15 days itinerary from Airlie Beach to Cape Tribulation

Driving more than 1.100km, you will be amazed by some of the beauty this state has to offer. So if your plan is to have a relaxing holiday – or just a simple road trip – in the vast and green World’s Oldest rainforest, swimming in the crystal clear water of one of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef or explore some of the thousand falls there are: this 15 days itinerary from Airlie back to Cape Tribulation will please your needs.

This itinerary is made on my personal experience and I will give you tips for visiting a few places in only one day if needed. I, personally did everything in 19 days, but squeezing a few things together won’t bother the journey. Else, if you have extra time to make this route longer even only spend an extra night in your favourite spot. The road trip can, of course, be done the other way around, so from Cape Tribulation – or Cairns – to Airlie Beach.

Are you ready to dive into this exceptional journey into Tropical Queensland? Keep reading and I will share all you need to know about this road trip from Airlie beach to Cape Tribulation. Also in this article, you will find out about the accommodations I stayed in or the camping area, everything was on a budget, so if you are keen to discover them dare to go further with the reading and enjoy every bit.

Best time to visit

This 15 itinerary stretches over 1.000 kilometres, meaning the weather has little difference from Airlie Beach to Cape Tribulation. Indeed the variation is quite small.

Personally, I did this road trip from the end of June to the beginning of July and the weather was just perfect.

The dryest months are the best, so from May to October (drag November in too). These months will give you the best weather, not crazy hot you won’t be able to stay out in the hottest hours and nor the rain won’t ruin your journey.

Only remember, the northeast you drive the wettest the weather can be, but leave the worries elsewhere and get ready to plan your 15-day itinerary in these stunning locations. All of them will give you more and more reason to keep going in this world’s Heritage Areas.

Day 1-2-3 Explore Whitsundays and Airlie Beach

Start your day in Airlie Beach surrounded by turquoise water and tourist shops around the main street, but no fear tourism here is spread the whole year around so you rarely find an uncomfortable crowd, – just avoid most of the school holidays -. In this area, summer is a must for the entire year so, you just have to pick a month to be here and book your tour and accommodation. Luckily Airlie Beach and so the Whitsundays cater budget hostels to luxury accommodations thus, whatever your pocket is, most of your needs will be pleased as you wish.

Airlie Beach is the best gateway to the 74 Whitsundays Islands, indeed the area deserves at least half a day to be spent here, your choice is to be here before or after your Sailing experience to Whitsundays. Most of the Sailing tours leave around 10 am to 1 pm, making even the first day quite intense.

My personal experience was 2 days and 2 nights long with Oz Trail, on the Spank Me boat; you can choose to sleep both nights on the boat or to camp the second night in Dryander National Park facing the stunning Whitsundays and sleeping under the million stars. The deal is nice for what I was looking for, the 2 days snorkelling and stop over or by some of the best beaches in the whole world: Whitehaven Beach, Hook Island, Hayman Island and more.

The sailing options here are so many to choose from, even a full day trip is worthing if you have limited time.

Returning to the mainland around 8.30 am, the 3rd day of your Airlie Beach to Cape Tribulation itinerary can be filled with different activities. Airlie Beach offers stunning landscape views, amazing and hidden beaches, a Saturday night market and many hiking trails from short to 3-day 2-night adventures.

Nightlife is very welcoming and indeed the restaurants and cafes, so go on and enjoy this full day here.

I stayed at Base Backpackers paying 25$ p/night for a Non-Powered camper van space.

Day 4-5 Magnetic Island

Check out from your accommodation and drive 3 hours to Townville, here you will be embarking on the Ferry to another incredible mountainous island covered with open eucalypt woodlands and surrounded by coral reefs: Magnetic Island.

Sealink Ferry operates, from Townsville, most of the weekdays from 5.30 am to 10.30 pm and departs from Magnetic Island from 6 am until 11 pm. The price with the return is 37 $ for adults and if you book online you can benefit from a small discount.

Reaching the stunning Island you will be welcomed by the enormous amount of activities you can do here: snorkelling or diving, sailing, renting a topless car to spot the best sunset and also hiking the 36 kilometres trail to discover the wildlife.

Hiking is definitely the best choice for going around Magnetic Island, as the many trails available will gives you the opportunity to see koalas and rock wallabies; nonetheless to reach most of the best beaches on the island – Horseshoe Bay, Florence Bay, West Point and many others.

These two nights, I stayed in Nomand Magnetic Island paying 33$ per night for a bed in a 6 beds mixed dormitory. As in Airlie Beach, the options for accommodation are so many depending on your budget, and most of them won’t disappoint you.

Day 6 Wallaman’s Falls

Here we are on day 6, back from this gorgeous island which is Magnetic Island and ready to keep going with our itinerary from Airlie Beach to Cape Tribulation.

Driving a little more than 2 hours you will reach one of my favourite waterfalls so far. Make sure you do some food and drinks shopping for this next stop; as the camping area hosted in the Girringun National Park has nothing but nature around.

Airlie-beach-to-Cape-Tribulation-wallaman-fall

Wallaman’s falls is Australia’s highest permanent single drop waterfall, 268 meters tall, surrounded by the World Heritage rainforest. Here you can enjoy the stunning camping area with all the amenities, such as a Barbecue, shower, toilets, campfires with picnic tables and the different spaces for your tent, campervan or others.

The lovely hiking, deep into the rainforest, to reach the bottom of Wallaman’s falls will take around 2 hours. The walk is challenging and steep and will require wearing closed footwear, a bit of extra care during the hike and definitely plenty of water. Definitely worth it, as the view from the lookout and the view from the bottom will amaze your eyes and your emotions differently.

Book your campground from here at as cheap as 7$ per person per night and enjoy the warm campfire overlooking a billion stars above your head.

Day 7 Cardwell Pool & Murray Falls

Pack up your thing in the morning after a quick camping breakfast – you can find here 3 simple and healthy recipes – and make your way to the next stops: Cardwell Spa Pool and Murray Falls

After only 1 hour and a half of driving, you will reach this natural blue colour swimming hole. Here you can enjoy your time chilling surrounded by the shady trees or soaking in this refreshing water. The best time to visit the creek is definitely from May to September, as during the rainy season or the dry season will be either too much flowing water making it become dangerous, or too little water causing an excess of bacteria.

Airlie-beach-to-Cape-Tribulation-cardwell

There is a lovely Day use area here if you want to have lunch, otherwise drive 35 minutes and reach the final destination of your journey.

Murray Falls, within Girramay National Park, is definitely another of the best waterfalls in the area. A large amount of clear water floats between the big granite boulders and the tropical rainforest, creating the perfect environment for you to appreciate. From a simple “swimming” into the freshwater to a little 1.8-kilometre return walk and the opportunity to spot some reptiles, wallabies, birds and possums.

Camping for the night here will give you the benefits of exploiting the BBQ, showers and sleeping in a World Heritage area and other many facilities; all for as little as 7$ per night.

Day 8 Mission Beach & Etty bay

New week, new trip. Day 8 will lead you to other beautiful locations: Tully, for a quick visit to the little town I lived in for more than 6 months to complete my farm days; Mission Beach the paradisiac sandy beach immerse into the tropical vegetation and so ends your journey in a breathtaking camping area, to spot the peculiar bird of this coast: the Cassowary.

Drive only half an hour from your camping spot and you will reach the famous “wettest town in Australia” and home to the 7.9 meters tall Golden Gumboot: Tully. Have breakfast in one of the 3 bakeries and make your way to Mission Beach.

Airlie-beach-to-Cape-Tribulation-golden-gumboot

Definitely, you will need some extra relaxation in this 15 days itinerary and if this is what you are looking for, Mission Beach is your place to visit. The long, almost white sandy beach surrounded by coconut palm trees is most of the time uncrowded and offers some experiences such as Sky diving, scuba diving and guided fishing experience by the reef. Do not forget to do some shopping for your dinner at the next spot or if you’d prefer stop by one of the many restaurants, bars and fish and chips shops in Mission Beach.

Where will you sleep tonight? Of course by the ocean in Etty Bay, this little hidden Tropical beach is the perfect place to conclude your day with a BBQ by the beach and to spot a beautiful Cassowary – and trust me you will see one or even two if you haven’t already.

Etty Bay Cabins & Caravan Park have to offer different accommodations at different budgets depending on you. I stayed at a powered campsite for 45$ per night.

Day 10 Millaa Millaa waterfalls circuit & Lake Eacham

Get ready for day 10 as you will have to drive immerse in the bright green hilly landscape and stop a few times to see the many waterfalls this area offers, but I guess this won’t disappoint you at all.

Driving around 50 minutes inland from Etty Bay you will reach Millaa Millaa waterfall and its lookout. The waterfalls loop include also Ellinja and Zillie’s falls, but this area has so many other falls to visit and is known to be the wettest region in Australia.

Airlie-beach-to-Cape-Tribulation-millaa-millaa

Fancy a nice brunch with fresh and biodynamic dairy produce? Mungalli Cafe is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm and has amazing food to offer.

Make your way to Lake Eacham Tourist park, here spend your night paying only 28$ for an unpowered site. This spot is only 5 minutes from the beautiful vulcanic origin Lake; good for a refreshing swim, a tasty picnic or even a walk around.

Day 11-12 Cairns

Most of this Airlie Beach to Cape Tribulation itinerary was spent between many beaches, waterfalls and small towns or villages; but no fear if you feel some city nostalgia here is for you the biggest north Queensland city: Cairns. Here you can spend a couple of days exploring the area or organize some tours and experiences.

On your way to the city, when leaving Lake Eacham, make a quick stop at the Cathedral Fig Tree to see one of the largest trees in Tropical Queensland. It’s worth it.

Cairns is home to the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest but not only; this city has plenty of nightlife, restaurants, cafes and markets to delight your stay.

Not to miss a visit are for sure the Botanic Garden, the Rusty and Night Markets, the well-cured Art Gallery and the CBD. Plenty of stunning waterfalls are situated quite close to the city for a quick visit.

Some of the exclusive experiences here are for sure diving and snorkelling through the colourful Barrier Reef or flying over with a helicopter, skydiving and kayaking.

?url=https%3A%2F%2Fafar media production web.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbrightspot%2Fae%2Ffe%2F6496852583abdad7a0a28cc78fb6%2Foriginal shutterstock 1158634060 20copy — _{Photo from AFAR}

Consider Fitzroy Island for a day trip from Cairns, as the boat is only 45 minutes each way to reach this paradise island where you can swim with turtles and do other activities. Make sure to book your ferry in advance.

If you happen to be in the city for the weekend, of course, enjoy the nightlife at the many clubs and bars, but also book your Kuranda tour. Experience the Kuranda Scenic Railway to reach the Sunday market and Barron’s falls and make your way back cruising above the rainforest canopy on Skyrail. The accommodations here are thousand to choose from, from backpackers hostel to luxury hotels, Cairns won’t let you sleep in the street.

As an on-a-budget traveller, I stayed at Mad Monkey Backpackers village for 42$ per night in a mix or female dormitory.

Day 13 Port Douglas & Mossman Gorge

In the last three out of 15 days’ itinerary from Airlie beach to Cape Tribulation, you will mostly enjoy all the nature that surrounds you. Leaving Cairns – not before having breakfast in one of the beautiful cafes the city offers – get ready to immerse yourself in scenic, wavy but still relaxing and colourful driving.

08ac32b7530e77da9b14a70fa22e2efc — _{Photo from Queensland.com}

The Great Barrier Reef drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation is one of the most spectacular coastlines hugging two Word Heritage Areas: the Wet Tropic Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Heading north from Cairns to Port Douglas you will pass by Clifton and Trinity beach and Palm Cove, here the long sandy beaches will try you a stopover and if you have time I can only advice you to do it so.

Reach the Mossman Gorge for a deep immersion into the Daintree rainforest. You can choose to get a guided tour or only the bus ticket (13$) to reach the swimming hole for a cool bath in this clear water.

Spend the rest of your day in Port Douglas, where restaurants, bars, shops and the famous Four Mile beach will delight the rest of your stay.

Port Douglas Backpackers is where I spend my night for only 29$ per night in a dormitory

Day 14-15 Daintree rainforest

50 km north of Port Douglas you will arrive at the Daintree River where the cable ferry (45 $) transports you into the world’s oldest Rainforest. From here enjoy the rest of your driving between trees, landscapes, lookouts and beaches as your final stop has plenty of activities deserving for you but on the way, there are also many others to enjoy.

Daintree Rainforest offers the Crocodile river cruise, a refreshing swimming hole, the Ocean Safari, a river snorkelling experience, a terrific night walk tour and, of course, all the beautiful and rare animals this particular habitat hosts.

Airlie-beach-to-cape-tribulation-itinerary-crocodile

Cape Tribulation is the last stop of this 15 days itinerary from Airlie Beach. Here you can immerse in one of the many boardwalks along Cape Tribulation Road, escape the heat (and the saltwater Crocodile in the ocean) at Manson’s swimming hole or even taste exotic fruit at Cape Trib Farm.

The activities, as you can see, are endless of course, if you rather chill that can be an option and the singing birds will make your life easier.

Airlie-beach-to-cape-tribulation-itinerary

I stayed in Safari Lodge with my rooftop tent, surrounded by nature only. This spot is amazing and offers different accommodations, not only the camping site but also cabins, it has a swimming pool, kitchen, laundry and all the rest you will need for your stay. The price for a powered site is 26 $ per night.

Need to know

Here we come to the end of this 15-day itinerary from Airlie Beach to Cape Tribulation, so far one of the best road trips I have ever done and I am pretty sure this will be the same for you.

For this road trip, I was driving a 4wd but it is not necessary, a good 2wd will be more than enough, same for a van.

In case you are wondering if you can avoid the ferry cable crossing at the Daintree river, yes you can, but here is where you will need to have a good 4wd and have some extra time to drive a longer path.

Are you are wondering if you can do this itinerary in less or more days? Well, the answer is yes and not also. To do it in fewer days means you will have to skip some breathtaking places, but if that is your available time then plan well what you really would like to see and make it happen. In case you have more time to enjoy this Airlie beach to Cape Tribulation itinerary then make the trip as long as you can, stay for extra nights in your favourite spots and make memories.

Airlie beach to Cape Tribulation whiteheaven beach whitsundays2

If you travel alone the route will be safe, and also you will meet many other people to share something with, to have a chat, a beer or even a night out if you want to.

I hope you liked the itinerary, looking forward to hearing how your experience was and if you have extra questions you can write them here in the comments and I will be happy to help you.

Airlie beach to Cape Tribulation. The outstanding North Queensland 15 days itinerary Read More »

In the heart of Tuscany – Best things to visit in Val d’Orcia

11 September 2022

If someone happens to ask me: which one is your favourite region in Italy? I wouldn’t be able to give an honest answer to this question, but I can openly say that Tuscany is for sure on my top 5 list. I dare you not to fall in love with this region, particularly with this breathtaking little part.

Val d’Orcia, situated in the heart of the Tuscany region, is a beautiful valley where the landscapes are fulfilled with cypress avenues, green and light brown hills, hilltop villas and vine fields are the strongest and most striking points.

So get ready to take notes for the best things to visit in Val d’Orcia, as there will be plenty of places to see and even more things to do and of course, let’s not forget the eating part.

You may have come across this name or maybe not, but for sure you will recognize some of its best characteristics such as the many wine villages, the small Renaissance countryside and of course the famous landscapes.

The best things to visit in Val d’Orcia

Nestled in the stunning Tuscan hill, this little region extends from the hills South of Siena to the Monte Amiata. Its unique beauty and preciousness meant that in 2004 this province was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Val d’Orcia takes its name from the crossing river, Orcia, and it stands out thanks to its Medieval town, as Pienza, Montepulciano and many more you will come up against in this article. Also, let’s not forget this region is one of the most famous for its wine – Brunello di Montalcino, to name one – and the mouth-watering food, such as Pici and Pecorino di Pienza.

As much excitement as I felt, I would like to pass them on to you so you can love and appreciate everything as I did. So here are for you, the best things to visit in Val d’Orcia.

How to get to Val d’Orcia

Planning your trip, consider it a must to have your own transport, to enjoy all the best things to visit in Val d’Orcia. The distance from Rome is around 2 and a half hours, while from Florence and Siena shrink to less than 1 and a half hour.

Unfortunately, no train reaches this area closely, the only alternatives are to get to Siena by train and from there move by local buses, but they only connect to the biggest town.

Other fun and unforgettable choices to visit this area are either by bicycle or by walking through the Via Francigena – the last is on my bucket list since I visit the Val d’Orcia and came across the walking track so many times, I loved the vibes.

Monticchiello

Luckily enough I could get my cosy accommodation for the whole journey here in Montichiello. So from where to start my list of the best things to visit in Val d’Orcia, if not from here?

With its 202 habitants, Montichiello is famous for its Medieval and well-preserved borough over time. This town has said to be founded 1000 years ago and to prove this there is the church of Saints Leonard and Christopher and the city walls with towers, standing tall from more than 850 years.

Arrive in Monticchiello by driving through this meandering white road on the Tuscan hills and park the car close by the “door” of the village.

Here stop to enjoy from the viewpoint the spring up of Pienza town and the green and light brown landscape filled with the tall mainstream cypress trees.

Monticchiello is a small and cute village, the houses, restaurant and church keep all the same style, bringing you back to Medieval times. Get lost through the street appreciating the flowery balcony, the little main square and, of course, the splendid church of “Santi Leonardo e Cristoforo“.

I highly recommend stopping here for your dinner or aperitivo, the 6 restaurants are there for you to discover the beautiful wine the Tuscany region has to offer and the deliciously, fresh and seasonally prepared food; keeping the traditions and the flavours as simple and amazing as they are. Some of my favourite restaurants are Taverna di Bronzone and Daria, but let me tell you all of them will please your gut.

best-things-to-visit-in-val-d'orcia-monticchiello

Last but not least, do not miss the unique and original folk tradition, the “Teatro Povero” (poor Theather of Monticchiello). Since the ’60s, this event was taking life out of an economic and social crisis, from then until today during the summer the community of actors has grown an “autodrama”.

The Teatro Povero acts in dramatic performances touching on different topics, such as historical events and wars, and the strong connection the community of people has built will let you enjoy at most this experience of the open sky theatre.

Pienza

Another listed UNESCO world heritage site of Tuscany and in Val d’Orcia is the little gem of Pienza and also a great producer of a special cheese: Pecorino di Pienza.

Famous for being a hilltop village in the heart of Tuscany, Pienza offers years of history within its medieval walls and historical buildings, such as the Church of Saint Francis, Palazzo Piccolomini and its garden, the elegant Pienza Cathedral and the decorative Town Hall.

The small and delightful historical centre, the alleys to lose yourself within this beautiful town and discovering houses built with the typical ochre stone, will make your best visit to Pienza. Walking into the village you will spot viewpoints that deserve to be exploited for some time during your stay, sweet and tiny balconies, flowers and plants decorating the alleyway.

Spend a full day in this area and enjoy one (or two) of the many restaurants for your meal. For lunch, dinner or even aperitif with a view definitely stop at Idyllium. The vibes in this place are just so high you will definitely love it, same for the food, drinks and service.

If you want to enjoy your food within the city walls Sette di Vino, la Taverna di Re Artù or Baccano are some of the other very good and on-budget restaurants to fall in love with the fresh and tasty typical Tuscan food.

Don’t forget to try Pecorino di Pienza, either in restaurants and bars; but also in the many artisan shops you will meet during your walk. The smell of this cheese will definitely capture you in a deli where you can have a taste of it and buy some of the local and usually handmade products.

Considering staying overnight? Book a room in Agriturismo Podere San Giorgio, here you will be pampered and surrounded by nature, animals, wine, food and good people.

San Quirico d’Orcia

Only 15 minutes driving from Pienza you will reach San Quirico d’Orcia, another of the best things to visit in Val d’Orcia.

Park your car and get to stay here for at least a couple of hours (close by the sunset hour if you manage) or consider staying the night, because even if is a little village, the cuteness of it will make you feel so good you will want to spend the full day and more.

San Quirico d’Orcia welcomes you through the city gate which opens onto the main square and surrounds you with the medieval walls. The village has little more than 2 thousand habitats and used to be a stop along the Via Francigena for the pilgrims on the way to Rome.

best-things-to-visit-in-val-d'orcia-san-quirico

The 3 churches in San Quirico d’Orcia are situated respectively at both the “end” and the middle of the village. Pieve dei Santi Quirico e Giulietta is the biggest one at one end, followed by the Church of Saint Francis at the centre and at the other end is to be found the Church of Santa Maria Assunta. The three Churches are characterized by a wonderful Romanesque facade of this light colour stone, which during the “golden hours” turned into pinkish colour and give a wordless feeling to just enjoy.

Not to be missed visit the Horti Leonini, a public historical garden dating back to 1581 and preserved over the year in a wonderful way, even though they have been expanded over the years, they are for sure a perfect example of a typical Italian-style Garden. Definitely spend some time here just wandering around with an empty mind and an open heart.

Chapel of Vitaleta

Drivign between Pienza and San Quirico d’Orcia, spotted from the main road is the Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta, one of the most photographated spot on the Val d’Orcia hills.

If you are willing for a short walk, I highly recommend leaving your car in the small parking space you will see on the side of the road and getting to do the 40 minutes satisfy walk.

Deeply typical of this area, during your walk towards the Chapel, the green and golden hills, the poetic olives trees and the dark green cypress are gonna enhance your path; the feeling of the fresh wind and warm sun will only let you love more the journey to this pretty late 1800’s architecture which is the Chapel of Vitaleta.

Montepulciano

The best things to visit in Val d’Orcia cannot be “the best” without walking through the street and to the vineyards of Montepulciano.

Montepulciano is another stunning hilltop and medieval location that you can’t miss to visit during your stay in Val d’Orcia. This town, like most of them in the area, is best to be visited on foot.

Reaching the parking you will be welcomed by the ochre walls of Montepulciano, which will delight your ramble in its narrow street. Strolling through the gate of “Porta Prato” you engage the main street, walk and enjoy the many cafes, restaurants, small souvenir shops – that offer local products such as textiles, olive oil and wine – and also historical buildings craved with symbols from local families.

The main spots to visit in Montepulciano are the Pizza Grande, the church of Sant’ Agostino, the medieval and Reinaccece historical palaces such as Palazzo Comunale, the Nobili-Taurici Palace and not to forget, the stunning Montepulciano Cathedral from the early 17th century.

As a viewpoint and landscape lover, I suggest you to sneak from Piazza Grande through one of the small alleys and get some time for yourself just overlooking all around you. The beautiful nature view will allow the Church of the Madonna di San Biagio to flourish in a picturesque way and give you an extra emotion for your journey.

03 12 18 12 50 15 c410d60424a99070d7a859a212a59efe — _{Photo e-Borghi}

Wine tasting is a must around this area if you are a wine lover. Montepulciano has an amazing reputation over red wine, in fact here is produced some of the best Italian, and so Tuscan, wines.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Brunello and Vino Santo tasting and studying can make your days sweeter and fulfil with another beautiful experience among the best things to visit in Val d’Orcia.

best-things-to-visit-in-val-d'orcia-montepulciano

Consider attempting the wine tasting in one of the many shops, bars or Osterie; but if you get to have a full day or more to stay in this area, I suggest booking your tasting in a proper winery. Here you will be delighted with wine and food pairing (cheeses mostly) and proper enlightenment on the vineyard itself, the process of making these wines and a perfect exposition of this so-loved drink.

Spoiled for choice looking for a restaurant in town will not be a difficult challenge, so listen to the vibes of the place, look at the menu if you’re searching for something specific and love eating your fresh meal sitted maybe outdoor. Cantina Gatta Vecchia Osteria gives you this special feeling of being stuck in time while eating surrounded by big old barrels.

Cheese and Wine Picnic at Cugisi

Indeed I am a food, wine and nature lover so as I spend my week in Val d’Orcia, my best friend came over with this name: Caseificio Cugisi and came out this fantastic place situated between Pienza and Montalcino.

Caseificio Cugisi is a cheese factory founded in 1962 by Raffaele and Maria Cugisi who moved from Sardinia to Tuscany carrying with them the cheese traditions and knowledge, building up a unique Caseificio with a lovely familiar touch.

best-things-to-visit-in-val-d'orcia-caseificio-cugisi

What is so special about Cugisi? Despite the stunning hilltop location their shop, and so “factory” is extended over 190 hectares amid olive trees, vineyards and pastures. Here is home to the thousand flocks of sheep, fed by the high-quality pasture grass which gives the milk, and so the cheese, the unmistakable, light but still uniquely tasty flavour.

Cheese tasting and picnic are the two main experiences Caseificio Cugisi has to offer. The tasting included 5 different Pecorino and one ricotta cheese, matched with jam and honey and a glass of Vino Rosso di Montalcino.

The intriguing opportunity to picnic with cheese and wine over the Val d’Orcia landscapes, surrounded by cypress, the typical green and golden hills, the peaceful sound and the view over the distant villages, was taken for granted to be one of the best experiences I could do in this area.

Get into the shop choosing “by the nose” between over 20 different cheese of their own production, the local cured meat, jam, honey and much more; of course, do not forget your favourite matching drink choosing through the many options, from some of the best wine of Montepulciano winery and the local craft beer and non.

Take your wicker basket full of happiness and find the best spot to appreciate the unforgettable experience which is.

Bagno Vingoni

An hamlet of San Quirico d’Orcia is the tiny village of Bagno Vignoni. With only 30 inhabitants this touristic spot is famous for its only hot water pool square, the so-called “Piazza delle Sorgenti” (Square of Sources).

No wonder why is one of the best things to visit in Val d’Orcia; the rectangular tank in Bagno Vignoni Square, has sat there since the sixteen-century, containing the original source of water coming from the subterranean aquifer of volcanic origins.

This small village is exactly on the Via Francigena route and the thermal water this area offer, has been used since Roman times. Also don’t forget to go for a walk at Mill Park (Parco dei Mulini), where the thermal hot water flows between these 4 middle age mills, built to provide, in the past, water even during the dry season. The view from here is fantastic and there is also a little hike to enjoy, with the sounds of nature that accompanies you.

Enjoy your al fresco wine with some food and experience the thermal spring water (not the one in the main square) at some Spa or Hotel.

Bagni San Filippo

Val d’Orcia isn’t for sure only hilltop Medieval villages, food and wine; natural hot spring thermal areas are also quite famous here in this area.

Definitely, the best thing to visit in Val d’Orcia during any of your days, whether you want to relax, be far from “village noises” or just have a picnic surrounded by nature sounds, is to make your way to Bagni San Filippo and please your journey in complete harmony with nature.

Situated in the forest of the Siena region, Bagni San Filippo is far from mass tourism and a fee-free area (you only pay the parking fee) where to spend some time in complete peace and tranquillity.

The hot sulfur spring water origin in Monte Amiata and comes all the way down forming a hot river with hot water pools whose temperature reaches 25° Celcius. Let yourself immerse and take the advantage of these water healing benefits surrounded by the untouched nature and limestone deposits that created beautiful rock formations over the years.

Trust me, make your way to visit, but mostly to live, this stunning location of Val d’Orcia. Don’t be afraid to walk further down the “river”, as more pools and beautiful landscapes will take your breath away and eventually gives you more privacy or better a pool to enjoy all for yourself.

Montalcino

Here we are to Val d’Orcia’s best wine area, Montalcino whose vineyards produce one of the most famous and delicious wines in Italy: Rosso di Montalcino and Brunello di Montalcino.

Are you ready to love another hilltop village and the surrounding area of Val d’Orcia? Let’s take a closer look at the most visited place in this area for the wine lover.

As you might have understood from all the previous places listed, the Val d’Orcia area gives its best if you walk through the villages, towns and main spots (of course would need a car to move from one village to the other).

best-things-to-visit-in-val-d'orcia-duomo — _Duomo _{di Montalcino}

So reach Montalcino by car, park it and get lost in its narrow alleys. The streets are mostly close to traffic and the tour of the city will be delightful with all the encounters you will have during your journey. From flowery balconies to al fresco restaurants, enotecas, cafes, wineries and stunning and pleasant sites such as squares and historical buildings.

At the top of the hill, the 13th-century fortress, the Rocca, dominates the scene with its tall walls and turrets. Let yourself in, exploring the fee-free internal garden, or a 4€ walk on the famous walls overlooking the Val d’Orcia hills.

best-things-to-visit-in-val-d'orcia-montalcino

As you are getting lost through the alleys, run into the main square of Montalcino, a large space where cafes, bars and restaurants gather all the “crowd”; here during the summer, you can enjoy the open-air live Jazz music while sipping your favourite wine. Ancient churches, Reinassence buildings and the famous Montalcino’s Duomo are other of the main attraction of the lovely town.

Last but definitely not least let’s talk about Montalcino’s wine. Some of the most important wine, not only in Italy but all over the world, is produced from zero in this stunning area in the heart of Tuscany.

best-things-to-visit-in-val-d'orcia-wine-tasting

If you are a wine lover, Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino are a must-try, especially in their own hometown. Bars, restaurants and wineries do offer a tasting experience, but if you are keen and you have time and interest, I suggest you book a tasting with a guided tour of the winery in a vineyard outside the town.

Cantine Mastrojanni, Terralsole, Casato Prime Donne and Corte Pavone are just some of the crazy amount of vineyards this area of Val d’Orcia has. So check it out on their website and do not hesitate to book your tasting.

best-things-to-visit-in-val-d'orcia-mastrojanni-wine

Best time to visit Val d’Orcia

Val d’Orcia offer all-year-around good weather, despite the cold and wet months between November and February, the rest of the year is most likely to enchant your stay in the heart of Tuscany.

From my point of view the best months are April, May, June and September, as the weather is not at its peak point and, eventually, you will get to enjoy the cool breeze during the whole day.

I hope you like this overview of the best things to visit in Val d’Orcia and I wish to help you even more in case you have some doubts about planning your trip over this amazing location.

In the heart of Tuscany – Best things to visit in Val d’Orcia Read More »

3 easy and tasty camping breakfasts – to eat healthy in the morning

1 Comment / 4 September 2022

Camping is starting to finally happen in my life since I get back to Australia, the chances to camp are getting more and the places I have been camping so far are unforgettable each one for a reason.

And guess what my favourite meal is during the camping adventure? Of course the awaking, delicious and pampering morning breakfast.

Here are 3 easy and tasty camping breakfast ideas to start the day in the best way, healthy, with plenty of nutrients, vitamins and all that is needed to provide long-lasting energy and keep you full for hours.

Definitely going to camp in a relaxing, almost empty and fully immerse in nature location is the best deal for me and I guess for most of the people who love to go camping; and one of the most important things, when you do this, is to impact less on the environment that surrounds you.

This post will give you some ideas on what to eat in the morning and so, 3 easy and tasty camping breakfasts to enjoy before your hiking or exploration day. The breakfast can be vegan, vegetarian or non depending on what your diet is like at the moment, or simply what you feel like eating during the nature retreat, holiday or road trip you are experiencing.

3 easy and tasty camping breakfast

What makes camping an unforgettable experience? For sure, building your tent or setting up the caravan, lighting and chilling by the campfire, diving in the stunning location and the nature noises, the friendly neighbours and, very important, the food.

As a nature and food lover and as a chef I have learned through the years that being less impactful on nature is one of the principal facts for me.

So when I go camping, I try to think ahead and plan some of my meals considering the waste, the nutrients intake, my health and of course what the day is going to be like. In case I want to go for a long hike after breakfast, I will need plenty of energy to face the journey and avoid taking extra food with me (fruit and nut bars except).

Try all these 3 easy and tasty camping breakfast ideas and adapt them with your favourite fruits and protein to have even more choices during your adventure.

1 – Overnight oat

First of the 3 easy and tasty camping breakfasts comes the overnight oats, the most simple, stress-free and flavours breakfast I ate the most in the last couple of years.

All you need is:

Rolled Organic Oats
Oat milk or any other
Peanut butter
Seasonal fruit
Mixed seeds

3-easy-and-tasty-camping-breakfast-overnight-oats — _{Photo: The edge combers}

Since I worked in a “breakfast and brunch cafe” in Sydney back in 2019, I started to learn more about oats and so I decided to integrate them into my diet. This simple grain does provide so many benefits that can define the oat as one of the best grains to consume daily.

In fact, Oats provide antioxidants, it lower blood sugar levels, help you to feel full for longer, release skin irritations, promote healthy bacteria in your gut and more..

Simple as the name the overnight oats are prepared the night before, they keep for quite a long time if preserved at the right temperature in a sealed container; so they can be prepared at home by mixing most of the ingredients and then stored in the fridge for 2 to 3 days, in this case, you won’t need to take extra spare ingredients, so you will have more space for other things.

The best to use is for sure the rolled Organic Oats as the consistency and the integrity of the grain itself are kept much better in terms of nutrients and the texture just feels better while eating.

I like to mix my overnights oats with differents ingredients to get the right amount of energy I will need for the day, so for this easy and tasty camping breakfast, I choose to soak together some chia seeds, maple syrup or honey, coconut yogurt, cinnamon and pumpkin seeds.

Once you have this mix then is just so easy to enjoy. A couple of spoons in a bowl, mixed with your favourite fruit and why not some crunchy peanut butter.

2 – Avocado toast

All the time I wake up and fell like having a savoury breakfast, automatically the simplicity of the Avocado toast come to my mind. The same can be done during your camping day.

Simple as it is the ingredients are:

Sourdough bread or any bread your choice
Fresh and soft avocado
Salt and pepper

3-easy-and-tasty-camping-breakfast-avocado-toast — _{Photo: Jamie Vespa MS}

My second choice for the 3 easy and tasty camping breakfasts is Avocado toast. Plain, effortless, bright light green, creamy and rich in flavour the avocado toast can be eaten in the morning as simple as the avocado comes, with some salt and pepper or fully loaded with other ingredients.

Avocados are a source of vitamins C, E, K, and B6, as well as niacin, folate, magnesium and potassium. They are full in monounsaturated fats, high in fibre and so helps to improve your digestion, prevent constipation and last but not least help feel fuller between meals. Even though the consumption shouldn’t exceed 50g daily.

If you have the chance to go to a bakery and buy some wholemeal, grains or seeded sourdough this will be the best way to enjoy your avocado toast as camping breakfast. In case you you can’t by sourdough just go for normal bread as the real flavour comes from the berry fruit its self (yes, avocado is a berry fruit).

To appreciate even more this breakfast you can smash the avocado together with some chopped red onion, lime zest and juice, Himalayan salt, pepper and chilly flakes. In case you feel like upgrading this already nutritional breakfast, picking some extra ingredients is completely up to you, from a fried or scrumble eggs, to cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, smoked tofu and mostly anything which tastes good with avocado and sourdough.

3 – French toast

Sounds like something really-not-camping-breakfast but this is absolutely wrong, french toast is, of course, one of the 3 easy and tasty camping breakfast and I will tell you how to do it in the most simple way and you won’t regret it to have trusted me.

The main ingredients for this breakfast are:

Fruit loaf sourdough or any other thick-cut bread
Eggs
Milk of your choice
Cinnamon
Maple syrup
Fresh fruit

3-easy-and-tasty-camping-breakfast-french-toast — _{Photo: Fresh Of The Grid}

First thing first, depending on whether you are vegan or not, you need only a few ingredients.

Alternative milk is always my choice – I don’t drink milk since I was 13 years old – egg, ideally organic and pastured or free-range, sourdough is best, but also normal bread loaf or even better raisin and cinnamon loaf if you lucky to find it (or to bake it your self with this good recipe).

Starting from the bread, I recommend choosing a whole loaf to slice by yourself as thick as you wish or an already thick sliced one, thus you can soak it for longer into the liquid mixture and the cooking results will be better.

A couple (or 3 if small) of eggs – will be enough for two people or four good slices of sourdough – mix with a cup of oat milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla seeds and the liquid mixture is ready to welcome the bread for 20ish seconds before the cooking process.

3-easy-and-tasty-camping-breakfast-french-toast-ingredients

If you don’t eat eggs, just don’t use them for the mixture it won’t make a big difference and you will love the flavour anyway.

Ready to cook your french toast?

Reheat your non stick-pan, add some coconut oil or plant base butter and start caramelized your previously soaked sourdough. Make sure you get the right cooking checking the crunchiness and the colour of your french toast.

Season them with maple syrup, fruits and icing sugar if you want an extra fancy touch and finally you are ready to eat the best simple and healthy Frech Toast.

So sit with your coffee or orange juice and love eating one of the 3 easy and tasty camping breakfasts before starting your busy day doing anything else.

3-easy-and-tasty-camping-breakfast-espresso-making

If you liked the breakfast ideas and want to have some more or if you have questions and you tried the 3 camping breakfast, I would love to read your comment.

3 easy and tasty camping breakfasts – to eat healthy in the morning Read More »

10 top things to visit in Adelaide

30 August 2022

South Australia’s Capital is vibrant, full of history and culture, the city of Adelaide is a must-visit if you happen to travel to this side of the globe or if you already live in Australia.

I guess you are wondering whether to visit Adelaide or not. Well, the answer will be yes right after having read my “10 top things to visit in Adelaide”.

So far, one of the best cities I have lived in and experienced as a tourist. Adelaide has lots to offer and many good memories to be made in the fifth most populated city in Australia

When to visit Adelaide?

In this post, I want to share with you, as a small guide of the city, the 10 top things to visit in Adelaide. And of course, weather-wise, with the exact awareness I will put if I personally or my friends and family have to travel for a short time in this city.

Adelaide has a Mediterranean climate, with hot and blue summer and cool and rainy winter. Even though this might sound scary, the winter temperature doesn’t drop below 5° to 8° celsius; so if you are from a European country you might be used to this winter temperature and enjoy Adelaide during this season too.

The summer months, half December to half March, are the warmest and the average high temperature goes from above 25° reaching the peak at 36° (rarely), while the average low temperature goes not less than 16°. Based on the tourism score these are the best months to visit Adelaide.

On the other side if you don’t want to risk the high temperature as you are not a “summer person”, April, the first half of May, October and November are the months you will choose to visit Adelaide. The high temperature is between 19°-25° while the low ones on average stay between 11°-14°, so you still will be able to enjoy the 10 top things to do in Adelaide.

10 top things to visit in Adelaide and why..

Whether you are still planning your personal itinerary to Adelaide or picking tips from my 5 days Adelaide itinerary, here’s for you the extra 10 top things to visit in Adelaide. A little encouragement to finally convince you to buy the ticket for this cute and people-oriented city.

10-top-things-to-visit-in-adelaide-by-night

Adelaide is on the top ten most liveable cities, some reasons are for sure the quality of the life, the transport, the weather, the nature and the many enjoyable things and activities to find around – for families and non-.

Also known as Australia’s Festival city, Adelaide host many Festival thought the year, such as the month-long Fringe Festival – the world’s second larger annual Art Festival -.

1 – Take a walk at the green Botanical Garden

As one of my favourite “Botanical Gardens” I have visited so far, the first place in the “10 top things to visit in Adelaide” goes to the city Botanic Garden.

This 51 hectares green lung, situated in North-East of Adelaide, opened in 1857 and wanted to show the importance of all the plant and flower species to people. The Adelaide Botanic Garden was influenced by the Royal Gardens and Versailles, whether you are or aren’t a plant lover you will be amazed by other beauties.

10-top-things-to-visit-in-adelaide-botanical-garden

The three glasshouses are hosting the Australian, Madagascar and Amazonian species. National Rose Trial garden displays more than 350 species of Roses – the first to open in Australia – and is used also to breed different species of roses and see the best ones to grow in this country.

Spend a couple of hours, or the full day, immersed in this beautiful green Botanic Garden, so close to the city but so lost in his peace. Take your water, coffee and perhaps a book to read surrounded by the shade of the many trees, listening to the voice of nature.

Every day, at 10.30 am, the Botanic Garden of Adelaide offers free guided walks that last around an hour-and-a-half, there is no need to book as long as you are less than 5 people.

The Garden opens daily from 7.15 and has different closing times depending on the season, December-March 9.00 pm/ April-September 5.30 pm/ October-November 7.00 pm

2 – Brighten your day at Himeji Garden

If you like to meditate this is the place for you, to visualize yourself into another beautiful day in a likewise beautiful place. Another must-visit of Adeliade is for sure the Himeji Garden.

A gift from Himeji, Adelaide’s sister city to commemorate the Japanese City. The Garden was designed by Yoshitaka Kumada who wanted to emphasize the beauty of nature and build the garden mixing the two Japanese styles – senzui and kare senzui – lake and mountain, and dry gardens.

Walking in the Garden you will be driven around some iconic features in many Japanese gardens, such as the koi fish, the Okunoin lantern, a shishi-odoshi, the lake and the peaceful zen rock garden – the perfect spot for your meditation -.

Come here for a quick visit, for your meditation, with your takeaway breakfast, or just sit on a bench and listen to the bird singing to finish your day in complete relaxation.

There are no fees to pay and is open daily from 8.00 am till 5.30 pm, situated just outside the city centre, in the Southern Park Lands.

3 – See the sunset from the Jetty at Glenelg

White sand coastline, cute cafes, nice restaurants and plenty of entertainment are just a few kilometres from the city centre of Adelaide. This is definitely among the 10 top things to visit in Adelaide if you are a beach lover and need some vitamin D and relaxation.

Glenelg is a neighbourhood of Adelaide, you can reach it via the tram and will only take you 30 minutes. This beach is one of the most famous in South Australia and so in Adelaide.

The entertainment here are many, from the panoramic Ferris wheel in the pedestrian area, the Beachouse, to the perfect sunset watching Jetty. There is definitely fun for all kinds, young people, adults and children all will love this area.

You can spend here the whole day, pop to the “Bay Discovery Centre” a social history museum interpreting the cultural heritage of South Australia. If you are keen, Glenelg, offers plenty of walking trucks, as well as walking the coastal path adjacent to the beach in any direction that will please your day. This path stretches almost the entire 70km of Adelaide’s foreshore.

Last but not least take a walk on Jetty Road, small and independents shops here are fun just to have a look or make your day a shopping one, – if you need to – eat a Gelato or enjoy your beer or cocktail in one of the many Bars and Restaurants this place has to offer.

4 – Shop fresh goods at the Central Market

I am definitely a market and food lover so I couldn’t miss on my list Adelaide’s Central Market.

Established in 1869, the Central Market of Adelaide is one of the biggest fresh produce covered Market in the Southern hemisphere, with more than 70 traders selling all kinds.

You can find here fresh vegetables and fruits – best quality -, cheeses, charcuterie, seafood, bakery and patisserie, handmade vendors and also a beautiful “bulk shop” called House of Health, where you can buy anything by weighing them into your Plastic-free container or jar avoiding the waste we create when we buy from the supermarket.

10-top-things-to-visit-in-adelaide-central-market

If you want to know more about bulk shops or just reducing your single use of plastic, go and read my article “little steps to go plastic-free” and leave a comment on your thoughts if you are already doing something that you want to share with all of us.

If you don’t need any of this shopping be keen to go to the Central Market for a simple walk, to watch the murals, or as well to eat in one of the many Cafes and Eateries. You won’t regret it.

The Central Market is open Tuesday to Saturday mostly from 7 am till 5.30 pm, Fridays until 9 pm and Saturday until 3 pm – the last hours on Saturdays the prices are dropped down, why don’t go.

5 – The Art Gallery

The 5th place on the “10 top things to visit in Adelaide” goes certainly to the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Situated 5 minutes walking from the Rundle Mall – a pedestrian shopping mall – the Art Gallery is housing more than 47.000 works of Arts. Here you can learn more about Australia, from Aboriginal arts to colonial and modern painting and furniture, not only, as the gallery has introduced through the years Asians and Islamic arts and representation of Australia’s remarkable women modern artists.

Each room has a different “theme” and an interesting way of furnishing the room with the many pieces of Art. The Gallery is a must-visit if you are in Adelaide, all ages will appreciate it as there are different exhibitions and activities for everyone to enjoy.

The entry is free, except for special art galleries and exhibitions and the opening hours are 10 am to 5 pm every day but the 25th of December.

6 – Feel in the late ‘800 at Mortlock Wing

While in the Art Gallery why not have a look at the Mortlock Wing?

The State Library of South Australia is just two buildings left from the Art Gallery, of course, a public Library, but so historically important as, compared to other colonies, around 1834, the plan to create a library for public use started even before the Australian settlement. Officially opened in 1884, Mortlock Wing is a mid-Victorian public library interior, with a glass-domed lantern roof that allows the chamber to be lit with natural light and so to enjoy your reading or studying time at best.

Entering the Mortlock Wing you will definitely feel back in time, to the 19th century, so go around and imagine yourself back in that years. The building is 3 levels high and each one has a different experience to offer. On the ground floor, you will find nearly 1.000 items there to show you the history and heritage of South Australia, while the first floor delights your staying at the classic wooden desk surrounded by thousands of old books full of knowledge and history and at last, the third floor will escort you through the way out, leaving you the chance for a last look at the rest of the books collection.

The State Library is open Monday and Tuesday from 10 am till 7 pm; Wednesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm.

7 – Hike and seek Falls and koalas at Morialta Conservational park

Animal lover or animal seeker? Australia is for sure the place to be and so is Morialta Conservational Park.

Only 10km North East of Adelaide, Morialta Park is a fantastic place to visit all year round, the reason why is among the 10 top things to visit in Adelaide are many, but trust me, this visit to the Park won’t let you regret any minute spent wandering around.

Goerges, creeks and three waterfalls are the main attractions of the hiking trail, perhaps at the same level as seeking animals around you. Koalas, kangaroos, parrots, honeyeaters, frogs and possums are just some of the huge wildlife this Park host; make sure you enjoy your walk and also look around you, on top of the many Gum trees that surround you, the chance you will see a Koala are quite high.

Rock climbing, eating in the picnic area, mountain biking, kids playground and bushwalking are the activities you are able to do it once here. Spend a full day feeling far from the city, mingle with the stunning nature Morialta Conservational Park has to offer and still be able to have a chill dinner back in Adelaide city without rushing.

The Park is open from 6.30 am to 7 pm or 9 pm – depending on the season -.

8 – Take a walk through East End

In the North-East of the city centre, close to the Botanical Garden, you will find the East End. Adelaide’s central business district, where offices, new luxury houses are coming into life and where young people meet for happy hours, diners, cafes and more..

This neighboured is a so-called “oasis of awesome”: street art, galleries, iconic pubs, small bars, restaurants, cafes and more gather together to fulfil your day around the city.

Although the area has not been officially demarcated, the boundaries are North and East Terrace, Flinders Street and Pulteney Street. Adelaide’s best green spaces can be founded in this area, same for the University and so restaurants, bars, Vintage shops and a crazy lots more.

10-top-things-to-visit-in-adelaide-east-end

Self-walking tours are also a good idea to go around the East End and spend a couple of hours discovering this neighbourhood. Check it out during the different Festival Adelaide hosts, as some of the main attractions can be just here waiting for you.

9 – Hahndorf and Adelaide Hills

10-top-things-to-visit-in-adelaide-hahndorf

Driving 28km South-East of Adelaide, the historic village of Hahndorf is another must-visit if you are in Adelaide for some time.

Hahndorf seems to be Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, the artisan village has this strong German flavour and you can taste it at the bakeries, pubs, restaurants and cafes.

Easly walk the main road and you will be delighted by the many shops, from second-hand to hairdressers and barbers, boutiques, little artisan and handmade or crystal and mineral shops, even distillers and Art Gallery.

As you are in the Adelaide Hills region, so one of the world’s best wine regions, I can’t miss to tell you to visit some excellent wineries with minutes of Hahndorf including Sidewood Cellar Door and Hahndorf Hill Winery.

Wine, craft beer and food tasting are just some of the beautiful things you can do around Adelaide Hills. So if you have time and you are good food, wine and nature lover dare to spend at least a couple of days in this Region.

10 – Spend the weekend on Kangaroo Island

Last but not least among the 10 top things to visit in Adelaide, is to spend a weekend on Kangaroo Island.

10-top-things-to-visit-in-adelaide-kangaroo-island

Just a short 45-minute boat ride from Adelaide, Kangaroo Island will amaze you with tonnes of opportunity and adventure to enjoy. The best way to visit the island is, first of all, to stay at least a couple of days, as you can spread the enormous activities to do. But don’t worry, you can make the most out of a day trip too, and I am going to tell you how.

Departing daily from Cape Jervis and reaching Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island), in only 45 minutes each way, there is a Sealink Ferry which will be your “Taxi” for the day. The earliest departure time is at 7.00 am and will work if you want to do a 12 hours experience on the Island, as the last Ferry is scheduled at 7.30 pm.

If your plan is to go with your own car, this is certainly a nice idea, the only con is the rising price of the Ferry ticket. From 55 au$ (no car) to 165 au$ (with the car) each way.

For a Day-Trip to Kangaroo Island, the best option is either to book a beautifully organized tour from Sealink – the same Ferry company – either plan ahead your moves so as to see as much as possible, or simply what you really keen to see.

Acclaimed to be one of the world’s best nature-based destinations, this is exactly the place you don’t want to miss it once in South Australia. The main activities and must-visit of this pristine island are many and variously good.

Water activities such as diving, snorkelling, swimming with wild dolphins and kayaking can delight your morning hours; but if you feel more of a ground connection you can opt to surf the dunes or do an all-terrain quad adventure.

Discover the many wine cellar and the different restaurants you can find here and also don’t forget to go for good hiking to spot some wildlife, such as koalas, kangaroo, wallabies, echidna, goanna and more than 40 species of birds.

10-top-things-to-visit-in-adelaide-enchanted-fig-tree — _{Enchanted Fig Tree}

As so in love with this clean and organized website, here is the official Kangaroo Island page, for you to organise your day or days in Kangaroo Island at the best. You will love this place, so start planning and you won’t get disappointed.

Here is the 10 top things to visit in Adelaide for you. I hope you can have the chance to experience some of them or better all of it, you will love every bit of this fantastic city. From nature to buildings, culture and festivals.

Let me know about your adventure in South Australia’s capital leaving a comment below and, if you need a day by day itinerary don’t miss my previous post “Adelaide 5 days itinerary”.

10 top things to visit in Adelaide Read More »