Short Break? This week we fly to 5 destinations and visit 14 must-see places for their history, culture, stunning beauty and good food!
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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:08 Bristol, England
06:07 Trondheim, Norway
10:55 Bayonne – France
13:09 Biarritz – France
14:17 Saint-Jean-de-Luz – France
15:25 Timișoara, Romania
21:50 Pula, Fažana, Rovinj, Poreč , Motovun, Grožnjan, Bale, Brijuni – Croatia
28:57 Wrap-up
hi fellow Travelers welcome back to my channel if you’re new here my name is Patrick and in this video we’ll fly to five interesting destinations served by European lowcost airlines we’ll visit 14 places worth seeing for their history culture stunning Beauty and good food this week we first fly to vibrant Bristol in England and then visit exhilarating Trondheim in Norway followed by the stunning French Bas country to visit beitz Bayon and sanj loose stop number four takes us to timara a Hidden Gem in Romania and finally we fly to Pula in Croatia to visit several beautiful cities including Roven and poret before we set off please help me by hitting the Subscribe button and sharing my Channel with your friends it costs you nothing but it’s an encouragement to me if you’d like to support the channel to produce more interesting content you can buy me a coffee at the link in the description thanks since I’m not from any of these cities please correct me if I get anything wrong all comments are welcome and appreciated our first destination this week takes us to Bristol in England a university city that gracefully balances its Rich Maritime history with a vibrant and modern culture it’s often also called Britain’s happiest City located on England’s West Coast Bristol has long been linked to Brave explorers and groundbreaking engineering Feats Bristol has its own airport served by lowcost Airlines otherwise it’s about 3 hours drive from London the oldest part of the city center that survived World War II is the area around Broad Street Corn Street and St Nicholas market for centuries the historic buildings here were the center of Bristol’s Commerce and administration but today they’re more involved with shopping Leisure and accommodation the corn exchange is home to a large collection of independent retailers and corn Street hosts farmers markets street food and market for art photography jewelry and vintage clothing bars and restaurants now occupy many of the former bank buildings and offices Bristol hosts one of the UK’s major universities with most of its activities concentrated around the city center its most prominent building is the wills memorial building an important Bristol Landmark down the hill from the wills Memorial is college green a well-kept green space where students like to lounge around on a sunny day the green is flanked by two important buildings the cathedral and the City Hall Bristol Cathedral is one of the country’s most iconic medieval buildings boasting a rich history that stretches back almost a millennium over the centuries it underwent various expansions and Renovations reflecting different architectural Styles including Gothic Norman and Victorian most notable is its West Front adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings showcasing medieval craftsmanship inside visitors can Marvel at the stunning vaulted ceiling ings and impressive stained glass windows close to college green you’ll find the original Banky mural well-hung lover painted on the side of a building by Bristol’s Anonymous street artist Banky in 2006 it was considered graffiti but after a long battle and campaign by local residents it became the first legal piece of street art in the UK since then Bristol’s walls and buildings have become canvases for artists these murals and graffiti are more than just decoration there a commentary on society politics and life itself reflecting the city’s creative [Music] spirit Bristol was a starting point for countless exploratory voyages including John Kat’s journey to North America when he discovered New Finland in the 15th century this Spirit of exploration is still alive today echoed in the city’s various museums of course no mention of Bristol would be complete without the iconic Clifton suspension Bridge designed by Brunell it stands as a testament to Bristol’s Innovative Spirit majestically spanning the Avon Gorge it is a sight to behold and a symbol of the city’s industrial Heritage a masterpiece of 19th century engineering back in those days tall mastered ships had to pass along the river Avon below to reach Bristol Harbor in the city center today the port has moved to the river estery and the City Center docks were redeveloped as cultural and Heritage centers forming the present day’s vibrant District of Harborside it is a hub of activity and Leisure with an Eclectic mix of museums galleries restaurants cafes and bars it’s the perfect spot to unwind enjoy a meal and watch the world go by here visit Ed a modern museum with colorful exhibits that tell the story of Bristol’s role in the age of Discovery mored close to mhed is a collection of historic vessels including the SS Great Britain a museum ship that was once the most advanced Ed passenger steamship of her time designed by Brunell she was the largest passenger ship in the world from 1845 to 1853 among Bristol’s many excellent museums there’s the fascinating Bristol City Museum and art gallery packed with artifacts from different Generations covering archaeology geology the natural world and fossils and Georgian house a well-preserved example of a typical late 18th century townhouse with beautifully and authentically furnished and decorated rooms it’s a real gem these two and the earlier mentioned mhed are all free to enter as for food Bristol’s culinary scene is a Melting Pot of cultures from traditional English fair to Exotic World Cuisines the city’s restaurants and food markets offer a smallus board of flavors reflecting Bristol’s cultural diversity Bristol a city that offers a unique blend of History culture and modernity sure to leave you captivated and yearning for more so whether you’re a history buff a foodie an art Enthusiast or just a traveler looking for a unique experience Bristol welcomes you with open arms from Bristol we move to the stunning city of Trondheim in Norway whose airport is served by lowcost Airlines Norwegian and wizer Trondheim a city on the Trondheim F in central Norway carries the weight of a rich intriguing history on its shoulders the city’s route sink deep into the Viking age a time of exploration expansion and of course the legendary North Sea farers Trondheim was once the Royal capital of Norway and it’s here that you’ll find The Echoes of its Viking past I’ve heard Norwegians called Trondheim the small city with the big church and that is definitely the case majestically standing as the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world nidaros Cathedral is a breathtaking spectacle and a true Testament to trondheim’s historical significance constructed in the 11th century over the burial site of King Ola II who later became the patron saint of the nation the cathedral is a pilgrimage site that draws visitors from near and far its intricate Stone carvings and stained glass windows tell Tales of a Time long past nearby the archbishop’s Palace Museum houses archaeological findings and sculptures including gargoyles removed from the cathedral as you stroll through the city center C cross the iconic Oldtown Bridge built in 1681 its beautiful red gates are also known as the portal of Happiness they offer picturesque views of the city and lead to the historic backland at district with its vibrant colorful warehouses lining the nadela river these iconic structures once bustling with trade now serve as a Charming backdrop to the city’s daily life backland et’s cobbled streets are sprinkled with cafes bars and restaurants and a lively atmosphere they’re a reminder of trondheim’s Maritime Heritage painted in Hues that reflect the city’s Dynamic Spirit overlooking bandet is the 17th century Christian stand Fortress offering panoramic views of Trondheim and the surrounding area it also has the world’s first bicycle lift that helps cyclists up the Steep Hill just off Oldtown Bridge the fort is a starting point for one of tron’s best city walks don’t miss the funloving neighborhood of Soul siden located by the marina Soul siden which translates to the Sunny Side in Norwegian is a cheerful area that’s full of life situated on the site of a former Shipyard it is now one of the most popular districts in town always a buzz with Good Vibes it’s the place to take in the jovial energy of the locals and enjoy the afternoon sun Trondheim Embraces the future with open arms know known as Norway’s technology Hub Trondheim is home to Leading tech companies and Innovative startups where technology and sustainability go hand inand speaking of sustainability Trondheim is a city that walks the torque from its extensive bike Lanes to its electric buses it’s a place where Green living is not just a concept but a way of life the city’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty is inspiring to say the least and if you’re a nature Enthusiast Trondheim doesn’t disappoint the city is surrounded by excellent hiking and cycling opportunities with trails that wind through Lush forests and over towering mountains explore the vast Wilderness of baka a large Park and nature reserve offering hiking trails skiing in Winter Lakes for swimming and fishing and cozy cabins for overnight stays you can also take the tram to the top of gralen mountain for breathtaking views of Trondheim and the surrounding Landscapes or visit the te telecommunications tower for more fantastic views from its rotating restaurant at the top there are various boat cruises on offer to explore trondheim’s unique surroundings take an exhilarating tour of the fud and nearby Islands by boat rib or kayak some tours focus on historical sites others on natural beauty Trondheim a city that beautifully combines its Viking past with a future forward mindset offering a Unique Travel experience from its historical roots to its vibrant City life from its commitment to sustainability to its stunning natural beauty Trondheim is a small City that truly has it all whether you a history buff a tech Enthusiast or a nature lover you’re sure to find something in Trondheim that speaks to your heart our third destination is beitz in Southwestern France this airport is well placed to not only visit Bitz but also the historic city of Bayon capital of the French Bas country which is where we’ll base ourselves Bon is a city that wears its vibrant culture proudly on its sleeve the city’s Basque influence is not just a historical footnote but a living breathing part of everyday life here tradition and modernity blend seamlessly creating a unique atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere strolling through the city one cannot help but Marvel at the beautiful half timbered houses that line the streets these architectural gems with their distinctive red and green shutters are a visual treat and test to Bon’s Rich history each one adds to the city’s charm in its own unique way enjoy a leisurely stroll along the banks of the river adore offering Scenic views of this Unique city then there’s the impressive Bon Cathedral known for its ornate cloysters and impressive spires Rising above the city’s rooftops this Gothic Masterpiece is a sight to behold it’s not just a place of worship but a symbol of the city’s enduring Spirit the cathedral is also a starting point for for the Camino de Santiago the famous pilgrimage routes that lead to Santiago de compostella in Spain don’t miss a visit to Leal Bon’s vibrant covered Market to sample local Delicacies including Bayon ham cheese and fresh produce if there’s one thing Bayon is particularly renowned for it is its chocolate making tradition this city is a Haven for chocaholic with a legacy of artisan chocolate ears that dates back centuries the rich velvety chocolate here is truly a sensory Delight and a testament to the city’s commitment to craftsmanship The Basque museum is also worth a visit to learn about the history and culture of The Basque region through exhibits showcasing art artifacts and multimedia displays and of course we can’t talk about Bon without mentioning its vibrant festivals from the Lively fet de Bayon in the summer to the enchanting Christmas Market in the winter there’s always something to celebrate here these festivals are not just about having a good time they’re about Community tradition and the joy of being in the moment beitz is Bon’s more famous neighbor just 7 km or 4 miles away beitz has been a playground for Aristocrats and the Rich and Famous since the mid 19th century with its renowned Hotel D palet and its casinos facing the Atlantic Ocean beitz is a busy Resort which is why we only came here for the day from Bon walk along the famous Urban Beach LR Plage watch the sunbathers and swimmers and the Surfers or join in yourself visit the imposing Rock of the Blessed Virgin the protector of the seafarers it’s a powerful reminder of the city’s Maritime history and the strong beliefs and values of The Basque Country stroll through port de peser the Charming fishing port that offers a glimpse into the local Maritime culture it has lovely restaurants and cafes to enjoy climb the beer its ligh house for amazing views of the city and the coastline climbing the 248 steps of the lighthouse is well worth the effort beitz also has an aquarium it’s a popular attraction and focuses on marine life in the Atlantic Ocean another Seaside Town worth a day’s visit is sanjan Deus just south of beitz it too has a grand Plage and its waters are usually Cara due to a seaw wall that protects the Bay from the ocean St joh Deo is often a little less busy than the more famous beer rits enjoy strolling its pretty streets and also make your way to the seaw wall which is a Scenic spot offering picturesque views of the city and Atlantic Ocean s Jean Deo is also renowned for its excellent Basque Cuisine with numerous restaurants and cafes to explore the whole of the French Basque region has unique and delicious Cuisine Basque chicken Bala pill pill oysters mamaco Bayon ham and of course Pinchos The Basque version of tapas these are just a few of the Delicacies to try while you’re here the French Basque region especially bon in my opinion offers a rich cultural experience delicious food and a warm welcoming atmosphere whether you’re here for a day or a week Bon will leave you with memories to cherish and stories to [Music] tell we now venture to Romania and to the beautiful city of timara often called little Vienna due to its distinct architecture and vibrant cultural life Tim iswara is the main economic social and Cultural Center in Western Romania and it has its own airport served by lowcost Airline wiir located in the heart of the bat region Tim isara has played a pivotal role in Romanian history it was also the first European city to introduce horsedrawn trams in electric street lighting and was the birthplace of the 1989 Romanian Revolution Tim isara has the largest architectural Ensemble of historic buildings in Romania most of these buildings are part of the ostroh Hungarian era a period of economic Prosperity that left its mark on the city its City Center boasts several large squares elegant public spaces and enchanting boulevards that will Captivate you before you know it the first of three interconnected squares across the historic Center is Union Square or Pata uni as locals call it it is the oldest square of timara a beautiful Patchwork of Barack buildings their pastel facades reflect the city’s Multicultural influences from the austrians and the Turks to the serbs and the hungarians of note on Union Square are two Cathedrals the Barack Palace and the plague column at its Center Roman Catholic St George Cathedral was completed in 1774 and is known for its elegant facade and ornate interior this is the second largest Baro Church in Southeastern Europe due to its outstanding Acoustics organ concerts are often held here also on Union Square is the Baro style Serbian Orthodox Ascension Cathedral completed in 1748 curiously it stands with its back to the square initially the church hosted services for both the Serbian and Romanian communities but following the separation of the two churches in 1864 the building belongs to the Serbian Community a short distance south of Union Square you’ll find Liberty Square which houses some of the oldest buildings in timisoara the Garrison command the former chancellory of War The Old City Hall and the military casino at the center of the square is the statue of St John of nepomuk a Romanian Barack column built to commemorate the Great Plague of 1738 South of Liberty Square is the impressive Victory Square it was here on the 20th of December 1989 that timara was proclaimed the first Romanian City free of Comm communism one end of Victory square is dominated by the Romanian Opera and National [Music] Theater the opposite end is dominated by the Metropolitan Cathedral a stunning edifice of Romanian Orthodox design its nine Towers symbolize the nine hierarchs who defended the Orthodox faith during the Byzantine era gazing upon this architectural Marvel you feel a sense of war and reverence a testament to the city’s Dee rooted faith and spirituality with its Lively atmosphere and stunning architecture Victory square is a perfect place to sip of coffee and soak in the city’s rhythm timisha is renowned for its large number of historical monuments and its 36 parks and green spaces take a stroll through the Charming roses park or The Verdant Botanical Garden offering nine hectares of tranquil walking paths and benches amid ierse trees and flowers if the weather is fine don’t miss taking a stroll along the begar river prominade the river is a center of recreation for the locals who kayak run and play tennis along the river it’s a great way to feel the heartbeat of the city there are cafes restaurants ice cream parlors and Parks dotted all around there are even water taxis that will take you along the river Tim iswara also has an active cultural scene due to the the city’s three state theaters Opera philarmonic and many other cultural institutions and in 2023 it was a European capital of culture when the sun dips below the Horizon Tim shaara comes alive with a vibrant nighlife the city is a symphony of laughter music and clinking glasses whether you crave the thumping Bas of a club the soothing Melodies of a live band or simply the hum of conversation in a cozy Pub timis Sara’s nlife has something for everyone but it’s not just history and nightlife that make Tim iswar a tick the city is a hot bed of creativity home to a thriving art scene from the avanguard exhibitions at the Art Museum to the Contemporary performances at the National Theater art in timara is a living breathing entity constantly evolving and pushing boundaries the city’s Multicultural influences shine through its art adding a unique flavor to its creative landscape and let’s not forget the city’s culinary scene a delicious blend of Romanian Classics and international flavors from hearty stews and grilled Meats to Sweet pastries and artisanal cheeses Tim shara’s food is a feast For The Senses a perfect end to a day of exploring this vibrant City I recommend searching online for a guided walking tour organized by locals to give you an authentic introduction to Tim schara they will also recommend reasonably priced eateries to experience local Delicacies as well as places to enjoy the night life should you have more time to explore Western Romania take a day trip to or inspiring Corin castle one of the largest castles in Europe and then visit the Charming medieval town of [Music] cibu Tours are also organized to the stunning underground turd assault mine or simply explore the scenic bat region known for its beautiful landscapes and Rich cultural heritage further away is the equally beautiful historic city of Oradea which along with timara is part of the art Nuvo European route timara a City full of History culture and life offering a truly unique Romanian experience our last destination this week is Pula a city with its own airport served by EasyJet in the stunning region of istria in Croatia this Gem of a destination is steeped in history blessed with natural beauty and has a culinary scene that will tantalize your taste buds istria is a peninsula in the northeastern part of the Adriatic Sea its Beauty has often been compared to that of Tuscany with Lush Greenery and beautiful Hilltop Villages you will be spoiled for Choice as to where to stay in istria you just need to decide if you prefer a busier or quieter Town let’s start with the remarkable Roman history istria formed part of of the mighty Roman Empire and remnants of this era can be found scattered across the Region pula’s historic Center is a true gem though these days it can get quite busy in the High season it’s also quite big and less cozy than some of the smaller towns in Pula the Roman triumphal arch of Seri bookends the old town with the impressive Amphitheater at the other [Music] end not to forget the well preserved Temple of Augustus the puler arena is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world a testament to the Region’s Rich past it once echoed with the Roar of Gladiators and the cheers of Spectators and today it continues to Marvel visitors with its Grandeur imagine walking on the same ground where Gladiators once fought feeling the weight of centuries under your feet stroll through the characterful streets of Pula lined with cafes and restaurants and soak in the centuries old atmosphere with the colorful buildings and mixture of Slavic and Italian influences the istrian peninsula is blessed with a breathtakingly beautiful Coastline that stretches for over 400 km this is where the blue of the Adriatic Sea meets the green of the Mediterranean vegetation creating a mesmerizing Panorama that will leave you Spellbound and if you’re a fan of seafood you’re in for a treat the Region’s coastal towns are rowned for their Fresh Catch served in traditional kobas Croatian taverns from succulent oysters to grilled fish every dish is a celebration of the sea moving up the west coast of istria just north of Pula is the smaller and quieter town of fana which is my preferred place to stay in istria it’s a picturesque fishing Village known for its beautiful beaches and tranquil atmosphere it also serves as the main port for both excursions to the Bruni National Park a group of islands famous for the natural beauty and archaeological significance further up the coast is Roven a picturesque coastal town that boasts stunning views of the Adriatic Sea known for its Charming old town with narrow cobbled streets and colorful buildings Roven offers various attractions such as the Church of St euphemia Roven Heritage Museum and bal’s Arch Roven has a rich history dating back to ancient times with influences from the Roman Venetian and austr Hungarian periods evident in its architecture and culture and north of Roven is porch which boasts a rich history dating back to the 6th Century with notable landmarks such as the euphrasian Basilica a UNESCO world heritage site and a stunning example of early Byzantine architecture this coastal town offers picturesque scenery historic buildings and a vibrant cultural scene visitors can explore its Thousand-Year history enjoy Mediterranean Cuisine and indulge in various outdoor activities along its Scenic coastline poret is a popular tourist destination known for its Charming atmosphere and cultural heritage let’s not forget the Charming Hilltop towns in the interior of istria each one is a little world unto itself with cobbled streets quaint houses and stunning views of the surrounding Countryside we visited three such towns the first being motovun known for its medieval architecture and stunning Vistas the town is particularly famous for its truffle industry truffles can be bought from several shops in the town and there are a few famous restaurants here specializing in food that includes this delicacy next is Gran that sits at an elevation of 290 M or 950 ft offering stunning views of the Mira River Valley the town of motovun and the UTSA Mountain Visitors can explore its well preserved medieval streets the town lodia and the Beautiful Church of St vtus modestus and centia historically Gran was a significant Venetian stronghold which is reflected in its architecture and cultural influences today it is renowned as the town of artists home to numerous galleries Studios and art shops the third Hilltop town we visited was ble known for its medieval architecture narrow cobbled streets and historical significance the town features landmarks such as the soardo bembo palace a well preserved castle and the Church of St Elizabeth which showcases a blend of different architectural Styles B is also celebrated for its beautiful natural surroundings including Olive Groves and Vineyards making it a great destination for those interested in wine and olive oil tasting the Bruni islands are a group of 14 small islands that were made a national park in 1983 and can be reached by both from fana the national park encompasses the islands and surrounding Waters protecting diverse ecosystems and archaeological sites the islands offer various recreational activities including cycling hiking and water sports amidst beautiful Mediterranean Landscapes they also boast numerous historical and cultural sites including Roman Villas a Byzantine Basilica and remnants of a Bronze Age settlement Former Yugoslav president yosip Tito used the islands as his summer residence his influence is still visible in the preserved luxurious Villas and various memorabilia the islands feature a unique Safari Park Housing exotic animals like zebras elephants and llamas introduced during Tito’s time one of the oldest golf courses in Europe established in 1922 is located on the islands offering picturesque views and a historical setting our journey to istria would not be complete without mentioning the Region’s wine making tradition istria has been producing wine for over 2,000 years with local Vineyards known for their white malvasia and red Teran wines the Rolling Hills and verdant Landscapes of istria offer the perfect conditions for Vine cultivation resulting in wines that are as captivating as the region itself Pula and istria a region that offers A Perfect Blend of History nature and Gastronomy promising an unforgettable travel experience so that wraps up another video I hope I’ve inspired you to visit at least one of these fascinating destinations and to experience the history the culture their beauty and to enjoy the food if you’ve visited any of these places do let us know your experiences in the comments below thanks for watching my video If you enjoyed it please give me a like and share it with your friends and please don’t forget to hit the Subscribe button it costs nothing but it’s a great help and encouragement to me remember to set the Bell not ifications to all so as not to miss further episodes from me at Voyage Voyager until the next video Happy travels [Music]