twitter instagram linkedin
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Features
    • Beauty
    • Food + Drink
    • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Fashion
    • Travel
    • Relationships
    • Finances
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy

● Laura Thornberry ●

 Let's be completely honest, there's probably a million reasons why you should be thinking about travelling to Greece, especially in the summer months, as there is just so much to see and do here. With around 6,000 islands located in both the Aegean and Ionian Seas, with over 200 of these inhabited, you'll be spoilt for choice when deciding where to go for your next getaway.

Whether you opt for a holiday to the mainland or to one of the islands, Greece simply has it all, from stunning beaches, mouth-watering cuisine to spectacular scenery. Not to mention the warm Mediterranean climate and the abundance of culture and history, it's definitely a holiday destination worth thinking about as the country has so much to offer visitors.


Santorini
Santorini is probably one of the most iconic Greek islands and a location that is instantly recognisable. Santorini is known for it's 5-star luxury hotels, spectacular restaurants, and high-end shopping, making it a great destination for a romantic getaway. The best, most popular places to stay on the island include Fira, Imerovigli, Firostefani and Oia, as these offer some of the the best views of the volcano, the caldera and of course the stunning sunsets.

If you want to truly discover the island without paying expensive fares for each taxi ride, or taking a trip on the local buses, maybe you should consider renting a car whilst in Santorini. The idea of renting a motorbike or a four-wheeler sounds fun, but are typically not the safest way to drive around a busy island like Santorini. On the other hand car hire will offer the flexibility and freedom to enjoy the islands beauties.

Corfu
Corfu is known as Greece's emerald island as it is one of the greenest islands in Greece, with the vast combination of olive and cypress trees making up the landscape. Corfu homes some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece, featuring such crystal clear waters, pebbled beach fronts and golden sands, it's definitely one not to miss out on.

This island is probably one of the best to explore if you are looking for a family holiday. Corfu’s famous Aqualand water park is a great family day out and will give you hours of fun and excitement, and the Corfu Aquarium is also a great spot for those with children. 


Mykonos
For those seeking amazing nightlife with a vivid party scene, Mykonos might just be the perfect island for you. Mykonos island is part of the Cyclades, and is basically Greece's answer to to the famous party island of Ibiza. You can enjoy the cosmopolitan nightlife with a huge selection of restaurants, bars and clubs to go to located all across the island. 

But Mykonos isn't just about great parties, this island offers much much more. Visiting Mykonos offers a well-rounded travel experience; there are an enormous range of activities for everyone. With a range of museums, churches and windmills, and over 20 gorgeous beaches to visit, there are plenty of sights to keep you busy during your stay on the island.

Crete
 Located in the Aegean Sea, Crete is the largest of all the Greek islands, and is also the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, homing over 600 miles of coastline full of beautiful beaches, cliffs, mountains and hilltops, it's one of the most beautiful landscapes you'll ever encounter. This island is an ideal getaway for couple, friend or family style holidays as there is so many things to see and do here, you'll be spoilt for choice everyday!

Crete also has two major airports; Chania and Heraklion, making it easily accessible from many European cities, making it a perfect holiday destination to travel to. I was lucky enough to visit Crete a few years ago, spending my holiday in the town of Hersonissos, located in the north of the island. It's one of the most modern places on the island, with an array of restaurants, bars and clubs, similar to those found in the neighbouring town of Malia. With golden sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, amazing food and Instagram-worthy sunsets, it's a must visit place for everyone.

Greek Islands Landscape View

Rhodes
Rhodes is the largest island in the Greek Dodecanese, the fourth largest Greek island and is known to be the sunniest place in Greece! Not only does the island have the perfect climate, the island is extremely rich in history as it is the oldest inhabited medieval towns in Europe. If you're a lover of Greek history, then a trip into Rhodes Old Town is a must!

Rhodes boasts such a variety of picture-perfect, breath-taking scenery, from ancient towns and picturesque villages to amazing beaches and natural landscapes. As for the beaches on the island, they are some of the best beaches in Greece, especially those located at Lindos and Faliraki!

Zakynthos
Located in the Ionian Sea, Zakynthos is a well-known summer resort that offers plenty of activities for all ages, making it an ideal location for families, couples or groups. Whether you're into water sports, hiking and visiting museums, or taking day trip excursions like boat parties and turtle spotting, Zakynthos has it all.

The iconic, world famous Navagio Shipwreck Beach lies on the island of Zakynthos. This locations is tucked away in a small cove in the north of the island, boasting a beautiful beach and crystal clear waters, it's probably one of the most recognised, photographed and most famous beach in Greece and can only be accessed via boat. It's definitely something not to be missed when visiting Zakynthos.

Have you visited Greece before? Which islands are you looking to go to?

ad*| This is a collaborative post.
10:00 No comments
Has lockdown got you dreaming of your next holiday once current travel restrictions are finally lifted, but are unsure of where you want to go? UK staycations are bound to be a more popular holiday choice this year, mainly due to the travel restrictions put into place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, as many of us are desperate to get outdoors and explore places we can for a change in scenery.

Going on holiday abroad might be the first thing on your mind once the pandemic risks decrease, but sometimes it's so easy to forget how many amazing places are in the UK. With some absolutely incredible locations to visit that are extremely accessible, affordable and breathtakingly beautiful, there is somewhere for everyone and your holiday preferences. 


Cornwall has long been a popular holiday destination with many travellers, as it has some of the best beaches, dramatic cliffs and the most stunning coastlines in the entire UK. For those who like activity-based trips, Cornwall has a lot to offer from surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing, to name a few, you'll be stuck deciding which to try first! And of course, the trip wouldn't be completed without sampling the traditional Cornish pasty!

For those who enjoy real adventure and exploring nature, Snowdonia might be the perfect staycation spot for you. Located in Northwest Wales, Snowdonia is an area of outstanding natural beauty with the mixture of mountain ranges, lakes, rivers and forests, the views are just astonishing. Located in Snowdonia National Park, Mount Snowdon is this probably the most famous attraction here and is definitely well worth a visit. As well as this, Snowdonia also offers a range of other activities including ziplining, white water rafting, rock climbing and hiking, which would be perfect for those seeking an active outdoors adventure style trip.

The Scottish Highlands are known for their outstanding views, boasting beautiful landscapes and spectacular wildlife. The largest region of Scotland, the Highlands are incredibly beautiful to visit all year round, but especially during the summer months on the year as this is when you get the best weather. Top locations include Fort William and Ben Nevis, as well as Glencoe and Inverness. And finally, you can't leave the Scottish Highlands without visiting the infamous Loch Ness!

countryside landscape

England's largest national park, The Lake District is another destination worth researching for your next UK staycation. For those who love keeping fit and exploring, hiking is the number one outdoor activity here with trails for all abilities. The Lake District is also home to Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England, could be worth a visit if you love a challenge to climb it, and be rewarded with such stunning views from the top.

Finally, who needs to venture abroad when you can visit Dorset, home of beautiful countryside views and an ideal staycation spot for the whole family. The coastal landscape is probably the highlight of the this county, with places like Durdle Door and Weymouth Beach ideal spots to check out. Visiting the famous spot of Durdle Door is an absolute must if you're exploring Dorset any time soon. Located on the Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door is probably the most photographed and most iconic landmarks Dorset has to offer, and will most definitely be the next feature to your Instagram grid!

Whether you are looking to plan your next family holiday, a romantic getaway or a special date to celebrate, a staycation this summer could be exactly what you need for that much needed break from reality. If you're planning a road-trip style vacation, it might be ideal to go online and get the best insurance quote for your motorbike here, or insurance for your car/caravan, and make sure to plan your journey ahead with some proper research! Not only will this save you valuable time and effort, you'll be able to enjoy your trip a lot more without any problems or added stress!

Are you planning a UK staycation? What UK destinations would you love to explore or have previously visited?

ad*| This post has been sponsored.
10:00 No comments

Dubai is an international destination known for its diverse multiculturalism, the wide variety of elaborate traditions and cultures, as well as the range of cuisines available there, and these definitely represents that. With Dubai being one holiday destination on my travel bucket list, it's definitely a place I've dreamt about visiting and have done plenty of research into things to do and places to visit. 

 Not only does the warm weather, phenomenal views and luxurious lifestyle making Dubai such attractive and must-visit destination, but the extensive range of food is what draws me in closer. From middle eastern food to Indian meals to north African to Asian and much much more, there's such a diverse selection that it's definitely any foodies heaven!

dubai

Through extensive research, recommendations and website visits, I've compiled a list of some of the top restaurants that I would love to visit when holidaying in Dubai. I've included a variety of cuisines as I'm not too fussy when it comes to food, to emphasise the diversity of flavours that Dubai restaurants have to offer and can accommodate everyone's eating preferences.

MEZZALUNA
For lovers of authentic Italian flavours, Mezzaluna will be the perfect restaurant for you. Head down to this Dubai Festival City based restaurant serving a selection hand-crafted, regional Italian specialties. With a spectacular menu bursting with some of the best Italian dishes, made with the finest ingredients sourced throughout Italy, it's one not to miss out on!

ASIL RESTAURANT
Located at Rixos Premium Dubai, this fine-dining styled restaurant merges a blend of Lebanese, Moroccan and Turkish cuisines, making it the perfect dining experience for loves of middle eastern cooking. Asil blends innovation, elegance and tradition in they way they they present their food, décor and musical style.

SOUL STREET
Based at FIVE Jumeirah Village, Soul Street is home to some of the best new authentic gourmet street food you can find in Dubai. Incorporating dishes from all over the world from places such as Latin America, India, Levant, Europe and Asia. As well as great flavoured food, Soul Street is also home to live DJ performances and the best of international street art, making it an exciting, and unforgettable experience.

BEBEMOS
Bebemos at Le Meridien, Dubai is a Spanish themed tapas restaurant, perfect for those who love a range of vibrant, and mouth-watering flavours. This Spanish restaurant brings a range of exotic favourites; from the North's seafood to Central Spain's roast meats.

MAIDEN SHANGHAI
Located at FIVE Palm Jumeirah, this restaurant high quality, authentic Chinese cooking. Drawing from Cantonese, Sichuan, Shanghai and Beijing influences, Maiden Shanghai aims to revitalise Chinese culinary traditions. With such a wide variety and extensive menu, Maiden Shanghai brings the real taste of Asia to the heart of Dubai.

To summarise, if you're a foodie like myself, this could definitely be the next holiday destination to add to your future travel bucket list. Dubai hosts such a selection of beautiful restaurants, from middle eastern, Italian, Indian and African restaurants, even steakhouses and European cuisines, so there is bound to be something for everyone!
 
Have you visited Dubai? What is your favourite cuisine style?

ad*| This post has been sponsored.

10:00 No comments

 Are you dreaming of happier and sunnier times? With the current ongoing global pandemic, things are currently looking uncertain due to coronavirus and lockdowns, but it's definitely important to plan ahead and give yourself something to hopefully look forward to. COVID-19 has changed all of our worlds completely, and not just in the short-term. One major difference we all face at the moment is restrictions on travel, and I'm sure your next European holidays and vacations will look very different for the foreseeable future. Obviously, I'm sure we aren't going to be able to jump on a plane and jet off anywhere soon, but it's nice to think about it, right? 

After spending so much time at home in lockdown, I've definitely been dreaming about warmer weather and future European holiday destinations, for when the time is right, the world is more stable and in a better place. For me, Europe is definitely emerging as a go-to place for travel, not only for it's beautiful destinations, but for its accessibility and its affordability. From an array of historic landmarks and attractions, mouth-watering cuisines, spectacular views and scenery, it's definitely a continent to consider when planning your next city break or beach holiday in Europe.

european travel aeroplane

◉ RHODES, GREECE ◉
I've been fortunate to visit two absolutely beautiful Greek islands over the last few years. Both Crete and Zakynthos have been such dreamy holiday locations, and has definitely given me a small insight into the idyllic and breath-taking destinations Greece has to offer. Next on my list for Greece is the gorgeous island of Rhodes; the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, is known for its stunning beach resorts, historic ancient ruins and soaring mountaintops. With such a variety of scenery, Rhodes is the perfect location for those who love to get outside and explore nature.

◉ DUBROVNIK, CROATIA ◉
Dubrovnik, in the extreme south of Croatia, is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. With such beautiful landscapes, endless beaches and a city full of history, Dubrovnik is one of the most prominent tourist resorts of the Mediterranean, and an upcoming European holiday destination for the younger generation. From visiting a variety of beach to sightseeing to museums, and shopping and extraordinary places to eat, this stunning Croatian city is definitely worth the visit.

◉ AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS ◉ 
A trip to Amsterdam would definitely be an unforgettable adventure. With beautiful parks and canals, a vibrant nightlife scene and various museums, Amsterdam boasts an abundance of activities and sights worth a visit. A modern city break destination full of history, art and culture, it's definitely somewhere I can't wait to visit.

◉ ISTANBUL, TURKEY ◉
No other city in the world features on two continents. Istanbul is the city where East meets West, boasting such multicultural and diverse traditions of both Europe and Asia. A city full of historic landmarks, spectacular attractions, stunning scenery and extraordinary food, it's definitely not one to miss!

◉ PAPHOS, CYPRUS ◉
Definitely one of the newest destinations on my travel bucket list, but it definitely deserves a mention. Cyprus is know to have the longest summer in Europe, and Paphos is home to gorgeous sandy beaches, making it an ideal European destination if you're after a relaxing beach holiday, and some down time to soak up the Mediterranean sun. 

travel tips

◉ 
Travel Tips Post Pandemic ◉

 Research - Before thinking of travelling abroad, it's really import to do your research and plan ahead. You will want to pick a destination that you feel safe going to and that you will feel comfortable visiting. As well as this, it's also important to research into any specific rules and guidelines that are currently ongoing to make sure you're following as safely and as necessary as possible.

 Health - Obviously, it's always best to go on holiday when you're fully healthy and ready to jet off somewhere. Travelling after a global pandemic might be worrying, stressful and just a completely anxious time, so it's important to take the plunge when you're fully ready. However, those who may not be 100% fit or have suffered with COVID-19, might need some extra support for overseas travel. Travelling with oxygen may seem daunting at first, but it's a really beneficial method for making the whole travel experience as easy as possible. Whether you need an Oxygen Concentrator UK or one for out of the country, you are sure to find one that's suitable for your travel needs.

 Preparation - Making lists and travel itineraries are great ways to plan and prep your next holiday. This allows you to make detailed notes of things you'll need, places you're going and also it will make you feel more at ease and less stressed.

 Safety - One of the most important travel tips is safety. You will want to make sure you're planning your trips in the safest way possible, and following any specific travel guidelines that are put in place, not only for yourself, but for others around you.

What European destinations are on your future travel bucket lists? Have you visited any mentioned in today's blog post?

ad*| This post has been sponsored
10:00 No comments

Exploring America has been on my bucket list for the longest time, and there a number of US states that I'd love to visit. But obviously due to the current global pandemic, international travel is the last of my current plans for the foreseeable future. However, that doesn't stop me from dreaming about my future travel goals and researching into places I'd love to visit one day!

Los Angeles Dating Ideas

Home to so many iconic and beautiful locations, dating in Los Angeles can be super fun and enjoyable, so if you're in the area, looking over at Los Angeles Personals might be something to consider. Whether it’s Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica or Malibu, Los Angeles is packed with things to see and do, you'll be dreaming about it in no time at all! With so many places to choose from, being outside in nature is a great place to be on a date, and I've compiled a few of my favourite destinations to share with you!

If you enjoy being outdoors, keeping fit and getting some fresh air, a hike to the Hollywood Sign could be a great first date idea, especially if you've got a sunny afternoon free. The Hollywood Sign has become a world-famous cultural icon and a perfect places to visit to see some unbelievable views.

The Griffith Observatory offers some of the best views of Los Angeles, and is one of southern California's most popular attractions. Offering spectacular views from the Pacific Ocean to Downtown L.A, it's definitely on not to miss out on!

dating in los angeles

Venice Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles, and a great place to enjoy great views, soak up the sun and maybe a cute little picnic along the seafront, and stay into the evening to watch a memorable sunset. How romantic?! A vibrant hub of street performers & shops, local activities including basketball and skating, there's plenty to see and do here!

If you're into film and TV, a trip to the Warner Bros. Studio for a spectacular tour could be a perfect place for an afternoon date. Enjoy taking a peek behind the scenes of some of your fave movies and TV shows. Think Friends, Big Bang Theory, Harry Potter and the DC Universe, there's something for everyone!

As good a place as any to begin an adventure in Downtown Los Angeles is Grand Central Market, probably the largest and oldest public market in the city, brings together the cuisines and cultures of LA. A perfect location for the foodies as there is so much to choose from. Offering a variety of cuisines and dishes, think Italian, German, Japanese and much much more, this food hall is a great location for a casual, yet exciting atmosphere for a food date, where you'll be wanting to indulge in absolutely everything.

As well as all the places I've mentioned in this blog post, Los Angeles has such an extensive list of really fun and unique date locations, you'll be spoilt for choice and wanting to go on date night, every night!

Have you been to LA? What destinations are on your bucket list?

ad* | This post has been sponsored.

14:00 No comments
One of the most popular holiday destinations to go to is Greece and this is no surprise with the amount of fun and entertaining things you can do when you visit this island. Greece is a popular holiday destination as there are so many islands to visit and there is something for all the family to enjoy when you go to Greece. I recently visited the island of Zakynthos, and absolutely fell in love with it. One of the popular islands to visit in Greece is Mykonos and, it's definitely an island that I want to take a trip to, and in this article, I will discuss the reasons why you should visit Mykonos this year. If you are interested and you would like to find out more, keep reading for further information. 

Greek islands

Historical Sites to See
One of the reasons that many people travel to Greece is to get a chance to look around and enjoy the history. In Mykonos, there are many museums and places that you can visit around the island to learn some new information and see the historical sites for yourself. 

Villas 
When you travel to Mykonos, there some stunning hotels that you can go to, however, if you are looking for something different then you can go and stay in a villa. There are many different villas in Mykonos, Greece to choose from that are suitable for big or small families and can be found in many locations around the island either close to the beach, closer to the town or near the mountains. The website Loyal Villas Luxury has some beautiful options that are worth taking a look at. 

Beautiful Beaches 
In Mykonos, there are many beautiful beaches to visit with gorgeous white sand and crystal clear waters. You can have a look around the beach and walk to the shop or sunbathe and enjoy spending time with family. When you are at the beach you can also pay to go on boat trips around the island and enjoy some beautiful scenery. Platys Gialos, Psarou, Elia are some of the best beaches in Mykonos to visit.

Nightlife 
In Greece, there are many different islands and they are more suited to different people depending on the type of holiday you want to go on. For example, there are places in Greece that are more suited to couples and families, whereas there are some places that are suited for younger people and people looking for some great nightlife. On the Greek island Mykonos, you can enjoy some brilliant nightlife with many different bars and clubs to go to across the island. 

Greek islands

Overall, there are many different reasons why you should visit Mykonos this summer and in this article, we discussed some of the reasons why. If you are haven’t booked your summer holiday yet then have a read over this article to find out why you should head to Mykonos this year. Whether you want to sunbathe on one of the stunning beaches and relax or hit up the bars and clubs – Mykonos will be perfect. Book your trip today and you will not regret visiting this wonderful island. 

Have you been to Mykonos before? What other islands in Greece would you like to visit?

ad* | This is a collaborative guest post which has been sponsored.
12:36 No comments
When it comes to travel, I've never really travelled long-haul, 4-5 hour flights is the longest I've ever been on and I've always stuck close-ish to home. It's always been something on my 'bucket list' to visit every single country in Europe. Europe is home to a huge 50 countries; a few of those whose territory is considered to be in both Europe and Asia. 

Each country offers something new as there's such a variety of culture, traditions, cuisines and history, which is what makes Europe such an exciting and interesting place to explore. I've got some pretty exciting and beautiful cities on my bucket list and I'm hoping that 2019 ticks off a few of those for me.

Istanbul, Turkey
A city full of culture where East meets West, Istanbul connects Asia with Europe. Istanbul is the most developed and largest city of Turkey that offers such stunning scenery and rich historic legacy, it would be such a fantastic city to explore. I'd also love to visit the Spice Bazaar as this is where you’ll find everything imaginable, and me being a foodie, this would be an absolute dream. And of course a trip to Istanbul wouldn't be complete without a Bosphorus cruise to take in the amazing views of the city.

City Break in Europe

Berlin, Germany
Berlin is a modern city full of culture and history. Packed with a long history and a very trendy contemporary art scene, there are countless things to do in Berlin. There's a diverse mix of sights, with the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Zoo, the Holocaust Memorial, the Reichstag, the Berlin Wall and East Side Gallery and Checkpoint Charlie to name just a few. It's definitely a city not to be missed off your list.

City Break in Europe

Budapest, Hungary
With a rich history, stunning skyline and exciting nightlife, Budapest is a great destination to suit all travel tastes. The city is full of architecture, famous for its Art Nouveau, as well as plenty of Gothic, Renaissance, Classicist and Baroque structures across the city. If you need somewhere to relax, Budapest is filled with beautiful thermal baths, all with healing properties and stunning architecture that cannot be missed. From St Stephen’s Basilica, to the Chain Bridge and the Hungarian Parliament Building, these are some of the sights that I definitely want to see. To me, Budapest is one Instagrammable city that I cannot wait to see for myself.

City Break in Europe

Edinburgh, Scotland
I'm sure this one is a bit of a shock as it wouldn't be something for everyone, but Edinburgh is a beautiful city with a fusion of architecture, shopping and dining. The iconic and main attraction of Edinburgh Castle has to be the highlight of the city for me. It's architecture and history is so captivating and exciting, I would definitely need to visit. Climbing up the Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat would also be on my to-do list to take in the amazing view over Edinburgh and its surroundings areas. A trip to Edinburgh would also need you to walk The Royal Mile, one of the most touristy places of the city, located in the old town.

City Break in Europe

Barcelona, Spain
I've previously visited Calella, but for me, Barcelona has everything you need for the perfect city break. Full of culture, leisure, sport, shopping and nightlife, there's definitely something for everyone here and every type of holiday you would like. It also boasts a mild climate all year round making it the perfect place to visit whenever you're free. Located on the coast, there are miles of beaches which makes Barcelona perfect for a sun, sea and sand getaway! Spanish cuisine is to die for and I love the famous dishes of tapas, where you can pick and choose small dishes, allowing you to taste absolutely everything, which you should not miss! Places of interest for me are the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell and FC Barcelonas Camp Nou.

City Break in Europe

Athens, Greece
Athens is an ancient city full of history and wonder, and the birthplace of philosophy and democracy, and is one of the oldest cities on earth. Attractions wise, The Acropolis is an ancient site in the Western world definitely worth a visit, along with the Parthenon, it stands over Athens giving you breath-taking 360 degree views of the city. If you read my Zakynthos post, you'll know that I absolutely love Greek food and that alone is reason enough to plan a city break to Athens. The list of mouth-watering Greek dishes is endless, from Souvlakis to Moussakas, and Tszaziki and fresh Greek Salads, you'll be spoilt for choice. AS well as super trendy rooftop bars and a huge coffee culture, Athens is a thriving city that is perfect for a city break.

Prague, Czech Republic
Located in the heart of Europe, Prague is another city full of history and culture. Nicknamed City of a Hundred Spires, Prague’s skyline is pretty epic, filled with picturesque views, it would be any Instagrammers photo heaven. I'm eager to snap away! Walking tours seem quite popular and I think it's definitely a smart way to guide yourself around a new city, learn some history, and come across some of the main attractions. With Prague Castle and Charles Bridge being some top tourist attractions I'd like to explore to appreciate the diversity of the city’s architecture. 

City Break in Europe

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Referred to as 'the pearl of the Adriatic', and located in the middle of the Dalmatian Coast, Dubrovnik has been somewhere I have wanted to go for years. It's a place full of history and beauty. Walking around the old town would be like stepping straight back into the past, with stunning architecture and learning all the history from the medieval era. Croatian cuisine features grilled or barbecued fish and seafood, which I absolutely love and could eat everyday. Along with the picturesque views and beautiful weather, Dubrovnik is a truly amazing travel destination that I can't wait to explore.

Where would your perfect European city break destination be? Have you visited any of the cities I have included in my round-up?

09:00 No comments
If you saw my last travel adventure diary blog post, I jetted off to the beautiful island of Zakynthos, Greece, and I loved sharing my travel itinerary and my recommendations from the trip. I thought I would produce a new blog post as I've just recently got back from a short trip to Milan, Italy. My sister and her husband recently moved to a new house in Castel San Giovanni, so that was the inspiration behind the trip. I wanted to create a similar travel diary for this, so I get to share what I got up to, places I explored and of course a few of my photographs from the trip. 
So let's get started!

Monday 29th October
My trip to Milan, Italy, started off early on Monday morning. My dad, my brother and I headed for the airport, (London Gatwick), to catch an EasyJet flight to Milan Linate. The flight took around 2 hours, but it definitely seemed much much shorter!

view from plane

Once arriving at Linate airport, we took a shuttle bus to Milan Lambrate Station. This was around a 15 minute drive. Here is where I purchased the tickets and was able to catch a train to Castel San Giovanni where my sister lives. On this evening, Milan was very incredibly stormy. Heavy rain, thunder and lightning! This caused a major disruptions to the train service and many trains were cancelled. We waited nearly 2 hours!! Once the train arrived at Lambrate station, it took just over an hour to reach Castel San Giovanni. I even managed a little nap on the train!

milan lambrate station

Once arriving at my sisters new house, we tucked in to some delicious food. She plated up a quick snack; a selection of Italian meats, cheeses, roasted peppers, bread and chutneys. This was then followed by a gorgeous slow cooked Beef and Vegetable stew. It was delicious and perfect for a cold stormy evening.

beef and vegetable stew

For the rest of the evening, I was joined in bed with Luna! Isn't she the cutest!

black cat Luna
_________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday 30th October
After a long nights sleep, I was able to go outside and enjoy the view from the new house. You could see for miles and miles. Beautiful autumnal colours of greens and yellows in the distance. It was simply breath-taking. 

Ziano Piacentino

For lunch, we had a quick and easy pasta dish. As a huge pasta lover, I finished this in no time at all. The dish consisted of small filled tortellini, it was with some kind of cured Italian Ham, with a creamy cheese sauce and a hint of fresh chillies, finished off with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. Delicious!

Cheesy tortellini pasta

Once lunch was finished, we got ourselves ready and headed off out into the centre of Castel San Giovanni; a small town in the province of Piacenza. We stopped off for a quick coffee at a small café. Doesn't it look simply delicious?!

Italian coffee

We spent around an hour strolling around the town centre. Going into various little shops. They had just put some super cute Christmas lights on display, making it feel super festive.

Christmas lights in castel san giovanni

For dinner, we then drove to a Japanese Sushi restaurant (Il Ristorante Giapponese Tokio) in Castel San Giovanni. The price for this was less than 25 euros per person, which was such a great price as there was SO much to choose from. Plus it's all-you-can-eat, so you can imagine how much we all ordered. I couldn't move once we had finished!

Il Ristorante Giapponese Tokio

We ordered this INCREDIBLE Sushi boat. Even though there was just 5 of us, this boat was for just 3 people, and there was more than enough to keep everyone occupied. Packed with plenty of delicious Sushi Nigiri, Sashimi and Gunken with Prawns, Tuna, Salmon and White Fish. 

Il Ristorante Giapponese Tokio

My favourite was definitely the two types of Sushi with Tuna and Avocado. They were amazing!

Il Ristorante Giapponese Tokio
Il Ristorante Giapponese Tokio

We also tucked in to Tempura Prawns, Spring Rolls, Vegetable Noodles, Beef Fillet with a spicy pepper sauce, Salmon and Tuna Sashimi and much much more! I had never eaten so much Sushi in my life before. This restaurant was incredible, and I can't wait to go back!

Il Ristorante Giapponese Tokio
_________________________________________________________________________

Wednesday 31st October
Wednesday morning started off with a quick and simple fried egg on toast for breakfast. One of the easiest breakfast dishes to make, and who doesn't love it? This was followed by a few cups of coffee and both some fresh red orange juice/fizzy red orange juice. I'm addicted to the stuff and so upset that it's not widely available here in England.

egg on toast breakfast
Aranciata

Lunchtime came around quite quickly, and of course you can guess what I had. More pasta! This time it was a super quick Pesto pasta with Parmesan cheese. Such an easy dish to make, with very few ingredients. Simply grab some pasta, green pesto, salt, pepper, Olive oil and your preferred cheese, and you're good to go. You can image this took me 0.5 seconds to scoff down! So good and so tasty!

pesto pasta

We then spent the afternoon teaching my sister to play 'Canasta' - a card game originating from Uruguay, South America.

canasta

From around 7pm, we headed out to a local town hall. As it was Halloween, there was a local festival taking place; 'Festa della Zucca' - Festival of the Pumpkin. They have a variety of different traditional dishes, all containing pumpkin in some form. Naturally I went for the Ravioli di Zucca - Pumpkin Ravioli, with a mountain of fresh Parmesan Cheese! For dessert, I have a really interesting combination of Chocolate Cake with a thin layer of Pumpkin puree in the middle. Sounds odd, I know, but it was incredibly delicious, that I could have eaten 2 or 3 more!

Ravioli di Zucca
chocolate cake with pumpkin
_________________________________________________________________________

Thursday 1st November
We headed out to the town of Borgonovo; a small town in the province of Piacenza. 

Borgonovo

We headed to a local pub/restaurant, Locanda Stazione, to have a taste of the super affordable lunch
 menu they have to offer. Included in the menu, you could start your meal with a pasta dish (primo), followed by a meat/fish dish (secondo) from the set menu. Alongside this, you were able to choose a drink to go with your food, as well as being given a bottle of water, and finishing the meal with an Italian coffee. All for just 15 euros per person!

Penne Arrabbiata

 A primo is the first course of an Italian lunch, and you guessed it, my eyes lit up when I saw they had Penne Arrabiata on the set menu. One of my all time favourite pasta dishes. This dish had such a sweet and fiery tomato sauce, topped off with a heavy sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. 

plate of grilled meats

 For secondo, this course including a small section of different meats; lamb, pork, beef, chicken and sausage. I accompanied this with a small green side salad, dressed in Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar.

green salad

After eating far too much at lunchtime, we all went for a little walk around the town. We popped into a small cake shop, 'La Cremeria', and purchased this beautiful cake with fresh whipped cream, chocolate and walnuts. It was simply stunning and cost only 20 euros! I could have eaten the whole thing!

La Cremeria Borgonovo

For dinner, my sister cooked a traditional Italian dish of 'Cotechino con Lenticchie' - a hearty dish of sausage and lentils that is usually served on New Year’s Eve in Italy. This meal also included potatoes, several varieties of beans and some fresh chilli. This dish was so delicious, super filling and perfect for a cold evening. We enjoyed it with lots of crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.


Cotechino con Lenticchie
_________________________________________________________________________

Friday 2nd November
The weather on Friday wasn't very nice! We headed out to a local supermarket (Eurospin) for a few groceries that we needed, and carried on our card games from the day before. For lunch, we made some delicious Piadina's; a thin Italian flat bread, similar to a tortilla wrap, filled with a variety of ingredients. For my Piadina, I had Italian salami and ham, mozzarella cheese, rocket and some antipasto roasted mixed peppers. (I forgot to take a photo of it, as I was so hungry, I tucked in straight away!)

In the evening, we headed to a traditional restaurant - Casa Galli, in Ziano Piacentino. A home style cooking restaurant that had plenty to offer. Simple dishes that are local for the region, but made with a loving touch. We started off our meal with the usual Antipasto with various cured Italian meats, roasted peppers, freshly baked bread, quiche slices and some Russian salad. We also tried some homemade red wine, but I wasn't much of a fan. It was just too sharp and acidic for me.
Antipasto Casa Galli

More pasta! This time we had two varieties of tortellini - my favourite! These were fresh and homemade stuffed with Ricotta & Spinach and one with Pumpkin. They were some of the more tastiest pastas I have ever eaten. So fresh, smooth and they just melted in the mouth. I would have been very happy just to eat this all night! 

Ricotta & Spinach Tortellini Casa Galli
Zucca Tortellini Casa Galli

We also got to try a typical Italian dish from the region - 'Pisarei e faso' - which was little dumplings with mixed beans.

Pisarei e faso Casa Galli

Moving on to the main course, there was the option to choose Pork, Duck or Chicken. I obviously went for the traditional roasted Chicken with sides of roast potatoes and fresh steamed vegetables. Very simple, but very tasty!

roast chicken Main meal Casa Galli

After my main course, I was already completely full up. But now it was time for dessert, and there is ALWAYS room for dessert! The lovely lady at the restaurant brought us various homemade desserts, including a super fresh and zingy grapefruit semifreddo - semi-frozen dessert bursting with sharp fresh grapefruit. This was incredible!

grapefruit semifreddo casa galli

We then had a plate of homemade cakes brought to the table. A lovely chocolate cake, chocolate 'salami' slices and another cake made with some fruit chutney.

tris di dolci casa galli
_________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 3rd November
Saturday was sadly the day we had to go home. We got up quite early to pack everything up and fill our cases. We took a train from Piacenza to Milan Centrale Station, which took around 40 minutes. From there, we took the airport shuttle bus to Linate Airport.

piacenza station

Once we arrived at Linate airport, and gone through security, I popped into the shops and picked up various different chocolates for myself and friends. When heading towards the gate, I came across this amazing piece of artwork, and can you believe it was completely made from LEGO. It was incredible to look at and I'm sure it would have taken days, if not weeks to build!

linate airport

Of course I was quite hungry and decided to have McDonalds for lunch. A large Big Mac meal went down a treat! We then boarded the flight back to London Gatwick, which I managed to get around 1 hours sleep on, which was nice. 

big mac mcdonalds

Once landing back in the UK, we took the train home and had a nice evening relaxing. Spending the day travelling makes you so incredibly tired, so I treated myself to Domino's Pizza for dinner.


That concludes my travel diary and how I spent 144 Hours in Castel San Giovanni, Milan. I honestly can't wait to go back. My mouths already watering at the sight of that incredible Sushi boat from the Japanese restaurant, and the homemade tortellini pasta at the restaurant in Ziano Piacentino!

Have you visited Milan before? Where is your next travel destination?
10:00 No comments
Older Posts Home

About me


Hello!
Welcome to lthornberry.co.uk, my personal corner on the internet where I write about all things lifestyle.

Please visit my contact page for sponsorships, collaborations and general enquiries.

Follow Me

Labels

beauty body europe fashion food fragrance hair health home lifestyle london makeup money relationships skincare travel

recent posts

Contact form

Name

Email *

Message *

POPULAR POSTS

  • Primark PS Love Rose Gold Women's Perfume Review
  • Primark PS Love Noir Perfume Review
  • Estrid - A Must Try Vegan Razor Subscription Service
  • 4 Future Interior Plans For My Dream Home | ad*
  • 9 Glowing Skincare Tips To Add To Your Current Routine

Designed By | Distributed By Laura Thornberry 2021