The small, big road trip - Vatican to Andorra
06:40
2,100 km and at least 6 days
What do the Vatican, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Monaco and Andorra have in common? Right, they are the smallest states in Europe. So small in fact, that some just fit into a city. Therefore, let's take a big trip and see those states that once defied the imperialists' expansive claim to power.
What do the Vatican, San Marino, Liechtenstein, Monaco and Andorra have in common? Right, they are the smallest states in Europe. So small in fact, that some just fit into a city. Therefore, let's take a big trip and see those states that once defied the imperialists' expansive claim to power.
Vatican - or Rome
The
Papal States is the smallest state in the world at about 0.44 km2,
but it may have the highest density of sights. If you want to see the most important
sights in just one day, you will be well advised with an approximately
three-hour tour for about 50€. Although you can get a ticket for less money,
most of the fun facts, which can only offer a professional guide, remain
hidden. You get in the famous Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica and the
Vatican Museum. After the tour you can spend the rest of the day exploring the
Vatican on your own. Since
you also happen to be in Rome, the exploration of the first metropolis of
history is almost inevitable. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain,
Spanish Steps, Castel Sant'Angelo and many other attractions make you forget
the time easily. Therefore, plan for this stop at least two days or even more.
San Marino - insider tip above the clouds
The
oldest republic of the world is very close to the popular resort of Rimini and
yet is undiscovered by tourism. The same-named capital is on the summit of
Mount Titano and towers over the clouds, as if the Olympian gods were hiding
there. With only 33,000 inhabitants, the majority of the area is uninhabited
and is perfect for climbing, mountain biking or just a walk. Although there are
no border controls, you should take your passport and get the fancy stamp of
the microstate. The culinary culture of San Marino is known for cheese, olives
and especially wine grown in the Republic. The strange museum of torture is
worth a visit, just like an exposition of Leonardo da Vinci and his art. For
all Instagram bloggers a selfie during the changing of the guard at the Palazzo
Pubblico is recommended.
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Liechtenstein - mountains and castles
The
Principality of Liechtenstein is located between Switzerland and Austria. A
paradise for alpinists, because the numerous hiking trails are generally
unknown and it is more likely to meet locals than tourists. The country offers
its visitors, who have checked in a hotel, free guided tours over the
mountains. So-called "Bergötte" are locals who have a lot of stories
to tell about the area. So it can be quite possible to meet members of the
princely family on a hike, who like to indulge in Liechtenstein popular sport.
Other attractions include the High Medieval castle Gutenberg, the castle ruins
Neu-Schellenberg and the castle Vaduz. So if you like seeing mountains and
castles, the principality should be your first choice.
Monaco - glamour, Formula 1 and 80% proportion of foreigners
About 30,000 of the 38,000
inhabitants of the city are not locals. The reason is: Every clever millionaire
tries to convince Prince Albert II to be a valuable member of the Monegasque
society, as income tax and inheritance tax do not exist and tax offences
committed abroad will be ignored. Therefore, it is said that half of the
inhabitants are millionaires. As a consequence, the living space is becoming
increasingly scarce. That`s why the most densely populated state is built
mainly upward and got the nickname Manhattan at the Mediterranean. For the
photo album Monaco provides numerous buildings. For example, the famous yacht
harbour, the Casino of Monte-Carlo and the Prince's Palace. Of course, the
city-state is well known for the notorious annual Formula 1 race. The Grand
Prix is considered one of the three crowns of automotive racing and is a real
exotic compared to other races.
Andorra - double heads of state and even more mountains
Mountain lovers will get their
money's worth on this road trip, because even the largest of the microstates is
characterized by mountains. Seems to be a recipe for success. What army wants
to climb the mountains for a small piece of land and scree? Especially in
winter, Andorra is visited by tourist crowds, as the prices are low and the
mountains are high. In summer, the prices are still low, but there are fewer
tourists in the country. In winter there are Spaniards and Frenchman and in summer
only a few Germans. Hiking is in Andorra the appropriate activity, because even
in August some peaks of the Pyrenees are snowy and the view of lush meadows and
forests is beautiful. A welcome change from Rome and Monaco are the moderate
temperatures of guaranteed below 30°. After an exhausting exploration of the
landscape you should stop in a so-called Borda. The former farmhouses have been
converted into rustic restaurants and hostels and put the finishing touches on
the Mediterranean feeling with a glass of wine. An insider tip: Horse lovers
should not miss the chance for a ride. It's much less exhausting than running
anyway. Another fun fact about Andorra: The head of state is for symbolic
reasons at the same time the president of France and the bishop of Urgell from
the Spanish neighboring province.
Have time and money left and want to discover Spanish culture? Then don`t stop and just go on to Barcelona with our Spain guide.
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