The small, big road trip - Vatican to Andorra

06:40


road trip microstate
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.

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.

road trip microstate Vatican

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.
#road trip microstate San Marino

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.
road trip microstate Liechtenstein

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.
road trip microstate Monaco

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.
Road trip microstate Andorra

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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