“Muy bien, Panchita,” I whispered to my horse as she picked her way up the rocky path. It was 5:30 a.m., and the stars above us were lighting the way. Our group was hushed, and the only sounds came from our horse's hooves, the gauchos' commands, and reverent gasps as the sun began to rise, revealing the Andes against a pinkening sky. I took a moment to let the experiences of the past weekend wash over me while we rode: Two days prior, I'd learned how to cook by fire with iconic Argentine chef Francis Mallmann. I had, later, taken a sensory wine course taught by one of the first certified sommeliers in Argentina, Mariana Onofri. When we reached the mountain peak, I dismounted my horse and joined my group of fellow travelers circling a roaring fire, as someone handed me a steaming gourd of maté.
The Oldest Country in the World Is—Technically—San Marino
28.09.2023 - 16:57 / cntraveler.com
What is the oldest country in the world? Depending on who you ask, you’ll get a variety of responses. Some might say it’s a country like China or Greece, where you can visit ancient cities that date all the way back to the second, third, even fifth millennium BCE. But borders and cultures have always shifted—and will continue to to shift—throughout history, and as a result, most of our present-day nations are actually quite young.
For example: Today’s Russia was born out of the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991; its current constitution is only 20 years old. Modern Iran—officially the Islamic Republic of Iran—is turning just 45 next year; it wasn’t a republic until 1979, after the Iranian Revolution. And sure, Rome itself was founded in 753 BCE, but the Republic of Italy, as we know it today, is only about 60 years old. It was founded in 1946 after a nationwide referendum, in what was once the Kingdom of Italy, replaced the monarchy with a republic. The People's Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949; modern Greece—officially the Third Hellenic Republic—began in 1974, after the abolishment of the monarchy.
Empires rise and fall, but San Marino, a small enclave of a country in the middle of Italy, has withstood the tests of time since the year 301 thanks to its diminutive size and political savvy. Never heard of it? Here’s a crash course on the tiny “most serene” republic of San Marino and why it’s worth a stop on your next adventure in the Italian peninsula.
San Marino is a self-governing country within Central Italy, sandwiched between the Italian regions of Emilia-Romagna and Marche. It has a land area of roughly 24 square miles—bigger than both the Vatican and Monaco (the world’s two smallest countries in terms of area, at under one square mile), but smaller than Liechtenstein and Washington, DC. The country’s western border is just a 20-minute drive away from the coastal Italian town of Rimini, off the Adriatic Sea. You can also take a day trip to San Marino from Bologna, which is just under two hours away by road.
In the middle of San Marino, the imposing Monte Titano towers over the landscape with three medieval towers that crown its three tallest peaks: the Cesta, on the mountain’s highest point; the Montale, on the smallest; and the Guaita, the oldest fortress of the three and perhaps its most famous and well-photographed. On the western slopes of Monte Titano stands the walled City of San Marino, the nation’s capital. The city’s historic center, as well as Monte Titano itself, were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
The fortress of Guaita, on Monte Titano in San Marino
If you know a bit of Italian, you can guess this country’s etymological origin: San Marino was named
The Dolli Is The One Of The Best Places To Stay In Athens Right Now
Several blocks away from The Dolli in Athens’ central Plaka, visitors encounter the ruins of Hadrian’s Library and the Roman Agora before climbing the hill up to the Acropolis. Guests of The Dolli, though, have an easier time if they want a glimpse of the Parthenon’s splendor: they can take a table at the rooftop restaurant or sit in or by the infinity pool, both with straight on views of this iconic temple. It’s one reason to stay at this new boutique hotel, a part of Grecotel Hotels & Resorts, which opened officially in January and one reason owner Mari Daskalantonaki selected this site. But it’s not the only advantage of being in residence here.
The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 Have Just Been Announced
The World's 50 Best Bars have just been announced—and you can consider this your official bucket list of exceptional drinking dens around the world.
The Dolli Is The Best Place To Stay In Athens Now
Several blocks away from The Dolli in Athens’ central Plaka, visitors encounter the ruins of Hadrian’s Library and the Roman Agora before climbing the hill up to the Acropolis. Guests of The Dolli, though, have an easier time if they want a glimpse of the Parthenon’s splendor: they can take a table at the rooftop restaurant or sit in or by the infinity pool, both with straight on views of this iconic temple. It’s one reason to stay at this new boutique hotel, a part of Grecotel Hotels & Resorts, which opened officially in January and one reason owner Mari Daskalantonaki selected this site. But it’s not the only advantage of being in residence here.
The Best Sleeper Trains in the World
There's something seriously special about train travel—particularly when the journey includes a sleeper carriage as good as these ones. There's only one problem: you'll be so mesmerized by the view whooshing past your window that sleep seems nigh impossible. Below, we take a look at some of the world's very best sleeper trains, where the sleep cabins are just as inviting as the views.
10 of the world’s quirkiest forms of public transport
They hang upside down, slide into canals, roll down hills, or act as mobile nightclubs, but in the end the world’s most unique modes of public transport get commuters where they need to go. From sleds to tricycles to toboggans, many of these vehicles have become national icons, beloved by locals and enjoyed by tourists.
A Pilgrimage in the Heart of the Italian Alps
The Italian Alps are renowned for their stunning scenery, fine wine and good food. But many travelers are unaware that the region also hosts exquisite Renaissance and Baroque art. Nestled in the mountains and hills of northwestern Italy, just an hour’s drive from Milan, a cluster of Catholic sanctuaries brim with sculptures and frescoes by artists like Gaudenzio Ferrari, Tanzio da Varallo and Pier Francesco Mazzucchelli.
Capital One’s First-ever Travel Sale Has Big Savings on More than 40 Destinations Around the World — How to Book
The holidays have come early this year for Capital One cardholders when the credit card company launched its first-ever travel sale offering up to $200 off flights and hotels around the world.
The world’s first Global Solutions Hub, to help drive Sustainable Tourism, is launched
The world’s first Global Solutions Hub, to help drive Sustainable Tourism, is launched at MENA Climate Week in Saudi Arabia.
I hiked the Path of the Gods on Italy's Amalfi Coast. Here's how to plan for this incredible trip.
The Path of the Gods on Italy's Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful hikes in the world, but it's also really difficult to get to.
Inside The World’s Most Amazing Hotel Suites Built Into Caves
My first experience sleeping in a cave hotel was many years ago in Santorini, in one of those typical whitewashed hotels dug into the volcanic rock. Once used as inexpensive dwellings, the island's volcanic terrain allowed the inhabitants to carve rooms into the earth without foundations, with vaulted ceilings and narrow entries enforced with limestone. They were also warm in the winter and cool in the summer and provided high resistance to earthquakes.
How to plan a trip around the world
Combining a series of once-in-a-lifetime experiences into a single around-the-world trip can feel like the ultimate expression of luxury travel. It can be a daunting prospect though, with many contending factors to consider. Here's how to start planning the ultimate round-the-world trip.