https://amateurtraveler.com/azerbaijan-itinerrary/

Hear about an itinerary for travel to Azerbaijan as the Amateur Traveler talks to Australian journalist Emily Lush who is based in nearby Kutaisi, Georgia.

Why should you visit Azerbaijan?

Emily says, "It's really fascinating from a cultural point of view. Being in the Caucasus, it's got those great mountain areas for hiking. It's a misunderstood country in a lot of ways. It's quite young and it has this really Interesting history with all different influences."

"And then the oil stuff, so maybe people know it's a wealthy country with really outlandish modern architecture, but then there are also quite a few UNESCO sites that are really, very old and very interesting. It's a very complicated country with a little bit of everything, like this region."

We start in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, which is situated on the Caspian Sea, below sea level. Explore the Old Town (Esher Esher) with its historic architecture, including the Shivan Shah Palace. Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, designed by Zaha Hadid, and other interesting landmarks like the Flame Towers.

Take a day trip to Gobustan, south of Baku, to see the fascinating mud volcanoes and ancient rock carvings, a UNESCO site. Visit the Fire Temple of Ateshgah and the burning mountain of Yanadag.

Consider visiting Nakhchivan, an autonomous republic that can only be accessed by flying from Baku. Explore the Machu Picchu of the Caucasus, Alinjagala Fortress, and other attractions.

Head northwest and visit Kynalik, one of the highest continuously inhabited villages in Europe. Experience the traditional way of life, including homestays, and enjoy hiking in the beautiful mountain setting.

As you head northwest, you can stop at Quba, a small village known for its exquisite carpet workshops. Watching skilled artisans create beautiful carpets is a unique experience. Continue to Lahıc, another mountain town with copper workshops and traditional crafts. Don't miss the opportunity to buy a samovar, a traditional tea-making instrument.

Next, venture deeper into the mountains to Gabala, a popular ski resort with stunning scenery. Even if you visit in spring, you can still enjoy a cable car ride and savor fresh river fish in nearby restaurants.

Shaki is a highlight of the trip, a charming city with a fascinating history and well-preserved monuments from the Silk Road era. Explore caravanserais, the Palace of the Shekhi Khan with its Persian miniature paintings and unique Shaki glass. Visit Kiş to see the oldest Caucasian Albanian temple, with mysterious origins.

For those with more time, Lankaran in the south offers tea plantations and a unique tea house culture. Also, keep an eye out for vintage Lada cars, as they are still popular in Azerbaijan.

Overall, this trip combines history, culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, making Azerbaijan a fantastic destination to explore.

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Hear about travel to Hikone and Gifu in Central Japan as the Amateur Traveler talks to Miyuki Seguchi from the Japan Experts Podcast about he home region of Japan where she is a tour guide.

Why should you visit Central Japan?

Miyuki says, "A lot of travelers from North America or the West when they travel to Japan, they will stay in Japan for two to three weeks, and they usually travel from the eastern part of Japan to the western part of Japan or vice versa, but most of them do not stop off at the central region especially the southern part of Gifu to the eastern part of Shiga. So this part of Japan is simply not as well known as major tourist destinations, but there are a lot of places to visit, and these places are usually less busy and easy to access by public transport. If you want to explore some unique local areas with hidden gems that give you a great idea of authentic local life."

The journey begins with a visit to Hikone, a city located in the Chubu region, home to the well-preserved Hikone Castle, one of Japan's five national treasure castles. Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride on the moat surrounding the castle and explore the beautiful gardens. Additionally, Miyuki recommends a boat trip to Chikubu Island on Lake Biwa to experience the coexistence of Shinto and Buddhism.

Next, the itinerary takes travelers to Sekigahara, a town known for the historic Battle of Sekigahara which changed Japan's history. Here, they can visit the Battlefield Memorial Museum to learn about the battle.

Moving west, the tour arrives in Gifu City, the largest city in Gifu Prefecture. A unique highlight here is the Ukai Cormorant Fishing, a tradition dating back over 1,300 years. This fishing method involves trained cormorant birds catching fish. The fishermen have an honorary position delivering fish to the Japanese imperial family. The Nagaragawa Ukai is famous for preserving this tradition, and visitors can experience it between May and October. There's also the opportunity to visit the Ukai Cormorant Fishing Museum for deeper insights into this cultural practice. Go out at night on a boat to watch this spectacle.

For accommodations, staying in a traditional ryokan is recommended, where you can try the high-quality multi-course Japanese meal called kaiseki ryori. Don't miss the chance to visit a hot spring or onsen.

The next day, explore the Kawaramachi district, a historic area with traditional merchant houses. The Nagaragawa River, one of Japan's cleanest rivers, has contributed to the development of craft-making, particularly Japanese paper called washi.

Climb Mt. Kinka to get a panoramic view of the region, including the Japan Alps and the city of Nagoya. The summit can be reached by cable car or a one-hour hike.

In the north of Gifu, you can explore Mino and Seki cities. Seki is renowned for its sword and knife-making tradition, offering the chance to witness skilled craftsmanship. Mino is also famous for its washi paper production, and you can visit the Washinary shop for various washi products.

Overall, Gifu Prefecture offers a blend of traditional culture, scenic beauty, and unique experiences. If you travel between Tokyo and Kyoto, you will pass right by.

show notes - https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-hikone-and-gifu-japan/

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Hear about travel to Cartagena and Northern Colombia as the Amateur Traveler talks to Inge from DestinationExplorer.world about this South American country that her family fell in love with.

Why should you go to Colombia?

Inge says, "I think first of all, if you are a nature lover, you should go to Colombia because it's amazing nature you will find there. It's still quite authentic. You have amazing wildlife. If you like bird watching it's the country to go to. You have mountains, beaches, desert, jungle."

"And if you are a city lover, there are also big cities. I think the people are amazingly friendly. My daughter lived with the local people, which we visited when we went to Colombia. And it was such warm hospitality. I never felt it before. Then the colorful culture. I like dancing. They have a lot of music there. They're dancing from the morning till the evening."

"Then the coffee. If you're a coffee lover, you should also go there."

"Many are concerned about the safety of the country. That was the question everyone asked me, oh, your daughter is going to stay in Colombia. Is it safe? But I can tell you it is as long as you go to the right places there. There are some places you better not go into. But we never felt uncomfortable. We always felt safe everywhere we went. In the past Colombia wasn't as safe as it is today."

Our adventure begins in the enchanting city of Cartagena, where you'll be captivated by the colonial charm and Caribbean vibes. This is a tropical city on the northern shore of the country. It will be colorful and it will be hot.

Start your exploration in the heart of Cartagena's historic district, Barrio Getsemani. Stroll through its colorful streets or take a walking tour. immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Inge guides us to rooftop restaurants where we can enjoy sunsets and cold drinks. Don't miss Plaza de la Trinidad, a lively square where locals and travelers gather to enjoy music, street performances, and vibrant nightlife.

Visit Parque del Centenario, a picturesque centennial park that offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. If you ask a local they can help you find the sloths in the park.

For breathtaking sunset views, head to Cafe del Mar Cartagena, a renowned rooftop bar overlooking the Caribbean Sea. If you're interested in history, visit the imposing Castle San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress that played a crucial role in protecting the city from invaders.

After immersing yourself in the charm of Cartagena, venture towards Santa Marta on your way, make a stop at Minca, a picturesque mountain village surrounded by lush vegetation. Explore Pozo Azul, a series of natural pools and cascades where you can cool off and enjoy the beauty of the jungle.

Discover the rich flavors of Colombian coffee on a coffee tour, where you'll learn about the coffee-making process and savor the finest brews. For a unique stay, consider El Paraiso de Tuki B&B Cafe y Cacao Farm, where you can immerse yourself in the world of cocoa and experience the authentic charm of a working farm.

Continue your journey to the renowned Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, a paradise of pristine beaches and dense jungles. Stay at Senda Koguiwa or Senda Watapuy, idyllic hotels nestled in the heart of nature, where you can relax and unwind. Explore the wonders of Tayrona National Park, including its hikes, beaches, and wildlife. You will see monkeys... you might see a jaguar or a crocodile.

When you are in Cartagena, people will try and sell you a tour of Playa Blanca or the Rosario Islands but Inge says if you are looking for the Colombian paradise island that they are selling you should visit San Andrés instead.

Colombia is a destination that offers a diverse range of experiences, from historical wonders to natural marvels. Prepare for an unforgettable journey filled with warm hospitality, warm weather, and a rich cultural heritage.

https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-cartagena-and-northern-colombia/

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Hear about travel to Albania as the Amateur Traveler talks to Norm Bour from travelyounger.com about the country where they spent nearly 6 months as expats.

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Hear about travel to Lake Garda and the Verona Countryside as the Amateur Traveler talks to Valeria Biasi from Verona Tours about the region she calls home.

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Hear about a road trip in Armenia as the Amateur Traveler talks to John from JohnTheTraveler.com about his recent visit to this former Soviet country in the Caucasus Mountains.

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Hear about travel to Baja California Sur in Mexico as the Amateur Traveler talks to Rebecca Agiewich, the Ambivalent Part-time Expat, about her recent road trip south of the border.

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Hear about travel to Toronto, Ontario as the Amateur Traveler talks to Erin Hynes from PinaTravels.org and the Alpaca My Bags podcast about her hometown and Canada's largest city. 

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Hear about sailing in the Saronic Islands and the Peloponnese as the Amateur Traveler talks about his recent yacht charter with Navigare Yachting.

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Hear about travel to Washington D.C. as the Amateur Traveler talks to Rob from TripHacksDC.com about the city where he is a tour guide and podcaster.

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