Planning a trip to Athens?
Great idea for a destination where history, art, culture, food and entertainment will keep you busy from morning until dawn. I go there often, I leave on Friday and back on Sunday or even Monday. Here how to discover the city in 3 days.
I started big with the most classic step and the most spectacular destination:
the Acropolis. Scattered on a hill, the Parthenon, the temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaea monuments, Erechtheum and the theater of Dionysius await for you. 
Many steps, but without major problems. No strollers.
Obviously very crowded. Do like me, visit it around mid-afternoon, you’ll find less tourists and less lines at the box office. 
Don’t miss the nearby Acropolis Museum, with its essential modern and minimalist architecture, almost a fortress that wants to protect those priceless beauty and treasures. Open until 8pm, Friday at 10pm. Closed Monday.
Do you fancy a Greek look?
Get inspiration in theNMuseum of Folk Art and the Museum of the History of the Greek Costume, located at Dimokritou 7, the BenakiMuseum, located Koumpari 1, that currently showing the exhibit ‘Doulamas, the magnificent. An exceptional overcoat’
In these great venues, You will find traditional clothes, historical costumes,jewels and wonderful embroiderie. Then rush to shop in the stalls of Monastiraki, a neighborhood famous for its weekend flea market and vintage stores.
I took a cab (very affordable there) to the Stavros Niarchos Center, one of the newest masterpieces in the City. Designed by Italian famous architect Renzo Piano.
It houses the National Library with more than 750,000 books! Have a tour, a coffee or
a snack and a guided tour of the majestic National Opera Theater, where ballet and opera lovers can applaud the stars of dance and the masterpieces of Verdi, Puccini, Mozart and many others.
You can get there with free shuttles from the popular Syntagma Square.
Do you want Athens (and the sea) at your feet?
Here the answers for day and night.
Mount Lycabetus is your destination.Take a taxi (very cheap) to Aristippou St, Kolonaki. You can walk or take the curious yellow funicular (5 euros). Short ride, breathtaking views and, of course, a selfie. You can walk down and enjoy the view.
Get ready for an unforgettable dinner!
I discovered the GB Roof Garden Restaurant, located on the terrace of the sumptuous Grande Hotel Bretagne. It was a perfect ‘Welcome to Athens’ and a magic evening with one of the best view of the city. Not only the view, but also food was delicious Executive Chef Asterios Koustoudis, created dishes inspired by the new Mediterranean cuisine.
Grilled sea bass with steamed vegetables and extra virgin oil.
To end up an amazing dinner I had a taste of two amazing desserts created from Arnaud Larher , 5 times nominated ‘Meilleur Ouvrier de France‘. One of top 10 chocolatiers of France. I just follow the MD suggestions: they were paradise!
The best way to discover Athens?
Ask a local….. actually contact This is Athens , great tours that will give the possibility to discover Athens as a real NTT , non touristy tourist!
You ‘ll see parts of Athens outside the tourist zone! This service is excellent, and it is free and staffed by volunteers, shows just how passionate they are about their city.
My lovely guide Danai took me to see so many things, even a solitary street where a national guard soldier was practising the traditional walk. 
Let’s get lost in the market!
Varvakeios, historical, chaotic traditional market, in the streets Athinas, Evripidou, Sofokleous and Vissis. There you will find everything from improvised sellers to souvenirs, to spices, to antiques. There is even a street dedicated exclusively to handles.
Do NOT forget to buy some amazing pistachios!
The Anafiotika district.
I went there without knowing where I was going … I felt like I was in a Greek island! It is a semi-abandoned village hidden in the hills. Small houses full of graffiti, narrow streets populated by lazy cats. 
Perfect location for a lunch in one of the many tabernas, including Elaia, Zorbas, Psara and my favorite To Kafeneio, pure Greek cuisine like the tasty handmade dolmates. I had one of the most traditional dish: yellow fava purè with onion, lemon. olives, capers and feta cheese.
The Riviera is waiting!
On Sunday afternoon I discovered a heaven just few kilometers away he center of Athens.
It’s the beautiful 5 stars boutique hotel Margi located in Vouliagmeni, the most exclusive area of the Athens Riviera. 
Margi is just a few steps away from the most elegant sandy beaches but just close enough to Athens Historical sites. With its superb cuisine and organic food from its farm, friendly and attentive staff as well as exquisite design, this hotel offers a memorable experience for travelers all year round. I had a wonderful lunch served at the sunny swimming pool. The super fresh shrimp salad was superb!
Over the years, owner Maria Stavridis’ and her son and Architect Yiangos Agiostratitis have created the warm and chic atmosphere of the hotel by combining artwork from all corners of the world with soft traces such as candlelit tables and plush furnishings.
Next stop YOLENI’S, Joannis Filippidis is the young Executive Director in charge of this great Greek Gastronomy Center , located in the central and trendy area of Kolonaki .
The venue offers cooking classes, olive oil seminars, wine tastings, among a restaurant, a bar and a great selection of greek products. ‘ We have the best pita in Athens, told me Joannis, try one…” He was right: crunchy pastry like dough and a delicious filling with eggplant and cheese., not too salty, just perfect. they are freshly baked in the groundfloor can be taken to go as well.
Yoleni’s produces 3 wines, called GReat (Gr+eat, you got it?) and in the menu you can find rotisserie, eggs, wonderful pizzas.
A ‘ WOW’ evening?
Wear your trendiest outfit and dive into the Hellenic nightlife. Better not to go there by car or taxi: the streets are clogged, use the subway (very efficient until 2 am) to get off at Gazi or Keramikos, the most frequented districts of Athenians and tourists. Find music, pubs, clubs and ouzo non stop.
Here a secret and a discovery.
Diporto, a dungeon-restaurant. No sign, hard to find but, thanks to the address and my photos, you will reach the goal.
Frequented mainly by local workers, plus some intrepid tourists. Spartan ambience, food is homemade and very fresh.
No menu, the dishes are chosen directly from the pots: a few choices served with bread, water and wine (only white). Two entrees, a couple of main dishes with meat or fish and of course a rich Greek salad with black olives and feta cheese. I tasted a spectacular chickpeas soup and a bean stew. Gruff owner (and chef). Don’t even think about asking him for a selfie …
Low prices, but not very low … but the atmosphere is magical and the food super tasty. Attention: it is open only at noon, closed Saturday and Sunday, but if you arrive in Athens on Friday morning or if your return is on Monday afternoon, you can make this experience truly unique.
Here the address: Sokratous 9 &, Theatrou.
Good hunting and καλή όρεξη !
FOR MORE INFO
athenscvb.gr
www.visitgreece.gr
www.thisisathens.org
http://www.visitgreece.gr/
GB Roof Garden Restaurant
Margi
YOLENI’S,
National Greek Opera
The refined and elegant space was set up with the aim of giving maximum visibility to Bottega Gold, the Prosecco Doc with its unmistakable bottle with golden livery, which has become in the world the incomparable standard-bearer and the reference point of the Treviso winery. The lounge bar card features, along with a selection of Bottega wines, also the Lemon Spritz cocktail that combines Prosecco and Limoncino, in the sign of Made in Italy and the contamination between Veneto and Sicily. Ginza, synonymous with sober elegance, is an area rich in history that dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867),
The company is based in Bibano di Godega (TV), 50 km north of Venice, and has two other production facilities in Valpolicella and Montalcino.
The range Today, along the main street there are many of the most well-known department stores in Tokyo that, along with high quality products, offer customers an equally appreciated service. Ginza is a kind of
cultural laboratory of the whole of Japan, which continues to renew itself by transmitting in symbiotic connection with the evolution of deeds, the enthusiasm and ageless charm of Tokyo.
Bottega S.p.A.Bottega S.p.A. it is at the same time a cellar and a distillery, which has a close-knit team of wine experts both in vinification and distillation. of products includes Prosecco and other well-known sparkling wines, the great red wines of Veneto and Tuscany, including Amarone and Brunello di Montalcino, the prized single-variety grappas, the distillates aged in barrique, the fruit-based liqueurs and cream. 
Founded in 1977 by Aldo Bottega, who had inherited from his grandfather the passion for the wine world, Bottega is a solid reality, which distributes its products in over 140 countries and is present in the most prestigious airport duty free shops in the world.
HafenCity It is the new futuristic district of Hamburg, area of creatives and artists,
Here atmosphere is easy and relaxed , The motto says COME AS YOU ARE! There is also free access to a spectacular spa in stones and wood. In the morning a rich buffet breakfast is set up, there you can find everything, including rote gruetze, my beloved raspberry, blueberry and cherry sauce served on lean yogurt. Yummy!
For lunch or dinner, the HEIMAT restaurant welcomes you with local and international food.
There is a wide variety of room types. Cabins, Each of the cosy 21-25sqm / 226-269sqft M Cabins contains a queen-size bed and has an ocean-going atmosphere without compromising on comfort. Perfect for short trip ashore. As you would expect from 25hours, they are designed with plenty of attention to detail.Anchoring made easy. The M Cabins+ are boutique retreats with an area of 21-25sqm / 226-269sqft and maritime-themed decor. Ideally suited for a short shore leave. These rooms either overlook Hamburg’s spectacular port or have full-length windows looking out onto the quiet courtyard.ou can almost smell the sea. 
The laid-back Bunk Bed Cabins have an area of 20sqm / 215sqft and contain two single beds. You could be forgiven for forgetting you’re still on land. Ideal for friends to discover Hamburg or colleagues after a long office day. In addition you can find large Cabins are inspired by the harbour and the sea and offer enhanced comfort. With an area of 31-35sqm / 334-377sqft, they feature a king-size bed and additional seating. Finally the spacious XL Cabins, perfect forr those guests who are planning a special or extended stay in Hamburg and the logbook is a great source of inspiration. 
After a day spent exploring, free use of the Hafensauna is the perfect way to unwind.span approx. 40sqm / 430sqft and feature maritime design and extra comfort. The rooms each have a king-size bed, a couch to relax on and a Nespresso coffee maker.
A room with a bath is available on request.
Chef Stefano Maddalin, cadorino by birth, after 5 years of hotel school and various experiences around Italy, he is currently taking care of the restaurant 
A local dish to pair porcini ?
Canederli as a dessert. Canederli are bread dumplings and can be considered part of ‘cucina povera’ (cuisine of the poor), as they are made of simple and inexpensive ingredients: stale bread moistened with milk and bound with eggs and a small amount of flour. I sweeten them and topped with berries jam and elevated them to a tasty dessert.
Preparation
Welcome to Tredwells, a Marcus Wareing restaurant and winner of AA’s London Restaurant of the Year. Great location, excellent service and a breathtaking menu signed by the charming Chef Chantelle Nicholson, Tredwells showcases the very best in British seasonal produce Located in the trendy Seven Dials area, right in the heart of Covent Garden, the venue boasts two bar areas serving seasonally inspired cocktails, cementing Tredwells’ reputation as one of the best drinks venues in Seven Dials. the restaurant sets over three floors, while the mezzanine and lower ground floors are available for exclusive hire. I went for lunch, tried several of Chantelle proposals and found them all perfectly cooked and pleasantly tasting, starting from the beginning with a great potato and rosemary bread with salted whey butter till the end, indulging in a delicious fig mousse.
COLOMBA RUSTICHELLA , SWEET DOVE OR CHIC JEWEL?
The elegant decorative silky foulard and the jewel pin give an exclusive and unique look to this confectionery speciality by Rustichella d’Abruzzo. The colomba Gioiello is an exclusive proposal to taste in family and is perfect for an original Easter gift. Available in pink, yellow and light blue package.
Typical Easter confectionery speciality, symbol of peace and purity, the colomba is a naturally leavened cake, enriched with candied fruits and a crispy coating of glaze and almonds. Originally from Northern Italy, well-known and loved throughout all Italy, the colomba is the delicious dessert that ends an Easter lunch with family, soft and perfumed from the very first taste. 
Made with a soft “Pasta Madre” (sourdough) obtained through a controlled artisan production process, in order to have its natural leavening, Rustichella d’Abruzzo colomba is presented with a pink, yellow or light blue flower-themed package, warm-looking and appealing, with really unique fragrance, lightness and taste.
INFO
Ingredients
by Cesare Zucca
Cooks in: 25 minutes. Serves: 2
to read full article click 
article
I met with Mauro Uliassi, the Chef who won 3 Michelin stars, 5 Cappelli Espresso, 3 Gambero Rosso Forks. Mauro opened the Uliassi Restaurant in Senigallia in 1990, creating a cuisine full of contamination, variations, sensations and memories.
Vincenzo Guarino from the luxurious 5-star 
Mimmo di Gregorio from
Grand finale with the iconic Salsa di Pomodoro, tomato sauce made from the youngest Chef of the Congress: Maicol Izzo from Michelin star 
Escorted and supported by his dad Michele (that ‘s so Italian…) Maicol created a new kind of bread whose dough has been prepared using the acidula water springing out from the local source. 
The bread must be dipped down into the traditional tomato sauce (more than 6 hours of preparation) and then you’ll taste this heaven…Bravo Maicol!
The unstoppable Mediterranean Cooking Congress will travel soon to Greece, Venice and Sicily, featuring Chefs from 10 different countries!
Capperi… che Pizza!
The info says ‘Nuovo format di pizzeria con pizza gourmet della famiglia Acciaio’.
This pizza is easily digestible, s
Throughout the years, the selections have been enriched and expanded to include the new era of gourmet pizza. They offer the highest level of product, bursting with freshness and aroma which translates into positive health benefits and heightened digestibility for the consumer. Each recipe includes detailed information about each ingredient highlighting both origins and methods of preparation.
The result is equilibrated and delicious in every aspect such as the selection of Piennolo DOP cherry tomatoes, preserved in water and salt, torzelle seeds, capers from Salina, tuna and anchovies from Cetara, broccoli rabe from Vesuvius and figs from the Cilento area, 
They cultivate this high quality by working directly with local farmers who are encouraged to grow and harvest their products with extreme respect for nature.
“I realized that the pizza was getting ruined”, says Giuseppe Acciaio, “for the quality not always adequate of the ingredients, but sometimes also for the inability of the pizza makers to manage them at best”. Precisely for this reason, alongside the project of “redevelopment” of pizza, Giovanni Acciaio puts up Pizza Neapolitan Gourmet, a training school for gourmet pizza chefs, in Moncalieri, of which his son Luigi Acciaio is president.
“A pizza maker is not only technical, he must know the products and who produces them, he must study,” says Acciaio. A choice, that of the pizza-maker profession, no longer as a refuge in the face of failures in other fields, but which, on the contrary, becomes a true vocation.
tellammare, Naples
First time I saw Blue Man Group was back in the 80′ in a Small theatre in Lafayette Street in New York.
Finally the 3 blue guys will be performing in Italy !
A typical Blue Man Group show starts with a Blue Man hanging out in the theater lobby as audiences arrive. He is completely bald, completely blue and dressed in black. Ask for an autograph and he will rub his hand across a program to create a blue smudge.
Try to take a picture and he will look at cell phones and cameras with curious wonder. In the theater, the show begins with clanging and flashing lights. The Blue Men create bizarre instruments with their signature plastic tubing. 
They drum amongst themselves and possibly with a band or other backing music. They throw marshmallows into each other’s mouths with alarming accuracy and in logic-defying numbers. A classic Blue Man bit brings an audience member to the stage for an elegant Twinkie dinner with the Blue Men, culminating in hilarious disaster.
At the end of the show, the audience participates in an elaborate toilet paper-throwing ritual. 
All the while, the innocent and childlike Blue Men never break character.
Take note that the first five rows are the “poncho section” — prime placement for those eager to get in on the action and possibly an errant splash of blue paint, too.
1987, known worldwide for its various stage productions which typically incorporate many different categories of music and art, both popular and obscure, in their performances.
Blue Man Group has had multiple national and global tours, appeared on various TV programs as both characters and performers, appeared on the Norwegian Cruise Line ship Epic, released multiple studio albums, contributed to a number of 
UN SUGGERIMENTO AL PUBBLICO ITALIANO ….
.png&d=2019-03-09T06%3A44%3A06.160Z "Image")
INFO
The story follows the highly famous and incredibly successful pianist, Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), who takes great risks as an African American man touring through the highly racial deep south. Tony Lip (a spectacular Viggo Mortensen) a bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx, who is hired to drive the musician on a concert tour from Manhattan to the Deep South. 
They must rely on “The Green Book” to guide them to the few establishments that were then safe for African-Americans. As the tour progresses, the audience goes through many parts of the south where not only racism was prevalent against African Americans and Italians, but also acknowledge the severe homophobia that existed so terribly in the 1960s. A real story that shows the journey of Tony and Don. Confronted with racism, danger-as well as unexpected humanity and humor-they are forced to set aside differences to survive and thrive on the journey of a lifetime. One white and one black met at the apartheid society. At the beginning, they didn’t understand each other and came up a lot of conflict. After a period of time, they started to help each other and Tony always stood up for Don .They turned to be friend or even more than that. I loved the direction, the cinematography , the music, the editing and the excellent performances,.
(traduzione)
Open scenario, a doll store with a vintage feeling , on stage the Nina’s Drag Queens Company, in a quite intense musical play conceived by Francesco Micheli, renewed and re-written by the British playwright Claire Dowie and the Italian composer Enrico Melozzi.
Queen LeaR deals with some uncomfortable themes of our time, such as old age, illness and death, on the background of a generation with a hard legacy on his back, a generation of children who may never be fathers. Drag queens act, sing, dance, make people laugh and cry, live and stir strong emotions: for this reason a drag queen is the perfect key to translate Shakespeare in a present-day form, innovating it through a contemporary, eclectic and excessive mask. Queen LeaR is also built on the idea of mixing together different kinds of show. The ambition is to put on stage a form of entertainment at the same time popular and high, which takes its strength from the use of pastiche and the break of genres boundaries.
nontouristytourist.com 