The mainland of Greece has plenty of dead stones to offer. Dead, however, only at first sight. Once you are standing in the magnificent mountainous landscape of Arcadia, watching over an ancient stadium, a line of re-erected columns to your left and the temple-like mausoleum of a rich family in front of you, the dead stones come more than alive. In your imagination you can see athletes sprinting and wrestling and hear the audience shouting in excitement. Yet Ancient Olympia is a visitor's magnet, the truly inspriational place to go to is Ancient Messene . Still not written about in major travel guides and ignored by most recommendations, this location can be considered a secret spot - and it's our favourite.

Whoever has the tiniest interest in history will freak out by what is to be discovered from Sparti to Macedonia - from Leonidas to Philip II - the founding father of the united Greece and the biological father of Alexander the Great. His tomb in Vergina in the North of Greece is the most spectacular museum we ever visited. Find some impressions about his crown, his complete suit of armour and - wow - his shield in our image gallery.

Besides stones and history, the mainland of Greece offers a great variety of stunning nature. High mountains, endless canyons, olive and figue groves, vineyards and - most splendidly - solitude. No mass tourism, no party people, no coaches full of selfie-junkies... just elderly ladies selling fir-honey, Kalamta olives and Grandpa's home-made Tsipouro (the Greeks' version of Grappa) in plastic bottles.

PS: The highlight for our Defender was undoubtedly climbing up the winding and rough path up the Mount Olympos - see the video:

For us the Perigord is a temple of culinary abundance. The peak of its decadence is represented by smoked duck breast filled with creamy duck fois gras. Thin slices are melting on the tip of your tongue causing explosions of delight on your pallate. Flanked by truffles fresh from Sarlat market and regional porcini sausage, completed by baguette white bread and a rich French St. Emillion red wine makes the Perigord picnic complete.

Not in the mood for a "simple" frugal meal? Our personal highlight regarding restaurants in this area is the "Les Glycines"in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil. Try the truffles menu comprising risotto, veal and ice-cream - all inspired by and containing (!) truffles. Ignore the price - and just enjoy. It is worth every single Euro. Promised! For more inspiration have a look at the pictures in our "france" gallery. Can you identify them?

Everybody who loves oysters should have visited Cancale once in a lifetime - at least! Even the ancient Romans knew that this hotspot offers the finest, fattest and freshest ones in Europe. Directly located at the cosy and busy seafront Quai de Gambetta oyster farmers serve their daily harvest fresh from the oyster bed. Attracted by the simple, rustic yet mouthwatering display we decided to visit "Au Pied d'Cheval". And what a delight: for a mere 12.00 Euros half a dozen of caliber zero oysters were cracked close to the table and served accompanied by a glass of tingling Muscadet white whine. Their mild and silky, still firm to the bite taste even turned a former oyster sceptic into a fanatic fan.

Secret tip: visit the ice-cream stand right to the "Au Pied d'Cheval" for a scoop of ice-cream Breton style - with sea salt and caramel. Pure heaven!