Travel to the Microstates of Europe (Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino) – Episode 340

The Amateur Traveler talks to Gary Arndt from Everything-Everywhere.com about the 4 micro-states in Europe: Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino.

“They all have very unique histories and the one thing that they have in common is that they are all very very tiny.”

The “Most Serene Republic of San Marino” out of all the original city-states that made up Italy this one remained independent because of an odd connection to some of the original Italian leaders. It is more known by stamp collectors than others.

Most people are probably more familiar with Monaco than any of the other states because of Princess Grace, the American movie actress Grace Kelly who married the prince. This is best known for its casino, banking, and luxury yachts. It is the smallest of these 4 states and the easiest to reach.

Liechtenstein is a small German-speaking country adjacent to Switzerland. The city of Vaduz is only an hour train ride from Zurich. There is one major road in the country.

Andorra is probably the hardest to visit. It is in the Pyrenees between Spain and France. It is a co-principality which is what helped them remain independent. The two heads of state are the President of France and a Spain Bishop.

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Show Notes

Travel to Micronesia – Episode 128
Travel to the Gulf States: UAE (Dubai), Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait – Episode 203
UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Episode 235
Travel to Spain’s Canary Islands – Episode 294
Traveler’s Country Club List
Map of European Microstates
History of San Marino
Unification of Italy
Photo: President Bush With Ambassador Paolo Rondelli of the Republic of San Marino
Princess Grace
Monaco: Formula One Race
Attractions in Monte Carlo, Monaco
Welcome to Monaco
House of Grimaldi
Liechtenstein History
Liechtenstein at the Olympics
Monarchy Profile: Andorra
Andorra Travel Information
A Philatelic Study – The European Microstates and Their Boundaries

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Community

Diane write about Travel to Yorkshire, England – Episode 334

Greetings!
I’ve only just listened to your episode on Travel to Yorkshire, and found Elspeth to be utterly delightful! I wish the interview could have gone on and on. Please pass along my appreciation to Elspeth for her time and insight to this lovely area, of which I have visited, enjoyed, and fell in love with. Might she have an email address she would wish to share? I think it would be pleasant to strike up an informal communication with her, should she be so inclined. I love hearing the local’s take on their country.

Thank you too, for inviting this charming woman to be a guest on your show. This episode, for me, is a keeper, to be listened to again and again to whet my appetite for another visit to Yorkshire and see all the places brought to life by Elspeth.

Thank you so much.

Diane

a deal on Travel to Las Vegas, Nevada – Episode 338

John on Travel to Wisconsin – Episode 200

Hi
I have been an avid listener for some years now and enjoyed allowing my imagination to expand on the daily commute. I live in Gloucester, England

I travel a fair amount for both business and pleasure but have started to consider those places left on the “to do” list.

Well I have just come back from Wisconsin! I have always wanted to visit Oshkosh Air Venture and my son wanted to visit Green Bay.

All worked fine. He saw the first day of training and I overdosed on airplanes. We also visited some lovely places (Sturgeon Bay was fun). Rented a house in Two rivers.

Very friendly people. Good Beer. Did not manage all the places you mentioned in your pod cast but a few.

Only odd point was a guy in a grocery store who could not understand why we would come over from England to Wisconsin. Sad that people don’t always appreciate what is outside their front door.

Had a couple of days in Chicago on the way back home. Great city and a real surprise.

Keep up the good work.

John