Not your typical tourist attraction, the ruins of the never completed $80 million Sheraton Resort are a series of derelict buildings on the tiny tropical island of Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. While there are plenty of beaches to visit, hiking, watersports and other things to do on the island, we found ourselves strangely drawn …
Ruins
Saint Bertrand de Comminges: Charming French Village
Perched on a hill at the base of the Pyrenees mountains in southern France, Saint Bertrand de Comminges appears from the ground as a gateway to the heavens. It takes only a few moments after passing through one of the village’s three gates to understand why St Bertrand de Comminges is listed amongst the Les …
Ephesus Library of Celsus: A Must-See in Turkey
As we pulled into the port of Izmir Turkey, I questioned our decision to visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus. Our time in port was limited, and after our disappointing excursion to Pompeii, our expectations were low. However, from the first moment we arrived, I knew we made the right choice. And then, we turned …
Pompeii and Naples – Why You Need to Visit Both Cities
Naples is our final cruise port on Italy’s Mediterranean coastline. Like in Pisa/Florence and Rome/Vatican, one day is not enough. We opted for Pompeii and Naples, but that meant giving up the Amalfi Coast. In truth, I have waited a long time to visit Pompeii. Thirty years ago, I toured Europe. Back then, Pompeii closed …
18 Photos of Roman and Medieval Sites: Things to Do in Segovia Spain
The aqueduct of Segovia is an engineering feat of the Roman Empire, built about 50 A.D. Exploring its impressive architecture is one of many fascinating things to do in Segovia. The famous aqueduct is 28 meters tall and stretches 16,220 meters. It is held together solely by natural forces, with the unmortared granite bricks held in place …
30 Free Things to Do in Evora Portugal – More than Just an Ossuary
While the intrigue of a chapel of bones lures many to Evora, this old city has plenty to offer. We found 30 fascinating things to do in Evora, and most of them are free or nearly free. It’s a town designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and filled with medieval architecture and ancient Roman history. …
17 Images of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal (Yorkshire, England)
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal are amongst the several old abbeys, castles, and monasteries in Yorkshire that we visited as we drove from Oxford to York. Lush and green, the gently rolling hills of the British countryside reminded me of our home in New Zealand, although the frequently overcast sky confirmed that we were in the …
England Road Trip: Oxford to York and Beyond
Driving through the British countryside from Oxford to Alnwick, we passed through Stratford-upon-Avon, Oakham, the Sherwood Forest, York, several abbey ruins, and finally to Alnwick. Oxford – the starting point of our England road trip One of the most beautiful cities in England, Oxford is somewhere to stay for several days after which you can …
The Secret to Seeing the Highlights of Rome in a Day
We attempted the impossible, to see the highlights of Rome in a day, including a visit to the Vatican. While this is not the recommended way to see this historic city, it was our only option, as it was a port on a Mediterranean Cruise. The secret to our success was two-fold. First, we did our research. …
The Picturesque Ruins of Rievaulx Abbey in England’s Countryside
Rievaulx Abbey captured my imagination. Now picturesque ruins, this former abbey was once one of the wealthiest monasteries in England. That is until Henry VIII of England dissolved the Cistercian abbeys in 1538. Founded in 1132, Rievaulx Abbey was the first Cistercian abbey in the north. From the first moment I saw it, I was delighted. Captivated by …
Volubilis is an Ancient Roman City in Morocco, Northern Africa
The ancient city Volubilis exceeded our expectations. Situated in Northern Africa, it is part of the vast Roman Empire, yet somewhat different than other ruins we have seen as it blends the Roman and indigenous cultures. An UNESCO World Heritage site, Volubilis is often considered to be the best-preserved archeological site in Morocco. Located near Meknes …
