An impromptu Scotland road trip presented fascinating nature, fairytale castles, stunning scenery, and even a bit of Harry Potter magic. Our initial plan took us only to Edinburgh. However, Scotland captivated us and we had to see more. With blue skies and unseasonably delightful 24c (75f) degree temperatures in May, we were lucky. Rather than …
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- Eastern Europe (Czech Republic and Russia)
- Northern Europe (U.K., Ireland and Norway)
- Southern Europe (Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Turkey)
- Western Europe (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands)
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Lourdes, France – A Town of Healing Water and Miracles
Famous for its healing waters and miracles, Lourdes France is remarkable. A spiritual energy breathes through this small village in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. To date, there have been 70 confirmed miracles at Lourdes since the first apparition appeared to a 14-year-old peasant girl in 1858. Today, the pull of the city is …
Pyrenees Road Trip: Quaint Towns Lourdes to Béziers
Our impromptu Pyrenees road trip, while exciting in its own right, would have been even better with a bit of planning. We stayed in two major cities and stopped at several charming villages along the way, strolling along riversides, sampling delicious cuisine, and discovering something new. Village after village, the characteristically pleasant French atmosphere leaves …
Things to Do in Carcassonne’s Medieval Fortified City
Despite the intense heat and massive summer crowds, Carcassonne remains one of my favourite French cities. Originally settled over 2500 years ago, it was a significant town in the Roman empire and again in the Middle Ages. Today, it remains the largest fortified city in Europe. The castle was expanded and double-walled ramparts were built …
21 Things to do in La Coruña Spain
La Coruña Spain is located in the northwest corner of Spain, in the Galicia region. A rocky peninsula, it’s a section of the country often skipped by tourists. Actually, this city found us when a family offered us a home exchange. As it turns out, there are plenty of things to do in La Coruna. …
Getting to the Palace of Versailles from Paris
A majestic estate just 25 km outside of Paris, the Palace of Versailles is world renowned for its opulent interior and dramatic gardens. The palace is enhanced in gold extravagance while the gardens are an immaculate example of symmetry and creativity. While it is a popular tourist destination, too many visitors skip it as they …
Obidos Portugal: A Medieval Town with a Padlocked Entrance
Portugal is a treasure trove of small, picturesque medieval towns like Obidos. It’s a charming walled city whose highlights can be seen in just a few hours. At only an hour’s drive from the capital, it is ideal for a day trip from Lisbon. While a day tour from Lisbon to Obidos would have spared …
10 Tips to Avoid Crowds in Paris France
Paris is one of those cities that you either love or hate. Either way, you know you are not in Paris alone. There are masses of people everywhere, and it can feel overwhelming even to those who came for the ambience, romance, and excitement of the city. Visitors who aren’t used to so many people …
Barcelona Day Trips: Dali Museum and 9 Medieval Towns in Catalonia
Famous for its Mediterranean coastal cities, there is also a treasure trove of medieval towns in Catalonia Spain. Driving from one small medieval village to the next, you can choose various combinations to make exciting Barcelona day trips. Each of these small towns in Spain holds something special and unique. Often, it feels as if time …
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 …
Oslo in One Day: Ski Jump, Sculptures, Vikings Ships
Attempting to see the highlights of Oslo in one day, we disembarked our cruise ship in the capital of Norway. This is not the optimal way to see this beautiful city. However, for us, it was our only option as it is the final port of our cruise through the majestic Norwegian Fjords before we …
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 …
Flam, Norway: Waterfalls and the Fountain of Youth
As we continued to cruise north along the Norwegian coast towards Flåm the days got longer until it was never dark outside. The sun did dip just below the horizon for a few hours in the middle of the night, but it remained dusk. For a moment I wished that we had an interior cabin …
Giant’s Causeway Coastal Route: Rock Features, Rope Bridge, Ruins
Driving the Giant’s Causeway coastal route of Northern Ireland, we found ourselves instantly entangled in the mystery of the region. Volcanic activity created the Giant’s Causeway 60 million years ago. Standing at its base, I could begin to appreciate its magnitude. Across the Inner Seas sits its mirror, Fingal’s Cave on Scotland’s Isle of Staffa. …
