From sun-kissed stretches of white sand to majestic mountains, Albania has it all. Its beaches on the Adriatic and Ionian coastlines are some of the most amazing places in Albania. They’re arguably just as gorgeous as those in neighboring Montenegro and Greece, but nowhere near as crowded. And it is in this lack of unfettered…
It’s no surprise that the top 10 things to do in Thessaloniki encompass history, culture, and nature. Dating from 315 BC, this capital city of Central Macedonia in Greece is teeming with ancient buildings. Old and new traditions are alive and well here, and the arts and culture scene is ever vibrant. It’s the second-largest…
Situated in the verdant Neckar Valley and home to world-famous companies, Stuttgart combines the best of nature and human ingenuity. The city sits on Bernhartshöhe hill, about 126 km southeast of Heidelberg and an hour from the famed Black Forest. Greenery is all around here, from the vineyards perched on the hillsides to leafy woodlands…
The English writer Samuel Johnson once said: “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” And certainly, with its storied history and cultural diversity, it isn’t hard to love London. The British capital is home to some of the world’s best-known…
The two big ‘intellectual’ names in England are the university cities of Cambridge and Oxford. Like Oxford, Cambridge is also an old city that dates back to the 13th century. However, what sets this city apart from its historic rival are the green spaces that surround it. In the midst of all this green is…
Perched on the hills of northwestern Spain, Salamanca is a feast for the eyes and soul. It’s home to stunning sandstone buildings, a lively arts and culture scene, and an indomitable nightlife. And as a university city since the 13th century, it isn’t surprising that Salamanca exudes an intellectual vibe. More than 180,000 people call Salamanca home. Yet…
Looking for the best things to do in Colmar doesn’t have to be a challenge. This beautiful, colorful town in northeastern France’s Alsace region is a tourism hotspot that’s rich in history and culture. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to its picturesque half-timber houses, Gothic and early Renaissance structures, traditional festivals, and…
Bath is one of England’s most beautiful cities. Located near Bristol airport and just over two hours away from London. Bath has a history that dates back thousands of years. A hugely popular place. The city welcomes visitors in their hundreds of thousands every year. They are drawn to the stories of its famous residents…
Situated in the province known as Namur in Belgium. Dinant is a small town with many hidden treasures. Just an hour’s drive from Brussels, the town is centered around the Meuse River. This picturesque Belgian gem is like stepping into the past. Dinant is one of the most beautiful towns in Belgium and has a fascinating history. It…
Once referred to by geographer Raoul Blanchard as the “Pearl of the French Alps,” the largest city of the Haute-Savoie department in southeastern France definitely lives up to its name. Deriving its name from the beautiful lake on which it lies, Annecy is a gorgeous blend of natural beauty and manmade charm. Its Old Town…
A small, old-fashioned, charismatic and gorgeous city located in the western coastal area of Norway, Stavanger has a lot to offer to its visitors. As one of the priciest locations in Norway, Stavanger exudes wealth and charm. Although the outskirts of the city are quite modern, the old center has retained its old-world charm with…
One of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Umbria, Italy is the medieval town of Assisi, renowned as the birthplace of Saint Francis, who founded the Franciscan order. Assisi dates back to the 7th century as an early Umbrian settlement which was conquered by the Romans four centuries later. Traces of its Roman past are…
Sometimes referred to as the ‘City of Stones and Saints,’ the spiritual city of Ávila located in the Autonomous Community of Castile and León about 111km north-west of Madrid, boasts of having the highest number of Romanesque and Gothic churches per capita in the country. Founded in the 11th century to defend the Spanish territories…
Rather surprisingly, hordes of tourists have not yet descended on Zadar, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Croatia and the second-largest metropolis in Dalmatia. Zadar has a rich and varied history right from the Late Stone Age, to its Roman era and invasion by the Huns. In the early 15th century Zadar was sold by…
Most people travel to Italy to marvel at the historic sites of Rome or to soak in the beauty of Florence and Venice, or marvel at the fashion in Milan, but not many actually go off the tourist track to explore Italy’s hidden gems; its beautiful villages. Nestled between majestic mountains, perched on the edge…
Lubeck, a historical city known for its rich heritage, is located in Northern Germany. It gives an insight into Old World Germany and is positioned near the Baltic Coast. Due to its status, its nickname during the 14th century was “The Queen of the Hanseatic League.” There are several cultural spots that offer tourists a…
Less than a hundred kilometers from the northeast of Barcelona is the Catalan city of Girona. It is an ancient city, having originated during the time of the Iberians and later known as the Roman city of Gerunda. In the 12th century, the city had a flourishing Jewish community and had one of the most…
Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm, stretches along fourteen islands where Lake Malaren flows into the Baltic Sea, creating one of the most picturesque scenes; rightfully earning the city the sobriquet ‘Venice of the North.’ The beautiful landscapes and outstanding landmarks that form the city are a revelation of its rich cultural heritage. Gamla Stan, the city’s…
Italy’s leading port is a land of contradictions; its past grandeur sometimes shadowed by its dark side. Once a city of great wealth, the decayed glory of Genoa’s past is sometimes quite astonishing. Grand palaces are tucked away inside small and sometimes scruffy alleyways, surprising the unsuspecting visitor with their grandeur. Genoa was an autonomous…
The commune of Chamonix situated in south-eastern France and north of Mont Blanc is a photographer’s delight. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains, it draws mountain climbers from all over to scale the beautiful rugged terrain, especially that of Mont Blanc. During the winter, the slopes around the area are buzzing with activity as skiers and snowboarders…
Reims, an ancient city, was founded by the Celtic tribes and later invaded by the powerful Romans in 356. There is a long chronology of historical events that took place in Reims. Most importantly it is known as the Coronation or the Champagne capital of Europe. Being a rich ancient city, it is certainly an…
Like most towns in Switzerland, Zug too is ringed by mountains and situated near a lake, but what makes this city stand out is its obvious affluence. Zug which was founded by the Kyburgers in the 13th century AD is a low tax region where the headquarters of a number of multinational enterprises are located.…
The ancient city of Modena on the south side of the Po Valley in northern Italy is a ‘foodie haven.’ The birthplace of balsamic vinegar and the creative force behind the giant tortellini, the backstreets of the city have little known restaurants which serve up gastronomic delights. Modena is also home to the ‘best restaurant in…
Crete, the largest and most populous of the islands of Greece, is located 318 kilometers south of the port Athens. It is the most southerly outpost of Europe with its southern coast extending to the Libyan Sea. The island is steeped in tradition and history; being the birthplace of the Minoans, the first advanced civilization…