It was not our first time in the dazzling Douro Valley, yet we somehow felt this time was the one we enjoyed the most. We decided to do it, once again, the unhurried way, spending some days in the region instead of just going for a day trip as some travelers do. And it proved to be a wise decision: the winding roads along the… Read more »
Did you know that Croatia has the second largest archipelago in the Mediterranean and more than one thousand islands? It might, hence, seem difficult to choose a single one in which to spend your holidays, but look no further: Hvar is the crown jewel of the Adriatic Sea. The Dalmatian coast has been “rediscovered” by Europeans in the last decade; the increased interest in the… Read more »
Zigzagging around the winding coastal roads of the French Riviera is probably one of the most remarkable experiences a traveler could have. The tiny villages in this part of France are delightful in themselves, yet the jaw-dropping views from the perched hamlets and breathtaking surrounding landscapes are a sight that will likely stay in your memory for years to come. It is no wonder so many… Read more »
Delightful tiny hamlets perched on hills and inlets cascading down to the sea, side by side, form an area in the Ligurian coast of Italy known as Cinque Terre, or five villages. Small houses painted in vivid colors, pristine blue waters and fresh seafood, are some of the region’s highlights and very good reasons for attracting an incredible amount of visitors to Corniglia, Monterosso, Vernazza,… Read more »
Barcelona is one of those once seen never forgotten places. Considered the capital city of the Mediterranean, Barcelona has a particularly distinctive feeling, different from other main European metropolises, making it rather special and unique. It is somewhat impossible not to fall in love with vivacious Barcelona, a city welcoming of all other cultures, tastes and rhythms, whose delights go well beyond the modernist works… Read more »
Paris is a city that most travelers praise, not only for its outstanding amount of attractions, but for the romantic lure and a cuisine that is acclaimed all over the world. But what about its pâtisseries? Cities with high standards of quality, like London or Tokyo, often hire French pâtissiers (pastry chefs) for their premium bakeries and pastry shops, an indication of how good the… Read more »
There are many different Lisbons to be relished by visitors and residents alike, all of them captivating. Naturally, a first four-day-visit to the city should include the charming neighborhoods of Chiado and Baixa, St George’s Castle with its breathtaking views and enchanting Alfama. This busy first visit would be a lovely acquaintance with…
Wien, Wien, nur du allein Sollst die Stadt meiner Träume sein “Vienna, Vienna, you, the one and only, should be the city of my dreams” recites a classical symphony by the Viennese Rudolf Sieczyński, a composer of Polish descent known for writing Wienerlieder, traditional Viennese songs in the Viennese dialect, depicting the city’s everyday life. This musical genre expresses the mentality of Viennese folklore, steeped… Read more »
Florence is everything a traveler could wish for: art, culture, architecture, history, outstanding food and green spaces as far as the eye can see. But, beyond the world famous touristic sites, there are little known places to which a visit will undoubtedly make your experience truly unforgettable.There is plenty on offer outside of Florence’s charming center and it is magical discovering it from the… Read more »
Once a neighborhood known for its intellectual allure and for having hosted artists as renowned as Picasso, Hemingway and Sartre, Saint Germain des Prés is one of our preferred areas for a genuine experience in Paris. Nestled in one of its most affluent residential quarters, the bourgeoise 6th arrondissement, as Parisians themselves would call it, the neighborhood has been able to keep its French flair in… Read more »
We have been in search of the most astonishing seaside for years and just recently found what we consider to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. Perfectly capturing the essence of images that come to mind when thinking of an island paradise, El Nido checks every box: idyllic landscapes, pristine waters, countless breathtaking shades of green and blue and sunny… Read more »
A trip to Rio de Janeiro, the “Marvelous City”, should leave no doubt as to how generous Mother Nature has been to the most famous city in Brazil. The unique geography, jaw dropping sights and idyllic landscapes of this seaside metropolis mix perfectly with the high spirits of the cariocas (Rio locals), who take some time off Bossa Nova to cheerfully celebrate in one of… Read more »
When you go to my pretty Havana be prepared to find a place like no other in the world! It is full of surrealism or perhaps the magical realism that seems to come right out of the pages of an Alejo Carpentier book, one of the island’s most incredible and important writers. The whole city is a visual treat and tremendously photogenic, after all, you… Read more »
Identifying the very best food in Rome is no easy feat: not only is the sheer abundance of restaurants serving amazing meals remarkable but just thinking about the dishes alights some serious cravings…! The true cucina romana goes well beyond pasta and offers delicious dishes a discerning traveler should not miss: carciofi alla giudia (fried artichoke), the world famous cacio e pepe or carbonara pastas,… Read more »
When we last decided to spend a week in London, to seek new hotels and update some of our travel suggestions, we chose to stay in an authentic residential area of town. We wanted to get more of a local feel and experience the day-to-day living of Londoners, yet be close to some of the city’s attractions at a location with good access to the… Read more »
It is as though for that one month the world becomes small, the size of a country, and perfect. As they step off the plane onto the World Cup host nation, soccer aficionados seem to go through an imaginary portal of sorts, away from their daily commitments and tensions, to enter a land of happiness, comradery, enjoyment and, of course, high quality soccer. People do… Read more »
