The year is 1645. The most virulent strain of the bubonic plague - the "Black Death" - has immobilized Edinburgh, Scotland, claiming the lives of more than half the city’s population. The area ha
Annually since 1985, the cultural poobahs of the European Union have designated one or more of the continent's cities (and as of last year it's been three), as Capitals of Culture, focusing on th
As you'd expect, one of Europe's most tourist-popular cities offers a wide and high-quality range of accommodations, from low-budget to very high-end indeed. And our team has put together a varied selection of Dutch treats based on soci
Europe’s towns and cities famously light up and don holiday finery for Yuletide, but during the Christmas season in Colmar, in northeast France’s Alsace region – already famous for its charming historic quarter, with its cobblestone streets, canals,
Norway's beautiful capital is a major global hub, yet only around 20 percent of its extension is truly urbanized, so in addition to city streets it's possible to spend time in parks, woodlands, hills, and lakes. Oslo's major avenue, Karl Johans
Just over seven months in from the brutal, unprovoked invasion of much of Ukraine’s east and south by Russia (about 20 percent of the country’s territory), the tide has turned, seemingly decisively, in the defenders’ favor, barring a c
Feet firmly planted on the ground, left elbow out, forearm straight, hand and wrist covered with a thick leather glove, I looked apprehensively at the master falconer standing by my side. He had just sent a magnificent Harris's hawk into
From September 17 to October 3, the legendary celebration of German beer, cuisine, and culture in Bavaria's capital is returning after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unsprprisingly, it's necessary to make your ar
Although lots of you know that the Czech Republic’s capital is one of the world’s most monumental cities with its elegant squares, Baroque buildings and must-sees – such as the Charles Bridge, majestic Prague Castle, the Jewis
If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to get beyond a destination’s usual tourist haunts and take the pulse of today’s trends – especially when it comes to culture – then while visiting Sweden’s capital you definitely won’t want to
Romance and Greece go hand in hand. With picturesque landscapes and mysterious blue seas, parts of this paradisiacal country are no less than a fairyland. Located on the Mediterranean Sea in the southeast region of Europe, this mystical
It rains rather a lot in Britain - even Visit Britain aren’t unwise enough to pretend it doesn’t. Most of our seaside resorts have, therefore, been spoilt by over-development to ‘cater for’ visitors when it’s too cold or wet for the beach. Wh
Naturally we started our trip off with a glass of wine at lunch - after all, it was too late for breakfast… “Deux verres de vin rouge – um, uh -- pas sec. Un peu…” Finally I just threw my hands in the air and laughed. I meant well but
Travel and music festivals go hand in hand, of course! And though I haven't yet attended the annual Eurovision song contest in person, ever since I started traveling to Europe in 1977 – well before American Idol, The Voice, or The X Fa
The capital of the Czech Republic, with its UNESCO World Heritage historic center, is considered one of Europe's (indeed, the world's) most beautiful cities, and has been a favorite for visitors for more than 30 years now, since t
Europe is of course filled with amazing scenic and cultural sights and experiences, but it's also known as by and large an expensive place to visit. Yet it doesn't have to be! There are still a number of European cities and countries where you w
When it comes to Greece, one of the first thing that comes to mind besides classical antiquity is beaches. With one of the longest coastlines in the world, filled with beautiful landscapes, it has a great deal to present to visitors. Here are five
Spain's explored third largest city is a splendid choice for student trips from primary school through university - even if it's just a long weekend - as it mixes a wonderfully preserved historic core with modern neighbourhoods (in
Wandering the hilly, narrow cobblestone streets in our home base of Montalcino, a medieval city of interlocking passageways, steps, and alleyways curving around and through and behind and beyond the main square, I reminded myself I was walking thr
More and more of us are traveling with our beloved pets, and fortunately the Brtis are big animal lovers. And if you rent a carand go on a road trip around England, with your family and pets, you have a good number of options, as most accommodatio