One of the world's most coveted terroirs, the region and town of Cognac, just in the Charente region of southwestern France, three hours away from Paris by train (and also, by the way, the birthplace of 16th-century King François I) is a typically ch
What lovelier and more vivid way to learn the nuances of a foreign culture than rubbing shoulders with the locals, tasting the flavors of their land? Well yes, there is literature and art and music, but we certainly can't appreciate those on an empty
It’s one of those majestic sights that imprinted itself indelibly on my memory forever when I first visited many years ago: a mystical, mysterious forest of columns stretching into the distance of the vast interior space that was – and is – the UNESC
Scandinavia is one of the undersung gems of Europe as a visitor destination, and even here, Finland still ranks behind Denmark, Sweden, and Norway in visitor numbers. But I'm here to tell you that from what I've experienced of the towns, cities, and
A number of old European cities and towns are commonly described as having “fairytale” cityscapes. But in many ways, the capital of the Czech Republic, dating back to the 9th century, leaves them all in its pixie dust, with its dramatic spires, colou
Whether or not they're shoppers, most travelers love quality mementos of their trips. But "quality" is key, and there are certain items that will always be worth seeking out. Paintings and other kinds of art are a prime example – whether charming wa
Read more…I love all of the Balearic Islands for overlapping but different reasons, and there’s no question that the third-largest is definitely a change of pace from Majorca and certainly Ibiza. Not that there isn’t nightlife, as well as luxury and touches of
This lovely Italian hill town has over the years become most famous for its summer "Two Worlds Festival," but it's worth staying on afterward (or even coming back) for the marvelous sites, culture, and atmosphere of Spoleto'sUNESCO World Heritage me
In a recent online survey of the world’s most expensive cities for travellers,London came in at number 7. But of course there’s no way you can let that keep you away from this magnificent metropolis on the Thames. Over the years I’ve done travel to t
The story of the Cyclades' Amorgos Island is a tale of beauty. Folklore has it that adjacent islands in the Cyclades told of a neighboring island where only beautiful women resided. This tale of omorfos (beauty) was about the relatively undiscovered
Something big is underway in Seville this week: the Flamenco Biennial, the 17th edition of the world's biggest flamenco event, including the greatest living artists of a centuries-old art form inextricably linked with the culture of Spain's south. It
It's harvest time inChampagne again - not to mention a most agreeable time of year to visit this lovely and historic region some 100 miles east of Paris, with its main townsReims (whose landmarks include a Roman triumphal arch and a lovely 13th-centu
Ah, the famous Irish pub. This country's capital is reckoned to have 751 of them, and its convivial pub life is for many visitors a big part of the city's allure. But there are also a number of remarkable sights highlighting the richness of Dublin
Read more…Stunning architecture, sea views, and sandy beaches, vivid and passionate culture, superb cuisine — hese are just some of the many reasons why Spain's second-largest city is a wonderful place to live. And to study, as Barcelona is home to some of
When we booked the "Algarve jeep safari," they promised a tour to the interior to show there was more to Portugal's southernmost region than beaches, bars and golf courses. We passed through remote villages; stopped off at a couple of out-of-the-w
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Along with its culture and history, Switzerland's dramatic Alpine landscapes lure millions of visitors throughout the year. In addition to its legendary skiing and snow sports, there are myriad opportunities for adventure, ecotourism
My obsession to travel to every site related to either the fictional Count Dracula or his real historical counterpart, Prince Vlad Dracula the Impaler, grew out of a visit to Whitby, England, where part of the novel Dracula takes place. I stood on t
The Côte d'Azur is famous for its number of cities and towns that are haunts of the rich and famous. Among the best known of these is this city of 73,000, best known to the rest of the world for its glamorous film festival. But there are also a n
Read more…After six months into the coronavirus lockdown experience, it was natural to want to leave our house in Stockbridge, Hampshire and travel a little - preferably to the coast, which is never far away in England. In fact, just 20 miles to the south l
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Ah, the famous Irish pub. This country's capital is reckoned to have 751 of them, and its convivial pub life is for many visitors a big part of the city's allure. But there are also a number of remarkable sights highlighting the richness of Dublin'
