I’m walking through Pettino’s truffle-rich forests and pastures at the base of a mountain. Leading the way are four hyped-up dogs – Pucci, Pippo, Vespa, and Enea; hot in their heels are truffle hunters Luciano and Bruno, armed with small picks and a leather bag for the loot.
Truffle hunting is a centuries-old daily tradition, a daily event which, for the dogs and their handlers, is a time to demonstrate their kinship, their bond. These …
Saturnia Hot Springs is a natural hot spring in the heart of Tuscany, Italy. Known for its therapeutic properties, the springs are steeped in history and geological significance. An easy day trip from Rome or Florence, Saturnia is open and free to the public. The waters here originate from deep within the earth’s crust, heated by geothermal energy. As the water makes its way to the surface, it absorbs minerals and sulfur compounds, which many …
Not only is Edinburgh a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s also Scotland’s capital city and home to phenomenal festivals, which have the city buzzing with a sense of excitement all year round.
Packed with medieval tenements, narrow streets through the Old Town, and a sweeping elegance that swathes the Georgian New Town, there’s no question that Edinburgh deserves its reputation as one of the most stunning and enthralling cities in the world.
Sightseeing in Edinburgh …
If you know better, you avoid London’s Victoria and Albert Museum like the plague when it rains, especially if that rain happens to be falling on a Sunday afternoon when most of the world finds itself at the start of Spring Break. You especially avoid the V&A if a new exhibit has just opened up, all the more so if it’s an exhibit that’s going to be popular with artist-types and design students who are …
It’s been almost 60 years since The Sound of Music was released (1965). Everyone remembers Julie Andrews singing “The Hills Are Alive,” but not many know where the Alps behind her are. They are in Austria, along with the rest of the locations used for the movie. It was the home of the real von Trapp Family, and it’s possible to relive one of the world’s favorite family films during a tour in that European …
There isn’t a single wisp of smoke curling out of the top of Mount Vesuvius as we walk up its stony brown slopes.
A few birds are twittering in the bushes, but we leave we them behind as the path rises above fertile ground. It’s silent, except for the scrunch of feet on clinker. It’s too quiet, too calm. Are we about to get taken out in an unexpected rumble of smoke, ash, flames and …
If you’re considering Venice as your next destination, you’ll have done your research and know exactly what you want to see and what to expect, so I’ll not be giving you a Venice ‘to-do list’ as such. Instead, I’ll encourage you to people watch instead. Step away from the well-trodden tourist path and see where the locals live.
While walking along the cobbled back streets of Venice, which are encased with tall ancient dwellings on …
Although the name Glastonbury is synonymous with one of the world’s most famous music festivals, there is more to the tiny Somerset town than the annual gathering of peace and love at nearby Worthy Farm. With a population of approximately 9,000, Glastonbury brims with myths and legends. It’s a meeting point for some of England’s most important “ley lines” – the metaphysical connections which link ancient spiritual sites around the world.
In addition to tourists, …
The Islamic Moorish tradition in Spain holds a remarkable place in history, leaving an indelible mark on Spanish culture, architecture, and society. Spanning over seven centuries, from the early 8th century to the late 15th century, this period witnessed a rich amalgamation of Islamic, European, and Jewish influences. The Moors, a diverse group of Muslims from North Africa and the Middle East, brought with them a vibrant intellectual heritage, contributing to the flourishing of arts, …
Hadrian’s Wall is a historically significant monument representing the northern frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain. Constructed under the rule of Emperor Hadrian, the wall’s purpose, dimensions, and preservation efforts make it a fascinating subject of study for historians, archaeologists, and tourists alike.
Hadrian’s Wall was built by Roman legions under the rule of Emperor Hadrian, who ascended to the throne in 117 AD. During his reign, he visited Britain in 122 AD and, …
Situated a mere fifty minutes from London by train, the cosmopolitan seaside city of Brighton is perfect for a day trip or weekend break from the capital. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more laid-back vibe than London offers, Brighton makes an ideal base from which to explore both the capital and the beautiful surrounding countryside of Sussex.
The city itself is known for its free-spirited attitude and vibrant nightlife combined with a big dose …
Why Less is More on the Balearic Islands
At just eighteen kilometers total from tip to tip, Formentera looks like a boomerang being tossed off the southeastern coast of Spain. It is nothing more than a croissant crumb on the world map, and though most people have heard of rockin’ Ibiza or artsy Mallorca, Formentera usually draws a ‘Where’s that?’ when mentioned. The answer to that telling question is nowhere. There’s not much going down …
Mankind has always sought to leave a mark on the world, a testament to our existence, beliefs, and art. Among the most puzzling and fascinating imprints of our ancestors are the ancient geoglyphs—colossal figures etched into the earth’s surface. These gigantic artworks depict a variety of figures, from geometric shapes to animals and humans, spread across diverse geographies. They are enigmatic remnants of ancient civilizations, their purpose, construction, and symbolic meaning often shrouded in mystery. …
Amsterdam is the beautiful capital city of the Netherlands. It is a city steeped deep in 17th-century history through its buildings, streets, and canal ways. It is home to windmills or windmolen as they say in Dutch – the language of Holland. There were once 10,000 working windmills in this region which have withered down to a mere 1000. They were once used to produce flour, mustard, and oil and are an inherent part of …
