Leslie Livingston 
“Welcome to 5,000 years of human ingenuity in art and design” says the map leaflet of the Victoria & Albert Museum. And that pretty much sums up the institution know universally as the V&A. Along the 12 miles of corridors in the labyrinthian museum, a representative sample exists of every form of fine, decorative, and … Read more
“History is a lie!” — Robert Walpole, British Prime Minister For aficionados of true crime cold cases, the disappearance of the sons of King Edward IV, the “two princes in the tower” is truly epic stuff. The year is 1483. King Edward IV has just died and his sons, Edward V and Richard, are installed … Read more
In a city that’s studded with magnificent churches, Santa Croce is a place of superlatives. The basilica has one of the greatest assemblages of paintings, sculptures, and funereal monuments in existence. It’s home to celebrity tombs, magnificent frescos, and Donatello sculptures. The basilica is a place of one stop shopping for Italian culture and a must … Read more
Are you a fan of the Pre-Raphaelite artists traveling to London? If so, this guide’s for you. I take you on a tour of the most famous Pre-Raphaelite paintings in London and tell you which museums they’re in. The Pre-Raphaelites were a group of Victorian radicals who were inspired by medieval art, literature, and nature. … Read more
“Europe’s most underrated big city, Budapest can be as challenging as it is enchanting.” – Rick Steves Here’s my list of 15 must know tips for visiting Budapest Hungary. These tips will help you avoid mistakes in Budapest and have a smoother trip. Budapest is on everyone’s travel to do list. It’s a hot European … Read more
The Handel-Hendrix House in London is an extremely unique museum. It’s the home and creative space of two of the greatest musicians ever to live in London … 200 years apart. They were strange bedfellows — George Frideric Handel, the Baroque composer, and Jimi Hendrix, the rock guitar virtuoso. Handel lived in #23 from 1723 … Read more
Kensington Palace is a historic treasure trove steeped in over 300 years of royal history. Nestled amidst the lush Kensington Gardens, the palace has witnessed countless tales of love, power, and intrigue. The Stuart monarchs, King William III and Queen Mary II, acquired the country estate in the late 17th century and transformed it into … Read more
Apsley House is the only aristocratic mansion in London open to the public. It’s the historic home of the Duke of Wellington, the “Iron Duke.” After beating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, he became the most famous man in Europe. Riches were showered upon him for keeping England English instead of French. With them, … Read more
Windsor Castle is a striking 11th century castle that’s the official home of the royal family. The palace is the longest occupied royal residence in the world. It’s been the symbol of the monarchy for 1,000 years. At the castle, you can see the sprawling grounds, take the “long walk,” admire lavish staterooms, and visit … Read more
St. Peter’s Basilica is the most famous church in Christendom. It took 8 different architects and 120 years to build. The basilica is a stunning example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Its immense size, classical design, and intricate detailing make it a masterpiece of human achievement. The current basilica was built between 1505 and 1626. … Read more