Here’s my guide to visiting 30+ of France’s secret out-of-the-way towns, villages, and hidden gems, for the more discerning traveler. France is my favorite country in the world. Its small towns are so appealing and romantic — swathed in centuries old cobbled lanes, stone cottages and castles, and tumbling geraniums. You’ll be transported back in … Read more
If you’re an art lover seeking an affordable vacation in Rome, Italy, you’re in luck! This is the ultimate guide to experiencing the finest free art, sculpture, and architecture in the city. As it turns out, some of the best things to do in Rome won’t cost you a penny. Traveling in a bustling and … Read more
Planning a trip to Spain and need some destination inspiration? To help you along, here’s my guide to the 30 most famous landmarks in Spain. Spain is a gorgeous country. It boasts a heady mix of diverse landscapes, world famous landmarks, massive cathedrals and iconic museums. From Barcelona’s patron saint Antoni Gaudi to Frank Gehry … Read more
Scoping out some day trips from Toulouse? Here’s my guide to the 5 best day trips from the very underrated city of Toulouse, La Ville Rose, located in sunny southwest France. They’re easy day trips, only an hour or more from Toulouse by train or car. I wasn’t sure if I even wanted to leave beautiful … Read more
The Würzburg Residence is a must see UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll step into a world of opulence and history. With resplendent interiors, lush gardens, and a rich cultural legacy, is one of Europe’s most important Baroque palaces. Wurzburg is a small town in northern Bavaria. But there’s nothing “small town” about its vast … Read more
“A beacon to the world reflecting the power and glory of God himself.” — Louis XIV, describing Versailles and conflating himself with God. Here’s my guide to the filming locations in and around Paris for the BBC’s racy period series, Versailles. In the opening shot of Season 3, Louis XIV unveils his greatest architectural masterpiece … Read more
Here’s my guide to visiting Munich’s grand Nymphenburg Palace and the beautiful palace gardens. I tell you everything you need to see at this must visit attraction in Munich. At Nymphenburg, swans glide, nymphs dance on Rococo ceilings, and thematic follies dot the lavish park. Nymphenburg Palace is a must see site in Munich. It’s … Read more
Did you known there were other Notre Dames in France? And some of them right outside Paris? Here’s my guide to 5 must see churches outside Paris that are famous must see landmarks and attractions in France. On April 15, 2019, when the namesake Notre Dame burned in Paris, I cried. The world cried with … Read more
Situated on a sheltered bay, between Split and Zadar, tranquil Šibenik is a hidden gem in Croatia. You can stroll its labyrinth of stony alleyways and visit a must see piece of Gothic-Renaissance architecture: the UNESCO-listed St. James Cathedral. The gleaming white building is the beating heart of sleepy Šibenik. History of Šibenik Šibenik is … Read more
Here’s my guide to the lovely town of Santillana del Mar. It’s an idyllic town that’s an easy day trip from Bilbao. This guide covers the best things see and do in and around Santillana del Mar. Santillana del Mar is the jewel of Cantabria and must visit destination in northern Spain. With its rolling … Read more