Category: Cities & Destinations
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The Unexpected Magic of Livorno: Tuscany’s Most Overlooked City
Most people arrive in Livorno with one plan. Leave. Cruise passengers pile onto coaches towards Florence and Pisa almost immediately, treating Livorno as little more than a transport hub. After spending time there ourselves, that honestly feels like a mistake. Livorno has character. Real character. It feels lived-in, creative and proudly coastal in a way that some polished Italian destinations no longer do. It is scruffier around the edges than Florence, certainly less conventionally beautiful than Siena, but there is…
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The Complete Honest Guide to Civitavecchia for Cruise Travellers
Most people know Civitavecchia for one thing. It is the port of Rome. The place cruise ships dock before thousands of people immediately disappear towards the Colosseum, Vatican and Trevi Fountain. After spending a day there ourselves, we can understand why. That is not to say Civitavecchia is bad. In fact, it is surprisingly pleasant in places. Relaxed, walkable and easy enough for a slow wander in the sunshine. But it also feels very much like somewhere you pass through…
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The Surprisingly Beautiful Day Trip to Ajaccio, Corsica
There are some places that feel built for a long stay. Ajaccio is not really one of them. And oddly, that is part of its charm. The capital of Corsica feels relaxed, walkable and easy to understand in a single day. You can swim in the sea, climb through Napoleonic history, eat extremely well, wander quiet streets lined with faded Mediterranean buildings and still feel like you have properly “done” the city before dinner. For us, Ajaccio worked best exactly…
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Barcelona: Frantic, Free, Fantastic, Never Finished
Barcelona is one of those places we’ve both been to several times, and for good reason. Some cities are “once and done” – but Barcelona always draws you back, whether it’s for a weekend or a longer stretch. Every trip feels a bit different, even when you’re revisiting the same sights. The city has a way of feeling instantly recognisable. We arrived just off Las Ramblas in spring, bags dropped, windows open to street noise below, and it already felt…
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Edinburgh Is Relentless in the Best Possible Way
We arrived in Edinburgh the way it feels like you should. By train. Rolling into Waverley Station from Manchester, stepping straight out into the city centre, bags on our backs and the castle looming somewhere above us. It is one of those arrivals that immediately sets the tone. You are not easing into Edinburgh. You are dropped straight into it. It was only a weekend, which somehow felt both generous and not nearly enough. Edinburgh has that way of making…
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From Nyhavn to Nightcaps: 48 Hours in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is one of those cities that seems designed for exploring at an easy pace. Everything feels connected – the bikes, the waterfront, the food – and you quickly fall into its rhythm. Cycling I (Elliot) visited Copenhagen with a group of about 6 friends. We rented bikes on our first day, and within minutes were swept into the flow of locals who make cycling look effortless. Wide lanes, courteous drivers, and a culture built around two wheels mean you…
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Limoges: Porcelain, Beef and a City Built on Quiet History
Elliot visited Limoges with a group of friends. We flew direct from East Midlands into Limoges – one of those budget routes you don’t expect much from, but it’s hard to resist when the flight’s cheap and the journey quick. Modest Expectations Limoges isn’t a top-tier French destination, and you can see why. It’s small, it’s quiet, and it doesn’t have the instant drama of Paris or Bordeaux. But that’s not to say it isn’t worth the trip. Roman Roots…
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Podgorica – Romans to Rakija: 48 Hours in Montenegro’s Underrated Capital
Podgorica isn’t the kind of place that usually makes it onto European city-break shortlists. Montenegro’s capital doesn’t have the instant allure of Dubrovnik or Kotor, and a lot of travellers skip it altogether. But a couple of days here proved it’s more interesting than it first appears – and it’s certainly one of the cheapest city trips we’ve ever done. Layers of History The city wears its history in layers. The Ottomans left mosques and a bazaar quarter; the Montenegrin…
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Marseille Uncovered: Warmth, Waterfronts and a City with Grit
Marseille…this one was just Elliot – no Kirsty – on a quick solo hop (well, with a cricket team) from Manchester. The flight’s only about an hour and forty-five minutes, barely long enough to finish a podcast before landing in Marseille, where the air instantly feels warmer and saltier than home. Even at the end of September it was properly mild, the kind of warmth that makes wandering on foot a pleasure. Hotel Centre La Juliette We stayed at the…
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Zagreb: Heartbreak to History in Croatia’s Capital
Most people seem to skip Croatia’s capital for the coast, but we thought it deserved a stop. What we found was a city with some real charm, a few surprises, and a fair bit of sweat – mainly thanks to August heat and an air-conditioning unit that didn’t work. Museum of Broken Relationships The headline stop was the Museum of Broken Relationships. Elliot knew about it through work and we weren’t sure what to expect, but it’s genuinely worth it.…
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A Day Trip to Burano and Murano: Exploring Venice’s Vibrant Islands
If you’re visiting Venice, taking a day trip to the nearby islands of Burano and Murano is a must. Each island has its own charm and history, offering a more peaceful, colorful escape from the bustling city center. On our trip, we dedicated a day to exploring both islands, each distinct and captivating in its own way. We started with Murano, known for its long-standing glass-making tradition, and then headed to Burano, famous for its vibrant houses and lacemaking. Here’s…
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Fuerteventura’s Best Kept Secrets: Stunning Beaches, Adventures and Family Fun
Fuerteventura is a hidden gem in the Canary Islands, offering the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of windsurfing on its iconic beaches, exploring the tranquil Isla de Lobos, or simply soaking up the stunning views, this island has something to ignite your sense of adventure. From family-friendly activities to dramatic rocky coastlines, Fuerteventura is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences and a much-needed escape from the ordinary. Ready to discover the best…
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3 Days in Florence: Your Ultimate Guide to the Cradle of the Renaissance
Florence is a city that feels like stepping into a living, breathing museum—its cobbled streets lined with Renaissance masterpieces, its historic buildings housing treasures that span centuries. We were fortunate enough to spend three full days exploring Florence, and although we saw an awful lot, it still felt like we only scratched the surface of this captivating city. From iconic landmarks to lesser-known spots, Florence has a way of making every moment feel like a discovery. This was the second…
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Day Trip to Benalmádena Old Town – Why It’s Worth a Visit
If you’re in Málaga and want to explore somewhere that’s charming, a bit off the beaten path, and full of character, Benalmádena Old Town is the perfect day trip. It’s called Benalmádena Pueblo but we’ll use old town here. Just a short train ride from Málaga to Torremuelle (this is the station name) we found ourselves in this picturesque town, ready to spend the day wandering through its narrow streets, soaking in the views, and, of course, eating some delicious…
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Venice in 3 Days: Iconic Sights and Local Secrets
There are few places in the world as unique and enchanting as Venice. After 10 days of traveling across Italy, we spent three unforgettable nights in this romantic city, which was every bit as magical as we’d imagined, even if a bit soggy at times. From our stunning canalside balcony at My Rialto Palace to the peaceful respite at Ca Tessera Venice Airport, Venice offered the perfect blend of exploration, culture, and relaxation. Where We Stayed: My Rialto Palace and…
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One Day in Verona: Romance, History, and Hidden Gems
Verona wasn’t originally high on our list – we were basically looking for somewhere to spend a day between Bologna and Venice as part of our 10 night Italian train trip. But, after spending a day here, we wished we had more time. It’s a city that blends ancient history with charming streets, offering everything from Roman ruins to scenic hilltop views and fantastic food (Amarone Risotto!). Though often overshadowed by Venice or Milan, Verona has a lot to offer—so…
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Pisa Unveiled: Secrets, Sights, and So Much More Than the Tower
Pisa might be most famous for its Leaning Tower, but it’s far more than just a one-sight city. During our short visit, we found a vibrant and historic place with much more to offer than we’d expected. Our short but sweet visit, following a flight from Manchester, provided us with an unforgettable glimpse into the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. While we didn’t have much time to explore, there’s plenty to share from our whirlwind trip. Where…
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Bologna: Discover Italy’s Beautiful, Delectable City For The Soul
Bologna—often overshadowed by the likes of Rome and Florence—turned out to be a truly delightful surprise during our recent Italian road trip. Nestled in the heart of Italy, Bologna feels like a city that hasn’t been overly polished for tourists. It has a welcoming, authentic charm, with layers of history, art, and food that completely captivated us during our short stay. Where We Stayed: Urbanicooh Azzoguidi – Torre Asinelli View We couldn’t have asked for a better location than the…
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Budapest: Secrets, Shadows, and the Spirit of the Danube
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is a city where history, architecture, and vibrant modern life come together beautifully. We visited in November, when the crisp autumn air set the stage for a winter wonderland filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of the festive season. The Christmas markets were out in full force, offering mulled wine, chimney cake, artisanal crafts, and plenty of holiday cheer. Our stay at the Hotel Prestige, a brilliant boutique hotel right in the heart of…
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Ultimate 10-Night Italy Train Tour: Unforgettable Adventure
Italy, with its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and delicious cuisine, has always been on our travel bucket list. Our 10-night adventure took us from Pisa to Florence, Bologna, Verona, and Venice, with each city offering a unique blend of culture, architecture, and food. While the weather didn’t always cooperate (we got rained on quite a bit in Venice!), it didn’t stop us from enjoying every moment. Here’s a brief recap of our unforgettable Italian trip, including travel tips, city highlights,…
