Tag: Europe
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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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Exploring Prague Castle Complex: History, Majesty, and Iconic Landmarks
The Prague Castle Complex is a sight that defines the city – an architectural masterpiece perched above the Vltava River, casting its shadow over the heart of the Czech capital. Not only is it the largest ancient castle in the world, but it’s also one of Prague’s most important historical and cultural landmarks. The Prague Castle complex is a vast area full of impressive buildings, royal history, and artistic treasures. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting the city, whether you’re…
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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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Inside the Charles Bridge Towers: Myths, Legends, and Stunning Views
If you’re wandering through Prague, there’s no way you can miss the Charles Bridge – it’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. But what many people miss is the opportunity to visit the Charles Bridge Towers themselves, perched on either end of the bridge. These towering structures, which have stood guard over the Vltava River for centuries, are not just architectural wonders – they’re steeped in history, myths, and amazing dropping views. Through Time and Legend We decided to…
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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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Klementium Prague: Baroque, Books and Stunning Beauty
If you’re looking for a place in Prague that combines history, beauty, and a touch of mystery, the Klementium is a must-see; though be aware, you’ve got to book. Tucked away in the heart of the city, this former Jesuit university and library complex is more than just a building—it’s an experience that will transport you back, while offering some of the best views in the city and probably the best library ceiling you’ll ever see. Don’t say we don’t…
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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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Hotel Guadalmedina, Malaga
Hotel Guadalmedina in Malaga was a solid choice for a one-night stopover before catching the train to Granada the next morning. The location is fantastic—literally a 2 or 3-minute walk from the train station (Malaga Central), which is also the line you take from Malaga Airport. This makes it incredibly convenient for getting in and out of the city. We even managed to do a day trip to Benalmadena Pueblo on the day we arrived, thanks to the hotel’s prime…
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Ultramarinos, Mercado San Agustín, Granada
Ultramarinos, a small bar in the Mercado San Agustín in Granada, was an absolute gem. The mercado itself is part food market—featuring amazing fish, meat, cheese, vegetables, and other produce—and part tapas-bar-community, with numerous small outlets all serving specialties. Honestly, even if you don’t eat here it’s worth just going for a wander round to have a look at the variety of food on offer – especially sea food; the Spanish have and eat so many more varieties of shellfish…
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El Laurel Café and Taberna, Granada, Andalucia
El Laurel Café and Taberna in Granada falls short, plain and simple. Spain is known for its exceptional food and particularly for its ingredients. This place stands in stark contrast to that reputation. The service, to be fair, was the one redeeming aspect. Our waitress, the only staff member that seemed to be working on this Saturday was clearly overwhelmed but did her best to manage the situation with professionalism. Unfortunately, no amount of good service can salvage subpar food.…
