Sicily might have what can be called the sandiest beaches you’ve ever seen and this region can boast of having a dramatic coastline to add to all the beauty and glory. This is perhaps the place to get all the best beaches in Italy. Or is it so? The best part about Sicily is that the water here is generally warm enough to swim in; and it stays like this for about 6 months in a year. It boasts of beautiful shorefront restaurants that dot the region. There are various ways to get around the water bodies as well. You could try renting a pedalo while you’re at San Vito lo Capo or you could hire a beach shuttle boat while at the Aeolian Islands. Give yourself at least a week so that you could visit all the places while at Sicily. The bottom line is you got to visit this place with a leisurely pace in mind. You can’t rush through  [...]

History has it that the Celtic tribes arrived here on the island somewhere between the years 600 – 150 B.C.  King Brian BORU ended up defeating the Norsemen who tried to invade this region in the later part of the 8th century. English invasions set foot here in the 12th century and this marked the beginning of a 7 century long struggle between the English and the Irish. In 1921, 26 southern countries got freedom from UK. This was how Ireland, of its own, was born. This country is today well known for the Giant’s Causeway, Glendalough, The Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park and the Cliffs of Moher. There are some off-the-beaten-path options that include uncovering some ancient ruins, or visiting prehistoric tombs or frolicking on some gorgeous, yet isolated beaches. Here are some examples of towns of Ireland that embody Ireland  [...]

I stood in Venice, on the Bridge of Sighs, A palace and a prison on each hand: I saw from out the wave her structures rise As from the stroke of the enchanter’s wand: A thousand years their cloudy wings expand Around me, and a dying Glory smiles O’er the far times, when many a subject land Looked to the winged Lion’s marble piles, Where Venice sate in state, throned on her hundred isles! ~ (excerpt from Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage) Lord Byron If the world ever had to pinpoint one region as being the romantic capital of the world, it would undoubtedly have to be Venice in Italy. Some of the most stunning architecture of the world is set amidst narrow and tight streets, which wind throughout the stretch of the city and run almost parallel to the coursing waters. Built across the Palace River, or Palazzo Rio, is  [...]

Pulp Fiction fans in the world would see Amsterdam as being a haven for ‘pot’ lovers who like hanging out at hash bars. Believe it or not, there is more to do when in Amsterdam. Well, other than smoking pot, we say! Dive into the artistic side of this city – Hop into a tram from Spui all the way to Museumplein, which is where the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum are enough to keep you occupied for a good number of hours. Walk around as you view Van Gogh’s life through art.  The Golden Age of Holland is what makes for the central topic at the Rijksmuseum. Do not, whatever you do, miss the Vermeer’s Milkmaid. A day trip would be nice – If you’re looking for an excursion, taking a 15 minute ride to Harlem might be worth the trip. You could browse through some rather fashionable boutiques. Visit the St. Bavo church, which is  [...]

When you make a trip to London, you could end up including sights that are so diverse and enticing; which would mean that there is much more to London that has normally met the eye. These places may have served as the setting for England’s most important developments; and these are no more than an hour’s ride outside the capital. This would mean that you could keep to your London itinerary and shove in an extra day to visit these sites. Bath British history is known to come alive in this city; which is best described as ‘elegant’. This city has its traces that go back to an origin associated with the Romans; when it was a rather fashionable watering hole during the 18th century. The Roman baths are surprisingly intact. The Georgian houses made up of golden stone have been so well preserved that they’ve aptly earned the  [...]

The number of reasons to choose the Way of St. James while exploring Spain is varied. There is, however, one primary decision that you will have to take right before your onset. You’ll have to decide which route it is that you’re deciding to take. Two primary routes are available – the French Way and the Northern Way. In older times, the choice of route depended on the starting point of the journey. In the modern day scenario, however, it would depend on what path you choose to explore. The French Way In the past, almost all of the pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela were known to originate in France. This resulted in the French Way or the Via Regia, which has continued to be in use for centuries now. This journey will generally begin at the Saint Jean Pied de Port, which lies on the French side of the Pyrenees,  [...]

Okay, we agree that Paris is an expensive city to be in. It is, after all, the capital of world fashion. But then again, like some wise man/woman some day said ‘Where there is a will, there is a way!’ So that’s the motto we’re going to believe in, and go ahead giving you our very own tips to save money while in Paris by opting for a do-it-yourself picnic as opposed to a trip to museum or some raunchy nightlife. Baguette – Don’t know Parisian food? Fret not; we’re here to rescue you. You might want to take a stopover at an artisan boulanger. The boulangeries (bakeries) may seem to give you endless options; especially with the large number of bakeries you see around; but it is the artisan boulangers who create the food onsite. Believe me when I say it, walking out of there, armed with a baguette, can almost instantly  [...]

The release of the film ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, which is based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoirs with the same name is based on her travels across 3 countries. Her first stop over is Italy. While she is at Italy, Gilbert ends up reconnecting with the most imaginable pleasures of life – food, language and people. If you’re planning a trip to Italy anytime soon (which you so must!), then you might want to do these culinary based activities. Rome Where: On this sort of an independent trip you HAVE TO do one thing. You must try each and every flavor that there is to try when it comes to Gelatos. Think fresh fig, pear and sesame. Stay: Five night stay at Hotel Milani would be apt. This is located close to the Rome Termini train station. Cost-wise: It will cost you almost around $699 if you choose to travel off-season. If you choose  [...]

Time-traveling into the heart of history can be best experienced at no other city except Oslo. Europe, which witnesses the economic boom of countless cities and countries, can unarguably, claim Oslo to have boomed the way no other place developed. This Norway capital city features some of the greatest and most interesting museums to be ever visited on globe. The great, old style architecture is what earns the place its USP. A culture displayed just by the very look of the city is mesmerizing and enough to proclaim Oslo one of its kind. What makes Oslo what it truly is, is the way this capital city of Norway has restored and resisted the face of changing times, from all the lineage of many intruders and so on. It comes as no wonder, how does the city derive its perfect architectural aura! In the very first glimpse, the city would  [...]

What’s not to like about the UK? It’s a very popular tourist destination for a good reason, and that’s because it’s very much like a ‘Greatest Hits’ compendium of Europe complete with great scenery you would not see elsewhere, a culture that dates back several centuries and a history that is rich with tales and little anecdotes that will keep you riveted. And as if that weren’t enough, its got a lot of pretty cities and coastlines, some that you’ve never even heard of and that is the exact point of this post; to pique your curiosity in the lesser known spots of the UK, some of which are not to be missed. Cheshire Cheshire is an undulating sight of picturesque old school England with its villages and markets and panoramic countryside calling out for your attention. It’s very genteel and quiet in the way it goes  [...]