You can't really say you've seen Lisbon without seeing the Belem District
If you aren't already convinced that Portugal is a travel bargain worth a visit, you will be. Let me tell you about the Belem District of Lisbon. There is a day or two worth of sightseeing here, and you can't really say you've seen Lisbon without seeing Belem. If much of Portugal is explained by…
Portugal is not always on major tourist routes, but there is plenty to see there, especially in Lisbon
Lisbon is an overlooked European capital. Tourists tend to flock to Paris, Rome, London, but that little country on the edge of Europe? Portugal is not always on major tourist routes, but there is plenty to see there. If you’re looking for a trip to Europe, but you’re hoping to stick to a tight travel…
If you're a student of history, ancient or modern, a drive through Normandy makes for a great holiday
If you're a student of history, ancient or modern, a drive through Normandy makes for a great holiday. It was from Normandy that William the Conqueror set out to take over the throne of England in 1066. If you are into 20th century history, there are the D-Day Invasion Beaches to explore. Start in Rouen.…
For over a thousand years, the faithful have taken the pilgrimage to Santiago passing through northern Spain
For over a thousand years, the faithful have taken the pilgrimage to Santiago passing through northern Spain. It's called the Way of St. James or El Camino de Santiago de Compostela. It's actually not just one route, however. It is a large network of ancient pilgrimage routes stretching across Europe and coming together at the…
Brussels is one European capital that's easy to miss on your grand tour of Europe
Brussels is one European capital that's easy to miss on your grand tour of Europe. In fact, the whole little country of Belgium is easy to miss, but it's one that you really shouldn't. It has lots to offer. This grand old city is not only the capital of Belgium, it's the capital of the…
Brugge is the little town that time forgot, but tourists have found
Tourists love Bruges in Belgium. A great city, it seems to have been frozen in time and, in fact, it was. Back about 5 or 600 years ago, it was a busy river port town, but then the harbour silted up and traders moved on. This little walled city didn't change for centuries, and because…
Ghent is a friendly university town that is full of ancient buildings and history
Ghent is a friendly university town that is full of ancient buildings and history. If Bruges is a city filled with tourists looking for a time warp, Ghent is a city full of students and locals just living life. Like Bruges, it started as a port but, unlike Bruges, it still is an important port.…
The best little K-Country Lodge you may not know about, three mountain lodges made for escapism, Icelandic dreams
The best little K-Country Lodge you may not know about Mount Engadine Lodge has the warm feeling of walking into an old friend’s cabin: knitted slippers in a basket for guests and a roaring fire in the main entryway are the backdrop for the beautiful mountain views from the dining room. The lodge is located…
Reykjavik's rugged inhabitants deal with constant volcanic activity along with earthquakes, avalanches and even and occasional glacial flood
I spent three exhilarating days in Reykjavik, Iceland, a self-reliant city whose rugged inhabitants deal with constant volcanic activity along with earthquakes, avalanches and an occasional glacial flood thrown in to keep them alert. Geothermal heat provides inexpensive, reliable, and environmentally safe energy. Seventy drill holes varying in depth from 500 to 2,000 metres provide…
German Christmas markets, a kaleidoscope of colors and lights, are street markets that are usually held in town squares and spill over into adjacent pedestrian zones
German Christmas markets, a kaleidoscope of colors and lights, are street markets that are usually held in town squares and spill over into adjacent pedestrian zones. While there are Christmas markets all over Europe, the tradition in Germanic speaking parts of Europe seems to go back to the Middle Ages. The markets generally coincide with…