Travelling to Montserrat, Spain, is a great excursion from Barcelona. A mountain monastery high in the Sierra de Montserrat, this unique Spanish destination appeals to hikers, spiritual pilgrims and lovers of history. You can visit Montserrat as a day trip from Barcelona – and most people do – but I recommend lingering longer to soak […]
Rome Via Veneto, hotels, history and la dolce vita
In the 50s and 60s the Via Veneto was the most fashionable – and scandalous – street in Rome. The haunt of Hollywood stars and the setting for Fellini’s classic film La Dolce Vita, the street has the biggest concentration of luxury hotels in Rome and a prime location between the Piazza Barberini and the […]
Breakfast at the Vatican
Looking for the the best way to see the Vatican? Here’s an experience that’s off the rails. Have you heard of the Vatican Breakfast? Offered through the Vatican Museums itself, you’ll get skip-the-line tickets, early access and discover a unique thing to do in Rome. An early morning Vatican tour My husband, Mark, turned over in […]
Where to find the best Bernini sculpture and fountains in Rome
Here’s how to find the best Bernini sculpture in Rome, as well as his most notable fountains and architecture. Searching for Bernini at the Borghese Gallery The audio guide at the Borghese Museum in Rome is messing with my head. Anecdotes about Rubens are rattling into my ear while I’m looking at a painting […]
Paris luxury tours with a private local guide
Paris may be the most sophisticated city in the world. Seeped in history, it has fabulous architecture, an enviable legacy of style and design, world-class museums and more Michelin-starred restaurants than you could eat at in a month. There are a huge variety of Paris luxury tours with a private local guide, there are plenty […]
Things to do in North Wales
North Wales is a land of stunning coastal scenes, brooding castles and outdoor adventures. It’s also rich in historic attractions, culture and fine local foods, yet it’s still an unsung destination. This means fewer crowds for you. To help you plan the perfect trip, here are some of the best things to do in North […]
The top 10 things to do in Paris
Whether you’re a luxury traveler or on a tight budget, the top sights of Paris beckon like beacons in fog. To help you sort through the myriad of landmarks, attractions and activities, here’s an overview of the top 10 things to do in Paris. Top 10 things to do in Paris # 1 Visit […]
Unusual things to do in Rome – the city’s best secrets
Once you’ve seen the top sights in Rome such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and the Vatican, your eyes start to glaze over, tourist fatigue seeps through your body and you feel completely churched out. Before you resort to drinking vino all night and eating gelato all day (though that’s fun too), check out these […]
Luxury apartment in Venice: Palazzo Grimani
If you’re looking for a luxury apartment in Venice, Italy, the Imperiale San Marco in the Palazzo Grimani is a sumptuous private home rental near St. Mark’s Square. Here’s my review. A luxury apartment in Venice I’m swanning around my luxury apartment in Venice, surrounded by 18th-century splendour. Pausing under the enormous chandelier in the […]
What to do in Venice when it rains
What to do in Venice when it rains It’s a fact. Venice can be wet. Aqua Alta, or High Water, as it’s called, can be a true Venetian adventure, but at some point you’ll want to stay dry. Yes, yes, you can go to the Duomo in St Mark’s Square or the Doge’s Palace like […]
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