TRAVEL BLOG
The Lighthouses of Iceland
Since it is an island nation, Iceland sure must have plenty of lighthouses. There are about 104 of them, manning the roughly 5000 kilometer coastline. Some notable lighthouses include the Garður Old Lighthouse, and the ones in Malarrif, Svörtuloft, Hvalnes, Öndverðarnes, Súgandisey Island, Dyrhólaey, Old Akranes, Bjargtangar, Dalatangi, Þrídrangaviti, and Grótta Island.
The EPIC Slovenia Road Trip
Slovenia is a country that is perfect for a road trip. It's not too large, plenty of small cities to visit, and a gorgeous national park with a plethora of gorges and waterfalls for hiking and other outdoor sports. This is a road trip guide on seeing the Slovenian cities of Ljubljana, Ptuj, Maribor, Piran, Bled, Triglav National Park, and some other stops along the way.
Why Trieste, Italy is worth a visit
Trieste is a city and seaport in the Northeast corner of Italy, sitting near the border with Slovenia. It is described as the 'Vienna by the sea' and its location has given is such a rich medieval and modern history. Some great places to see was the Palazzo Gopcevich and Carciotti, Castello di San Guisto, Miramare Castle, the Roman Theater, and the Serbian Orthodox Church of Saint Spyridon.
Why Piran is a hidden gem in Slovenia
This small town sits on a peninsula on Slovenia's Adriatic coast. The orange-shingled rooftops evoke impressions from Dubrovnik and other Balkan sea towns. Piran is one big old town with medieval city walls, a city square, a church and bell tower (Zvonik Campanile Bell Tower), and plenty of restaurants and cafes lining the streets. It is a must see stop anything you're in this part of the world.
The best places to see in Triglav National Park in Slovenia
Triglav is the highest mountain in Slovenia and the tallest peak in the Julian Alps. As such, it is the centerpiece (and namesake) of Slovenia's only national park. This park is vast and full of natural wonders, my favorites being Tolmin Gorges, Lake Bohinj, Slap (waterfall) Pericnik, Vintgar and Great Soča Gorges, Fort Kluže, the Russian Chapel, and Slap Virje, among many others!
Why Bled is the best city in Slovenia to visit
There's a reason why people think Bled is the best city to see in Slovenia. Centered around a gorgeous lake, the crown jewel has to be the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria. Other great places to see include Bled Castle, St. Martina Parish Church, the Heart of Bled, and the viewpoints at Velika, Mala, and Ojstrica (perfect for sunrise).
Take a trip to the wine region of Maribor, Slovenia
As the 2nd largest city in Slovenia, Maribor is considered the cultural center of the country. Crowned the European Co-Capital of Culture of 2012, this history possesses some incredible landmarks built in the Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Be sure to check out Maribor Castle, Vodni Stolp, Mestni Park, Grajski Square, Old Town, and the Basilica of Our Mother of Mercy.
Check out the small Slovenia town of Ptuj
Ptuj is the oldest recorded city in Slovenia with origins dating back to the Stone Age. Developed from a Roman fort, this small town of just thousands of people is a nice detour on your trip through Slovenia. Take half a day to check out the Ptuj Castle and St. George's Church while walking through the charming old town and along the riverside.
The Churches of Iceland
The 350 Churches for 330,000 people living in Iceland is probably too much. Regardless of your faith, there are many of these gorgeous churches all around the country that are worth seeing. Here is a guide to some of them like Hvalsneskirkja, Strandarkirkja, Vikurkirkja, Kirkjubaer, Husavikurkirkja, Heimaey Stave Church, Hallgrímskirkja, Seyðisfjarðarkirkja, Hofskirkja, Búðakirkja, and Glaumbaer.
Don’t go see the Galápagos Islands without spending some time in Quito
Quito for some may just be a quick stop on their way to the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador. Make no mistake however, this capital city is worth spending a few days in. Whether you want to check out the crafts and markets at La Ronda, visit the Ecuador, or see the gorgeous church of Basilica del Voto Nacional, you'll be glad you took the time to see this cityscape before your Galápagos trip.
A Guide to the Baltic Capitals: Tallinn, Riga, and Vilnius
The term Baltic State is geopolitical and refers to the 3 sovereign states located on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea, which have formed close intergovernmental and parliamentary ties with each other. Each capital is quite different and has much to offer. This guide breaks down the Baltic capital cities of Tallinn (Estonia), Riga (Latvia), and Vilnius (Lithuania).
A Journey to the Faroese Capital of Tórshavn
The Norse established their parliament on the Tinganes peninsula of Tórshavn in 850 AD, which has since been known as the capital city of the Faroe Islands with a population of 13,083. The city features great attractions like the Svartafoss Waterfall, Vesturkirkjan, Skansin, and the Tórshavn Old Town. All roads lead to Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands and a day is all you need to explore the city.
Just a few reasons to see Helsingborg in the South of Sweden
Helsingborg is the 9th largest city in Sweden, located in the South (otherwise known as Skåne). A city of barely 100,000, it is worth seeing as it boasts excellent architectural wonders like Rådhuset and Kärnan, great beaches and ports that can whisk you to Helsingør, Denmark, and wonderful manor grounds at Sofiero. The island of Ven is also a popular day trip for many of the residents here.
A Day in the Coastal Town of Budva, Montenegro
The picturesque town of Budva in Montenegro sits on the Adriatic Sea and is around 2,500 years old. Its high city walls and orange rooftops make it a welcome sight for travelers looking for an old town feel. Make your way to Budva and check out places like the Citadela Fortress, Sveti Nikola Island, Jaz Battery, Fort Mogren and Pizana and Mogren Beaches!
A weekend away in Edinburgh, the Scottish Capital
Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and is the UK's second most popular tourist destination. Aside being the inspiration for Hogwarts by JK Rowling in Harry Potter, the city boasts so many amazing attractions. Spend a weekend here and check out Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Castle, Calton Hill, National and Dugald Stewart Monuments, Arthur's Seat, and Victoria Street.
A Guide to the Villages of Cinque Terre
The five villages that comprise Cinque Terre on the Italian coast are: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare. On your journey here, you'll want to see each village in its entirety since they all have something unique to offer. From cooking classes, great swimmings spots, countless restaurants and gelato shops, use this guide to figure out what to see in each place.
Florence: One of the best cities in Italy
The city of Florence, or Firenze, is probably one of the most popular in all of Italy. And for good reason since you have landmarks here like the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Ponte Vecchio, Accademia Gallery, Piazza della Signoria, and the Uffizi Gallery, just to name a few. Of course, sunset over Florence at Piazzale Michelangelo is a best do on your visit here as well!
A Journey through the towns of Cinque Terre: Monterosso al Mare
Monterosso al Mare is the northernmost town that comprises Cinque Terre, on the Italian coast. The town also has the largest beach among all five towns, replete with cafes, restaurants, and umbrellas as far as the eye can see. Aside from landmarks like the San Francesco d'Assisi Statue and Convent of the Capuchin Friars, consider taking a Pesto cooking class at the Cinque Terre Cooking School!