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25 Places to See in Italy
While Rome, Venice and Florence are the big crowd pullers in Italy, there are plenty of other great destinations to visit. Here are our 25 travel tips on what to do in Italy.
Lake Iseo
Lake Iseo, lies between the better known Como and Garda lakes. There are many ways to make the most of Lake Iseo, such as walking a few kilometers up to see Pyramids of Zone (naturally-formed pillar formations), taking the ferry to the island in the lake, Monte Isola, visting the Palazzo Tadini art gallery in Lovere and sampling some Franciacorta, the locally produced sparkling wine.
Pisa
Pisa is one of the first destinations that comes to mind when you are thinking about Italy. But Pisa features a lot more than just its extremely famous leaning tower. You can visit Palazzo Gambacorti, lots of churches including Santa Maria della Spina, explore the gardens (especially Giardino di Scotto), and stroll along the banks of the Arno River. You might also want to take a tour inside of University of Pisa, one of Italy’s oldest universities.
Bergamo
Not far from the lovely Lake Iseo, lies the ancient city of Bergamo, easily accessible as Ryanair fly into Bergamo, althought they say it’s Milan). It’s a terrific choice for people who love historical towns and Renaissance Architecture. In the old town you’ll find the four-gated town square Piazza Vecchia, which contains important buildings such as Palazzo della Ragione.
Piazza Vechia, Bergamo
Bassano del Grappa
The name Bassano might remind art fans of Jacopo Bassano (also known as Jacopo dal Ponte). The famous Italian painter loved Bassano del Grappa so much that he took the town’s name as his last name. Bassano is best known for its wooden bridge Ponte Vecchio and the alcoholic drink Grappa it manufactures. Grappa contains about 35-65 % alcohol and its taste might remind you of the the Turkish trademark Raki. There are several interesting museums (The Museo degli Alpini, Museo della Cermica, The Civic Museum), and many churches (San Donato, The Church of San Francesco, The Church of St John the Baptist and The Cathedral of Holy Mary).
Ponte Vecchia by Patrick Denker
Trieste
Close to the border with Slovenia, Trieste became a part of Italy after World War 1. Before, it belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire (1867–1918), so to many visitors, Trieste feels more Austrian than Italian.Trieste is famous for its beautiful beaches, its museums (Sartorio, Castello di San Giusto, Revoltella, Ferroviario) and the opera season at the Verdi Theatre.
Piazza d’Unita, Trieste
Bologna
I have been to Italy twice, and I managed to see the lovely Bologna during my second visit. I was in Bologna for a workshop and got a chance to see Piazza Maggiore up close. A walk around the square will also give you the chance to explore Basilica of San Petronio, the City Hall Building, the Portico dei Banchi and the Palazzo del Podestà.You might also want to rent a bicycle. Amanda’s post highlights the essential things to do in Bologna, including the Ducati, Lamborghini and Ferrari Museums.
Piazza Maggiore by night by Alessandro Capotondi
Ferrara
Ferrara was my first stop (before moving on to Bologna after a couple of days). I was there as a part of an international workshop; and despite the fact that the workshop took most of the day time, I still had more than a few hours to explore the town during the evening and our lunch breaks. Ferrara has broad streets, gorgeous old buildings and palaces and very friendly people who gladly help you remember your rusty Italian. It was a lot of fun walking around town, mingling with the locals and sipping cocktails at a tiny bar downtown. Ferrara is only 50 km from Bologna, and if you decide to visit, make sure to see Castello Estense, City Hall, the Casa Romei and Palazzo dei Diamanti (Diamond Palace).
Ferrara by jakuza
Siena
My uncle and cousin went on an Italian tour last summer, and even though they have been to many cities, Siena quickly became their favorite. Located in the Tuscany region, Siena is best known for the Palio Horse Race (a traditional horse race held twice a year). You should also visit the cathedral (Duomo), which was originally meant to be the largest in the world, Palazzo Pubblico (a building that’s a perfect example of medieval architecture), Casa di Santa Canterina (House of Saint Catherine) and Pinacoteca Nationale (National Picture Gallery) .
Preparations for the Palio by One for RM
Vieste
The town of Vieste on the Gargano peninsula in Puglia, is well known for its outdoor food market where you’ll be tempted by local specialities such as smoked mozzarella doughnuts in the photo below. What about buying provision to take a picnic to one of the nearby beaches.
Vieste Market by Kimberly Sullivan
Lucca
Cycling around the town walls is one of the best ways to see this Tuscan town. Our editor Karen found the most delicious and value for money meal at Trattoria da Sergio’s 10-euro menu. However you should prepare yourself for waiters who don’t speak English, so you may not know what you are ordering. We’ve plenty more tips on what to do and see in Lucca.
Illuminated frieze in Lucca gate arch
Otranto
Sometimes one wonderful image can be tempting enough when you are deciding on your to-visit list, and the photo below did just that for me. In addition to enjoying the sea in Otranto, you can visit the famous cathedral.
Photo courtesy of www.viaggioadriatico.it
Gaeta
Gaeta is in Lazio, central Italy. It is an ancient seaport city and it features fine examples of medieval architecture. You can take in the view while walking through the seafront and sample some offerings from the famous fish market.
Gaeta by Kimberly Sullivan
Termoli
With its population a little over 30,000, Termoli can be a great stop for those who like the combination of old and modern styles. The center has reserved its medieval look, surrounded by the newer buildings. It is a popular vacation spot for Italians.
Tremoli by Kimberly Sullivan
Milan
While Milan, the fashion (and football) capital of Italy. You can access the roof Duomo di Milano (cathedral) for views over the city and then do some shopping at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. If you enjoy art, The Last Supper and Michaelangelo’s Pieta Rondanini are must-sees.
Milan Cathedral by Marcus Cederstrom
Ovindoli
Abruzzo’s Ovindoli is a good choice both for winter (skiing, sledding, snowboarding and ice-skating), and summer sports (hiking, horse-back riding, biking) and it is less than 90km away from Rome.It is especially popular with skiiers and snowboarders, regarless of their levels. However you might want to brush up on your Italian a bit before your trip, as it is not one of the spots frequented by foreigners.
Ovindoli by Kimberly Sullivan
Civita di Bagnoregio
Civita di Bagnoregi consists of two towns: Civita (a unique medieval town that is losing its buildings due to the tufa stones the houses were built on; hence earning the name the dying city) and Bagnoregi, the municipality the residents of the old part (Civita) moved to for safety reasons. Bagnoregio visitors can enjoy both parts by scaling the steep bridge between the two parts.
Photo via by Kimberly Sullivan
Arco
If you love rock climbing, or want to try it, don’t miss the chance of trying the various climbing routes of Arco in the north of Italy. And if you’ve just finished rock climbing in warm weather, you might want to swim in Lake Garda, a beautiful lake not far from Arco.
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Arco by Lindsay Sydenham
Genoa
Genoa has one of the largest historic centres in Italy. .Andy enjoyed a sunset walk along Porto Antico (the old harbour) and the nightlife at Piazza delle Erbe. Genoa has two modern art museums, if you want something more contemporary.
Genoa by Andy Hayes
Lake Trasimeno
Lake Trasimeno is a large lake near Perugia. While it is possibe to swim in the lake, you need to walk quite far from the shoreline for the water to be deep enough. You can get great views of the lake from the old town of Passigione sul Trasimeno on the north eastern lake shore.
The shore at Lake Trasimeno
Assisi
The Umbria hilltown of Assisi is best known as the birthplace of St Francis (San Francesco). You can visit the Basilica di San Francesco built in the 13th century; the church’s frescos were carefully restored after earthquake damage in 1997. Kimberly recommends that you also see the Basilica di Santa Chiara, the San Rufino Duomo and the 14th century Rocca Maggiore castle.
Photo courtesty of Basilica di San Francesco
Naples
Naples is an ancient city established by the Greek around the 9th century BC. Naples is famous for its cuisine (pizza), history, music (Neapolitan music rich with mandolin and guitar) and culture. It lies close Mount Vesuvius. Must-see landmarks include the Piazza del Plebiscito (main square), Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, Naples National Archaeological Museum, Museo di Capodimonte and the Cathedral of Naples.
Naples by antmoose
Verona
Verona will no doubt remind Shakespeare fans of Romeo and Juliet. Verona makes an impression by its combination of the historical and modern architecture and the variety of activities available (such as operas, fairs, shows and more). You should drop by the Verona Arena, Arco dei Gavi (Arch of Gavi), Porta Borsari, and the churches Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, Basilica of San Lorenzo, Santa Maria Antica and Sant’Anastasia.
Photo via Brian Hillegas
Padua
Padua (or Padova in Italian) is a mid-sized city that’s 40 km from Venice. Not only is it close to Venice, but its accommodation options are also cheaper than the gondola city. Padua’s best known landmark is the 800-year-old University of Padova, having had prominent lecturers (such as the astronomer Galileo Galilei). In addition to the university, you might also enjoy Scrovegni Chapel (a church containing a Western mural paintings), Palazzo della Ragione (Palace of Reason – an impressive medieval town hall building full of frescoes inside), Palazzo del Capitaniato,(where Venetian governors reside, Basilica di Sant’Antonio da Padova (the resting place of the Saint, featuring beautiful works of art), Prato della Vale (one of the largest squares in the continent) among others. And don’t forget to drop by the Pedrocchi Café, which used to be frequented by Lord Byron and other important literary figures. Also worth noting for Shakespeare fans is that Padua is the main location of his play Taming of the Shrew (which was adapted to modern day in the Heath Ledger movie 10 Things I Hate About You).
by elycefeliz
Pompei
One of the most ancient towns of Italy, Pompei has historical significance in more ways than one. Pompeii’s first inhabitants lived a lot like Italians today, having built theaters, swimming pools, a hotel and restaurants and more impressively, having obtained running water in buildings. However when the volcano Monte Vesuvius exploded, it burned and buried the town with its citizens. The ruins (Pompeii) remain to be one of the city’s most popular attraction. The town was later rediscovered in the 18th century.
Pompeii by lyng88
Turin
One of Northern Italy’s bigger cities, a trip to Turin (Torino in Italian) gives you the chance to visit many art galleries, opera houses, palaces, gardens, squares and more. My to-do list for Turin includes visiting Peyrano Fabbrica (the chocolate factory that comes with a variety of chocolates in their shops), exploring the National Museum of Cinema (the cinema museum shouldn’t be missed by movie fans), walking over the river (River Po), joining the underground tour, walking inside the Turin Cathedral, the Palazzo Madama, and the botanical gardens of Turin University (Orto Botanico dell’Università di Torino).
Turin via dfbarrero
25 Places to See in Italy
Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
Travel Insurance for Older Travellers
When I reviewed the Silver Travel Advisor site recently, I concluded that I wasn’t convinced that older travellers really needed a specific travel site for most issues. However, I did pick up on the issue that travel insurance is one area that can become tricky for mature travellers.
When I was investigating upgrading my Halifax Reward Current Account in order to get “free” annual multi-trip insurance, I noticed that the age limit of that insurance policy was 65. Whereas in the stand-alone annual Halifax policy, the upper age limit was 70. I know that once my Dad hit 75 his travel insurance premiums soared.
It does seem a bit unfair that you are excluded from standard policies solely on the basis of age. I suspect that there are some 75 year olds who are healthier than some 55 year olds!
So how do older travellers find the best value travel insurance once standard policies won’t cover them? One solution is to try a specialist insurance company such as Staysure. It’s likely that your premiums will be higher than under standard travel insurance cover; but you should still shop around for the best deal. My tips for buying travel insurance still apply, such as checking out if contents temporarily away from your home are covered by your home insurance, deciding if you will go for a single trip or a multi-trip annual policy and the level of excess (the amount taken off your claim total).
Travel Insurance for Older Travellers
Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
25 Places to See in Croatia
Croatia is a fantastic European destination which has become increasingly popular after the war of the early 1990s. And with good reason, as not only has its history meant prices are lower than in western Europe (perhaps not for long if it joins the Eurozone?), but it is an amazingly scenic country with a photogenic coastline, great food and many other hidden gems.
Croatian seafood including Squid Rissotto
Over the years, many of the Europe a la Carte writers have visited Croatia and one former writer was based in Zagreb, so our archives are jam-packed with suggestions on places to see in Croatia. I’ve sorted through and here are my travel tips on 25 places to see to give you a good overall experience in Croatia – with plenty of relaxing coastal time included!
Plitvice Lakes
Starting off away from the coast, the Plitvice Lakes are not only one of the most gorgeous sites in Croatia, but one of my favourite places ever in all the world! The Plitvice Lakes National Park is in the middle of Croatia, close to the border with Bosnia & Herzegovina, and was with good reason one of the first natural sites to be put on the UNESCO World Heritage list. You can explore the lakes and waterfalls on foot via excellent pathways and small bridges and I promise you’ll break your personal record on number of photos taken in one day!
Plitvice Lakes by Amanda Kendle
Dubrovnik
At the southern end of Croatia, the city of Dubrovnik has already become a major tourist drawcard. There is plenty to see here but walking the walls around the Old Town is one of the highlights. You can get more Dubrovnik ideas in our Best of Dubrovnik Travel Tips post.
View over Dubrovnik by Amanda Kendle
Zagreb
The Croatian capital, Zagreb, is another great destination, and in particular its Old Town is well worth a good look around. There are all kinds of interesting insider tips from resident Neha in our Best of Zagreb Tips post.
Bol
Croatia is, of course, famous for gorgeous islands, beaches and clear blue sea, and a popular spot to enjoy this is at Bol, on the island of Brac. In particular, the Zlatni Rat beach at Bol is one of the most beautiful in the country – but at the peak of summer, be warned that you definitely not be alone there!
Zlatni Rat by ahenobarbus
Korcula
A kind of “mini version” of Dubrovnik is the walled town of Korcula which is found on (logically enough) the island of Korcula, one of the most visited of Croatia’s many islands. Check our post on five things to do in Korcula for more ideas.
Palmizana
For somewhere a little less popular, you can try the island of Palmizana (also known as the island of St Klement), a tiny island not far from Hvar. Our Croatian expert Neha proclaimed it be one of the best places to visit in Croatia.
Fish near Palmizana by neha
Trogir
A great day trip from the larger city of Split, a visit to the small town of Trogir is a fascinating one for those with an interest in the local history. The Fortress Kamerlengo in Trogir dates back to the fourteenth century but these days you can ascend it relatively easily (if you’re good with steps!), and there are numerous other historical sites to explore.
View over Trogir by Amanda Kendle
Groznjan
Grozhjan is best known as a artists’ colony where you can buy locally made souvenirs.
Biograd
A surprise spot for me when I visited Croatia was the coastal tourist town of Biograd. Not far from Zadar, Biograd has been a tourist resort since the 1920s and has plenty of tourist infrastructure so you can enjoy a holiday there, especially in summer. I was particularly taken by this cafe with its large outdoor (and very comfortable) sofas, although I haven’t been able to find out if it is still there!
Biograd cafe by Amanda Kendle
Volosko
A good part of Croatia all year round – it never gets too cold – is the Opatija Riviera, and a highlight here is the small fishing village of Volosko. As you might imagine, being a fishing village means there are fantastic seafood dining options here!
Hvar
If you ask around for the best island to visit in Croatia, plenty of people will tell you it’s the popular tourist destination of Hvar – and with good reason. A good tip from Neha is to climb up to the fortress at Hvar where you’ll be rewarded with some spectacular views.
View over Hvar by neha
Hum
For something a little different, you might like to try a spot in Croatia that’s made it into the Guinness records as the smallest town in the world – the town of Hum on the Istrian coast in northern Croatia. It’s a walled town home to just 23 people and the local pub is famous for a special 2,000 year old brandy recipe!
Cycling in Istria
And while in Istria, you might like to follow Heather’s tips on enjoying a cycle ride in Istria. You can cycle along paths by the sea and cool off in any number of great swimming spots along the way.
Cycling in Istria by Heather Cowper
Rovinj
The seaside town of Rovinj is another popular tourist destination in Croatia, again with good reason: gorgeous old buildings, a pretty marina, and fantastic seafood restaurants.
Rovinj
The island of Vis
If you’re looking for an island slightly less popular than Hvar, then perhaps the island of Vis might be more your style. Reached from Split, it was long off-bounds to even the locals (it was used as an army base until 1990) so it has managed to avoid many of the negatives of tourist-related development.
Makarska Riviera
The Makarska Riviera is a popular part of the Croatian mainland coast during summer. There are numerous small towns all along the coast and even more spectacular beaches.
Beach on the Makarska Riviera by mueritz
Rastoke
An interesting day or half day trip from Zagreb, as recommended by Neha, is the small mill village of Rastoke. There are old walkways around the village between the various mills and even the possibility to grab a coffee by a scenic waterfall.
Split
Being a major hub for inbound budget flights, and pretty centrally-located to boot, the city of Split is a common destination for visitors to Croatia. It has a bit of everything – a historical Old Town, great night life, good access to beaches and plenty of tasty food around. If the small coastal village life isn’t what you’re after in Croatia then a holiday in Split is a great alternative.
Split Old Town by lostajy
Pula
Karen spent some time in the Istrian city of Pula in the north of Croatia and admired its Coliseum and other historical features. It’s certainly a fascinating city and Jason wrote us a detailed post on Pula while he lived there.
Elaphite Islands
When you get down the Croatian coast to Dubrovnik, your ideal island experience becomes the Elaphite Islands, a group of six islands all within a reasonably short ferry ride of Dubrovnik. They are car-free islands making them great for a relaxing beachside holiday.
Trakoscan Castle
The Trakoscan Castle just outside Zagreb is a different side of Croatia again. It dates back to the thirteenth century and is now a museum with rooms set up to represent various authentic eras, and it even has dungeons!
Trakoscan Castle by Sobrecroacia.com
Sibenik
Sibenik is located on the coast between Zadar and Split and is known for both its spectacular St James Cathedral and its great food (seafood, of course!). Check Karen’s post on Sibenik and you’ll see her video of the centre.
Square in Sibenik
Krka National Park
Not far from Sibenik is the Krka National Park, which is not dissimilar in some ways to my beloved Plitvice Lakes National Park. It covers a part of the Krka River with numerous high waterfalls and pools of the river and you can explore it by boat and via walkways.
Losinj
Another tip from Jason was to visit the island of Losinj and its towns of Mali Losinj and Veli Losinj (meaning Small Losinj and Big Losinj, although apparently the names are the opposite to the size of the towns!). They feature some gorgeous churches and other historical architecture along with the ubiquitous Croatian seafood.
Zadar
The city of Zadar, another relatively large coastal city, is of particular interest for its installations in the promenade area. There’s a Sea Organ which is basically a large organ under the seaside steps which is “played” by the waves – very unique! – as well as the “Greeting to the Sun“, a nearby installation of glass panels which makes all kind of unique light patterns.
Your Croatian Tips
There are so many other spots to see in Croatia, both well-known and nearly unknown – so if you have any tips for what to do in Croatia, please leave a comment.
25 Places to See in Croatia
Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
25 Places to See in France
When planning what to do in France, the first thing that usually comes to mind is vistiting Paris. While the French capital does have a lot to offer, there are many other wonderful places to visit; here are my travel tips on what to see in France during your next vacation.
Nice
Situated along the Mediterranean, this coastal town is renowned for its beauty. A walk down the Promenade des Anglais will give you a tour of Nice‘s best beaches as well as a great view of the Côte d’Azur. If you want to experience some history and culture, visit Terra Amata, an archeological site from about 400,000 BC, or the Musée Matisse, which features the work of Henri Matisse and is free to enter.
Nice by Justin Knabb
St. Malo
While many people may think of St. Malo as nothing more than a ferry port, the city actually has a lot to offer. First of all, impressive walls surround what was once a medieval city. Once inside, you will be able to walk the medieval ramparts and the reconstructed city, perusing restaurants and shops along the cobblestone streets. And because of the city’s location, they serve excellent seafood.
The walled city of St.Malo by Thomas Dowson
Metz
The city of Metz is more of a European city than a strictly French one. While there are some parts of the city’s past that are a bit dark, such as during WWI, there is also a rich cultural heritage that exists in Metz. One example of this is the New Church, which was built between 1901 and 1904 for the Protestant community during the annexation of the region by Germany. Moreover, the Metz Pompidou is a very large modern art gallery that everyone should see at some point in their lives. If you’re in the mood to be outside, take a stroll through one of Metz’ many national parks.
The New Church in Metz by Thomas Dowson
Albi
The city of Albi was added to the list of France’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2010. Evidence has been found that suggests Albi has existed since the Bronze Age and that a modest Roman settlement once lived here. The real draw to the area, however, is the medieval architecture. To see some of the best the city has to offer, check out the Old Bridge (Pont-Vieux), the Saint-Salvi quarter, and the church that resides there.
The Pont-Vieux by Sebastian. b on Wikimedia Commons
Loire Valley
For those who love exploring European castles and wine tasting in picturesque vineyards the Loire Valley is a must-see destination. Among the vineyards you will not just see grape vines but also charming buildings in states of repair and disrepair. Some fantastic wines come from this region, and if you’d like to sample some of the best visit Antoine Cristal at Le Clos des Murs, or Vineyard of Walls. He came up with this method of wine cultivating as a way to shield the vines roots from the sun, producing a higher quality of wine. If you’re in the mood to check out the beautiful castles of the region you can use this website to choose from 19 featured castles in the Loire Valley.
Loire Valley Vineyard by Thomas Dowson
The city of Annecy is a charming medieval town along Lake Annecy in the Haut Savoie region. The lake itself is just a stroll away from the Old Town, and medieval streets and canals give Annecy a quaint feeling. When visiting this town, make sure you stop by on a Sunday for their famous market, called the Best Market in France by the Michelin Green Guide and featured in our twelve of the best European markets post. Colorful stalls line winding streets and you can sample some of the tastiest cuisine in the country.
Annecy by Kimberly Sullivan
Sisteron
The city of Sisteron is the gateway to Provence and allows for unique scenery as it sits in a narrow gap formed by a river that is cut into a mountain. Evidence shows that the city has been inhabited for over 4,000 years, with the Romans being the first group to traverse through this gap. Latin inscriptions can still be found on the rocks in the area. Not only does Sisteron have 300 days of sunshine each year, it also holds 3 museums and quaint architecture in a natural setting.
Sisteron by Thomas Dowson
Montpellier
Montellier is a University town that offers high speed train access to major railway hubs like Paris and Barcelona. Visitors can find both old world and modern architecture, and the miniature Arc de Triomphe is a must-see. Montpellier is also a major wine producer, with more wine apparently being producers in this one city than in the entire country of Australia in a year. If you’d in the mood for shopping, head over to Rue de la Loge, which also sells great chocolates.
Montpellier by Wolfgang Staudt
Avignon
Avignon is located in southeastern France and is well-known for its Pont d’Avignon and the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes). There is a lot of history here, as this beautiful destination stretches back to pre-Roman times. One thing visitors should not miss, however, is the Festival d’Avignon, an event that combines formal aspects of theatre, dance, cinema, and music, as well as a program of informal events. Avignon along with Aix and Arles is one of Kimberly’s three A-list Provence towns.
Pont d’Avignon by Thomas Dowson
Strasbourg
The city of Strasbourg is just off the border of France and Germany and reflects a mixture of both cultures. It is also the seat of many major European counsels, such as the very important Parliament seat it shares with Brussels. Some must visit sites include the Cathédrale Notre Dame, which holds the tallest church steeple in France, Petit France, which was once the Red Light District of the city, and the Orangerie, a beautiful park.
Strasbourg by F Antunes
Bayeux
Bayeux, on the Normandy coast, is best known for the Bayeaux Tapestry. You can see the beautiful 70-meter long tapestry that tells the story of Harold II and William the Conqueror, on display at the Musee de la Tapisserie de Bayeux. The piece is thousands of years old but the colours on the thread are still bright and the detail is impressive. The town is close to the D-Day landing beaches.
Bayeux by Panoramas
Lille
Lille is a small city in the North of France located right near the Belgian border. On a high speed railway it is only 90 minutes from London and 30 minutes from Brussels, making it an easily accessible getaway. When visiting, make sure to stop by Vieux Lille, the old part of the city filled with boutique shops, antique stores, and cafes. Also see the Citadel of Lille, which is now a park with criss-crossing trails circling around and through the fortress. The Palais des Beaux Arts de Lille is also a must-see, with an amazing collection and impressive architecture.
Lille by verseguru
Rouen
Situated on the Seine River, Rouen is most famous for being the site where where Jean d’Arc was burned at the stake in 1431. There is also Le Gros-Horloge, one of Europe’s oldest working clocks, that is now set on the ‘bridge’ of a 13th Century building. The clock actually has a museum to it, which offers behind the scenes tours, taking visitor through the pavillion and the belfry, where you get to see the dials room, the bells chamber, and the clockmaster’s workshop and flat.
Rouen by Thomas Dowson
Vannes
The medieval city of Vannes is full of half timbered houses and old narrow lanes. A cathedral acts as the centerpiece, and visitors enjoy taking in the small town, old world feel. The city is located at the heart of the Gulf of Morbihan, a sheltered inland Gulf that is perfect for sailing. Near the docks are formal gardens that make for great photos.
Vannes by heatheronhertravels
Rocamadour
Rocamadour is a medieval cliff-face town that is quite a treat for travelers. Down bellow on the valley runs the river Alzou, above which the buildings of the Medieval village look as if they are barely hanging on to the mountainside. Don’t worry, however, as the town is perfectly safe to visit and you will not slide off any cliffs. In Rocamadour, you will be able to enjoy excellent Midi French cuisine while taking in Medieval art and artifacts on display at various locations in the town. There is also a vast history here, as pilgrims began flocking over some time before the 9th century. Over the centuries that followed Rocamadour began to be linked with an important pilgrimage tradition, and many religious sanctuaries were built because of this.
Rocamadour by Thomas Dowson
Dijon
Dijon is a historical capital in the region of Burgundy. There is a lot to do in this vibrant city, with one of the most enjoyable activities being visiting the wineries. Take a wine tour with Wine and Voyages or with a more off-the-beaten path itinerary created by Authentic Tours. Nature lovers can visit Dijon’s many parks and gardens, such as Parc des Carrières Bacquin, Parc de la Combe Persil, and Jardin de l’Arquebuse. The city hosts an international gastronomic fair in November, one of our featured in our 25 festivals in Europe post.
Dijon vineyard by fakelvis
Mâcon
This small city in central France is the capital of the Mâconnais District and the southernmost city in Burgundy. During WWII Mâcon was the first zone in the unoccupied “zone libre” between Lyon and Paris. Nowadays, there are many great sites to see when visiting this city, including the Mâcon Cathedral in the town center, the Theatre of Mâcon, and many chateaus. There is also many water based activities and the motor boating Grand Prix is held here every September.
Mâcon vineyard by Grimbil
Bonifacio
Located on the French island of Corsica, Bonifacio is a like an open-air museum with an array of historic buildings, pristine beaches, and unique land and sea scenery. Not only did Homer mention the “well-known port of seamna” in his Odyssey, there are still artifacts from Roman civilization from as early as 300 B.C. that can be seen today, such as ship wrecks, several ports, a villa, and a granite quarry. The Church of St. Dominic is an example of Corsican Gothic architecture. For those who want to experience the natural wonders of the area, an International marine park, terrestrial paths, and an underwater trail are must-dos.
Bonifacio by vigour
Cannes
Famous for its cinematic experiences, Cannes was once a small fishing village. This social hub really comes to life in May during the Cannes International Film Festival, when the rich and famous come out to play. Although there are many high-end clubs and casinos in the area, there are also budget-friendly options for those who want a night out on the town without spending a fortune. Visit the Old Town with its narrow winding streets and climb up to the top of the castle for superb views. You should also check out the Covered Market, the biggest and best market in Cannes.
Cannes by ChrisYunker
Giverny
Giverny is a must-see on anyone’s trip to France, especially art lovers. The famous Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived in Giverny for 43 years. His house and its gardens are a popular tourist attraction attraction and will take your breath away as you see the myriad flowers and Japanese-inspired water garden.
Monet’s Garden in Giverny by nikoretro
Chantilly
Like the lace, Chantilly is elegant and lovely. It is also the horse racing capital of the world, training around 3,000 thoroughbreds in the nearby countryside and forests. If horse racing isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the many parks, forests, lakes, and chateaus that the city has to offer. Visit the Musee Conde to see works by Botticelli, Ingres, and Poussin and wander through the Parc Asterix, a theme park and one of the most popular tourist attractions in France.
Chantilly by dbeck03
Senlis
Senlis is a royal city with over 2,000 years of history. Over 100 cultural, patriotic, sport, leisure, and mutual aid associations exist in the city to organize myriad festivals and events. If you get the chance to visit this small town filled with Gothic architecture, make sure to visit the Cathedral Notre Dame with its gargoyles, statues, and sculptures. There are also many museums located here to help you learn more about the art, culture, and history of the region.
Senlis by rachel in wonderland
Toulouse
Toulouse is located in the Haute-Garonne department in southwestern France on the River Garrone. This city is one of the bases of the European aerospace industry and is the home of CNES’s Toulouse Space Center, the largest space centre in Europe. When traveling in Toulouse, make sure to visit the Capitole de Toulouse where you can see beautiful architecture. You should also visit the Jardin Royal for beautiful landscape, Les Abbattoirs for a dose of modern art, and Saint-Sernin Basilica, the largest Romanesque church in Europe.
Place du Capitole in Tolouse by chakchouka
Nantes
With its old city center and narrow streets, strolling through Nantes has somewhat of a Parisian feel to it. Located on the Loire River, this is the 6th largest city in France. Once occupied by the Gauls and the Romans, the city was Christianized in the 3rd century. One must-see sight in Nantes includes the Château des ducs de Bretagne, (Castle of the Dukes of Brittany), a very important castle that is home to the History Museum of the City of Nantes. There are also myriad of churches, as well as 2 mosques (a 3rd mosque is under construction). If you love shopping, the Passage Pommeraye is a beautiful 19th century galleria that you should definitely visit.
Annual Gay Pride Parade in Nantes by manuel | MC
Marseille
Marseille is the 2nd largest city in France and the largest French city on the Mediterranean coast. It is also the oldest city in France, dating back almost 30,000 years. If visiting this historical city, make sure you take in an Opera performance at the Opera House, which was the main cultural attraction from the late 18th century until the late 1970′s. The region is also known for its gastronomy, such as Bourride, a fish-dish composed of monkfish, mayonnaise, and diced vegetables, and Panisse, a pastry made from chickpea flour.
Marseille by Paehder
25 Places to See in France
Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
Best of Edinburgh Tips
Here are our best of Edinbugh tips, together with our recommendations for what to do in Edinburgh to help you plan your visit to the Scottish capital.
Walk Along Portobello Beach
On a sunny day head to the golden sands of Portbello Beach, three miles east of the city centre. It’s unlikely it’ll be warm enough to go for a swim, but you can stroll along the prom or the beach.
Portobello Beach
Climb the Scott Monument
Built in memory of the Scottish author and poet Sir Walter Scott, the imposing 200 foot high Scott Monument can be scaled for a fee of £3. The Monument is just off Princes Street.
The Scott Monument, Edinburgh
Follow the Water of Leith Walkway
The Water of Leith Walkway winds it way through the city centre into the Forth Estuary at Leith. One of my favourite sections of the walk is between Belford Bridge (close to the Gallery of Modern Art) through Dean Village to Stockbridge (close to the Botanic Garden).
The Water of Leith at Stockbridge
Cross Over to Cramond Island
There is a tidal causeway for pedestrians over to Cramond Island in the Forth Estuary, but do check the tide timetables before attempting this. If it’s high tide you can still walk along the prom toward Silverknowes, or take the path up the River Almond.
Walkway over to Cramond Island
Visit the Scottish Parliament
You can walk around parts of the Scottish Parliament building and take a guided tour on certain days of the week. Even if you can’t get access, it’s still worth combining seeing the exterior of the building with a walk up to the Royal Mile or on your way to ascending Arthur’s Seat.
The Scottish Parliament
Admire the Landfrom Sculpture
The Landform sculpture is in front of the National Gallery of Modern Art One. Most days when I’ve been there, the gate into the sculpure has been locked due to adverse weather conditions, but sometimes it’s possible to walk around it.
Landform on a wintry day
Learn About the Environment at the Royal Botanic Garden
There are interactive activities about biodiversity at the John Hope Gateway at the Edinburgh Botanic Garden. There’s free WiFi in the building. It’s free to get into the Botanic Gardens except for the Glass Houses. There are usually art exhibitions at Inverleith House in the Garden.
The John Hope Gateway at the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
Admire the Works at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery re-opened to the public in December 2011 after a major renovation. When I visited there was a photo exhibition on the theme of Romantic Scotland. You can learn a lot about Scottish history here from the many portraits of the rich and powerful.
The entrance to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery
Walk Up Arthur’s Seat
Walking up Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano, will give you some of the best views of Edinburgh.
View to Duddingston Loch and village from Arthur’s Seat
Have Fun at the Camera Obscura
I visited the Camera Obscura in Edinburgh with our son Gary. We really enjoyed the interactive hands on exhibits, such as heat-cam featured in my video below.
Look Out for Edinburgh Deals
Keep a look out for cut-price deals from Groupon to save you money when visiting Edinburgh; recently I’ve seen offers such as £19 for a day golf pass and lunch, £3.25 for a Ghost Tour and £17.50 for tapas for two including a bottle of wine.
Best of Edinburgh Tips
Tips on the best places to visit in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
25 Fun Things to Do in Turkey
Turkey has always been an attractive country for visitors from all over the world due to its unique geographical position, the variety of climates and holiday spots it offers, its cuisine and of course its rich history. With Istanbul already covered on Europe a la Carte, here are my travel tips for some fun options of what to do in Turkey.
Discover the Saklikent (Hidden City) Canyon
Before you head over to Fethiye to swim in the famous Oludeniz (Dead Sea), you might want to visit the Saklikent Canyon that is about 50km away from Fethiye. This canyon is a great way to cool down as the river running through has very cold water- your feet might get cold even In the summer. This nature gem is Turkey’s biggest canyon. However the town of Saklikent has one hotel, so you might consider booking beforehand.
Image via Dalyan.biz
Swim in Oludeniz, Fethiye
Fethiye is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Aegean Region. It is connected to the city of Mugla, and it is best known for its part of called Oludeniz. Oludeniz is about 12km from Fethiye, and its sea water consists of two parts: the wavy part and extremely calm (Oludeniz mean Dead Sea in English- it is that calm) part. The calm part is the beautiful color of turquoise and it is very clean and clear. You can enjoy a good swim, as well as a variety of water sports. It’s also possible to charter a plane to take in the gorgeous view from above. The plane ride takes about 30 to 45 minutes and costs $100. Sadly I have been to Oludeniz only once as a kid, but I look forward to going back.
Image via fethiyede.com
If Only All Towns Offered Such Good, Free Amenities as Jedburgh
We had a stop at the town of Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders on a day out in November 2011. I was happy to see signs saying that there was free WiFi in the town centre and that the car park was also free. I connected to the free WiFi, I didn’t need to give any details, only click that I agreed to the terms and conditions. The connection was pretty good and I was able to upload a photo in a few seconds. The next good thing was that the very clean public toilets were also free.
Free WiFi – music to a blogger’s ear
We had a walk along the tarmaced Borders Abbeys Way path and had a coffee from our flask at the picnic bench on the banks of Jed Water.
View from our coffee spot toward Jed Water
Jedburgh Abbey is very impressive.
Jedburgh Abbey
Just along from the Abbey is the Clock Tower.
Jedburgh Clock Tower
There’s a great kids play area adjacent to the car park.
Play area in Jedburgh
I think it’s very welcoming to arrive in Jedburgh, where you don’t have to think about parking charges and whether the public toilets will be fit for use and/or charge 40 pence admission per person. The free WiFi is a great bonus too.
If Only All Towns Offered Such Good, Free Amenities as Jedburgh
Tips on the best places to visit in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.
25 Places to See in Poland
Poland is a relatively large country and you’ll need to take some time to explore it properly, or choose one region and focus on that (and you’ll soon be convinced that you should return!). I spent some time backpacking through Poland, meandering from north to south (and sideways), but feel I really need to return to experience more of what this country has to offer – history, culture, food, and friendly people. I’ve put together a list of 25 travel tips on what to do in Poland to help you when planning a Polish adventure.
Historical Museum of Warsaw
Warsaw is a fascinating city and the square in the Old Town, damaged badly in the war, is famous for having been very quickly rebuilt. Spread across several old houses in this square is the Historical Museum of Warsaw, which is well worth a look.
Old Town Market Square, Warsaw by Amanda Kendle
Krakow
The town of Krakow is an understandable favourite of many visitors to Poland (that includes me!). A simple stroll around the main Market Square is entertaining enough, especially if your timing is right to hear and see the St Mary’s Church bugler.
Cloth Hall in Krakow by Amanda Kendle
Bialowieza Forest
Probably the only intact primeval forest in Europe, the Bialowieza Forest is on UNESCO’s list of World Biosphere Reserves and it’s also famous for its bison reserve, where bisons are bred in their natural habitat. It’s a great place to escape from urban Poland.
Jewish Cemetery in Warsaw
Perhaps a less visited sight of Warsaw – but one of the most interesting places I saw there – is the Jewish Cemetery. It is over two hundred years old, though it suffered at the hands of the Nazis and parts of it are still damaged, but that seems to add to the interest. Obviously there are sad stories to be read into the tombstone inscriptions but these are important stories to remember when visiting Warsaw.
Jewish Cemetery in Warsaw by Amanda Kendle
Wroclaw
Wroclaw, with its tricky pronunciation (no letter sounds how it looks!) is a part of Poland I personally haven’t made it to, but Marcus’s post about the Old Town of Wroclaw certainly makes it sound appealing.
Olsztyn
I ended up in the northern town of the more by chance than anything but found it charming and inviting. Its Old Town is compact but so pretty and outside the city the main lakes district of Poland begins.
Olsztyn Old Town by Amanda Kendle
Malbork Castle
If you’re a fan of “biggest” things, the Malbork Castle is unmissable – it’s the largest gothic castle in all of Europe and apparently by area even the largest castle in the whole world! It was founded by the Teutonic Order and has had a tumultuous history and even today, parts of it remain in ruins.
Chopin attractions in Warsaw
Music lovers will be intrigued by the links to Chopin in Warsaw. Not only did Chopin grow up here, he also left plenty of memorials behind – there is now a Chopin Museum, a Chopin Monument, Chopin’s Parlour and most bizarrely, Chopin’s heart is famously “stored” in one of the pillars in the Church of the Holy Cross.
Chopin Monument by JorgeBrazil
Bieszczady Mountains
The Bieszczady Mountains are part of the huge Carpathian Range and are found right in the south-eastern corner of Poland (they extend on into Ukraine and Slovakia, in fact). They are very scenic and full of great hiking and biking trails.
Wolf’s Lair/Wolfschanze
One of the biggest surprises of Poland for me was just how fascinating Wolf’s Lair was to visit. I imagined it simply as a historical site where Hitler had spent some time but it’s in fact a maze of concrete bunkers and ruins now made green by the encroaching growth. You can stay in a simple hotel on site and explore the area before the tourist buses arrive.
Wolfschanze bunkers by Amanda Kendle
Torun
The medieval town of Torun in the north-west of Poland is on the UNESCO World Heritage list and is special because it was lucky enough to avoid any bombing during the war, so its old town architecture is still intact.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
If you make it to Krakow, then one of the must-sees is the Wieliczka Salt Mine. With salt mining here dating back to the 13th century it’s historical to start with, but also a fascinating experience to explore the statues and especially the chapel which have been carved into the salt underground.
Wieliczka Salt Mine chapel by jhadow
Lakes at Miedzychod
Suchi recommends the lakes at Miedzychod as a bit of a secret tip on experiencing life around one of Poland’s many lakes. An hour from Poznan, Miedzychod is just a village yet it’s surrounded by three large lakes and (the big tip!) includes several fantastic pastry shops!
Masurian Lakes
Perhaps Poland’s most famous lakes, however, are the Masurian Lakes in the north. The district includes over 2,000 lakes and camping, biking and boating are popular activities for tourists.
Zakopane
At the other end of Poland, on the southern border with Slovakia, the town of Zakopane is the Polish gateway to the Tatra Mountains. Popular in both summer and winter (for hiking and skiing, respectively), Zakopane is well-equipped for tourists with many locals renting out rooms.
View to the Tatras from Zakopane by Amanda Kendle
Slowinski National Park
Yet another fantastic natural attraction in Poland can be found in the Slowinski National Park, home to incredible 44-metre tall shifting sand dunes, found next to the banks of Lake Lebsko. There are some great walking trails to follow with observation towers for the best views of the dunes.
Gdansk
Poland includes a large number of interesting cities but one that particularly impressed Anna was Gdansk. With a focus on tourists and providing helpful and timely information, it’s a pleasurable city to explore.
Royal Castle, Warsaw
One of the most famous tourist attractions across Poland is the Royal Castle in Warsaw. It’s an impressive building in Warsaw’s pretty Old Town, although it had to be extensively rebuilt after the damage inflicted during Warsaw Uprising.
Royal Castle in Warsaw by Amanda Kendle
Zamosc
another Polish town with UNESCO World Heritage statusa well-preserved example of a late-Renaissance urban Old Town.
Auschwitz/Birkenau Concentration Camps
Twentieth-century history is very much present when you visit Poland and although others may disagree, I urge you to choose at least one concentration camp to include on your travels. The Auschitz/Birkenau camps are, I freely admit, quite a distressing place to visit, but you will understand more about World War Two history in those few hours than you will by reading textbooks for a few decades.
Train tracks to Birkenau by Amanda Kendle
Gross-Rosen Concentration Camp
Another concentration camp in Poland, this time visited by Marcus, is the Gross-Rosen Concentration Camp near Wroclaw. It’s a completely different experience to Auschwitz – quiet and empty of the tourist buses, and with less traumatising displays – so it might make a better visit if you’re not sure about trying Auschwitz.
Treblinka
Another well-known name from the Holocaust is Treblinka, the extermination camp in eastern Poland. Unlike Auschwitz, Treblinka’s buildings were destroyed and the area disguised as a farm as early as 1943, so today it is a memorial site rather than a museum, but a tour here is very informative.
Treblinka monument by EuroIL
Częstochowa
Częstochowa is the place Catholics head to on a pilgrimage in Poland – here you will find the Jasna Góra monastery, which is home to the famous Black Madonna painting. The town of Częstochowa itself is also pretty and worth a visit.
Park Muzakowski
The Muskauer Park or Park Muzakowski is an enormous English-style garden located on both sides of the Nysa River, which means it actually is located in both Poland and Germany. It includes a castle and was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list recently.
Bridge at Muskauer Park by Udo Schroeter
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska
Yet another UNESCO World Heritage-listed site in Poland is the Mannerist Architectural and Park in the town of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska. It dates back to 1600 and was modelled on a map of Jerusalem, including several interesting chapels.
Your Poland Suggestions
Poland is a country full of natural and historical sites and this list really just scratches the surface. If your favourite Polish experience isn’t on this list, please add it in the comments below.
25 Places to See in Poland
Tips on the best places to visit in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.