Two Days in Grand Canyon National Park

We spent 3 nights and two days in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. We camped at Mather Campground, not far from the South Rim Visitors Center and Village. There are small restaurants, shops, a grocery store and a laundry facility in the Village near this campground and Visitors Center. This location is central to everything on the South Rim. If camping is not your thing, there are lodges available in the Park also.

Helpful Tips

If you plan to visit and stay overnight or longer, plan ahead – we made our campground reservations about 6 months in advance. We visited the Park in May and while the Park was busy, it was not crazy. Also, the weather was perfect, with the highs in the low 80’s at the rim of the Canyon, which is about 7,000 feet in elevation. Keep in mind as you descend into the Canyon, the temperatures increase dramatically. To avoid the hassle of trying to find a parking spot at the various viewpoints, use the Park Shuttles, they are very useful and make regular stops.

Below are listed our main stops and activities in Grand Canyon National Park.

Desert View Viewpoint

This viewpoint is located near the East Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park and is one of the few places you glimpse the Colorado river at the bottom of the Canyon.

*Desert View Viewpoint in the early morning light. It is really quite spectacular at sunrise. You can climb the tower on the left, but it was closed since we were there early in the morning.*

Moran Point

Mather Point/Visitors Center

There is a useful display at the Visitors Center of the various trails – their length, difficulty, and suggested turnaround points (unless you are backpacking into the Canyon for one or more nights). There are also several films about the Park and its Native American history.

Mather Point is the busiest viewpoint in the Park (note the people on the ridge in the left image) because it is located near the South Rim Visitors Center. There are a number of different canyon views available from Mather Point.

Rim Trail

The Rim Trail extends from South Kaibab Trail on the east to Hermits Rest on the west (about 11 miles between these points). Most of it is paved and you can rent bicycles at the Visitors Center if you’d prefer to ride along this trail.

South Kaibab Trail

This was our favorite trail, because of the beauty and narrow canyon walls. It is one of the two main access points to descend into (or ascend out of) the Grand Canyon if you plan on hiking from rim to rim. We ran across several hikers either finishing their backpacking trip or starting out. It’s over 20 miles from rim to rim, depending on your route. Keep in mind there is no water on this trail, at least until you reach the Colorado River.

Do not underestimate the steepness of the trails or the heat, or the time required to hike back out of the Canyon if you’re doing a day hike. Even in the spring it felt pretty warm as we descended lower into the Canyon. I was glad I had brought as much water as I did.

*South Kaibob Trail is very steep, but beautiful as you descend into the narrow part of the canyon through the switchbacks.*

*Other views of South Kaibob Trail. The pack mules move at a fast pace going up the trail, be sure to give them plenty of room to pass by you.*

*At our turn-around spot on South Kaibob Trail.*

Hermits Rest

Hermits Rest is as far west as the South Rim Road (Desert View Drive) goes. This rest spot was established in 1914 for early visitors to the Park who arrived by horse and carriage. It is also the trailhead for Hermit Trail, which goes down to the Colorado River (about 9 miles one-way). We took the Park Shuttle out to Hermits Rest.

*Above: Views of Grand Canyon from Hermits Rest. Colorado River is visible in the distance in the image on the right.*

Bright Angel Trail

Bright Angel is another popular access trail for crossing the Canyon. There are several springs providing drinking water for hikers. As the signs say at each trailhead, hiking down is optional, hiking out is mandatory! We hiked about 3 miles down for a total of 6 miles round trip. It was the perfect length of day hike for us old-timers!

*Above: Like all trails into the Grand Canyon, Bright Angel is steep. Left image shows the incline and terrain into the Canyon. Right image is looking down towards the lower part of the Canyon.*

*There is water available on the Bright Angel Trail and rest areas and toilets.*

Grand Canyon National Park is fascinating and clearly one of our world’s natural wonders. There is lots to do here and something for every level of fitness. I highly recommend at least an overnight stay in the Park if your plans can accommodate that much time.

Doune Castle: Another Historic Castle near Stirling

Doune Castle is about eight miles northwest of Stirling, Scotland (home of another famous and historic Scottish castle).

Doune Castle is definitely worth a visit, and has gained popularity on the tourist circuit over the last several years due to its use as a setting for the TV series “Outlander” as Castle Leoch.

*Walking on the pathway to the castle entrance.*

*Robyn admiring the inner courtyard of Doune Castle.*

The castle dates from the 13th century, although much of what we see today dates from the 14th century. It was home to Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, who ruled Scotland for 22 years athough he never crowned as king (he ruled on behalf of other family members who for various reasons were not able to actually rule themselves).

*This sign at the castle provides some interesting information about the castle’s layout and history.*

*Interior views of Doune Castle, including the Great Hall (left) and a chamber where Mary, Queen of Scots likely stayed during her numerous visits to the castle in the 16th century.*

Doune Castle is part of the Historic Environment Scotland pass, which will save you significant money on entry fees if you’re visiting several historic sites during your visit to Scotland.

If you visit Stirling, take a few extra minutes to drive the short distance to Doune Castle!

Queenstown’s Stunning Views: Skyline Gondola, Paragliding and Bungy Jumping

One of our favorite locations in New Zealand (South Island) was Queenstown. Queenstown’s setting on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is stunning, with the unique blue waters of the lake (it’s known for it’s specific shade of blue) and the surrounding mountains.

One of the things we knew we wanted to do while in Queenstown was to take the Skyline Gondola up to Bob’s Peak right at the edge of town.

*Getting ready to ride the gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak.*

*Paul & Robyn overlooking Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu from Bob’s Peak, about 1,574 feet above the town.*

While admiring the views from the peak we noticed paragliders sailing past our viewpoint. We thought “that looks fun!” and decided to check it out.

There was a desk inside the gondola building at the top of the peak and they gave us the information on the tandem paragliding rides, and we were lucky that they had availability within the next hour. Three of our group decided to go (including my 86 year-old mother-in-law!). What a blast this 10+ minute ride was! You could feel the wind currents take you up higher in altitude and swing you around. The guides/pilots were terrific and managed to take some great photos and video while gliding us over the town and eventually down to the landing spot.

How much does it cost? Paragliding wasn’t cheap, it was about $375 US per person including a set of videos and photos that the company provided (highly recommended). There are weight and mobility requirements to be aware of (but hey, if my 86 year-old mother-in-law can do it, so can you). This was an experience I won’t soon forget – ‘an adventure of a lifetime’ in my book.

*Just before take-off: Robyn, Paul, Donna and one of our pilots. We just ran down the hill and immediately were airborne.*

*Above: Robyn and Donna’s ride over Queenstown.*

*The landing was incredibly smooth and easy, we basically just stood up and stopped on the grassy field.*

In addition to paragliding, there are a ton of other outdoor adventures awaiting you in this breathtaking corner of New Zealand.

*A list of some of the adventures you can do in Queenstown area. The costs do add up, though! (prices shown are NZ dollars).*

Kawarau Bridge

Speaking of outdoor adventures, fourteen miles west of Queenstown is Kawarau Bridge, spanning the Kawarau River, which is the site of the world’s first commercial bungy jumping experience. It is a very beautiful setting and still an active bungy jumping site. We debated jumping, but in the end decided not to. Even if you’re not into jumping, it’s fun to visit and watch others jump. There is a nice facility on location with a coffee shop, restrooms and a zip line by the river if you’d rather do that instead.

*Left: Friends and family waiting for the next jumper (141 feet from the bridge to the river). Right: The thrill of the jump!*

Queenstown itself is worth exploring on foot too. The downtown is very enjoyable with beautiful parks, lakefront restaurants, and shops. If you have a car, you can take several beautiful drives around the lake and to other nearby destinations – we had a very enjoyable three days in the area.

If you find yourself in New Zealand, be sure to visit the incredible South Island and Queenstown!

Hobbiton Tours: Experience the Magic of Middle-earth

Last year we took a two-week Holland America cruise that started in Sydney, Australia and ended in Auckland, New Zealand. Once we got off the cruise ship in Auckland, we flew south to Queenstown (South Island), rented a car and then worked our way north along the west coast of the South Island and then returned to the North Island via ferry. While on the North Island, one of our stops was Hobbiton. I will admit I am a not a bonafide “Lord of the Rings” fan (I’ve seen the movies, but did not read the books except for “The Hobbit” when I was a teenager). However, visiting Hobbiton was really quite interesting and it’s perhaps the most significant tourist site on the North Island.

If you visit, you check in at the visitor’s center. You will be assigned to a tour group of about 40 people and then take a 10-minute bus ride at the appointed time to The Shire (the Hobbiton movie set), located nearby. Tour groups run about every 15 minutes, eight hours a day during the tourist season.

Left: Hobbiton Tours Visitor’s Center. You will start your tour here. Right: One of the tour shuttle buses, each bus holds about 40 people. They will show you movie clips while you ride over to the movie set.

You will have a friendly and knowledgable tour guide for your visit. At the end of the tour you will be given a free drink at the Hobbiton pub before returning to your shuttle bus and heading back to the visitor’s center. You should allow at least 2-3 hours for your visit.

This image provides a perspective of Hobbiton village. The hobbit-hole (home) fronts are built into the hillside and paths connect the various homes. Your tour guide will take you on a walk to several of the hobbit-holes.

The land is privately owned and was used for the filming of the Lord of the Rings movie series and then again for The Hobbit movies. The director, Peter Jackson, thought this farm land location in the rolling hills would be perfect and he leased the land from the owner to create the Hobbiton movie set, which must have been an incredible amount of work. After the Lord of the Rings movies, the sets were removed and the land was returned to its natural state. The sets were created again for the two The Hobbit films. After The Hobbit films, the land owner decided to turn the movie set into a tourist attraction, and the rest is history.

Close-ups of two hobbit-holes. The sets are very detailed, with freshly laundered hobbit clothes swaying in breeze, food items, and other items such as garden tools outside the houses. There are actual vegetable-producing gardens on the set too, tended to by the local set staff.

*Your tour guide will take your photo in front of one of the hobbit-holes.*

Towards the end of your tour, the guide will take you into several furnished hobbit-holes. These interior sets were not actually used in the movies, but built afterwards to give visitors a feel for a “real” hobbit-hole!

*Additional views inside a hobbit-hole, it could be a perfect children’s play house! The decorations and layout are really well done. Watch your head – the ceilings are low – hobbit-size!*

Left: Bilbo and Frodo Baggin’s famous Bag End hobbit-hole. Right: The tree on top of the hill is fake, the 300,000 leaves on the tree had to be attached (by hand) to the tree twice, Peter Jackson was not happy with the original color of the leaves! The tree was shown just for a few seconds in The Hobbit-An Unexpected Journey.

*Samwise Gamgee’s hobbit-hole (Sam was Frodo’s loyal friend). He longed to return here and was eventually able to do so. “Well, I am back.”*

*Other parts of Hobbiton – Gandalf rides on a cart over the bridge on the left, by the mill. Right: a close-up of the mill.*

*Inside Hobbiton’s pub – tourists gather for a free drink before leaving The Shire.*

*Back at the visitor’s center gift shop – some visitors really get into the characters – I wonder if they speak Elvish!*

If you plan to go to Hobbiton, plan ahead and make your reservations in advance here, especially during New Zealand’s busy summer months. Hobbiton is one of the top tourist sites in the country, and it was really busy when we were there. Even with the crowds, the tours are efficiently handled and once you get out on the large set, you might feel like your group is the only one there for most of the tour. Hobbiton is about 2 hours by car south of Auckland.

Explore Scotland’s Eerie New Slains Castle Ruins

On Scotland’s east coast lies a dramatic 16th-century castle ruin that isn’t on the tourist radar. New Slains Castle is north of Aberdeen, Scotland near the village of Cruden Bay. Built on cliffs above the sea, it has a similar feel and setting to Dunnottar Castle (also on Scotland’s east coast but south of Aberdeen) and Dunluce Castle in Northern Ireland. I’ve visited a lot of castles and really loved this one with its eerie atmosphere – the waves crashing on the rugged coastline, mossy walls and staircases, and enough remaining of the various rooms to give a good feel for the castle’s layout. We half expected to see Dracula’s coffin in one of the rooms! Actually, Bram Stoker (the author of Dracula) mentions the castle in a couple of his other novels, and it may have been an inspiration for him. The castle has an interesting history, you can learn more about it here.

There is a small car park just off the road about 1/2 mile from the castle. A long gravel walkway leads to the castle. There are no entry fees, even though it is part of Historic Environment Scotland.

*Walking to New Slains Castle from the car park.*

*Above: Exterior views of New Slains Castle.*

Above: Interior views of the castle. You can walk up the stairways to the upper levels, but be careful – there are no railings and the steps lead to right drop-offs over the seaside cliffs or into rooms with non-existent floors – no barriers to walking off the edge! It was interesting to see the old beams for the floors still in place.

*Left: The Independent Tourist with his daughter at New Slains Castle. Right: Walking through the ancient hallways of the castle.*

*View of the castle’s grand entrance – looking north. They had some amazing coastal scenery through the picture windows!*

*Robyn overlooking the rugged Scottish coastline at New Slains Castle.*

If you are doing a driving tour of Scotland I highly recommend stopping by New Slains Castle!

Hidden Gems: Lakes and Waterfalls in Colorado Worth the Hike

Colorado is a western US state. The second name of Colorado is the Centennial State. The capital of Colorado is Denver. Colorado’s capital is known as the Mile High City due to its elevation at 5,280 feet above sea level. Colorado is famous for its Rocky Mountain outdoor adventures and stunning landscapes. It is also known for its picturesque valleys and vibrant cities. For adventure and nature lovers, Colorado is a heaven because it offers many activities like hiking, skiing, rafting, and camping. From native American heritage to ghost towns and cattlemen’s culture, Colorado is full of history.

Hidden Gems of Colorado

Colorado is a place full of hidden gems. All the hidden gems of the state reveal beauty. It is also famous for ski resorts and National Parks. Colorado is also renowned for its theatrical views and endless outdoor amazements. The sunrise with golden rays in the blue sky looks so mesmerising in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Rocky Mountain National Park, Garden of the Gods, Maroon Bells, Mesa Verde National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado National Monument, and Hanging Lake are some of the beautiful spots in Colorado. Colorado’s natural beauty is a blend of variety, adventure, and harmony. Each season makes Colorado a magical place. The stunning lakes and must-see waterfalls of Colorado are famous in the world. All the lakes and waterfalls of Colorado make it special among visitors.

Maroon Lake

From Aspen, Maroon Lake is 10 miles away. It is one of the most legendary and photographed places in Colorado. The beauty of Maroon Bells area changes in every season. Maroon Lake is an ideal place for hikers. The Maroon Lake trail provides scenic views or an easy walk. Maroon Lake is a bell-shaped, wine-coloured lake, taken from the reddish-maroon color of the peaks behind it, called the Maroon Bells. Hiking in the Maroon Bells area gives you access to mesmerising views and 14,000 foot peaks.

Crater Lake

Also near Aspen, Crater Lake is a hidden gem. For hiking, photography, and picnicking, this space is famous among visitors. The lake is not very deep and is smaller in size. It is surrounded by amazing natural beauty, and you can also see the tall Maroon Bells from the crater lake. From Maroon Lake, you can reach it after hiking about 3.6 miles in summer, where you can experience the flowers. The golden aspen trees make it more beautiful in the fall; it looks like a postcard from right above Maroon Lake. Hiking the path shows you beautiful aspen trees and mountain views.

Blue Lakes

One of the most breathtaking places in the Alpine treasures is the Blue Lakes. It is known as Blue Lakes because of its turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrops. For hiking, hikers cover 8 miles round-trip to reach the path, which is considered challenging. The lower, middle, and upper are the three lakes in the Blue Lakes chain. Lower Lake is the largest one, and it is easier to reach. It is filled with turquoise water. Upper and Middle lakes are smaller in size, but closer to the 14,150 ft. peak of Mount Sneffels. The best time to visit the Blue Lakes is in late June to September. During this time, the trail is clear of snow. For hiking, fishing, and camping, this place is famous among travellers.

Helen Hunt Falls

Near Colorado Springs, Helen Hunt Falls is located in North Cheyenne Cañon Park. This fall is very accessible to visitors. By car, you can easily reach the base of the waterfall. For families and casual travellers, it is a popular stop. A short trail leads you to the top of the Falls, which offers you stunning views of the surrounding canyon. In late spring and early summer, this area is most beautiful. Autumn also brings vibrant colours that make the waterfall perfect. Helen Hunt Falls is a must-see falls in Colorado.

Seven Falls

The most famous falls in Colorado are Seven Falls, near Colorado Springs. Water flows down from the seven different spots, which is why it is known as the seven falls. This series of falls is about 181 feet tall. To see it from above, travellers climb the 224-step staircase. There are trails for hiking with views of rock cliffs and forest near the falls. You can also experience wildlife like deer and birds near the Fall.

Zapata Falls

Near the Great Sand Dunes National Park, Zapata Falls is a hidden waterfall. Inside a small rocky canyon, it falls from 30 feet. To experience this fall, visitors hike a short half-mile trail. It is a part of the fun and adventure reaching the Zapata Falls. The water freezes into stunning blue and white ice in the winter.

Conclusion

Colorado is a place where dreamy vibes and the ancient charm of the city truly captivate your heart. Colorado’s lakes and waterfalls are beautiful treasures in the state. The Peaceful, emerald green water of Alpine lakes and the turquoise water of Crater Lake are must-see wonders. Travellers enjoy hiking through the forest for breathtaking views as they climb the mountains. For peace, enjoy the sound of the water. If you are planning a trip, then you must consider Colorado as part of your itinerary.

Featured image courtesy of pixabay.com.

Safety in Zimbabwe: What Travellers Should Know

Between the rivers of the Zambezi and the Limpopo lies the breathtaking land of Zimbabwe, a destination of untamed beauty and warm hospitality. From majestic wildlife to vibrant local culture, it offers an experience unlike any other. While tourism is steadily opening up, Zimbabwe remains a largely undiscovered gem for UK travellers. For this reason, it’s essential to keep security and local travel etiquette in mind, ensuring your holiday unfolds smoothly and without unnecessary disruption.

Safety in Zimbabwe

Like any other destination, Zimbabwe comes with its own travel challenges, such as infrastructure, economic, and political factors. However, with several airlines now offering regular flights to Zimbabwe from the UK, it’s become much easier for British travellers to explore this incredible country and experience its natural beauty. With the right preparation and local insight, your journey can be rewarding and memorable far from the trip-ruining mishaps many fear. The following tips provide insider knowledge and practical advice to help UK visitors make the most of their Zimbabwe adventure.

Packing Necessities

Weather Appropriate Clothing: Weather in Zimbabwe will probably be hot and dry, or cold and wet, depending on the place and time visited. Daytime, casual, loose, light clothing is sufficient, with a sweater or light jacket for the evening being handy.

Medication and First Aid Kit: If you have any medical issue, keep the original medication and prescription with you. A box containing some painkillers, band aids, and injury creams can save a life in critical moments.

Accommodation Choice

Safe Neighbourhood Options: Capital cities such as Harare and Bulawayo both have low to high-end hotels to suit anyone’s pocket. Check what is known as safe, to be sure you would be comfortable enough later in the evening.

Internet Reading of Reviews: Google Reviews or TripAdvisor will have some kind of gauge for safety in a hotel. Observe if they have safety provisions and how the staff members react to them.

Food and Water Safety

Bottled Water vs. Tap Water: Regardless of how bad the condition is with the tap water of a city, filtered or bottled water must be consumed if the water of a city is polluted.

Healthy Eating Habits: Street food is delicious, too, but only dine where the locals dine and at sanitary, clean stalls. Consume hot food and food prepared fresh, and peel fruits and vegetables yourself to attempt to reduce contamination.

Medical Clinics and Insurance

Travel Insurance: Zimbabwe hospitals are quite far apart, rural, and isolated. Good travel insurance will be worth every penny by costing you less of your own money to seek emergency treatment or even evacuation.

Where the Clinics and Hospitals Are: Harare hospitals are excellent, and even the smaller towns have clinics, but not always specialised services. It’s a good idea to have some sense of where the nearest medical centre is in case you might just happen to need to avail yourself of it.

US Dollar and Zimbabwean Dollar System Knowledge

Zimbabwe’s money history is up-to-date. Although locally used currency is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL), the de facto US Dollar is utilised in all transactions across the whole country. Use USDs with lesser denominations, if feasible, and you may ask at any time what the quoted price is rendered in. Cash can even be exchanged at banks, bureaus de change, or even at some hotels around the clock. Business on the black market is not worth trying since it is illegal and risky.

Steer Clear of Frauds

Pay attention to the typical frauds. The tourist is swindled out of worthless jewellery, pricey taxis, or bogus “wildlife tours.” So beware of poorly consummated transactions. Protect your money and cards. Tuck the money into a money belt or secure pocket. Where feasible, withdraw from the bank buildings or from secured hotels’ ATMs and handle it with care when exchanging the money.

Transportation Options

Local buses (“kombis”) are more uncomfortable and risky than shared taxis, private cars, and taxis. Domestic flights and buses are the correct means to get to a decent distance between towns or to a resort region such as Victoria Falls.

Political and Social Climate

The political and social climate in Zimbabwe can shift overnight. Keeping up to date keeps you on the edge of a high-stress experience. Don’t forget:

Remaining Up-to-Date with the News Spreads: A trip from the source of good news will keep an individual up to date. Riots or strikes may disrupt travel arrangements at any time, particularly in major cities.

Protest Avoidance: Avoid political protest or crowds. An unarmed protest may turn savage in a matter of moments.

Politics Avoidance: Politics divides. Avoid travelling into controversy-generating discussions unless known to the individual.

Cultural Respect: Dress modestly when in public or the countryside. Always ask permission while taking pictures if there is a crowd around you.

Conclusion

So, if you’re travelling from the UK, you’ll be well prepared and safe by following the tips above for your trip to Zimbabwe. With the right preparation, your journey could become one of the most memorable experiences of your life. This incredible country will leave you in awe with its natural beauty. Just remember to respect the local culture and follow good travel etiquette. Keeping an eye on your budget, sorting your travel insurance, and taking care of your health before you go will help make your adventure truly worthwhile. Now, you’re all set to explore this remarkable land of wonders.

Featured image courtesy of pixabay.com.

Gulf of Orosei – Don’t Miss this Boat Tour in Sardinia

On our last full day in Sardinia, Italy we decided to take a small boat tour along the eastern coastline, specially the Gulf of Orosei. All of Sardinia was amazing, but this day-trip was icing on the cake. The coastline is amazing – towering cliffs and some of the prettiest beaches and water anywhere on the planet.

*This maps show the general regions we visited in Sardinia. The Gulf of Orosei is on the central east coast.*

We stayed two nights in the small town of Santa Maria Navarrese, a perfect spot from which to take the boat tour and a lovely place to visit in itself. Our visit was in late September and early October, after the summer crowds were gone but yet still warm enough for boating and swimming.

*A view of Santa Maria Navarrese’s own beach, right next to the small town.*

Below are a few of the images captured during our full-day boat trip. Our boat held about 10 people, which was perfect. We visited a few secluded sea caves and coves before visiting some of the more popular beach and swim stops.

One of the postcard images of Sardinia, Cala Goloritzè. You can take a pretty steep and long hike down to the beach, but we opted for the boat tour to get this view. The boats do not land on the beach (I believe they are forbidden to do so), but do allow time to swim in the area.

*We stopped by Cala Goloritzè again in the afternoon for a swim, on our way back to Santa Maria Navarrese. I cannot adequately describe the beauty of the turquoise water.*

*A view of Cala Marilou, one of my favorite stops along the Gulf of Orosei. What made it a favorite is that there are several beaches and coves to explore, such as shown below.*

*Another part of Cala Marilou, a small cove of stunning cliffs and beautiful water.*

*A view of Cala Luna, we stopped here over lunch time. There is a small bar and cafe behind the beach area.*

*A large cave on the beach at Cala Luna – a great place to get out of the sunshine if needed!*

*Above – another swim stop along the coastline of the Gulf of Orosei.*

*One of our last stops of the day, Cala Biriola.*

Best European Cities for Foodies: A Culinary Trip

When people travel, they regularly search to recognise a present-day region and its way of life, and there is no better way to do this than through its food. The unique dishes, neighbourhood ingredients, and traditions that make up a rustic’s cuisine provide a direct connection to its humans and history. Europe is actually a paradise for food lovers, where each food sounds like a search. From eateries owned by a comfortable family to world-famous Michelin star restaurants, serving timeless food, is both rich and unforgettable on the continent.

Best European Cities for Foodies

Top European Cities for Foodies dozen or so dinners to be savoured in the life of society, remind us a little bit closer to the real character of this country, in which we are fortunate enough to make an observation. If venturing overseas from your home nation on a food holiday to Portugal, search for cheap flights to Lisbon from the UK, a decadent appetiser on which to start a convivial atmosphere to your food holiday without shelling out pennies.

These are the holy grail food towns of Europe. And if you’re starving for family-owned, authentic tavernas or Michelin-starred restaurants, this is the book that’ll get you eyeball-to-eyeball with Europe’s best dining towns.

Rome (Italy)

Rome is a town with timeless beauty and extraordinary taste. When you can spend the day performing miracles in historical sites such as the Colosseum and Pantheon, the real essence of the city is found in the food.

In this historical capital, you can enjoy fried artichoke and oxtail stew, such as authentic, homemade pasta, classic Roman dishes, and of course, a gelato break at each turn. Like Campo Day Faori, the lively markets in Rome are perfect for an afternoon of exploration, which gives a glimpse of everyday life and fresh material from Rome that makes his dishes so incredible.

London (UK)

London is a single city compared to the mosaic of separate neighbourhoods, each with its own unique personality and culinary views. From the modern eatery in Shoreditch to the timeless pub to the historic centre, the city mixes the tradition of modern nature. Visitors can experience global-elegance food in a Michelin-starred eating place, rest with a pint in a comfortable pub or wander through attractive, cobbled streets on the lookout for a hidden gem. The PAK landscape in London is as dynamic as the city, in which new flavours and stories emerge each day.

Paris (France)

Enjoy a sunset walk on the Seine. And quench your thirst for a good meal at a pain au chocolat at a street cafe. Along with a breathtaking view of the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. You have a lot of time to explore delicious meals. The Louvre concerts are a must. Parisian life is characterised by laziness and a free spirit.

Lisbon (Portugal)

Museums in Lisbon relate the history and past of this Portuguese capital city.

Maritime Museum is where kids (and grownups!) who are fascinated by all things to do with the ocean head, but Casa-Museu Dr Anastácio Gonçalves has a collection of artworks. In order to view Lisbon’s pretty stone houses in their best, take a guided tour or do it yourself, e.g., stroll down to Padrao dos Descobrimentos, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, and UNESCO World Heritage-listedTorre de Belém. Splashing into a cosmopolitan beach town on TAP Air Portugal is a doddle and a cinch from the start.

Donostia – San Sebastian (Spain)

San Sebastian-Donostia isn’t always something it is not in terms of meals and wine, extra competition, seaside, artwork, birthday celebration, rave type of affair perhaps.

Old Town has cobblestone-paved streets with restaurants and bars, pavement bars on each nook in the new metropolis. Seafood is a speciality of the house. Just do not consume between 6 and 7 p.m. Spanish time is too quick. Ate and drank past due into the night, grazed on tapas.

Prague (Czech Republic)

Fairy-tale architecture and Bohemian feeling. Sun-dried tourists who will be respectful of the culture will love Prague.

You stroll the courtyards of Prague Castle in daylight hours, and fill your belly with a glorious, filling dinner at a retro-glam restaurant that is completely Czech. Stroll five minutes to Old Town Square, and stroll past to gawk at Old Town Hall and the Astronomical Clock.

Conclusion

Europe is more than a destination and has an experience for your senses. It is a continent where each city whispers its history and culture through food. One minute you are lost in the aroma in a local market, the next time you taste excellent work in a world-class restaurant. This is the kind of journey that lives with you – taste, smell, moments around the table. So bring the curiosity and a healthy hunger. Get ready to taste through memories in making.

Note: Featured image courtesy of Pixabay.com.

Visiting Nora: A Roman Treasure on Sardinia’s South Coast

The Nora Archeological Site is only about 45 minutes (48 km or 25 miles) west of Cagliari and makes a nice half-day trip, whether you are staying in town or on a one-day visit with a cruise ship. The origins of the settlement date back to Phoenician times around the 8th century B.C. The city flourished for over four hundred years starting during the first and second centuries B.C. during the Roman age. It must have been quite wealthy due to its ideal position on the coast of Sardinia, perfect for trading. The use of that wealth is demonstrated by the extensive mosaic floors that can still be seen as part of homes and public areas.

*The ancient Roman road leading into Nora is overlooked by the 16th-century Torre del Coltellazzo.*

*The ruins of the 1st century A.D. theater at Nora.*

*Above – Examples of the beautiful mosaics found at Nora Archeological Site.*

*Above – other views of Nora – left: an example of a drainage system; right – mosaic floors surrounding one the city’s temple foundations.*

*Additional views of Nora – shops area and a street through the center of town.*

*The large cauldrons may have been used for storage, making of wine, washing or perhaps other uses.*

Nora, along with Tharros are worthwhile archeological sites to see during your visit to Sardinia. So take a break from the beautiful beaches and learn something about Sardinia’s fascinating cultural history.