A rigid kayak strapped to a rental car roof in Portugal cost me 47 euros in unexpected fees and a heated argument with an airport shuttle driver. That was three years ago. Last month, the same trip happened with a 35-pound bag checked as regular luggage, and by noon I was paddling the Mondego River while other tourists waited for organized boat tours. The assumption that serious paddling demands serious equipment has kept countless travelers from experiencing waterways that buses and hiking trails simply cannot reach. Inflatable kayaks have quietly […]

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When most travelers dream of Tuscany, their minds immediately drift to the Val d’Orcia: sun-drenched rolling hills, neat rows of cypress trees, and sprawling vineyards. It is a beautiful image, a classic “Renaissance” landscape that has been manicured by human hands for centuries. But as a professional hiking guide living in this region, I know it is only half the story. If you travel just a short distance north of the famous art cities like Florence or Pistoia, the landscape undergoes a radical transformation. The vineyards disappear, the horizon rises, […]

The post Beyond the Rolling Hills: Discovering the Wild Heart of Tuscany in Acquerino appeared first on Dave's Travel Corner.

Oslo in winter doesn’t try to impress with postcard-blue skies. It seduces with low grey light, the smell of woodsmoke drifting over the fjord, and the quiet satisfaction of knowing the city was built for this season, not in spite of it.  Two days is barely enough to scratch the surface, yet it’s perfect for feeling the vibe, and slipping into the rhythm of a place that treats darkness like an old friend. I have escaped to Norway twice, once in December during thick snow, and second time in February […]

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Nestled high on the 500-acre Farncombe Estate above Broadway – Dormy House Hotel forms part of a trio of distinctive properties, alongside The Fish Hotel and Foxhill Manor, each offering a different expression of the estate’s countryside hospitality. Luxury and history blend seamlessly to create the perfect luxury getaway at the charming Dormy House Hotel and Spa – a rather special haven that offers the ultimate in opulence. The 17th-Century farmhouse, which underwent a multimillion pound refurbishment in 2013, now has a modern stylish feel, while still retaining the Nordic […]

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There are few places on earth where the past feels so alive that you can almost touch it. Greece is one of them. From the sun-bleached marble columns of the Parthenon to the laughter echoing through seaside tavernas, every corner of this country carries a heartbeat that blends ancient myth with modern vitality. My journey through Greece was not just a trip—it was a cultural odyssey where history, art, and human connection came together in ways that left a permanent mark on my soul. Athens: Walking Through Time Athens, the […]

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Wine has a way of turning geography into memory. Not just places on a map, but moments burned into your senses—the smell of hot stone, the scrape of gravel underfoot, the way a long lunch quietly becomes dinner. Over the past 25 years, including the formative years spent training to pass the Master Sommelier exam, these experiences have shaped how I understand wine and the world around it. These are the places I return to in my memory—and the ones I will always love. Every reader should put them on […]

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Taormina is not just a place, it’s a feeling Before arriving in Taormina, people told me it was “the pearl of Sicily.” But no one warned me that it would make me feel so small—like stepping into an ancient theater where every stone has stood still for centuries, staring at Mount Etna without blinking. In this city, nestled between cliffs and sea, time takes a different path. It doesn’t rush. It lingers beside you and waits. Waits for you to notice the scent of bougainvillea, the echo of footsteps on […]

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Terceire, Azores: Smiles in abundance, umbrella needed The plane touched down in high winds, and I almost wanted to cheer the pilot. Normally, I’m pretty calm in planes, but it was a wobbly landing with loads of turbulence, and we both released our breath when the little plane bumped on the tarmac. Peeking out of the small porthole, I scanned the landscape. Luscious greens in all shades, a few hills,  a blue sky and of course the Atlantic ocean stretching out majestically towards the horizon. Everthing looked a calm prisma […]

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Romania’s capital is an excellent option for a short vacation or the beginning of a longer travel route, allowing you to better understand Romania before exploring its wonderful landscapes. I’ll suggest several city tour routes here to experience its best. Victoria Passage, the famous colorful covered umbrella street (Photo: Carmit Weiss) Short Walking Route We will walk straight to Victoriei Avenue, the street that is the beating heart of the city, with an abundance of shops, restaurants, and cafes. A similar distance along the avenue, and I’m at one of […]

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Introduction Amsterdam was not meant to change everything. For most business travellers and expats, it is just another European city on the itinerary—a convenient spot for meetings, conferences, or short-term projects. The plan is always simple: arrive, work, explore a little, and leave with some nice memories and a few photos. But Amsterdam has different ideas. Beneath the picture-perfect canals and tourist-friendly surface lies something more powerful: a place where temporary visitors accidentally discover what they’ve been missing. It’s not the museums or nightlife that hooks them—it’s the morning bike […]

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You don’t have to be a sommelier to know that wines from Burgundy have a certain prestige in the wine world.  Peruse a restaurant wine list, and you’ll notice that some of the featured wines or top shelf offerings are Pinot Noir or Chardonnay from Bourgogne, or Burgundy. Wine is grown worldwide, so what is it that makes Burgundy so revered amongst the well studied and introductory wine drinkers? Origins Winemaking in Burgundy can be attributed to the Romans! They brought the vines to Gaul, present day France, and taught […]

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The Celt Tucked away on Talbot Street is this cute Irish pub. Famous with locals for live Irish traditional and folk music every night. Enjoy typical traditional music mixed with more modern folk songs. The warm atmosphere and intimate setting make this a great spot to enjoy traditional Irish vibes. The nightly music sessions create an ideal atmosphere for enjoying hearty meals. Try pairing them with Guinness stew or fresh seafood chowder. With a good selection of whiskeys and creamy pints of stout, it offers the best of Dublin’s traditional […]

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Whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Eastern Sicily has something for everyone. In this small guide, I’ll take you through the must-see sights and hidden gems you can’t miss on your journey through this captivating part of the island. Let’s discover what we can’t miss in Eastern Sicily! 1. Noto Noto is one of those small, compact towns in Sicily. But it’s also one of those places that, in just a few square kilometers, concentrates a beauty that’s comparable to a […]

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Cefalù Cefalù is not exactly on the western coast of Sicily, but it’s not too far from it, and it would be a shame not to visit. So, I decided to include it in the must-see places of western Sicily. Cefalù is a beautiful gem set on the Sicilian sea. So beautiful that crossing its gaze, made up of narrow streets, alleys, and glimpses of the sea, causes a sense of embarrassment. The little hill that distinguishes it seems to have been created by the skilled hands of an artist […]

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Embarking on a 10-day journey through Italy and Greece offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty. This itinerary provides a comprehensive guide to experiencing the highlights of both countries, along with insights into budgeting and travel tips. Day 1-3: Rome, Italy Begin your adventure in Rome, the Eternal City. Over three days, immerse yourself in its rich history and vibrant atmosphere. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. A trip to Vatican City is essential, where you can explore St. Peter’s […]

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