The Museo Nacional del Prado in Madrid is a veritable temple of European art, housing masterpieces from titans like Goya, El Greco, Bosch, Titian, and Rubens. Yet, amidst this constellation of artistic brilliance, one work shines with unparalleled luminosity: Diego Velázquez’s Las Meninas. Painted in 1656, this enigmatic canvas transcends the realm of mere portraiture, becoming a profound meditation on the nature of reality, illusion, and the … [Read more...]
What to Eat in Valtellina, in the north of Italy
Nestled in the Italian Alps, Valtellina is a land of dramatic landscapes, ancient traditions, and a cuisine deeply rooted in its mountainous terrain. Known for its hearty, rustic flavors, Valtellina’s dishes are a celebration of local ingredients like buckwheat, cheese, and wine. Here’s a guide to the must-try foods in this beautiful region. 1. Pizzoccheri How could we not mention pizzoccheri, the famous long-shaped buckwheat pasta? … [Read more...]
Following in the Footsteps of Stoker in Dublin
In a 300-year-old library in Ireland, I sat in Bram Stoker’s chair. Walking up to Marsh’s Library in Dublin is the exact experience I wanted but never imagined when following in the footsteps of the author of Dracula. A heavy iron gate stood open, leading me through an arch in the grey stone wall. Places like this can be intimidating, but multiple signs along the way assured me it was open to the public. When I stepped inside I couldn’t help … [Read more...]
A short stay in Hampshire (just isn’t enough!)
While visiting family in Hampshire, I decided to make a weekend of it and accept an invitation to make our base the newly rebranded voco® Winchester Hotel & Spa. Previously part of the Holiday Inn group of hotels, we were lucky enough to be among the first to have the voco® experience as the wraps came off a £2m refurbishment. The contemporary hotel, which was first built in 2010, is located on the edge of the beautiful South Downs … [Read more...]
What to eat in Trapani (and where)
If you find yourself exploring Trapani and are on the lookout for authentic spots to savor local dishes, you've found the perfect guide! Here, you’ll discover hidden gems that will make you fall in love with Trapani’s culinary traditions. You’ll learn which dishes are absolutely unmissable and where to taste the culinary treasures this remarkable cuisine has to offer. Before arriving in Trapani, I made sure to get advice from a local expert on … [Read more...]
Sitges beach town day trip by train from Barcelona
A coastal town 30 kilometres (18 miles) south of Barcelona that is a 40-minute train ride from central Barcelona. Sitges has it all: history, culture, architecture, shopping, bars and restaurants and beaches. The origins of Sitges are that of a fishing village and wine trading port. The town has been much favoured by artists, the bohemian crowd and has developed a large LBGT community. Since … [Read more...]
My Guide to Sailing the Mediterranean: Unforgettable Stops Await!
Discover unforgettable stops while sailing the Mediterranean! From Spain to Greece, adventure awaits! Have you ever dreamed of sailing the Mediterranean, where every horizon holds a new adventure? Imagine gliding through azure waters, each day bringing you to a different culture, breathtaking views, and ancient histories waiting to be explored. What could be more thrilling than discovering the sun-kissed shores of Spain, the turquoise bays of … [Read more...]
Day Trip to Tibidabo from Barcelona
A mountain top amusement park with emblematic vintage and modern rides offering the best viewpoint over Barcelona and the Mediterranean. El Tibidabo is the highest peak in the Sierra de Collserola mountain range behind Barcelona. It is famous mostly for the Tibidabo Parc de atraciones amusement park inaugurated in 1901 but also boasts a Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor with tourist roof access to the viewpoint, the historic Fabra … [Read more...]
Solo in Sweden
June must be the perfect time to visit Sweden. Quite far north, and in the build-up to solstice, the sun doesn’t set until around 10pm. The flowers were in full bloom in parks and roadside. There were blue skies every day but the air still felt crisp, fresh, not the back-of-the-bus kind of heat I associate with summer in the cities of the UK. Last June I spent a few days visiting a couple of friends who lived in Copenhagen (DK) and Lund in … [Read more...]
Medieval Vic day trip by train from Barcelona
Vic (aka Vich) is a fantastic train accessible tourist day trip from Barcelona being a compact town with a historic walled centre that retains most of it’s medieval buildings and street layout. Vic, the capital of the Osona county, can be found 69 kilometres (42 miles) inland in a large mountain surrounded plain halfway between Barcelona and the Pyrenees. Vic has a good … [Read more...]
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