It’s one of the most dramatic stories in 15th-century Florence. In 1478, the Pazzi, a well-established Florentine banking family, with support from Pope Sixtus IV, the King of Naples, and the Archbishop of Pisa, and others, hatched a plot so daring as to almost appear ridiculous: to kill Giuliano and Lorenzo de’ Medici in […]
Crete: A Feast for the Senses
A one-hour flight from Athens to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands, dropped us near Heraklion, a bustling, noisy town I didn’t expect to like. But who can resist those exuberant Greeks, who love to talk? Every square and every cafe-bar was crammed with coffee-and beer-drinkers watching the scene and talking endlessly to […]
Greece’s Mani: Rugged, Rocky and Beautiful
If you look at a map of the Peloponnesian peninsula, the huge chunk of land that forms western Greece, you’ll see three long fingers jutting south into the Aegean Sea. One of them is the Mani. This rocky, ruggedly beautiful region, with part of the Taygettus mountain range, gets plenty of tourists but it’s […]
In Barcelona – There’s No Avoiding La Rambla
Chances are that your visit to Barcelona, the Catalan capital, will be a warm and inspiring one. Sea-breezes, sunshine and outdoor socializing are all hallmarks of a maritime city pulsing with fashion, design, nightlife and thousands of satisfied visitors each and every year. Escaping the crowds isn’t an option here, and you really wouldn’t want to, because […]
In Search of Croatia’s First Wine Hotel
The bus driver pulled over on the side of a long road. We hadn’t passed anything that looked alive in the past fifteen minutes. I could see nothing but empty vineyards and empty houses ahead. He looked at me through the rear view mirror to tell me it was my stop. I bumped several unsuspecting […]
Touring the Peloponnese, Olympia to Mycenae
You can’t travel in Greece without feeling awed by the history that surrounds you. Especially on the Peloponnesian peninsula, where the Olympics games began and the Mycenean culture thrived. On our way to see these ancient sites, John and I encountered quaint mountain villages, vineyards, tucked-away beaches, and friendly people who were happy to raise […]
The Delights of Greece: Athens and Delphi
John and I came to the birthplace of Western democracy to marvel at ancient ruins and sites of mythology. Sure enough, they were incredible. But just as amazing was the vibrant modern life that swirled around the old stone columns and pathways.
Europe’s Christmas Markets
Most people look to Germany and Austria for Christmas markets, but Europe is a treasure trove of wonderful markets to lure travelers. We did the research for you and found these Christmas markets for you to enjoy. Most open at 10 or 11am and end around 9pm, from mid-to late November through December. Austria Starting […]
Easy Day Trips From Florence
During your stay in Florence, especially if you’re here during the hot summer months, you’re going to want to leave behind the hustle and bustle of the skinny streets and the overcrowded museums. Here are three day trips you can take to get some perspective and fresh air.
Where To Stay In Florence: Editor’s Picks
When deciding where to stay in Florence, whether you want luxury accommodations with around-the-clock room service or just a clean, quiet place to lay your head after walking all over this beautiful city, the city offers a wide range of hotel options. We’ve compiled a list of what we consider the best Florence hotles, […]