Category: Europe

The Alto Douro region in northern Portugal, commonly called the Douro Valley, is a sculpted wonder to see. What allows the Alto Douro to stand out in contrast to other amazing locales in the world? The steep hills, deep valleys and snaking rivers are incredibly awe inspiring on their own. Yet, it’s the artistic sculpting…

As dawn breaks, fog encircles the minarets of Istanbul’s Blue Mosque. Sipping Turkish coffee, we listen to the calls to prayer reverberating from mosques throughout the city, where Asia and Europe meet. A decade ago we fell in love with Turkey. It is a love of the people, the culture, the food and the rich,…

“What’s the difference? Isn’t Nordic walking just walking with hiking poles?” When I ask friends, “Have you ever tried Nordic walking?” this is the usual response. I admit it is exactly what I think, when Mandy Johnson, owner of Active By Nature in Canmore, offers to take us Nordic pole walking. My regular hiking poles…

‘Definitely not much to be seen in Aberdeen’ was the refrain I kept hearing when deciding to stow away on Hubby’s business trip to Scotland. Being the ever optimistic traveler I was certain I could find something of interest in a place that has been on the map for more than a thousand years. Four…

“The locals hate tourists on bicycles.” It is a discouraging introduction from our Amsterdam cycling guide, as the rain pelts down mercilessly on our waterproof ponchos.  “Whatever you do don’t stop in the middle of the bike path and get in an Amsterdam cyclist’s way. They are on their way to work or home and…

What do Barcelona and the Eiffel Tower have to do with each other? To answer this, one must go back in time. Gustave Eiffel prepares himself for a big presentation proposing his massive steel tower for the upcoming world fair. He’s confident his vision of a grandiose monument to mark the entrance of the exposition will…

Amsterdam Buildings on Firm Ground – Not! Now the first thing to understand is Amsterdam was built on a swamp. Probably not much choice in such a flat, low-lying country. After all, Netherlands means “lower countries” referring to the elevation and flat topography of this European country. With no solid bedrock to rely on for a strong natural…

Switzerland is renowned for a lot of things, but still, it remains a bit of a mystery to most people. Perhaps because it is overshadowed by its neighbours, or because it is so expensive to visit? Either way, there are a few things you should know about travel to Switzerland before you head there for…

On our recent trip to Ireland, the first stop after leaving Dublin, was the Rock of Dunamase, an impressive rock outcrop towering 150 feet above the flat plain, located some 85 kilometres (53 miles) southwest of Dublin. The stunning scenery encircling the “Rock” makes it very apparent this was the perfect location for a castle to oversee…

Ireland’s lush green landscapes and rolling hills are punctuated by some of the most evocative and enduring symbols of medieval history: stone castles. These ancient fortresses, which dot the Irish countryside, are not just architectural marvels; they are testimonies to a rich and tumultuous past. From defensive strongholds to grand residences, Irish stone castles offer…