Heading to Milan from Venice, I simply had to make a stop in Verona. Home to the Arena which pre-dates the Colosseum in Rome, and Casa di Guilietta, that famous balcony. Without much other planning, my delightful AirBNB host Guilia…
New Year in Venice
Who could resist an authentic Venice apartment, just 50m from San Marco Square for New Years Eve ? Some 150 islands connected by around 450 bridges await. I hadn’t originally considered re-visiting any European place from 7 years ago, but…
Hallstatt Austria
Ahhh, Insta-famous Hallstatt. Yes it’s pretty, yes it was nice to see, but it equally suffers from excessive visitors, especially those after this well know shot (right) But to get it, you have to battle this crowd (below) Get…
Christmas in Salzburg Austria
I sort-of expected Salzburg to be a smaller Vienna, but not even close. The Old Town is tucked into a sheer-cliff mountain range, home to Fortress Hohensalzburg & a Monestary/Katacombs to touch the surface. Stunning churches, countless passageways…
Christmas Markets Europe 2023
Europe embraces Christmas Markets with a clear passion. (or is it all about socializing around Gluhwein & Punsch ?) Lights, color, crafts and soooo much to see. As a solo traveler, its an easy way to feel a part…
Sigmaringen Castle Germany
After an eventful regional train journey, I arrived at Sigmaringen, home to Germany’s second biggest city palace. The best view of the Palace is from the other side of the Danube, standing imposing upon an original Castle foundation. The audioguided…
Hohenbaden Castle Germany
After enjoying (original condition) Loket Castle in Czechia, discovering a Ruins castle behind Baden-Baden in Germany was exciting. A leisurely (lol) 3km elevated walk from the Spa town centre, was great for cardio, but just the start once there, climbing…
Baden-Baden Germany
7 years ago, on a drive through the Black Forest, I stopped at Baden-Baden, and indulged a few hours in the old-world Friedrichsbad Roman-Irish Baths/Spa. I returned to enjoy this experience again over a few days, instead of a few…
Dresden Germany
If you google Christmas Markets, there is an often famous photo of the massive Striezelmarkt in Dresden. (photo to the right by others). So what better way to start my German leg of this journey, heading south to Salzburg for Christmas,…
Loket Castle Czechia
A short day trip from Karlovy Vary gave me opportunity to visit the largely original Loket Castle I understand that many of these heritage buildings have either been re-built or evolved over time. Restorations can sadly take away from the…