Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia
Hot air balloons are almost as much a feature of Cappadocia as the magnificent underground cities and fairy chimney houses. When you wake on your first morning to a sky filled with colourful balloons drifting almost silently over the remarkable landscape around you, you know you’ve arrived somewhere magical. But do you want to fly in a hot air balloon? Here’s why you should. Waking up in Cappadocia Waking up on my first morning in Cappadocia, I was aware of two sounds that I don’t normally wake to. The first was a determined mooing, so loud the (presumably) cow could have been standing at the end of the bed (but…
Seven things you might not know about Nice
Nice has been the jewel in the crown of the French Riviera for centuries. The stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, luxury yachts, amazing fresh food and joie de vivre are just some of the things Nice is celebrated for. Many people think they know Nice on the French Riviera, but how familiar are you with Nice? Here are seven interesting facts about Nice that you might not know. 1. Why is Nice named Nice? Originally known as ‘Nike’ and settled as part of the Greek empire, Nice also spent a period of time under Italian rule and named ‘Nizza’. In fact, Nice only became part of France in 1860 when the…
Free things to do in Dubrovnik
UNESCO World Heritage Site Dubrovnik is a fascinating town and has many unique charms. While I would argue you cannot see the best of Dubrovnik without spending anything at all in the old town, where the architecture is both historic and intricately detailed, buildings can be works of art, window displays are a source of pride, and life is colourful. There are certainly still lots of opportunities to enjoy Dubrovnik when your budget is a bit tight. Here are the best free things to do in Dubrovnik. Climb Mount Srd Standing proud behind Dubrovnik’s city walls, 413m tall Mount Srd is a 90 mins climb, and rewards the energetic with…
10 Best things to do in Dubrovnik
It is no wonder Game of Thrones was filmed in Dubrovnik; the ancient walled city is one of impressive historic beauty, and certainly seems borrowed from another world. Dubrovnik, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, sits in splendour on the southern Croatian coastline. It is best known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site listed old town, surrounded by formidable stone walls. As playwright George Bernard Shaw said during a visit in the 1920s, “Those who seek paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik” There are many things to do in and around the old town of Dubrovnik. Due to the proximity of everything, visitors could easily see a…
5 of the best villages in Provence
I feel really lucky to have been able to spend some time exploring Provence. I think it to be one of the most beautiful areas of France, if not the world. From tiny villages filled with mystery, to sophisticated settlements offering incredible backdrops while you sample the local produce, there is definitely a village for every taste. Here are my five favourite villages in Provence. St Remy de Provence One time home to Vincent Van Gogh and Nostradamus, Sainte Remy de Provence is a beautiful example of a perfect Provencal village. Across pretty village squares and beneath arching trees colourful shops entice you in to discover locally made melt in…
Food and Drinks of Cyprus
Food and drink is at the very heart of eastern Mediterranean culture, and nowhere is this more in evidence than in Cyprus. While you may think Greek food and Greek Cypriot food are pretty much one and the same, Cypriots will always point out that it’s the subtle changes that make all the difference in their dishes. So what’s on the menu? Meat and fish dishes Halloumi is possibly the most famous Cypriot foodstuff and while this brine-soaked goat’s cheese concoction is rubbery when raw, it’s so good when fried or grilled and has worked its way into a number of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes. If you’re eating in…
The best Christmas markets in Paris
Experience the Paris Christmas markets and no other market will ever match up. Parisians take markets very seriously, and the city’s Christmas markets are no different. No matter what you’re looking for, be it fresh food, regional produce, Christmas food, mulled wine, cheese, crafts, jewellery, clothing, Christmas decorations or gifts, you will be spoilt for choice at the Paris Christmas markets. Inspired by the way nearby Germany embraces Christmas, France’s tradition of Christmas markets originated in the Alsace region, and the products sold at the Paris Christmas markets come from all over the country. Paris is popular year-round, but the iconic wooden chalets clustered together to form the traditional Christmas…
Things to do in Gibraltar
A lot has happened over the years in the 7 square kilometres that make up Gibraltar. Originally settled by the Moors, then conquered by the Spanish and later becoming a British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar has seen many conflicts and the country today is a fascinating mix of several influences. There are lots of things to see, and the good news for those short on time is that everything is very close together. Having first visited Gibraltar as a child, I can guarantee a visit to see the Gibraltar rock apes will create lifelong memories. It was great to revisit recently and see the apes continuing to thrive on top of…
Sanary Sur Mer – a small town with a big history
Many visitors to the Marseille region of Provence travel east far enough to explore the marvellous calanques along the coastline. Some even make it far enough to appreciate Cassis and her charms, but those that travel just a short distance further east are rewarded with time spent in Sanary Sur Mer, which is far quieter than other more famous towns on the French Riviera, but just as pretty. Sanary, as it is known locally, is a beautiful fishing port, without all the crowds. The town is near Toulon, about 75 km east of Marseille and 150km west of Nice. Sanary is a small town with a big history. The little…
Plitvice National Park – a waterfall wonderland
If you’ve ever considered visiting Croatia, you’ve probably seen photos of Plitvice National Park. Perhaps it is the reason you want to go? The incredibly beautiful lake system, with a handmade walking path leading past several cascading waterfalls, lures thousands of visitors each year, and is definitely worth a visit. Things to see at Plitvice The main draw of the almost 300 metre square park is the large lake system. There are two large lakes and several kilometres of walking paths lead around each. As you wander along the handmade footpath of logs, sometimes with the water rushing beneath your feet, you pass pretty little waterfalls, large open sections of…
