I’m following a steep trail through enormous gum trees. Every few steps a red butterfly or scurrying lizard catches my eye. The air is fresh and were it not for the glimpses of turquoise water between the trees, it would be easy to believe I’m in a large forest. I’m starting to break a sweat.Though […]
Read more "Islas Cíes: the Best Beach in Europe"Considering how many people visit Europe every year, it’s surprising how few itineraries feature Portugal. And even then, the majority of tourists are flocking to the beaches in the south. But there’s more to Portugal than beaches, and with these 8 unmissable activities you can have an unforgettable day in Porto. 1. Climb the bell […]
Read more "One Day in Porto: 8 Unmissable Activities"Even just the word ‘Gallipoli’ is loaded for antipodeans. We all learned about it in history class, but few have been fortunate enough to visit the site where so many Kiwis and Australians lost their lives in the first world war. Gallipoli is around a 5 hour drive from Istanbul, so it’s ambitious to do […]
Read more "Gallipoli (in Photos)"Where East meets West. That’s what I’d heard about Istanbul. Knowing it was a heavily Muslim city, I pictured it exactly like Marrakesh, with snake charmers in the public square, Eastern architecture, and calls to prayer over loudspeaker a few times a day. When we first arrived, part of me was a little disappointed: what […]
Read more "Ottoman Trek: Istanbul"Plovdiv. Where on earth is Plovdiv? I certainly couldn’t have told you before booking the Busabout Ottoman Trek. And yet, somehow, here I am! It’s actually quite pretty. The old Roman amphitheatre A Bulgarian man on a hill who randomly caught my eye Sunset by the mosque Although I’m a little bemused by their attempt […]
Read more "Ottoman Trek: Plovdiv"When I was about six years old, I wrote a poem about an “army of ballerinas”. The metaphor may be a little impenetrable, but I was attempting to wax lyrical about a field of sunflowers.The last place I ever expected to encounter this army in the flesh is Bulgaria. But, within 15 minutes of crossing […]
Read more "Ottoman Trek: Sofia"For some reason I expected Belgrade to be monolithic and cold. But our local guide is quick to point out that it’s a city of music and culture, and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that my preconceptions were miles off.Our walking tour takes in some of the key sights: The old palace […]
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