Fort Bourtange is one of the most famous fortresses in the Netherlands. It played a significant role during the Eighty Years’ War in the 16th century when the Dutch revolted against the Spanish occupation. It’s also known for its five-pointed star shape, a military design that quickly became popular in the Netherlands – other star-shaped fortress towns in the Netherlands include Naarden Vesting and Heusden. Fort Bourtange seen from the air (image by Wikimedia Commons) Located in the province of Groningen (map) in northern Netherlands, a few kilometers from the German border, Fort Bourtange st ..read more

The province of Rimini lies in the southeastern corner of the region of Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy. Most visitors flock to its coast and capital city, Rimini, to enjoy the beaches and ancient old town. From the outskirts of the city of Rimini, the flat landscape gradually rises as the foothills of the Apennines. This hilly region in the province of Rimini is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, blending lush hills and scenic valleys with historic hill towns that offer a glimpse into Emilia-Romagna’s rich cultural heritage. If you’re looking to get away from the coast and explore Rimi ..read more

To be honest, I’d not heard of Quedlinburg until I started planning a trip around central Germany. I clicked on its name on a map by chance and noticed some beautiful images of its old town. A bit more research revealed that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I didn’t have to think twice about adding it to my itinerary! And I’m so glad I did as Quedlinburg is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Germany that I’ve ever visited. Nestled in the northern edges of the Harz Mountains of Saxony-Anhalt, Quedlinburg offers a unique journey through time with its well-preserved medieval and Romane ..read more

Rimini is a city on Italy’s northern Adriatic coast in the region of Emilia-Romagna. Known for its sandy beaches, Rimini is a popular summer destination for many northern Europeans. For me, Rimini’s biggest attractions are its ancient Roman landmarks, stunning medieval monuments, atmospheric lanes and vibrant piazzas. The old town of Rimini, a fair distance from the coast, is truly a treasure trove of ancient wonders, some of which are more than 2,000 years old! I’ve visited Rimini numerous times and it’s always a treat to explore its old town and immerse myself in its timeless charm. Here are ..read more

The south of France is a vast area that stretches from the fringes of the Atlantic Ocean and the northern flank of the Pyrenees mountain range to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps. Encompassing parts of three French regions (Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur), the south of France offers countless places to explore and enjoy. Even after numerous trips to different parts of all three regions, I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface. When most people think of the south of France, Provence and Côte d’Azur spring to mind. When planning this southern Fra ..read more

Martina Franca, or simply Martina, is one of the most beautiful ‘white towns’ in the region of Puglia in southern Italy. Nestled in the heart of the Itria Valley (Val D’Itria) in central Puglia, Martina Franca has a lovely old town filled with whitewashed houses, resplendent Baroque architecture and picturesque lanes. It’s a town with plenty of local charm. Wander around its age-old alleys and you’ll hear lively chatter emanating from one of the wine bars, see laundry hanging from the balconies and kids playing football in a little square fronted by an impressive Baroque church. There are lots ..read more

Rügen is the largest island in Germany. Nestled in the Baltic Sea, the island is known for its gentle landscapes, coastal cliffs, tranquil beaches, verdant forests and charming villages. Rügen offers a perfect setting for a road trip. As you follow the scenic routes, you’ll encounter pristine nature reserves and beaches, historic attractions and rustic villages that showcase the island’s unique character. I spent several days exploring Rügen and had a wonderful time soaking up the island’s laid-back vibes and gorgeous natural surrounds. If you’re considering a road trip in northern Germany, e ..read more

Otranto is a coastal town in the region of Puglia in southern Italy, not far from the easternmost point of the Italian peninsula. My attention was first drawn to this town after seeing a stunning photo of its medieval walls fronting the Adriatic Sea. I researched the town and learned about its long and tumultuous history, stretching back to the 8th century B.C. (!), and made a note to visit it one day. During my trip to Puglia in May, I made sure to include Otranto in my itinerary and I stayed there for two nights. I discovered a gem of a town with an imposing castle, a maze of charming street ..read more

Haarlem is a historic city a short drive or train ride west of Amsterdam. The capital of the province of North Holland, Haarlem received city rights in 1245. It flourished during the Middle Ages as a centre of textiles and shipbuilding due to its location on the Spaarne River. It also gained widespread fame as a centre of beer brewing and tulips! These days, it’s a vibrant city that’s a delight to explore, especially because its medieval layout and buildings are still predominantly intact. The old town is composed of several islands, separated by various canals and the Spaarne River. I’ve visi ..read more

Rein Abbey (Stift Rein) is a Cistercian monastery located in the hills a short drive northwest of Graz, Austria. Founded in 1129, it’s the oldest (continuously-inhabited) Cistercian monastery in the world. I’d not heard of this abbey until my recent visit to Graz. While I searched the tourism board’s website for places of interest around Graz, I saw a photo of Rein Abbey, in all its Baroque splendour. Being a fan of this architectural style, I knew right away that I should visit it. This half-day trip turned out to be an unforgettable visit to one of the most beautiful churches in Austria! Rei ..read more