Each year Egypt receives millions of visitors from all over the world. During the holy month of Ramadan, there is a significant increase in the number of visitors from Arab and Muslim countries as they come to enjoy the distinctive atmosphere of Egyptian cities during holy month. Have you ever thought of visiting Egypt during Ramadan? Is there anything you need to know before your trip? And, why do people say Ramadan in Egypt is distinctive? In this article I explain what makes Ramadan an important time for Egyptians, to let you know what cultural experiences are awaiting you and what you c ..read more

Lascaux II, a partial but spectacular and highly accurate replica of Lascaux, was opened to the public in 1983. This allowed 1000s of people to experience the Ice Age cave art of Lascaux that is now closed to everyone. Since the opening of Lascaux IV, a new more in-depth experience is on offer at Lascaux II. Now you get to enter the Hall of the Bulls and see those extraordinary images, as close as is possible, just as the prehistoric people did all those years ago.  Thomas Dowson Last Checked and/or Updated 19 February 2024 No Comments France TABLE OF CONTENTS Add a heade ..read more

Discover thousands of years of human history Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, from the rock shelters and caves of our more recent ancestors, some of which are adorned with the finest examples of Ice Age art in Europe, to the Medieval rock-cut shelters occupied during the 100 Year’s War. All within walking distance of a picturesque village in the Dordogne’s Vézére Valley.  Thomas Dowson Last Checked and/or Updated 17 February 2024 No Comments France, France Travel Ideas TABLE OF CONTENTS Add a header to begin generating the table of contents At the base of the limestone cliffs ..read more

The small town of Les Eyzies in the Dordogne has long been described as the World Capital of Prehistory. Not only is the National Prehistory Museum here, there are also some of the best decorated Ice Age caves in the town, as well as some historically important prehistoric. With so many archaeological sites to choose from, where do you start? The Pôle Préhistoire, as it is known, is the place to start. This is more of an orientation centre, an introduction to the prehistory of the Vézère Valley. When creating your itinerary for the area, be sure to include the centre at the start of your ex ..read more

Roman Silchester, or Calleva Atrebatum as the Romans called the town, is one of England’s important archaeological sites. The site first came to our attention in 1866 when the Reverend James Joyce found the so-called Silchester eagle, now in the Reading Museum. More recently, since 1974 Professor Michael Fulford from the University of Reading has lead a series of excavations on almost all aspects of the site. To mark the 50 years of this research, a temporary exhibition, Becoming Roman – Silchester, a Town of Change, is currently being hosted by the Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery in Bas ..read more

Once an overgrown, ruined pre-Colombian city in the heart of the Yucatán jungle, Chichén Itzá is now one of the most popular attractions in Mexico. Most visitors to the area make the trip to see this extraordinary UNESCO listed Mayan site, wherever they are staying on the peninsular. At around two hours from the more popular resorts, many prefer to take advantage of an organised tour to Chichén Itzá. With many to choose from, here I share tips for deciding which one is right for you. For more detailed information about visiting the site, see our article on visiting Chichén Itzá.  T ..read more

TABLE OF CONTENTS Add a header to begin generating the table of contents Red Rocks Rwanda tours offer a captivating journey through this East African nation known for its rich heritage and tumultuous past. Ideally suited for travellers interested in culture, history and wildlife, these tours provide an all round understanding of the country’s heritage, from its pre-colonial roots to the post-genocide era of reconciliation and growth. Highlights include a Kigali city tour, cultural encounters, ethnic heritage, Gorilla trekking, historical sites, scenic landscapes, Rwandan cuisine ..read more

The museum in Taranto, Museo Nazionale Archeologico di Taranto, is one of the finest national museums in Italy. Particularly well known for its collection of artefacts from the time when the city was colonised by the Dorians from Sparta. For anyone interested in the Greek colonies of the Mediterranean, the new displays are a must. But as with many museums around the world, included in the collection is an exquisite statue of Thot in the form of a baboon, one of the ancient Egyptian deities. Thomas Dowson Last Checked and/or Updated 8 January 2024 No Comments Amazing Artefacts TABL ..read more

In 2023, Historic England added 227 new places to the National Heritage List for England. A further 231 places had their listings amended. These range from an Iron Age Fogou in Cornwall to many exceptional examples of 20th century architecture. Originated in 1882, ‘the List’ now includes over 400,000 entries. These include buildings, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, registered battlefields and protected shipwreck sites. To showcase the diversity of historic sites and places in England, I highlight 15 of the recently listed places. Thomas Dowson Last Checked and/or Upda ..read more

Berlin is a popular destination whatever the season; there is always something to do. And this is particularly true in the run up to Christmas. There are said to be well over 70 Christmas markets, and many more festive events in the German capital. Some of  these even continue beyond 25 December. My first Berlin Christmas market experience  was in 2001, and I enjoy my first one of the season each year as if it was my first. Having visited Christmas markets all over Germany, Berlin is still my favourite place to visit in Germany during Advent. Having lived there for three years, th ..read more