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Talking About Tuscany on the Amateur Traveler

I’ve written here many times about how much I enjoy the small towns and villages in Tuscany, predominantly the southern part of the area. From staying at La Montalla in Contignano, to wine tasting in Montalcino, to shopping and dining in Pienza, to exploring in Montepulciano, it’s all part of how I love to see the Italy. This past week I had a chance to discuss some of my favorite places with Chris Christensen of the Amateur Traveler. You can listen here, or head on over to iTunes and subscribe to the Amateur Traveler. Tip: Download the past episodes and catch up on all of them when you have a chance. There’s some great stories, tips, and information to be discovered there. Travel to The Hill Towns of Southern Tuscany – Episode 350

Postcard from Girona, Spain

Colorful homes line the Onyar River in Girona, Costa Brava, Spain. Walking across the bridge is an eyeful of color.

Spain by Land or by Sea

My head has been thinking a lot about Spain these days and have been sussing out all the things to see and do in the Catalunia province in northeastern Spain, from the big city of Barcelona to the mid-sized city of Girona to the small town of Begur. There’s exciting stuff: medieval cities, historic town centers, fabulous food and drink, incredible, art, charming seaside villages, beaches, and lots more. Oh yeah, my time is Catalunia is going to be just fine. As I talked to friends and family members who have been to Spain (I haven’t, this is my first trip there), I discovered that a family member is going to Barcelona to start a cruise during the precise time I am going to be in there. We live 20 miles apart from one another, but we have to travel […]

My Favorite Paris Museum

In a city as full of museums as Paris, you might think think it tough to choose a favorite. After a whirlwind week soaking up as much as I possible could, and visiting more than a few museums, there were only a few Paris museums that made a lasting impression. The Louvre was vast and covered an extensive period of time. But while I enjoyed it, the art on display – with a few notable exceptions – wasn’t really my cup of tea. The Rodin displayed statuary that was lovely, but it didn’t offer the depth to really captivate me. Although this museum would score a solid second on my list of favorites in large part because of the gardens that surround it. The Centre Pompidou made me smile with its architecture and exhibits, the Delacroix was nice, the Quai […]

The Top 5 Family Attractions in Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh is a popular place year-round for travelers of all kinds, but especially families. From the very atmospheric city streets to the many tours and festivals that the kids will love, Scotland will leave the parents charmed and your children ready for their return trip. With so many attractions and venues, it’s really hard to decide where to spend your time. So fuel up with a big Scotland breakfast, and then head out for a busy day – these suggestions are sure to keep everyone smiling Edinburgh Castle Of course, the famed icon that brings travelers here from afar has to top the list. But why? Because the castle can be a fun way to learn about Scotland’s troubled history. There is so much to see here, from the city’s oldest building (a small chapel) to […]

Photo Friday: Art of St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice

No matter where you are in Venice, it seems like there’s an arrow pointing you to San Marco Piazza. And why not? Along with the gondolas on the Grand Canal, the piazza is one of the most popular spots in a city that’s full of popular spots. The Piazza fronts Saint Mark’s Basilica, a Catholic Cathedral and the most famous church in the city. It’s Byzantine architecture and grand design has been a symbol of the power and wealth of Venice for over 10 centuries. This photo is of the lower lower level of the Basilica, and is one of the arched portals that is surrounded by columns. The arch is above a set of bronze doors than open into the interior of the cathedral, where even more awe inducing art and architecture is found. The interior is probably best […]

Photo Friday: Wisteria on Capri

From Sorrento, a visit to the island of Capri is a short boat ride away, making it an easy day trip. In high season, reservations may be important, but otherwise just head down to Marina Grande, figure out your timing, and buy a ticket. The ticket will depend on the time of boat service and the current Euro exchange rate, but figure about $15-17 and allow 20-30 minutes transport time. Before you go to the island, though, learn how to correctly. It’s pronounced CAH-pree. The often heard cuh-PREE is a pair of pants. Locals will know what you’re talking about if you say it incorrectly, but what not try for a little authenticity. Once on the island, visitors typically either head off for a tour of the famous Blue Grotto, or take the funicular up to Capri Town. The town […]

Remembering Tuscany: Opening Wine Sent Home From Italy

You know how there are those moments when you get to re-live your travel experiences all over again? Well tonight is one of those nights for me. For the last few years that we’ve been in Italy, we’ve made a point to send a case (or two) of wine home. The process isn’t difficult, we head off to Montepulciano where we have a favorite wine shop, do a little tasting, select a nice combination of favorites and new discoveries, and let the shop take care of the packing, shipping, and customs part of things. We look for a combination of wines that we love, wines we cannot get at home, and choices that represent good value. It’s not a precise science or art, but I choose wines I like and that’s most important to me. Tonight I opened a bottle […]

Visiting Malaga for August Fair

The Feria de Málaga, also known as the Feria de Agosto, is a long-standing tradition in the city of Malaga, located on Spain’s south coast. The name of the festival translates into Málaga Fair or August Fair, and is in honor of the incorporation of the city into the Crown of Castile by Isabella I of Castile and Ferdinand II of Aragon on August 18, 1487. The first year the event was celebrated was 1491, starting with a simple procession and some bullfighting. It has since evolved into a 10 day party, still including the parade and the bullfighting, but now with fireworks, traditional music and dance, and of course, food and drinks. The Feria is distinctly divided into a day festival and night festival. La Feria de día runs in the city’s historic center from midday to about 7 […]

Balmoral: The Queen’s Scottish Residence

Located in the highlands of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Balmoral Castle is a large estate house best known as one of the residences of the Royal Family. It was originally purchased by Queen Victoria, who razed the home and rebuilt it from the ground up, and has been owned by successive monarchs since that time. The working estate covers about 49,000 acres, and has managed herds of deer, cattle, and ponies. With a mix of rugged topography and manicured gardens, it’s easy to understand why the Queen loves her highland holidays at Balmoral. Also on the estate: Birkhall, where Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall spend their summers, and Craigowan Lodge, where other royal friends and family stay. There are also six smaller cottages on the property that are available for rent. While your stay in your Scottish cottages […]