The Netherlands most southerly city of Maastricht can rightly claim the title “Centre of Europe” symbolizing the European dream ever since the signing of the historic Maastricht Treaty back in 1992.
Read the full story here
Europe and Middle East
Maastricht. The centre of Europe
14/09/2014 .
Renting a villa in Pietrasanta
10/09/2014 .
In a town where British accents are practically non existent, the odds of finding an Italian taxi driver speaking broad Scottish were lower than winning the lottery. But, when Roberto picked us up outside our villa it seemed Rob Roy had crossed over to Italy. We were renting a villa in Pietrasanta, courtesy of Bridgewater Travel, a family-run Tuscan luxury rentals specialist and we were taking a cab in for a wander around Pietrasanta, the beautiful city of marble, the legendary coastal retreat of artists and sculptors and the Florentine well-to-do.
Read the full story hereHOTEL DE LA CITE
21/08/2014 .
It may only be 108 years old, but the Hotel de la Cite, part of the MGallery Collection, is the last and most decorative piece in the 1200-year-old jigsaw puzzle which makes Carcassonne such a fascinating place to visit. It was at the beginning of the 9th century that this ancient citadel got its name when it survived a siege by Charlemagne with the help of its moat, drawbridge and thick Roman walls.
Read the full story hereBavaria In the Footsteps of Hitler
18/08/2014 .
Bavaria In the footsteps of Hitler. The music coming from behind the closed door of room 105 up on the second floor was not unexpected given this was the Munich University School of Music and Performing Arts. A building of some majesty it has to be said; marble pillars, two grand marble staircases and art deco balconies everywhere you look. However, this particular building hides a very dark past. In 1938, it was better known as The Führerbau or Leaders House and behind door 105, Adolf Hitler sat in his personal office. The very place where British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, Hitler and Mussolini signed the Munich Agreement, an act which ultimately led to WW2.
Read the full story hereDubrovnik Guide to Game of Thrones Locations
25/07/2014 .
King’s Landing was looking particularly impressive from where I was standing, perched atop adjacent Fort Lovrijenac, or The Red Keep to you and me, itself a veteran of many Game of Thrones locations.
Read the full story hereKosice. A Slovakian stunner.
22/07/2014 .
It was raining in the charming historical centre of Kosice, but that didn’t deter the singing fountains one little bit, getting on down as they were, to the sounds of ABBA drifting across the small park. Actually, to call them singing is a little bit of a misnomer, as they don’t sing at all, more like dance really. And it seems they have varied musical tastes, with a classic symphony coming hot on the heels of Mamma Mia and the fountains responding accordingly, changing their patterns to complement the gentler swells.
Read the full story hereMusic festivals in Lisbon
02/07/2014 .
Portugal’s capital is no stranger to music with its traditional Fado always a popular draw. However the city has plenty of alternative forms of musical expression and this summer visitors can head to a host of music events which cater to all tastes. Listed below is the TripReporter guide to some of this summer’s top music festivals in Lisbon:
Read the full story hereExploring Slovenia
18/06/2014 .
Shoemakers Bridge was looking particularly pretty in its Christmas party dress as I began exploring Slovenia. All lit up and sending out fine festive feelings to the folk in Ljubljana Slovenia.. Remarkably different from its former role as the location for dunking misbehaving bakers into the cold murky Ljubljana river back in the middle ages. It seems in those days, the bread makers had a habit of creaming a little extra profit in hard times, and since bread was so important as a staple diet, it didn’t go down too well with the locals.
Read the full story hereTallinn. Too tempting to miss.
18/06/2014 .
Andy Mossack reviews Tallin, Estonia’s vibrant capital.
Read the full story hereThe Beaches of Emilia Romagna
16/06/2014 .
The Emilia Romagna region along Italy’s Adriatic coastal stretch is impressive. Miles and miles of soft sandy beaches, all of them clean as a whistle and family friendly. This is the thing about most Italian resort beaches, they are set up perfectly.From Lido di Volano in the north by the Po Delta to Cattolica in the south close to the border with the Marche region.There are play areas for kids where parents can sit and relax and still keep an eye on the little ones, excellent clean toilets and wash rooms and plenty of available beds and umbrellas.
Read the full story here
