Most tourists visiting Malta dedicate just a day to the sister island, Gozo and that in our view is a mistake because this little Mediterranean island measuring just 14 kilometres in length by 7.5 kilometres in width has a rural character, is less developed and is a haven of tranquility. The island, the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago was in world news as the well know Azure Window, probably the most photographed spot on the Maltese islands is no more. The Tieqa tad-Dwejra, as it is known in Maltese, collapsed into the Mediterranean Sea on Wednesday 8 March leaving no trace whatsoever. Apart from being considered one of the top diving destinations in the Mediterranean, Gozo has many other natural features including the Inland Sea, also in Dwejra. So how best to spend a perfect day on the island of Gozo? To reach the island you need to get a ferry unless you are sailing there. We would recommend that you have a very light breakfast (if you really need one) … [Read more...]
A perfect day in San Gimignano
San Gimignano is a small walled medieval hill town in the province of Siena in Tuscany famous for its towers. It is perfect for a day trip from Florence or Siena but also worth visiting if you are on a trip in the Chianti region. San Gimignano's medieval architecture is unique particularly with the preservation of around 14 medieval towers which dominate its skyline. This town used to be a relay point for pilgrims that travelled to and from Rome and the patrician families who controlled the town built around 72 tower-houses (some which were around 50 metres high) as symbols of their wealth and power. Today, 14 have survived making this hilltop town extremely unique particularly when you are approaching it from the countryside. This town has retained the feudal atmosphere and appearance though like many towns and villages in Tuscany, it is now home to many souvenir shops selling typical Tuscan produce like wines, cheese, salami and ceramics from the … [Read more...]
A perfect day in Parma
Parma is an elegant city and a must for any foodie traveller who happens to be in this area of Italy. It is maybe best known for Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese but it should not be discarded as a destination in its own right. Sometimes, the city is overlooked because visitors prefer to head to the neighbouring towns of Bologna, Mantova or Modena. But you should not underestimate this city and what it has to offer. It is a perfect city to visit on a day trip whether you are in Liguria or visiting the Tuscan/Emilian Apennines and is maybe less touristy than other more popular Italian cities. There is no question about the importance Prosciutto has in this region. With its distinct Prosciutto di Parma mark, the city and its inhabitants are incredibly proud of this ham. When we visited, there was a festival of prosciutto and many shop windows, including a shop selling watches, made space for a poster to promote the festival. On the main square in front of the … [Read more...]
A perfect day in Gent, Belgium
Gent is one of our favourite Belgian cities. This Flemish city, 45 minutes away from Brussels is a must visit for any visitor to Belgium. Sometimes overshadowed by Bruges, also called the Venice of the North, it is one of the largest cities in Belgium but has kept its charm with an amazing medieval architecture that remains intact and is remarkably well preserved and restored. It also has a huge pedestrian area with a lot of interesting highlights such as the Saint Bavo Cathedral, the Belfry, the Gravensteen castle and the splendid architecture along the old Graslei harbour. We return time and time again and never get bored of this buzzing city full of surprises and hidden gems. Foodies are in for a treat in Gent with a splendid array of restaurants, cafes and concept stores. The city is also known as the a paradise for vegetarian restaurants. The city has more vegetarian restaurants than Paris or London and is sometimes called the vegetarian capital of Europe. If you are not … [Read more...]
A perfect day in Valletta (Malta)
The starting point has to be Valletta. It is the capital city of Malta, the country where I was born and lived for over 30 years. It is known by locals as il-Belt (the City in English). It is a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen and for many years, especially after World War II, it stood in neglect abandoned by a nation which is once again discovering its glory at all times of day. Unlike other capital cities around the world, Valletta is a small peninsula with a population of just under 7,000 though more and more people are returning to live in what is considered as a World Heritage City. While Valletta has always been busy during the day with tourists and locals alike who go there for various administrative reasons, the city would fall silent after sunset as offices, museums and shops closed. But the city has been transformed over recent years and is becoming a hub of activity in the evening, away from the hustle and bustle of other busier areas on the island such as Sliema/St … [Read more...]