I find myself in a city with a less distinguishable ‘old town’ than many others. You see, in the late 19th century, there occurred a massive earthquake followed by another in 1911. Between these two events, most of the old buildings were wiped out. Come get lost with me in Almaty Kazakhstan and let’s see …
I am fortunate to have been befriended by my Airbnb host Fotima. We exchanged several messages in which she had asked if she could discuss her Airbnb’s with me. I was a host myself at one time, so she wanted to get my opinion. One day Fotima offered to take me to the beautiful Imam …
Before leaving a destination, I like to pass on some ideas for places that I found particularly interesting, and didn’t cost this frugal traveller anything. This amazing city offers a multitude of these and I was never once out of options. Here are 10 free things to do in Doha Qatar that I hope you …
Wandering into this vast area, one quickly realizes there is much more to discover than initially thought. What was once the city’s largest commercial port, has been transformed into an area for tourists and locals to flock to and enjoy. Here is a run down of what to see at Mina District & Old Doha …
My interest in these ancient people has been aflame since I began exploring their underground tombs in Montepulciano. Reading about them, not a whole lot is known. Fortunately, I find myself in the exact place to learn a great deal more. MAEC & the amazing Etruscan history in Cortona is full of treasures I want …
This is what I am most eager to learn about and explore while visiting this medieval city. In an area where wine has been produced for centuries, the history and culture surrounding it are both mysterious and intriguing. The best Montepulciano wine tasting & cellars are nothing short of amazing and can be budget friendly. …
Two things’ visitors to Lucca can see for a small fee are these. Both are located inside the historical core and only a six-minute walk apart. One is a palace that is partially open to the public, and the gardens are accessible too. The other, the only remaining medieval family tower, of the 250 that …
As soon as I stumbled onto the knowledge that there were ancient ruins buried under a church, I was hooked. Having no idea what to expect, I entered the largest church in the city, paid my €10 to see all four sites and was met with awe. The archaeological complex of the Lucca Cathedral is …
I try and visit at least one cemetery in each new destination I visit. I find them peaceful, for the most part, full of art, architecture and beauty. They are free to enter and offer a glimpse into a culture that is unique and historical. I found two incredible cemeteries in Florence you must see …
The largest museum in Florence is the historical home of the Medici family. It actually contains seven separate museums and over 500 pieces of Renaissance art in one of them alone. I aim to provide some insight as to the contents of each place, so you can plan your visit accordingly. What to see in …
Always on the hunt for the more unusual things to see or do at a new destination, I found an absolute gem. I was not prepared for the sheer volume of displays nor their quality. What I saw, will stay with me for years, incredibly interesting and fascinating beyond belief. Inside the stunning La Specola …
A first trip to Florence would not be complete without seeing specific historical and cultural sights. Many of these have to be planned prior to arrival, for the tickets sell out online as soon as they are released months in advance. Visiting the beautiful Uffizi Gallery & Vasari Corridor is one such place. Getting There …
What a pleasure it is to be back in Italy. I can’t explain why, but something about this country feels so right to me. The weather, history, beauty, language, art and food all combine to create a perfect atmosphere that feels like home. Here are my first impressions of Florence Italy after my initial walk-a-bout …
I have no trouble what so ever providing ideas for future visitors. Skopje is filled with curiosities and interesting things to see and do. With its varied history, different ethnicities and current government, the city is simply fascinating to explore. Here are 5 free things to do in Skopje Macedonia that I hope you enjoy …
Always a fan of these types of historical museums, I was disappointed when I tried to visit and found it closed. Under refurbishment for a month during late summer, luckily it reopened before I left the city. The amazing Archaeological Museum of Macedonia is worth a visit for sure. Getting There You can’t miss it. …
One of my favourite ways to discover a new destination, is to let myself wander with abandon. Doing this, with no preconceived agenda, allows me the presence of mind, to really explore a space. Get lost with me in the Old Bazaar in Skopje Macedonia, lets discover magic. Brief History The Old Bazaar is located …
An historical treasure that dominates the landscape in this capital city is the Skopje Kale (kale being Turkish for ‘fortress’). Used on the coat of arms which in turn shows up on the city flag, you know this is an important structure. On your next visit, don’t miss Skopje Fortress a real historical treasure. Getting …
This is one of the easiest of these posts I have written. And that is because everything I have seen here has been free! With so few places to visit, I have not encountered one single entrance fee into any of them. Imagine that! A European capital city that has so few tourists, there are …
Originally this space was known as the Museum of Titograd. After the capital city changed its name to Podgorica, the museum was renamed and combined with the national art gallery. Today visitors can enter this large building and see everything for free! The Beautiful Museum & Gallery Podgorica is a combination experience and worthy of …
Stari Bar or Old Town Bar is the most important medieval city in the whole of the Balkans. This is according to the UNESCO World Heritage Organization. The city was abandoned just over 100 years ago, and what remains is simply extraordinary. Why you should visit Old Town Bar Montenegro is an easy question to …