One of the best things to do in Madrid is to use the city as a home base for exploring nearby destinations. And there are a handful of incredibly cool places to go. Walk the fortified walls at Ávila, see the amazing Roman aqueduct in Segovia, explore the cobblestoned streets in Toledo, tour a historic palace, go wine tasting, and …
Explore the old town of Funchal, watch the sunrise from one of Madeira’s highest peaks, hike on coastal trails and alongside levadas, go whale watching, relax on the beach, go Madeira wine tasting, ride a cable car to the beach, and swim in a natural hot pool…these all top the list of things to do in Madeira. Madeira is a …
La Rioja is one of Spain’s most famous wine regions. Tucked away in northeastern Spain, tempranillo and Garnacha grapes grow on the rolling hillsides of this beautiful wine region. There are over 500 wineries in La Rioja, ranging from small, boutique vineyards to some of the biggest names in Spanish wine. We spent one week in La Rioja, and in …
Photograph the ancient Roman aqueduct, walk the old city walls, tour the Alcazar, and view the city from its highest point, the bell tower of the Segovia cathedral…these all top the list of things to do in Segovia, Spain. This beautiful city sits northwest of Madrid. Visitors can tour the highlights of Segovia in a few hours, but there is …
Seeing the unique scenery of Cappadocia from the vantage point of a hot air balloon is an unforgettable experience. Imagine floating over the surreal landscapes of fairy chimneys, rock formations, and small towns. Going for a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia was our favorite experience in Turkey. Gazing out over these magical landscapes at sunrise is well worth the …
Looking for one of the most relaxing hikes in Madeira, but still want some adventure? On the Levada do Caldeirão Verde hike, experience a calm forest walk, weave through narrow tunnels, and picnic in front of a spectacular waterfall. There’s almost no elevation gain too, so the this is the perfect hike for a lighter day in Madeira. Since it …
Aveiro is a small coastal city in central Portugal. It is known as “the Portuguese Venice” for its canals and waterways, similar to those in Venice, Italy. The top experiences in Aveiro include taking a boat tour through the canals, strolling through the city center, indulging in local pastries, and venturing beyond the city center to the salt flats and …
When deciding where to stay in Madeira, there are a few things to consider. The location of where you stay in Madeira is very important, if not the most important factor to consider, as this dictates how much driving you will do, and whether or not you need to rent a car, so this can have a huge impact on …
Córdoba is a small city filled with historic charm and several world-class sites. Visitors can walk through the maze of cobblestoned streets, tour one of the most interesting cathedrals in Europe, see Roman ruins, and enjoy views of the city from several vantage points, all in the span of just a day or two. Córdoba is yet another city in …
Try port wine at the wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, stroll along the Douro River, try Porto’s decadent street foods, visit the most beautiful bookstore in the world, enjoy the view from the Dom Luis I Bridge, and day trip to the Douro Valley, Braga, or Guimarães…these are all things you can do with 3 days in Porto. …
This southern Spain and Portugal itinerary is filled with remarkable historical sites, picturesque towns, and some of the most stunning beaches in Europe. Start in Seville, a sun-drenched city famous for its cathedral, historic old town, and Plaza de España. From here, tour a few famous Andalusian cities, visiting the Mosque-Cathedral in Córdoba, touring the Alhambra in Granada, and photographing …
Steeped in history and full of charm, Funchal is the capital city of Madeira, Portugal. Exploring the picturesque old town, visiting the city’s historic monuments, riding the cable car to Monte to explore the botanical gardens, and wine tasting all make the list of the best things to do in Funchal. And don’t miss the thrilling toboggan sled ride down …
With one day in Prague, explore the historic old town, visit the largest castle in the world, stroll across Charles Bridge, and get a view of this magnificent city from one or more of its Gothic towers. We have visited Prague several times and this is one of our favorite cities in Europe. With its blend of old warm charm …
Explore the Royal Alcazar and its lush gardens, enjoy the view of Seville from the top of Giralda Tower, photograph the colorful tiled benches in Plaza de España, watch a flamenco show, feast on tapas, and visit a historic palace…if you have 2 days in Seville, you can do all of these things and more. Seville is a beautiful city …
Hiking in Madeira is one of the best ways to enjoy the island’s natural beauty, from its high peaks to its coastal cliffs. The island offers plenty of options for any type of hiker, from steep mountain climbs to flat waterfall trails. Here are 5 of the best hikes in Madeira, our favorites on the island, and each route explores …
The Seven Wonders of Portugal are a small collection of Portugal’s most important historical sites. These range from ancient castles to historic monasteries to colorful palaces. Some you may have heard of, such as Pena Palace and Belém Tower, but others may seem more obscure. They are all worth a visit on a trip through Portugal. In this guide, we …
Martha’s Vineyard, a sizable island off the Cape Cod coast, boasts a variety of attractions including coastal towns, shopping districts, beautiful beaches, and picturesque clay cliffs. With one day in Martha’s Vineyard, we explored the island’s highlights: the delightful Oak Bluffs town, the lively Edgartown, and the serene coastal beauty of Aquinnah. These three locations captured the essence of Martha’s …
Sitting on the northern coast of Morocco sits Tangier, a small city that is a very popular day trip from Spain. For those who plan a Tangier day trip from Spain, Tarifa is the gateway city with its abundance of ferry sailings throughout the day. In just one hour, you can cross the Strait of Gibraltar, and for some people, …
A trip to Cape Cod would not be complete without spending at least one day in Provincetown. This lively town on the outermost point of the Cape is brimming with shops, antique stores, art galleries, ice cream stands, restaurants, and it’s well-known for its welcoming LGBTQ+ community. The streets are bustling with a mix of people, cars, and bikers. Spending …
Looking for a beautiful hike and an escape from the crowds? This off-the-beaten-path hike follows along Madeira’s northeastern cliffside, offering views over the dramatic cliffs and the blue ocean far below. With a mostly flat and forested trail with hardly anyone in sight, Vereda do Larano is a serene escape from the island’s main tourist attractions. This is similar to …