Author Profile: Alberto C.

Latvia was my first visit to a Baltic country, and it didn't disappoint. Its capital, Riga, is the biggest city in the region and one of the most interesting cities in the north of Europe for a short...   view more

Moscow, the Russian capital, is one of the most fascinating places in the world. With its mixture of classical Russian architecture and oversized Soviet constructions, this city has something to offer for...   view more

The Hermitage Museum was at the very top of my must-do list in St. Petersburg. Being one of the biggest museums in the world, it not only holds one of the best collections of European art, but the palace has also witnessed some of the most important events in...   view more

"The Paris of South America", Buenos Aires definitely stands out and gives you that feeling of being in a European capital. In between the grandeur of a big city and the charming decadence of Latin America, the Argentinian capital is well worth a...   view more

Host to the Summer Olympic Games in 2016, Rio de Janeiro has become one of the top international destinations. With endless sandy beaches, a rich colonial history and a privileged location between the sea and the tropical rainforest, Rio is a dream holiday...   view more

San Sebastián, also known as Donostia in the local language, is one of those places that you've had right next to home for years, but have never had the chance to...   view more

Chefchaouen's medina is one of the most beautiful, best-preserved ensembles that you can find in Morocco. The streets are well taken care of and extremely clean compared to other Moroccan cities, which makes it the perfect town to get lost among its narrow...   view more

Cappadocia, located in the Anatolia region of Turkey in Asia Minor, is one of the most unique and mysterious regions in the...   view more

A couple of hours by ferry from Buenos Aires, just across the Rio de la Plata, Colonia del Sacramento will make you travel back in time. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1995, Colonia's Historic Quarter is one of the best preserved colonial architectonic ensembles in South...   view more

Prague is one of my favourite cities in Europe. Few places in the world are so rich in history and beautiful historical buildings. Known as the city of a hundred spires thanks to the countless churches that fill the city, Prague was included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in...   view more

My first day in Prague visiting the Old Town, Prague Castle and the quarter of Nové Město had been quite prolific, but the Czech capital would still provide me with many...   view more

When I visited Copenhagen, I was quite surprised at how close neighbouring Sweden was. You can actually spot the other side of the border across the Øresund...   view more

Italy is well known for having amazing food. When you're visiting Rome as a tourist, it's not always easy to get a decent lunch without ending up in a tourist trap that will give you low quality food for overinflated...   view more

During my recent visit to the Basque Country, I decided to stop by the city of Burgos for a quick visit. What was supposed to be a stopover turned out to be an unexpected surprise. If you love architecture, you can’t miss...   view more

Bohemia is one of the three historical regions that make up the Czech Republic, and one of the most relevant parts of the country historically. Its towns are filled with centuries of history and incredible...   view more

When I decided to travel to Lebanon last minute, everyone thought I had gone crazy. Unfortunately, Beirut gets a very bad press due to its stormy recent past as well as the ongoing conflicts in the neighbouring...   view more

Tel Aviv is certainly an exception in the Middle East: with one of the best nightlife in the world, a great tolerance no matter what is your style or sexual preference, and an incredible Mediterranean beach, this city in constant movement is a place like no...   view more

Jaffa is an ancient port city that belongs to the Tel Aviv-Yafo region and from where modern Tel Aviv has now grown. Inhabited by an Arab majority, this quiet, charming city contrasts with the skyscrapers and hectic lifestyle of Tel...   view more

First inhabited over 5,000 years ago, the port city of Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Closely associated with the history and propagation of the Phoenician alphabet, Byblos was declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in...   view more

Baalbek was a prosperous city that was located at the crossroad of some of the main trading routes of its time. Today, this glorious past has left countless archaeological remains that make Baalbek one of the best preserved ancient cities in the...   view more

Everybody has heard of Nazareth before. Famous for being the hometown of Jesus, this Arab city located in the northern district of Israel has nothing to do with the small provincial town described in the...   view more

On the north coast of Israel and approaching the Lebanese border hide two of the most picturesque sights of the Middle East: the city of Haifa with its Bahá'í Gardens, a holy site for the Bahá'í...   view more

Latvia is a country rich in history, castles and beautiful scenery. During my 48 hours in Riga, I wanted to explore beyond this big city and decided to visit the renowned Gauja National Park, located less than an hour away from the...   view more

St. Petersburg was my very first city in Russia, and it was one of those places that I had wanted to visit for years. I've always been fascinated by the Russian Empire and having been the residence of the tsars for over 300 years, I couldn't wait to discover what St. Petersburg had to...   view more

My first day in St. Petersburg had been quite intense, but I still had so much to see! During the next two days, I continued exploring Peterhof, the summer residence of the tsar, Alexander Nevsky Monastery, and the Hermitage...   view more

After visiting the highlights of St. Petersburg on my first day in the city, and exploring the incredible Peterhof Palace, Alexander Nevsky Monastery and the Hermitage Museum on my second and third day, St. Petersburg still had lots left to...   view more

After visiting Moscow, I can certainly say that Moscow Metro is one of the most, if not the most beautiful metro in the world. Opened in 1935 with an 11 km long line and only 13 stations, it became the first underground system in the Soviet...   view more

When coming to Dublin as a tourist, pretty much everybody has the same itinerary in mind: drinking their most expensive beer ever in Template Bar, queuing in the rain to see one page of the Book of...   view more

Zumaia is located only half an hour away from San Sebastián, so it's the perfect option for a day trip to explore the beautiful scenery of the Basque Country. Urban buses and trains leave every few minutes all around the...   view more

The land of Israel has one of the most extensive and complex histories of today’s modern world. From the birth and growth of the 3 main monotheistic religions to the recent Arab-Israeli conflict, a visit to Jerusalem is the perfect occasion to learn about Israel’s ancient and recent...   view more

The Via Dolorosa (Latin for "Way of Sorrow") is a street in the Old City of Jerusalem believed to be the path walked by Jesus on his way to the...   view more

Temple Mount, with the imposing Al-Aqsa Mosque and the striking Dome of the Rock, is one of the most sacred and disputed areas of Jerusalem. During my fourth day in the Holy City, I queued up during its limited opening hours to ensure that I could access this unique...   view more

Hebron, located in the West Bank, is the second holiest city of Judaism as well as one of the four holy cities of Islam. Split since 1997 in two sectors, one controlled by the Palestinian Authority and the other one by Israel, Hebron is one of the most troubled areas of the Middle...   view more

When we hear about the Palestinian Territories in Western media, we often get images of war, conflict and terrorism. Being so close to the West Bank during my visit to Jerusalem, I couldn't help but experience myself what Palestine was really...   view more

Modern Bethlehem is a buzzing and modern city with a population of over 25,000, clearly much different than the small village of shepherds from the New Testament, but equally...   view more

Founded 1550 with the name of Helsingfors when Finland was still part of the Kingdom of Sweden, Helsinki originated as a new trading port to compete with Tallinn in Estonia, located just across the Gulf of...   view more

Founded in 1748 on a cluster of islands off the coast of Helsinki, the Suomenlinna sea fortress is a cultural treasure. Built when Finland was still part of the Kingdom of Sweden, Suomenlinna has taken a vital part in the history of...   view more

If you're planning a day trip from Helsinki, the small town of Porvoo should be on your list. Located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland and less than 50km away from the Finnish capital, this idyllic town full of history, beautiful architecture and galleries is the perfect short...   view more

One of the most beautiful and impressive medieval cities in Europe, the city of Tallinn is an absolute delight for any traveller. Walking through the cobblestone streets of its Old Town will transport you back in time, while visiting the Alexander Nevsky...   view more

If you have a free day in Aswan, I’d say that a felucca ride, visiting the Nubian Museum and the Unfinished Obelisk are a must. For the felucca ride, it’s always recommended to book in advance or get some help from your...   view more

Land of the Pharaohs, the Great Pyramid of Giza and some of the most impressive ancient temples, everyone has dreamed at some point of visiting Egypt. Here is an overview of my itinerary and my first impressions of the city of...   view more

The city of Luxor, which for centuries was the capital of Pharaonic Egypt, is home to some of the most impressive monuments of this ancient...   view more

I visited Abu Simbel, the High Dam and Philae Temple as part of my Essential Egypt tour, which lasted for a total of 9 days and covered the main highlights of Egypt from north to...   view more

The Kingdom of Jordan is a fascinating country rich in history, culture and incredible natural landscapes that can’t be missed when visiting the Middle...   view more

After arriving back in Luxor for the second time, I walked in the heat to also explore Luxor Temple on the East Bank of the Nile. A magnificent example of Egyptian architecture that changes completely when visiting by day and by night. That's why I decided to visit both...   view more

Once the main place of worship of the Theban Triad, the stunning Karnak Temple in the city of Luxor is the biggest religious building ever constructed. The complex is so large that it constitutes an entire city of temples built over a period of 2,000...   view more

With millennia of history that span through all civilisations, a day visiting Cairo will give you the chance to discover some of the most relevant civilisations in the history of...   view more

Jordan is an incredible destinations that deserves numerous days in order to explore all of its history and tourist attractions. If you have at least a full week to spare, you won’t regret dedicating it to this Middle Eastern...   view more

Gorgeous mosques and gardens, a beautifully preserved medina, the Sahara desert only some steps away… Marrakech is not only the main cultural hub of Morocco, but it has also become one of the most popular destinations in the country. And for a...   view more

Most visitors reach Alexandria from Cairo. Both cities are only 2h 30m apart, so visiting Alexandria from Cairo for one day is totally possible. The city has quite a lot to offer, but most tourist attractions can be seen comfortably in a single day, especially if you have your own...   view more

Crowning the rocks of the Kalambaka region in Greece, the hanging monasteries of Meteora are a place like no other. A centre of spirituality for centuries, visiting this UNESCO Heritage Site is a must in any trip to the Hellenic...   view more

Although the city lacks in historical sites, a visit to Europe’s youngest capital with its numerous cafes and welcoming people is still a must. I even was lucky enough to spot former President Bill...   view more

Skopje is without a doubt one of the most peculiar cities in the Balkan region. With a history that dates back to the ancient times, the capital of North Macedonia is a diverse and modern European city, where different ethnic, religious and national groups cohabit in...   view more

Ohrid, located on the shore of a lake with the same name, is one of the most charming cities of North Macedonia. A very popular getaway destination for local visitors, Ohrid not only offers gorgeous traditional architecture, but also a breathtaking...   view more

The Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the most captivating countries that I’ve ever visited. This Middle Eastern country has the most welcoming people that I’ve ever encountered during my...   view more

Located in the northern Isfahan province and famous for its beautiful historical and cultural sites, Kashan is a lesser known city that cannot be missed in a trip to...   view more

The city of Krakow preserved medieval Old Town, where you can find most of the places of interest of this Unesco World Heritage city, is one of the few places in Poland that escaped from complete destruction during World War...   view more

Most of the points of interest can be found in Kazimierz, the former Jewish quarter of Krakow. Since the area is pretty small, all of them are located within a few minutes walk from each...   view more

Lviv is one of the most beautiful cities that you will find in Ukraine. With a charming UNESCO World Heritage old town that reminds that of Krakow, I couldn’t miss a visit to Lviv during my first trip to...   view more

Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is one of the few cities in Western Europe that remains unknown to tourists. Although more and more visitors are flocking to Ukraine to visit Chernobyl, the city Kyiv also deserves a short visit to discover all it has to...   view more

Puerto del Carmen is the main tourist town in Lanzarote, so it is the perfect place to use as camp base to explore the island. The town, with its characteristic white houses, is filled with restaurants, cafes and shops packed with tourists the entire...   view more

Isfahan is one of the most impressive cities of Iran. In its central Square, Naqsh-e Jahan, you will find one of the most outstanding open spaces in the world, comprising the main historical sites of the city and declared a UNESCO Heritage Site due to its architectural and historic...   view more

Home of Zoroastrianism, the ancient religion of Persia until the Muslim conquest in the 7th century, the city of Yazd is a maze of mud-brick streets that surprises you at every...   view more

After spending an incredible first day in Isfahan visiting the impressive Naqsh-e Jahan Square, for my second day, I would venture beyond the heart of the city to visit the second UNESCO World Heritage Site in Isfahan, the striking Jameh...   view more

We took advantage of having a car and visited a couple of sites that are located slightly outside of Kerman city centre. One of them is Jabalieh Dome, an octagonal structure made in brick located on the slopes of the Gholleh Dokhtar...   view more

Welcome to Dubai, the city of luxury, innovation, and adventure. If you're planning a trip to Dubai and want to see all the highlights of this vibrant city in just 3 days, then you're in the right place! Dubai is a city of superlatives, from the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, to the largest shopping mall, the Dubai Mall, and the biggest man-made island, the Palm Jumeirah. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip, especially if you have limited...   view more

Nestled against the backdrop of the towering Andes Mountains, Santiago de Chile is a city that seamlessly blends the old with the new, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. If you find yourself with just a weekend to spare, fear not, for Santiago has a plethora of iconic sites waiting to be...   view more

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Serbia as we explore the vibrant cityscape of Belgrade in 48 hours. From ancient landmarks steeped in history to bustling marketplaces brimming with life, join me as I traverse the streets of Serbia's capital, uncovering its rich tapestry of culture, tradition, and...   view more

Nestled along the serene banks of the Danube River, Novi Sad beckons travelers with its rich history, vibrant culture, and captivating scenery. As the second-largest city in Serbia, Novi Sad boasts a treasure trove of architectural marvels, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking vistas. For those visiting Belgrade, a day trip to Novi Sad offers the perfect opportunity to immerse oneself in the charm and allure of this enchanting...   view more

Welcome to Sarajevo, a city steeped in history, culture, and resilience. Nestled within the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sarajevo is a captivating blend of East and West, where centuries-old traditions meet modern-day vibrancy. With its rich tapestry of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav influences, Sarajevo offers visitors a truly unique and unforgettable...   view more

In the heart of the Baltic region lies a city with a rich history and vibrant culture waiting to be discovered: Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. With just 2 days to spare, you can immerse yourself in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, savour traditional Lithuanian cuisine, and uncover the hidden gems that make Vilnius a must-visit destination in...   view more

Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, offers a fascinating blend of history, architecture, and culture, making it an ideal destination for a one-day trip. Known for its well-preserved Old Town, vibrant interwar architecture, and deep Jewish heritage, Kaunas provides visitors with an immersive experience through its historical streets and monuments. If you only have a day to explore, this itinerary will guide you through Kaunas’ most iconic landmarks, offering a glimpse into the city’s...   view more