Author Profile: Mark Vella Gera

Nestled in the heart of Eastern Europe, Minsk, the capital city of Belarus, is an intriguing blend of the old and the new, where Soviet-era architecture meets modern-day vibrancy. With its wide boulevards, lush parks, and a rich cultural scene, Minsk is a destination that often flies under the radar but promises a rewarding experience for those who venture into its...   view more

Seville’s history is a captivating tapestry woven from the threads of various civilizations. The city dates back over 2,000 years, founded as the Roman city of Hispalis. The remnants of this era can be seen in the ruins of the ancient Roman amphitheatre and the beautiful Plaza de España, a stunning example of the Renaissance Revival style. As you stroll through the city, you can almost feel the echoes of the past reverberating through its narrow, winding...   view more

I landed at Treviso Airport late in the evening. The chill in the air was a stark contrast to the mild Mediterranean climate I had left behind, but it only heightened my anticipation. After a smooth transfer to Venice, I was greeted by the sight of shimmering canals and the soft glow of street lamps reflecting off the...   view more

On a crisp winter afternoon, I found myself meandering through the cobbled streets of Vilnius’ Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that exuded charm and history at every turn. The sun cast a warm golden hue across the ancient buildings, their facades adorned with intricate baroque and gothic details that whispered tales of centuries gone...   view more

For a Maltese traveller like me, perched on an island kissed by the Mediterranean sun, the prospect of a Scottish adventure is a thrilling departure. A day trip in Edinburgh – the majestic city of kings and poets – felt like stepping into a tale of enchantment and...   view more

Living in Brussels, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting day trips to take from the city. Recently, I embarked on a journey by train to the picturesque town of Dinant, located in the beautiful Belgian Ardennes region. Known for its stunning architecture, serene river views, and rich history, Dinant has long been on my list of must-visit...   view more

As someone who has grown accustomed to the bustling rhythm of Brussels, where the echoes of history blend seamlessly with the hum of modern life, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. The sparkling boulevards, the majestic Grand Place, and the lively markets are all well known, yet the allure of the Belgian coast beckons me. This past week, I decided to take a break from the urban grind and experience a day trip to Ostende (Ostend), one of Belgium’s most charming coastal...   view more

As a resident of Brussels, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to explore many of Belgium’s other beautiful cities on day trips. One city that I recently visited and instantly fell in love with is Liege. Located just one hour away from Brussels by train, Liege is a vibrant city with a rich history and plenty of things to see and...   view more

Welcome to Transnistria, a small but fascinating region in Eastern Europe that you may have never heard of before. Nestled between Moldova and Ukraine, Transnistria is a self-proclaimed independent state that is not recognized by the international community. Despite its precarious political status, Transnistria is a place with a rich history, unique culture, and breathtaking scenery that will enchant any traveller who is willing to venture off the beaten...   view more

After two enchanting days immersed in the vibrant culture and stunning architecture of Seville, I found myself yearning for more of Andalusia’s hidden gems. With my flight departing in the evening of the third day, I seized the opportunity to hire a car and set off on a day trip to the picturesque town of Carmona, along with visits to Italica and Castillo de Alcalá de Guadaíra. However, it was Carmona that truly captured my heart, offering a delightful blend of history, charm, and stunning...   view more

Having lived in sunny Malta for several years, I was eager for a new adventure that would whisk me away from the familiar Mediterranean charm. Niš, a city in southern Serbia, caught my attention with its rich history, vibrant culture, and a burgeoning food scene. As I booked a direct flight from Malta, I could hardly contain my excitement for the weekend...   view more

Chișinău, the capital city of Moldova, might not be at the top of everyone’s travel list, but it is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by adventurous travellers. As the largest city in this small Eastern European country, Chișinău has a unique charm that sets it apart from the typical tourist...   view more

Leuven, a charming university town located just a short train ride away from the capital, has always held a special place in my heart. From its lively student population to its picturesque architecture, Leuven is a destination that never fails to...   view more

Rotterdam, the vibrant and modern city located in the Netherlands, is just a short drive away from Brussels. As someone living in Brussels, I have always been intrigued by the allure of Rotterdam with its stunning architecture, bustling markets, and lively atmosphere. So, when the opportunity arose to visit the city for a day trip in a rental car, I jumped at the...   view more

Mechelen is a charming city located just a short train ride away from Brussels, making it the perfect destination for a one-day trip. Known for its beautiful architecture, lively markets, and picturesque canals, Mechelen offers a unique blend of history and modernity that is sure to captivate any...   view more

Nestled in the picturesque valleys of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Trebinje is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This charming town is located in the southern region of the country, just a short drive away from Dubrovnik on the Adriatic coast from where I had rented a car. The journey only takes around 40 minutes and is well worth the trip as I got to see stunning views of the surrounding countryside. And with its rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking natural surroundings,...   view more

Lille is a city that often flies under the radar when it comes to tourist destinations in France. Located in the northern region of the country, near the border with Belgium, Lille has a lot to offer visitors looking for a unique and memorable experience. From its rich history to its vibrant culture, there are plenty of reasons why you should consider adding Lille to your travel...   view more

Located on the eastern coast of the Black Sea, Batumi is a vibrant and captivating city that offers a perfect balance between relaxation and sightseeing. While it may be tempting to stay within the confines of Kutaisi during your visit to Georgia, a trip to Batumi is an absolute must, particularly for those with a passion for architecture and buildings, especially as it’s only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Kutaisi where I was staying for the...   view more

Belgium, a country nestled in the heart of Europe, boasts a myriad of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Among its many treasures, the picturesque city of Namur stands out as a must-visit destination. With its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene, Namur offers an unforgettable experience for travellers of all...   view more

Ghent, a picturesque city in the heart of Belgium, has long been regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. With its stunning medieval architecture, charming canals, and vibrant cultural scene, it is no wonder that Ghent captures the hearts of both locals and visitors alike. Here, I will explore the beauty of Ghent, highlighting its historical significance, architectural marvels, and unique cultural...   view more

When it comes to exploring new destinations, tourists are often enticed by the prospect of visiting renowned museums, indulging in local culinary delights, or even getting their hands on precious gemstones. However, what if I were to tell you that there is more to Antwerp than these usual attractions? Antwerp, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Belgium, holds an authentic charm that goes beyond its museum, diamonds, and the food scene. So why should you visit Antwerp? Let’s delve into the...   view more

Brussels, the capital city of Belgium, is known for its stunning and diverse architecture that reflects the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. From medieval landmarks to modern buildings, Brussels is a true architectural gem. In the following article, we will explore the fascinating architecture of Brussels, highlighting some of its most iconic...   view more

Nestled within the vibrant capital city of Belgium lies a hidden sanctuary, where bustling streets are replaced by lush green landscapes and the cacophony of city life is hushed to a whisper. The parks of Brussels offer visitors a respite from the urban chaos, providing an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty in the heart of the city. Boasting a diverse range of landscapes, from meticulously manicured gardens to vast woodland areas, these parks are not only a haven for locals seeking solace,...   view more

Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, and it is one of the most traditional places in the entire country. Many visitor pass by Rabat and head to other cities like Marrakech and Fes instead. While those cities are wonderful and are certainly worth visiting, Rabat offers visitors an entirely different perspective on Morocco that shouldn’t be...   view more

Exquisite architecture, fresh seafood, a vibrant city with a historic core, and some of the best wine in the world—in a nutshell, this is Bordeaux, France. Even better, the whole city is highly walkable, with pedestrian-only areas and welcoming squares. In less than an hour, you can also visit the beach or make your way to castle-like chateaux producing superb wine in fairy tale...   view more

I see them for the first time almost as soon as I begin walking around the city — bright, shiny, plump, deep red hearts. They are everywhere in multiple sizes, hanging on strings, decorated with white trimmings and delectable. I quickly realize why Zagreb, Croatia’s capital, is called the city with a million hearts. Called licitars, akin to gingerbread, they are an integral part of Croatian culture and a symbol of Zagreb and are gifted during times of celebration, be it weddings, birthdays...   view more

Essaouira is one of those small towns in Morocco you hear people say how much they loved, yet you don’t get to know much about it. That is until you get there. And once there, you see why people love it! Essaouira’s medina may be small, but that means it’s perfect for exploring without fear of getting lost! It’s a gem with its small shop-lined streets full of colourful blankets and rugs, wooden handicrafts, and delicious food shaded by the tall whitewashed buildings for which this town...   view more

When people talk about Poland, they usually mention the capital Warsaw or Krakow, but what they are missing out is Wrocław, a charming city in the West of Poland. Think diverse European culture (they were part of Germany, Czech Republic and Austria previously) combined with rich architecture, soaked in a relaxed atmosphere, and you get Wrocław. Beautiful Old Town, the variety of architecture, numerous green spaces, amazing food and café scene and lots of cool spots – Wrocław has it...   view more

Wrocław is an amazing city and the “WOW” effect is guaranteed! Wrocław has the energy of Berlin, the youth of Lisbon or Barcelona, trendy bars like Amsterdam’s, an exceptional architecture that could make you think of Bruges or Vienna, … but in fact, Wrocław is incomparable, Wrocław is Wrocław and that’s...   view more

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous landmark in the world; people flock from all around the world to see it and gaze upon its beauty. One of the main characteristics of the Eiffel Tower is that it’s the highest building in Paris; you can thus see it from a lot of places, and there are hundreds of different Eiffel Tower views all around the...   view more

My worst travel experience ever (apart from having practically everything stolen off me in Liverpool) was the first 12 hours of my trip to Romania. It all began when I arrived at Bucharest Airport as my flight’s luggage was placed on SIX different carousels on TWO different floors and I had to go rushing up and down stairs to try and find my...   view more

Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, is a unique and vibrant destination that offers an experience unlike any other in the world. From its rich cultural heritage to its stunning architecture and beautiful landscapes, Yerevan has something for...   view more

Nestled in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the picturesque town of Mostar is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and welcoming locals, Mostar is a must-visit destination for any avid traveller. And the scenic drive in my rental car from Mostar to Trebinje was well worth it as it offered breathtaking views of the rugged mountains and lush forests of Bosnia and...   view more

Dubrovnik is a city that holds a special place in the hearts of many travellers. Known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, this Croatian gem is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the...   view more

Tucked in the northeast corner of Europe, Tallinn is a true hidden gem. Whether you visit in the summer high season or in the wintry cold, like I did, there are countless cool things to do in Estonia’s capital city. For me, two days was the perfect amount of time to get a good feel of Tallinn, but then I move fast. If you want to see the city at a slower pace, then I recommend at least three...   view more

Located in western Germany, Cologne is a captivating city with a rich history and a vibrant atmosphere that draws in visitors from all corners of the world. While renowned for its museums, culinary delights, and vibrant festivals, there are numerous other aspects that make a visit to Cologne truly...   view more

I spent my last few hours before my flight back home walking around Iceland’s capital Reykjavik. I’m glad I did as I fell in love with this little city. And, you can’t blame me. This little gem in the middle of the ocean is overflowing with beauty, charm and...   view more

I’ve been to Skopje in North Macedonia twelve times and most times hired a car from the airport. It had always been my intention to ‘hop into’ nearby Kosovo by car for a quick visit. My research indicated that one of the best places in the entire world to have a cappuccino is in Kosovo’s capital Pristina. So I was eager to see if this was really...   view more

Riga is incredibly pretty with its impressive Art Nouveau architecture (the finest collection in Europe), winding, medieval lanes and skyline of storybook spires. It’s a city loaded with history and is picture-postcard pretty wherever you look; there is plenty to see in...   view more

The mysterious golden-stone Arabic walled city of Mdina stands on a hilltop, and is a world apart from modern Malta. Its hidden lanes offer exquisite architectural detail and respite from the day-tripping crowds, who largely stick to the main street. Today, with its massive walls and peaceful, shady streets, it is often referred to as the Silent City, a nickname that becomes particularly appropriate after...   view more

Nestled between rolling green hills and surrounded by crystal-clear rivers, Podgorica is a hidden gem in the heart of the Balkans. This charming city, also known as the capital of Montenegro, is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, making it a must-visit destination for any traveller looking to explore the beauty of Eastern...   view more

If you’ve ever gone on Pinterest or Instagram, then you know about Morocco’s famous blue city, Chefchaouen, nicknamed the “blue pearl of Morocco.” The entirety of the small city is painted in vivid shades of blue, and, really, it has to be seen to be believed (because yes, it’s even more dazzling than Instagram makes it appear)! When it comes to Chefchaouen, Chaouen for short, it really is no exaggeration to say that every street and alleyway is majestic. Wandering through them,...   view more

In a country rich with history and culture, Marrakech is a city with unbelievable diversity, vibrancy, culture and a hint of Medina madness. This medieval city is filled with exotic sights, sounds and smells and if this is your first visit to Morocco, then it may feel unfamiliar and sometimes even...   view more

I have to say that North Macedonia, and Skopje in particular, should definitely be on your bucket list if you’ve not been there yet. Skopje, proudly standing on the banks of the Vardar River, is a very unusual city that doesn’t resemble any other city in Europe! It’s been called the capital of kitsch or the city of statues and not without reason. The joke among the locals is that one can find more statues than people living there! That’s not true of course but you get my...   view more

Bergen, a picturesque city nestled between majestic mountains and a breathtaking fjord; it has always been my dream destination! The allure of its picturesque beauty, its charming waterfront, and its vibrant culture have captivated my imagination for years. So, when the opportunity finally presented itself, I eagerly embarked on a journey to this Norwegian gem, ready to spend three unforgettable days exploring the city of my...   view more

Some might know the city of Monastir from the filming of ‘Jesus of Nazareth’ or the ‘Life of Brian,’ and it’s just as stunning to visit in person. Monastir is rightly considered one of Tunisia’s top tourist destinations with its ancient architecture and monuments and its blissful strips of sandy...   view more

In Tunisia’s capital, Tunis, the term “living history” really does apply. Here, periods of conquest, trade and independence have woven into the city’s fabric and culture a rich and complex flavour that becomes apparent wherever you explore. Despite that, my boyfriend and I decided to stay in nearby Sidi Bou Said, both for logistical reasons as well as aesthetical ones; we wanted a quick access by car to other parts of the country and we also wanted to spend a couple of nights in this...   view more

Kiev is a super cool city with lots to see. It is very old and has interesting history, delicious food, amazing cafes and restaurants, so whatever your interest is, you will definitely find something to love here. There are so many reasons to visit Kiev, from amazing architecture to interesting history and a vibrant atmosphere and each of them is already a good excuse to plan your next trip to the capital of...   view more

When I told friends in Malta I was going to Kazakhstan, most raised their eyebrows. “What’s even there?” they asked. I wasn’t entirely sure myself—but that was part of the appeal. As someone used to limestone streets, coastal views and compact towns, Almaty promised something completely different: broad boulevards, towering mountains, and a glimpse into a region I’d only ever read...   view more

After three memorable days in Almaty, I boarded a day bus from Almaty to Bishkek. The journey was scenic, winding through mountain passes and open plains, giving me time to admire the vast Central Asian landscapes. Arriving in Bishkek in the afternoon, I immediately noticed how much smaller and more relaxed the Kyrgyz capital felt compared to...   view more

After a restful overnight bus from Bishkek, I arrived in Tashkent—the capital of Uzbekistan—feeling a mix of curiosity and anticipation. The city was far larger and more spread out than Bishkek or Almaty, with grand avenues, wide boulevards, and a slightly more formal air. It felt like a city that had seen empires rise and fall—and was still standing...   view more