Author Profile: Maggie Kayes

Since its nickname is Cidade das Mangueiras which translates in English to City of Mango Trees, we expected to see a lot of mango trees in Belém. Nothing could have prepared us though for the sheer number of mature mango trees there are in the city. Not only is every street lined by trees, in Belém they are lined by mango trees. Richard called them Belém’s...   view more

Walking up and down the cobblestone streets of São Luis’ historical district is like stepping back in time. Beautiful 17th and 18th century Portuguese colonial buildings line the hilly streets. Located on an elevated prominence between two rivers, this Old Town has a unique and wonderful...   view more

Colourfully painted heritage buildings surround the cobblestone square in the heart of Salvador’s historic centre. Whether you love to feast your eyes on old architecture, people watch in a lively square or have lunch in an outdoor patio, you will find all of that and more in this lovely Old...   view more

Looking down the cobblestone street we saw a long row of white homes with colourful rounded door and window frames. This charming view continued throughout the entire historic port town of Paraty making it one of Brazil’s colonial...   view more

One of the largest cities in the world, São Paulo is often overlooked by travellers. Even in this large city of over 22 ½ million we found a few wonderful places with a lot of character that made us glad we had a few days to tour São...   view more

At an elevation of 930 metres (3,050 ft) Curitiba has cooler climate than most of the rest of Brazil and provided us with a nice reprieve from the heat. We travelled to Curitiba to visit the nearby colonial city of Morretes, but a landslide covered the highway and we couldn’t go. This left us more time to explore Curitiba and its collection of old and new...   view more

Not only is La Paz the highest capital in the world, it also has one of the most unusual locations. When you look from the rim of the canyon down to the city below, the view is dumfounding. The city appears to be encapsulated by the walls of the large canyon. Brick, multi-story buildings climb up the steep canyon walls filling in every available gap. It is a bizarre and improbable looking...   view more

Cochabamba is only 380 km from La Paz, but it feels worlds away. Seeing the lush vegetation in the city’s parks was our first indication that we were no longer on the Altiplano. At 2,558 m (8,390 ft), the temperature is much warmer, the air is thicker, and the ground is more fertile than it was on the high...   view more

Sucre is undeniably the prettiest city in all of Bolivia. It was once very wealthy due to its proximity to the silver mines in Potosi. As a result, its historical centre is filled with stunning 16th century Spanish architecture making Sucre a great place to pretend you’ve stepped back in...   view more

Meknes is famous for its elaborate gates that decorate the long city wall. Currently, most of the city’s monuments are under restoration so unfortunately, most of those gates are covered in tarps and scaffolding. Without those beautiful landmarks to admire, we sought out other sites in the historic centre. We found mansions and mausoleums that are ornamented beyond comparison, making a visit to Meknes very...   view more

Baku is a wonderful, eclectic city filled with such a wide array of architectural styles it will make your head spin. On paper, it seems as if the Old City’s stone buildings, the European Rococo properties and the tall modern skyscrapers wouldn’t blend well. In fact, it is this contrast of styles that gives the city so much character. Each of these neighbourhoods contains a treasure trove of sites that are fun to...   view more

Images of the picturesque oceanfront Kasbah is what drew us to Morocco’s capital city. In addition to this lovely spot, we found Roman ruins, historic tombs and impressive monuments. It’s not as flashy as some Moroccan cities, but this capital still has a lot of sites that are worth...   view more

The modern city of Casablanca is not often at the top of must-see lists when people visit Morocco. Honestly, it wasn’t at the top of ours either, but we found a few interesting attractions that made it a worthwhile stop. Here’s what you can see when you visit...   view more

We really didn’t know anything about Almaty before we arrived. In fact, it was a last-minute addition to our trip through Central Asia. Having arrived quite unprepared we ended up finding a lot of things to do in and around this bustling city. We really enjoyed discovering the sites of Almaty,...   view more

Most of Tajikistan’s population lives in small towns and villages that are scattered around the country’s rugged landscape. The contrast between those simple, rural communities and the modern look of Dushanbe was quite startling. With a few days to explore the country’s capital, we discovered a city with a unique and quirky...   view more

Standing on the watchtower we felt like we were on a magic carpet ride, high above the walled city of Khiva. Below us we could see the undulating top of the wall that contained the magical Old City. Before us was a town full of minarets, domed roofs and arched gates. Old Khiva had just stolen our...   view more

It’s true that Bukhara doesn’t have the colour and glitter of Samarkand but what is does have is a deep history that exudes from the buildings in Old Town. Not many of the historical buildings have been restored. At first it made us disappointed in monochromatic Bukhara, but as we ventured deeper into Old Town we grew to love the authentic feel of this historic...   view more

As we reached the top of the stairs, the stunning Avenue of Mausoleums was right before us. We couldn’t believe our eyes. In front of us was a narrow walkway bordered on each side by the bright blue tiled walls of four historic mausoleums. It is one of the most amazing entrances to a site you could ask...   view more

Phuket is a popular tourist spot in Thailand. Although the island is mostly known for its white sand beaches and lively nightlife, there’s a lot more to see in Phuket province. We found beautiful colonial buildings in Old Town and a gorgeous marine park with a fascinating...   view more

On the northern edge of Thailand you’ll find a city with some of the most incredible architecture and designs. Chiang Rai is home to a few of Thailand’s most famous contemporary artists who are leaving their mark on the city with extravagant Buddhist temples and an eccentric...   view more

As the capital of Thailand, Bangkok is a city of contrasts. From ultra-conservative wats to raunchy sex shows; from opulent palaces to dilapidated homes, Bangkok has these extremes and everything in...   view more

The large city of Izmir is a popular place to use as a base to explore some of the surrounding sites such as Ephesus or Pamukkale. Although we didn’t come to the city for access to those sites, we did spend a few days exploring the city as well as the nearby ancient city of Pergamon. Izmir was built on the location of the ancient city of Smyrna. Unfortunately, most of it was destroyed by a fire during the Greco-Turkish War in 1922. As a result, today Izmir has more modern buildings than it...   view more

Many dynasties have ruled Eastern Anatolia over the centuries leaving behind a land filled with a diverse array of historical buildings. In the city of Erzurum, the short-lived Seljuk Dynasty left their mark with a new style that melded the architectural features of those around them. Scattered between the new buildings of downtown Erzurum, we found a few fabulous treasures from the Anatolian Seljuk and the smaller Saltukid...   view more

Located in the shadow of Uludağ Mountain, Old Town Bursa is bursting with history from the early Ottoman years. Since it was the Empire’s first capital, its buildings give a glimpse of what was important to this burgeoning...   view more

Istanbul’s strategic location on the Bosphorus Strait was coveted by many dynasties over the centuries. Connecting the Sea of Marmara, a part of the Mediterranean, with the Black Sea made the strait an important shipping route for trade and commerce. Since those early days the Bosphorus, its inlet Golden Horn and Sea of Marmara have shaped the way this city looks and operates. Today, these connected waterways give Istanbul a long waterfront that is a key component of its vibrant...   view more

In a city known for its grand mosques, there should be no surprise that it has equally stunning palaces. The Ottoman Empire ousted the Byzantines from the city of Constantinople in the 15th century and claimed it as their new capital. As if to prove themselves worthy of this beautiful location, the reigning Sultans built regal palaces. Some of these were permanent homes, while others were summer residences. Touring Istanbul’s glamorous palaces gives you a glimpse into what life was like for...   view more

Istanbul is a city straddling the line between two worlds. One section is in Europe, the other, in Asia. Separating the land between the two continents is the Bosphorus Strait. This body of water is not that large, but it is significant as it gave Istanbul a coveted location. In addition to the geographical halves, Istanbul was dominated by two distinct Empires; Byzantine and Ottoman. Exploring the two sides to Istanbul’s past means visiting their many historical mosques and...   view more

Panama City has an important location on the narrow isthmus between Central and South America. Its position is strongly linked to both its history and its modern-day prosperity. Panama City today is modern and stylish, but with a slow-paced, Central American...   view more

When visiting El Salvador, you will likely travel through its capital at least once. Instead of passing by without stopping, we think it is worthwhile to spend a day exploring San Salvador and area. You can fill your day by visiting the city’s downtown in the morning and Joya de Cerén Mayan archeological site in the...   view more

Located in the shadows of Agua Volcano, the colonial city of Antigua has the perfect setting. With its mix of colourful colonial homes and 17th century church ruins under the perfect cone-shaped volcano, it’s no wonder that Antigua is Guatemala’s most visited city. If you like visiting quaint, colonial Old Towns, you will love exploring Antigua,...   view more

High on a hill above the medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo, sits an old fortress where the tale of this enchanting city begins. As the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, Veliko Tarnovo, is one of the oldest communities in Bulgaria. From exploring the hilltop fortress to wandering the historic city streets, we can see why it is called Bulgaria’s prettiest...   view more

As the oldest, continuously inhabited city in Europe, there is a lot of history lingering on the streets of Plovdiv. Located on the Balkan Peninsula between Europe and Asia meant that many travellers passed through over the ages. A visit to Bulgaria’s Plovdiv allows you to explore the array of buildings and monuments left behind from these earlier...   view more

The capital of Bulgaria is filled with reminders of its extensive history. Walking through its historical centre you will pass Roman ruins that sit beside buildings from the Byzantine Empire. You’ll see Ottoman buildings next to those with a more European look. Although it doesn’t have the draw of other European capitals, we found Sofia to be a pleasant city to visit. Join us as we explore the sites of Sofia, Bulgaria’s...   view more

As an important port city in the Hanseatic League, Riga has a small but lovely historic centre that is just waiting to be explored. With medieval buildings lining the cobblestone streets and squares, you’ll love spending a day in Old...   view more

Old Town Warsaw is a picture perfect re-creation of its former splendor. The large, walkable area is filled cobblestone streets, heritage homes and even a castle. Warsaw’s Historic Centre will keep you busy for a couple of...   view more

Touring a foreign city with a local allows you to not only see the sites but delve further into its history, its culture and begin to understand its personality. We were able to do just that recently as we toured Kraków, Poland’s famous historical...   view more

With a stunning coastline, gorgeous sandy beaches and a lovely historic centre, it’s no wonder that Lagos is a popular tourist spot in the Algarve. We often try to limit our time in touristy cities, but we’re glad we gave Lagos a try. Whether you want to lie on the beach, hike along the rugged coast, or wander through its historic centre, there is a lot to discover in Lagos,...   view more

Around every corner in the pretty historic city of Tavira, there is a lovely surprise waiting to be found. It may be a perfect heritage home with a fabulous chimney or a beautifully decorated church. You may find a pretty scene by the river or flamingos in the colourful salt pans. Built on the hilly banks of the Gilão River, discovering Tavira’s scenic beauty should be at the top of your Portuguese to-do...   view more

The long staircase, decorated with fountains, statues and crosses is one of the most recognizable sites in Braga, and maybe all of Portugal. Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary has been a draw for pilgrims and tourists for years. Finally seeing it in person, we understood its allure. In addition to Bom Jesus, there’s much more to see in this fascinating city. Come with us as we take you on a tour of Braga,...   view more

Between the terraces of the pretty Douro Valley and the popular city of Porto stands Guimarães, the first capital of Portugal. Learn the country’s history as you explore the medieval castle walls and wander between the narrow streets of the Old Town. More history can be found in the nearby historic cities of Amarante & Bragança. With restored castles and palaces to explore and unique cakes to sample, a trip to visit Guimarães, Amarante & Bragança should be on your Portugal...   view more

Set on the tall banks of the Douro River, Porto has a fantastic location. Buildings painted in a variety of colours climb the steep slopes above the river, making good use of the landscape. After seeing its setting, we knew we were in for a great few days of exploring the picturesque city of...   view more

Since it was the first capital of the newly formed Portugal, we knew Coimbra would have wonderful architecture. As we discovered it definitely does, especially the elegant royal palace. The unusual fate of these regal buildings is that they would end up being a part of a university campus. As we explored the University of Coimbra’s lovely historical buildings we couldn’t help but think of the lucky 16th century students who were able to study inside the former royal residence and read books...   view more

The adorable town of Óbidos is a place you won’t want to miss on your next trip to Portugal. The entire historic town, including a castle, is enclosed inside a tall, medieval wall giving it an enchanting setting. Here are some things you will see when you spend a day in the fortified town of Óbidos. On the edge of town is a long 16th century aqueduct that brought drinking water to the homes inside the...   view more

The rolling hills just outside of Lisbon are decorated with colourful and quirky palaces, mansions and castles. Some trail along the ridgelines, others decorate the highest peaks. A few only allow their pointed spires to poke up from the valley bottom. Sintra is more than a historical site, it is a land made for...   view more

The district of Belém is home to some of the most elegant historical buildings in Portugal. It may sound dull to visit a watchtower and monastery, but these monuments are far from ordinary. In fact, seeing the dazzling designs on Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery may end up being a highlight of your time in the area. Today Belém is a suburb of Lisbon and makes a great day day trip from the...   view more

Spread across seven hills on the edge of Tagus River, Lisbon has been a draw for visitors for years. With so many beautiful and historically important sites to see, it’s no wonder that it is now a tourist hot spot. In this post, we’ll show you some of the wonderful sites that you will see when you visit the historic city of...   view more

When we first stepped into Sibiu’s historic square, we were delighted by the elegant historic buildings around its edge. We thought this was the main square and were pleased with what we found. After walking through a covered passage we emerged into an even grander space. The large, main square is like a museum with perfectly arranged, beautifully restored buildings. Upon seeing these two plazas, we knew then that we would love discovering medieval...   view more

Wandering along the narrow cobblestone streets in Brașov’s historic centre made us think we’d stepped into medieval Romania. The best part of Brașov’s perfect Old Town is that it hasn’t been intruded upon by modern construction. With well maintained heritage buildings, a stunning centre square and towers from the old city wall, you will love exploring Brașov’s Old...   view more

The capital city of Romania may not have the draw of other European capitals, but with its revitalized Old Town, maybe that will change. Filled with grand 19th century buildings, Old Bucharest has its own charm and we were easily able to fill our day exploring this vibrant...   view more

Woven through the streets of Córdoba’s historic centre are the legends of its past. Captured inside its old city walls are fabulous buildings that tell these tales. Although most famous for its Mosque-Cathedral, there are many more treasures to find when you explore these historic...   view more

The small Region of Murcia is not on most tourist itineraries, but they have a few hidden gems for those willing to give them a chance. From Roman theatres and forums in Cartagena to the immaculate cathedral in Murcia, it is worth a visit to this part of Spain. Murcia and Cartagena are located in the small District of Murcia, east of Andalucía. Murcia is also the name of its...   view more

Granada’s famous Alhambra has made it a popular tourist site, but it can be difficult to purchase tickets. Don’t worry, there is so much more to see than this one complex. Granada has a rich history that can be seen in many of its neighbourhoods. From the picturesque streets that climb the many hills to the lively plazas surrounded by historic buildings, Granada is a great spot to spend a couple of days, even if you don’t see the...   view more

As the main city on Spain’s popular Costa del Sol, Málaga is often overlooked as a destination. Most only make a quick stop before racing off to enjoy the sandy beaches, but we think the city deserves more time. With a hilltop castle, a centuries-old Alcazaba and pretty historic streets, there are many treasures to be found when you explore Málaga’s historic...   view more

Even though it’s a hot spot for windsurfers, kitesurfers and beach-goers, Tarifa is not your average beach town. Located on Spain’s Costa de la Luz, we weren’t sure how interesting Tarifa would be to non-surfers. We’re pleased to let you know that Tarifa is a very nice city with a great historic quarter and rewards visitors with amazing views across the Strait of...   view more

Often overshadowed by Spain’s more famous cities, Cádiz may just be that shining jewel you’ve been seeking. Its connection to Spain’s Age of Discovery brought vast wealth to the port city. Today, that wealth can be seen in the grand heritage buildings that line its narrow streets. Let us show you all there is to see in beautiful...   view more

Seville is famous for its many lavish buildings, the designs of which were influenced by the city’s varied inhabitants. In addition to the most well known ones, the cathedral and alcázar, its historic downtown is filled with many...   view more

Our first glimpse of the Rock of Gibraltar was on our drive above the Spanish port city of Algeciras. The view of the distinctive rocky peninsula jutting into the water made us very excited to visit this famous site. Gibraltar has a lot to see, much more than we expected. It is very easy to explore the sites on your own without joining a tour, so we created a visitor’s guide to help you plan your visit to...   view more

Recently ranked in the top three of the most livable cities in the world, Calgary, Alberta is the place to be this summer. Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is teeming with options for the active minded visitor. Here are some suggestions for what you can do in Calgary this...   view more

The capital of Newfoundland is a vibrant city with colourful neighbourhoods and dynamic, friendly people. The city has a rich history that begins on its edge, in Signal Hill, and permeates throughout many parts of its core. You’ll need a few days to explore all that St. John’s has to offer, but once you have, this city will stay in your heart for a long...   view more

This quintessential Maritime fishing town has a charming heritage centre that you won’t want to miss. Old Town looks like a decorated tiered cake with homes, painted in vibrant colours, climbing the hill above the harbour. All types of boats fill in the berths, from working fishing boats to historical sailing boats. This is Lunenburg, Nova...   view more

The smallest province in Canada has the most adorable capital. With a lovely waterfront and well maintained heritage homes, Charlottetown will capture your heart. The next stop on Our Great Canadian Roadtrip brought us to the quaint island of Prince Edward Island. For a small island province, we found a lot of places to...   view more

It feels as though everyday is a Sunday afternoon in San Cristobal de las Casa. No one is in a rush to get anywhere. People are relaxing on patios or window shopping along the pedestrian malls. Between this relaxed atmosphere and the beautiful colonial centre, San Cristobal de las Cases may just be our favourite spot in...   view more

The city of Oaxaca is a popular destination for tourists. With lively festivals and colourful streets, it’s easy to see the appeal. Its colonial history can be seen and felt on every street corner and its proximity to ancient ruins means its a great spot for history lovers. Add to that are the many high end restaurants that make Oaxaca a foodie’s destination. All of this ensures that Oaxaca has something for every type of...   view more

Bursting with energy, the historic centre of Guanajuato is one of our favourite colonial towns in Mexico. Without the typical organized street grid of most Spanish colonial towns, Guanajuato has its own distinctive personality. Streets climb up and down the many hills, covering them in a myriad of colours. Come with us as we explore the sites of this Mexican gem,...   view more

Staring up at the tall, spires of the neo-gothic church, we understood why so many people visit San Miguel de Allende. In addition to the fairytale-style church, they come to see the cobblestone streets that are ornamented with perfectly restored colonial homes. A nice day trip from San Miguel de Allende is to the small town of Atotonilco to see its ornately decorated...   view more

A collection of beautifully tiled and colourfully painted heritage buildings adorn the streets in Puebla’s historic centre. Ornate colonial churches fill its squares. These buildings along with its unique beginning makes Puebla a great city to spend at least a day...   view more

As one of the largest cities in the world, Mexico City is surprisingly easy to navigate and a pleasure to visit. It’s often feared as being a dangerous city, and parts of it probably are, but its historical centre is safe, and perfect for history loving tourists. Mexico City’s historic downtown lets you see both sides of its past with colonial churches standing beside Mexica...   view more

If you can tear yourself away from the beautiful beaches and incredible landscapes of Rio’s coastline, you’ll find a treasure trove of sites in Rio’s historic downtown. With a long history as capital of both Portugal and Brazil, there is no shortage of heritage sites to...   view more

Looking down at the multiple coves, bays and peninsulas that make up Rio de Janeiro’s spectacular coastline left us speechless. Long, white sandy beaches separate the azure-coloured ocean from the tall, granite spires. The city’s buildings climb up and down the verdant hills giving the city a natural look. Rio de Janeiro is set in one of the most picturesque spots on Brazil’s coast and has so much to offer its visitors. Below are descriptions and pictures of our favourite places in...   view more

The neighbouring communities of Olinda and Recife in northern Brazil have fabulous, but very different Old Towns. Separated by the Beberibe River, both have historical centres filled with colonial Portuguese heritage buildings. Olinda was established first and therefore, its buildings are much older, but no less impressive. The two centres are so close that you can explore the Old Towns of both Olinda and Recife in a couple of...   view more

The northeastern coast of Brazil is a long, sandy shoreline with quiet beach towns tucked in between large modern cities. We travelled along the coast destined for these smaller towns and found ourselves spending a few days in the cosmopolitan cities in between. The cities ended up being much nicer than we anticipated and found we really enjoyed Fortaleza and Natal,...   view more

If you’re planning to visit Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest you’ll most likely travel through the city of Manaus. As you’re about to learn there’s more to do in this city than just arrange your Amazon trip. Plan to spend an extra day or two on either side of your Amazon adventure to explore this interesting...   view more

Cartagena is a city where you can immerse yourself in history, simply by walking through its colonial neighbourhoods. Set on the north edge of Colombia on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena was an important port city for the Spanish. They left behind fabulous architecture in their homes, churches and even a...   view more

The large, bustling city of Lima has many varied and fascinating spots to keep its visitors occupied. From admiring the stunning designs of its heritage buildings to surfing in the Pacific Ocean to enjoying colourful street art, Lima has something for...   view more

There are two relatively unknown, but remarkable pre-Incan sites in northern Peru. They showcase amazing engineering, architecture and artistry for their time. Even though these sites are in Trujillo, one of largest cities in Peru, and only 550 km north of Lima, they are not on most tourists’ radars, but they should...   view more

Limestone buildings cascade down the rocky hill, tumbling to the Mesopotamian Plain far below. Between these heritage homes, a labyrinth of tight cobblestone lanes wind up and down the slope. Spread along the top of the long cliff sit the remains of Mardin Castle. As soon a we saw this historic site from below, we knew Mardin’s Medieval Old Town was going to be a great city to...   view more

Looking over the terracotta roofs we could see the large Lago de Suchitlán (Suchitlán Lake) far below. Between this view and the colourful heritage homes that climb up and down the streets in town, we couldn’t understand why there weren’t more foreign tourists in Suchitoto. In fact, as we explored the cobblestone streets, we realized that we were almost the only foreigners in town. It’s too bad because we think Suchitoto is the nicest city in all of El Salvador. Hopefully this post will...   view more

After seeing several fascinating fortified churches throughout Transylvania, we were excited to visit the picture-perfect fortified city of Sighișoara. From the moment we put our eyes on Sighișoara’s Old Town, we were enchanted. Not only are Upper Old Town’s historic streets pretty, they are surrounded by a wall with nine adorable watchtowers. It’s unique, hilltop location adds to its...   view more

Given their remote locations, these two small cities have much more to see than you would expect. The old quarters in Úbeda and Baeza are filled with extravagant buildings and have interesting histories to match. Once you step inside their magical centres, you’ll know why they are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Both are only a short drive from Jaén and make great day trips from the...   view more

Spain’s Costa del Sol is famous for its sandy beaches, vacation resorts and golf courses. If you need a break from these activities, we found something else to do in this popular area. The captivating towns of Frigiliana and Nerja, along the Costa del Sol, are worth getting off your beach towel for a...   view more

Once you’ve explored all the sites in the city of Málaga, there are a couple mountain towns, only a short drive away, that you should visit. The Pueblo Blancos (White Towns) of Antequera and Archidona, are charming historical towns that make great day trips from...   view more

If you are in Ronda, or even Málaga, and are looking for a way to spend your day, we think you’ll love a trip to either Setenil de las Bodegas or Olvera. Better yet, visit both. Between the cave homes in Sentenil and the hilltop castle of Olvera, visiting these two captivating towns will undoubtedly be a highlight of your time in Spain. They are included on the list of Spain’s Pueblo Blancos (White Towns) for good reasons. Setenil de las Bodegas and Olvera are unique examples of this...   view more

Behind the old stone gates is an enchanting scene. Picture perfect white-washed homes line the maze of cobblestone streets and allow you to step back in time. Medina Sidonia’s medieval dwellings are just one of the draws for visitors to this charming town. Here’s a guide on how best to explore the many sites when visiting Medina...   view more

Nestled in the green, rolling hills of central Brazil, the charming streets of Ouro Preto match the beauty of their surroundings. From a hill above town we saw the red terracotta rooftops of this 18th century gold rush city rise and fall as they follow the undulating landscape. Ouro Preto’s golden history has left us with a wonderful historic centre that is a delight to...   view more

For a country that has a long coast filled with picturesque beaches and charming towns, how does one beach town stand out from all of the others? What ever the recipe is, Pipa has perfected it. Not only is it a laidback, adorable town, but it sits on the edge of some of the most beautiful beaches in northern...   view more

Tbilisi’s historic centre boasts a wonderful assortment of buildings that give it a charming personality. Some have been lovingly restored, while others look to be falling apart. Other cities wouldn’t be able to pull off this look; they would feel old and worn. In Tbilisi, however, this mix draws you in, enticing you to explore its old streets. If you can’t already tell, we love...   view more

Perched on a long ridge above the fertile plains, Sighnaghi just may be the prettiest town in Georgia. Enclosed within centuries-old fortress walls is a charming scene. Colourful wooden balconies cling to old stone homes, while cobblestone streets follow the whims of the uneven...   view more

Telavi has a picture-perfect setting, high on a ridge above the fertile Alazani Valley and in the shadows of the mighty Caucasus Mountains. As the capital of Kakheti, Telavi isn’t as often visited by tourists, but with its downtown fortress and collection of pretty heritage buildings, we don’t understand why. We had a great time exploring the historic sites found both in the city and in the surrounding...   view more

Although it is not high on most tourists’ radars, we found ourselves in Kutaisi. for a few days Our main objective was to visit Martvili Canyon and Prometheus Cave on a day trip from the city, but we were happy when we found a few interesting cultural spots right in...   view more

Some visit Batumi for the beaches, some for the nightlife, but we enjoyed finding the treasure trove of architecture in a variety of styles. There are modern towers, heritage hotels, and even remnants from the Ottoman Empire. Together, they combine to make a great, but rainy,...   view more

First settled by the ancient Uartu Kingdom, Yerevan is one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world. Times weren’t necessarily good to them, though, as the Armenians suffered through many wars, invasions and unwelcome rulers. We’ll discuss some of this in more detail...   view more

A vibrant energy emanates from Gyumri’s historic centre, and it is that lively atmosphere that helped us fall in love with this city. Seeing its collection of wonderful black tuff heritage buildings energized us even more. Gyumri is not a common stop for most tourists to Armenia, so realizing that these streets were designed for locals rather than tourists, made us take to it even more. There’s a lot to see in this city, and we think you will love visiting the sites in Gyumri as much as we...   view more

In the foothills of Azerbaijan’s Greater Caucasus, you’ll find an adorable mountain community with a long history. Between the stunning views, the elaborate Khan’s Palace, and the city’s wonderful historic centre, we think you’ll love discovering the sites in the mountain city of...   view more

Ganja is not often on most tourists’ itineraries and admittedly, there aren’t a lot of big sites to see. It’s a nice city though, and we found it interesting to experience life in a typical Azerbaijani community. Here are some of the things you’ll see when you visit the city of Ganja, including the nearby Goygol...   view more

We decided to spend a few days in Frankfurt to explore its historic centre, as well as the nearby cities of Heidelberg and Mainz, and we are so glad that we did. It turns out that there’s a lot to see in Frankfurt’s Altstadt (Old Town), and it deserves more than a quick...   view more