Author Profile: Lara Fiorani

The ideal way to see the Champagne region is by car, stopping at any village or cellar that takes your fancy to sip the local wine against a backdrop of vine-streaked hills. Having said that, someone (the designated driver) will not be able to enjoy the experience as much as the...   view more

Being one hour away from Amsterdam, The Hague (Den Haag in Dutch) is the kind of pearl that may slip under the radar because of its proximity to a major tourist destination. Yet Den Haag is a wonderful city and a fantastic city break. While I love Amsterdam, Den Haag literally blew me...   view more

The aroma of roasted chestnuts mellows autumn evenings under covered walkways, a brisk winter walk around the city centre prepares you for exquisite yet hearty food, the early spring tempts you into sightseeing in earnest, and you may catch a breeze atop a medieval tower on a hot summer...   view more

Today, Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting visitors with its stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage, and its inspiring tale of tolerance and coexistence continues. I mentioned the Tagus. Toledo’s surroundings are beautiful, and a walk along the walls on the edge of the citadel, with the greenness of the trees reflected by the waters of the river, is a highlight of any visit to the...   view more

I guess the title says it all, but let me justify my statement. I decided to visit the north-eastern French city of Metz in December when I was driving to Germany with the dog. The reasons? I had read good things about its Christmas market, and I was intrigued by the pictures of the Porte des Allemands medieval...   view more

Rimini’s first bathing establishment was built in 1843, making it the oldest on the Adriatic Sea. The combination of mild climate, curative waters, and delightful luxury hotels turned Rimini into a renowned tourist destination, a playground of the Italian and European aristocracy during the Belle Époque up to the outbreak of World War...   view more

Heidelberg is a mid-size town, but its compact city centre and surroundings offers so much to the visitor. The city has a rich and complex history, elegant and distinctive architecture, and is renowned through Germany and beyond for its vibrant student life – it is home to Germany’s oldest...   view more

Nothing prepares you for arriving in the centre of Zaragoza. Awe-inspiring is the first word that springs to mind. The sight of the Walls and Domes of the Old City from across a 16th-century stone Bridge is surprisin in its Magnificence, and its monuments are testament to the city’s rich and complex history, spanning two...   view more

It is a city steeped in history, with incredible architectural highlights, and a beautiful river running right through it. Even if you only have 24 hours, when you arrive you will realise it is not a city you want to rush through, it’s a city you want to savour in the little details. Like with wine, in the city itself, it is quality over Quantity. Less is...   view more

We have all heard of Parmesan cheese and Parma ham, yet how many people have the Italian city of Parma on their bucket list? Not as many as it deserves. On the upside, this means that tourists are still very welcome in Parma. I even had locals asking me if i needed help when they saw me using Google Maps to get...   view more

Narbonne is one of its pearls. With a history stretching 2,000 years, there are plenty of attractions for history buffs. The lifestyle is relaxed, the food lovely and both the Mediterranean coast is just a few km away! The Proximity to Spain is not only Geographical, when I stepped in the main Square the architecture and the outdoor lifestyle evoked memories of Toledo or...   view more

As many of my readers know, I love medieval architecture, especially castles and cathedrals. I also love discovering destinations that are rich in sights and culture and nature but without the crowds. England’s cathedral city of Winchester is all of those things. People do not take tourists for granted and are truly welcoming and proud of their beautiful...   view more