Author Profile: Shelley Rohm

Nestled in the valleys of the rivers Alcoa and Baça, the city of Alcobaça is a quiet treasure in central Portugal, about 100 kilometers north of Lisbon. It’s best known for the magnificent Monastery of Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but this medieval town has much more to offer than its famous landmark. Between its wine and ceramics museums, tranquil riverside park, and irresistible pastry shops, Alcobaça rewards anyone who lingers long enough to explore beyond the monastery...   view more

On the banks of the Nabão River sits the city of Tomar, a charming medieval town in the heart of Portugal that often flies under the radar of many travelers. Yet, this small town offers a perfect blend of rich Portuguese history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty that makes it a true hidden gem. Founded in the late 12th century by the Order of the Knights Templar, Tomar boasts a fascinating past, with ties to the First Crusade and the Holy Land, that is evident in its well-preserved...   view more

We had five full days to get acquainted with this capital city in the United Kingdom. We were there to visit our niece, who is in graduate school at King’s College, but we also made time to explore the major attractions. Our itinerary balanced the most popular tourist attractions with a few other treasures. We had a short list of things we absolutely wanted to see, but we also left space to wander and discover some of the best areas of the city centre on our...   view more

Scotland’s capital is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe — a historic city with cobbled streets, dramatic views, and a mix of medieval and Georgian charm. From Edinburgh Castle, perched on Castle Rock, to the winding Royal Mile, Edinburgh is packed with history, whisky, and...   view more

Most famous for its colorful rooster, Barcelos is much more than just a legend; it’s a living, breathing expression of Portuguese identity. With a rich 15th-century heritage, thriving ceramic workshops, and scenic views of the surrounding countryside, this riverside city is a must-visit destination when traveling through the north of...   view more

Known as the “Cradle of Portugal,” Guimarães isn’t just another picturesque European town—it’s the birthplace of a nation, a living museum where medieval charm meets modern...   view more

Nestled in the heart of northern Portugal, Braga is a city that whispers tales of ancient Roman settlements, echoes with the peal of church bells, and dazzles visitors with its ornate baroque architecture. Often it is known as a day trip from Porto, but we think it deserves a few days of exploration on its...   view more

Often called the Venice of Portugal—and for good reason—Aveiro is full of colorful boats, winding canals, and beautiful Art Nouveau buildings. It’s the perfect place for a great day trip, a relaxed weekend, or even a longer stay if you’ve got plenty of time to...   view more

Why is Dublin the ideal launchpad for your Irish journey? For starters, it’s incredibly accessible, with Dublin Airport welcoming flights from all corners of the globe. Once you’ve touched down, you’ll find yourself in a compact, walkable city that’s easy to navigate, allowing you to maximize your time exploring rather than getting lost in...   view more

Located just a short drive from the vibrant city of Lisbon, Sintra emerges as a captivating tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its romantic 19th-century Romantic architecture, historic palaces, and extravagant gardens that transport visitors to a different...   view more

Lisbon, or Lisboa, is one of the oldest cities in Europe and is steeped in history, coastal beauty, delicious cuisine, and a mild climate, which makes it the perfect place to explore in Europe. Plus, compared to other major European capitals, Lisbon offers exceptional value for accommodation, food, and attractions, and the relaxed, laid-back Portuguese lifestyle and hospitality give the city an appealing bohemian...   view more

Whenever someone visits us here in Portugal, we can’t help but take them to Óbidos. It’s one of those places we just have to share. Óbidos sits right outside of Caldas da Rainha about an hour from Lisbon and it is easily one of Portugal’s most beautiful destinations. The medieval walls, the winding cobblestone streets, and vibrant bougainvillea add to its never-ending charm. As soon as I stepped foot inside the city walls for the first time, I fell in...   view more

Porto is undoubtedly one of the coolest cities in Portugal, not to mention Europe, and should not be missed. The second-largest city’s combination of historical charm, wine culture, friendly locals, and vibrant atmosphere makes it a truly special destination for...   view more

As we were walking through Schiphol Airport at the end of our trip, I said to Beth “We did a lot but I don’t feel like we did everything.” She laughed and said, “Amsterdam is a city you keep coming back to.” And I agree with this! Although this was our first trip to Amsterdam, it will not be our...   view more

From historic Upper Town views to cozy taverns, from creative museums to Advent chalets serving hot gin (yes, it’s a thing!), Zagreb surprised and delighted us at every...   view more

Florence has been a dream trip for the both of us for several different reasons. Beth is an art history lover and I am a renaissance fan, so this city was a perfect destination, especially since we were meeting friends there. We spent 5 days in the fair city, each day just as busy as the next. As you have read in our other posts, were are not ones to plan to do too much in a day. We love to have days where we can wander the streets and find the off the beaten path jewels of the...   view more

There’s something magical about stepping into a small Scottish town like Dunblane. Nestled along the Allan Water, Dunblane is one of those places where history lingers in the streets, and modern life blends seamlessly with centuries-old...   view more