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Women going solo in Ireland
Feel right at home on the island Irish people are famous for their friendliness, so you’ll never really feel like you’re alone in Ireland! B&Bs and hostels are great places to stay because they offer plenty of opportunities to meet other guests and exchange useful travel tips. Join an organized tour where you can let someone else take the lead, while you just enjoy the fun without having to worry about checking your map all the time. You could also amble at your own pace and soak up the …
Historic Treasures in Slovenia and Croatia
Amy’s guide to 2 underexplored countries with stunning history Greetings! If you haven’t guessed, I’m Amy Boyington. I’m a historian, writer, blogger and PhD, interested in everything from Georgian architecture to the role of women in the 18 th century to landscape gardening, with just about everything in between. I’m also really keen on exploring countries and cities that deserve more attention, especially from a historical perspective. The two countries I’ve recently been most enthusiastic …
Unusual, iconic places in Poland
Attractions you’ve probably never heard of When visiting Poland, you’ll find many famous places which are unique in Europe and globally: UNESCO World Heritage Sites, national parks, historical monuments, unusual museums, castles, palaces and many other attractions. What you may not be aware of are less well-known, out-of-the-ordinary, sometimes funny, or simply very interesting gems. You should put them on your list because they complement the famous sights perfectly. Treasure hunters and …
Abbey of St. Gall, Switzerland
The best-kept Swiss secret The Abbey of St. Gall and its impressive historical collections are home to Switzerland's oldest library and have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. In fact, it’s one of the first three sites in Switzerland to have been recognized by UNESCO. A visit is a miracle of transmission. Experience 1400 years of cultural history as you dive into the wonderous exhibitions inside the Abbey Library’s Baroque Hall (don’t miss the faithful replica of the 16 th -century …
Untapped icons in the Netherlands
Sites with a story you haven’t heard For a small country, the Netherlands boasts many iconic attractions to see, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites are a great way to start. Varying greatly in size, age and beauty, each tells a remarkable story, creating a unique and beautiful image of the country’s rich history. These places shaped Dutch society and represent the urge to innovate and a talent for dealing with water. Why not look for some you’ve never heard of? The Colonies of Benevolence offer a …
Luxembourg’s industrial past, reborn
Take a mining train and explore industrial giants As UNESCO World Heritage Sites , Luxembourg City’s old town and fortifications, or the legendary photography exhibition The Family of Man , by Edward Steichen, at Clervaux Castle, will take your breath away. If you seek slightly off-the-beaten-track, awe-inspiring sites, take a trip to the country’s south, also known as the Minett . Steel generated over a quarter of the country’s wealth at one point; the Minett region is now breathing new life …
Discover special sites in Serbia
Bread and earth within us Today’s world is increasingly one of electronics, IT and science, yet people are still attracted to the basic forms of life and creation. Are the large terracotta sculptures in Kikinda related to the Pannonian Sea, which became the Pannonian Plain millions of years ago? Is earth energy transferred to the artist through the material, and do artists then transfer important ideas, feelings, and thoughts to us, the observers? The Terra Museum in Kikinda could be considered …
Switzerland’s unique villages
Charming places, hidden from the crowds Choose from more than 50 unique villages on the Grand Tour of Switzerland. Each represents the country and region in its own unique ways, highlighting traditions and local cultures. Seeing various styles of architecture representing the eras of their construction, you’ll experience Switzerland as never before. Let’s discover some of these buildings! Saint-Saphorin Saint-Saphorin, an enchanting winegrowing village in the Lavaux vineyards, is situated at …
Indigenous Europe
The Sámi and their remarkable culture Deep in the north of Europe, where the snow blankets the forest floor, there live indigenous people who have called this land home for centuries. The homeland of the Sámi spans parts of Finland, Sweden, and Norway, though their unique culture has penetrated these countries (and beyond) to a great extent. Known for their in the outdoors, especially with huge herds of reindeer upon which they rely, the Sámi have much to share about loving, respecting, and …
Unexplored gems of European history
Discover five unexplored gems of European History Europe offers a treasure trove of history and culture. Here we take a look at what awaits those who venture off the beaten track and at five of my personal favorites . 1. Trieste and its hinterland, Italy and Slovenia Pushed to nominate my favorite city getaway in Europe, I would opt for Trieste . This least Italian of all Italian cities is perched on a narrow finger of flattish land at the very head of the Adriatic. Behind the city, the hills …