90 km South of Samarkand, the great capital of the Timurid Empire, on the other side of the mountains, lies Kesh, now known as Shahrisabz, the city where Amir Timur (known in the West as Tamerlane) was born. Shahrisabz is actually the Persian name of the city, meaning "green city".…
Tashkent (Uzbek: Toshkent) is the capital city of Uzbekistan and the most populous city of former Soviet Central Asia. Most package tours to Uzbekistan or even many travellers just pass by Tashkent, but this is a mistake - it is completely worth staying 2 days in Tashkent.Tashkent is a historical…
For centuries, Bukhara was one of the main cultural and religious hubs of Central Asia. It also had a bustling trade activity due to its location by an oasis in the Silk Roads. Samarkand is probably more famous in the West, but Bukhara's historical importance is even greater.Bukhara does not…
Samarkand is a legendary city, its name the most evocative in Uzbekistan and all Central Asia. Nowadays, Samarkand (Uzbek: Samarqand) is the second most populous city in Uzbekistan and a must in any trip in the country. Actually, only a few large monuments survive of its old city, but what…
When we told people we were travelling to Uzbekistan, not few didn't quite understand what we were saying - "what's there to see?" was a typical question and the more prejudiced "wow! a stan?" ("-stan" is a suffix that means land, just like we say "England" or "Finland"). To be…
León is undoubtedly one of the most interesting towns to visit in Spain, because of its historical architecture, its cuisine and atmosphere (great for tapas lovers). Surprisingly, León is not such a popular destination. Few foreigners have ever heard of this historical city, and even less know its wonders. León…
Before starting with Tirana...if you are planning a trip in Albania, check out our other posts about Albania:7 Days in Albania, our guide to an essential trip in Albania.10 Albanian dishes you really have to taste2 days in Korçë, the best Christmas destination in AlbaniaAlbanian riviera - best beaches &…
Oaxaca de Juárez (or simply Oaxaca) is the capital city of the State of Oaxaca. Oaxaca preserves one of the most beautiful historical city centres of Mexico and is famous all over the country for its excellent cuisine and mezcal.Oaxaca lies by Sierra Madre del Sur, one of the main mountain…
The famous old city of Barcelona is not as mediaeval as it looks - a lot of its gothic was carefully fabricated.
Beijing (北京) has been the capital of China since 1420. Its name literally means "Northern Capital", as opposed to the "Southern Capital" Nanjing.Nowadays, Beijing is the second largest city in China with over 21 million population, but it has a much longer history than even more populated Shanghai. Honestly, if…
In a beautiful landscape in the mountains of Madrid (Sierra de Guadarrama), outside the village of Rascafría, stands the Real Monasterio de Santa María de El Paular, the oldest carthusian monastery of Castile. A place full of history and art not part of usual touristic visits that will certainly surprise…
Madrid is a big capital with many things to do, a lot of spots to discover and a fantastic atmosphere to live! But there are a few places that stand above the rest and we feel you must certainly see during their first visit to Madrid!This is why we have…
Bordeaux is one of the most elegant cities in France and it has so much to offer visitors. It's not only the beautiful Baroque architecture of its riverfront that will make you fall in love, but also its bustling urban atmosphere, delicious cuisine - and, of course, its wine châteaux.…
Montauban is a beautiful town just 55 km North-West from Toulouse, on the way to Bordeaux. As well as neighbouring Toulouse it is known as a "pink city" due to the widespread use of pinkish bricks in its architecture since the Middle Ages. Montauban is on river Tarn, which flows…
Toulouse is a perfect destination for a weekend and a fantastic base to explore the South of France. It may not have the glamour of the Côte d'Azur or the elegance of Bordeaux, but Toulouse has an interesting heritage, a beautiful waterfront and it is one of the liveliest cities…
Lisbon is one of the most beautiful capital cities in Europe - it captures and surprises any traveller. Its amazing location where river Tagus meets the Atlantic, its elegant avenues and monumental architecture, the nightlife of Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré and great food and good prices will make…
Georgia is home to a rich cultural heritage and amazing landscapes. Its well-preserved mediaeval monasteries remind us that Georgia was, and still is, at the frontier of Christianity.
Laguardia is not only one of the most beautiful small villages in Spain, with an untouched mediaeval heart. It also hosts a unique oenological heritage.
