Travel
-
Discover Red Square and the Kremlin: Moscow’s Historic Heart
After sleeping like logs, we tucked into a delicious breakfast in the hotel’s executive lounge where we had been invited after receiving a complimentary room upgrade. The buffet selection was broadly similar to the main hotel restaurant but we received a more personal service from the waiting staff and were able to sit back and…
-
Moscow – the ultimate winter break
The previous evening I had taken the train to London to meet up with my son in Hammersmith. We’d chosen Hammersmith as it was on the Piccadilly Line and meant we hadn’t far to trundle our large suitcases. After a tasty meal of fish and chips we returned to the nearby underground station for a…
-
Discover Morningside, Edinburgh
Although our hotel room was lovely and quiet there was no need to set an alarm as each morning we were roused from our slumbers at 8.00 a.m. sharp to the clattering sounds of a glass recycling truck emptying bins along the road. With so many nice things we wanted to fit into our Edinburgh…
-
Discover Scotland’s Industrial Heritage at the National Mining Museum Scotland
The rain clouds of the previous day seemed to have vanished but had been replaced by a strong wind so we wrapped up warm and after coming to life with bacon sandwiches and coffee, we wandered along Princes Street to visit Jenners. This famous department store has been part and parcel of Edinburgh’s history since…
-
Walking Edinburgh’s Royal Mile: From Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh Castle
After the lovely sunny weather we’d experienced the previous day, it was a little disappointing to wake up to a dark, gloomy sky accompanied by rain soaked pavements. Still, undeterred we braved the elements to find somewhere for breakfast. After being brought back to life with two cups of coffee and my favourite smashed avocados…
-
Edinburgh’s Christmas: A Festive Guide to Markets, Lights & More
It had been exactly three years since my last visit to Edinburgh and as it’s one of my favourite cities, that was far too long. So, to remedy the situation, we managed to squeeze in a short break to the Scottish capital just before Christmas. We travelled on a Cross-Country train that was over-crowded all…
-
Getting from Istanbul to the Airport: Best Transport Options
It was back to clear blue skies on our final morning in Istanbul and after a leisurely breakfast we completed our packing and checked out of the Holiday Inn Istanbul Old City which had been an ideal place to stay during our city break. We trundled our luggage the short distance to the nearest tram…
-
Top Sights in Beşiktaş, Istanbul: Best Things to See and Do
As we drew back the curtains we were dismayed to discover a dull and gloomy start to the day with rain beating against the window panes. Sadly, it wasn’t any better by the time we had finished our breakfast so with our umbrellas unfurled for the first time since setting foot on Turkish soil, we…
-
Exploring Istanbul’s Kadıköy District – What to See and Where to Go
We allowed ourselves a little lie-in before enjoying a leisurely breakfast in the Holiday Inn’s restaurant. Feeling suitably energised we were then ready to set off by 9.45 a.m. starting the day by strolling along to the nearest tram stop, about ten minutes walk away. It was the hottest day so far with the sun…
-
Ultimate Guide to Taksim and Karaköy, Istanbul’s Most Lively Neighbourhoods
After another enjoyable buffet breakfast in the hotel’s elegant restaurant we wandered along to the nearest tram stop and took a Line 1 tram service all the way to Kabatas from where we transferred to an underground funicular train to Taksim Square. The Kabatas – Taksim funicular is a modern, air-conditioned underground train transporting passengers…
-
The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul: A Complete Guide to the World’s Most Famous Market
After a good night’s sleep, we tucked into a hearty breakfast in the elegant dining room of the Holiday Inn Istanbul Old City. As well as the usual offerings I was tempted into sampling some local cheese and olives. I did, however, give the local Turkish coffee a miss as I’d tried it before and…
-
How to Get from Istanbul Airport to the City Centre
In readiness for our morning flight from London Gatwick Airport we had stayed overnight at a Travelodge in Crawley. This proved convenient as buses depart from near the hotel (Bus 10) to the south terminal taking only 20 minutes with tickets from the driver costing just £2.50. We arrived at the airport at 7.25 a.m.…
-
Discover Girona’s Jewish Quarter on a guided walking tour
We woke to leaden skies and thundery rain – not what we were hoping for on our final day in beautiful Girona. Still, it was a good excuse for a long, relaxing breakfast as there was little point in hurrying outdoors. By 10.30 a.m. the rain had eased slightly so armed with our umbrellas we…
-
How to Get to Lloret de Mar from Girona and top things to see and do
Sun streamed into our bedroom as we drew back the curtains and after a long, lazy breakfast we were ready for another day of sightseeing. Our first stop of the day was just a short walk away at the Museum of Cinema, standard admission €6. We’d already had the pleasure of visiting the Cinema Museum…
-
Spend a Day Exploring Girona’s Top Attractions
We had slept so soundly it was difficult making a move, but after turning off the alarm clock several times we finally managed to rouse ourselves, coming to life with an invigorating shower followed by a delicious breakfast in the restaurant of the Doubletree by Hilton. Set up for the day, our first stop was…
-
Girona City Walls Highlights – Explore the Ancient Ramparts
We’d arranged a short break to the Spanish city of Girona with a lunchtime flight from Bournemouth Airport on Dorset’s south coast. It was our third time using this airport and it’s always a pleasure as there are plenty of airside facilities and no queues. Our Ryanair flight departed on time with a full load…
-
Palermo City Centre Walk – Explore the Heart of Sicily
Our final day in Sicily began slowly with a leisurely breakfast on our shady balcony. As our British Airways return flight to London wasn’t due to depart until 20.30 we had arranged a late check out, enabling us to have access to our apartment until late afternoon. We started the day with a stroll along…
-
A Day in Sferracavallo, Sicily from Palermo – Coastal Escape
Wondering where to visit on our final full day in Sicily, I came across some photos of Sferracavallo which appeared to be an idyllic fishing village nestled below some rugged cliffs, so we decided to head there. It’s located 13km north west of Palermo in the Capo Gallo Nature Reserve. It’s quite close, but very…
-
Spend a Day in Trapani, Sicily from Palermo – How to Get There and What to Do
We woke to yet another hot, sunny morning and decided to spend the day in the port city of Trapani. Getting to Trapani from Palermo is by Segesta Express bus and this service departs from the left hand side of the railway station. Return tickets cost €14.10 each and do not need to be purchased…
-
Mondello, Sicily from Palermo by Bus – What to See and Do
A lazy start to our Sunday morning with a relaxing breakfast out on our terrace. Feeling ready to set off, we wandered through Palermo’s historic quarter, passing the vast Teatro Massimo and continuing along to the newer part of town with its designer shops. Soon, we arrived at the Teatro Politeama in the Piazza Ruggero…
-
How to Visit Monreale, Sicily from Palermo – what to see and do
Our plan for the morning was to visit the small town of Monreale which sits perched on a cliff top above the city of Palermo. Getting to Monreale is quite easy as AMAT Bus 389 departs from Piazza Independenza taking just 20 minutes to the hilltop town. When travelling on Italian buses it’s necessary to…
-
The Pheasant Inn, Highclere, Hampshire Review
Hotel Review Location This picturesque 17th century inn is located in the village of Highclere, Hampshire close to the Berkshire border. Highclere Castle, where most of the filming for Downton Abbey took place, is just up the road and the attractive market town of Newbury a fifteen minute drive away. The Pheasant has ample parking…
-
Day Trip by Train from Palermo to Cefalù, Sicily – What to See and Do
Our plan for the day was a trip to Cefalu, an easy 59 minute train journey from Palermo. Tickets cost €11.20 each return by regional train and we opted for the 9.38 a.m. service as the next departure was not for a further two hours. Our train departed on time and for the final 30…
-
The Perfect Day in Palermo, Sicily – What to See and Do
A leisurely start to the day with breakfast on our terrace. It was almost 10.00 a.m. when we stepped out of our apartment strolling the short distance to the nearby Ballaro outdoor market which seemed much larger than when we briefly visited the previous day just as it was about to close. I was tempted…
Love Travelling Blog 