Europe travel

This category includes all my articles about my Europe travel. Because I live in the Netherlands, I can travel in Europe quite easily, and as you see here, I’ve seen a lot of it. Generally I don’t write “ultimate list” or “everything you need to know” posts. Instead, I tend to focus on just one or a few sights or experiences from my specific point of view. Enjoy!

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A bright red train curving atop an arched viaduct, heading for a tunnel in a wall of rock.

The beauty of the Rhaetian Railway in Switzerland

The Rhaetian Railway, a UNESCO site in southern Switzerland, is a marvel of engineering, taking passengers past absolutely stunning scenery through the Alps to Italy.

People pose on their bikes in front of the La Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona.

4 Barcelona bike routes + biking tips

Barcelona is a great place to explore by bike. Here are the unmissable highlights of 4 Barcelona bike routes, plus some useful bicycling tips!

A horse, outlined in black, with brown back and black mane.

Visiting Lascaux Cave and its magnificent prehistoric artworks

Lascaux Cave is known the world over for its astonishing prehistoric artworks. Here is what you need to know before visiting.

A partly-drunk glass of red wine with the name of the Musee du Vin et du Negoce printed on it.

Which wine museum in Bordeaux should you visit?

The Musee du Vin et du Negoce or the Cite du Vin: which wine museum in Bordeaux should you visit? I visited both, so you don’t have to!

A view of Chateau Chambord from the side.

Château de Chambord: A royal hunting lodge

Chateau de Chambord: a spectacular 16th-century castle in the Loire Valley, worth seeing for its architecture and the art it contains.

runway and in the distance the airport building and control tower.

Preparing for a flight: A very complete guide

A detailed guide to preparing for a flight: before you book, booking your flight, what to do once you’ve booked and in the days leading up to your flight.

A view of a VIVA cruise ship: very long and narrow and just 3 stories high.

Moselle River cruise with VIVA Cruises: A review

A thorough description and review of a Moselle river cruise with Viva Cruises: the ship, the cabin, the food and drink, the itinerary, etc.

Looking from one gallery into the next through a monumental doorway: paintings on the wall either side of the doorway and also visible through the doorway on the far wall.

Free museums in London

The 8 best free museums in London: excellent places to discover some of the best art in the world and more … at no cost!

Anchored sailboat, sails down, in front of a pink post-sunset sky.

Sailing In Croatia: A comprehensive beginner’s guide

Everything you need to know if you are considering sailing in Croatia for your vacation. Info on where and when, the best route, what to pack, licenses, and more.

Looking at the dunes from the beach, with a row of stakes for a breakwater.

Ameland tips: A complete guide to this Dutch island

Ameland, an island off the coast of the Netherlands, has lots of things to see and do for a day or aweek. Read lots of Ameland tips here!

A grand cathedral in white with many pillars around and above the entrance.

A sightseer’s guide to the history of Ortigia, Sicily

The history of Ortigia, Sicily is long and varied. Read here what to see on this little islet, the oldest part of Siracusa.

View down to a floor below: shops along the side, people walking in the center.

Things to do at Schiphol Airport Amsterdam

Flying out of Schiphol? Read here all the steps to make your departure easy, and lots of ideas for things to do at Schiphol Airport while you wait for your flight.

Seen across water, the building has a central square structure of glass with long, slanted sections around it and up its sides.

One day in Oslo itinerary: All the highlights

This itinerary for one day in Oslo, Norway, includes all the sightseeing highlights, grouped by location to help you choose which to see.

The tower house on the right, a small round guard tower on the left.

All about tower houses in Ireland with tips for visiting

Everything you need to know about tower houses in Ireland – a variety of castle – before visiting: what to look for, which to see, and more!

A view of lots of snow-capped mountains.

Experiencing slow travel with UnTours: A review

Considering an UnTour? Read this review of the unique UnTours formula for slow travel – in this case in Switzerland.

A wide waterfall where the water falls down in a series of steps.

Visiting Krka National Park in Croatia: Travel tips

Krka National Park in Croatia has some of the prettiest waterfalls and lovely hikes. Read lots of tips here!

Looking down a very long hall with gothic arched ceiling and, along one side, what looks like feeding troughs also carved from stone.

Things to do in Figueres: A one-day itinerary

In this complete one-day itinerary, you can read about all the things to do in Figueres, Spain: not just the Dali Theater-Museum!

Two painted white horses - just their heads - on a merry-go-round with the colorful painting of the center part of the carousel visible behind them.

The 8 best Hamburg Christmas Markets (+13 more!) for 2024

Tips for visiting the best Christmas markets in Hamburg, Germany, plus a listing of all the rest: 20 in all!

View of the building from across the moat opposite one of its corners. Both wings are somewhat visible here, though the front is mostly obscured by trees.

Fraeylemaborg castle in Slochteren, The Netherlands

Fraeylemaborg, a charming historical estate house and garden in the northern Netherlands, is well worth the visit both for the period interior and the lush gardens.

Looking down a road toward blue sea, trees along the road on either side.

Have you heard of the Saronic Gulf island of Agistri?

The island of Agistri in the Saronic Gulf is near Aegina, but its quieter and greener. Read all about it here, with lots of tips for visitors.

A narrow street with buildings along both sides and lots of potted plants and flowers in front of them, as well as a bougainvillea over the street.

Review of Audley Travel: Luxury bespoke travels

Considering booking Audley Travel to arrange your itinerary? Read this review of my experience with Audley on a tailor-made trip in Greece.

A large plaza with ornate buildings on all three visible sides. On the left, a tower, straight ahead a row of buildings, and on the right some larger buildings, perhaps government buildings or a palace.

Is Brussels in Belgium safe to visit in 2024?

Considering a visit to Brussels? Here’s the lowdown on safety in this beautiful and historic city, with plenty of tips to keep yourself safe.

Euphoria Retreat Wellness resort seen from the outside.

Euphoria Retreat Wellness Resort destination spa review

Considering a stay at Euphoria Retreat wellness resort in Mystras, Greece? Read this detailed review before you decide!

A view of Dubrovnik from a hill: red-roofed buildings, a wall around it with a fort on the near side, the blue sea beyond the city.

How to escape the crowds in Dubrovnik, Croatia

No matter how beautiful Dubrovnik is, the crowds can really ruin it for you. Here are some ways to escape the crowds in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

One of the cafes catering to tourists in Bourtange.

Star-shaped Bourtange Fortress in the Netherlands

If you visit the east of the Netherlands, don’t miss Bourtange, a charming village inside a star-shaped fortress.

How to choose a destination: Tips to consider before travel

Sometimes it’s hard to choose a travel destination. Say you have only two weeks’ vacation, and you want to get the most out of it. Here’s some advice.

A view up a staircase between two tall buildings. The staircase is painted in a subtle pattern.

The secret traboules of Lyon: A complete guide

A guide to the traboules of Lyon, France – secret passageways with a centuries-old history – and how to find the 5 best of them.

The front of the Patheon has a classical facade with a row of 8 columns holding up a triangular pediment.

Beginner’s guide to the top historic sites in Rome

Historic sites in Rome that any first-time visitor should see: from the ancient Romans to the Baroque and Renaissance.

Fortified Churches of Transylvania

Seven of the 150 castle-like fortified churches of Transylvania make up a UNESCO World Heritage site, built by Saxon settlers in the Middle Ages.

Looking from the foot of the bed, a double bed with red headboard and, above that, the words DOCK 6.

Mercure Hotel Hamburg City: a review

Despite being part of a chain, Mercure Hotel Hamburg City is far from standard, at least in its décor. Read my review here.

Two small and tidy simple buildings. White plaster walls, peaked thatched roof. A single door in the near end of each and a few very small windows.

Famous landmarks and historical sites in Wales

There are more landmarks in Wales than just its famous UNESCO-listed castles. Here are 5 great historical sites in Wales you should also see!

A float moving through a crowd full of large figures of court jesters with the typical jester hats.

Mardi Gras around the world – and Mardi Gras food!

Mardi Gras around the world has morphed into a range of different pre-Lenten celebrations. Read here about how different countries celebrate!