Troy: Where Myth Becomes Reality
Step into the legendary city of Troy, Türkiye. Discover the real history behind the myth, explore ancient ruins, and get practical tips for your visit. A must-see for history lovers and curious travellers.
Memory Lane: Lake Bled, Slovenia
A rainy one-day stop at Lake Bled, with moody skies, and postcard views
Gallipoli: Where History and Memory Meet
Explore Gallipoli’s historic battlefields including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, Mehmetçik Monument, and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s statue. A journey through sacrifice and shared humanity.
Classic Istanbul: The Sultanahmet and Eminönü Walking Loop
A walking loop through Istanbul’s Old City, linking Roman monuments, Byzantine landmarks and Ottoman-era mosques with the lively markets of Eminönü.
Memory Lane: Salzburg in a Day (2017) and the Sachertorte Detour
We only had one day in Salzburg, but it was enough for a walking tour, a cathedral stop (obviously), and a slice of history at Café Sacher.
The European Cafe Pilgrimage: Angelina, Sacher and Demel
From Angelina’s famous hot chocolate in Paris to Austria’s Sacher Torte and Vienna’s Demel, this trio is the ultimate European café pilgrimage.
Ireland and Northern Ireland Long Easter Weekend Break
A long Easter weekend break across Dublin and Belfast, with sightseeing walks, historic pubs, and a surprisingly brilliant Titanic Belfast visit.
Belfast by sightseeing bus (Peace Walls, Shankill and Falls Road)
A Belfast sightseeing bus tour took us past the Peace Walls and through Shankill and Falls Road, where the murals and atmosphere made the city’s history feel very real.
Two Days in Munich (2017): From Nymphenburg to Oktoberfest
Two sunny days in Munich in 2017: palaces, parks, BMW Welt, the Altstadt, and an unforgettable Oktoberfest birthday night.
White’s Tavern, Belfast (Oldest Tavern)
A midday pint in White’s Tavern, Belfast’s oldest tavern, tucked down historic Winecellar Entry. Warm, dim, and full of character.
Füssen’s Fairytale Castles: Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein
A day trip to Bavaria’s most iconic castles: Neuschwanstein for the drama, Hohenschwangau for the history, plus the views that make the whole walk worth it.
Titanic Quarter (Titanic Hotel + Titanic Belfast), Northern Ireland
A reflective visit to Belfast’s Titanic Quarter, combining Titanic Belfast with an overnight stay in the historic Titanic Hotel.
The Glass of Thrones Trail on the Maritime Mile
We only meant to walk the Maritime Mile, but a House Stark stained-glass panel pulled us into Belfast’s Glass of Thrones trail, ending by HMS Caroline.
A Walk Through Historic Belfast City Centre
A gloomy but fascinating walk through Belfast city centre, from free entry at City Hall to Belfast’s oldest street, the Europa Hotel, and the Cathedral Quarter.
The Brazen Head, Dublin: A Pint in “Ireland’s Oldest Pub”
A visit to The Brazen Head in Dublin, the pub that calls itself Ireland’s oldest. Busy crowds, a Guinness outside, and a genuinely historic interior full of beams and dark woodwork.
What We Ate in Dublin
A simple Dublin food list to match a sightseeing-heavy trip, from a margherita pizza at Sano to a full Irish breakfast at Bewley’s and two ice cream stops we absolutely did not regret.
Memory Lane: Brussels In A Day
A quick Brussels stop packed with big sights and even bigger snacks, from the Atomium and Mini-Europe to waffles at Maison Dandoy and a beer at Delirium.
Trinity College and the Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
A relaxed second-day Dublin plan: Irish breakfast at Bewley’s, a wander through Trinity College, and the City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus (Red Route) for an easy overview of the city.
Dublin in a Day: Sunny Streets, Busy Churches and a River Walk Full of History
A full day walking around Dublin city centre, from Dublin Castle and St Patrick’s Cathedral to the Ha’penny Bridge, the GPO Museum, riverside memorials and the buzzing streets of Temple Bar.
European Café Trail (and why I planned it)
A reflective Journal Notes post on my 2017 European café trail, from Angelina in Paris to Gerbeaud in Budapest, and why I planned each stop in advance.