Ubud Palace (locally, Puri Saren Agung) is located in the heart of Ubud. This previously quiet town, known for its rice paddies and relaxation, is now the buzzing center of Bali‘s ‘yoga’ tourism. Long the destination of backpackers, seeking cheap beer alongside authentic experience, Ubud was catapulted into fame when it put the ‘love’ into Julia Roberts’ 2010 blockbuster Eat Pray Love.… Read the rest
Amalienburg
Amalienburg at Schloss Nymphenburg is a summer residence and hunting lodge. It was built by Elector Karl Albrecht (reigned 1726-1745) for his wife, Maria Amalia. Designed by the Munich court architect Francois Cuvilliés, the single-storey building features a unique hall of mirrors decorated partly in silver.… Read the rest
Knossos Palace
Knossos Palace, home of King Minos, birthplace of the Minotaur, entrance to the Labyrinth. This site feels enchanted from the first step.
History
Entering from the West Gate late on a hot summer’s afternoon, I encounter the 22,000 sq.m… Read the rest
Tsarevets Fortress
Arriving through the cobbled streets of Veliko Tărnovo the first site we behold as we check into our accommodation at the Yantra Grand Hotel is Tsarevets Fortress. Tsarevets, the hillside fortress of this medieval capital, spans the horizon, across the river and over the green gorge, laid out before our eyes.… Read the rest
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina sits comfortably elevated above the Parc, owning her sweeping views of the marina, although very much dominated by the imposing Cathedral. Perhaps this is why I mistook the entrance at first glance, slightly hidden, somewhat undistinguished and distracted for having to dodge those photographing themselves with the more striking of the two facades in the background.… Read the rest
Palma de Majorca
We start our day in Palma de Majorca at the Parc de la Mar, right in front of La Sau, the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma. This incredible Cathedral dominates the skyline of this entire stretch of the old town of this stunning port side city.… Read the rest
Al Ain Palace Museum
We arrive at the Al Ain Palace Museum in the afternoon. It is a hot day, summer is finally encroaching on the long and lovely weather we have been experiencing. It is also the middle of Ramadan so there is no relief for my parched and dry lips as we enter the Al Ain Palace Museum (Qasr Al Ain) this sunny afternoon.… Read the rest
Schloß Schwerin
If fairytales were to have a birthplace it must be Schwerin. Even from a distance, just laying eyes on their impossibly beautiful castle makes me feel like a princess, or at least, like the world is full of hope and beauty.… Read the rest
Christiansborg Palace
Christiansborg Palace is set on the islet of Slotsholmen (literally castle islet) right in the middle of Copenhagen. As we walk over the ages old stone bridge this morning our passage is uniterrupted. I’m sure when the castle was inhabited by the Royal Family, this bridge would have been suitably guarded.… Read the rest
Stockholm
We dock in Nynäshamn, Sweden. I hear the low grumble of the ship’s motors moving us ever so slowly and carefully towards the port. Usually I’m happy to find my own way but today we’re booked onto a Big Red Bus transfer into Stockholm, an hour away.… Read the rest