Ubud Water Palace

Ubud Water Palace

Nestled in the heart of Bali, the Ubud Water Palace, also known as Saraswati Temple (Pura Taman Saraswati), is one of the island’s most enchanting landmarks. It is a large, relatively new temple (pura), built for the Ubud royal family.… Read the rest

Ubud Palace

Ubud Palace

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

Nymphenburg Palace: Marstallmuseum

Nymphenburg Palace: Marstallmuseum – Horse decoration and harnesses from the coronation procession of Emperor Karl VII

When wandering through the grandeur of Munich’s Nymphenburg Palace, the Marstallmuseum is a hidden gem that may fly under the radar of the typical tourist path.… Read the rest

Badenburg

Badenburg

Tucked away in the lush palace park of Nymphenburg in Munich, the Badenburg Pavilion is one of those hidden gems that you might just stumble upon if you take the time to wander off the main path. At first glance, it looks like just another charming Baroque pavilion but step inside and you’re transported into a world of early 18th century luxury and leisure.… Read the rest

Amalienburg

Amalienburg

Amalienburg at Schloss Nymphenburg serves as a summer residence and hunting lodge. Elector Karl Albrecht (who reigned from 1726 to 1745) commissioned it for his wife, Maria Amalia. Munich court architect Francois Cuvilliés designed the single-storey building, which features a unique hall of mirrors partly decorated in silver.… Read the rest

Nymphenburg Palace Park

Nymphenburg Palace Park

You know a place is special when you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale just by walking through its gates. That’s exactly how I feel as I enter the Nymphenburg Palace Park in Munich. While the palace itself is undeniably grand, dripping in Baroque opulence and royal history, the gardens and palace park steal the show with their quiet beauty, lush landscapes and hidden architectural gems.… Read the rest

Knossos Palace

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

Tsarevets Fortress – the Gate at sunset

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

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

Catedral de Mallorca

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