A tour guide with more than just some facts and figures. Occasionally I will do private tours, particularly if I’m pressed for time and in a city I’m unfamiliar with. I rely mostly on...
Lazio, Italy — Part 1
Ancient and medieval villages in northern Lazio. Anyone who’s been to Italy, has been to Rome. And if you’ve been to Tuscany you’ve probably visited the hill towns. In this piece we...
Cruising the Amalfi Coast
Better than driving the coast road. I’ve driven the Amalfi coast more times than I need to remember. I don’t really find it nerve-wracking, as long as you’re paying attention. There are guard rails...
Lazio, Italy — Part 2
A driving tour of the towns and villages north of Rome. In this second article on the medieval hill towns around Rome, we’re focusing on is the Rieti Province, part of the Lazio Region just...
Upper Normandy — Part 1
Exploring the beautiful medieval towns and villages just south of Rouen. Normandy, just west of Paris has some great history. It was settled as early as the 4th century b.c. and was the location of...
Setting Up Your Own Driving Tours
With some basic internet skills, you can set up your own driving tours of the most beautiful out-of-the-way towns and villages in Europe. Visiting the major cities is of course where one starts in...
Upper Normandy — Part 2
Touring the Medieval towns and villages west of Rouen. In case you skipped Part 1, here’s a quick synopsis about Normandy — first settle in the 4th century b.c., Vikings in the 9th...
Food Walking Tours
A great way to learn about and sample local cuisine. I’m not an organized tour kind of person. I don’t like the lack of intimacy, the feeling of being herded, and the forced structure of having to be...
Gites in France
Little cottages that are old world and offer a different kind of travel experience. We’ve talked about renting villas as a great way of feeling embedded in whatever country you’re...
Renting a Villa in Italy
Renting a villa is a great way to travel. But to pick the right one means asking the right questions. Renting a villa is a great way to travel. You feel more immersed in the culture and connected to...