After the unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia in 2008, Kosovo has become the newest country in Europe. Still not recognised as an independent country by many nations, this landlocked territory is off the radar for most international visitors.

During my last visit to neighbouring North Macedonia, I decided to take a day trip to Pristina, the capital of Kosovo. Although the city lacks in historical sites, a visit to Europe’s youngest capital with its numerous cafes and welcoming people is still a must. I even was lucky enough to spot former President Bill Clinton, who was in town to celebrate the 20th anniversary since the NATO drove out the Serbian forces and put this former province on the path to independence!

Just on the outskirts of Skopje, Matka Canyon is one of the most popular destinations for a half-day trip from the capital of North Macedonia.

If you’re looking to explore the natural beauty that this country has to offer, read more to learn how to reach Matka Canyon from Skopje and what to do there during your visit!

Skopje is without a doubt one of the most peculiar cities in the Balkan region. With a history that dates back to the ancient times, the capital of North Macedonia is a diverse and modern European city, where different ethnic, religious and national groups cohabit in harmony.

Since the project Skopje 2014, which re-built the entire city to give it a more classical appeal, Skopje has become one of the most attractive European capitals. See what to expect from a visit to this unknown yet exciting destination of wonderful food and peoples, beautiful neo-classical buildings and statues… statues everywhere!

Crowning the rocks of the Kalambaka region in Greece, the hanging monasteries of Meteora are a place like no other. A centre of spirituality for centuries, visiting this UNESCO Heritage Site is a must in any trip to the Hellenic Republic.

During my stay in Thessaloniki, I took an incredible day tour to Meteora. Read more to discover with me this unique site with breathtaking landscapes!

With a kingdom that expanded all the way to Asia, Alexander the Great is one of the most emblematic figures of ancient Greece. Born in Macedonia in 356 BC, a visit to northern Greece is a great opportunity to discover the origins of one of the greatest emperors of all time.

During my stay in Thessaloniki, I took a guided tour to Pella, the birthplace of Alexander the Great and the historical capital of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia, as well as Vergina, home to the Royal Tombs of Aigai where Alexander's father Philip II is buried.

After having visited the Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of the lower town, I continued my two-day trip by exploring the Roman past of Thessaloniki and the three most emblematic sites built during those times: the Agora, the Rotunda and the Arch of Galerius.

My trip would finish with a climb all the way up to the Ano Poli, the upper town. Crowned by a Byzantine and Ottoman-era fortress, it offers the best panoramic views of the Thessaloniki. Continue reading to check them out!

Capital of Greek Macedonia, Thessaloniki is a melting pot like no other in Greece. Influenced along the centuries by the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, visiting this modern and unknown Mediterranean city will be like travelling back in time through some of the most influential cultures of history.

Here is the first part of my 2-day itinerary of Thessaloniki, a walk from the port to the White Tower visiting all the highlights that the lower town has to offer!

After having spent a full day travelling from Marrakech, it was time to continue my journey to the Sahara desert. As we crossed the Atlas Mountains, the green vegetation of the previous day would start turning into arid land as we approached Merzouga, the door to the desert.

Check out the second and final day of my trip, with stops at the Dades and Todra Gorge before spending the night with the berbers in the middle Sahara desert!

There are few more isolated places in the world than the Sahara desert. Despite its scorching days and freezing nights, many travellers dream of venturing into this sea of sand dunes to ride a camel and enjoy the Berber hospitality.

During my last visit to Morocco, I joined a two day trip to the Sahara desert from Marrakech to live this experience first-hand. Check out the first day of my trip, in which I would visit the High Atlas Mountains, Ait-Ben-Haddou and the Dades Valley!

Gorgeous mosques and gardens, a beautifully preserved medina, the Sahara desert only some steps away… Marrakech is not only the main cultural hub of Morocco, but it has also become one of the most popular destinations in the country. And for a reason!

If you’re interested in experiencing the Moroccan culture first-hand, Marrakech is certainly your go-to place. Read more to discover what are some of the highlights that you can enjoy in this fascinating place!

China is the most populated country in the world, with a population of more than 1.3 billion. It is also one of the most economically and politically influential countries in the modern world. Despite this, its ancient culture is largely preserved, uninfluenced by many of the traditions and norms of the rest of the world. No wonder, then, that it is a hugely popular tourist destination, with many tourists wanting to experience its authentic history and intriguing traditions.

It is easy to understand the allure of China. It has a unique combination of a mysterious past and a fast-growing modern identity. However, as enthusiastic as you might be, due to its size it is nearly impossible to simply turn up and start checking off locations one by one. This is why planning is vital if you want to see the best of China. To assist you, here are four recommendations that’ll make your trip unforgettable.

Thailand is a truly incredible country – a place almost every traveller falls in love with. With its incredible beauty and wonderful people, it is easy to see why. The beaches on the islands of the Andaman Sea are among the most beautiful anywhere in the world and the buzz of the cities and towns, allied with a rich culture make this a destination that has something for everyone.

But before you set off for the kingdom, here are a few handy tips that are worth paying attention to.

Founded by Alexander the Great, the city of Alexandria is one of the most modern cities in Egypt in spite of its fascinating role in ancient history. Located 2h 30m north from Cairo, this wonderful city often forgotten in a visit to Egypt.

During my last free day in the land of pharaohs, I decided to take a day trip from Cairo with Egypt Day Tours to this historical city that once was the centre of knowledge of the western world!

Best known for the three Pyramids of Giza, the city of Cairo has much more to offer outside of the Giza plateau. With millennia of history that span through all civilisations, a day visiting Cairo will give you the chance to discover some of the most relevant civilisations in the history of mankind.

My full day visit included the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel of Saladin with the majestic Mosque of Muhammad Ali, Coptic Cairo to enjoy the beautiful Hanging Church, and the labyrinthine Kahn el-Khalili bazaar. I finished the day by enjoying a breathtaking sunset and the sound and light show in the Pyramids of Giza.

Have a look to find out what to expect from this chaotic yet emblematic city!

Once the main place of worship of the Theban Triad, the stunning Karnak Temple in the city of Luxor is the biggest religious building ever constructed. The complex is so large that it constitutes an entire city of temples built over a period of 2,000 years.

This is what you can expect from a visit to the most prominent temple in the East Bank of the Nile!

Located in between the cities of Aswan and Luxor and dedicated to God Horus, the impressive Edfu Temple is a must in any trip to Egypt.

After arriving back in Luxor for the second time, I walked in the heat to also explore Luxor Temple on the East Bank of the Nile. A magnificent example of Egyptian architecture that changes completely when visiting by day and by night. That's why I decided to visit both times!

Aswan, one of the main cities of the no longer existing country of Nubia, is by far the best place in Egypt to discover this millenary civilisation.

During my free day in Aswan, I took a felucca ride on the Nile River to contemplate the Elephantine and Kitchener Islands. In the afternoon, I visited the Nubian Museum of Aswan, the cultural centre of this unknown but fascinating civilisation, followed by a visit to the Unfinished Obelisk, the largest known ancient obelisk ever built and that never left its quarry as it cracked before it could be completed.

South of Aswan and next to the Sudanese border hides one of the most impressive temples of ancient Egypt: Abu Simbel, a Nubian monument carved out of the mountainside over 3,200 years ago. Almost destroyed in the 60s after the construction of the High Dam, these temples were moved stone by stone to an artificial hill made above the dam to protect them from the floods.

In the fourth day of my Essential Egypt tour, I visited these fascinating temples along with two of the big highlights of the city of Aswan: the High Dam and Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis.