Yazd, two days in the city of Zoroastrianism
Home of Zoroastrianism, the ancient religion of Persia until the Muslim conquest in the 7th century, the city of Yazd is a maze of mud-brick streets that surprises you at every corner.
From the impressive Jameh Mosque, a unique sample of Islamic art with the tallest minaret in the country, to the Towers of Silence, where Zoroastrians left the dead bodies of their loved ones under the open sky to purify them in the afterlife, Yazd is certainly a place like no other in Iran!
Follow my visit in this city of the desert while I discover what the Zoroastrian religion is all about!
From Isfahan to Yazd: discovering Nain Mosque, Meybod, Chak Chak & Kharanaq
From ancient mud-brick cities and fortifications to one of the holiest sites of Zoroastrianism, the arid landscape in the Iranian province of Yazd hides some of the most unique and unknown sites that you can find in the Islamic Republic.
After spending two days in Isfahan, I ventured in a full day journey to the desert city of Yazd, first stopping at all the hidden sites that this province has to offer. Follow my journey from Isfahan to Yazd while I discover Nain Mosque, the holy Zoroastrian site of Chak Chak, as well as the ancient cities of Meybod and Kharanaq!
Isfahan, 2 days in the highlight of Iran - Part II: Jameh Mosque, Ali Imam Square, Si-o-Seh Pol Bridge & Vank Cathedral
After spending an incredible first day in Isfahan visiting the impressive Naqsh-e Jahan Square, for my second day, I would venture beyond the heart of the city to visit the second UNESCO World Heritage Site in Isfahan, the striking Jameh Mosque.
I continued exploring Ali Imam Square before ending my stay in Isfahan discovering the Armenian Quarter of New Julfa and its incredible Vank Cathedral, a big contrast to the predominantly Islamic architecture of Iran!
Isfahan, 2 days in the highlight of Iran - Part I: Naqsh-e Jahan Square, Grand Bazaar & Chehel Sotoun Palace
Former capital of Persia for over a hundred years during the Safavid dynasty, Isfahan is today one of the most impressive cities of modern Iran.
In its central Square, Naqsh-e Jahan, you will find one of the most outstanding open spaces in the world, comprising the main historical sites of the city and declared a UNESCO Heritage Site due to its architectural and historic significance.
During my first day in Isfahan, I explored the central area around Naqsh-e Jahan Square to discover its magnificent mosques, endless bazaar and picturesque gardens and palaces. Check out the first part of my visit to Isfahan, the highlight of Iran!
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands: full visit around the island in 4 days
From all-inclusive resorts to extensive golden-sand beaches and a rugged, mountainous interior, Gran Canaria is one of the most diverse destinations in Europe no matter what you’re after for your holidays.
During my last visit to the Canary Islands, I travelled around Gran Canaria for 4 days to discover all the natural wonders and tourist attractions of the island. Check out my 4-day itinerary around Gran Canaria in this post!
Lanzarote, Canary Islands: the best things to see and do in the volcanic island
With its outstanding geological formations made by lava fields and the unique designs of the local artist César Manrique, who combined nature and design as never seen before, Lanzarote is an island that has much to offer beyond its white sand beaches and endless amenities.
If you’re planning to visit the Canary Islands, here are the best things to see and do in Lanzarote!
Chernobyl Nuclear Plant & the ghost town of Pripyat: one day visit to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone
On April 26th 1986, an explosion took place at reactor number 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant, releasing radioactive material to the air and causing the biggest nuclear disaster ever recorded in history.
With hundreds of deaths as a result of the high radiation levels, a 30km Exclusion Zone was established around the Chernobyl disaster area that still remains until our days. Pripyat, a city of 50,000 inhabitants built only a few years earlier for the workers of the plant and their families, had to be evacuated within hours. Its inhabitants would never return home.
Today, accessing the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is still highly restricted, but you can easily get a permit by joining one of the guided visits that depart daily from Kyiv. Check out my experience visiting the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and the ghost town of Pripyat to discover the results of the biggest nuclear accident of all times!
The best of Kyiv: 3 day itinerary
Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, is one of the few cities in Western Europe that remains unknown to tourists. Although more and more visitors are flocking to Ukraine to visit Chernobyl, the site of the biggest nuclear disaster in history, the city Kyiv also deserves a short visit to discover all it has to offer.
During my visit, I spent 3 fascinating days in Kyiv, discovering its beautiful monasteries, memorials and parks in a perfect getaway in Western Europe. Check out my 3-day itinerary in the surprising city of Kyiv!
Lviv: what to see in the gem of western Ukraine
Part of Poland up until World War II, today Lviv is one of the most beautiful cities that you will find in Ukraine. With a charming UNESCO World Heritage old town that reminds that of Krakow, I couldn’t miss a visit to Lviv during my first trip to Ukraine.
I spent two days exploring this off the beaten track city, which is the perfect amount of time to enjoy everything that Lviv has to offer. Check out what to see during two days in this gem of western Ukraine!
Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp: a guided visit to the horrors of the Holocaust
Symbol of the atrocities of the Holocaust, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp is one of the most infamous places on Earth. After all, it was here that over 1,1 million people, mainly Jews, died during World War II at hands of the Nazis in the biggest extermination campaign ever seen in history.
During my visit to Krakow, I booked a guided tour to the Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau camps, a very tough but extremely educational and necessary visit to remember the horrors of the past to make sure that they are never repeated.
2 days in Krakow - Part II: Kazimierz, the Jewish Ghetto & Oskar Schindler's Factory
With a 25% Jewish population up until 1939, Jews have always been an essential part o the history of Krakow. Settled in the quarter of Kazimierz, they flourished for centuries until World War II, when all Cracovian Jews were confined to a ghetto on the outskirts of the city and expelled from their historic home in Kazimierz.
During my second day in Krakow, I decided to explore Kazimierz, the traditionally Jewish quarter of Krakow where the few synagogues left in the city can still be found. I would continue my visit with the area where the Krakow Ghetto once stood before finishing at Oskar Schindler’s Factory to hear about the Nazi businessman who employed over 12,000 Jews to save their lives during the Holocaust.
2 days in Krakow - Part I: highlights of the Old Town
The city of Krakow, former capital of Poland and seat of the Polish monarchs for centuries, is without a doubt one of the most charming cities in Europe. Its beautifully preserved medieval Old Town, where you can find most of the places of interest of this Unesco World Heritage city, is one of the few places in Poland that escaped from complete destruction during World War II.
During my first day in Krakow, I explored all the highlights of the Old Town, starting in Market Square and following the Royal Road all the way from St. Florian’s Gate to Wawel Castle, the former residence of the kings. Check out this itinerary to discover one of the liveliest cities of Poland!
From Kashan to Isfahan: Fin Garden & the red village of Abyaneh
During my third day in Iran, it was time to travel from Kashan to Isfahan, one of the most beautiful cities that I visited during my trip. For the journey, I booked a private transfer with Tap Persia that included a couple of stops on the way to visit some of the incredible places that Iran has to offer.
Before leaving Kashan, I first stopped at the Fin Garden, a highlight of the city and a UNESCO Heritage Site. I would then continue my journey with a stop in the red village of Abyaneh, famous for its very particular houses and for having one of the most unique cultures of Iran!
Kashan: the city of historic houses
Located in the northern Isfahan province and famous for its beautiful historical and cultural sites, Kashan is a lesser known city that cannot be missed in a trip to Iran.
After having spent a day in the chaotic capital Tehran, I started my trip across Iran by taking a bus that would bring me to Kashan, where I would explore its beautiful historic houses and the impressive bazaar. Check out what this place so rich in history has to offer!
2 days in Tehran, part I: the old town
The Islamic Republic of Iran, historically known as Persia, is one of the most captivating countries that I’ve ever visited. A very unpopular touristic destination due to its bad relations with most Western countries and its very strict Islamic law, the truth is that this Middle Eastern country has the most welcoming people that I’ve ever encountered during my travels.
I started my two week visit to Iran from its capital, Teheran, a chaotic metropolis home to over 8 million people where the old history and modern architecture live together in perfect harmony. During my first day I visited the old town to discover its busy bazaar, the National Museum of Iran and the gorgeous Golestan Palace. Discover with me the fascinating capital of Iran!
4 days in the Maasai Mara & Lake Nakuru, Kenya: how to plan a low cost African safari
Everyone has ever dreamed of going on an African safari. Every year, from honeymooners to intrepid travellers venture into the African savannah to explore nature at its purest state. However, an African safari is not in everyone’s budget. Always thought to be one of the most expensive trips, the truth is that you can visit the African parks for very affordable prices if you do some research.
During my trip to Kenya, I took a 4 day safari leaving from Nairobi and visiting the Maasai Mara, the most popular park in the country for safaris, and Lake Nakuru, an indispensable visit to see aquatic animals and beautiful birds. Check out this post to learn how to plan a safari in Kenya for less than €100 per day!
Half-day cruise from Ohrid to the Monastery of St. Naum
If you’re spending a few days in the lakeside city of Ohrid, you cannot miss one of the most sacred places in North Macedonia: the Monastery of St. Naum.
Located 30km south from Ohrid, there’s no better way to explore the monastery than taking one of the frequent boats that leave from the port. During my visit, I took a half-day cruise from Ohrid to St. Naum not only to explore this interesting monastery and its water springs, but also to enjoy the views wonderful of Lake Ohrid on the way!
Ohrid: what to see in North Macedonia's lakeside city
Ohrid, located on the shore of a lake with the same name, is one of the most charming cities of North Macedonia.
A very popular getaway destination for local visitors, Ohrid not only offers gorgeous traditional architecture, but also a breathtaking nature. Check out the best places to visit in Ohrid, North Macedonia!