Topic
Walks & hikes
16 stories tagged walks & hikes.
2 Days in London from Fitzrovia: Soho, Westminster & the West End
Two days in London based in Fitzrovia: where we stayed, the meals and stops within walking distance, the British Museum, what we paid, and what we would do differently.
Under Canvas in Yosemite and Bears in Lake Tahoe
We have crossed oceans for mountains and water, from Lake Como to the Norwegian fjords, and then we had a few open days and stayed in our own California backyard. Yosemite and Lake Tahoe gave us granite walls, pine smell, cold blue water, and enough logistics to remind us that close to home does not mean effortless.
Day Trip from Cannes to Eze, Menton, Saint-Jeannet
The day started early in Èze, and that turned out to be one of our best decisions. Arriving before the crowds gave us time to wander the medieval stone streets and enjoy some of the French Riviera’s most spectacular views in relative peace. Perched high above the Mediterranean, Èze has been drawing visitors for centuries, and the scenery explains why. From there, we headed east to Menton, France’s last major town before Italy. Known for its colorful waterfront and laid-back atmosphere, Menton sits between the mountains and the sea, creating one of the Riviera’s most beautiful bays. Lunch was simple and perfect for the setting: pizza by the waterfront. Later, we grabbed a serving of fries and found a shaded café table overlooking the bay. Sometimes the best travel moments aren’t complicated. They’re just good food, a little shade, and a great view. We finished the day inland in Saint-Jeannet, beneath the towering Baou de Saint-Jeannet. A local wine tasting provided the perfect ending to a day that took us from a medieval hilltop village, to the Mediterranean coast, and finally into the foothills above the Riviera. Not a bad way to spend a day on the Côte d’Azur.
Hidden Gems of Paris: Beyond the Crowds
Discover a quieter, more intimate side of Paris through hidden parks, local neighborhoods, and under-the-radar museums. From peaceful Eiffel Tower views to artistic corners of Montmartre, these spots offer a more authentic Parisian experience.
Museo Xul Solar - Buenos Aires Don't Miss Gem
When people think of Argentina, they picture the Obelisk, Plaza de Mayo, and La Boca. We love those iconic spots, but we are always looking for the hidden gems that show a city’s real personality. In Palermo, Museo Xul Solar is one of those places. It is lesser known, absolutely worth the visit, and a great reminder that some of the best parts of Buenos Aires are found beyond the usual landmarks.
Napoli: The Art of Stumbling Upwards
We usually plan trips with spreadsheets, but Naples taught us the best moments happen while walking off a "pizza coma." We started at 400 Gradi Rapuano Pizzeria near the Spanish Quarter with reckless abandon. First came Pizza Fritta, a delicious cross between a donut and a calzone. Next was Tarallo Pizza, topped with savory almond biscuits. It was crunchy, salty, and fatal to any plans of moving quickly. Waddling toward the harbor, we found the Funicolare Centrale at Augusteo. We have a simple rule. If there’s a funicular, we take it. We bought tickets for the last stop, Piazza Fuga, without checking a single review. The train lifted us from the harbor to the Vomero district. We followed signs for a castle simply because walking downhill felt like a bad idea after all that dough. We ended up at Castel Sant'Elmo and the Museo Nazionale di San Martino. Expecting a simple view, we found the whole world instead. Naples sprawled below like a pop-up book, with Mount Vesuvius looming and Capri on the horizon. It was a perfect 360-degree panorama found completely by accident. Sometimes research is overrated. You just need to eat a fried pizza, find a train that goes up, and see where it takes you.
Napoli: Walking Tour of the Harbor
Napoli, is a city that immediately tells you you’re not in a rural area anymore. It shouts at you; horns, people bustling through, motorcycles nearly missing you on roads that a mixed pedestrian and cars. My arrival felt less like a carefully planned vacation and more like being dropped into an opera mid-act, without a libretto. I’d come for the chaos, the history, and a pizza pilgrimage. What I found was a place that demands your full attention, a vibrant, sometimes abrasive, always captivating urban symphony. Every step was a negotiation, every corner a new discovery. This wasn't Italy's manicured postcard; this was its raw, beating heart, and it was worth the visit. This hour long mile and a half walk gave us a good first flavor of the cities harbor.
Segovia - A Castle, Cathedral and Aqueduct
The end of our day in the Avila and Segovia which is North of Madrid in Spain provided a great view of the remnants of a Roman Aqueduct . In Segovia, we kept saying. We could stay here for a couple of days. The Castle was amazing and the Cathedral was beautiful as well. This little community had a nice ambience with shops restaurants and cobbled streets we very walkable.
Quito: Thin Air and Big Views
Quito, Mindo and Cotapaxi were a great and diverse way to explore Quito. We were lucky to have the family of our daughter's friend to be our companions and guides for our time in Quito.
Renaissance Heart of Italy
Florence overwhelms your senses with artistic treasures at every turn. Standing before Michelangelo's David was a profound moment that photos simply cannot capture. The climb up Brunelleschi's Dome rewarded us with breathtaking panoramic views over terracotta rooftops. The Uffizi Gallery houses Renaissance masterpieces that transport you through centuries of human creativity.
Spiritual Heart of Italy
Umbria's hilltop towns offer a spiritual journey through history. Orvieto's cathedral, perched dramatically on volcanic cliffs, houses some of Italy's most beautiful frescoes. The underground tunnels reveal fascinating layers of Etruscan and medieval history. Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis, radiates peaceful energy with Giotto's masterful frescoes telling the saint's story.
Eternal City Experiences
Rome reveals new secrets with every visit. Our extended stay in Trastevere gave us an authentic Roman experience - morning espresso at local bars, evening aperitivo in hidden piazzas, and late-night strolls along cobblestone streets. The major attractions never lose their power to amaze, but it's the everyday moments that make Rome truly eternal.
Cinque Terre Coastal Paradise
The five coastal villages of Cinque Terre feel like stepping into a postcard. We chose to stay in Vernazza, which transforms from a bustling daytime destination to a serene evening haven. The highlight was an impromptu sunset concert where a local musician played classical piano on a hillside overlooking Riomaggiore as the Mediterranean turned golden.
Magnificent Madrid
We chose a December visit to escape the city's unbearable heat, a strategy we happily share with the locals. It's a perfect big-city destination, boasting everything we love: inspiring museums, incredible food, walkable streets, convenient public transit, and a culture that's both fast-paced and fun.
Porto: Rain, River Crossings, the Rule of 1, and the Mystery Indian Restaurant
Porto, Portugal, the Douro River and the Douro Valley gave us all of the things we enjoy. Good people, good food, good wine (Port), good walks, and great views. Definitely on the list to go back.
Lisbon: Seven Hills, Sore Calves, and the Sardine-Tin Trams of Lisbon
Discover why Lisbon is called Rome’s twin as we navigate its beautiful but punishing seven hills and squeeze into its famously crowded vintage trams. From temperamental cable cars to festive holiday markets, this is a look at the glorious chaos of Portugal's capital.