Itineraries to inspire
Duration: | 4 days |
A stunning virtual tour around cultural sites & national parks of Europe and North America Photo Credit: Bharat Patil
Duration: | 2 days |
Featured itineraries
Duration: | 6 days |
This was a trip of a lifetime through the Indian state of Rajasthan and a fantastic introduction to the history and cultural highlights to be found in this part of Incredible India. I made these travels back in November 2012 and the journey and positive memories of India have remained with me ever since. I would definitely suggest hiring a guide and driver for a trip such as this, if your budget stretches to it.
Duration: | 6 days |
Duration: | 5 days |
Duration: | 4 days |
A 4 day road-trip around viking Denmark to visit some stunning archaeological sites, museums and reconstructions. If you're interested in learning about the vikings in Denmark, this would be 4 days well spent - although you'll also need to add an additional day to return on Day 4. A car would be the best way between the sites - as there are significant distances to cover. You'll also need to book accommodation along the route. I was inspired to write this itinerary after reading a superb book which introduced me to a number of the sites: Vikings - A History by Neil Oliver. Check it out if you can. Photo Credits: Image by Gary Chambers from Pixabay
Duration: | 6 days |
Duration: | 2 days |
Duration: | 4 days |
A stunning virtual tour around cultural sites & national parks of Europe and North America Photo Credit: Bharat Patil
Duration: | 2 days |
Duration: | 3 days |
If you've got 3 days or more to spend in this bustling multi-national, 1100 sq km territory, then this itinerary should give you a great overview of some of Hong Kong's highlights. As a former resident of Hong Kong, I’ve taken many friends and relatives on this itinerary - and it has never failed to delight! Photo Credits: Florian Wehde, unsplash.com
Duration: | About 7 hours |
Beat the crowds and start early in the north of the city. Check out the classic Little Mermaid statue and her genetically modified sister, before heading into the city centre via the Royal Palace and the Marble Church. Enjoy a lunch of Danish classics at the cafe of the Design Museum, before discovering everything there is to know about the history of legendary Danish design.
Duration: | 3 days |
Duration: | 3 days |
Duration: | 3 days |
Duration: | 3 days |
Scotland's North Coast 500 is now one of the most spectacular road trips in the world. From vast mountains, deep sea lochs and pristine beaches it offers something for everyone. Beginning and starting in Inverness, this three day itinerary offers the best that the North Coast 500 has to offer and is not to be missed. Having travelled the route twice, I can ensure you that this is one trip that you'll never forget! (Photo Credit - Milada Vigerova via Unsplash)
Duration: | 2 days |
Duration: | 3 days |
Duration: | 3 days |
Duration: | 3 days |
Bilbao in northern Spain is a lush and rich city, 20mins by bus from the airport and with long distance but cheap coaches along the coast of Spain - to Santander and San Sebastian to name a few. It has the Guggenheim museum, a museum for art, beaches, a suspension bridge and fantastic array of eateries If you're also going to be visiting Santander on your trip to Northern Spain, you may also want to check out my Santander itinerary.
Duration: | 3 days |
Duration: | 2 days |
Duration: | 2 days |
Starting early at La Madeleine, this whistle stop tour around Paris is a great introduction for those who only have 1 day in the City of Love.
Duration: | 2 days |
Duration: | 3 days |
Duration: | About 10 hours |
Duration: | 3 days |
Places to explore
Culture-Art Gallery Culture-Historical Building
The National Gallery in London houses one of the greatest painting collections in the world - including paintings from Cezanne, Monet, Seurat, Gainsborough, van Gogh, Rembrandt and da Vinci - to name but a few. There are over 2,600 paintings on display - so there is something for everyone. The gallery is open 361 days per year. There are virtual tours available on the gallery's website (see website link on this page). Entrance is free - since the artwork belongs to the public. The cloakroom charge is 2 GBP (free for members). Photo credits: Anas Miah, Unsplash.com
Culture-Bridge Culture-Landmark Culture-Museum Culture-Tower
Tower Bridge is arguably London's definitive landmark. Arching over the River Thames, it connects the north with the south. On the north side, the Tower of London looks on. There are 5 areas to explore within the bridge: 1. The North Tower - which highlights the architects, thinkers, engineers & technicians who built the bridge. 2. The Walkways - with panoramic views and a glass floor 42 meters up. 3. The South Tower 4. The Blue Line 5. The Engine Rooms - where you'll find the original steam engines which powered the bridge If you buy tickets on the website (see link on this page), you can get discounted prices. Photo credits: Raul Varzar, unsplash.com Charles Postiaux, unsplash.com Jean Carlo Emer, unsplash.com
Culture-Abbey Culture-Church Culture-Historical Building Culture-Museum
Westminster Abbey (more formally Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster) has been used as the place of coronation for monarchs since 1066 (starting with William the Conqueror). It is the resting place of more that 3,000 famous Britains - including monarchs, scientists, politicians and poets. The abbey is a place for celebration, worship and ceremony. The last Royal Wedding at the abbey was the marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, in 2011. The Abbey was completed in 960AD - and today it has over 1 million annual visitors. It is located right next to the Houses of Parliament. Of note to see: 1. The Lady Chapel 2. The Coronation Chair 3. Poet's Corner 4. The Queen's Window 5. Pyx Chamber 6. Royal Tombs 7. The Quire 8. The Cloisters 9. Chapel House 10. Abbey Gardens 11. Modern Martyrs Children under 5 get free entrance. Purchasing tickets online (see the website link on this page) - gets you a discount. Photo credits: Amy-Leigh Barnard, unsplash.com Jenny Marvin, unsplash.com
Culture-Historical Building Culture-Museum
Beneath the streets of Westminster in London lies the bunker used by Prime Minister Churchill and his staff during the Second World War. Protected from the German air-raids above, it is in these rooms that the allied victory was planned. The 3 main exhibits are the Life Underground exhibit - with historical images, interviews and an insight into life in the war, the Churchill Museum - housing personal items and artefacts, and the Cabinet War Rooms that housed the staff and state secrets. Give yourself around 90 minutes to explore, plus any additional time at the cafe and shop. Buying tickets in advance and online gets you priority entry. See the website link on this page.
Culture-Cathedral Culture-Historical Building Culture-Landmark
One of the quintessential images associated with London is the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral. A cathedral has stood on this site (Ludgate Hill - the highest point in the City of London) for more than 1,400 years. The present cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren - to replace the previous cathedral which burnt down in the Great Fire of London. Work commenced in 1675, and the cathedral was completed in 1710. An Anglican cathedral - this is the main place of work for the Bishop of London. There are guided tours available, at no extra charge above admission - Monday to Saturday - 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm. Private group tours are also available. There is an entry charge for tourists - but worshippers can enter for free. Sightseeing is not permitted on Sundays. Photo credits: Alex Tai, unsplash.com Robert Bye, unsplash.com Nick Fewings, unsplash.com
Culture-Historical Building Culture-Landmark Diverse-Market
Borough Market is no museum - it's a living, breathing, dynamic market-place. Many of the stallholders are actual producers - farmers, fishermen, bakers. As well as food, there are small-scale artisan producers and restaurants. Prepare for an experience of tastes, smells, colours and human interactivity. Look out for cookery demonstrations, public debates and educational activities. Photo Credits: Hulki Okan Tobak, unsplash.com Frank Albrecht, unsplash.com
Culture-Landmark Entertainment-Ferris Wheel
You might think the London Eye was a huge ferris wheel - but according to the architects, David Marks and Julia Barfield, it's a "cantilevered observation wheel". Originally a submission to the Millennium Competition, hosted by The Sunday Times and The Architecture Foundation, it took 6 years for the couple to make their dream a reality. It opened in March 2000. 33 pods take riders up to 325 metres in height. Originally, The Eye was intended to be decommissioned after 5 years, its lifetime has been extended - as the tourists just keep coming. You can save 10% when you book tickets online. See the website link on this page. Photo Credits: David Henderson, unsplash.com Marc Wieland, unsplash.com
Culture-Theatre Diverse-Shopping Eat & Drink-Bar Eat & Drink-Cafe Eat & Drink-Cocktail Bar Eat & Drink-Night Club Eat & Drink-Pub Eat & Drink-Restaurant Eat & Drink-Take Away Eat & Drink-Wine Bar Settlement-Community
Soho is a 1-square-mile bustling and lively entertainment district in the West End of London. It's bursting with up-market restaurants, bars, clubs, theatres and media industry headquarters. Soho also borders Chinatown, although the Soho Society believes Chinatown is also part of Soho. London's gay community is based around Old Compton Street in Soho. Theatres in the area include the Soho Theatre and Windmill Theatre. Walking around the streets of Soho, you'll be among tourists and locals alike - enjoying the atmosphere day and night. The name Soho was possibly derived from a hunting cry in the 17th century. Photo Credits: Moujib Aghrout, unsplash.com Laura Chouette, unsplash.com Mark Hayward, unsplash.com
Exercise-Cycling Exercise-Horse Riding Exercise-Rowing Exercise-Running/Athletics Exercise-Tennis Nature-Park
Located in the heart of London, Hyde Park offers a little peace and a place to relax and rest. The Park is a venue for concerts, from time to time. Covering 350 acres, Hyde Park is one of 8 Royal Parks to be found in London. The park is popular with joggers & cyclists. You can also go boating, play tennis, or try horse-riding in the park. A popular place for rallies, marches and protests over history, you can still attend Speaker's Corner on Sundays - to hear people vent and express their share of views. Photo Credits: Rishabh Agarwal, unsplash.com Alla Art, unsplash.com Marco Chilese, unsplash.com
Culture-Historical Building Culture-Museum
The Natural History Museum in London is found on Cromwell Road in South Kensington - close to the V&A Museum and the Science Museum. Focusing on life and earth science, the museum houses over 80 Million specimens - although only a small proportion are on display. The museum's displays are numerous, but include: 1. Space 2. Dinosaurs 3. British Wildlife 4. Human Evolution 5. Treasures 6. The Works of Charles Darwin 7. Oceans 8. Geology The museum is divided into 4 coloured zones - grab a free map to ensure you don't miss anything! Admission is free. Photo Credits: Kevin Mueller, unsplash.com Russel Meller, unsplash.com
Culture-Historical Building Culture-Landmark Culture-Theatre Diverse-Market Eat & Drink-Bar Eat & Drink-Cafe Eat & Drink-Restaurant
Towards the east of London's vibrant West End lies the district of Covent Garden. In days-gone-by, Covent Garden housed a fruit-and-vegetable market in the central square, but nowadays this is a popular tourist and entertainment site with shops, restaurants, bars, theatres and historical buildings. Lookout for and enjoy the regular street performances which surround the main square. The Royal Opera House is also found at the site. Photo Credits Nick Page, unsplash.com Rudy Isa, unsplash.com David Sury, unsplash.com
Culture-Historical Building Culture-Museum
The British Museum in central London houses more than 60 free galleries, as well as exhibitions and events. This is a truly incredible museum - and if you are remotely interested in history, then it is not to be missed. The galleries include Egyptian sculpture, Medieval Europe, Enlightenment, Mexico, Africa, Greek artefacts, Chinese and other Asian artefacts, clocks, the Romans, and many more. Some of the galleries are available as a virtual tour online - please check the website link for the museum on this page. Admission is free - however booking is required for groups of 10 or more. Photo Credit: Viktor Forgacs, unsplash.com Tamara Menzi, unsplash.com
Culture-Museum Virtual-Virtual Social Distance-Lockdown friendly Social Distance-Social distance friendly
Click on the website button for the virtual tour Photo credit Sebastian Pichler, unspash.com
Culture-Landmark Culture-Monument Culture-Statue Culture-Tower
The site of Trafalgar Square was officially named in 1830. In 1832, work began on the National Gallery - located right on the Square. The famous landmark Nelson's Column was erected here in 1843 - to celebrate Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Today Trafalgar square includes fountains and statues - and it is surrounded by museums, galleries and historical buildings. It is also famous for its pigeons! It is a popular place for protests, cultural celebrations, rallies and demonstrations. Photo Credits: Paul Sivan, unsplash.com Anthony Ingham, unsplash.com
Culture-Cinema Eat & Drink-Bar Eat & Drink-Cafe Eat & Drink-Restaurant Eat & Drink-Take Away Nature-Park
Leicester square is famous as the location for many film premiers that open with red-carpet in London. Located in London's West End district, it's a pedestrianised square surrounded by bars and eateries. The 2 big cinemas on the square are the Odeon Leicester Square and the Empire Leicester Square - and nearby you can find the Prince Charles cinema which often screens cult movies. The London Film Festival is hosted in Leicester Square every year. Chinese New Year is celebrated in Leicester Square - with London's chinatown connecting to the square. The world's largest Lego Store can be found in Leicester Square. The square has a small park in the centre. Photo Credits: Hulku Okan Tabak, unsplash.com Luca Vavassori, unsplash.com