What to Do in Siena: A Tuscan Treasure

panoramic view of rooftops of siena through an opening with a bird flying overhead

In this guide I share my favourite things to do in Siena, one of Italy’s most magical cities. The swallows start to fill the skies above Siena at daybreak. From their rooftop nests, these aerial acrobats dart and swoop through the air, tracing elegant arcs against the backdrop of the city’s medieval buildings and the […]

15 Fabulous Things to Do in Haarlem, Netherlands

a bike on a bridge crossing a canal in haarlem Netherlands

Haarlem is easy to love. This quintessentially Dutch city offers picturesque streets lined with medieval buildings, serene canal strolls and world-class museums in one cosy package. And as it’s just 20 minutes by train from the bright lights of Amsterdam, Haarlem makes a great home base. If you want to stay somewhere exuding small-town warmth […]

Should You Visit Namur or Dinant?

graphic of images of the coloured buildings of 2 riverfront towns with the title dinant vs namur

Belgium’s French-speaking Wallonia region is not short of charming towns but Dinant and Namur are standouts. Both have dramatic hilltop citadels, a picturesque riverside location and attractive historic centre. So, should you visit Namur or Dinant? As I have visited both of them, this is where I can help. Namur was my Wallonia base, visiting […]

From Citadels to Saxophones: A Day in Dinant, Belgium

riverside lined with brightly coloured buildings and church with onion dome

Dinant is one of Belgium’s most picturesque towns and a rewarding day trip from Namur or Brussels. Lining the banks of the River Meuse beneath a craggy cliff, a medley of pastel-hued buildings surrounds the onion-domed Notre Dame Church.  A dramatic clifftop citadel keeps watch on the town below. Home to Leffe beer and famous […]