Since the Château de Versailles is located about 16 miles outside of Paris, getting there requires a bit more than just hopping on a Paris Métro train. With a little planning and the right information, you can make the journey smoothly and economically. The best way to get to Versailles is by Paris RER train….
Planning a trip to the vibrant city of Istanbul? One of the first things you’ll need to figure out is how to get from Sabiha Gökçen Airport to your destination, especially if you’re staying near Taksim Square, a central and bustling part of the city. Based on our recent travels, we’ve discovered that the most…
Though old and decaying, Venice is truly like no other city we’ve ever visited, and we are constantly captivated by its beauty. At every turn, we were greeted by yet another eye-catching, photo-worthy view. Understandably, Venice is one of our favorite destinations and one we think everyone should visit at some point in their lives….
If you’re visiting the Duomo (Cathedral) in Siena, be sure to explore the other sites that make up the Duomo di Siena complex. Extending out from the existing cathedral, the complex includes the area that was intended to be a much larger Gothic cathedral. Construction of the new building, known simply as Duomo Nuovo or…
Among the various grachtenhuizen (canal houses) in Amsterdam, the Willet-Holthuysen house stands out as a favorite. This grand canal house, built in 1685 for Jacob Hop, a top official in the government of the Dutch Republic, is named after its last inhabitants – Louisa Holthuysen-Willet, who inherited the property from her father, and her husband,…
Traveling with the masses might seem daunting, but public transportation is an efficient way to explore Europe. It’s reasonably priced, less stressful than driving, and offers a unique cultural experience that you may truly enjoy. City-Specific Transit Each major European city has its own excellent public transit system that quickly takes you from one end…
Tucked away in the heart of Amsterdam lies the serene garden courtyard and historic buildings of the Begijnhof. Built as a residential community for lay women of the Catholic Church, the Begijnhof, also known as a Beguinage, has existed here since at least the 14th century. While the row houses surrounding the courtyard are still…
When you think of royal residences in Paris, a few popular ones likely spring to mind. There’s the Louvre, a medieval fortress turned palace that’s now a world-renowned art museum, and of course, there’s Château de Versailles, originally a hunting lodge for King Louis XIII and later the opulent 17th-century palace of Louis XIV, the…
The Old Ursuline Convent is one of the most historically significant buildings in New Orleans. Established for the Sisters of the Order of Saint Ursula who arrived in New Orleans from Rouen, France in the 1720s, this walled complex consists of several buildings, the oldest being the main building dating back to the early 1750s….
When visiting cities across Europe, it’s common to stop in and see the old churches, not necessarily for religious reasons, but because historically, European churches were the recipients of funds allotted for the commissioning of art and architecture. While traveling, you may have the opportunity to visit a number of historically significant churches, such as…