Author: Cheryl Brooks

ATHENS – MORE THAN JUST THE PARTHENON

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The Parthenon on the Acropolis overlooking the city below. Photo, Alamy

When we think of Athens, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the Parthenon, perched high on the Acropolis overlooking the city spread out below. As the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, similarly, the Parthenon is surely the symbol of Athens. As splendid, and totally unforgettable, as it is, there are some other outstanding sights to visit if you’ve got a spare day or two. Here are a couple of our favourites that are always on our list to visit each time we return to Athens—as well as a little retail therapy!

MEAUX – A REWARDING DAY TRIP FROM PARIS

Posted in France, Destinations by Navigo. 2 Comments on MEAUX – A REWARDING DAY TRIP FROM PARIS

Aerial view of Meaux and St Etienne Cathedral.

Just 54 kms N.E. of the centre of Paris lies the ancient town of Meaux. The journey from Paris Gare de l’Est (Line P) is around 25-40 mins, depending on what train you take. You can use your Navigo Pass to get there by train as it’s within Zone 5, making it the perfect destination for a delightful day’s excursion. These days, Meaux (pronounced ‘mo’) is mostly famous for its beautiful Brie cheese and mustard—although not necessarily together!

A HUGE ARCHAEOLOGAL SITE, A ROYAL PALACE TO RIVAL TO VERSAILLES, ANOTHER HUGE AMPHITHEATRE, A MEDIEVAL TOWN AND AN IMPRESSIVE AQUEDUCT

Posted in Italy, West Coast. 4 Comments on A HUGE ARCHAEOLOGAL SITE, A ROYAL PALACE TO RIVAL TO VERSAILLES, ANOTHER HUGE AMPHITHEATRE, A MEDIEVAL TOWN AND AN IMPRESSIVE AQUEDUCT

The Royal Palace at Caserta. Photo, Alamy

By the time we reached the western end of the Bay of Naples, we thought we couldn’t be surprised any longer at the extraordinary sights of the region. When we reached the archaeological site of ancient Cumae, then the stunning former Royal Palace at Caserta, its delightful medieval village, a massive aqueduct and yet another huge Roman amphitheatre, it just proved we still had more treasures to discover.

GREAT SIGHTS TO EXPLORE AROUND NAPLES AND A LITTLE ISLAND IN THE BAY

Posted in Italy, West Coast. No Comments on GREAT SIGHTS TO EXPLORE AROUND NAPLES AND A LITTLE ISLAND IN THE BAY

The magnificent Naples Galleria shopping arcade.

Naples is such a great base for exploring the area close by, as well as the city itself. The tragedy is that much of the public realm of the city is in terrible condition, poorly maintained and a great deal of senseless vandalism. The city could easily rival some of the great cities to its north, as it has countless beautiful baroque buildings, former palaces, fine churches and pleasant piazzas. Some of the gems include the Naples Galleria, which rivals those of Milan and Rome, Piazza Dante and the San Carlos Opera House.

MORE LITTLE KNOWN HISTORIC SITES AROUND THE BAY OF NAPLES

Posted in Italy, Uncategorized, West Coast. No Comments on MORE LITTLE KNOWN HISTORIC SITES AROUND THE BAY OF NAPLES

Baia, with Castello Aragonese on the point of the Bay. Photo, Alamy

As we discovered on our recent trip to the western side of the Bay of Naples, the area is full of surprises. Every day we discovered ancient sites that have little or no information about them readily available. Many of these were very large, and all fascinating. Most were well presented, and certainly rewarding for those wanting to see ancient Roman archaeological sites other than Pompeii and Herculaneum. Popular with Italians and other Europeans for its beaches, accommodation is reasonably plentiful and, needless to say, good trattoriae and ristorantes are everywhere.