The Opinionated Travelogue of a Photo Maniac
High up above the village of Hohenschwanau, the elegant silhouette of Neuschwanstein Castle rises gracefully from the mist of the Bavarian woods. A symbol of extravagant taste and refined sophistication. The dream palace of Ludwig II of Bavaria – the so-called ‘Mad King‘ who built it. Visiting the Neuschwanstein Castle was one of my favorite day trips from …
Visiting the Neuschwanstein – the Dream Castle of a Mad KingRead More
The great thing about being invited on press trips is not that you get free meals, or free lodging. It’s the fact that you get to experience places that only few people do, when they travel. And if you are lucky enough to have a knowledgeable tour guide, then you may get a very different perspective on the culture and history of those places. …
About 70 km west of Stockholm, in the little town of Marifred in the municipality of Strängnäs, lies one of Sweden’s most prominent and beloved estates: Gripsholm Castle. Of all the castles in Sweden, Gripsholm seems to be the biggest crowd-puller. With its red brick walls and green copper domes, the elegant structure surrounded by the calm waters …
Gripsholm Castle – a Royal Fortress Full of SurprisesRead More
Just a few miles north of Paso Robles, in the middle of the Hunter-Liggett Military Base, lies the most remote mission in California. Mission San Antonio de Padua was the 3rd mission build by Father Junipero Serra, the Franciscan priest who founded the first nine of the 21 Spanish missions between downtown San Francisco and San Diego. A Brief History of …
Visiting Mission San Antonio de Padua in CaliforniaRead More
Coastal California has always been a place of big affluence and monster mansions. But nothing comes close to Hearst Castle, the glamorous San Simeon estate of William R. Hearst, a newspaper magnate who made history in the early 1900s. There are many tales and unpublished anecdotes about Hearst Castle, but perhaps the most intriguing one is its own.
The Captivating History of Hearst Castle and its Controversial ‘King’Read More
Overlooking the tranquil waters of the Loire River, the majestic silhouette of Château d’Amboise keeps guard over the large valley below. Château d’Amboise was the place of residence for the kings of France for over 400 years, so its destiny is inextricably linked to the history of France.
Château d’Amboise – Randezvous With the Dark Side of HistoryRead More
From the bald hill with the same name, Château de Chaumont keeps watch over the river below. Located in the center of the Loire Valley, the castle was originally a fortress that protected the town of Blois. Château de Chaumont is one of France’s largest and most impressive historical sites. Like most castles in the …
Château de Chaumont – a Castle Entangled in Intrigue and RivalryRead More
Chateau de Chambord is undoubtedly one of the most grandiose buildings in France. As you travel the tree-shaded road that leads to Chambord, you’ll first spot the castle’s incredible towers rising above the vast forest that surrounds it. When the entire castle breaks into view, you’ll realize how gigantic and beautiful it really is. Although it has the layout …
Château de Chambord – a Hunting Lodge of Gigantic ProportionsRead More
The impressive Chateau de Sully sur Loire sits at the confluence of the Loire and the River Sange. The castle was built on a group of three small islands: the main keep sits on the northern island; the Inner Courtyard is on the southern island, and the Outer Courtyard takes up the eastern island. Château …
Château de Sully sur Loire – All You Need to Know Before VisitingRead More
