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Andrew's Travels
Andrew's Travels

Andrew's Travels

traveled in 67 countries Read more🌍Cambridge
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  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandTraveler
    The former French consulate and British embassy; the site of the 1986 Reagan-Gorbachev Peace Summit
    Reykjavik Harbour AreaHarpa BuildingTjornin (The Pond); View across to Hallgrimshirkje and Frikirkjan ChurchesTjornin (The Pond); View of City HallStatue on the walk around The Pond1Two Poets seated by The PondGnome by Gorse flowersStatue on the walk around The PondFrikirkjan Church, also known as the Free ChurchView across to City Hall from the other side of The PondStreet viewGovernment BuildingLaugarvigur; Iceland Punk Museum entranceIt's worth reading.....1Rainbow Street, leading off LaugarvigurLaugarvigur; Rainbow House?Street Art

    Reykjavik 3; City Centre

    June 14 in Iceland ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    We are flying back to the UK late this afternoon and have time to see some of the views and sights in Reykjavik that we missed at the start of the trip.

    We walk towards the Harpa Concert Hall via the Saebraut seaside walk and back to the hotel via a walk around Tjornin (The Pond), and then along Laugarvigur (see captions on photos for details).

    We have had a great trip to Iceland!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandTraveler
    En route to Gudafoss; Pseudo-crater formed from lava pushing up from the ground
    Walking to Godafoss WaterfallGodafoss WaterfallGodafoss WaterfallGodafoss WaterfallGodafoss WaterfallEn route to AkureyriAkureyriAkureyri Lutheran ChurchTown centreTown centreTown centreAkureyri Botanical GardensAkureyri Botanical GardensAkureyri Botanical GardensViewViewHof Cultural Centre; outside/ insideAkureyri HarbourViews en route to Grabrok CraterViews en route to Grabrok CraterGrabrok Crater; there is a path to the rimLittle Grabrok Crater / Raudbrok CraterGrabrok Crater from the rimGrabrok CraterViews from Grabrok Crater; General view / Down to an old sheep pen

    Godafoss, Akureyri, and Grabrok Crater

    June 13 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    We are heading back to Reykjavik for our final evening today; our first stop en route is Godafoss, a 30m wide by 12m drop waterfall - if Dettifoss is the Beast, this is the Beauty.

    The next stop is Akureyri; it is the capital of North Iceland and is located at the southern end of Eyjafjordur, the largest fjord in Iceland. We stop here for a walk around the attractive town and to visit the Botanical Gardens.

    We then drive south towards Grabrok Crater; this was formed from a volcanic fissure eruption over 3,000 years ago and is the largest of three craters along a 600m fissure. We walk up the wooden staircase and enjoy the sweeping views ofmosscovered kava fields.

    Then it's back to Reykjavik; it's not a big farewell dinner tonight as it's fairly late, so we go to Borg 29 food hall for a pizza.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandTraveler
    Stop off en route to Asbyrgi
    PuffinMap of AsbyrgiThe towering vertical cliffs of AsbyrgiBotnstjörn Lake: A tranquil pond at the closed end of the horseshoeThree birdsEyjan (The Island),a massive 25-meter-high rock formation that divides the centre of the canyonLake Myvatn area; Hverir - fumaroles and mud potsLake Myvatn area; Dimmuborgir - lava parkLake Myvatn; a bird watching area thereView of Lake MyvaynGeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths

    Asbyrgi Canyon and Lake Myvatn

    June 12 in Iceland ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    After a brief stop at a viewpoint over Shaky Bay, we proceed to Asbyrgi Canyon, a crescent-shaped glacial gorge formed from an old dried out river bed when the Glacier changed course; or, it could be formed from the hoof print of Sleipnir, the eight legged horse of the God Odin.... We enjoy a short walk at the end by towering vertical cliffs and the water.

    Next, we drive to the Lake Myvayn area; our first visit is to the fumaroles and mud pots of Hverir at the foot of Mount Namafjall, the Sulphur mountain; Lake Myvatn is on the other side of the mountain, and is the fourth largest lake in Iceland, 275m above sea level, and formed 3,800 years ago. It is a short drive to Dimmuborgir, where we have lunch and then walk around the lava park here, seeing the interesting shapes of various volcanic caves and rock formations, reminiscent of an ancient collapsed citadel. We then follow the so-called Silica Road for a while to get back to Husavik.

    Then, it's off to GeoSea Geothermal Sea Baths close to Husavik; there are several oudoor pools of naturally heated seawater at different temperatures, a steam room, and a bar - perfect. It was a wonderful experience.

    We finish the day with an excellent meal at the Salka restaurant in Husavik, a short walk from the hotel.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandTraveler
    View en route; the glacial valley
    Old farm remainsGlacial witness; the name given to glacial erosionViews south to Vatnajokull Glacier from a vantage point stopFjalladyrd; old farm buildingsFjalladyrd; the ChurchWalking to Selfoss and Dettifoss Falls from the car parkSelfoss WaterfallViewback to SelfossDettifoss WaterfallDettifoss WaterfallDettifoss WaterfallAt Dettifoss WaterfallJokulsa a Fjollum River (the source of Dettifoss Waterfall)View en routeHusavik; Husavik Church, built in 1907Inside the churchMonumentThe oldest building in Husavik, now part of a restaurant on the harbourHusavik harbourHusavik harbourView from the harbour back to the churchHusavik public gardensHusavik public gardensHusavik public gardensIn the Husavik Ol microbrewery; Iain, a very active CAMRA member (left) with the owner (right)

    Fjalladyrd, Dettifoss Waterfall, Husavik

    June 11 in Iceland ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    We leave the Eastern Fjords region and cross up to the north of Iceland. There are great views en route, and we stop for coffee at Fjalladyrd; this is the highest inhabited farm in Iceland and now offers a range of facilities.

    We drive on through Northern Iceland towards Dettifoss and Selfoss Waterfalls; whereas Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe (44,000 litres of water pre second!), Selfoss is more humble and beautifully shaped.

    We then drive on to Husavik; this is Iceland's oldest settlement and very picturesque. It is the whale watching centre of Iceland, but we decline the optional whale watching tour, having been on several already. We enjoy a walk around the town, seeing the main sights (see captions on photos for details). A particular highlight was the Husavik Ol microbrewery, where the beer was only 1000 Krona during World Cup games! It was an excellent evening...    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandTraveler
    Eastern Fjords region: The lower blue dot is Djupivogur, and the upper blue dot is Faskrudsfjordur
    Djupivogur harbourA decorated wallThe old church (deconsecrated)SculpturesReindeer en routeView across a fjordView across a fjordFaskrudsfjordurFaskrudsfjordur harbourJoe's Favourite; Seafoods in garlic sauce, served on a flaguette bread with saladView from our hotel window next morningOur hotel (Fosshotel Eastfjords); formerly a French HospitalThe French Connection....View of ReydarfjordurView en route

    Eastern Fjords Region

    Jun 10–11 in Iceland ⋅ 🌧 8 °C

    Our first stop in the Eastern Fjords region is Djupivogur, a historic trading village dating back to 1589.

    We then travel to Faskrudsfjordur, another old trading port; this was home to a hospital founded to serve French fishermen working here until 1935 (the former hospital building dating from 1903 has now been restored as a hotel - the one we are staying in). Later, we enjoy an amazing meal at Cafe Sumarlina.

    Next morning, we set off through the Eastern Fjords and on to Husavik in the north of Iceland.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandTraveler
    View back to the Glacier
    Views back and forward from the hay cartOn the cape / The tractor pulled hay cartWalking upMonumentPuffinPuffinThe lighthouse on the cape headlandMore puffinsSkuaSheepOn the way backOn the way backViiew en route to the Eastern Fjords regionViiew en route to the Eastern Fjords regionViiew en route to the Eastern Fjords regionViiew en route to the Eastern Fjords regionViiew en route to the Eastern Fjords regionReindeerHorseThe other side of the Fjord is officially in the Eastern Fjords region of Iceland

    Ingolfshofoi Nature Reserve / To Eastern Fjords

    June 10 in Iceland ⋅ 🌬 9 °C

    After breakfast, we drive to the start point for the "Puffin Tour" in the Ingolfshofoi Nature Reserve; this is run by a small family business that offers authentic tours on the family's farm Hofsnes. We take a tractor pulled hay cart to cross over to the Ingolfshofoi Nature Reserve on a remote headland on the black sand coast of southeast Iceland. The whole experience was truly amazing and is described on the photo captions.

    We then drive towards the Eastern Fjords region of Iceland.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandTraveler
    Skaftafell Walk 1; Lambhagi, one of the oldest visible ancient monuments in Skaftafell
    View of SvartifossSvartifoss"Power" station for Sel farmsteadSel FarmInsideViewSvartifoss1SvartifossBasalt columnsSvartifoss1Jokulsarlon Glacier LagoonAmphibious Vehicle for the boat ride1Harbour SealThe Glacier that feeds the LagoonView from the beachOn the beachSkaftafell Walk 2; sites of geological interestAt Skaftafell GlacierSkaftafell Glacier

    Skaftafell Reserve and Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon

    June 9 in Iceland ⋅ 🌧 5 °C

    We visit Skaftafell Nature Reserve, an area of wilderness inside the larger Vatnajokull National Park, and go on the walk towards Sel, an old, original farm in the area, and then on to Svartifoss Waterfall before returning to the visitor centre

    After lunch, we drive to Jokulsarlon, a glacial lagoon, with waters dotted with icebergs from the surrounding Breioamerkurjokull Glacier, part of the larger Vatnajokull Glacier; we go a amphibious vehicle boat ride to see more. The lagoon flows through a short waterway into the Atlantic Ocean, leaving chunks of ice on a black sand beach.

    Then it's back to Skaftafell Nature Reserve for a walk along the geology trail to Skaftafell Glacier.

    A full day.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandTraveler
    View en route
    Seljalandsfoss Waterfall1View en routeSmall farm buildingsSkogafoss Waterfall,11Vik I Myrdal beachBasalt cliffsVik; churchVik; view from beachLava fieldThe glaciers at Skaftafell

    Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and Vik I Myrdal

    June 8 in Iceland ⋅ 🌧 9 °C

    We leave Gullfoss Waterfall and drive to Skaftafell, stopping at various sites wn route.

    First, we visit Seljalandsfoss Waterfall, which is noted for its height and the possibility to walk behind the curtain of water from one side to the other. We do this and get a little wet due to the wind blowing as we emerge!

    Our next stop is Skogafoss Waterfall, one of Iceland's tallest waterfalls, standing at 62 m / 203 ft.

    We also stop at Vik I Myrdal, a black sanded and rocky beach with basalt cliffs and their columns. We then stop off at the village of Vik to see the beach there.

    As we drive on to Skaftafell, we stop off and have a short walk on a large lava field and see the moss growths on the boulders.

    It's been a long day, by the time we arrive at Hotel Skaftafell!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandTraveler
    View en route to Thingvellir
    Thingvellir National ParkBooths; ruins of excavated temporary shelters built by chieftainsThis flat area is where the tectonic plates meet or met, apparentlyOxatafoss Waterfall, ThingvellirGeysir Geothermal Area; mud poolStrokkur Geyser (the "Butter Churn")Another geyserView en route to Gullfoss1Gullfoss WaterfallSigridur from Brattholt, the "protector of Gullfoss"View back form from further along

    The Golden Circle highlights

    Jun 7–8 in Iceland ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    The Golden Circle of Iceland is a famous 190-mile looped tourist route from Reykjavik that is often done as a day trip. There are three primary must-see stops, and we visit two this afternoon and one tomorrow morning on our route to Skaftafell.

    The first is Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it was the birthplace of the Icelandic Parliament in 930 AD, when 30 clan leaders came together to create a unified nation after years of fighting. It is also of geological interest because the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet here, with a portion of Iceland on each, meaning that you can cross between two continents here. We have a lovely walk between our pick-up points via the Oxarafoss Waterfall.

    We stop off at the Solheimer Eco-village for coffee en route to the Geysir Geothermal Area, the second must-see stop. Located in the Haikadalud Valley, this area features bubbling mud pools and the Strokkur Geyser (known as "the butter churn"), which erupts every 5-10 minutes throwing boiling water up to 130 ft in the air.

    We then drive to the Gullfoss Hotel ready for the third must-see stop of the Golden Circle; the Gullfoss Falls. This is fed by the Havita glacial river and is a spectacular two-tiered waterfall that drops 32 m (105 ft) into a rugged canyon. The name translates to "Golden Falls," giving the Golden Circle its name. We see the sculpture of "Sigridur of Brattholt," a farmer's daughter whose activism helped preserve the Gullfoss Falls, preventing them from being industrialised.

    We set off for Skaftafell via Highway 1, the ring road around Iceland.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandTraveler
    Greater Reykjavik; En route to Grotta Nature Reserve
    Grotta LighthouseA hot tub on the rocky beachCity Centre; Parliament HouseReykjavik CathedralInside the CathedralStatue of Jon SigurdssonRockTjornin (The Pond)Interesting statueHallgrimskirkja (Church of Hallgrimur)View from frontOutsideThe organThe pulpitThe altarGreater Reykjavik; Perlan MuseumSculpture outsideView of Reykjavik city centre from PerlanViewed other sideNaurholsvik Geothermal Beach

    Reykjavik 2; City Centre and Greater City Area

    June 7 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    After breakfast, we drive to Grotta, a natural site and nature reserve on the western side of the Greater Reykjavik area. We see the Grotta lighthouse (built in 1877 and reconstructed in 1947) and the nature reserve.

    We drive back to the city centre and the Harpa Concert Hall and harbour area. We walk to the Parliament Square and then up to Tjornin, a small lake in the centre of Reykjavik. Later, we drive a short distance up to Hallgrimshirkje (Church of Hallgrinur), a protestant Lutheran Church; it is the tallest church in Iceland and the second most tall building in the country. It was completed in 1986 and built to resemble the columnar basalt rock formations that are found in Iceland (eg, at Vika beach, which we will visit later in the trip); it is minimalist inside.

    We drive to the southern part of the Greater Reykjavik area to Perlan, a popular and immersive museum; we do not visit it, but have a short walk and enjoy views from the top of Osjkuhlid Hill, on which it stands - the main building is based around four heating tanks. We then visit the Nautholsvuk Geothermal Beach, near the domestic airport, which is noted for its golden sand, geothermal heated swim lagoon, and hot tubs.

    Then it's off to see some of the Golden Circle highlights....    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsIcelandTraveler
    School of Visual Arts
    1Hlemmur Food HallHlemmur Food Hall; Cod and Chips (excellent)LaugarvigurLaugarvigurLaugarvigur1Laugarvigur; Polar ShopLaugarvigurRainbow Street, with Hallgrímskirkja in the distanceGovernment buildingsArnahol StatueHarpa Concert HallSaebraut seaside walkSaebraut seaside walk; view of modern buildingsSaebraut seaside walk;Saebraut seaside walk; Sun VoyagerSaebraut seaside walk; lava block

    Reykjavik 1; City Centre

    June 6 in Iceland ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C

    We fly from London to Reykjavik with Icelandic Air to start our "Land of the Midnight Sun" trip with Explore Travel. We have time to have a meal at a local food court close to the hotel and to have a walk around some of the city centre before a guided tour tomorrow.

    We walk along Laugarvigur, the mile-long central and commercial artery of Reykjavik, seeing old-style buildings and impressive street art before turning off after Rainbow Street towards the harbour and the promenade (Saebraut seaside walk), offering impressive sights, including the Harpa Concert Hall and the Sun Voyager, before walking up to the hotel. Sunset isn't until 11:45pm this evening!

    A good start to the trip.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsBedfordshireTraveler
    Wyven Statue; a wyvern was the emblem of the de Grey family
    French Parterre in front of the MansionStatues beyond the fountain, the site of the original houseThe OrangeryThe Bath HouseEvergreen GardenBowling Green HouseDuchess's Square and West Half HouseMithraic AltarStatue of animal nearbyArcher PavilionDog's CemeteryCapability Brown ColumnGreco-Roman AltarsChinese TempleStatue of Diana and her dogLadies PondView down the Long Water back to Archer PavilionPetit Trianon; a playhouse, also known as the Wendy HouseSculpture Gallery inside the Dairy; original statues from the Gardens are housed hereGarden outside the Visitor Centre

    Wrest Park 2; the Gardens and Woodland

    May 22 in England ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Wrest Park Gardens are formal gardens surrounding the mansion and include a number of other buildings, monuments, and statues; the park also has woodland on either side. The Gardens are divided by a wide gravel central walk, continued as a long canal that leads to a Baroque pavilion banqueting house designed by Thomas Archer and completed in 1711. 

    We have a very enjoyable and interesting walk around the gardens; see captions on photos for details - they are presented in an ant-clockwise direction from and back to the house.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsBedfordshireTraveler
    View of Wrest Park Mansion from the Garden
    Inside the mansion; a clever design of door frame size is "reflected" in one mirror at the endThe LibrarySitting RoomA Ceiling1The StairwellThe one furnished roomView of the Mansion from the fountain (close to the site of the original house)View of the Mansion over the Long Water, from the Archer Pavilion

    Wrest Park 1; the Mansion House

    May 22 in England ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Wrest Park is a country estate located in Silsoe, Bedfordshire. It comprises Wrest Park Mansion, a grade I listed country house, and Wrest Park Gardens and Woodland (also grade I listed).

    Between the 13th and 20th centuries it was occupied by the de Grey family; the original house was demolished in the 1830's, and the current mansion was built by Thomas de Grey, 2nd Earl de Grey, also in the 1830's, in a Louis XV style that is unique in England. Wrest Park was used as a military hospital during WW I; it was eventually purchased by Sun Insurance (who moved from offices in London to Wrest Park during WW II, building 12 huts and converting stables to house 300 employees. After the war, it became a centre for modern agricultural engineering research. English Heritage took over the house and gardens in 2006 and began a 20-year restoration project.

    We visit the house, seeing what we are able to (see captions on photos for details).    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsHertfordshireTraveler
    Front view of the house
    Side view of the house, from the GardensThe Statue of Charity3Old Father Time with an old fatherThe Wrestlers / Samson and the PhilistinesCopped Hall TempleTirsi's UrnCherub on a SwanDiana (and Helen!)Running FootmanThe Sphinxes and the RotundaOne of the two Sphinxes and the RotundaHerculesOrgan HouseVenus and Adonis (and Helen)Chambers' TempleView of All Saints Church, St. Paul's Walden, cross the LakeBrewer's HouseThe BarnWEFT, a group art exhibition in the Barn

    St Paul's Walden Bury

    May 15 in England ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    St Paul's Walden Bury is a Grade I listed 18th-century garden and mansion, which was the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (the Bowes-Lyon family, her ancestors, has long-standing connections to the area and still live in the stately home).  It is located in St Paul's Walden, a rural village in North Hertfordshire, located between Hitchin and Stevenage in the Chilterns, and has a 50-acre formal woodland garden famed for its notable collection of classical statues and temples, lakes and ponds.

    It is not possible for us to visit the house, although it is used as a wedding venue, but the gardens have been recommended to us and we set off for a visit to walk round them to explore.  The formal woodland garden, covering about 60 acres, was much influenced by French tastes, and is one of the few surviving examples of gardens of this genre, based on a patte d’oie (goose foot) design. Long rides lined with clipped beech hedges lead to temples, statues, lakes, and ponds, and to a terraced outdoor theatre.  It is an excellent place to visit - see captions on photos - and there is an online map of the garden to refer to en route.

    We also visit the restored 18th century barn in the grounds of the house, where the WEFT contemporary art exhibition is on for a week; the exhibition features an installation by a local artist and explores themes of disability, sensory experience, and the built environment; it is "quirky", but interesting.

    A good day out.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsAmalfi Coast WalkingTraveler
    Leaving Bomerano
    Grotta del Biscotto; it features small houses and Shepherd huts built into the rockView of the Li Galli islets / Interesting water fountain on the routeNocelleNocelleNocelle; Chiesa Santa Croce (Church of the Holy Cross)NocelleViews of MontepertusoMontepertuso (pierced mountain) takes its name from this natural hole in the rock formation nearbyEn route to Positano, a stunning vertical town on the Amalfi CoastStalactitesPositanoPositano; Chiesa de Santa Maria AssuntaView of Positano and its small beach from the harbour areaPositanoFinal evening; our guide, Pete, receiving his cad and tip / The Explore GroupThe Good Friday Procession through Agerola; a reenactment of the Passion finishes in San Lazzaro

    Sentiero degli Dei (Path of the Gods)

    April 3 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    The Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) is a scenic 8-10 km coastal hike linking Bomerano (Agerola Commune) and Nocelle (the upper part of the Positano Commune); name “Path of the Gods” comes from an ancient legend: the Greek deities once walked this trail to rescue Ulysses from the sirens of the Li Galli islets.

    We drive to Bomerano and start the walk; there are breathtaking views all the way (see photos!) as we walk the Path of the Gods to Nocelle, a tranquil, ancient hamlet perched 450 metres above Positano on Italy’s Amalfi Coast; there is a steep 1,700 stepped pathway which goes down to the town of Positano itself, but we take the longer route via Montepertuso and the northern part of Positano.  Positano is a stunning, vertical town on Italy's Amalfi Coast, known for its pastel-colored houses stacked on steep cliffs, vibrant fashion boutiques, and pebbled beaches.

    After some spare time in Positano, we drive back to San Lazzaro.  We are held up in Bomerano by the Good Friday Procession, a reenactment of the Passion of Christ, but we get back to the Agriturismo for our farewell evening meal of the trip and get out just in time to see the final, nighttime scene featuring the crucifixion of Jesus and the two thieves (Gestas and Dismas) at the Colonia Montana.  What a day!

    It has been a fantastic trip to the Amalfi Coast for both of us.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsAmalfi Coast WalkingTraveler
    Amphitheatre
    AmphitheatreLarge Palaestra Exhibition; victims of the eruption (plaster cast moulds)Large Palaestra Exhibition; victims of the eruption (plaster cast moulds)Via del' Abbondanza, the main road, "the street of abundance"Current ongoing excavation workView down onto current excavationViews down onto current excavationView over some of the Pompeii siteLocal food was served from the pots on the marble counterVia dell' AbbondanzaTeatro GrandePublic water fountainThe Forum, with Mount Vesuvius in the backgroundThe ForumFresco (mural painting)Doric columnsStabian BathsStabian BathsFrescoViews along Via dell' AbbondanzaThermopolium of Asellina with food serving counter and fresco

    Pompeii (Pompei)

    April 2 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    I have visited Pompeii before; in 1978 with Anthony when we did an inter-rail tour of Europe late that year.  It has changed a lot in that time!

    Pompeii is 160 -170 acres in size, almost 10 times the size of Herculaneum, and offers a different perspective on Roman life, providing an insight into ancient urban planning.  Pompeii was a thriving (10-20,000 residents) Roman city near Naples, destroyed and buried under meters of volcanic ash, pumice, and mud by the violent eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79. The city remained largely undisturbed until its discovery in the late 16th century, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.  

    We can only see a part of the site in our time here and our guide focusses on the main sites on the Via dell' Abbadanza from the amphitheatre up to the Forum; a full exploration of Pompeii would require a lot more than a day (we are here 3 hours)!  Nevertheless, it is an excellent visit.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsAmalfi Coast WalkingTraveler
    Herculaneum
    View down to the boat housesBoat houses on what was the shore, where skeletons were foundView of a villa gardenLocal food was sold from the pots on the marble counterVillaThe doors are the original woodInside fountainMosaicLocal bathsLocal bathsVillaAn original windowMosaicMosaicLocal shopInside a place of worshipStatues at the museumA hydraWell preserved wooden furniture and other artefactsA preserved boatMap of Herculaneum

    Herculaneum (Ercalano)

    April 2 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Today, we visit both Herculaneum and Pompeii on an optional tour with a registered local guide (everyone on the Explore trip goes, of course).

    Herculaneum is an ancient Roman town buried (and preserved) by pyroclastic material (mainly volcanic particles) from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD79; this preserved more wooden and organic materials than those at Pompeii. Herculaneum was buried beneath 16 meters of ash and mud during the eruption.

     Herculaneum was a wealthy town and a seaside retreat for the Roman elite, as reflected by the extraordinary density of luxurious houses featuring lavish use of coloured marble cladding and mosaics.

    It is a very well-preserved small site of 16-20 acres in size and fascinating to visit. Next stop, Pompeii!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsAmalfi Coast WalkingTraveler
    Leaving San Lazzaro; Shrine to Santa Luce
    View down to Colonia MontanaEn route to Valle dellle FerriereTypical footpath, an ancient stairwayAn old tree; the exposed roots are due to erosionPumice stone from the eruption of Mount VesuviusSignpostsView of limestone cliffs leading down to the Amalfi CoastValle dellle FerriereTypical footpathA former lime kiln, possibly, now converted for rangers kit storageChestnut TreesWaterfall (lunch stop)View of the limestone cliffsView of the Cimbrone Gardens, RavelloScala villageScala, Pogerola, with Ravello above the valley beyondEn route down to AmalfiView down to AmalfiView up to PogerolaAmalfi; net protection over the lemon and olive treesEntering AmalfiAmalfi

    La valle delle Ferriere

    April 1 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    What a difference a day makes! Rain and wind last night as well, but it cleared up as we set off from the Agriturismo.

    Today, we walk from San Lazzaro to Amalfi via La valle delle Ferriere, the Ferriere Valley, a biogenetic reserve; it is a deep valley that begins in the mountains of Scala and ends six kilometres further down in the territory of Amalfi; it is named for the ironworks that used to be here.

    We follow an ancient stairway from San Lazzaro and then pass through woodland and valleys towards the valle delle Ferriere, which is surrounded by limestone cliffs. After the valley, we descend via a series of stairways to Amalfi.

    It's been a great walk of over 10km, with an ascent of 250m and a descent of 885m; a great day out.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsAmalfi Coast WalkingTraveler
    Approaching Capri Island
    Views of Capri Town approaching Marina Grande1Buildings near Capri Marina GrandeWalking up through the townView over the townSignsSmall local churchMural in somebody's gardenView up to Villa JovisView from near Villa Jovis on the eastern area of Capri over to the western areaVilla JovisVilla JovisVilla JovisVilla Jovis; a 17th-century church was built on the siteVilla JovisView from Capri; Vesuvius / MainlandCapri Town; Chiesa di Santo StefanoPiazza (main square) with the clock tower of Chiesa Santo StefanoFancy shops1Two retired pharmacistsOur walking route on Capri

    Capri

    March 31 in Italy ⋅ 🌧 10 °C

    What a difference a day makes!

    After the beautiful weather of yesterday, there is heavy rain and strong wind overnight, and a much colder day today. We drive to Sorrento to take the boat to Capri, as the preferred option from Amaldi is not possible today.

    Capri is famous for being a haven for the rich, famous, and quirky (i.e., artists, aristocrats, and celebrities - eg Maxim Gorky, Oscar Wilde, and Sophia Loren, alongside jet-setters including Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn).

    We walk from the Marina Grande, the main port of the island, and through the town and up towards Villa Jovis, the remains of a grand Roman palace built by Emperor Tibelius in AD27 on the eastern end of the island. We then walk back via another route to the town to have a look around before returning to the Marina Grande to take the boat back to Sorrento for the minibus to the Agriturismo.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsAmalfi Coast WalkingTraveler
    Duomo di Sant' Andrea
    Paradise CloisterBasilica of the CrucifixBasilica of the CrucifixDiocesan MuseumDiocesan MuseumThe CryptThe CryptThe CathedralInside the CathedralChapelA tribute to the fallenFountainLemon is special in AmalfiStreet viewFountain covered in figuresSaracen TowerView of Amalfi from the harbour2Intersection buildings built next to the vertical cliff faceEn route back; Santa Rosa Monastery, Conca dei Marini; now a hotelPizza evening

    Amalfi

    March 30 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Amalfi is a town in a dramatic natural setting below steep cliffs on Italy’s southwest coast. Between the 9th and 11th centuries, it was the seat of a powerful maritime republic. The Arab-Norman Sant'Andrea cathedral at the heart of town, with its striped Byzantine facade, survives from this era.

    On arriving in Amalfi from the walk, we have time free to explore a little; we visit the magnificent Duomo di Sant' Andrea (see photo captions) and walk around the town for a while, seeing some of the sights.

    We drive back to the Agriturismo and then go out to the local hotel in San Lazzaro to hear about the cooks' involvement in pizza-making (a very amusing story) and then eat lots of pizza!

    It's been a great day.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsAmalfi Coast WalkingTraveler
    Ravello; Duomo di Ravello
    Ravello; town square (piazza)Villa Rufolo; entranceView en route to Villa CimbroneVilla CimbroneThe CloisterThe Statue of CeresThe Terrace of InfinityMercury's SeatThe Temple of BacchusView down from Cimbrone GardensEve's GrottoThe Statue of DavidThe Hortensia AvenueVilla CimbroneWalking down from RavelloEn route to Atrani; TorelloEn route to Atrani; TorelloViewup to Ravello and Cimbrone GardenView down to the Amalfi Coast and MaoriAtraniAtrani BeachAtrani; The Collegiate Church of Santa Maria MaddalenaAtrani; view from near the beach

    Ravello / Walk to Amalfi via Atrani

    March 30 in Italy ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    We drive to Ravello from San Lazzaro via the Amalfi Coast and then by driving up; the town is also high above sea level and situated in the province of Salerno.

    We start at the central square where the Cathedral of Ravello and Villa Rufolo are situated (the Cathedral is closed, unfortunately) and then walk to Villa Cimbrone; this is considered an important example of the landscape, botany and culture of England created in the Mediterranean. Originally an estate in Roman times, it was rediscovered by Ernest Beckett, Lord Grimthorpe, on a Grand Tour in the 19th century and has been redeveloped over the years. There are many sites of interest here.

    We then return to the town centre and start our walk down to Atrani via the small village of Torello; there are some superb views en route. Atrani itself is also very attractive; it is a short walk through a tunnel from here to Amalfi.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsAmalfi Coast WalkingTraveler
    Bomerano; Statue showing the produce of Agerola Commune
    Bomerano; Chiesa di San MatteoTypical path on the walkLimestone cliffsTerracesCaves used by NunsTributeTypical cave hereTerracesAn old edifice built into the rockThe Explore GroupView down to PraianoView of FuroreFurore; Chiesa di San MicheleView across the Pino Gorge to the Colonia Montana and the Observatory in San LazzaroWalking up along Pino GorgeWaterfall at the end of the Pino GorgeView across Pino GorgeWalking along the other side of Pino GorgeLimestone CliffsView back to Pianillo and the Tre Calli mountain behind itBomerano to San Lazzaro walking routeMozzarella-making class at the AgriturismoMozzarella-making class at the Agriturismo

    Bomerano to San Lazzaro via Pino Gorge

    March 29 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Our minibus takes across the Agerola Commune from San Lazzaro to Bomerano via Pianillo.

    We walk towards the coast following the "horseshoe" of high land to Furore (not in Agerola Commune), and then we double back up and around the Pino Gorge to walk up to San Lazzaro. It's not a long walk (approx 5 km), but there's a lot of ascent and descent with some magnificent views. Details of the walk are described on the photo captions.

    Later on, there are tagliatelle and mozzarella cheese making courses at the Agriturismo; these are great fun, and we eat what we made (with local salad and other produce).    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsAmalfi Coast WalkingTraveler
    Map showing the Agerola Commune (in the central part) and some of the surrounding area
    Agriturismo Luna d' AgerolaView of some of the farm area from our roomView of Colonia Montana from the Agriturismo dining areaSide view of Colonia MontanaFront view of Colonia MontanaThe two friezesView towards San Lazzaro from Colonia MontanaView north towards the Amalfi CoastView from Castello Lauritano scenic area to Conca dei Marini on the Amalfi CoastView from Castello Lauritano scenic area to La Bussola on the Amalfi CoastView from Castello Lauritano scenic area to La Bussola on the Amalfi CoastView from Castello Lauritano scenic area to the Amalfi CoastSan Lazzaro Church; Chiesa della Santissima AnnunziataSan Lazzaro Church; Chiesa della Santissima Annunziata

    San Lazzaro

    March 28 in Italy ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    We fly from Luton Airport to Naples, the regional capital of Campania, a region in southwestern Italy known for its ancient ruins and dramatic coastline. We are staying in the area for a week with Explore Travel at an agriturismo, a small family farm that lets guests stay in their accommodation in the village of San Lazzaro.

    San Lazzaro is located in the Agerola commune (municipality) of "greater" Naples; other villages in the Agerola commune include Bomerano, Campora, Pianillo, Ponte, and Santa Maria. Note that the Agerola commune is mainly located on a horseshoe shaped ridge about 600 metres above the Amalfi Coast and that there are great views down.

    After settling in at the Agriturismo, we have a quick explore of the village, seeing the main attractions;;
    1. The Colonia Montana is well known for a small park there (nothing to see at this time of year) and the Principe de Napoli, a hisoric recently restored 1930s building from the Mussolini era,
    2. Castello Lauritano, a historic hilltop fortress that is in the process of restoration, the location of which offers fantastic views of the Amalfi Coast below,
    3. The church in the village centre
    (see captions on photos for firther details).

    We then head back to the Agriturismo and enjoy a lovely meal. It's been a good start to the trip.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsCambridgeshire; South DistrictTraveler
    Orwell; Village sign
    Orwell; Methodist ChurchOrwell: St Andrew's ChurchOrwell; The Meridian passes close byOrwell clunch pitOrwell clunch pitOrwell clunch pitThe Mare WayGreat Eversden; St Mary's ChurchGreat Eversden; St Mary's ChurchLittle Eversden; St Helen's ChurchLittle Eversden; St Helen's Church

    Orwell, Great Eversden, Little Eversden

    March 4 in England ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    This post is a compilation of several walks over the last couple of years with the Cambridge Rambling Club in this area, which is close to Wimpole Hall. The captions on the photographs describe the villages in more detail.

    The route starts at Orwell village car park; Orwell is a rural village outside Cambridge, particularly noted for

    1) its clunch pit, a 4.4-acre former stone quarry with a rich chalk grassland flora (scarce in Eastern England), and now a biological Site of Scientific Interest (clunch is a traditional building material, and is a hard, compact form of chalk or limestone used historically in East Anglia for constructing walls and buildings).

    2) the Prime Meridian passing the eastern edge of the village.

    We cross the A603, and then ascend the hill up to Mare Way, an ancient, prehistoric ridge route, and follow this to the path that turns off for Wimpole Hall; we walk in the other direction towards Great Eversden; this is a small village of about 85 houses that broadly takes the shape of a cross, with roads towards Harlton to Kingston road forming the East and West arms and no-through-roads of Chapel Road and Wimpole Road forming the North and South arms. We then take the footpath across to Little Eversden.

    From here, it is over the A603 again and to Harlton, also noted for a clunch pit, and then on to Barrington - see earlier posts for details of these villages - before heading back to Orwell.

    It is a lovely walk.    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsShropshireTraveler
    The Regency Mansion
    East Wing / West WingDrawing RoomBoudoirMarble TableStairwellDining RoomKitchenKitchenRotundaStables CourtyardThe Stables: There's an amazing second-hand book shop hereOutside the Stables courtyardSnowdrop walkSnowdrop walkRiver TernSuspension BridgeBerwick Memorial, dedicated to Thomas, the 8th Baron BerwickView of the Hall and East WingInformation boards on the WWII walkDeer resting in the parkland

    Attingham Park

    February 24 in England ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    We leave our accommodation in Church Stretton and drive up towards Shrewsbury, turning off to visit the National Trust owned Attingham Park, comprising grand Georgian Mansion, historic stables, and extensive grounds (640 acres).

    A large house called Tern Hall (named after the River Tern passing close by) occupied the site originally; a larger and grander mansion was built around it in 1785 for Noel Hill, the 1st Baron Berwick, who renamed it Attingham Hall. His son Thomas, the 2nd Lord Berwick, went into financial ruin, but his brother William, the 3rd Baron Berwick, did a better job and filled it with his collection of Italian Art and Furniture. During WWI, Thomas, the 8th Baron Berwick, leased it to a Dutch-American family who used the hall as a hospital, and in WWII, the grounds were used for the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. Attingham Park was gifted to the National Trust in 1947 by Thomas as a bequest in his will.

    We visit the mansion, followed by the stables courtyard and the walled garden, and then explore the grounds using a combination of the 4 walks described on the leaflet (Mile walk, Woodland walk, Deer Park walk, and WWII walk) to see the whole of the accessible parkland area (see captions on photos for details).

    It's been a lovely visit in good weather. After that, it's back home!    Read more

  • Andrew's TravelsShropshireTraveler
    The Featherss Hotel, a historic inn
    Ye Olde Bull Ring TavernThe Buttercross, a market hallBroad StreetBroad Gate, the sole remaining 13th century medieval gate of the original sevenView from Ludlow BridgeDinham Bridge with Ludlow Castle behind it; the end of The Breadwalk along the riverLudlow Castle from Dinham BridgeCannon outside the entrance to Ludlow CastleView from the Outer BaileyOutside the Norman Keep / Great TowerAt the top of the Norman Keep / Great TowerView of the Solar Chapel, Great Hall, and the Round Chapel of St Mary MagdaleneView of St Peter’s Chapel and Mortimer"s TowerView of St Lawrence's Church Tower and Castle SquareView of the River TerneIn the Tudor Lodgings next to the Great Chamber BlockSt Lawrence's ChurchStained glass window and the fontChancel; Ornate carvings / Misericords on the choir seatsStained glass windowsAscending the Church TowerAt the top of the TowerView of Ludlow Castle from the Church TowerViews of the Feathers Hotel and Almshouses

    Ludlow

    February 23 in England ⋅ 🌬 11 °C

    We leave our HF accommodation at Longmynd House (the food and general feel have been excellent), but we will return to Church Stretton later as we have booked a night at an apartment here.

    We drive to Ludlow, a market town in South Shropshire. It was originally a medieval walled town founded in the 11th century after the Norman Conquest. As well as a castle and a magnificent church here, there are almost 500 listed buildings, with some of them being "landmarks." We walk around the town, seeing some of them (see captions on photos for details), and then walk along The Breadwalk path next to the River Terne. We explore Ludlow Castle, one of the finest medieval castles in England (see captions on photos for details). After that, we visit St Lawrence's Church, described as the "Cathedral of the Marches", and noted for its stained glass windows; it was also built originally in the 11th century by the Normans atop a hill mound around which the medieval town developed (see captions on photos for details).

    We then drive back to Church Stretton; it has been an excellent visit to a beautiful town.    Read more

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