off the beaten path – Page 3 – Best regards from far,

Have you heard the Big Bang! in Leuven?

The BANG! festival in Leuven taking place throughout the city will challenge you… Ready for the Big Bang?

3 days in Tromsø, the gateway to the Arctic

Explore Tromso, the gateay to the Arctic with these indoor & outdoor ideas!

Authentic Lofoten

Text: Claire LessiauPhotographs: Claire Lessiau & Marcella van Alphen Hamnøya, Lofoten, 1900s The ice-cold winds howl through the planks. The fishing nets and gear hanging in the adjacent room make the whole cabin humid. The stinking cod liver oil lamp provides a gloomy light. There is no escape from the pungent smell of cods hanging…

Goat climbing & stockfish tasting in Lofoten!

Truly experience Lofoten and the Svolvær area, from rock climbing, hiking to tasting the local stockfish and staying in cute fishermen’s cabins!

Your 4-day itinerary in Norway’s Tuscany!

Wheat fields, churches on hilltops, slow food from local farmers… you are in Norway! Slow down and enjoy!

The vibes of Trondheim & its must-visits

Charming Trondheim is lovely to visit. Know where to hang out and its must-see places!

In the footsteps of Olaf the Bloody, the Saint Viking & eternal King of Norway [around Trondheim]

Impossible to visit Norway and not hear about Olaf the Holy… Let the eternal king of the country, bloody viking, and saint be your guide in teh Trondheim area!

Cracks under pressure: The Blue Ice Hike

Scientists forecast that by 2200, 90% of Norway’s glaciers will have disappeared. It is about time to explore one!

The 6 must-visit Stave Churches of Norway

A trip to Norway is not complete without visiting Norway’s unique contribution to the world architecture. Know what to expect and which stave churches to visit!

Meeting romantic Norway deep in Telemark

The ideal Norway according to Norwegians: explore lovely Telemark!

Bergen in 11 fun facts

A fun way of exploring Bergen!

11 fun facts you did not know about Norwegian Stave Churches

As Norwegians like reminding it, their 100-percent wood Stave Churches are Norway’s unique contribution to the world heritage. How much do you know about them?

Touching Permafrost, Ice Tunnel & Norse Mythology

The ice tunnel in Norway is the best place to discover the ins and outs of this world of ice and the fragile climate balance. Touch climate change yourself!

72 hours in Bergen

While many just spend a few hours in town, Bergen is a very attaching city that is worth exploring…

On the roof of Northern Europe [Galdhøpiggen]

Hike up the roof of Northern Europe and discover the superpowers of the fauna & flora in this polar climate!

Musk ox safari in the Norwegian mountains

Observe the only musk ox population of Norway!

The white gold that shaped today’s Norway [Odda/Trolltunga]

The face of Norway changed drastically thanks to hydropower. Walk in the footsteps of its pioneers in Odda & Tyssedal, close to Trolltunga.

12 interesting facts about Delft [& insider’s tips!]

Delft is worth so much more than the few hours most travellers spend in the charming city. Get inspired, and get insider’s tips about the city of Vermeer & Delft Blue!

Truly experience Delft Blue at Royal Delft!

More than a simple visit, experiencing a workshop at Royal Delft is a way to grasp the complex Delft Blue making process.

Let Rubens guide you in his hometown of Antwerp

What better way to discover Antwerp than to follow in the footsteps of its greatest master, Pieter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)! Admire his artwork, visit his house, meet his friends and discover the places he frequented during the Golden Age of the harbour city on the Scheldt River.

The harbour of Antwerp through past & present [with GPS track]

Exclusive tour of the harbour of Antwerp, Europe’s second largest, between capsize bulk carriers and cute villages surrounded by nature.

The best Wine Route of South Africa!

Explore the best wine route of South Africa, a stone’s throw away from Cape Town. Here is your comprehensive guide to the Constantia Wine Region!

Inside the Chefs Warehouse in Cape Town & around

Discover these fantastic restaurants in Cape Town and surroundings – a must for anyone even remotely interested in food and visiting Cape Town!

In the tracks of wildlife in Africa

Better than going on a safari and staying in the car, go deep into the bush to study tracks and trail wildlife. An enriching once-in-a-lifetime learning experience with amazing sightings!

Up close and personal with rhinos

Step into the South African bush for a special encounter with the Rhino Whisperer…

In the footsteps of the rock artists of the Drakensberg [South Africa]

Admire this precious open-air museum created by the San people, the first nation of South Africa.

Your guide to Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde is an off-the-beaten path National Park in Utah that is definitely worth visiting…

72 hours in Ghent

Explore Ghent’s medieval charm in 72 hours. Admire historic architecture, savor Belgian delights, and cruise its picturesque canals.

Brief history of Ghent, the rebellious city of Flanders

Explore the captivating history, medieval past, industrial heritage in this time travel through picturesque Ghent.

Food & drinks to try in Ghent

Belgian gastronomy is too often summed up to beer, chocolate and waffles. Ghent is the perfect city to explore the wide range of yummy foods and innovative drinks!

8 insider’s fun facts you probably did not know about Ghent

Ghent is a gem full of history and fun facts…

72 hours in Genoa [your guide to experience the city]

Genoa is a rough gem to be discovered. Look no further: here is your exclusive guide for a perfect city trip on the Italian Riviera!

Your 2-day Vespa loop from Siena through Tuscany [Brunello & Montepulciano wine area]

A fantastic 2-to-3-day itinerary in the South of Siena through the wine regions of Brunello, Montepulciano and Orcia!

5 fun facts about Genoa you did not know about

Genoa is an off-the-beaten path gem. It’s past glory is the source of quite a few fun and interesting facts that you probably did not know about, or did you?

A Day with an Italian Chef in a 17th-Century Palace [Lucca]

In the authentic Tuscan city of Lucca, enjoy a top-quality cooking class learning about the Italian gastronomy from the chef!

Lucca: your ultimate guide [2 to 5 days]

Text: Claire LessiauPhotographs: Claire Lessiau & Marcella van Alphen Lucca is this kind of city. The more time you spend here, the longer you want to stay. Yes, the picturesque walled Tuscan city at the foot of the Apennine Mountains and along the Serchio River is touristy. Still it remains an authentic city with a…

The secrets of pasta making & everything you need to know to enjoy your pastas [Siena, Italy]

Find out the secrets of pasta making in Siena, Italy (and the locals’ favourite when ordering).

The crafts behind the masterpieces of Florence

Text: Claire LessiauPhotographs: Claire Lessiau & Marcella van Alphen Florence is the artistic capital of the Renaissance. The Italian city is world famous for its museums and masterpieces by some of the most revered artists of all times. However, the unspoken stories of its craftsmen need to be told. Without them, most of these masterpieces…

Your 1-day Vespa loop from Siena itinerary [Chianti, San Gimignano, Certaldo…]

Ride your Vespa through Tuscany on this great loop from Siena (can also do it with a car, but it is not as fun!)!

Exploring the white waters of the Apuan Alps [Bagni di Lucca, Tuscany]

Close to Lucca, discover an outdoor paradise!

From mountain to statue: the Carrara marble quarries of Italy

The Carrara marble is the best in the world, the one from which Michelangelo sculpted his masterpieces, visiting the quarries himself to find the best piece of marble. Visit this exceptional place in this article!

An active day [or not] along the Italian Riviera

Text & photographs: Marcella van Alphen & Claire Lessiau For the most active ones, this article describes a day packed with activities from biking, to hiking and swimming. All the villages described can also be reached by train and boat from Genoa to enjoy their charms, cultural sites and delicious food without getting sweaty (nor…