Difficult Run, Great Falls, Virginia (video)

Few people know about Difficult Run, one of the most scenic spots in Great Falls, Virginia. Passing under Georgetown Pike, Difficult Run speeds through a steep gorge with waterfalls reaching the Potomac River with panoramic views at the mouth of Difficult Run. I happen to love it - this short film is my humble attempt to show this enchanting place to those who do not know it. Nov. 11, 2012

Spoleto (Italy) - National Museum of the Duchy of Spoleto and Ponte delle Torri

Various signs and travel guides may create an impression that Rocca Albornoziana and National Museum of the Duchy of Spoleto are two different things. In reality, the Museum is an integral part of the fortress. The fortress houses the Museum; the latter makes the Rocca much more interesting. My strong recommendation, do not hesitate to spend extra €1.50 to buy the "biglietto integrato" which give you access to museum area located on the first and second floors around the Ward of Honor of the Rocca. March 20, 2011

Spoleto (Italy) - Rocca Albornoziana

La Rocca Albornoziana is a fortress located on top of the St. Elias hill overlooking the town of Spoleto. For tourists, the castle is one of the main attractions in the area. Historically, La Rocca is the main stronghold in the system of fortifications built by Pope Innocent VI, to strengthen and make more evident the military authority of the Church in the territories of central Italy. March 14, 2011

Montepulciano (Italy) - Coming to Town

Montepulciano is a charming Tuscan small town which with its dramatic setting on the ridge of the high hill dominates the valleys of Val di Chiana (on the west) and Val D'Orcia (on the east). In this town you can find many masterpieces of such artists as Antonio da Sangallo Il Vecchio, Andrea Pozzo, Vignola, Michelozzo, Taddeo di Bartolo, Ippolito Scalza. In addition to its medieval architecture and art, Montepulciano is known for the wine called Vino Nobile. Wine tasting and wine tours through many vineyards surrounding Montepulciano are activities attracting many wine lovers.
Montepulciano (Italy) - Coming to Town
Montepulciano (Italy) - Churches
Montepulciano (Italy) - Some Places to Eat Feb. 3, 2011

Vieux Nice (Old Nice), France: Part 2 - The Heart of Old Town

We have just finished the first part of the Vieux Nice (Old Nice) tour at the end of Cours Saleya, a vibrant and touristy area with various markets and numerous restaurants and shops. We were moving from west to east towards a rocky hill with ruins of the castle and, nowadays, Parc du Château. Now, we are turning to the left to follow the labyrinth of narrow streets with terracotta color buildings until we reach place Rossetti, the heart of old Nice. See also Vieux Nice (Old Nice), France: Part 1 - Adjacent Areas and Cours Saleya Feb. 16, 2010

Vieux Nice (Old Nice), France: Part 1 - Adjacent Areas and Cours Saleya

The original idea behind this photo gallery had much larger scope. I wanted to create a comprehensive photo guide to Vieux Nice (a.k.a Vieille Ville or Old Town Nice). However, the lack of time and proper organization of my effort resulted in something more modest. Still, I believe with the material I have it is possible to convey the atmosphere and environment of the Vieux Nice - area where the city of Nice (Nicaea) was probably founded around 350 BC by Greeks. See also Vieux Nice (Old Nice), France: Part 2 - The Heart of Old Town Feb. 16, 2010

A Stroll around Buckingham Palace and Its Garden, London

No doubt, Buckingham Palace is one of the most interesting things in London to explore. State rooms, Royal Mews, The Queen's Gallery are usual tourist destinations. However, just walking around Buckingham Palace and Its Garden can be as interesting as visiting places mentioned above. Walking tours give a chance to get familiar with real life and its pulse with streets, people, buildings, parks, traffic, restaurants and bars, shops and their windows... You walk at your own pace observing and watching things that you will miss in museums and formal exhibitions. So, why not to spend several hours and explore what's outside Buckingham Palace - it's free, and you are not constrained by Buckingham Palace's rules and schedule. Feb. 11, 2010

Parc du Château, Nice, France - Le Château de Nice (Part II)

As we learned from Part I of the gallery, "Le Chateau" in Nice, France, isn't a chateau. The old castle on top of La colline du Chateau (a rocky hill overlooking Nice old town and the port) was destroyed in 1706. Still it is one of the main attractions in Nice and a great place to visit. Part I of the photo gallery focuses on history and surroundings; Part II is dedicated to the park itself and Château de Nice. Jan. 3, 2010

Parc du Château, Nice, France - History and Surroundings (Part I)

La colline du Chateau (Castle Hill), considered to be the birthplace of the town of Nice, is an old fortified site that was occupied by Celtic Ligurians. During Middle Ages, the whole area became a formidable stronghold, Château de Nice, with mighty walls surrounding the lower part of the town (known now as Vieux Nice or Old Nice). The castle was dismantled in 1706 when, during the war of Spanish Succession, the area was occupied by France. It was converted into a park at the end of 19th century. Visit this photo gallery with brief historic notes, tips and area information. Part I of the photo gallery focuses on history and surroundings; Part II is dedicated to the park itself and Château de Nice. Jan. 3, 2010

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 4, Walking Inner Harbor

The last installment of the article dedicated to Baltimore Inner Harbor and its four ships opened to public. This page describes other places in the harbore: where to eat and what to see.

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 1, Inner Harbor and USS Constellation
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 2, Submarine USS Torsk SS-423
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 3, Lightship Chesapeake and USCGC Taney
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 4, Walking Inner Harbor

May 10, 2009

Luray Caverns

Situated in the Shenandoah Valley, Luray, founded in 1812, is the county seat of Page County, Virginia. It's a small town with population of about 5,000 people and two-hour drive from Washington D.C. Luray is most known among tourists for Luray Caverns discovered in 1878.  Each year, more than 500,000 visitors explore the spectacular underground wonder and the adjacent Car and Carriage Caravan of historic vehicles. From the very beginning, discoverers and everybody else who visits this natural wonder are stunt by the beauty of an eerie world of stalactites and stalagmites sparkling in the light whether it's a candle, or flashlight or an artificial illumination system installed now in the cavern.
Part I - Luray Caverns
Part II - Car and Carriage Caravan Museum March 29, 2009

Monte Solaro, Capri (Italy)

If you have limited time and do not have a clear understanding of what you want to see on the island but willing to get an impression of Capri as a whole and spend a day of your vacations there, my advice - make Monte Solaro your destination. This mountain is the highest part of the island with breathtaking 360 degrees views where you can observe not only Capri and Gulf of Naples with the Mount Vesuvius but the Amalfi coast, the Sorrentine peninsula and the islands of Procida and Ischia. Feb. 14, 2009

Maryland Heights Stone Fort Trail

Unlike the Maryland Heights Overlook trail described in previous article where the goal is to reach cliffs offering wonderful views on Harpers Ferry, the Maryland Heights Stone Fort trail goes through several places that represent a historical interest. During this hike you will visit ruins of old Civil War forts and campsites. But you will also be able to enjoy spectacular views from Maryland Heights summit. Both trails differ in time needed to hike them as well as physical challenges they present. Stone Fort is much longer - about 3.5 miles and includes one uphill part that many people who hike casually will find excruciating Jan. 5, 2008

Overall Run Falls - Virginia Highest Waterfall

Overall Run Falls is the highest waterfall in the Shenandoah National Park and in Virginia. It consists of two drops, where the upper one is 29 feet and the lower is 93 feet. Both are located near each other and can be accessed using the same trail. As all other waterfalls in Virginia, it can be best described as a cascading type; nevertheless, the lower drop and surrounding area with an overlook is very picturesque and worth visiting. Be prepared for rough terrain and steep hikes. Aug. 11, 2007

Great Falls Park and Great Falls of the Potomac River

Many people consider the Great Falls of the Potomac to be the most spectacular natural landmark in the Washington D.C. area. This dramatic scene makes Great Falls Park, located just fifteen miles from the Nation's Capital, a popular site with local residents and tourists from around the world who are visiting the Washington area. Aug. 11, 2007