Cordoba is a beautiful, multifaceted city where the legacy of multiple religions and civilizations interact and overlap. The old Arabic and Jewish quarters surround the Mosque, where crooked narrow streets still possess the feel, taste, and smells of ancient times. History has settled here in rich and complex ways, making it a compelling home base…
Blog Home
The Gordon Family in Switzerland
Categories
The Gordons and Boicourts recently joined us in Meiringen, Switzerland, on our Swiss Heartland UnTour. Three generations of their family stayed in one of our favorite towns in central Switzerland and made amazing memories together against the timeless backdrop of Alpine peaks, lush valleys, and clean blue lakes. It was a trip that will no…
Alsace in Pictures: 10 Elements That Make It Special
Categories
Alsace is a unique destination, one of France’s most picturesque corners. This region is so rich with history and so linked with its traditions, it feels like a bridge to Old World Europe. It also vibrates with color, and is one of France’s most photogenic corners. Wendell Rogers is a regular UnTourist who has traveled…
Irish Road Trip with Jackie Johnson
Categories
UnTourist Emeritus and regular blog contributor Jackie Johnson recently returned from another UnTour to Ireland. Here’s her report in photos, including an emergency trip to the hospital. Read all about it. This was my third trip to Ireland; the last two trips were with UnTours. UnTours is the only way to travel to Europe in…
Building a Basilica: Notes from our President
Categories
How long does it take to build a basilica? On a recent trip to Barcelona, I learned that the Sagrada Familia Basilica is scheduled for completion in 2026, 144 years after construction began and 100 years after the death of its visionary architect, Antonio Gaudi. There is something about his joyous celebration of faith rooted…
Garden Goals: The Patios Festival in Cordoba, Spain
Categories
La Fiesta de los Patios da Cordoba, the Patios Festival, is a uniquely colorful tradition in Cordoba that dates back to 1918. So much of the city’s beauty is cultivated in the private courtyards of local people, who lovingly fill their outdoor spaces with layers of geraniums and other potted flowers. Many of these picturesque…
Swiss Design Details: A Quiz for Swiss Alumni
Categories
Alumni of our Swiss Heartland and Swiss Oberland UnTours are a savvy bunch, no doubt drawn to the natural beauty and soaring vistas of the magnificent Alps. But there are other, smaller pleasures to enjoy in central Switzerland. Swiss UnTour alumnus and UnTours Foundation donor Kemp Plugh captured some of Switzerland’s smaller bits of beauty…
Kensington: A Guide to London’s Museum District
Categories
There are countless museums in London, something for everyone. While the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate(s) may be top of mind, it could be easy to overlook some splendid museums in Kensington, a museum district with a strong appeal for Londoners. Here are the three museums that rank among the locals’ favorites….
Overtourism Part 1: The Promise of Second Cities
What is overtourism? Overtourism has become a catchall term for the oversaturation of a neighborhood, region, or city with tourists. Just when a place hits this critical tipping point is up for debate, but we can all agree it is a growing concern, a blight that undermines the quality of life for locals and erodes…
The Danube in Photos: A Venture to Remember
River cruises are very popular, and we find many of the people in our www.UnTours.community of travelers enjoy them. Whether UnTourists add a cruise to their UnTour or spend some of their trips abroad sailing the rivers, they can find a fantastic selection of offerings on our UnTours Ventures site. The Danube is one of…