Bangalore is a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions and modern aspirations converge seamlessly. It’s also known for its lush gardens, historic landmarks and vibrant tech culture; it’s a kaleidoscope of experiences waiting to be discovered.
The majestic Bangalore Palace is reminiscent of Tudor-era architecture and the tranquil beauty of Lalbagh Botanical Garden is where centuries-old trees whisper secrets of the past. SMG Road and Brigade Road are the city’s buzzing arteries, alive with the hum of life!
The 'must-sees' include the stately Vidhana Soudha, a symbol of India's democratic pride, the serene Ulsoor Lake for a peaceful escape and the dynamic energy of the city’s many microbreweries and art galleries. Bangalore is not just a destination; it's an experience—a city that invites you to step into its rhythm, explore its stories, and embrace its endless possibilities.
https://portmanteautravel.co/
One of the world’s greatest megalopolises, Jakarta is not only the bustling capital of Indonesia but a vibrant and dynamic city with rather chaotic charm!
Kota Tua is the city’s historic district, where colonial-era architecture and charming cobblestone streets transport you to Jakarta’s past. The iconic National Monument (Monas) is a great a symbol of Indonesia’s independence and worth a visit, as is the National Museum showcasing treasures.
Jakarta’s food scene is a sensory delight—whether savouring street-side nasi goreng or indulging in gourmet Indonesian dishes at trendy eateries. The vibrant markets and upscale malls, such as Grand Indonesia, showcase the city’s eclectic shopping culture.
Jakarta’s rich cultural heritage coexists amidst rapid urban growth and diverse communities.
https://portmanteautravel.co/
🎶 “Don’t stop me now, I’m having such a good time...” 🎶 That song’s been stuck in my head all day; I’m in Salta, Argentina!
Yesterday, I took the teleférico (cable car) a kilometre up Cerro San Bernardo – just stunning and the view stretched forever - green hills, winding roads and the rooftops of Salta scattered below. Did you know the hill was named after Saint Bernard, the patron saint of mountaineers? Once there, I made sure to try some empanadas at the small restaurant – divine!
Later, I visited the Museum of High Altitude Archaeology, which was just fascinating. It exhibits historical findings of the Incan culture and especially the archaeological treasure of the ‘Llullaillaco Children,’ buried at an altitude of almost 7,000 metres.
Today I went to Quebrada de las Conchas, one of the most spectacular landscapes in northwestern Argentina and part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wind, water and tectonic activity have transformed this landscape into unique geographical forms. This, together with the red earth is an extraordinary sight.
Now, I’m back at my beautiful hotel, House of Jasmines, sipping a glass of chilled Torrontés wine and just about to go downstairs for an asado cooking class – I did make sure they had lamb because apparently the lamb asado is supposed to be the best, slow-cooked for hours with a mix of local herbs and spices, served alongside a variety of traditional Salta-style empanadas.
Tomorrow, I’ll explore Salinas Grandes, the best known salt flats in Argentina and covering 212 km². The landscape is supposedly gorgeous – pretty mountain scenery with cacti and a spectacular expanse of sparkling white salt! That, along with a few herds of Vicuñas, is going to be pretty incredible!
‘til next time 😎
Budapest is divided by the majestic Danube River and this amazing city unites the historic grandeur of Buda’s Castle Hill with the vibrant spirit of Pest’s bustling streets. Every part has a story as well as painting a picture of timeless beauty. The blend of history, culture and architectural splendour is really a pleasure to see and learn about.
In Buda, the Fisherman’s Bastion offers enchanting views of the Parliament building’s intricate facade across the river. In Pest’s lively cafes and Art Nouveau masterpieces, the remnants of the Belle Époque echo throughout.
The ‘must-sees’ here are so many so don’t go for the day! There is the Buda Castle and St. Stephen’s Basilica as well as the atmospheric ruin bars of the Jewish Quarter. Then you’ll likely want to take a cruise along the Danube, which is best done in the evening where the city’s landmarks glow in golden light - stunning.
Budapest is a city where one can feel its rich tapestry of past and present.
https://portmanteautravel.co/
I’m living aboard a luxurious private yacht, my home away from home for 12 days, cruising around a hidden paradise in Indonesia, Raja Ampat, which has over 1,500 small islands, cays and shoals. I’m here to see the best reef in the world – so exciting!
I just got back to the boat from our first stop, Wayag, often described as one of the most stunning places on earth, known for dramatic karst limestone formations and pristine beauty – so raw. We hiked to the top of the limestone islands for a view like no other, kayaked through the lagoons and around the islands for an amazing experience of the archipelago and then, with the help of an expert photographer, took some incredible shots of the landscape and turquoise lagoons.
The plan for the next 10 days is to explore a mix of the most biodiverse dive and snorkel sites so this evening we begin our journey to Dampier Strait where there are 374 fish species, reef sharks and manta rays. As you know, I’ve only done a few dives, but this is definitely the place for another one. There are some superb instructors on the boat – I may even do my PADI!
We’re then going to Misool in the South, to see the beautiful underwater architecture and the coral gardens that explode with colour; apparently there are over 60 sites to snorkel and dive there.
On the way back, we’ll stop at Fam Islands. They are so well-preserved and largely untouched by human activity, because of the conservation efforts and remote location – here we will see nature at its finest.
I’ve met the best people on this fine vessel and it’s such a great size for this expedition – only 15 suites and 30 crew; needless to say, one can want for nothing!
One can quite see why Toronto is known as ‘The City of Dreams.’ The skyline is really striking, it has huge green spaces, and the cultural is rich. At its heart, the Royal Ontario Museum and the historic Distillery District speak of a city that embraces both its heritage and the contemporary.
Every street tells its own tale … Queen Street West is an artistic haven dotted with quirky boutiques and galleries, grand Casa Loma is a real-life castle, where Toronto’s storied past comes alive. The city’s iconic CN Tower stands as a symbol of ambition and resilience, inviting you to marvel at the sweeping views over Lake Ontario and the bustling streets below.
Toronto's 'must-sees' include the Art Gallery of Ontario, the bustling St. Lawrence Market, and the serene Toronto Islands, just a short ferry ride away. Each landmark and neighbourhood invites you to explore deeper into the soul of this diverse and endlessly inspiring city.
https://portmanteautravel.co/
Dublin has this unique pulse so it’s no surprise that it’s often called ‘The Heart of Ireland.’ The pulse not only comes from the quite wonderful Irish fold but from a unique blend of historic charm and modern energy. Age-old tales of Viking settlers and celebrated poets seem to whisper from the city’s medieval streets, while vibrant pubs echo with traditional Irish music that sweeps you into a dance of spirit and history.
Each cobbled street in Dublin holds a piece of Ireland’s soul, from the shadow of the grandiose Trinity College—where the legendary Book of Kells resides—to the imposing yet inviting facades of Georgian architecture, lining St. Stephen's Green. It’s not hard to imagine literary greats like James Joyce or W.B. Yeats strolling by, weaving words from the very soul of the city.
You will certainly want to see the historic Ha'penny Bridge and well as Dublin Castle and the lively Temple Bar district. Dublin’s charm is best experienced slowly and often with a pint of Guiness in hand!
https://portmanteautravel.co/
Hamburg’s appeal can be narrowed down to a very simple fact … it’s VERY cool! Known as the 'Gateway to the World,' this great city is a dynamic blend of history, culture and modernity. From the regal elegance of the Elbphilharmonie, towering over the harbour, to the charming cobbled lanes of the Speicherstadt, Hamburg offers a little of everything.
In the city centre you’ll find yourself surrounded by centuries-old architecture, nestled beside sleek, contemporary buildings. The lively harbour, with its iconic Landungsbrücken, is perfect for watching ships come and go, whilst the Inner Alster lake provides a tranquil escape just steps away from bustling streets and grand shopping boulevards. If you love to rise at a very early hour and love seafood, every Sunday, about 70,000 locals descend upon the famous Fischmarkt in St Pauli - it’s a real scene and one to certainly try once!
For outdoor fans, Hamburg boasts an abundance of parks and green areas, such as Planten un Blomen, a beautiful park with water features and Japanese gardens.
With its blend of maritime heritage and cosmopolitan flair, Hamburg is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Germany.
https://portmanteautravel.co/
Ancient dynasties and modern marvels blend seamlessly in Beijing, a place often called the ‘City of Eternal Majesty.’ The heart of Beijing houses the iconic Forbidden City, once the home of emperors and the symbol of China's imperial past. Walking through its vast courtyards and ornate palaces, one can feel the grandeur and mystery of a time when emperors ruled over the Middle Kingdom.
Each street echoes with tales of the past and presents a contrast of towering skyscrapers and traditional hutongs. Here, one can marvel at the Temple of Heaven, wander through the Summer Palace's tranquil gardens and trace the steps of history along the Great Wall. This city is a living storybook, inviting you to discover its chapters, one ancient gateway at a time.
https://portmanteautravel.co/
Vienna, the 'City of Music,' enchants visitors with its timeless elegance, where every street and corner whispers tales of imperial grandeur and artistic mastery. If you wander down the Ringstrasse, you'll be surrounded by architectural marvels: the stately Vienna State Opera, the majestic Hofburg Palace and the captivating spires of St. Stephen's Cathedral. It’s a city where Mozart and Beethoven once walked, where café culture is an art form and where palaces, gardens, and the delicate strains of waltz music fill the air.
You may want to indulge in a slice of Sachertorte, stroll through the manicured gardens of Schönbrunn and let Vienna’s charm unfold like a beautifully written symphony. This is a city that doesn’t just tell history; it invites you to live it.
https://portmanteautravel.co/
Mexico City, a dazzling mosaic of history, art, and culture, invites you to explore its many layers. At the city’s heart lies the Zócalo, a vast plaza where the grandeur of the Metropolitan Cathedral and the historic National Palace stand proudly beside the ancient ruins of Templo Mayor, remnants of the city’s Aztec roots. It’s a place where the past feels vividly present, as if the city’s spirit itself is woven into the stones.
If you go to the elegant streets of Polanco, you’ll find world-class museums, such as the Museo Soumaya, with very impressive art collections and if you visit Xochimilco and its vibrant chaos, you’ll see colourful boats glide down ancient canals, a lively reminder of pre-Hispanic traditions. For a quieter escape, Chapultepec Park offers green space and the fascinating Chapultepec Castle, perched high with panoramic views of the bustling city below.
From the fragrant markets to the music-filled plazas, Mexico City’s energy is infectious; the city is a story waiting to be told.
https://portmanteautravel.co/
Milan, the heartbeat of Italian style, exudes a unique charm that blends the opulence of history with the pulse of modernity. As you walk through Piazza del Duomo, you’ll be captivated by the towering beauty of the Duomo itself—a gothic masterpiece that has witnessed centuries of change. Just steps away, the elegant arches of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II invite you into a world where high fashion meets classic Italian cafés under a stunning glass dome.
The city is a canvas of art and architecture, from the Renaissance splendor of the Sforza Castle to the breathtaking brushstrokes of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. And as the sun sets over the Navigli canals, Milan’s trendy districts come alive with vibrant nightlife, reflecting a city that knows how to live beautifully.
Milan is a place to savour, where each moment feels like a scene from a classic Italian film. Let the rhythm of this captivating city take you on a journey you’ll never forget.
https://portmanteautravel.co/
