Travel Obscurer

02/12/2024

Tbilisi far exceeded my expectations - and I have Levan (Tbilisi Free Walking Tours) to thank for taking me to places I would never have found and revealing fascinating secrets of his city.

Tbilisi has always been at a crossroads. In the past as Tiflis, it has fallen between the Persian, Ottoman and Russian empires, and in the turbulent present ...

25/11/2024

The first film from my recent trip to Georgia and Armenia - an incredible journey up the Military Highway to Kazbegi in the High Caucasus. A big thank you to Misha.

The legendary Georgian Military Highway to Kazbegi is one of the greatest journeys in the Caucasus. My driver and guide was Misha - to contact him about Geor...

22/10/2024

Serena and I have just spent 2 weeks travelling to all four corners of Portugal, taking in many less well known towns and villages in this fascinating country. Enjoy the ride - and gain inspiration for your own Portugal road trip.

Driving in Portugal (away from the two major cities) is a dream, and definitely the best way to explore all four corners of this fascinating country. Over 2 ...

24/09/2024

Join me on a tour of the visible reminders of the horrific Siege of Sarajevo and listen to the stories of those who lived through it. This incredible tour was arranged through Funky Tours.

Are there any reminders of the siege today? Yes, join me on an exploration with Funky Tours Sarajevo. Discover what happened (and where) in the legendary Sie...

29/08/2024

The oddest city in Pakistan - no contest!

IF YOU LIVE IN ISLAMABAD THEN PLEASE LEAVE YOUR OPINION ON THE CITY IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.Enjoy a Short Cultural Travel Guide to Pakistan's modern Capital ...

13/08/2024

Babylon - So many of heard of it but few have visited. Finally I reached this legendary city - and here's the film...

A cultural travel guide to one of the classical world's most famous cities!I had long wanted to visit the ruins of the legendary city of Babylon. The ruins h...

25/07/2024

Belgrade has a bit of a "boring and conservative" tag - Total nonsense - check out my tour of Dorcól (one of Europe's coolest neighbourhoods) with Dragana of "Still in Belgrade".

Dragana of "Still in Belgrade" shows me around Dorćol, the Belgrade neighbourhood rated as one of the coolest in Europe by the Guardian. Where to go in Belgr...

13/06/2024

Thank you so much to Marina at Yugotour for a fascinating tour of the architecture of New Belgrade. A film for anyone interested in brutalism and modernism. The communist bloks may look intimidating but, as you will see from the film, the planners incorporated many sensible ideas for the needs of the residents. Thank you Yugotour!

A Film for Lovers of Yugoslavia, Lovers of Belgrade, and Lovers of Brutalism!In post-war Yugoslavia, under the gaze of President Tito, there was a desire to ...

22/05/2024

2 million! Not bad for a travel channel that focuses on positive stories. Thank you to everyone. And keep watching - Jonathan (PS Don't forget I also have a dedicated Scottish channel called "eye scotland ")

18/05/2024

Lahore, Pakistan - So much to see - so little time! Explore the cultural delights of the Punjabi capital!

14/05/2024

バルセロナが大好き FOR BARCELONA LOVERS EVERYWHERE!

08/05/2024

The latest of my Iraq films features a short visit to the Shia Holy city of Kerbala (or Karbala). This was an unforgettable experience...

The battle that took place here at Kerbala in the year 680 is central to the schism between Sunni and Shia muslims today. Hussein (Husayn) Ali, the grandson ...

25/04/2024

It was an absolute privilege to visit the Autumn Assembly of the Yazidis last October in Lalish (Iraq) - a community that is still coming to terms with the aftermath of the ISIL genocide. Here is the film!

This short film takes you to Lalish in Iraqi Kurdistan - the spiritual home of the Yazidi (Yezidi) Community. I had the privilege of visiting the Autumn Asse...

12/04/2024

Erbil was a real surprise after a few days in Baghdad. There's a real sense of optimism, with new buildings soaring up in the modern suburbs. However, it's the old centre of Erbil that holds the trump cards of the citadel and the famous bazaar. The capital of Kurdistan feels like it is going places. It also feels safe, which can't be said of other cities in Iraq.
Discover...

Looking for a positive story about Iraq? Well, you’ve found one - Erbil is a dynamic city that has fast risen to become the business hub for Iraq. The capi...

06/04/2024

Muscat in Oman has taken a very different course to the cities of neighbouring UAE, Qatar and Saudi. Tall glass towers are conspicuous by their absence and the environment is far more relaxed for both residents and visitors. It's a great city to uncover. Enjoy the film...

Google asks: Is Muscat a good holiday destination? Is Muscat good for tourists? Answer --Yes and definitely Yes!! It's my favourite city of the Arabian Penin...

10/03/2024

This film took its inspiration from questions and observations raised on the Hurtigruten Insiders Facebook group. My previous films (including the latest - 'The Coastal Express in Winter") focus on the landscapes and ports. This film goes more behind the scenes of the voyage itself and should be particularly useful for anyone debating whether this is the trip for them, or simply to gain more insight into what lies in store if the booking has already been made! The input of my mum (82 with mobility issues) should also prove useful.

This film took its inspiration from questions and observations raised on the Hurtigruten Insiders Facebook group. My previous films (including the latest - '...

03/03/2024

The Norwegian coast in winter - is there any landscape in the world that can beat it?! I sailed from Bergen to Kirkenes with Hurtigruten last month and enjoyed every moment - particularly watching the activity at the remote ports. This is the Classic Coastal Voyage, featuring ice, snow and the northern lights. Enjoy the film!

It is, quite simply, the most beautiful voyage in the world. The coastal express (currently operated by both Hurtigruten and Havila) sails from Bergen to Kir...

16/02/2024

Great to be back in Bergen. Boarding the Hurtigruten later today. Look out for the films coming soon!