Category Archives: Travel

Space: UAE, China And USA Launch Missions To Mars – How Long Will It Take?

Why are there so many attempts to get to Mars at the moment? The United Arab Emirate’s Hope satellite was despatched last week and now China has launched its first rover mission to the red planet. Nasa’s Perseverance Rover is scheduled to take off on 30th July. Well, summer 2020 is a popular time for missions to the red planet because of the way the planets align – but how long does it take to get there? Landing on Mars is known as the “seven minutes of terror”, and there are lots of reasons why. Here BBC Science Correspondent Laura Foster explains how long it takes to get there and why it’s so difficult. Video by Megan Fisher, Terry Saunders and Laura Foster

Travels With A Curator: Osuna, Spain (Frick Video)

In this week’s episode of “Travels with a Curator,” journey to the Spanish town of Osuna, most famously known as one of the film locations for “Game of Thrones” but also the title lands of the 9th Duke of Osuna, whose portrait by Goya is in the collection at the Frick. Join Xavier F. Salomon, Deputy Director and Peter Jay Sharp Chief Curator, as he recounts his trip to rural Andalusia in search for the tomb of the Duke.

French Château Tours: Historic 17th Century In Béarn Region (Video)

Dating to the 1630’s this magnificent, historic property, ennobled by King Louis XIII in 1634, was discovered in 2006, entirely hidden beneath brambles and woodlands, by an intrepid local couple wanting to restore an important building of historical significance to the Béarn region.

Travel & History Tours: “Powis Castle” In Wales

Powis Castle and Gardens has many stories to tell. The Castle near Welshpool in Powys, Wales is the seat of the Earls of Powis and is now cared for by the National Trust. In this behind-the-schnes tour, we’re shedding more light on the castle’s links to colonialism in India by looking at items in the collection and telling the stories of how they came to be here. You can also discover how this medieval fortress is embracing renewable energy and experience an unmissable and rarely-seen view from the castle’s roof.

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New Film Trailers: “Made In Italy” Directed By James D’Arcy (August – 2020)

Made In Italy is a heart-warming comedy set in glorious Tuscany about bohemian London artist Robert (Neeson) who returns to Italy with his estranged son Jack (Richardson) to make a quick sale of the house they inherited from his late wife. Neither expects to find the once beautiful villa in such a state of disrepair…

Renovations go badly, and father and son find themselves at odds – not for the first time. Robert’s comical lack of DIY experience leads him to seek help from some colourful locals, but for Jack, the state of the house seems to mirror his search for memories of happier times with his mother. Then Jack falls for Natalia, a vivacious young Italian chef, who restores both body and soul with delights from her local trattoria – until the pair find their developing relationship in jeopardy from Natalia’s jealous and threatening ex-husband.

As Robert and Jack painstakingly restore the villa to its previous glory, they also start to mend their relationship. The future may now look quite different and surprise them both.

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Travel, Food & Wine: Top Australian Restaurants And Vineyards (Podcast)

Monocle 24 Only In Australia PodcastUnrestrained by culinary tradition, Australia’s fine drinking and dining scene applauds creativity and food fusion. The country’s outdoor eating culture is enlivened by some of the world’s best fresh produce, breathtaking landscapes and ideal growing conditions. 

Get your tummy ready to rumble as Georgina Godwin takes a tour through some of Australia’s finest dining rooms, vineyards and cellar doors, with star wine-makers, foragers of fine food and industry-leading artisans as her guides.

Top New Travel Videos: “Days In Morocco” By Gabworks (2020)

Filmed and Edited by: Gabworks

Shot in Beautiful Cities in Morocco:

Casablanca, Asilah, Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes, Merzouga, Boumalne Dades, Marrakech, Essaouira

Music by Nils Frahm ‘sweet little lie’

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Morocco, a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, is distinguished by its Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. Marrakesh’s medina, a mazelike medieval quarter, offers entertainment in its Djemaa el-Fna square and souks (marketplaces) selling ceramics, jewelry and metal lanterns. The capital Rabat’s Kasbah of the Udayas is a 12th-century royal fort overlooking the water.

World’s Best Small Hotels: “Ca’ Sagredo – Venice” On The Grand Canal (Video)

A cultural and historic landmark set on Venice’s Grand Canal

A meticulously renovated 15th-century palace, with its lavish pink façade, sits proudly between Ca’ d’Oro and the Rialto Bridge on the spectacular Grand Canal. Ca’ Sagredo Hotel in Venice is a real gem, half hotel, half museum with important works of art by 17th and 18th-century artists Sebastiano Ricci, Giambattista Tiepolo, Niccolò Bambini and Pietro Longhi.

This place is truly mesmerising. Ascend the stately marble staircase by Tirali, with an impressive fresco by Longhi, and experience the air of romance and mystery that is uniquely Venice. With several of the rooms and suites providing a canal view, stay in one of Ca’Sagredo Hotel’s historical grand suites to appreciate 18th-century stuccoed ceilings, bas reliefs and elaborately painted wall friezes.

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New Travel Video : “Life Afloat” – Houseboat Life On Thames River, England

Filmed and Directed by: Sav Kyriacou and Matthew Rosenberg

It is estimated that over a thousand people live afloat on the Thames between Teddington Lock and the Thames Barrier. These floating villages have a rich and, until now, untold history. Based on photography, archive research and oral history interviews, this exhibition draws together the past and the present, tracking the evolution of houseboat life on one of the world’s most vibrant rivers.

Music by Bloch Eyot from the Magic Folkgrass album featuring Above the Storms, Thames Upstream and Long Highway.

Commissioned by Thames Festival Trust
Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund