Horizon Travel by Nigel Bennett

19/06/2026

Dubrovnik has been on my list for a long time and it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, Dubrovnik’s Old City dates back centuries and is surrounded by some of the most impressive fortified walls in Europe. Walking through the limestone streets, past churches, palaces and hidden alleyways, it is easy to see why the city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of my favourite discoveries was the bar tucked away on the cliff face outside the city walls. Perched above the crystal clear Adriatic, it is the perfect spot to sit with a drink and watch the world go by. Or in this case, watch a steady stream of brave souls hurling themselves off the rocks into the sea below!

What I really appreciated was learning about the efforts Dubrovnik has made to manage tourism. At one stage the city was seeing as many as six cruise ships a day, but that has now been reduced to a maximum of two. Even with those restrictions in place, the city was still absolutely packed, as you can probably tell from the photos. It really highlights just how popular Dubrovnik has become over the years.

Crowds aside, there is something very special about this place. The architecture is beautiful, the setting is spectacular, and everywhere you look there is another postcard view waiting around the corner. Dubrovnik is one of those destinations that lives up to the hype.

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18/06/2026

Zadar was one of those places that I didn’t really know much about before arriving, but it ended up being a real highlight.

The old town is full of charm, with its stone streets, waterfront promenades and relaxed atmosphere. It’s the sort of place that’s best explored without a plan, just wandering and seeing what you find.

The standout for me was the Sea Organ. Sitting by the water listening to the sounds created by the waves was unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Such a simple concept, but incredibly clever and surprisingly calming.

Add in a fantastic little wine bar and a few glasses of Croatian wine, and it was an afternoon very well spent.

Zadar may not be Croatia’s most famous destination, but it certainly won me over.

08/06/2026

Venice never seems to be the same city twice.

With temperatures reaching 28°C today, I spent the day wandering canals, bridges and hidden corners, soaking up the atmosphere of one of the world’s most unique cities. Every time I visit Venice, I leave with completely different memories and a new perspective.

I’ve been here before, but this visit felt completely different. Less about ticking off the sights and more about enjoying the atmosphere, getting lost in the back streets, and appreciating why people keep coming back.

08/06/2026

Venice never seems to be the same city twice.

With temperatures reaching 28°C today, I spent the day wandering canals, bridges and hidden corners, soaking up the atmosphere of one of the world’s most unique cities. Every time I visit Venice, I leave with completely different memories and a new perspective.

I’ve been here before, but this visit felt completely different. Less about ticking off the sights and more about enjoying the atmosphere, getting lost in the back streets, and appreciating why people keep coming back.

# Venice

06/06/2026

Milan surprised me.

I expected a beautiful cathedral and some good shopping, but the city has a completely different energy to the rest of Italy. It feels fast paced, stylish and effortlessly confident.

The Duomo di Milano is the undeniable star of the show. One minute you’re surrounded by busy streets, trams and designer stores, and the next you’re standing in front of a masterpiece that has watched over the city for centuries.

I spent the day wandering through the streets around the Duomo, soaking up the atmosphere, people watching and enjoying the buzz that seems to flow through every corner of the city.

A very different side of Italy, and one I’m glad I got to experience. 🇮🇹

05/06/2026

Today I visited the beautiful village of Bellano on the shores of Lake Como. With its colourful waterfront, narrow cobbled streets, and stunning mountain backdrop, it felt like a much more authentic and peaceful side of the lake. The highlight was exploring the dramatic Orrido di Bellano, a spectacular natural gorge carved through the rock by rushing water over thousands of years. A perfect escape from the crowds and a reminder that some of Italy’s most memorable places are the ones less travelled. 🇮🇹✨

05/06/2026

Bergamo has been such a pleasant surprise. The city is divided into two parts: the modern lower city (Città Bassa) and the historic upper city (Città Alta), which sits high on a hill and is surrounded by impressive Venetian walls. Città Alta is the heart of old Bergamo, with its cobbled streets, medieval buildings, beautiful piazzas and stunning views across the surrounding countryside. It also happens to be the birthplace of Stracciatella gelato, invented here in 1961, so enjoying a scoop of the original while wandering the narrow streets felt almost compulsory! It feels like stepping back in time and is easily one of the most charming places I’ve visited in Italy. 🇮🇹

03/06/2026

And the journey begins… Italy, Croatia, Malta, Majorca, Spain and Portugal. Looking forward to sailing on the Queen Victoria (Cunard) from Venice to Barcelona and joining a G-Adventures tour in Portugal from Lisbon to Porto.

25/05/2026

Please help Andrea reach his goal in raising money and supporting Coastguard NZ. So much dedication and discipline to support such a worthy cause. Well done

Why not dive in for Coastguard's Big Swim this June to help save more lives on the water? Or show your support by making a donation.

25/04/2026

We will always remember them. Anzac Day 2026. 111 years. (Sorry I couldn’t find the ‘Last Post’ audio)