David Whitley, Author at Planet Whitley

Washington DC’s corridor of power – a Pennsylvania Avenue walking tour

On a walking tour down Pennsylvania Avenue, visitors can find out where the power in Washington DC really lies. Monica Beach “Welcome to Monica Beach,” says Tom Diemer. The drab, grey plaza outside the E Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse is somewhat lacking in palm…

politics, tours, USA, walks, Washington DC

Meeting the cider makers of Virginia

In Virginia, the art of cider-making is undergoing a renaissance. Making cider at the Albemarle Ciderworks For Chuck Skelton, craft cider is part of a logical progression. “The 1980s was the first time the US got known for wine. In the early-to-mid 90s, the craft…

drinks, USA, Virginia

Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Virginia.

The best presidential homes in Virginia for visitors

The best presidential homes in Virginia for visitors are Mount Vernon and Monticello, but others – including the Berkeley Plantation on the James River – are worth a look. American history in Virginia No US state is quite as swathed in history as Virginia. It’s…

presidents, USA, Virginia

Treviso travel guide for first time visitors

Long used as a base for exploring Venice, the Veneto city of Treviso has its own charms. What’s Treviso all about? Treviso is cursed by a reputation of being somewhere to pass through. Its tiny airport is used by European budget airlines as a cheaper…

city guides, Italy, Treviso, Veneto

Verona travel guide for first time visitors

Italy’s city of Romeo and Juliet is much more appealing once you branch away from the Shakespeare tourist traps. What’s Verona all about? One look at a map, and Verona’s romantic reputation makes instant sense. The city walls and the looping River Adige surround the…

city guides, Italy, Veneto, Verona

Vicenza travel guide for first time visitors

Vicenza is one of Italy’s architectural treasures, showcasing numerous works by Andrea Palladio. It’s a perfect stop between Venice and Verona. What is Vicenza all about? Few people have had as great an influence on architecture as Andrea Palladio. His admiration for the symmetry and…

city guides, Italy, Veneto, Vicenza

Padua travel guide for first time visitors

Often seen as a grittier sister of Venice, Padua has plenty of art and history in its own right. What’s Padua all about? In one spot, Padua is gritty. All galumphing Mussolini-era facades and grey stone. Then turn the corner, and it’s gorgeous. Elegant towers…

city guides, Italy, Padua, Veneto

Exploring the architecture of Andrea Palladio in Vicenza

The familiarity of La Rotonda On a hilltop, a couple of miles outside Vicenza’s city centre, stands a building that looks instantly recognisable. La Rotonda has four identical facades, each dolled up with six columns, while a domed roof both smooths out and adds to…

architecture, Italy, Veneto, Vicenza

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, seen from behind the Cathedral.

Pisa travel guide for first time visitors

Pisa isn’t all about the Leaning Tower. Look beyond the thousands of selfie-takers and there’s an engaging Italian city to explore. What is Pisa all about It’s tricky to think of another city so defined in the international consciousness by a single attraction. And, on…

city guides, Italy, Pisa, Tuscany

Siena travel guide for first time visitors

Arguably the most beautiful city in Tuscany, Siena has sensational food and one of the world’s most eccentric festivals. What is Siena all about? It’s hard to rein in the giddiness walking through Siena’s winding hilltop streets. The walls climb high, the decoration leaps out…

city guides, Italy, Siena, Tuscany