Ebook. Travel. Guides

Framing Life. The Raven Brothers from the United Kingdom launch their open-air exhibition on the bustling streets of India. The NO RUSH photography exhibition is the combined work of twin brothers from the UK. 50 prints taken over 20 years crossed India at the beginning of the year (2024), displaying the vibrant tapestry of life as seen through the eyes of two talented photographers.  "This one-of-a-kind exhibition aims to transform the world's public spaces into a gallery wall," Chris Raven told reporters on Monday. Simon Raven, fraternal twin brother and fellow photographer, stated. "We believe that the exhibition 'No Rush' is unique in its depiction of life slowed down in a fast-paced world. Each of the 50 portraits contain a sense of calm, and we believe that when displayed together, these frozen moments have real power." Chris Raven added. "Si's concept of using locations in India as the backdrop for the exhibition sounded colourful and fun

Check out these two fantastic adventure books by The Raven Brothers. The Raven Brothers take you on a journey across our amazing planet, from the Arctic Circle to the Amazon rainforest.  Carnival Express: A Journey Across South America The Raven Brothers venture deep into the Pervian Amazon, with their grandiose plan to travel overland following the mighty Trans-Oceanic Highway that unites the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of South America. Hike Drive Stayin' Alive: 10 Stories of Adventure Walking, Driving, Surviving: Ten Adventure Stories by The Raven Brothers. Despite all obstacles, the unprepared duo embark on ten quests to reach their dream destinations. Given that the authors of Driving the Trans-Siberian  have spent twenty years discovering new routes around the globe, they ought to be skilled explorers with a sixth sense and the capacity to survive in almost any situation. Think again! Using rivers, paved roads and hiking trails, the hapless brothers stumble across three conti

The Raven Brothers' NO RUSH photography exhibition was live and on the move across India at the beginning of 2024. If you missed this unique online event, here are a selection of the prints that were on display in locations across the Indian subcontinent. 

The Danube A Journey Upriver from the Black Sea to the Black Forest   by Nick Thorpe The author takes us on a surreal journey up the Danube, where we encounter an incredible and strange world. The majestic Danube flows through and alongside ten central European countries: Romania, Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany.  Nick Thorpe embarks on an inspiring year-long journey that will provide him with a new perspective on Europe today by traveling the entire length of the river from east to west, against the flow. Thorpe's account is intimate, conversational, funny, direct, and unmistakably observant—everything a reader expects from great travel writing. Thorpe takes daily morning swims in the Danube, immersing himself in the histories of the lands connected by the river. He observes the river's ecological conditions, some of which are depressing and some of which are hopeful, and comes across archaeological remains that speak of hum

Orthodox church on the Georgian Military Highway. Photo © Chris Raven The Raven Brothers give an intriguing account of their road trip along the Georgian Military Highway.  by The Raven Brothers  The Georgian Military Highway winds through the Dariali Gorge, also known as the "Gate of the Alans." It is dusty and unpaved. Si squeezes past a truck from Azerbaijan on a narrow shelf beneath a 1,800-metre vertical granite wall, pumped up on adrenaline. I try not to think about rocks smashing through the windows or a landslide that could potentially push us into the steep valley below. A griffon vulture flies low overhead. This is a dramatic and ancient trade route, and considered one of the most beautiful places in the Caucasus, inspiring both Lermontov and Pushkin, but right now this is far from the "passion and possibility", as Lermontov once romantically described. A stone hits the driver's window, but thankfully there is no damage. Si does well to battle against

The picturesque Georgian countryside near Vani. Photo by Samosir Books  The Raven Brothers travelled deep into the heartland of Georgia’s ancient kingdom of Colchis to explore the ruins of Vani. By The Raven Brothers  The ancient city of Vani in the spiritual heartland of the kingdom of Colchis, is in a region of Georgia shrouded by myth and legend. It is thought to be Jason and the Argonauts' final destination on their quest for the Golden Fleece. During the classical period, the mythological story of Jason first appeared in various literary works in Greece and Rome. Jason, a prince of Thessaly, is challenged by his uncle Pelias to sail to the land of Colchis on the Black Sea's eastern shores in the Greek epic poem 'Argonautica' by Apollonius Rhodius. His task was to find the Golden Fleece, a symbol of authority and kingship. Jason, according to legend, had a special ship called the Argo built to transport him and 49 Greek rowers known as the Argonauts to Greece. The A

Machu Picchu, Peru. Photo ©️ Samosir Books Your journey to Machu Picchu starts in beautiful Cusco, a city high up in Peru's Andes and once the capital of the  Inca Empire. On the outskirts of Cusco, first catch a bus through the Sacred Valley to Pisac and then to Ollantaytambo. From there you can connect with a Peru-Rail train to the mountain town of Aguas Calientes. Here is the gateway to Machu Picchu; one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Thirty-five kilometres from Cusco, you'll arrive in Pisac, and explore the fascinating Archaeological Park, with its religious structures, terraces and a ceremonial area with spectacular valley views. After you shop-till-you-drop at the buzzing Pisac market, full of  handmade crafts and textiles made by local artisans, you will travel further through the Scared Valley to the nearby town of Ollantaytambo. Enjoy the lovely little plaza here that is surrounded by rocky cliffs, and it's the perfect place to sit and watch

E10 Highway, Lofoten Islands, Norway. Photo © Samosir books Plan the ultimate Norway road trip for 2024, with an adventure touring the stunning E10 Highway that stretches from Luleå in Sweden to Å on the Lofoten Islands. Few places in the world are more naturally spectacular and unspoiled than The Lofoten Islands in northeast Norway. Brightly painted wooden fishing villages, dramatic rocky mountain peaks and a strong connection to the ocean, will have you wishing you never had to return to the 9-5. Jagged mountains of Lofoten, Norway. Photo © Samosir Books  Lofoten's jagged mountains jut out of Norway's Arctic Coast, attracting visitors from all over the world with breathtaking scenery and charming harbor towns. A tradition for a thousand years, cod caught here are dried out on massive racks across the islands, making it a major winter breeding ground for fish. Free road bridges and tunnels connect the islands along the E10 Highway, allowing camper vans, cars and motorcycles e

The Raven Brothers launch their 'NO RUSH' photography exhibitiion. A project finally complete after two decades. Here in the ETG office, we are excited to interview The Raven Brothers about their new quirky photography exhibition that is touring India at the moment.  by Emily Kemble, ETG content writer. Firstly, I would like to ask you both, do you prefer writing about your travels or photographing them? Chris: In many ways, writing and photography are connected, so I enjoy them both. There is a natural flow between the two.  Simon: When we're on a journey for a new book or short story, photography is vital for making notes. It enables us to examine in greater detail what was around us at the time. It also makes capturing those iconic moments more possible, because the cameras are never far away from our reach. As a keen photographer myself, I really want to ask you both how you got into travel photography? Chris: Ever since the day my parents bought me a camera for my elev

photo Samosir Books  Copenhagen conveys a certain Scandinavian charm. It's a city with a maze of canals, old buildings, and fusion of contemporary and traditional design elements. Hire a bike and, as Copenhagen is renowned for being one of the bike-friendliest cities in the world, choose pedal power!  Free things to do in Copenhagen. Stroll in Nyhavn: Admire the lively waterfront of Nyhavn, which is surrounded by historic structures, cafes, and boats. Visit the Little Mermaid: See the iconic statue inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale at Langelinie Pier. Copenhagen's Parks:  Relax in parks like King's Garden (Kongens Have) or Ørstedsparken. Free Walking Tours:  Join a free walking tour to learn about the city's history and culture. Explore Freetown Christiania: Explore this distinct, independent neighborhood with lively street art and a laid-back vibe. Copenhagen Street Food Market: Enjoy a wide range of culinary delights at Reffen, an outdoor street

ETG Destinations of the month: Italy, Colombia, Albania and Morocco. Discover more with lonelyplanet.com

Salona (Solin) photo © Samosir Books  Are you a culture vulture and adore ancient history like its the best thing since slice bread? Well, get ready to bounce off the walls when you see this list of Croatia's ancient ruins that offer a window into the country's rich history and cultural heritage.  Diocletian's Palace (Split): A well-preserved Roman palace complex built by Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century. Brijuni Islands:  Archaeological sites dating back to Roman and Byzantine times. Pula Arena (Pula): An ancient Roman amphitheater, one of the best-preserved in the world. Salona (Solin): Ancient ruins of a Roman city, including a forum, amphitheater, and various basilicas. Euphrasian Basilica (Poreč): A UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring early Christian mosaics. Narona Archaeological Museum (Vid): Houses artifacts from the Roman temple dedicated to the emperor Augustus. Osor Archaeological Collection (Osor): Exhibits artifacts from the ancient town of Osor.

photo © Samosir Books  Cádiz is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe, and was the site where the Spanish Constitution of 1812 was proclaimed. This port brimming with history also has beaches and a lively Carnival, one of the most famous in Spain. Check out these fun things to do in Cádiz.  Explore the Old Town: Explore the Old Town of Cádiz, a historic area with quaint squares, churches, and gorgeous buildings lining the narrow streets. Visit the Cathedral of Cádiz: Admire the stunning example of Neoclassical and Baroque architecture that is the Cádiz Cathedral. Don't miss the wide-ranging views from the tower. Relax on La Victoria Beach: At La Victoria Beach, a popular beach in Cádiz with golden sand and a lively vibe, enjoy the sun and ocean. Discover Castillo de San Sebastian: Go to Castillo de San Sebastian, a small island, to see the fortress. It offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea. Check out Playa de la Caleta: See the popular Pla

Family camping trips in France and Italy in the 1980s, gave The Raven Brothers their first real taste of freedom for the open road. This thirst for adventure continued  and inspired them to drive from the UK to Vladivostok in Siberia at the beginning of the new millennium. BLACK SEA CIRCUIT tells the story of the brothers' quest to drive around the entire Black Sea; passing through six fascinating countries at the heart of human civilization. Chris Raven at the cave fortress of Mangup Kale, Crimea. The brothers quit their jobs in London to live an adventurous lifestyle. From the road to Damascus and the notorious Trans-Oceanic Highway in South America, the two adventurers have spent over twenty years writing, documenting and photographing all over the world, including the Balkan Peninsula, tribal India and the deep south of China. Their most recent and fifth book Hike, Drive, Stayin' Alive! is out now.  The Monument to the Defenders of Adzhimushkay Quarry. Kerch, Crimea. The r

D uring an epic road trip driving full circle around the Black Sea, Chris Raven and Simon Raven, explore the high pasture village of Ayder in the Kackar mountains, in a region of Anatolian Turkey that is home to the Hemsin and the legend of the Laz Big foot. Turkey's Pontic Alps. The Kackar Mountains. Photo by Simon Raven Extract from the book:  BLACK SEA CIRCUIT By The Raven Brothers  Waving farewell to Georgia we enter ancient Anatolia. The land rises steeply into the lush green Pontic Alps, a mountain range that stretches parallel with the southern Black Sea coast for a thousand kilometres. Located directly south across this geological barrier is Mount Ararat on the Armenian border, and the predominantly Kurdish provinces in the southeast of the country bordering Iran, Iraq and Syria. Curious to explore these mysterious green mountains that are covered by alder, chestnuts and hornbeams, we continue west on the E70 highway to the small coastal town of Ardesen. Si turns sharply in