European destinations, ever popular travel destinations rich in history
The Danube is a beautiful river, spanning from the well in Schwarzwald (German for The Black Forest) and wending its way throughout Europe to the Black Sea. The second largest river in Europe, the Danube is a wonderful place to explore and a river cruise can be the perfect way to see as much of it as possible. Spanning a vast 2780 kilometres, the Danube is a major shipping route so it is not only beautiful but important to...
Go skiing in the same tracks as Olympic gold medallists Lasse Kjus and Alberto Tomba at Hafjell, or choose another recommended ski resort. Located just north of Lillehammer, you find the ski resort of Hafjell. The resort was the site for the giant slalom and slalom events during the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics. “High standard slopes” Berend Blanket from the Netherlands is here with his wife and two children and another family of five. They have rented a cabin and...
Among other things, Catalonia is famous for its art, architecture and athletic feats. Nothing quite captures those three characteristics at once like the ‘castellers’, the region’s traditional man-made skyscrapers, an art form that has already been recognized by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. One of the area’s top groups – or colles – the Minyons de Terrassa, will bring this unique Catalan spectacle to the 2011 Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four at...
Sports enthusiasts can head to top Paris attractions for views of the final stage of the 2013 Tour de France with the Paris Pass. This year, the 100th Tour de France takes place beginning on June 29th and pedals along until the 21st of July! For the ultimate viewpoint head to the Arc de Triomphe, as the riders sprint along the challenging Champs-Élysées, battling it out for the iconic yellow jersey. Climb the 422 steps at the Notre Dame...
High up on a hillside overlooking the waters of a vast silvery blue lake…Montana. Serenity and sweeping views yet minutes away from a bustling historic village…Montana…Hotel Montana, that is, in Lucerne, Switzerland. Embodying art deco magnificence with no expense spared, this grand dame is one of the last of its kind, built in 1910 on a former dairy farm perched in resplendent isolation yet no more than a minute vertical ride via Switzerland’s shortest funicular to the lake shore...
Nice is one of Europe’s oldest tourist resorts and the beach is right in town, just a stone’s throw from shopping, entertainment and culture in the world. Nice is France‘s fifth largest city and a perfect destination for those who want to combine sunbathing with sightseeing. Furthermore, it is only a day trip away to the mountains and the beautiful Provencal villages. 1. Stunning 7 km of beach right in town Promenade des Anglais is a 7 km long...
Let’s face it, the internet has created a whole new world of travel opportunities, and has made making new friends over a computer entirely possible. Social media has taken over the travel world, and meeting new travel friends has never been easier. Recently, on my annual trip to London, I was given a most unique opportunity to meet an acquaintance that I had only met on-line, and to take a room in a historic 17th century building. Every November, I head to London for the world’s second largest travel industry...
Not so long ago, Edinburgh was only fun in August (festival time) and at Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve). The rest of the year it was brisk and buttoned-up; Glasgow was seen as the place for pzazz and culture. Gradually, it threw caution to the wind and decided to shake its booty – and with style. After all, Edinburgh is one of Britain’s most spectacularly well-endowed cities, from the castle poised over the Old Town, through the sweep of the...
Located on the shores of bonnie Loch Lomond and just a short drive from Glasgow is the five-star De Vere owned Cameron House Hotel. Driving up to the hotel the wings appear like castle ramparts and walking up the path to the front door it seems an especially imposing building. The loch is just a stones throw away and the views of the surrounding hills are equally as impressive as the hotel. Reception area Stepping inside, it feels like...
Of course, like other cities in Spain, Barcelona is home to many, many tapas bars. On our first evening we had dinner in el Barrio Gothic (the Gothic Quarter). Here we began at El Xampanyet, a small tapas bar specializing in cava (Spanish sparkling wine, similar to champagne), anchovies, and other canned seafood. The place was packed, but the staff helped find a small table for us. We ordered two glasses of cava and a variety of anchovies,...
