Category Archives: Europe

Croatian National Parks

12/22/2013 Mary Stedul Leave a comment

Blessed with overwhelming beauty, Croatia is becoming number one destination for world wide travelers. Though there are many reasons on why you should visit – miles of stunning coastline, wealth of culture and great food, exploring it’s beautiful National parks is one thing that you must include in your itinerary if you choose to visit this country. Here is an overview of the most popular Croatian National parks.

Brijuni national park

Brijuni is located on the western Istrian coast and consists of 14 islands and islets, covering an area of 7.42km2. One amazing feature of the Brijuni archipelago is the biological diversity, made by the diversity of the habitat, island location, geographical location, geological base and geomorphology. You can have a sightseeing tour which includes a train ride, a visit to the Roman villa rustica, dating from the 1st Century B.C. You can also take a safari in the park to see many wild animals and such as the elephants, zebras and Somali sheeps.

Mljet island

Mljet is a beautiful island located off the coast of Dubrovnik and is often referred to as “The greenest island” in Croatia. It’s a large island consisting of bays, villages and 2 lovely sandy beaches – Blace and Saplunara. The national park is on the northwestern part of the island. Other interesting features of the islands include 2 salt water lakes and the St. Mary islet, which has a monastery on it. If you are getting there by car, you can catch a ferry from Prapratno, Peljesac. Alternatively, you can take a boat from Dubrovnik’s ferry terminal.

Kornati National Park

The islands that were made a national park in 1980, endowed with an extremely beautiful landscape consisting of a highly jagged and indented coastline. The Kornati archipelago is a great attraction for mountaineers, yachtmen, mountaineers, divers and other nature and activity lovers. You can get to the islands by organized tours or charter a sailing boat and discover the islands by yourself.

Krka National Park

Krka National Park is endowed with natural sceneries that are unmatched anywhere else in the world. A major attraction here is the series of waterfalls. The most spectacular one is Skradinkski Buk. Krka river cuts through a dense woodland and a gorge shaded by limestone cliffs, creating a series of spectacular pools and waterfalls. You can come to the park from Sibenik by bus, to the town of Skradin. From here, you can take a 25-minute boat ride up the Krka river.

Plitvice lakes

Plitvice National Park is considered to be one of the most beautiful natural sights in Europe.
There are hotels, restaurants and campsites inside the park, so you can have a comfortable and relaxed visit. People are attracted by the numerous waterfalls, a bevy wildlife, including fish, frogs and a variety of bird species. Special attractions at Plitvice, include the Veliki Splat, a 100 foot waterfall. Included in the price of admission to the park you can travel up the lake on electric boats and then hike around the waterfalls. This national park is probably the most popular national park in Croatia, counting several thousands of visitors every year.

A decision to visit one or more of these national parks will offer you an unforgettable experience that will remain edged on the back of your mind for the rest of your life. Therefore, you should consider booking your travel today!

New Year’s Eve in Croatia

12/17/2013 Mary Stedul Leave a comment

Although Croatia is a major tourist destination during the summer, many people overlook the country’s capabilities for hosting a great New Year’s Eve party. So, if you’re still not sure where to go for the last party of the year, we offer five Croatian cities where these parties are unforgettable and spectacular.

Zagreb

The main celebration is held at the Ban Jelacic’s Square. It usually consists of several musical acts and a lot of fireworks while local vendors sell food, drink and trinkets. However, there are dozens, if not hundreds of smaller bars and clubs around the city organizing their own parties. In some you’ll have to buy your ticket earlier, but others have no entrance fee – just come in and join. Aquarius, Mansion Club, Hemingway bar are more pop/electro music oriented. Hard Place and Krivi put offer rock programs, while Westin and Sheraton hotels provide elegant dinners. Being the country’s capital, Zagreb is well connected with the rest of Europe, and there are many cheap flights to Zagreb from all major European airports.

Opatija

Opatija has a long New Year’s Eve tradition and offers a variety of programs. The Open Air Theatre will host an outdoor concert and various bars are organizing their celebrations. If you prefer an elegant dinner, you’ll find one at the Hotel Imperial and Istra or the Kristal Hotel. A truly unique way of spending your New Year’s Eve can be found at the Five Elements Wellness Center in the Remisens Premium Hotel, where the party is held next to the swimming pool and a sauna. On January 1st the Lovran Brass Band will hold a concert at the terrace of the Kvarner Hotel and after the show the mayor of Opatija will propose a traditional New Year toast, so be sure to participate if you choose to be in Opatija.

Rijeka

Rijeka is the so-called Croatian ‘capital of rock’n’roll’. Having this in mind it’s no wonder that the open-air Promenade concert (organized by the city authorities) features the major Croatian rock band Majke and pop-rock oriented Massimo and Quasar. The concert is free, but if you don’t want to spend the party in the cold, places like the Bonavia hotel, offer live music, wellness oases, saunas and relax zones.

Split

Split has no worries with low temperatures. Last year around seventy thousand people attended the open-air party at the Split Promenade. This year party includes performers such as Gibonni, the biggest Croatian pop act, with fireworks and traditional delicacies. Since Split Airport is well connected with the rest of the continent you shouldn’t have difficulties in traveling to Split wherever you’re coming from, and there are dozens of hotels to stay at, which offer parties of their own. Some of them are the Atrium or Eden Hotel, but it’s also possible to find smaller, apartment accommodation, which is usually more affordable.

Dubrovnik

The main New Year’s Eve party in Dubrovnik lasts for five days! It’s held in Stradun, the main street in Dubrovnik, and features many concerts held every evening. The party starts on the December 28th and ending on January 1st with the performance of the Dubrovnik Symphony Orchestra. The morning program includes the traditional Dubrovnik Christmas Carol play, the Bartender Association cocktail show and the folklore ensemble Lindjo performances. Visitors from abroad can easily reach the city by taking a plane to Split where a taxi transfer can take you to Dubrovnik. Some elegant hotels to stay at include the Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik, the Hilton Imperial and the Excelsior.

Wherever you decide to go, you’ll be greeted by friendly locals and lots of entertainment. Partying with the Croatians is always fun and the enumerated cities offer great and affordable New Year’s Eve programs.

Destinations, Editor's Picks, Europe, Festivals

Unique New Year Celebrations around the World

12/10/2013 Shem MD Leave a comment

New Year is a very special moment when we leave the past year and enter the new era full of hope and good expectations. Many countries celebrate this by holding unique New Year celebrations in their own ways, which can be more than just lighting up fireworks and partying until you drop. Here are some unique ways, by which people around the world celebrate the coming of New Year.

The New Year Grapes

People in Madrid usually flock around Casa de Correos at Puerta de Sol Plaza, to wait for the big clock there to announce New Year’s Eve. Everyone there carries grapes. Once the clock chimes 12 times, they will put the grape one by one into their mouths with each chime. This tradition is also done in Mexico and other areas in Spain.

Burn the Hateful Figures

If you have any dream of setting public figures you hate on fire, you must go to Ecuador. Here, they have unique New Year celebrations, in which they make hateful public figure shapes from paper, cardboard boxes, discarded clothes and hay, and lit them on fire. They can be politicians people do not like or corruptors. There is also a parade of men wearing women’s clothes, who act in an exaggerated way and even wail in funny way. People will then give them some money afterward.

Breaking the Plates in Denmark

In Denmark, when someone throws plates to your front door during New Year’s Eve, do not call the police. Breaking plates on someone’s door during New Year’s Eve is considered a good luck, and people usually only do this tradition on the house of someone they know. So if you have huge pile of broken plates on your door, be happy because many people love you.

Circles, Circles Everywhere

Circles are considered good shapes in Philippine, because they symbolize money, prosperity and wealth. Therefore, during New Year celebration, many families will decorate their houses with circular ornaments, wear clothes with a lot of circles (like polka dots), and serve round dishes and cakes. They will also walk around the house when midnight strikes and rattle coins.

Lead Divination

This is a unique New Year celebration famous in various Scandinavian countries as well as German and Austria. Kids and youths alike will gather around a water basin and drop some liquid lead onto the water surface. Any shape formed signifies something related to the future of the person who drops the lead. They use it to find out who are their future husbands or wives, what they will do or experience next year, and so on.

Walking around with Suitcases

The Latin Americans have unique traditions of carrying suitcases around their neighborhoods in New Year’s Eve, and often all members of the family will go out together carrying big suitcases. Granted, the suitcases are empty, but it still makes a quite hilarious view. This symbolizes hope that the person will be able to do a travel to exciting places that he or she always dreams of.

These unique New Year celebrations clearly show how rich the cultures around the world are, and we must appreciate them.

Destinations, Europe

Breathing life in Fiuggi

12/04/2013 Roberta Isceri Leave a comment

Yes, today you feel alone.

An irremediable loneliness, because the contingent reasons are inextricably intertwined with those of humanity as a whole. Existential loneliness, so it’s called. 🙁

“Everybody is alone at the heart of the earth pierced by a ray of sunshine and quickly it is evening….”

You are thinking of Quasimodo while, whipped by the chill wind of the evening, you take a look at the historical center of Fiuggi. You are at the foot of Ernici Mounts. The silence of this historical city reflects your mood. But the morning after you find the sun.

A Fiuggi park

You are in the lower part of the city, used as a health spa. You stay affected by the amount of chestnut trees, whose bright yellow leaves fall in torrents as in a magical forest. It’s Sunday, in all senses: the atmosphere is festive and nature gets along with the Art Nouveau architecture of the place. Yellow leaves and blue sky.

Yellow leaves and blue sky

You would like to indulge in a park but you are waiting for a massage, that you’ve chosen as a (ineffective) remedy to the solitude of the day before. The hotel’s spa is bright but the hands that are sprinkling almond oil on your body aren’t consoling. On the contrary, they are touching the nodal points of your sadness, located on your neck and on your sore shoulders.

Lights and shadows in the square

You go back to the historical center, whose beauty is now clear. Ancient alleys, climbs and descents of a country which never ceases to surprise you. Plants, flowers, lights and shadows shape the gray of the homes.

Alleys in the historical centre

You feel better, it is true, but something inside of you refuses the provisional welfare, wanting to steal, from what he observes, eternity. The many steps that connect the houses of Fiuggi City are tempting you: is the happiness right there? Does exist, hiding behind a grate, someone who is feeling like you? Is there a shepherd of souls walking in the midst of hills that open over the arches?

Steps everywhere

A lonely dog is following you. Her eyes are sad and he need just a caress to grow fond of you. He looks at you puzzled. As if to say – you’re not the only one. You deeply breathe the fresh air and come back in the new part, where you left the car that will take you back to Rome. No, you refuse to remain unresolved, because you can still perceive the fairy tale behind reality and because the evening street lights can comfort you, shedding light on your paled dreams.

Lampposts in the night

From that pile of dry leaves, you would like to get the wisdom of those who let go of what is dead.

Two benches watching each other

Your loneliness has become anger. -There must be something in the middle of the branches! -, you tell yourself, thinking of an impalpable being, that you would like to suddenly come out like a mischievous elf.

The park in the dark

Yet life, that thou observe as from a porthole, it’s all there for you too: on the trees, among children who play in the evening light, in the conviviality of who you’ll meet shortly before returning home for dinner. In the wounded soul of those who desire to live.

A knotty tree

“Everybody is alone at the heart of the earth pierced by a ray of sunshine and quickly it is evening….”

#Source http://www.italytherapy.com/2013/11/fiuggi.html#sthash.BKjxPXWr.dpuf

Cultural and Historical Heritage, Destinations, Europe

Historic Destinations: Edinburgh Vs Paris

10/17/2013 Cal McToldridge Leave a comment

Those who have an interest in history and are planning their next city break should check out the cities of Edinburgh and Paris. Both of these historic destinations boast a large number of world famous historic buildings for visitors to discover as well as interesting and informative museums that really make local history come alive.

The Royal Mile features some of Edinburgh’s most historic buildings, including a number of interesting historic hotels. Visitors who take the time to find hotels on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile find themselves checking in near a number of exciting historic attractions such as the Palace of Holyroodhouse, St Giles’ Cathedral, Old Parliament Hall and the Royal Parliament, which can be found just a short walk to the east of the Royal Mile.

Paris is also rich in historical attractions, including the iconic Eiffel Tower. While the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower is absolutely stunning, people who are looking for the full Paris experience will want to find a hotel with views of the Eiffel Tower. Many of the leading Paris hotels offer stunning views of the Eiffel Tower from the windows and balconies of their guestrooms, while they also feature dining rooms with stunning views of this world famous monument.

Returning to Edinburgh, no trip to this impressive Scottish city would be complete with allowing time to explore Edinburgh’s historic castle. Edinburgh Castle is also located close to the Royal Mile and visitors will be able to reach this stunning attraction on foot. Craigmillar Castle is located close to Holyrood Park and dates back to the 14th century. There are also plenty of historic attractions to explore in the Grassmarket area, including the impressive George IV Bridge.

Of course, there is much more to Paris than simply the Eiffel Tower. The Arch de Triumph is located at the end of the Champs Elise and is a great place to pause to take a few photographs while taking a tour of the city. The impressive cathedral of Notre Dame has also played an important role in the history, while art lovers will want to pay a visit to the Louvre art gallery.

Both Edinburgh and Paris offer special historic tours of the city, which makes it easy to explore many of the top attractions in a short period of time. This is an ideal option for people who are having trouble choosing between the two cities as they will be able to book a weekend break in Scotland before hopping across the Channel to explore all that Paris has to offer. Taking one of the Wallace Cycle Tours that run past most of Edinburgh’s main historical attractions is a great way to see the city in a unique new way while getting fit at the same time. Cycling tours around the oldest sections of Paris are also available as well as a number of other special theme tours.

Europe, Travel Tips

A Local’s Guide to Barcelona

07/04/2013 Jessica Kitt Leave a comment

Things to Do in Barcelona

Barcelona, although located in Spain, very much sees itself as a separate entity. As the capital of the state of Catalonia, Barcelona epitomises everything that is unique about this autonomous community. The city is perhaps most famous for Antoni Gaudi’s architecture but it has so much more to offer – from great Catalan-Spanish fusion food, lovely beaches and outdoor parties; to numerous bars, restaurants and coffee shops that range from the trendy and hip to the grungy and quirky. There is a great emphasis on art, crafts, music and culture demonstrated through the many hidden art studios, boutique craft shops and endless markets; along with the bigger museums of Joan Miro, Picasso, the Modern Art Museum of Barcelona and the National Museum of Catalonia. The best thing about Barcelona is the outdoor culture, energy and zest for life contained in the atmosphere. Just sitting outside on the terraza of a coffee shop, sipping an Estrella beer and soaking up the life of the city is one of the best things to do in Barcelona!

Where is the best place to stay in Barcelona?

Budget:

There are a number of affordable hostels all over Barcelona for those on a budget. Don’t be fooled into thinking you can only find these on Las Ramblas – the city’s main shopping street – which many would have you believe. Las Ramblas is great, but it’s noisy and full of pick-pockets. Instead, try any of the many hostels along Passeig de Gracia; this is the long, wide street leading into the centre with a number of affordable hostels oddly dotted amongst big high street stores such as Burberry and Tiffany’s.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that you don’t have to stay right in the centre in Barcelona for convenience sake. Barcelona is really easily navigated, with a quick and efficient underground system and because of its size it is possible to walk everywhere once you get your bearings. Check out the areas of Arc de Triumph, L’Eixample, Sants or Gracia for affordability and convenience. There are a number of shared apartments in Barcelona located rented out by different private companies. These apartments can have as many as six separate rooms and three or four bathrooms. They should also have kitchens with all the mod cons. The idea is you share with other travellers and this greatly reduces the cost.

Mid Luxury:

Barceló Raval :

If you have a bit more money to spend and want don’t want to share an apartment there are a number of really stylish, Art Deco apartments available for rent in el Barrio Gotic (the Gothic Quarter) or Barceloneta, right by Barcelona’s primary beach. If you prefer a hotel option you could try the Barceló Raval hotel which was built in the last few years as part of the redevelopment of the Raval neighbourhood, which saw it transform from a seedy, underground world to a funky, artsy and cultural hub. This curved, brightly lit, modern exterior, with a trendy avant-garde interior design, is equipped with all today’s mod-cons including iPod docs and Nespresso machines.

How do you get around?

As mentioned, the best way to get around Barcelona once you get your bearings is to walk. It really is very straight forward as the street plan of Barcelona was designed to match the grid-like layout of Manhattan. Therefore it is made up entirely of intersecting streets divided among several ‘barrios’ or neighbourhoods. However, if you want to be sure you don’t get lost then hop on the metro – it really is the easiest underground system in the world! Each line is colour coded and you will never need to get on more than two different coloured lines to get to your destination. There are metros every 4 minutes during the day and 10 minutes later at night. They also run 24 hours on Saturday and until 2a.m. on Friday’s as well as until midnight every other night. If you fancy a healthier way of getting around, but want something quicker than walking, renting a bike is one of the best things to do in Barcelona and there are cycle routes all over.

Best places to Eat & Drink?

O’Toxo Tres Hermanos: This is one of the best and most reputable tapas restaurants in Barcelona. It is located in El Raval and is therefore an ideal spot for drinks afterwards. It is affordable and caters for large groups as well as couples. The staff is really efficient and friendly. This is a popular spot so be sure to book in advance or be prepared to wait (which you can do at the bar).

Restaurante El Mussol: This is a great restaurant for good quality typical Catalan food. Try out authentic Catalan cuisine and choose from a wide variety of dishes from snails to egg and chips! The menu has something for everyone, and again the staff is extremely professional and friendly. It isn’t massively expensive but it isn’t the cheapest place to eat either. However, it’s well worth the price for good quality food.

Marmalade: This is one of the trendiest cocktail bars in Barcelona. Located in El Raval, it is the sister bar of the now famous Milk Bar. The décor is one of the best things about this place with intimate lighting, and antique style furniture with a touch of Art Deco. It is famous for its cheap and delicious cocktail menu which come in pitchers or single glasses. They also have a good food menu. This is a great place to meet up with a group of friends before a night on the town.

L’Ovella Negra: This bar is less about the décor and more about the crowd. It’s a popular bar amongst students, locals and young people and will give you a great taste of classic Spain with long rows of wooden benches and further barn-like furnishings. It has a great selection of cheap drinks and serves some of the best sangria in Barcelona. This hidden-away cave-like bar is a lively haunt that gets more and more packed as the night goes on. Head to L’Ovella Negra (meaning ‘black sheep’) on a night out and finish your weekend in Barcelona like a local!

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