Browsing: Europe

The narrow window for visiting the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse (in the province of South Holland in the Netherlands) is limited to eight weeks a year—between March and May. So flower-lovers, gardeners and photographers from all over the world convene at the Gardens at that time, coinciding with the season when the flowers are in full bloom.

Riverboats plan “Tulip Cruise” itineraries during this period. And if you are lucky enough to be on one …

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It’s been over 50 years since The Sound of Music was released (1965). Everyone remembers Julie Andrews singing “The Hills Are Alive,” but not many know the Alps behind her are. They are in Austria, along with the rest of locations used for the movie. It was the home for the real von Trapp Family and it’s possible to relive one of the world’s favorite family films during a tour in that European country.

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Amsterdam is a city reputed for its inventiveness and claims as its own numerous fashion and design icons. From night clubs to the fashion runway, the city is a trendy stimulus. Even if your budget hinders you from splurging on one-off designs, there are ways of taking in Amsterdam’s voguish vibe – on the cheap.

 

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

The principal Dutch fashion event, Amsterdam Fashion Week occurs every January and July. It’s …

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Uncharted territory is a thing of the past, but there are still plenty of fabulous places to visit before they’re overrun by hordes of spring breakers.  And if there’s anyone who can predict the top 5 up-and-coming travel destinations, it’s Patricia Schultz, author of the New York Times Best Seller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.

At a travel show earlier this year, Schultz shared her favorite emerging destinations, ranging from forgotten marvels …

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Famed for its creativity, great new food scene and buzzing nightlife, Shoreditch has become one of London’s trendiest districts. If you’re into architecture and the evolution of buildings you will love the profound way in which sky-scrapers and new buildings bite into Shoreditch from London’s ‘square mile’.

A new wave of young professionals have moved in, sending property prices sky-rocketing in what was once a working-class neighbourhood between Old Street and Bethnal Green. The boom …

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Istanbul is a melting pot — Asia butting up against Europe, Byzantine symbols displayed along Muslim icons and a food lover’s mashup with diverse tastes from throughout the centuries.

The immense myriad of attractions means many visitors spend their days hoofing it from neighborhood to neighborhood, sometimes hopping on the local tram along the way, trying to see it all in just a few days. The result is often a sweaty end to the day, …

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Amsterdam is the beautiful capital city of the Netherlands. It is a city steeped deep in 17th century history through its buildings, streets and canal ways. It is home to windmills or windmolen as they say in Dutch – the language of Holland. There was once 10,000 working windmills in this region which have withered down to a mere 1000. They were once used to produce flour, mustard and oil and are an inherent

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Santorini, Mykonos, Ios…The top spots in Greece’s Cyclades are definitely must-stop destinations on any itinerary through the islands. However, after a period of time you may find yourself burned out on cruise ship crowds or incessant partying groups from Italy, Australia etc.

So how do you get a taste of a real Greek Isles getaway without the crowds? Head for the southern shores of Paros to the little fishing village of Aliki for an idyllic …

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Scotland’s west coast is synonymous with excellent seafood with miles of coastline to fish and cultivate and fresh catches landed every day and taken straight to the region’s finest tables. Its hills, glens and pastures a natural larder to farm and harvest.

On the Isle of Bute, in Rothesay’s town centre, is a small craft brewer – Bute Brew Company, established in June 2014 by Aidan Canavan, formerly a biology teacher. Sitting in the main …

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Istria lies on the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. This region has actually belonged to a handful of other countries, including Italy and Yugoslavia, and has withstood the perils of war. The one thing that has never changed are the breathtaking views from Istria’s seaside cities. Those towns have now been modernized, but have retained their European charm and individual personalities.

 

Pula
If you thought all the Imperial Roman artifacts were in Rome, you’re wrong. …

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Obertauern is one of the Alps’ most snow reliable areas. That means perfect skiing conditions from the end of November till the beginning of May. Amidst the beautiful mountains of Salzburg, at an altitude of around 1,740 meters, exceptional skiing adventures for connoisseurs, daredevils and kids await.

There’s nothing more liberating than leaving the first tracks in the powder snow on the countless fairy-tale ski tour routes or romantic snow-shoe hikes. There’s night-time skiing too, …

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Liverpool is by far one of the most original, cosmopolitan and vibrant cities in England. The edgy downtown cobbled area around Seel Street is undergoing massive regeneration and is bursting with people having fun at the hipster bars and trendy restaurants.

Towards the end of Seel Street, in a row of historic terraced warehouse styled buildings, is the Nadler Hotel, which, in recent years, has undergone a £14m renovation. In its former life, this 19th …

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“Liverpool is the place that changed the face of music forever”, said our Magical Mystery Tours guide, Jay, who promised to take us on a nostalgic journey to where The Beatles found fame.

I’m a little sniffy when it comes to cheesy guided tours, thus with some apprehension I boarded the tour bus at the Albert Dock. Immediately a drum beat signified the start of the 2-hour tour and the ‘Magical mystery tour’ boomed through …

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Say Salzburg and most people think of Mozart or The Sound of Music. However, this bijoux Austrian city offers much more, like a medieval citadel overlooking the River Salzach, ancient pastel buildings and Baroque domes and spires.

What adds to the appeal is that Salzburg is big on culture and exquisite taste, as displayed in its classic coffeehouses that serve heavenly wedges of cake and fair-trade coffee, and its classic chocolatiers who hand-make Mozartkugeln – …

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