Mini Travel Guides

The Greek Island of Ikaria (Icaria) is the perfect destination for travelers who like the outdoor life: those who want to surf, and camp. Ikaria is named after Icarus, who purportedly fell from the sky and landed in the nearby sea. Ikaria is part of the Greece’s eastern Aegean island group and is located in the center of the Archipelago, with Samos to the east, Mykonos to the west, Patmos to the south and Chios to the north. It is just one of the many islands covered in Mattie’s Guide to Greece’s Most Overlooked Islands.

Written by Mattie Bamman for EuropeUpClose.com

Related posts:

1. Up Close Picture of the Week: Santorini, Greece ...
2. Up Close Picture of the Week: The Monastery at Hozoviotissa, Greece ...
3. Up Close Picture of the week: Oia on Santorini, Greece ...

Tags: chios, Greece, Mykonos, Patmos, Samos

Located on the right bank of the River Seine, the relatively quiet 17th arrondissement is comprised mostly of office and residential areas, though some interesting shops and restaurants can be found around avenue de Clichy. Le Palais de Congrès, a large convention center and concert venue, is located in the 17th arrondissement.

Metro stops: The most commonly used metro stops in the 17th arrondissement are Porte de Clichy, Guy Môquet, Brochant, and Villiers.

What to do in Paris’s 17th Arrondissement

There are plenty of parks and green spaces in which to take a stroll in the 17th. After you’ve gotten some fresh air, head to the Jean-Jacques Henner Museum to see world-class art.

Parc Clichy-Batignolles – Martin Luther King
The newest green space in the 17^th arrondissement is Parc Clichy-Batignolles – Martin Luther King . This unique park will eventually cover 10.8 hectares when it is completed (most likely in 2015). However, quite a bit of the park is already open to the public. It is located in the Batignolles and Épinettes districts. State-of-the-art recreational facilities include a large skate park, basketball courts and children’s park.
Metro: Brochant

Cité des Fleurs 
Cité des Fleurs is a small, extremely charming village in the Épinettes district. The area dates back to 1847, and features small houses and gardens alongside narrow streets. It’s a lovely place to take a walk on a sunny afternoon.
Metro: Brochant

Square des Épinettes
Square des Épinettes is a public garden located in the Épinettes district. Sculptures of Maria Deraismes, a feminist, and Jean LeClaire, an entrepreneur, honor two famous residents of Épinettes.
Metro: Brochant

Musée national Jean-Jacques Henner
Located in a 19^th century mansion, the Musée national Jean-Jacques Henner is dedicated to the works of the Alsatian painter Jean-Jacques Henner (1829-1905). The collection includes over 1,000 sketches, paintings, documents, and objects that belonged to Henner. Open everyday from 10am to 12pm and from 2pm to 5pm, closed on Mondays.
43 avenue de Villiers
Métro: Malesherbes

Where to shop in Paris’s 17th Arrondissement

The area surrounding Avenue Clichy is one of the best shopping areas in Paris. There are also a variety of interesting shops located throughout the 17th arrondissement. Some of the most notable include:

Guerrisol
Guerrisol is a popular friperie (second-hand shop) known for its huge selection and excellent prices. So, whether you’re on the hunt for an army jacket or a sequined evening gown, you’re sure to find something there to suit your fancy. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 10am – 7:30pm
19, 29 & 31 avenue de Clichy
Metro: Place-de-Clichy

Meilleurs Vins Bios
A well-known organic wine shop, Meilleurs Vins Bio is a great place to shop for wine in all price points. Sommeliers are always on hand to help you make the right decision for you. Free tastings on Thursdays from 7-9pm give budding oenophiles a chance to taste some of the best organic wines from France and beyond (Chili, Spain, Italy, etc.).
183 rue Legendre
Metro: Guy Môquet

Marché des Batignolles
A popular covered market, Marché des Batignolles is the place to go for organic produce, artisanal breads, fresh fish and high-quality meat. Hours: Tue-Sat 8:30am-1:30pm, 4pm-7:30pm
Rue Lemercier at Rue des Moines
Metro: Place de Clichy

Written by Jen Westmoreland Bouchard for EuropeUpClose.com

Related posts:

1. Montmartre and Surrounding Areas: Paris’ 18th Arrondissement ...
2. Paris’ 6th Arrondissement ...
3. Paris’ Residential 15th Arrondissement ...

Tags: Insider's Paris Guide

Even though Italy has one of the highest obesity rates in Europe, the Mediterranean diet is alive and well in the southern Italian region of Puglia. Here traditional foods include fresh seafood, eggless pasta, and plenty of hearty, often foraged vegetables, such as chicory and wild artichokes.

For the first time in all my trip, the air had the hard edge of fall. My girlfriend and I met up with a couple ex-Brits—friends who now call Puglia home—and went to the town of Ceglie Messapica to check out a food festival dedicated to wine and chestnuts. The whitewashed town was eerily quiet and dark, and I was surprised by how difficult it was to find the festival. Then the soft breeze of an accordion whirled through the alleyways, calling us to a small piazza full of people celebrating traditional seasonal foods.

For me, Puglia and these small festivals, known as sagra, are inseparable. Historically impoverished, Puglia developed luxuries in edible form, and it’s amazing how sweet a chestnut or bell pepper can taste when grown in Puglia’s soil. Ceglie Messapica is one of Puglia’s leading gastronomic cities thanks to Al Fornello da Ricci, the only restaurant in Puglia to receive a Michelin star. However, it is very difficult to get a bad meal in Puglia, and good traditional restaurants abound.

I had my first Pugliese meal at Nonna Tetti restaurant in the city of Lecce. Lecce is one of Puglia’s most beautiful cities thanks to imaginative, Baroque architecture and a handful of impressive Roman ruins. It is also a great place to eat, and Nonna Tetti provided us with excellent traditional fare for nearly dirt-cheap prices. We began with an antipasto della casa. One of Puglia’s specialities, antipasto are usually comprised of five or six small plates. We were served broccoli rabe sautéed in olive oil, cauliflower casserole, eggplant stewed in tomato sauce, beans cooked in a pancetta broth, and a barley salad—the hearty, flavorful food of Puglia. We followed the antipasto with orecchiette pasta with tomato sauce and cavatelli pasta with seafood broth and mussels.

The table wine was rich, dark, and juicy. Puglia’s table wine is excellent because the region gets so much sun each year, resulting in huge grape yields, which produces large amounts of fresh bulk wine are produced. A liter carafe of house wine can cost as little as five euros. Puglia predominantly creates red wines with the negroamaro, primitivo, nero di troia, and aglianico grapes.

After Lecce, I wanted to hit the Adriatic coast, so we visited the town of Polignano a Mare, where the houses are built right into the walls of the cliffs. Arriving around lunch, we found a café that advertised a glass of novello, or new, wine with a panzerotti for 3.50 euros. A panzerotti is one of Puglia’s best street foods. Fresh dough is wrapped around mozzarella cheese with a little sauce then deep-fried. Sometimes called calzone fritte, or deep fried calzones, panzerotti are a must when visiting Puglia.

On the third day in Puglia, I visited Valle Dell’Asso winery, which is located just south of Lecce. Puglia is a great place for wine tasting because most of the tastings are free and the wines, at least in my mind, are very amicable, with juicy, dark fruit flavors and a silky mouthfeel. If you’re a DIY wine taster, check out my article on how to plan a wine tasting trip in Puglia.

Valle Dell’Asso winery specializes in negroamaro and primitivo wines, but I really love their Galatina Bianco, made of 100% chardonnay. Winemaker Elio Minoia explained that good wine begins with good grapes, and he uses biodynamic practices to keep his grapevines healthy. The result is vibrant wines made with perfectly mature fruit, and I got a lot of tropical fruit scents and flavors from the 2010 Galatina Bianco.

As the end of my trip approached, the many dishes and bottles of wine that I’d had seemed to haunt me. I wasn’t dying, but all of my meals flashed before my eyes. Each was unique and unrepeatable, and none of these dishes would taste the same recreated abroad. It’s like Dolores Racic said, all the way back in Dubrovnik. “It’s better to drink our wine here in Croatia, that way you can have all of the components that made the wine what it is—the sun, the wind, the sea—around you.” I thought this trip might take the edge off, but seems to have just whetted my appetite.

Lecce Restaurant Recommendation

Nonna Tetti – $$
This restaurant always surprises me with new antipasti, and the pastas are as authentic as they come. The prices are very reasonable: a five-plate antipasto costs 10€ and most pastas are 6-8 €. The atmosphere matches the food, and the ceilings are the typical vaulted ceilings made of Leccese stone that one would find in local homes.
Piazzetta Regina Maria, 17

Wine Tasting Recommendation near Lecce

Valle Dell’Asso
This winery makes budget friendly white, rosé, red, and dessert wines, many of which are surprisingly elegant for the price. My favorites included the Galatina Bianco, Galatina Rosato, “Terra S. Giovanni” Primitivo, and the “Piromafo” Negroamaro. Tasting Fee: Complimentary; 5€ with traditional snacks
Via Guidano, 18, Galatina

Written by Mattie Bamman for EuropeUpClose.com

Editor’s Note: This concludes the ‘Eating the Adriatic’ series of thirteen articles written by the intrepid Mattie Bamman. If you, our readers, have not had the opportunity to read all of Mattie’s articles, we invite you to do a website search for “Eating the Adriatic”.

Related posts:

1. Eating the Adriatic -The Traditional Foods of Piran, Slovenia ...
2. Eating the Adriatic – The Traditional Foods of Italy’s Lombardy Region ...
3. Eating the Adriatic – Traditional Dubrovnik Dishes ...

Tags: Lecce, Puglia

For a small country, the Netherlands, often (incorrectlly) known as Holland,  has many features which are well-known throughout the world: tulips, windmills and cheeses, just to name a few, and not to mention one of the most famous capital cities in the world in Amsterdam. It’s a great place to travel because everything is nearby and the public transport is great, too – or if you’re more energetic, cycling around is very practical. Here are our travel tips for 25 things to do in the Netherlands to inspire you to plan a Dutch holiday soon.

The Peace Palace in The Hague

Admire the Floral Displays at Keukenhof Gardens

One of my all-time highlights in the Netherlands was visiting the Keukenhof Gardens near Lisse. This vast area is planted with a spectacular array of tulips and other flowers and is only open for a couple of months each year (around March to May) but I would argue it is well worth timing your travels to catch it.

Keukenhof Gardens by Amanda Kendle

Sample Cafe Life in Maastricht

The town of Maastricht is perhaps better known as the home to the Treaty of Maastricht which kicked off the formation of the EU, but it is a lovely place to visit too. It sits in a peninsula of land right in the south of the Netherlands and is almost in both Belgium and Germany, and is full of fantastic cafes.

Watch the Kinderdijk Windmills Turning

You can’t get more Dutch than a bunch of old windmills and one of the most scenic spots to snap lots of windmill photos is at Kinderdijk. There are a total of 19 historic wooden windmills along a canal here and you can either walk, cycle or cruise the canal to explore them.

Kinderdijk Windmills by Amanda Kendle

See Art at Mauritshuis

The Mauritshuis or Royal Picture Gallery in The Hague is a gallery housed in an old palace, and it includes works from a number of famous Dutch painters including Rembrandt and Vermeer and the Flemish artists Bruegel and Rubens.

Click here for availablity & prices on The Hague hotels

Go Geometric at the Rotterdam Cube Houses

The cube houses or Kubuswoningen built in Rotterdam are a particularly unique attraction, and well worth a look! Built in the 1970s, these houses are cubes on a strange angle, designed to look like a forest of trees, and one has been opened for public viewing.

Cube houses by Daniela M

Click here for availability & prices on Rotterdam hotels

Learn about Dutch History at Zaanse Schans

This historic town near Zaandijk is really a big museum, featuring a number of windmills plus a bunch of historic houses moved here from all around the area. There’s also a Zaanse Schans museum to tie it all together.

Go on a Amsterdam Canal Cruise

It may be a somewhat stereotypical tourist activity but cruising the canals of Amsterdam in their low-lying canal boats is popular for a reason – it’s a great experience! Seeing Amsterdam “from below” is an interesting perspective and it’s one of the best ways to see the unique canal-side buildings and some of the narrowest houses you can imagine.

Amsterdam Canals by Amanda Kendle

Click here for availability & prices on Amsterdam hotels

Visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam close to the Rijksmuseum, the Vincent Van Gogh Museum features a huge range of works from each of Van Gogh’s different periods, and as Kimberley found, it also has great children’s activities to keep them interested and occupied if you are travelling with your family.

Van Gogh’s Wheatfield with crows by Kimberley Sullivan

Click here for availability & prices on Amsterdam hotels

Tower above the Minature Village of Madurodam

The miniature village of Madurodam, in Scheveningen, The Hague, is a unique way to see all of the main attractions of the Netherlands in one small space. It includes models of many Dutch places at a 1:25 scale and even includes mini tulips!

Maduradam by arwa

Buy some Delft Pottery

The town of Delft is most famous for its Delft Blue Pottery but is a lovely town even for those without a keen interest in pottery. It’s a scenic spot with canals like Amsterdam and has some really interesting architecture in the town centre.

Delft pottery by baralbion

Enjoy the View from Utrecht Cathedral

The Domkerk or cathedral in Utrecht has a high tower which serves as the symbol of Utrecht. It’s also the only truly Gothic church found in the Netherlands.

View from Utrecht Cathedral by Mark Samson

Visit the Original Haarlem

Although it’s the namesake of New York’s Harlem district, the Dutch town of Haarlem is different in many ways. It’s a short ride from Amsterdam to Haarlem and is actually the eighth largest city in the Netherlands – visit on Saturday for the big outdoor markets held in Grote Markt.

Haarlem by Kimberly Sullivan

Take on some Culture at the Museums in Leiden

The oldest university town in the Netherlands is Leiden, part way between Amsterdam and The Hague, and there is a museum to interest everyone. Take your pick from museums such as the National Museum of Antiquities, the Rembrandts at the Municipal Museum or Boerhaave Museum, covering contributions to science from Dutch researchers.

Relive History at the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is not just my favourite Dutch museum but one of my favourite museums in all of Europe. Housed in the very building where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II, it will be exceptionally meaningful to anyone who has read Anne Frank’s diary, but also very interesting to people who haven’t.

Anne Frank Huis sign by henrikj

Click here for availability & prices on Amsterdam hotels

Taste Dutch Beer at the Heineken Experience

Fans of the Dutch beer will love a visit to the Heineken Experience, a combined brewery and visitor centre in Amsterdam.It was renovated and reopened in 2008 and includes a combination of history, how-to and, of course, some beer samples.

Take in the Sun at Zandvoort Beach

As a half day trip from Amsterdam, visiting Zaandvoort Beach is a great way to spend a warm day in North Holland. Motor racing fans may know the name as being home to Circuit Zandvoort, but it is also one of the Netherlands’ most popular beach resorts.

Zaandvoort Beach by furbyx4

Try Watersports at Scheveningen Beach

Another beach alternative is on the North Sea near Rotterdam where you can spend a summery day at Scheveningen Beach. There is a long pier and numerous water sports and boating activities available here.

Take a Rotterdam Harbour Cruise

For a cruise of a different kind, the Rotterdam Harbour Cruise will showcase not the quaint buildings and sweet canals of other Dutch cities, but rather the bustling port that until 2004 was the busiest port in the world, and is still by far the largest port in Europe.

Aerial view of Rotterdam Harbour by jochemberends

Click here for availablity & prices on Rotterdam hotels

Go Underground at the Sint Pietersberg Tunnels

The Sint Pietersberg of Maastricht date back to Roman times and the tunnels used to extend right into Belgium. Sint Pietersberg is actually a Roman fort near Helpoort and is the best point to explore some of the tunnels.

Sample the Wares at Alkmaar Cheese Market

The Netherlands is famous for its cheeses and one of its most popular tourist attractions is the Alkmaar Cheese Market. Every Friday from April to September the locals recreate the old-style cheese market which has been running since the 16th century.

Alkmaar cheese by Miles.18

Try some Gin at the House of Bols

If the Heineken beer tasting didn’t meet your requirements, perhaps it’s the House of Bols you’re looking for – it is a Dutch gin museum run by the Bols distellery and you can take an hour long tour ending up with a special cocktail.

Have a Cheesy Experience in Gouda

Another well-known Dutch cheese is Gouda, and the town that gives its name to this cheese is a lovely place to visit. I enjoyed a day in Gouda and was surprised at how much cheese I saw! (I ate a fair bit of it, too!).

Town of Gouda by Amanda Kendle

Buy Books at the Deventer Boekenmarkt

For book lovers, time your visit for an early August date and you may be able to see the Deventer Boekenmarkt, the largest book market in Europe held in the town of Deventer. Over 800 book stalls are set up outdoors along the Ijssel River and browsing them all could take you most of the day.

Deventer Book Market by arwa

Visit Rotterdam Zoo

With over a million visitors a year, the Rotterdam Zoo or Diergaarde Blijdorp as it is known locally is a great day out. It also includes an Oceanium with sharks, penguins and all manner of fish.

Penguins at Rotterdam Zoo by wwwleraar

Click here for availability & prices on Rotterdam hotels

Walk Through Amsterdam’s Enchanted Forest

For something a bit off the beaten track, Andy recommends the Amsterdame Bos or Amsterdam Forest, one of the largest city parks in Europe. It’s a great place to cycle and there is also a goat farm to visit, or you can just enjoy the green, peace and quiet.

Click here for availability & prices on Amsterdam hotels

Your Netherlands Tips

Do you have any tips on what to do in the Netherlands? Let us know about something we’ve left out of our list by leaving a comment below.

25 Things to Do in the Netherlands

Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.

Tags: Holland, Travel Tips

During our last trip to Wales, my family and I bundled up to explore four cool winter gardens: Chirk Castle, Penrhyn Castle, the National Botanic Garden of Wales, and Aberglasney House and Gardens. These gardens are a great way for travelers of all ages to enjoy the stark beauty of the winter season.

Chirk Castle
Seated on a strategic hilltop seven miles southeast of Llangollen, near the English border, Chirk Castle is over 700 years old. It has been beautifully renovated over the centuries and is one of the only medieval castles in Wales that is still lived in to this day.

Originally landscaped in the 18^th century by William Emes, Chirk Castle’s grounds now include five acres of award-winning gardens and seven acres of woodlands. We walk around the frost-tipped gardens, admiring the impressive 19^th century yew topiary as well as bright clusters of snowdrops.

The castle and its grounds are maintained by the National Trust. Note: the gardens usually close in mid-December and open up again in February. Check the National Trust’s website for current events, hours, and admission fees.

Penrhyn Castle
About two miles east of Bangor between the mountains of Snowdonia and the Menai Staits lays Penrhyn Castle. Designed in the 19^th century by Thomas Hopper, the castle is surrounded by 60 acres of grounds, including a lovely Victorian Walled Garden, rolling lawns, wooded paths, and even a picturesque chapel.  On a cold but clear afternoon we enjoy a lengthy stroll around Penrhyn’s grounds, marveling at the mountain views while spotting blooming witch-hazel, magnolias, and snowdrops. Afterwards we pop into the tea room for hot beverages.

Penrhyn Castle and its grounds are maintained by the National Trust. Note: the gardens usually close in mid-December and open up again in February. Check the National Trust’s website for current events, hours, and admission fees.

National Botanic Garden of Wales
Opened in May 2000 on the grounds of a former aristocratic estate eight miles east of Carmarthen, the sprawling National Botanic Garden of Wales is home to hundreds of acres of various plant habitats, gardens, lakes, and the largest single-span glasshouse in the world.

We arrive in the morning and enter through the Gatehouse, walking down the Broadwalk dotted with snowdrops, hellebores, witch-hazels, and various winter shrubs in bloom. After quick stops to admire the Japanese Garden and the Double Walled Garden, we head to the must-see Great Glasshouse, where rare and endangered plants from Mediterranean climates flourish throughout winter.

The National Botanic Garden of Wales is open daily, year round. Check their website for current events, hours, and admission fees.

Aberglasney House and Gardens
Aberglasney is another great winter garden and lies only six or seven miles from the National Botanic Garden, between Carmarthen and Llandeilo. Little is known about the original mansion and gardens, but one of the earliest references is in a 15^th century ode.

We are absolutely enchanted by Aberglasney’s grounds. The frosty ground crunches beneath our feet as we explore the formal 17^th century cloister garden and the 250-year-old yew tunnel. Afterwards we duck inside the award-winning Ninfarium, an Italian-inspired garden located in a heated atrium converted from several of the mansion’s derelict rooms, warming up as we enjoy the pink orchids and bright orange calathea crocata.

Aberglasney House and Gardens are open daily, year round. Check their website for current events, hours, and admission fees.

If you go:

Transportation to Wales: For North Wales, Manchester International Airport is closest, about an hour drive from the English-Welsh border. For South Wales, Cardiff International Airport is the most convenient.

Train/Bus: Trains run from Manchester and Cardiff to stations in Chirk, Bangor, and Carmarthen. Check current times and fares at the National Rail.

Accommodations
If you decide to stay in Chirk, The Hand Hotel, located near the railway station, has moderately priced rooms and a relaxed atmosphere. In Bangor, you can enjoy lovely views of the Menai Straights and Snowdonia mountains in one of the Eryl Mor Hotel’s comfortable en-suite bedrooms. If you’re looking for something more rustic where you can tuck into a delicious Welsh breakfast, try the award-winning B&B Allt y Golua Farmhouse, a ten minute drive from both the National Botanic Gardens and Aberglasney House. If not, the 4-star Cawdor Hotel  in Llandeilo is a stylish inn with bright rooms and a good restaurant.

Eateries
If you’re looking for a bite to eat or a hot beverage to warm you up, the tea-rooms at Chirk and Penrhyn Castles serve fresh, locally-sourced foods. At the National Botanic Garden, both the Gatehouse Café and Seasons Restaurant offers local and organic goodies. Aberglasney House’s Gardeners’ Café is located near a tranquil pool, also serves local and seasonal foods.

Written by Carrie Uffindell for EuropeUpClose.com 

Related posts:

1. Cruising Around Llangollen, North Wales ...
2. English Gardens: Haven’t I Seen You Somewhere Before? ...
3. Browsing for Books in Hay-on-Wye, Wales ...

Tags: Wales

Travel Stuff We Love

The folks at Guerrilla Packs sent us their Airporter backpack to try out; and we did. We were thoroughly impressed with this pack that retails for $129. As a matter of fact their motto is “Great adventure products don’t have to cost $200!” So, all of their quality products are reasonably priced. Overall this is a exceptionally well made and affordable travel backpack with features galore. It’s the perfect size. Big enough to fit the things you need and small enough to stow as a carry on. It’s also very comfortable with adjustable straps and waist support.

Travel Clothes Care
The One-Care company (the folks who bring you Tide and Downey) sent us a great little travel kit to review. The kit included some highly useful little items that could make your travels easier. For instance, the Dryel on-the-go stain remover is just the ticket for those spill and stain events. With limited wardrobe changes on a trip, it is great to have a handy stain-remover. I wish I’d have had it when I dripped a gelato down the front of my dress last summer in Nice. I also tried out their  travel-size Bounce lint roller, and a Downey wrinkle release spray. This spray removes wrinkles from clothes that have been jam-packed in your suitcase. I really liked the Tide travel laundry bag. What a concept! This bag will absorb odors, and resist bacteria growth on the dirty clothes you store. All these items comply with TSA carry-on requirements.

Travel Websites We Love

Here are a few websites we like and think that you may enjoy as well.

Backpackmojo is a clever website that lets you build your own travel guide and then lets you publish it. The process is pretty user friendly, and you’ll be shepherded through the all the steps in developing your guide. Once you have built your guide, you can even sell copies of your little masterpiece. To help plan your next trip, you can  browse itineraries developed by other travelers. Here is a little video that tells you more about the site.

Spotted by Locals
This website, developed by a couple in Amsterdam, Sanne and Bart van Poll, connects travelers with locals who really know the city they write about. These locals write travel tips for their city that help travelers immerse themselves in the culture of that city. When visitors experience cities the local way, they learn about the culture and customs of the inhabitants. The van Polls are convinced that a better understanding of different cultures will make the world a better place, and we agree.

 Written by Terri Fogarty for EuropeUpClose.com

Related posts:

1. Travel Stuff We Love ...
2. What’s on Your Europe Travel Checklist? ...
3. Download Free Travel Secrets E-Book, and Help Get Clean Water ...

Tags: Europe Travel Tips

Winter is a fine season to visit Venice. Finally, I get to mingle with actual Venetians, to rub shoulders with them on numerous vaporetto rides along the canals and to the islands and to haggle amongst Venetians over delicious fruit and vegetables  at the markets at the foot of the Rialto bridge.

I am warmly welcomed in mom and pop shops, deep in the alleyways, when I enter and enquire about the displayed, multi-colored and wildly twisted pasta that I have never before seen. I can enjoy a cappuccino and sinful chocolate cake at the famous Café Florian without having to stand in line. Yes, it feels good to be surrounded by chic locals whiling away the day and having a their own good time.

It may be a bit chilly and it might rain occasionally, but that’s nothing a warm coat, boots and an umbrella can’t cure. Add to this the advantage that during the winter hiatus prices for hotels drop considerably and the shops offer discounts and sale prices; and Venice, before the crowds descend again for carnival in February, is a winter destination par excellence. Of course, more than a few knowledgeable tourists and visitors are around, which means that all the sites, museums  and attractions are open.

My home away from home for four days was the aptly named Hotel Serenissima in Calle Goldoni, half way between the Rialto stop where the vaporetto from the airport dropped me and St. Mark’s Square. A lovely four story town house, and family run, Hotel Serenissima is a low-season bargain at 81€ for a single including breakfast and taxes.  Two things require particular mention: a) free and working wifi in your room and, b) breakfast. The owner, herself, greets you in the first floor breakfast room by name and with a big smile, huge coffee pot in one hand, hot milk in the other. She then rushes off to heat your choice of flaky croissants, toast and other delicacies. If you must, you can have tea, but…

Thus fortified, I made my way to St. Mark’s Square. My eyes fell on a notice board which announced:  ’Murder and Mystery Tour’. Fabulous. In the city with a history full of conspiracy and intrigue, I couldn’t have asked for more. The tour started at 5pm and cost 20€. I bought my ticket and returned at the appointed hour.

The group, which assembled near the ticket office, consisted of just six eager souls; three Italians, an American, a French lady and myself. We introduced ourselves to each other and agreed on English as a common language. Now, where was our guide? As if on cue, a figure right out of a Goldoni play literally jumped into our midst. Our guide, a young actor as it turned out, a native of Venice, in full period costume quickly set the scene. Twirling his walking stick he promised us secret alleys, anecdotes and mysteries. And he did not disappoint. At a quick clip, he led us deeper and deeper into the side streets of Venice. We followed over bridges and across squares while our guide, in the most dramatic fashion, pointed out secret doors in palaces which were used by the gentleman or lady of the house to conduct illicit trysts. He showed us a balcony over which ghosts threw a greedy man into the canal after murdering him. Over and over again, our guide recounted stories of Casanova gambling and carousing with his friends or hiding in this house or that after seducing various women. The stories are too many to be told here, but they were entertaining and fascinating and so were the out-of-the-way parts of Venice we saw. The tour was, of course, made even more dramatic by our guide’s play acting.

After two hours and in tune with the theme of intrigue and mystery, he raised his stick and declared: “Ladies and gentlemen, this is where our tour ends! ” Lord, where are we, I thought? I had no sense of direction and felt somewhat disoriented. Looking around, I found myself in front of the Ospedale Civile, quite a distance from St. Mark’s Square.

By now it was dark and our little group had quickly dispersed. I thought: let’s see if I can’t get a private tour back. As our guide prepared to slip away, I asked him if he was returning to St. Mark’s Square. He was. Could I go with him? “But, of course.” And thus started my second tour, even more entertaining  than the ‘official’ one. He told me about his acting career, about the art scene in Venice and then asked me if I was hungry. We entered a tiny trattoria, shared a couple of delicious ham and vegetable sandwiches, a few glasses of wine, followed by a grappa and then we parted company at the Café Florian.

The tour was a most enjoyable experience and an entertaining way to see Venice. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a map so you can find your own way back if ’abandoned’ at the end of the tour. You can get lost in Venice, but on the other hand there are signs everywhere which direct you towards either the Rialto Bridge or St. Mark’s Square. Although, from time to time, the signs seem to point in opposite directions. This suggests either the long or the short route, but you’ll eventually end up where you want to go.

Written by Inka Piegsa-Quischotte for EuropeUpClose.com

Related posts:

1. The Merchants of Venice – Venice Markets ...
2. Up-Close Picture of the Week: San Marco Square, Venice ...
3. Mystery of the Black Madonna ...

Tags: Venice

I spent a fantastic year living in Bratislava, but it’s not the capital of Slovakia that I’m going to tell you about today – instead, I’ve compiled a list of travel tips on what to do in Slovakia which are located outside of Bratislava. It’s still a relatively little-known country on the tourist trail but there is so much to see and do and I’d encourage you to get there soon.

Bojnice Castle

A decent day trip from Bratislava gets you to Bojnice Castle – a particularly picturesque castle dating back to the 12th century and rumoured to have inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle (and there are certainly some similarities between the two!). If you can hop on an English guided tour it’s worthwhile as the castle is home to some very interesting history.

Bojnice Castle by Amanda Kendle

Levoca

The small town of Levoca is World Heritage listed and is most famous for the altar inside the church attached to the town hall. It’s a painted Gothic wooden altar which is the largest in Europe and it’s really spectacular – and the rest of the town is a lovely spot too.

Levoca Town Hall by Yarotu

Spis Castle

Not far from Levoca (two great sights to combine) is the Spis Castle (Spissky Hrad. The castle ruins are attractive enough in their own right but it is their position on top of a hill looking down over green countryside which makes it a particularly picturesque place to visit.

Spis Castle by Ronnie Macdonald

Poprad

The northern border town of Poprad is a little special to me as it was the very first place I visited in Slovakia. It’s fast becoming a popular tourist destination as it is the gateway to the High Tatras and it is a nice-sized town with good tourist infrastructure and a relaxed feel to it.

Downtown Poprad by Amanda Kendle

The High Tatras

Slovakia shares this mountain range with Poland but the popular tourist part of the Slovak side is referred to as the High Tatras. This is a great area to ski in winter with a variety of ski resorts, but it is also a beautiful place for hiking in summer.

High Tatras resort by crustiq

Trnava

My favourite day trip out of Bratislava when visitors came calling was to the town of Trnava, about an hour out of the city. It’s full of churches and other interesting buildings and is a place which you can easily explore on foot during an afternoon.

Trnava in winter by Amanda Kendle

Cerveny Kamen Chateau

Slovakia really has a great number of castles, palaces and chateaus for such a small country, and Cerveny Kamen is another one worth visiting. It dates back to the 13th century and is an easy day trip from Bratislava, and as well as touring the castle you can see a falcon show.

Cerveny Kamen by korom

Smolenicky Zamok

And while we’re talking castles, the other one that impresses me is Smolenicky Zamok, a castle with some similarities to Bojnice Castle most probably because they were both owned at one stage by the wealthy Palffy family. As well as being a sightseeing spot it is often used by locals for wedding photos and includes a popular conference centre.

Smolenicky Zamok by Peter Fenda

Bardejov

In the eastern part of Slovakia, the small spa town of Bardejov is another UNESCO Heritage listed part of the country because of its exemplary medieval town centre.

Bardejov town centre by hartjeff12

Slovensky Raj

One part of Slovakia I regularly heard about when I lived there but unfortunately didn’t make it to is the Slovensky Raj, or Slovak Paradise National Park. It’s in the eastern part of Slovakia and is mostly dense forest, but it has well-marked walking trails so it’s great for some outdoor adventure.

Slovensky Raj by macskapocs

Check availability & price on hotels in Slovakia

Your Tips for Slovakia

If you’ve got some more tips for great places to visit in Slovakia, please feel leave a comment below.

10 Places to Visit in Slovakia

Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.

Tags: Slovakia

La Sila National Park is located in the Calabria region of Italy (a.k.a. the toe of the boot). It is off the beaten track, providing visitors a quiet, less expensive alternative to Italy’s other winter vacation destinations. However, don’t think that its natural beauty is in any way sub-par; sweeping mountains and one of the most stunning valleys in Italy comprise the 650 square mile park. For those who enjoy skiing, there are trails and lifts throughout the park. Learn more about La Sila National Park.

Photo by Mattie Bamman for EuropeUpClose.com

Related posts:

1. Enjoy Winter Sports at Italy’s La Sila National Park ...
2. Up Close Picture of the Week: Barcelona’s Park Guell ...
3. Up Close Picture of the Week: Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park in London ...

Tags: Calabria

Plan your spring vacation now and see Europe in full bloom! With these great fares, you can melt away the long winter in style. Take in the culture, scenery and everything else Europe has to offer with fares starting at $649*.

Book by: Feb 9, 2012
Depart between: Apr 4 – May 17, 2012

New York to Dublin        from   $649*
New York to Krakow       from   $817*
Atlanta  to Budapest       from   $972*
Chicago to Prague           from  $845*
Chicago to Milan             from  $892*
Denver to Geneva            from  $990*
LAX  to Istanbul              from  $827*
LAX to Prague                  from  $992*
Seattle to Paris                 from  $980*
Seattle to Milan               from  $928*

* Round-trip including all taxes and fees. Weekend surcharges up to $60. To get these great bargains, read the fine print below, then contact your travel agent or Lufthansa Airlines

Related posts:

1. Fly to Europe from $470 RT, All-Inclusive ...
2. FlightCentre Airfare Consolidator ...
3. Travelzoo Airfare Specials ...

Tags: Travel Deals