Mini Travel Guides

The French island of Corsica is said to be one of the best places to visit in Europe for diving. Partly because the island is also renowned for its golden sandy beaches and crystal clear, blue sea. In striking contrast to this stunning coastline, the island’s interior has some rugged mountains that provide wonderful and picturesque settings for everything from hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking, to rafting and kayaking.

Golden, sandy beaches and crystal, clear seas by pimousse

While the Island offers numerous opportunities for various sports and outdoor activities, there is something for everyone. Here is my list of five of the best attractions in Corsica.

Five of the Best Attractions on the French Island of Corsica

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Tags: Corsica, France, Sport in Europe

Bring a flashlight.  Or if you don’t bring a flashlight, be sure to bring change so you can pay to use one.  I didn’t.  Instead, I stumbled around an underground casemate trying to use my cell phone for light.  It wasn’t the best way to see what was otherwise an incredible exhibition.

Under Kronborg Castle, in Helsingør, Denmark are the casemates (protected gun positions in a vaulted chamber beneath a defensive wall).  In those casemates you will learn the Danish history of Holger Danske.  A legendary character who is said to rise up and protect Denmark when the country finds itself in danger.  It’s a great story and one that has prevailed for several centuries.  So much so that one of the largest resistance movements in Denmark during WWII was called Holger Danske.

Early on in the casemates, a statue of Holger Danske greets you.  It is an impressive statue and sets the tone.  The rest of the casemates though takes some exploring.  And you are free to explore nearly everything and everywhere.  Use your flashlight.  Not just to keep you from stumbling, but to read what is written on the walls.

Facts about Denmark, the Holger Danske legend, the WWII resistance line the walls of the casemates.  Not every wall.  That would be too easy.  And not nearly as fun.  Instead it becomes almost a sort of scavenger hunt as the flashlight guides you through Danish resistance history.

Be warned, it is dark down there.  It is damp down there.  It’s even a bit cold down there.  And having grown up with two brothers, I am well aware that there were plenty of places to hide to scare my siblings.  Keep that in mind if traveling with young children.  Aside from that, the casemates at Kronborg Castle are one of my favorite places to visit in Denmark and a great Helsingor sightseeing attraction.

If you plan to stay in Helsingor, you can find the best deals on hotels using the HotelsCombined price comparison site.

Underground Resistance at Kronborg Castle, Denmark

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Tags: Denmark, Helsingor attractions, Helsingor sightseeing, Kronborg Castle, Kronborg Castle casemates

It was on August 31, 1997, that a chauffeur-driven car crashed at high-speed in Paris, ending the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, and prompting a wave of public grief. The extent of that grief became clear over the ensuing days in London, as bouquets of flowers piled high on the streets, together with handwritten tributes from heartbroken admirers. When her funeral was held a week later, some businesses closed for the day, and hordes of people watched the event from whatever vantage point they could find, even if that meant crowding around the windows of TV stores. A large gathering occurred in London’s Hyde Park, where the event was broadcast live on huge screens, with people yelling at each other to sit down so that everyone could see.

If another royal had died, it’s hard to imagine that there would have been such a reaction. And this is a testament to the qualities which Diana brought to a monarchy that badly needed them: charisma, glamour, a skill in handling the media, and an ability to convey a sense of genuine caring. These were all the more remarkable since she appears to have been given so little preparation for her role, beginning as a 20-year-old bride in 1981, and so little support once she was in it.

Her popularity was, for a while, something that benefited all concerned. The media got great stories and photos. The public delighted in her glamour and her complex personality. She herself enjoyed fame for a while, both for its own sake and for the opportunity it gave her to highlight causes she cared about. And it was all good news for the monarchy, and for her husband and eldest son, both in line to be future kings. For all that anybody knew in the early eighties, Diana would just continue building up public support for herself and her fellow-royals, setting the stage for successful reigns for both Charles and William.

Of course, that’s not how it turned out. As Diana went through a very public separation and divorce and grew ever more bitter and depressed, her powerful public image started working in unexpected ways. And it continues to do so, leaving a complex legacy.

In a 1995 interview, after her separation from Charles was acknowledged, Diana said that she probably would not become queen, but would like to be “a queen of people’s hearts.” A veteran communicator by now, she must have been aware that this perfectly-formed soundbite was a direct provocation against both the present ruler and any woman Charles might eventually want to make his queen.

Once the divorce was finalized in 1996, the Palace agreed to let Diana be called “Diana, Princess of Wales,” an evocative accolade but one with no constitutional teeth, as she could no longer be a “Royal Highness.” While we’ll probably never know what backroom haggling led to that deal, it was clearly an attempt at damage limitation by the Palace, which had come to regard her as a loose cannon while recognizing that she had the public’s sympathy.

All the while, public opinion became more and more divided over whether she was exploited by the monarchy and the media, or whether she was the exploiter. That debate continued in the wake of her tragic death. All these years later, it’s perhaps a little easier to see it as a bit of both.

What does all this mean for the likely next two kings? The public image of Charles suffered massively from the acrimony with Diana, but William seems to have received none of the damage and all of the reflected glory. In a country where the monarchy remains a popular institution even when the individuals leading it are not, William is seen as embodying the best of both worlds. A dutiful scion of the House of Windsor, he is also an attractive figure like his mother, and has brought some of her charisma to his public duties. Exhibiting an independent spirit, during his early military career William repeatedly requested that he be involved in active service. But having been steered in a different direction by the Palace and the government, who were wary of letting him get into any real danger, he seems to have acquiesced.

For someone so young, William has suffered great sadness and learnt some tough lessons. He is apparently gifted with looks, intelligence, tact and skill. With all that going for him, he may grow to outshine both his parents.

Written by David Hill for EuropeUpClose.com

Tags: diana's death, England, prince William, princess diana, Views and Opinions

The border town of Berwick upon Tweed lies three miles south of the Anglo-Scottish Border on the River Tweed Estuary. It lies in between Edinburgh, 60 miles to the north and Newcastle upon Tyne, 60 miles to the south. If you’re driving, the town is bypassed by the A1. Berwick upon Tweed lies on the East Coast rail line and can be reached in four hours from London, two hours from York and less than one hour from either Newcastle or Edinburgh.   I’ve listed the Berwick upon Tweed hotels by how close they are to the town centre.

Berwick upon Tweed

The Kings Arms Hotel is right in the town centre, close to the intact Elizabethan town walls and the river side.  It would take around 15 minutes to walk here from the rail station. There are several pubs and restaurants within walking distance.  You can walk to the start of the pier in 10 minutes.  The hotel offers standard and superior rooms, a suite and a family room.

The hotel doesn’t have its own car park, there’s pay and display parking right outside the hotel which is free after 5.30pm and until 9am in the morning.  If you can’t find a space here there’s a large pay and display car back at the riverside.  The Kings Arms Hotel scores an average 72% in guest ratings based on 70 verified reviews.

The Queens Head Hotel is a couple of hundred metres down from the Kings Arms Hotel, closer to the town walls and the riverside and on street parking. It’s a small hotel with 6 ensuite bedrooms which all have wifi free of charge.

The hotel achieves 85% in guest ratings, based on the average of two unverified review sites.

The Berwick upon Tweed Travelodge is situated in the far north of the town close to the A1 roundabout.  It’s next to McDonalds (handy for free wifi and a cheap breakfast) and Morrisons supermarket.  It takes around 20 minutes to walk into the town centre but maybe longer to get back as it’s slightly uphill.

The Travelodge may well be the cheapest Berwick upon Tweed hotel if you book well in advance and outwith peak season you can find rooms from £19 a night (room only) on the saver rate and family rooms sleep up to 2 adults and 2 kids.

Marshall Meadows Hotel, the most northerly hotel in England, lies a couple of miles north of Berwick upon Tweed down a driveway off the main A1 dual carriageway. You can access the North Sea coastal path from near the hotel.  You’d really need a car to stay here.  The hotel has a selection of types of rooms including premier rooms, a suite and a family room.  There’s free wifi in all rooms.

I had Sunday lunch here a couple of years ago and the food was excellent and good value.  The Marshall Meadows receives an average guest rating of 82% from 114 verified guest reviews.

If you’ve stayed at a Berwick upon Tweed hotel, please leave a comment giving your opinion of it.

Berwick upon Tweed hotels

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Tags: Accommodation, Berwick upon Tweed hotel, berwick upon tweed hotels, England, hotels in berwick upon tweed, United Kingdom

Venice is one of those Europe destinations that nearly every tourist wants to head to, and usually I try to avoid these places – but Venice is special. My most recent trip to this beautiful city was just for a long weekend and I almost left without taking the obligatory Venice gondola trip.

No gondola ride in Venice? It’s a sin! Initially I thought I would try and skip what I saw as a tourist trap, but then as I walked alongside the canals of Venice and saw people floating along in shiny black gondolas I started to get jealous. That’s why I spent a Sunday morning down in front of Piazza San Marco asking around for prices. It was pretty early in the morning and few tourists were around, so a number of the gondoliers were standing around with nothing to do.

Prices varied dramatically at this time of day but eventually an entrepreneurial gondolier offered my friend and I a forty-five minute ride for 60 Euros, much less than half the price most of them were quoting. It was well worth it – one of those experiences you reminisce about later. Basically, I’d say if you want your Venice gondola ride, go for it. My Europe travel tip is to try to avoid peak tourist times and be prepared to haggle to get the lowest price.  But don’t miss out on one of the best things to do in Venice.

If you’re planning a trip to Venice,  use the price comparison search box below to find the best price for your accommodation in Venice.

Touristy Venice gondola trips still a must for me

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Tags: Europe Travel Tips, Italy, Venice, Venice gondola ride, Venice gondola trip

Salzburg, the Austrian city famous for its Alpine setting, attracts a large number of tourists each year. Here are my four Salzburg sightseeing tips.

• What is the Sound of Music? As much as the city is famous for its “Sound of Music” backdrop, most Austrians have never seen the movie and therefore are not in a position to answer your questions on the movie locations. Avoid the expensive guided tours proclaiming to show all the attractions featured in the movie – plan to explore them yourself.

• Mozart balls, anyone? Buy Mozart kugels (Mozart balls – named after the city’s most famous son and gifted composer, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart) from any of the grocery stores, avoiding them completely at souvenir shops.
• Where is the shade? The sun can be quite punishing in the summers, specially if you are climbing the Hohensalzburg Castle. Always carry your water bottle, sun glasses and an umbrella. Keeping yourself well hydrated in the summer is the key to a great Salzburg experience.

• Is there a Salzburg beyond Mozart? Be sure to explore the city beyond Mozart and the Sound of Music. Salzburg with its picturesque countryside and natural beauty should be seen without any prejudices. Take a salt mine tour or discover the hiking paradise that Salzburg is, through its many hills like Mönchsberg and Festungsberg.

If you’re planning a visit to this Austrian city, you can find the lowest prices for hotels in Salzburg using the HotelsCombined price comparison site.

[Photo Credit - Orangesplaash]

Top 4 Sightseeing Tips for Salzburg, Austria

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Tags: Austria, Salzburg, Salzburg attractions, Salzburg sightseeing, Salzburg travel tips, things to do in Salzburg

Day 59
I’ve never felt more a part of Italy, which makes for a sad goodbye. Spending so much time in its mountains (even shaping them with my own hands!) and all the people I’ve met over the last two months of travel—these are things I’ll never forget. Georgeta Perhald, Sommelier and Manager of PR for Rocca delle Macíe winery, spoke of how Italy changed her life, and how she could see it changing mine. “You cannot help it,” she said. “You stop thinking about what you put on the outside of your body, and begin thinking about what you put inside.”

Italy changes you. Witnessing such ancient traditions as the trulli, meeting smiling Italians who, as part of their culture, say hello and goodbye every time they enter and exit a store or café, walking among buffalo and tasting cheese only a few minutes old. The senses are heightened by the influx of carefully prepared dishes composed of carefully produced ingredients.

Suddenly, a 25-euro bistecca fiorentina seems more important than a new pair of sunglasses. The array of powerful flavors and aromas is so intoxicating that you forget to do what makes sense and begin to just do what you enjoy. You do it for no other reason than because you want to, as Armando, of Il Parma Delizie Alimentari, might say .

I’ve been able to watch the terrain change region by region, from the bottom to the top of Italy—from Puglia to Veneto—and I’ve seen a plethora of unique cuisines and landscapes. Every 30 miles brings a new Italy, with different traditions; different mountains, islands, or beaches; different wines made with different native grapes. Italians are proud of their regions, and even if one or two try to chase you off their property with a pitchfork , most will take the time to share some secrets. Massimo Criscio knows this, and shares his knowledge.

To know one region of Italy is not to know Italy. You must dig deeper. You must visit the small towns in the quieter regions. Then you will begin to see Italy as a whole.

I’m at that point in a trip, only two days from its end, when every bone in my body aches for extra time. I hold each breath of Italian air a moment longer, hoping to incorporate it into my body. I watch Kristin packing her backpack, carefully wrapping the bottle of ’98 Brunello di Montalcino so that it won’t break in transit.

Tomorrow we’ll catch a train to Naples, where we will spend two nights before boarding a plane for JFK International Airport. Direct flights run between Naples and New York City during the summer months, and Meridiana Airlines offers some of the best deals.

We’ll say goodbye to the friends we made at Italy Farm Stay and to Antonello Siragusa and his family, and then we’ll say goodbye to all of Italy. But all of the people I met—Italian, American, Romanian, German, etc.—all of their words and smiles will remain. Life is beautiful, and as Giuseppe Siragusa says ” Don’t make problems.”

I’d like to thank everyone who accompanied me on this journey. I’ll continue to publish articles on EuropeUpClose.com, so always feel free to contact me with questions in regard to your own travel plans. Until then, so long from Italy From Bottom to Top.

Written by and photos by Mattie Bamman for EuropeUpClose.com

Tags: From The Road, Italy, italy travelogue

The Maksimir Park is the largest green space in Zagreb city. It is named after Bishop Maksimilijan Vrhovac, the man who was first responsible for establishing the park in 1794. At the time the park was set up it was on the outskirts of the city, today it is part of suburban Zagreb.

This Zagreb attraction has always been a very popular stop in the city; it’s my Zagreb travel tip for this week.

Photo By ruscca

A Green Space – Maksimir Park is a much loved urban escape. It is a sprawling green complex with nooks and corners, lakes and walkways, benches and trails. The traffic sounds coming in from the park boundary are dulled by the thick tree cover and flowing water, ensuring peace and quiet. This Zagreb park is located right opposite a large football stadium, which hosts local and international football events as well as concerts. At such times the thousands of spectators also use the park as the perfect waiting area, both before and after the events.

A Running Track – Maksimir Park is very popular with joggers, runners and even cyclists as the park provides a safe, continuous, and picturesque track. People come in from all over the city to take advantage of this very setting. The park is well connected by the local tram service (take tram no.11 from the Main Square to the Park).

A Pleasant Coffee Break – Maksimir Park is a great coffee place. There are several cafes within the complex that serve good coffee and even better views. If cafes aren’t your thing, find the closest ice-cream vendor and head to an empty bench.

The Zoo – The Zoo is a more recent addition to the Park, and is very popular with young families. There are a number of large (lions, bears, cheetah, bison) and small animals, including endangered species. Of particular interest are the feeding sessions; the sea lion feeding time usually draws quite a crowd. Entry to the zoo is from within the park; tickets (30 Kuna) can be purchased at the zoo entrance.

Photo by Landii

Holiday Concerts – During the summer months (particularly Saturdays) and on bank holidays the park hosts small music concerts. These concerts are free and can be enjoyed by everyone. For more information about the park and the park’s events calendar for the park, head to the information centre located in the Gatekeeper’s cabin, close to the park entrance.

If you’re planning a trip to the Croatian capital, you can find the lowest prices at hotels in Zagreb with the HotelsCombined price comparison site.

Five Reasons to Visit Zagreb’s Maksimir Park

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Tags: Croatia, Zagreb attractions, Zagreb parks

One of the more unique parts of Seville is in one of its oldest neighborhoods – the Barrio Santa Cruz.  While the area is now a refreshing getaway from the rest of the city, it was once a thriving Jewish neighborhood in the city.

When the Muslims were finally expelled from Spain, the Jews thrived in this area of the city.  The area included a synagogue, family houses, and narrow streets which became a neighborhood unto its self.  In 1492, the Jews were expelled from Spain and the neighborhood went downhill and was renewed in the 18th century.  One of the former synagogues was converted into the Church of Saint Bartholomew and this area lost some of its Jewish history.  While the area is thriving once again, many symbols of this Jewish neighborhood are no longer visible to tourists.

Walking the streets of the Barrio Santa Cruz, you see a part of the city that is different than all of the rest.  The neighborhood consists of narrow alleys, winding streets, little plazas (squares), and orange trees.  The small alleys were designed to maximize the shade in the city as the small alleys are a little cooler than the rest of the city.  Orange trees provide shade and color to this neighborhood as the winding streets provide a maze of narrow houses and alleys to explore.

The old city water pipes are a part of this neighborhood and exploring the many little squares gives you some insight into its history.  Little streets open up to plazas which seem to come out of nowhere.  Enjoy tapas and restaurants as you walk among the white-washed houses, peering into the gardens visible from the streets.  Plaza de la Santa Cruz contains an old church (where this neighborhood gets its name) and synagogue while Plaza de los Venerables has bars and terraces.  Explore all the different plazas and see what the area has to offer.

The neighborhood is close to many other parts of the city including an entrance to the Murillo Gardens of the Alcazar.  However, exploring the neighborhood of the Barrio Santa Cruz is a step back in time and a fun walk through a historical part of this city, so it’s a worthwhile addition to your Seville sightseeing.  Winding your way through, enjoy the many plazas, the gardens and trees, the beautiful white-washed houses, and the narrow alleys.

While visiting the Barrio Santa Cruz is an interesting stroll through this part of Seville, it’s design, alleys, and beautiful make it a nice way to cool off in the hot summer heat of the city.

If you’re planning a visit to the city, you can find the best deals at hotels in Seville using the HotelsCombined price comparison site.

The Barrio Santa Cruz – the Jewish quarter in Seville

Browse through our Europe travel tips to find the best places to visit in Europe. Content published on Europe a la Carte.

Tags: Barrio Santa Cruz, seville, Seville attractions, Seville Jewish Quarter, Seville sightseeing, Spain

As European soccer matches gain a stronger foothold in American television, the general public has become aware of many of the most famous footballing grounds in the world. These stadiums– sometimes holding as many as 80,000 spectators, or fewer than 10,000– are seen on American television with chanting fans, massive banners and unbridled enthusiasm. A niche industry has arisen in recent years to give Americans the chance to experience these matches first-hand.

Of course those kinds of vacations can be extremely expensive. A cost-effective way, however, of taking in some of Europe’s most hallowed grounds is to do even a cursory amount of research ahead of time and learn where soccer stadia are located, prior to your arrival in a given European city. Even if a club does not have a game on the days of your travels, a visit to an empty ground can be a very interesting and satisfying experience. In many ways it can be a much easier way for Americans to take in a stadium and get a feel for the European soccer culture than trying to navigate through the throngs of fans while attending a game.

The easiest grounds to find are the biggest, most famous. Take Berlin for example. The Olympia Stadion (Olympic Stadium) was built ahead of the 1936 Olympics and was the site of the famous Jesse Owens gold-medal winning sprints at the same games. Over the years the stadium has grown and hosted the 2006 World Cup Final between France and Italy. For many years the ground has been home to Hertha BSC , a large football club from West Berlin.  A visit to the Olympia Stadion is extremely simple. There is a specific stop on the 2-line of the U-Bahn and on non-game days, admission to the stadium costs as little as €4. With a restaurant and fan shop open to the public, as well as the ability to take guided tours of the famous stadium, the Olympia Stadion is a perfect spot for even those uninterested in soccer.

For the hardcore fan, try finding smaller grounds of smaller clubs. Berlin’s Olympia Stadion seats 74,500 and looks much like the Roman Coliseum from the outside. The now-former ground of Bohemians 1905 in the Vrsovice area of Prague is a harder find. The Dolícek Stadion opened in 1932 and has been host to Bohemians through the 2009/10 season. With only 7500 seats it is a tiny ground in the world of club football. The club has a fantastic crest featuring a kangaroo, a holdover from a 1927 tour of Australia, and is featured all over the stadium. To reach Dolicek from Prague’s famous Old Town Square, walk south to the Národní Trída tram stop and take the 24-line south and east. Tram tickets can be purchased at newspaper stands or in subway stations. Getting off at Obloukova stop will leave you across the street from the old stadium. Though the ground will no longer play host to the Bohemians first team, finding the stadium is a great way to learn your way around the Prague tram system and to see a very local take on a football ground.

With walking tours and travel guides so focused on historic sites, museums and restaurants, football grounds often are not even mentioned. Yet many of stadia are the true cultural epicenters of European city life. Even if a game is not taking place, the various grounds, big and small, can tell the story of the particular neighborhood or part of town in a current and honest way. Each city, town and village has at least one soccer club. So remember to take a look at a map of your destination and take a few steps out of the ordinary sightseeing to enjoy the interesting soccer culture of Europe.

Tags: Berlin, Football Tourism, Prague