Barcelona from above by Monika

The pampering on my holiday trip began with my sleeping quarters. If you’ve ever tried to plan a trip to Barcelona, you’ll know that there are a ton of tempting accommodations waiting to hook you in. From gorgeous mansion hotels with three-story pools and more native Barcelona foliage than a Spaniard forest itself to rustic-themed apartments housed in incredible ancient buildings overlooking Barcelona’s bustling streets, it can prove to be quite difficult to choose somewhere to sleep.

Personally, I was especially drawn in by a little bed and breakfast off Calle Pau Claris called Boutique Bed & Breakfast. From the neat, informative website, the place seemed to me like an amusing twist between a quaint parlor bed and breakfast from the late 1800s and a modern, “with-it” techno retreat. The site employed grand use of the term ‘cozy’ in their descriptions, yet also proudly featured an image of an Apple Macbook Air laying open on one of their beds. As someone who can’t stand to live without my iPad, Twitter, and morning cappuccino, the bed and breakfast description boasting free WiFi and advanced modern coffee facilities made me quickly find my way to the “Reserve Room” button. Thankfully, Boutique didn’t disappoint in the slightest. My little suite was, in fact, cozy with a distinct modern feel, and the staff was incredibly friendly. Despite the fact that Boutique Bed & Breakfast was not really a ‘luxury’ accommodation, I felt more refreshed and relaxed than I believe I ever would have with a three-story pool outside my window.

The real luxurious aspects of my trip, however, began with the first activity I partook in my first morning in the awe-striking capital city. Under a bright December sun, I spent the morning being pampered by Rosa at Barcelona Massage, an excellently priced deluxe massage studio which offers a relaxing variety of exotic massages derived from countries and cultures all over the world, from Mayan to Silk to Sea Shell massages and a wide range of body scrubs too.

Feeling giddy and a bit light-headed from my fantastic Silk massage, I was ready to party, so I opted for a night on the town at the Coppelia Club. I’d heard great things about Coppelia online before I arrived, and I was not disappointed. Coppelia manages to give patrons a first-hand Spanish club experience while still maintaining an elegant, classy feel that is nothing like the get-down-and-dirty, grimy filth nightclubs I’ve come to despise in America. Modern and chrome-finished, I enjoyed a delectable eucalyptus honey infused vodka premium while perched on a barstool feeling incredibly sophisticated and right at home.

The next afternoon, after sleeping until almost noon (which I blamed on jetlag but which also might have had something to do with my eucalyptus honey vodka) I felt compelled to conquer the bright blue waters I’d been admiring ever since my plane touched down on Barcelona soil. Through the kindness and luxurious accommodations of Barcelona Yacht Charter, I was able to enjoy a fantastic afternoon on a twelve passenger sailing yacht, slicing through that tantalizing blue water at god-speed, lying on the deck giggling to myself with a bottle of sparkling champagne.

My yachting, spa, and nightclub adventures were probably the three most interesting parts of my holiday in Barcelona. The rest of the week I spent eating delicious Spanish cuisine, drinking rich wine straight from the Spanish vineyards, and lying out on the beach, longing to sail those clear blue waters again. In conclusion, well, let’s just say I’ll be getting back on that Barcelona-bound plane next December, and I might just end up extending my stay beyond a meagre seven days.

Catherine Zotto is an experienced travel writer for MyPremiumEurope.com a luxury European holiday provider. My Premium Europe offer fantastic 5 star luxury hotels, villas and spa accommodation throughout Spain and hundreds of other destinations in Europe.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Danny Chapman

Last year 18,000 people gathered by and on the bridge at 6am to listen to a traditional hymn sung from the Magdalen College tower by the Magdalen College Boys’ Choir. It became a tradition in the 1970s to jump off the bridge but Oxford City Council are strongly advising against doing so this year as it can be extremely dangerous, but especially so this year because of the drought and low water levels. In 2005 40 people were hurt jumping from the bridge costing the NHS tens of thousands of pounds, but last year went off “without incident” so everybody is looking forward to this year’s celebration.

At the beginning of May the city of Oxford takes on a very Pagan feel as Morris Dancers come out in their flowers, bells, abd their handkerchiefs or batons. There are several versions of the Morris Dance depending on which part of the country you are in, for example in Yorkshire there is a version using swords; or along the Welsh-English border the men paint their faces black and have feathers in their hats instead of flowers. Its origins are thought to be Moorish, dating back to the mid-15th century when the Moors were in retreat from Spain, and the dances were held in honour of the Spanish monarchy. Nonetheless, it is now recognised as a very English celebration. Here’s a short video of some Oxford men in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZHgYX6dRrs

If you’re lucky enough to catch the good weather you could take an official guided walking tour following in the footsteps of Inspector Morse, the city’s most famous fictional detective. You could also take one of the other themed tours which include CS Lewis & JRR Tolkien, or the Gargoyles & Grotesques Tour of the fantastic stone creatures that adorn the churches and ancient buildings, meant to scare away evil spirits.

Oxford also has one of the most famous universities in the world, and is the oldest in the English-speaking world having existed for over 900 years. It’s made up of 38 colleges each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most famous are Christ Church, whose Great Hall inspired the design for the hall at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies, the Magdalen tower dominates the High Street, and the crypt at St Edmund Hall has a spooky atmosphere second to none.

The historic Bodleian Library is the largest university library in the UK with over nine-million printed books. You’ll be in good company when you visit as the footsteps as five kings, 40 Nobel Prize winners and 25 Prime Ministers have been heard walking through these halls.

Hotels in Oxford have a class that credit this historic city, and if you can find a place to stay close to the city’s old centre, even in one weekend you’ll have ample time to see the best it has to offer.

Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects. This article links back to https://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-randolph-hotel/

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Photo by Claire for Europe Explored

The history of the oldest buildings dates back to 7th century BC, to the reign of the first Etruscan king. But first important buildings connected with political, religious and civic life began to appear here during the reign of Claire Caesar. In addition to patrician houses here were built shops, temples, basilicas and markets. The most commonly used building material was marble, gilt metal and cut stones. Construction boom stopped in the early 2nd century AD. The reason was simple – there was no empty space here any more.

Foro Romano began to lose importance with the fall of the Roman Empire. The buildings then began to decay. Advanced and splendid city turned relatively quickly into ruins. A large fire even help it in the 3rd century. Following several earthquakes and barbarous conquerors destroyed almost the whole area. Marble stones were dismantled and used to build local houses or shipped to other parts of Italy, to build churches and palaces. Finally Foro Romano became untidy overgrown space again.

View Foro Romano – one of the most important archaeological sites in the world Italy in a larger map

In the 18th century, archaeologists discovered this area and immediately started to clean it. Slowly and carefully uncovered the remains of ancient buildings, and finally Foro Romano saw the light of day again. The first comprehensive archaeological survey was carried out at the turn of the 18th and 19th century under the leadership of the Italian archeologist Carlo Fea. In 1803 he discovered the remains of a massive arch Septimius Severus and later of the other temples as well. After these discoveries the place began to attract researchers from all over the world. The main archaeological works were completed in the early of the 20th century when many ruins of temples and basilicas were uncovered.

Visitors to Rome now can see at least a fraction of these beautiful ancient monuments that once dominated by Foro Romano.

Foro Romano is currently considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Although it cannot amaze visitors with its ancient beauty any more, attracts them with its glory and mysterious atmosphere.

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Trinity College is one of the most important buildings of Dublin, which was founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I. The culture and traditions are the important aspects in ancient buildings of Dublin.

St Patrick’s Cathedral is another pleasing sight for the visitors. It is considered the largest church not only in the city of Dublin but throughout entire Ireland. It was founded in 1191.

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral – Dublin, Ireland by William Murphy

O’Connell street is very impressive for the tourists and the general post office is situated in this street. The building has a majestic look and it is a wonderful sight to see. The street is completely covered with statues and monuments and that is the reason for the popularity of this street.

There are three National Museums of Ireland in Dublin and the tourists should never miss a visit to these museums, since they have both traditional and historical value. One is situated on Kildare Street – Archaeology Museum, another one can be found on Benburb Street – Decorative Arts & History Museum and the last one is located at Merrion Street related to Natural History.

Temple bar is another area, which can be interesting for the tourists. It is full of entertainment, art and culinary attractions. It is a home to many cultural institutions of Ireland and one of the best Dublin’s nightlife scenes.

Merrion Square is very popular for the National Gallery which has more than five hundred art works from great artists such as Monet, El Greco, Hogarth, Poussin and others.

Dublin Castle is originally a Viking fortress which you shouldn’t miss once you are in Dublin. There are many special aspects in this Castle. Rebuilding and renovation works are being performed regularly and at present, it looks beautifully. A massive tower and the Royal Chapel are built in medieval style while all administrative buildings are built in more modern styles.

Dublin Castle, Ireland by William Murphy

Phoenix Park is situated 3 km northwest of the city center and with the area of 712 hectares it is one of the largest walled parks in Europe. This place has a long history. There are huge alleys, grassy areas and wetlands which are home to more than 350 plant species.

Apart from these, there are many more sights and attractions to see in Dublin. You can also visit a Zoo, there are numerous parks and gardens, and since the city is situated at the cost, you can even relax on its beaches. However the main advantage of your staying in this city it its events. You can find more info about Dublin at the official site visitdublin.com.

Getting There

You have two options to get to Dublin and that’s either flying or taking the ferry. Aer Lingus and RyanAir are amongst a number of airlines that offer great value flights to Dublin but if you want to explore more of Ireland you will then need to hire a car. Alternatively you could take your own car and catch a ferry. Ferryonline compare ferries to Dublin providing all options with Stena and P&O Ferries. All you need to do is choose which port to cross from, Holyhead, Liverpool or Fishguard.

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Theatrum in Ostia Antica, Italy by Oliver-Bonjoch

As a result of thousands of years of silting at the mouth of the Tiber River, the shoreline has slowly moved 3 kilometers away from Ostia Antica. Originally founded back in the 7th century B.C., Ostia Antica has been known as the fourth kingdom of the Roman Empire. The ruins of Ostia Antica which can be seen today however, only date back to the 3rd and 4th centuries B.C.

The most notable and one of the best preserved structures in Ostia Antica is the Castrum which dates back to the 3rd century B.C. There are many well-preserved buildings located throughout Ostia Antica. You will find some of the finest frescoes and mosaics of the Roman Era in Ostia Antica. There is also a Temple of Jupiter in the site which has become known as the Capitolium.

Ostia Antica is most noted as having been attacked by pirates back in 68 B.C. During the sacking of Ostia Antica, the entire port area was set ablaze and two senators had been kidnapped by the pirates. As a result of this attack on the Roman Empire, Pompey the Great built an army that would seek out and destroy the pirates in less than a years’ time.

Today, Ostia Antica is one of the most popular destinations in Italy outside of Rome itself. While countless visitors make their way to the Roman monuments only, those who chose to venture out to Ostia Antica are amazed at how well-preserved the site actually is.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jack Versloot

In the summer you can enjoy sandy beaches along the North Sea. If you are planning a holiday by the sea, be sure to book a hotel in advance. Lakes, reservoirs and canals create ideal conditions for water sports. E.g. sailing is a very common and popular enjoyment here. During spring and summer the flowers are just about everywhere.

The Netherlands is divided into 12 provinces and include also a set of Caribbean islands – Netherlands Antilles and the independent island of Aruba. Although the Netherlands is a small country, it offers many interesting places. E.g. windmills – certainly every one of us has heard about them. However from the several thousands of them, only less than a thousand survived.

Cities and their surroundings are full of cultural and historical monuments, ancient buildings and museums. Near the towns there are parks suitable for a bike or roller skating. Those more adventurous can take advantage of water reservoirs and rivers and experience firsthand with sailing and windsurfing on the largest lake in the country Ijsselmeer. Hiking is probably the most ideal way to combine an active holiday with sightseeing.

The coast are beautiful as well. After a tide there are hundreds of small and large treasures from the seabed lying on the beaches. It is difficult to recommend a place or location, which would be best. The main point is that regardless of where you are and how you arrived, you are welcomed by nice and helpful people.

What is the best known in the Netherlands? Fantastic fields of tulips and other flowers. Colourful markets offer great cheese directly from their producers that still wear traditional costumes. Ticking clogs, windmills ….. famous painter Vincent van Gogh and Rembrandt and Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a city where you can find dozens of museums, tourist boats filling the canals, grinding of diamonds, coffeshops at each corner. Another Dutch city of Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port. The city boasts modern architecture and offers views of the city from the air – from well-known, 185 meters high, Euromast tower. Utrecht is a historic town dominated by the Dom Church with tower reaches a height of 112 meters.

When visiting the country you should not miss the fishing village at the IJsselmeer – the largest lake in Western Europe. In addition, the towns of Edam and Alkmaar, which are famous for their cheese markets and the small town of Delft which is famous for producing the famous Delft pottery.

There are also several theme and amusement parks in Netherlands.

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