St Anton, Austria

This is a fantastic resort that’s situated in the Arlberg and also between a range of different towns and villages in Western Austria. The area is snow secure and a actually the home of the modern snow slalom – it was invented here.

St Anton, Austria by Nick

Verbier, Switzerland

Situated just on the border between south west Austria and Italy’s northern border, this is a luxury ski resort with access to the Four Valleys lifting system. This means that it’s large and efficient and is as ideal for those looking to party as for families. This can be best seen from the mixture of Prada laden skiers performing side by side with silver taped skiers. So, whether you’re looking for luxury and the best of the best, or just a decent apartment at a good going rate, there’s plenty of choice. It’s also a great place for night’s out and is busy throughout the season.

Davos, Switzerland

This town is surrounded by a number of lifts and these allow access to a range of areas. Davos is also the highest town on the continent. Parsenn and Jakobshorn are the most well-known and also incorporate the most kinds of skiers. Slopes themselves are quite moderate, though there are some more challenging areas too. The area is served by a free transport service and the town itself provides a nice mixture of skiing, shopping and also cuisine.

Le Grand Massif, France

Those looking for a great value trip that is free of many of the pretensions of the typical big French resort will be happy to come across Le Grand Massif. The area is around an hour from Geneva airport and situated near Samoen and Morillon. The area offers an extensive range that most skiers will find the sort of area for them. The area is also beautiful during the summer time and offers amazing lakes, waterfalls and hikes throughout.

In addition, the towns of Samoen and Morillon offer working places where people live and are fully functioning all year round – something a lot of ski towns can’t claim. This means there are all sorts of shops, markets, entertainment and things going on throughout the four seasons. If you’re looking for a luxury ski chalet France for less, this is the place to go.

Le Grand Massif, France by Richard Allaway

Chamonix, France

The love/hate relationship people have with Chamonix is foretold aplenty. The area offers some of the world’s best skiing conditions, however it’s also extremely busy and too much room is not generally something people complain about. It’s a good place for people who like off-piste.

These are just some of the best Alps ski resorts on offer but some of our favourites. Where do you find offers more?

By Cormac Reynolds

Cormac Reynolds writes a range of articles for travel and tourism websites. He loves travel, food, sport and trekking too.

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Bordeaux, SW France

Enter the mediaeval turreted gates of Bordeaux and explore the wonderful Parisian-style architecture and winding streets lined with small shops, cafés and historic attractions. Discover the Grosse Cloche, a massive bell hanging in the 13^th century Saint-Eloi Gateway above the Astronomical Clock. Stroll the waterfront beside the broad Garonne River, and see the grand buildings on the Place du Palais, cleverly reflected in the Mirror d’Eau water feature.

In contrast, take a tour into the surrounding countryside of Aquitaine and sample full-bodied Bordeaux wines at their famous vineyards.

Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux, France by Grand Parc Bordeaux

Munich, Bavaria

Even if you miss Oktoberfest in Munich, which confusingly is now held in September, the city still makes a splendid place to visit. Take a guided tour of the attractions, including the splendid Gothic Neues Rathaus on Marienplatz. Churches, museums, shopping, parks and palaces will fill your day, and if you find yourself in the English Gardens, watch the brave river surfers riding the manmade wave beneath the bridge on the River Eisbach. In the evening, join the lively Bavarian entertainment and bratwurst cuisine at the local Brauhaus.

Bad Gasteim, Austria

A visit to Bad Gasteim in the low non-ski season means first class hotel rooms are cheap, the crowds are gone and you are left to enjoy the delights of this beautiful Alpine valley. Divided by a rushing waterfall, the town has beautiful Belle Époque architecture left over from its days as a popular spa town. Small shops, gorgeous scenery and live music from bands almost every evening add to the charm of your stay.

Just outside the town there are opportunities for lakeside strolls, walks through alpine meadows, bread making on the farm, guided walking tours around Dorfgasteim, hot springs and cheese making demonstrations. The nearby archery course is great fun, shooting life-size target animals along a beautiful footpath enhanced by its woodland setting and banks of edelweiss.

Bad Gasteim, Austria by Dergreg:

Lake Maggiore, Italy

Make your luxury holiday base in Locarno, a lively city at the north end of Lake Maggiore, just inside the Swiss border. Explore the castle, walk in the foothills of the Alps and pop across the border into Italy.

In the heat of summer, nothing beats a day trip on the famous Vigezzina and Centovallina Railway, returning via a cruise on Lake Maggiore. Catch the slow but scenic train to Domodossola, then the Express train through the Italian countryside to Stresa, on the shores of Lake Maggiore.

Enjoy lunch overlooking the lake in Stresa, or perhaps explore the beautiful furnished palazzo and tiered gardens at Isola Bella before boarding the lake ferry. Sit at the stern and see an endless parade of old villas, churches, chateaux and gardens as the ferry zigzags its way back up the lake, calling in at countless picturesque lakeside villages. Three hours later you will find yourself back in Locarno, just in time for dinner!

Isola dei Pescatori, Borromean Islands, Lago Maggiore, Italy by kkmarais

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a wonderful city where you can combine cultural attractions and museums with time at the beach. With 2000 years of history, the Old Town with its cathedral and famous pedestrianized Las Ramblas is a great place to start. The unfinished Sagrada Familia is well worth a visit, the pièce de résistance of architect Antoni Gaudi, who was responsible for many other masterpieces around the city. Base yourself in a hotel overlooking the port and beach at Barceloneta for the best of both worlds!

Josh writes for No.1 Traveller a luxury travel company based in the UK. They operate airport lounges at Heathrow, Stansted, Gatwick and Birmingham airports.

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Europe has lots of castles that have been converted to serve as luxury accommodation, and we’ve handpicked some of the best castle hotels for your royal and romantic trip.

England

England is the home to a number of stunningly beautiful castles, and a number of them have been successfully converted into modern day accommodation.

Swinton Park – Masham

Swinton Park was once the home to the Cunliffe-Lister family. These days, however, it serves as a luxury castle hotel with 30 bedrooms for guests to choose from.

This beautiful English castle includes everything you would expect from a castle; long corridors, huge staircases, turrets and of course big beautiful bedrooms fit for a king.

Swinton park castle is the epitome of English country living and it’s easy to see why so many tourists choose to stay here. Prices for a room start around $260 a night, which is incredibly reasonable given the high quality of the accommodation.

Swinton Park Hotel, England by Michael King

Amberley Castle – West Sussex

Amberley Castle is an incredibly old fashioned castle; however the accommodation is both modern and incredibly luxurious.

On the outside, Amberley Castle appears almost ancient. A dated portcullis guards the gateway; but be brave, step through and you’ll be greeted with incredible architecture and beautiful landscaped gardens.

Inside the castle hotel you’ll find 19 luxurious and lavish bedrooms that contain relaxing features such as whirlpool bathrooms and beautiful four poster beds. All of this luxury starts at $375 a night; which may seem expensive but the experience is worth every cent.

There are lots of other castles in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland that you may want to consider, including:

• Ashford Castle – Ireland – Prices start from $488 per night
• Ruthin Castle – Wales – Prices start from $107 per night
• Fenton Tower – Scotland – Prices start from $244 per night
• Balfour Castle – Scotland – Prices start from $320 per night

Amberley Castle, England by Steve Winton

France

Like the English, the French have a long and strong bond with their ancestral monarchy, and over the centuries a number of castles have been built throughout France.

Hôtel de la Cité – Carcassonne

The Hôtel de la Cité is a romantic castle hotel that serves Michelin-starred food accompanied with the finest wine.

This picturesque castle will have you feeling like royalty, and the castle now resides within the protected boundaries of the UNESCO heritage site.

During the day you can expect to share the grounds with tourists and daytrippers, but by night the grounds will be void of people, expect of course for you and your partner.

The Hôtel de la Cité offers some amazing views, and you can be sure that the experience of a stay at this castle hotel will be unforgettable. Prices start from $465 per night.

Hôtel de la Cité – Carcassonne, France by elPadawan

Château de Bagnols

Some people have a very visual expectation of a castle’s features, and when they visit a castle they expect the ‘whole hog’; a drawbridge with a moat, defensive towers and of course defensive arrow holes.

The Château de Bagnols is a French castle hotel that meets and even exceeds even the most picturesque perceptions of a castle. If you’re keen to avoid the contemporary design of modern hotels then you’ll fully appreciate the traditional and lavish décor of the Château de Bagnols.

Antiques and works of art are used to decorate the exquisite and luxurious 21 rooms and apartments, but these incredibly high standards come at a price, as rooms start from more than $500 per night.

Château de Bagnols, France by Corona Mejora Tu Vida

If France doesn’t take your fancy, you can also visit baltictravelcompany to have nice view of castles in Eastern Europe. Also, last but not least some of the European castle hotels appealing to you and your partner:

• Schlosshotel Igls – Austria – Prices start from $231 per night
• Castel Porrona – Italy – Prices start from $193 per night
• Burg Wernberg – Germany – Prices start from $257 per night

Author Bio: Jason Phillips is a travel writer and loves to explore different places in the world. He also works for some travel sites.

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Spanish Riding School

A show that has been running for 440 years might not sound like the ideal way to entertain teenagers, but the performances put on by specially trained horses at the Spanish Riding School (Spanische Reitschule) at Michaelerplatz will impress even the most reluctant teen.  This supreme exhibition of equine power and grace is something any horse lover will remember forever.  Tickets are not cheap, but try to get front-row seats, as the cheaper ones will offer restricted views, and you won’t be able to appreciate the sheer magic in full.

Spanish Riding School, Vienna, Austria by Ethan Prater / License: Creative Commons

Kaffee und Kuchen

Viennese coffee-house culture appeals to all ages.  Whether you are a fan of lofty gilded ceilings and elegant snowy linens or you just cannot resist a good sugar rush, the cafe/bakeries of Vienna should provide a breathing space for all the family.  Even if your kids don’t appreciate the majestically historic settings, they are sure to enjoy a sumptuous stück of Sachertorte, with its dense chocolate interior, or a comforting wedge of apple strudel, warmly spiced and dripping with cream.

Prater

Although incredibly low-tech by the standards of most console-toting teens, the Vienna Prater is a proper amusement park that should awake a glimmer of excitement among your younger charges – especially if you let them batter you in the bumper cars.  A green escape from the city, the Prater is home to the Giant Ferris Wheel, one of Vienna’s most recognisable symbols and a great place to get a proper view of Vienna. It may seem so last-century to younger members of your family, but rent the classic thriller The Third Man before you leave:  There’s a legendary climactic scene set high up on the ferris wheel.  The Vienna Prater season runs from March to October, but the ferris wheel and some other attractions are open all year round.

Vienna Prater, Austria by Ethan Prater / License: Creative Commons

Danube Island

When they’re just one museum away from rebelling, underground lines U1 and U6 will bring you to the 21km-long seaside refuge of Danube Island.  Let them burn off energy (or resentment) swimming, surfing, careening down the waterslide, boating, cycling, skating, or playing beach volleyball while you lounge on the sand – or let them do the lounging while you burn off all that lovely cake.  It’s a great place for a picnic too.

Bungee Jumping

At 252 metres, the Vienna Donauturm is the tallest freestanding structure in Vienna and one of the 75 tallest towers in the world, making it the ideal location for a spot of bungee jumping.  Located close to the north bank of the Danube River in the Donaustadt district, the tower operates two high-speed lifts to a viewing tower, taking just 35 seconds to reach a height of 150 metres.  If this is not excitement enough, bungee jumping is offered from the observation platform during the summer months.

Danube tower (Donauturm), Vienna, Austria by Cha già José / License: Creative Commons

Aoife O’Carroll is a staff writer for Nova Car Hire, a convenient website for arranging car rental in 26,000 locations worldwide, including car hire in Vienna.

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1) Zurich

The number one place to live in Europe is Zurich. Zurich has a tiny population and a wealth of bars and restaurants as well as stunning views of the Alps. Taxes are some of the lowest in Switzerland and its education and medical facilities are superb. It is however extremely expensive and property here comes with an equally big price tag.

Zürich and lake Zürich, Switzerland by MadGeographer

2) Vienna

Voted number two is Vienna in Austria. The whole of the city centre in this beautiful city has been designated a UN World Heritage Site, and the city boasts an excellent education system and superb infrastructure. It hosts around 200 balls a year, the Opera Ball being the most famous, and a regular feature of the Viennese Carnival season.

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria by Gryffindor

3) Geneva

Next up and following very closely – if not jointly tied – is Geneva in Switzerland. One of the most attractive and cultured cities in the world, this really is a stunning city and offers a fantastic quality of life. More than 40% of the population here comes from outside of Switzerland which is a testament to its huge appeal.

Brundwick Monument in Geneva, Switzerland by Zeke

4) Dusseldorf

In fourth place is Düsseldorf in Germany with a great infrastructure and international transport system. Set on the banks of the Rhine, another stunning city in which to live – and especially work. This German bastion is known as a business and financial hub, as well as for its renowned artisanal beer, and an intense rivalry with the nearby city of Cologne.

Dusseldorf, Germany by Johann H. Addicks

5) Munich

Munich is very close behind. Possibly best known for Oktoberfest, a two week festival featuring the best in beers. The Munich Biennale is another draw for tourists, and a great example of the rich operatic culture in the city. Known for its publishing houses, Munich is a popular destination for emigrating editors and writers.

Munich, Germany by Diliff

6) Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the largest financial centre in Europe, with significant commercial interests. It is also the most expensive place to live in Germany, but is very family friendly, and is known as a ‘Green City’; with over half of the area within the city limits being protected outdoor space. It also boasts 8 festivals a year and two botanical gardens.

Saint Bartholomew’s Cathedral, Frankfurt, Germany by rupp.de

7) Bern

Number 7 in our list is Bern, again in Switzerland, the world’s second safest city and excellent medical facilities. Like Vienna, the town centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to 114 significant heritage sites, making it the perfect expatriate destination for history buffs.

Bern, Switzerland by Daniel Schwen

8) Copenhagen

Number eight in our list is Copenhagen, capital of Denmark, again, an expensive city but it does boast no less than eleven Michelin Starred restaurants, the best international schools and medical facilities. The city is also known for its exquisite promenades and waterfront structures, contributing to the cultural beauty of Denmark.

Amagertorv in Copenhagen, Denmark by Furya

9) Amsterdam

Number nine sees Amsterdam step up to the mark with its liberal attitudes, network of canals and a family friendly reputation. Reliance on cycling helps make the city a healthier place to live, and the gay friendly vibe contributes to the feel good atmosphere for residents. 55% of housing is government owned, with tenants heavily favoured by law – making Amsterdam a haven for renters.

Amsterdam, Netherlands by Swimmerguy269

10)Brussels

Finally Brussels in Belgium makes it into our top ten with great schools and a thriving ex pat community. It has a mainly bilingual population, speaking both Dutch and French (making the city more accessible). In addition, 25% of the population are of Muslim background, making it a great place for Islamic expatriates.

Brussels, Belgium by Wouter Hagens

Written by Helen Shepard from Movers International, a professional ex pat with a spirit of wanderlust.

The post Top 10 Cities In Europe appeared first on Europe Explored.

1) Alpbach

Atmosphere is the name of the game at Alpbach, and boasts absolutely gorgeous scenery for beginners and pros alike. While Alpbach is more tailored for those new to the sport, good snow conditions will pose a challenge for skill sets of all levels. A nursery slope is a mere five minutes away from the main ski area, perfect for practicing snowploughs after a tough lesson, so bring the kids!

A view from Alpbach ski resort, Austria by mapryan

2) St Anton

There are a few reasons why St Anton is one of the top 3 ski resorts in all of Europe, but don’t be lured in by the beauty of this place. St Anton is primarily for serious skiers, and is not recommended for those new to the sport. However, there are a few resorts for the less-serious just a short bus ride away, so don’t let that stop you from encouraging a few of your beginner friends to tag along.

Skiing in St Anton, Austria by vuorikari

3) Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel is known primarily for its beauty and charm. While the annual Hahnenkamm — one of the toughest downhill courses in all of Europe — is held here, what Kitzbühel is really known for is its charm. Warmly welcoming skiers of all skill levels, Kitzbühel is both gorgeous and family-friendly. Even the non-skiers will enjoy their stay here, as the streets are lined with quaint boutiques, luxury hotels, and other trappings that rarely show up at an Austrian ski resort.

Skiing in Kitzbühel, Austria by Mahmut

4) Ischgl

Ischgl is for all you party people out there that love the nightlife just as much as your pair of skis. While Ischgl is not the cheapest of ski resorts, the atmosphere from late afternoon into the early morning hours is electric. Jovial and amicable people dance around every corner, making Ischgl party-central as far as Austrian ski resorts go with some great Austrian ski chalets that you can stay in and recover after the nights activities.

Ski slope in Ischgl, Austria by Leo-setä

5) Obergurgl

Last on the list is the family-friendly Obergurgl, the best Austrian ski resort to take the little ones to. At an extremely high elevation of 1,930m, Obergurgl guarantees snow for a longer season that most ski resorts you’ll find in Austria. While the ski area is somewhat small which will likely irritate experienced skiers, this cozy resort will always have your children within eyesight.

Skiing in Obergurgl, Austria by BeardyRob

There you have it! The five best Austrian ski holiday resorts — now get out there and hit the slopes!

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by m.prinke

Tyrol is one of the most popular Austrian lands at all – not only because of its landmarks such as mountains, forests, mountaineering and winter sports, but also because of traditional folklore. Land, situated to the west of Austria is divided into a larger North Tyrol and smaller East Tyrol. Those two parts are separated by the city of Salzburg. But its metropolis and the largest city of the Land is Innsbruck.

The entire area of Tyrol is covered by Tyrolean Alps. Broad and deep valley of the Inn river forms a natural border between the northern – limestone Alps and central – crystalline Alps.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by NH53

Tyrol is now mainly known as winter ski vacation, the most famous centers include Kitzbühel, St. Anton im Tirol, Kaiserwinkl or Lienzer Dolomiten. All Tyrolean ski areas have high quality facilities and offer a wide range of sports. Great selection of slopes, sun and snow will satisfy even the most demanding skiers. Evening staying in a nice warm pub with good food and “schnapps” with a typical Tyrolean background music enhances the mountainous romance.

Equally attractive is the Tyrol in the summer, which is a popular destination for hiking. The most beautiful trails leading across the Stubai Alps, Ötztal Alps, Kitzbühel Alps and Zillertal Alps, can be defeated on foot or by bike. Natural beauty of mountain valleys, streams and snow-covered Alpine peaks scenery guarantee an unforgettable holiday. The more experience you can enjoy by visiting the renowned summer Festival of Early Music at Ambras Castle. You can stay in Tyrolean metropolis and enjoy the quality and hospitality of Innsbruck hotels or after a hard sporty day relax in numerous thermal baths and water worlds.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jiuguang Wang

And how did the period get its name? Just after Hallstatt village, which was at that time an important trading center. There was the salt mined in its vicinity, which was also exported to far away places. The history of the local salt mining extends at least from 2nd millennium BC up to the present and gave the region not only wealth and prosperity, but also created a specific cultural landscape, where nature blends with human activity in unusual harmony. It also led the Commission of UNESCO to add this area “Hallstatt-Dachstein Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape” on the list of World Heritage in 1997.

Very interesting on Hallstatt is that it has long been accessible only by boat across the lake, or along narrow mountain trails. The first road was built along the shore in 1890, but only thanks to the power of explosives. Despite of this apparent inaccessibility the people settled here anyway seven thousand years ago. The rich history recalls not only architecture of Hallstatt, but also the local museum, which collects extensive archaeological excavations. Many of them come from the necropolis on the plateau above the town, where were discovered the remains of 4,000 people. And those remains were the main reason to name the period as “Hallstatt period”.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Party Lin

It is understandable that many places in Hallstatt are related to salt. The local salt mines are reportedly the oldest in the world and you can see them in an unusual museum. Why unusual? Well, how many museums have you visited which had 64 metres long wooden roller coaster…? But the underground salt mines offer much more than this unusual attraction. You can learn about the life of people who mined salt here for thousands of years. The body of one of them was found here in 1734, perfectly preserved by salt. Notable is also an underground salt lake with an area of ​​1400 m2.

If you already have enough salt, you can target the other wonders of the underground world – Dachstein ice caves. And because we are in the Alps, it is not necessary to say that you can see lots of interesting also on the surface. Whether it’s a remarkable historical buildings, or simply “just” beautiful countryside with fresh air and a nice panorama of mountain giants.

There are lots of Austria hotels in the town as well as camp sites at the shores of the lake. Hallstatt is also a great starting point for your hiking tours around the mountains.

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Photo by oetztal.com

Ötztal Valley Resorts have a total of more than 300 km of ski slopes, which lie at an altitude ranging from 1377 to 3340 meters above sea level and thus can boast an elevation of nearly 2,000 metres. The most famous ski resort of Ötztal is exclusive Sölden, which offers about 150 kilometers of ski slopes, spreading partially on two glaciers and three peaks with a height exceeding 3,000 meters above sea level. This makes Sölden really a unique ski resort in Austrian Alps. More than 100 kilometers of slopes has another luxury resort Obergurgl-Hochgurgl. But Ötztal is also suitable for cross-country skiers as you can find here around 185 kilometres of cross-country trails.

Ski pass prices and opening hours
Lifts in the Ötztal runs from 8:30 to 16:30. One-day ski pass costs €45 in the most popular resorts like Sölden and Obergurgl-Hochgurgl, and six-day ski pass costs about €230.

Also an offer of après-ski activities is on a high level in Ötztal. In addition to restaurants, bars, shops, you can try out all sorts of winter sports and the icing on the cake is a luxury aqua park situated in the town Längenfeld.

For further info visit oetztal.com website.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Florin Chelaru

The complex was built in the early 11th century, and was known also as Amras or Omras. Thus, long before the nearby Innsbruck became a city, Ambras Castle was known as a centre of the region. But the original castle has been totally destroyed in 1133.

Some parts of the castle were repaired and later, in 1580, was rebuilt into Renaissance chateau by Prince Ferdinand.

Photo by khm.at

There is a minibus running from the city centre to the castle every half an hour. In the Ambras castle you can see the collection of armor and weapons of Ferdinand II. In the summer months, the castle holds known, very popular Festival of Early Music. Management of the castle emphasis on attracting families with children. Countless surveys made especially for children with the first-class programs will show and describe a world of knights to all young visitors. In the courtyard, the adjacent park or in the surrounding forests you can find lots of benches for rest. All the trails around are accessible also with prams. There is a number of tame squirrels in the park which can be a special attraction for children.

The castle is opened daily from 10am to 5pm and the basic adult ticket costs €10. For further information visit https://www.khm.at/en/plan-your-visit/ambras-castle/

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