A view of Porto, Portugal by Sunny Ripert

The entire province that Porto is located in is an important commercial center for the country. Today you will find many fine buildings that span the centuries and include cathedrals, churches, mansions and so much more. Nearby, along the river Tâmega, you will find some of the finest mansions in the country, many of which can be dated back to the 17th century and beyond.

Along the banks of the Douro River, you can find the Caves do Vinho do Porto. There are several wine cellars which house more than 50 different types of wine. You can take guided tours throughout the cellars and even have the opportunity to taste some of the finest wines.

Many people chose to stop by and check out the 13th century Sé Catedral which houses many finer artifacts from across the centuries. Then there is the nearby Torre dos Clérigos which is a bell tower that was completed in 1763 and features 225 steps to the viewing level. The 19th century Palácio da Bolsa was the former home of the nation’s Stock Exchange but today stands as a beautiful example of some of the finest workmanship of the era.

There are many great locations throughout the region to experience the culture and history of Portugal. There is the Museu de Serralves which is a contemporary art museum that showcases an amazing collection of art from some of the best Portuguese artists of recent times. The Museu Municipal Abade Pedrosa is a museum dedicated to the medieval times and has a number of important artifacts from the era.

Porto Cathedral, Portugal by Gabriele Margapoti

You may also want to check out the Antiga Cadeia da Relação prison which is now home to the Portuguese Centre for Photography. The Edifício do Instituto do Vinho do Porto is the institute responsible for ensuring the quality of Douro wines.

For some rest and relaxation, you can stop by and visit the Jardim de São Lázaro gardens which were developed back in 1834 or the Jardim do Passeio Alegre gardens which date back to 1870. For the ultimate treat though, spend a day at the Termas de São Vicente hot springs where you can get that much needed rest and relaxation you have been searching for.

Just do not forget that you cannot leave Porto without visiting the Citânia de Sanfins ruins. This 15 hectare archaeological site is the location of some of the most important findings on the entire Iberian Peninsula. You will see ruins from both the Neolithic as well as the Palaeolithic Eras. There are roads and buildings as well as baths that can be dated back several thousand years.

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Hagar Qim, Neolithic Temple; Malta by John Haslam

The Four Malta Museums

The four Malta museums opening their doors throughout Valletta and Gozo include the Folklore Museum, the Gozo Museum of Archaeology, the Gozo Nature Museum and the Old Prison. With such a wide variety to suit any taste, mood or goal, there is no excuse not to take a trip out and see the sights and soak in a bit of cultural history. The museums themselves contain many key exhibitions that many will not experience in a lifetime and Heritage Malta has taken the opportunity to offer massively discounted memberships to the visiting public. The memberships entitle visitors to a host of benefits such as discounted visits, newsletters and events specifically hosted for card holders.

Ancient Pre-History

Not many people realise how many years of history is contained upon the island of Malta; museums feature art from centuries ago while megalithic structures dated to pre-history scatter the country. More than a few World Heritage Sites are situated on the island and the four museums that are opening their doors for free are a great start on a journey of discovery. While the island if teeming with underground tunnels and megalithic structures, only speculation can be made about what their purposes were in ancient times and this mystery is part of the appeal to visitors.

Diverse Cultural Background

The history of Malta is contained within their museums with ancient Phoenicians, Biblical figures, knights of the Crusade and even more contemporary World War history all telling an overall tale of the cultural history of the island nation. Mediterranean does translate into Middle Earth and with Malta at the centre of that, it’s no small wonder that so many important cultural and historical features exist there. A Malta museum is a gateway into millennia of history and the open doors of Heritage Malta’s museums begin that journey for many visitors.

Eugene Calvini is a writer addicted to Malta holidays for rest and relaxation; he enjoys sharing the many aspects of Malta so that others may share his experiences.

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The Nutshell – Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk

This pub is famous simply because it is the smallest pub in England. If this doesn’t spark your curiosity, then perhaps the dimensions will: The Nutshell is only 15 feet wide by 7 feet deep. Interestingly, it has been the same way since it was built in 1867. This pub has made the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest pub; even though it is said to feel crowded with only 10 people, 102 have once fit inside! After a long day of exploring and driving, pull your car over and enjoy the bizarre atmosphere of this famous bar.

Photo of Nutshell – smallest pub in England by Karen Roe

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks – St Albans, Hertfordshire

It’s likely you and your car are starting your journey in London. After navigating your way out of Heathrow airport, Ye Olde Fighting Cocks is a relatively close drive. Just North of London, this pub is the oldest in England. While some records state that this pub opened in 1129, there are some records of monks selling alcohol in this building as far back as the 700s! The interesting octagonal shape of the building (supposedly for cock fighting), the very low ceilings and the attached cellar will make you feel like you’re eating and drinking back in time.

Photo of Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, UK by Legis

The Old Silent Inn – Stanbury, West Yorkshire

There’s no bizarre or quirky reason to make a special visit to this pub. Simply, it is a great stop because of its fantastic location in the midst of the Bronte region of the UK. While sipping a local brew, you will look out onto the moors, the sheep and the ruins. To add to the picturesque scenery, The Old Silent Inn is famous for its friendly service, and good food and drink. If you’re planning on heading to the North part of the country during your road trip through England, this pub is a must-see after a long day in your car. In addition to the stops you’ve already planned for your road trip through England, traveling by car will also allow you to easily get to all these famous pubs. After a great day of driving, traveling by car will let you visit some very memorable pubs. You can eat and drink like a monk, a Victorian and a Bronte all on one road trip!

Susan enjoys traveling by car around the country and blogging about it, she also enjoys not driving a new car, but only buys and drives used cars, she picks up at car acutions or rental agency used car sales.

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Cathedral de Notre-Dame, Strasbourg / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by frank müller

If you are in Strasbourg with your family, you can pay the La Vaisseau museum where the kids can enjoy the exciting displays at the science museum. Besides the La Vaisseau, the Musee de L’Oeuvre Notre-Dame Museum is another enthralling attraction that is popular with tourists who love culture and history. Originally part of a cathedral, the museum is currently an archive that curates various renaissance artifacts such as sculptures and paintings. If you love the outdoors, you can take a bike tour of the most popular attractions with tourists in Strasbourg. A bike tour through Faubourgs is a sure way to experience the stunning beauty of the architecture, and cultures of Strasbourg’s suburbs of Neudorf and Neuhorf.

Another exciting way to enjoy Strasbourg’s attractions while on holiday in France is to go for shopping. The city is a classic shopper’s paradise with numerous restaurants and shops in the city center. One major attraction for the throngs of tourists and residents of Strasbourg who are keen to shop is Place des Halles. It is located a short distance away from the city center and is endowed with over 100 shops as well as restaurants and pubs. If you are looking for affordable outlets to buy local fabrics and technology gadgets, there are numerous shopping outlets in rue des Juifs and rue de la Lanterne whicha are all situated in Place des Halles. Visitors who are interested in the high-end market can get classy designer wear from Galaries Lafayettes, while those who have an expensive taste for food and wines can try out the Norma where there is a fabulous collection of foodstuffs and champagne.

There is a wide variety of nightlife activities that Strasbourg has to offer. You can choose from electrifying nightclubs such as Bar Le Zoo and La Salamandre, or exciting bars and pubs such as Acade’mie de la Bie’re and Café Brandt, or party up in the rocking discotheques such as Le Chat Noir, Le Chalet, and Le Retro. They all offer exquisite drinks and arrange for live performances to keep their patrons fully entertained. You can also enjoy theatre and opera performances at Theatre National de Strasbourg and the numerous opera houses in the city.

Written by Mike who writes for www.frenchtravelguide.co.uk and enjoys blogging about his day trips to London at www.londondaytrip.co.uk you can follow him on twitter @payt

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Granada

Granada is recognized as the most affordable city for travelers in Spain but in this case inexpensive doesn’t mean worse as the city has a lot to offer to visitors especially in terms of cultural highlights. Granada is popular for its “Flamenco” Music and Islamic influence. Tourists can’t miss to visit the small “Muslim Town” where the best of the Islamic culture is available to see. The “La Alhambra” is a palace and Arabic citadel located in the Muslim Town offering a unique cultural approach to visitors. Bakeries in Granada are considered some of the best in the world.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Antonio Pérez

As mentioned before affordable accommodations in Granada are not hard to find and the options are numerous. Granada is geographically located at the foothills of “Sierra Nevada” where 3 popular rivers (Darro, Beiro and Genil) interconnect its waters. The Sierra Nevada Station hosted the Ski World Championship in 1996.

Sevilla

Ancient architecture in Sevilla is a highlight for visitors. Hundreds of years of culture and history almost everywhere you look. The cathedral known as “La Catedral de Sevilla” and “Avenida de la Constitucion” or Constitution Avenue are 2 main locations where you can become one with the community and learn all about their different cultural backgrounds that include Catholicism, Judaism and Islam influences. Nightlife in Sevilla is everything but quiet with the bars known as “Bares de Tapas” leading the way to a great night experience. These bars are available almost at every corner in the city. You won’t be able to escape the Flamenco dancing experience by the end of the night you will be an expert.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Frank Kovalchek

Madrid

Madrid is a more cosmopolitan city where travelers can relax and enjoy traditional food at one of the many restaurants available or perhaps shopping a souvenir or two from the many stores in the city. Madrid is the safest choice for travelers to Spain. Soccer is a passion among the people in Madrid, almost all of them cheer for their local soccer team “Real Madrid Football Club”, if you have some extra time from your trip you might want to consider assisting to one of the games that take place year round.

Mario I. Scoggins was born in Spain but moved to Costa Rica in 1998 to work for www.sunsetscostarica.com/blog. He hopes to return soon to his beloved home land.

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