Creative Commons Photo by Thomas Hawk

Regional Cuisine

Although we tend to think of all Italian food as being from Italy, Italians will quickly remind you that different recipes have their origin in the different regions of Italy.  The very healthy Italian diet that utilises grains, olive oil, fruit, vegetables, cheese and fish is widely adapted throughout the regions, each with their own special, way of producing their own regions speciality.  Much of the joy of a culinary trip around Italy is the unique blend of food and creating the perfect way to see the country.  Take these regions as an example to ‘whet” your appetite.

Tuscany

Visiting Tuscany won’t leave you disappointed.  Can there be anything more exciting than to savour cannelloni whilst enjoying a vista of lush vineyards, hilly vistas and medieval villages or a romantic farm tour complete with wine and cheese?  In Chianti, you can even have lessons from the locals and create your own edible cuisine.

Florence the capital city in Tuscany has its own special appeal and if you choose to visit Florence and enjoy the hundreds of sights it has to offer the millions of tourists who flock there ever year, don’t forget to take time to explore the culinary delights in this part of the country.  Do take time to devour a particularly delicious Florentine steak and if you like to indulge a little, try the delectable wines for which the region is infamous.

Southern Italy

Anyone who is serious about finding the best places to eat in Italy, won’t want to bypass Ceglie Messapica in the province of Puglia, where surrounded by vineyards and gardens, you can experience all that is the dining experience at Al Fornello da Ricci.  The menu offered here is a combination of family and tradition and is credited as making the town’s cuisine famous, not only in the province but in all of the country.

Whilst in the South, travel by car and ferry to the island of Sardinia, where not only can you enjoy the scenery on an island of unparalleled beauty, but also try a delicious tuna bottarga..  a prized dish that is simple but traditional and often described as the Sicilian caviar for good reason.

Naples

Naples is the third largest city in Italy and is the capital city of the Campania Province. Heavily influenced by its proximity to France, the pastries and pizzas that hail from this part perfectly complement the city that is famous for its culture and romance.

There are few travel destinations, which can compare with a road trip around Italy, enjoying its scenery and its cuisine.  Indulge your appetite and your senses and enjoy Italy as someone once said “a bite at a time.”

If you fancy taking a culinary road trip in this amazing country, make sure you compare car hire prices before you travel.  You can compare car rental prices globally with erentals.co.uk.

The post Take a Culinary Road Trip Around Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Mishkabear

If you’re planning a trip to Spain in the future, these are some items you should definitely put in your itinerary:

1. Check out the Alhambra Complex.

The Alhambra is a breathtaking palace complex constructed by Moorish rulers in the mid-14th century. This fortress is so vast that it will take you practically an entire day to explore it!

2. Visit the Cathedral of Santiago.

Located in Galicia, the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is one of Europe’s oldest churches and one of Spain’s most popular tourist spots. You will be amazed at this cathedral’s grand architecture and lavish interiors!

3. Visit the Guggenheim Museum.

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, designed by architect Frank Gehry, is one of the most unique buildings in the world. Catch world-class exhibitions inside this museum of modern and contemporary art.

4. Go skiing in Sierra Navada.

If you’re craving a little snow adventure, then head on to the Sierra Navada Mountains to do some skiing. The best months for snow are December up until April.

5. Walk by the Old Town of Avila.

The Old Town of Avila boasts of the most preserved and beautiful medieval walls in all of Spain and even Europe. Visit the Old Town of Avila and see just why it was made a World Heritage Site.

6. Stop by Cibeles Square.

Are you a Real Madrid football fan? Pass by Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid and have your photo taken at the traditional spot where die-hard fans celebrate their football team’s triumphs.

7. Spend a few hours at Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park.

If you’re looking to spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying the beautiful outdoors, then head on to Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. You can also take the family for a scenic climb or hike!

8. Check out San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

This historical landmark less than an hour away from Madrid is home to the mausoleum where all Spanish kings and queens are laid to rest. If you’re a history buff, you’ll definitely enjoy the guided tour!

9. Witness the Running of the Bulls.

This 7-day festival in Pamplona is one of the most thrilling spectacles you could ever witness. Run with the bulls or watch others do it! Either way, your adrenaline will surely be pumping!

10.  Stroll around Las Ramblas.

Check out this lovely street in Barcelona lined up with charming cafes and restaurants, outdoor markets and various boutiques. You can also shop and dine at the indoor shopping center located at the end of the pier.

11.  Shop at El Rastro.

El Rastro, one of the largest open air flea markets in Spain, is a wonderful place to dine and shop to your heart’s delight. Bargain hunters most certainly need to do their shopping here!

12.  Experience Gaudi’s Architecture.

No trip to Spain is complete without experiencing Antoni Gaudi’s marvelous and magical architecture. Parc Guell, in particular, is home to tilting buildings, elaborate fountains and colorful tiles.

Of course, there are so many wonderful things to do and see in Spain. These are just 12 of the items to put on your itinerary the next time you are headed to Spain in order to make your trip one for the books!

About the Author:

Kristine M. is an adventure blogger who writes about the most exciting places to be in. She greatly fancies the various activities that anyone can do in the bustling nightlife in the various cities around the world. During her spare time, she helps Broadband Expert, a high speed internet provider, with its office administration and blogging activities. Check out her next blog post for her next adventure.

The post Introducing Spain – 12 Places to Include in Your Itinerary appeared first on Europe Explored.

Šumava National Park is situated at the southwest border of the Czech Republic with Germany and Austria and is located in three different regions – Český Krumlov, Prachatice, and Klatovy.

There are many river springs. The major rivers in the area are the Vltava, Vydra and Křemelná, which create the river Otava at their confluence, then Volyňka, and Blanice. There are eight glacial lakes at about 1000 – 1100 m above sea level. On the Czech side of the Šumava they have an area of 42 ha, their names are Laka, Prášilské, Plešné, Černé, and Čertovo.

View Šumava National Park in Czech republic in a larger map

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