Consider Venice

If there is a city you should not miss when in Italy, it’s Venice! Mixing up at one of Piazza San Marco cafes for a foretaste of Venice’s design as well as the sea is the first thing to do before you go ahead to Basilica San Marco, Rialto Bridge and the Doge’s Palace. If you are an art lover, head straight to Peggy Guggenheim Collection to see some contemporary paintings from the 20th century. Wrap it up with a Gondola ride or go to a famous Carnevale, if you will be in Italy in February.

Streets in Venice, Italy / Photo by admin

What about Milan?

What do you know about Milan? Are you aware of the fact that it is the home of the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, the Duomo of Milan? Not interested in cathedrals? Then you should be in a park or in a museum, such as Castello Sforzesco, to see ancient musical instruments, or the city’s famous archaeology museum, which is filled with artifacts from the pre-historical era. La Scala Opera House and Museum is not only a tribute to Opera, but it is also a formidable piece of architecture. Daily guided tours in many languages are offered.

… And the capital city, Rome?

When in Rome, you will have an opportunity to see the many beautiful monuments, old ruins, and historic architecture, which are what so many are fascinated by. Also, do not forget to pay a visit a Vatican – the Pope’s residence has much to offer and you are sure to be impressed with some artistic works by Michelangelo.

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Florence is a big shopping deal

When looking for a fine shopping experience in Europe, Florence is the destination. Pick exquisite leather goods, jewelry, paper goods and almost any souvenir that comes to your mind. But Florence is not just about shopping – the famous Uffizi Gallery is a home of numerous renowned paintings by renaissance greats. The city’s cathedral is a notable sight, as well.

Tuscany

Nearby Florence lies in the beautiful region of Tuscany, the place of astonishing country lifestyle. Tuscany is the place to go if you love wine and simple but nice cuisine. It is considered to be one of the best places for honeymooners. Enjoy walking along mountain paths, visit Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano, Arezzo and Lucca. Tuscany also offers a very suitable accommodation option: the villas in Tuscany are famous for excellent service and fair pricing.

Jillian Johnson is a professional marketing content writer who blogs on a variety of topics. Follow her @MissWritey.

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Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain by Ramon Llorensi

City Highlights

This excursion gives you the chance to see the areas and landmarks of Barcelona that have made the city famous and characterise it to this day. Seeing the city on foot is also a great way to really immerse yourself in the local culture and engage with local residents as well as other travellers. Some of the highlights of this trip are the Gothic Quarter and the Spanish Village and two unforgettable places are the religious sites. The 600-year-old, quintessentially Gothic Cathedral of St Eulalia is built on the site of a former Roman temple to Hercules. The world-famous Sagrada Familia, designed by Gaudi, is spectacular despite still not being completed to this day.

For Football Fans

One of Barcelona’s greatest highlights is its football team. It’s renowned worldwide for its success, both nationally and internationally and usually fields a team of some of the footballing world’s best players. Their home is at the Nou Camp stadium, known locally as simply the Barca and a guided tour is a great way to soak up a real feel of the team and the ground. This tour allows you to pass through the visiting team’s changing room, down the tunnel and on to the pitch, as well as seeing other areas such as the press and interview rooms. There is also a great chance to wander round the Barca Museum, which houses memorabilia from the club’s immensely successful past.

Nou Camp stadium, Barcelona, Spain by Börkur Sigurbjörnsson

Sun and Sea

A chance to make the most of Barcelona’s coastal location is offered by the nearby town of Sitges, accessible by a 45-minute coach journey. This quaint town with its whitewashed houses has plenty on offer, from winding lanes with little shops to explore to seventeen beaches where you can relax, catch some sunshine and enjoy a cool drink. There is something for everyone in Sitges, whether you’re looking for sedate sunbathing or a frolic in the waves. If playing in the water is what appeals to you and your family, then a visit to Isla Fantasia is a must. It’s a giant water park with countless slides, splashdowns and a children’s area. A day at Isla Fantasia will be one that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Into the Mountains

For those who want to see the surroundings of Barcelona, a trip to Montserrat is a great starting point. Literally meaning ‘jagged mountain’ in Catalan, Montserrat is a striking feature of the local landscape and lies only a short distance from the city. One of the most interesting features is the 1000-year-old monastery nestled at the foot of the mountain which hosts the sanctuary of the Black Virgin of Montserrat a site of pilgrimage in the region. From the monastery, it is possible to take the rack railway to the summit of the peak, which is over 4000-feet high and offers spectacular views across the local area.

Any trip to Barcelona will allow you to experience cultural attractions, many great landmarks and hopefully some glorious weather too.

Post by Tony, a UK based travel blogger on behalf of cruise.co.uk.

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Or of course if you are not from the UK, why not pay us a visit? We have a lot more to offer than just the Olympics you know!

I love a sunny beach of course, but I also like a little culture and I love to explore, so this blog post is going to be about just that; exploring England and seeing what there is to be seen if you take the time.

Canterbury

Home to the oldest Cathedral in the UK in which Thomas Becket (the archbishop of Canterbury at the time and one of the most powerful men in the country) was murdered. Canterbury is also the setting of the Canterbury Tales by George Orwell and a world heritage site too.

Canterbury Cathedral, UK by David Spender

The Salisbury Plain

This is perhaps the most inspiring site in Britain and one of the most iconic in the world – I do of course refer to none other than Stonehenge. It dates back to prehistory and no one is quite sure how it was built, but what is certain is that it took many many hours and is a testament to what our ancestors were capable of.

Hastings

There was quite a well-known battle here in 1066 where rival armies fought for power over England. This city has been hugely significant in the UK’s history and there are even some nice beaches if the weather serves you well.

Blenheim Palace

Not heard of this one? It’s where Winston Churchill was born, but it has more history to it, dating back as far as the battle of Blenheim 1704. For the keen traveler though, the palace in itself is worth exploring and as it sits in 2000 acres of land there are plenty of opportunities for a walk.

Blenheim Palace, UK by Roger Wollstadt

Winchester Cathedral

This is the longest gothic cathedral in Europe and is a breathtaking piece of architecture, particularly when you consider that it is over fifteen hundred years old (built in 642AD). Oh and for book lovers, Jane Austen is buried here too.

Summary

All of these places just give you a sample of what south England has to offer the historic traveler. Hopefully I have wetted your appetite to explore some more.

This post was brought to you by Ricky from BristolAirportParking.

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Tossa del Mar, Costa Brava / Jay Cross

Going Back in Time

The Costa Brava is an ancient region and nowhere is this more evident than in Tossa del Mar, where the Vila Vella is an amazing sight. The name means old town. It’s a well preserved walled city, part of which was constructed in the 12th century. Later additions included the fortifications, completed some time in the 14th century. There are other sights to see nearby (such as the Sant Vincenc Gothic Cathedral and a striking lighthouse) so it’s worth planning a day trip to this area.

Going even further back in time, you can also explore the area’s medieval history. Ulla is worth a look and you can also visit the medieval ramparts of the Torroella de Montgrí in La Bisbal. Summer offers a surreal experience as you listen to the sounds of a modern music festival in this ancient setting. And the time travel experience doesn’t end there. The early Iberians left traces of their passage on the Sant Andreu mound – find out more about these 7th century settlers in the archaeological museum in Ullastret.

La Bisbal d’Empordà (Costa Brava) / Jean Robert Thibault

Exploring Natural Beauty

While there’s plenty of natural beauty on show as you walk or drive along the Costa Brava region, there’s one more must-see for nature lovers – the Santa Clotilde Gardens. These exquisite gardens are done in an Italian Renaissance style with fountains and ornate sculptures set among the beautiful flora. The gardens’ location on a hillside give access to gorgeous views and if you look carefully, you might be able to spot Fenals beach, which makes a nice place to relax after your visit.

There’s lots more to see on the Costa Brava, but these attractions make a good starting point for a memorable and enjoyable visit.

Marian Jaime writes for Suntransfers. She recommends the company’s’ low cost airport transfers from Barcelona to get your holiday off to a wonderful start.

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Vila Vella

Tossa del Mar’s Vila Vella (old town) is one of the most striking sights in this part of the world. Standing 70 metres above sea level and offering great views of the rugged coastline that gives the area its name, it is the best preserved walled city along this coastline. The city dates back to the 12th century but the fortifications continued to be extended until the late 14th century. This area also offers access to other interesting sights, including the ruin of the the Sant Vicenc old Gothic cathedral, the 14th century governor’s house which now houses the Municipal Museum, and the lighthouse. This area is well worth a visit.

Vila Vella, Tossa de Mar, Spain / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Alex Alishevskikh

Dali Museum

If you’re visiting this part of the world, don’t miss the chance to see the Portlligat House-museum where Salvador Dali lived and worked from 1930 to 1982. It started as a fisherman’s hut, but Dali extended it over the years. Now, it’s more like a labyrinth with surprising objects around every corner. Even if you’ve already visited one of the other Dali museums at Figueres and Pubol, this is a must for Dali fans.

Santa Clotilde Gardens

If enjoying nature is your thing, then you will love the Santa Clotilde Gardens. Like many Costa Brava sights, this garden is perched on a rocky hillside with amazing views of the sea and coastline. This is a beautiful Italian-Renaissance style garden which means plenty of sculptures and fountains to accompany the flowers and plants. The gardens provide a relaxing, enjoyable interlude for sun-seekers and when you’re done, head down to the small shingle beach at Fenals – it’s beautiful!

Catalunya Lloret de Mar – Jardins de santa clotilde, Spain / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jaume Meneses

Medieval Costa Brava

The Costa Brava is a great place to explore the mediaeval period, which was very important to the region’s history. Of particular note are La Bisbal, which boasts a city centre castle, Toroella de Montgri, which has medieval ramparts (and a summer music festival to boot) and the mediaeval village of Ulla, but there are many more – any drive in this part of the world will bring you to one.

Toroella de Montgri, Spain / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jos Dielis

To go even further back in the region’s history, check out the Iberian settlement on Sant Andreu mound just past Ullastret. You can see signs of how the inhabitants lived in the 7th century and explore the period further in the Ullastret Archaeological Museum.

There’s so much to see in this part of the world that this is only a short introduction. You’ll soon be able to add some favourite Costa Brava attractions of your own.

Ready to see the Costa Brava? Marian Jaime recommends Suntransfers’ taxis from Barcelona Airport to start your holiday right!

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Greg Pye

Faro was originally just a fishing village built by the Romans, who called it Ossonoba. In 1249, thanks to Alfonso III. was freed from the power of the Moors and became to prosper as a city. But in 1596 a city suffered a damaging blow, it was burned by the Earl of Essex, who was a great favorite of Queen Elizabeth I. And later, in 1755, it was damaged again during the massive earthquake. Although the remnants of ancient city walls managed to preserve until today, most of the beautiful buildings either did not outlast the destruction or have been largely damaged. So the buildings that you can see today in Faro, come mainly from the late 18th and 19th century.

Faro is now a beautiful coastal city protected by a low sandy islands Ilha de Culatra, Ilha da Barreta and Ilha da Faro. Unfortunately, many tourists pass Faro without stopping here, even though it has the largest number of cultural and historical monuments from all the towns in the Algarve region. Preserved old town center around the cathedral and behind the old city walls, definitely worth a visit.

The historical center of Faro can easily be explored on foot. It lies in a small bay and is partly surrounded by medieval walls. The old harbor area has arched entrance gate with a bell tower called Arco da Vila. This arch was built in the 19th century for Bishop Dom Francisco Gomes do Avelar, who has decided to rebuild the dilapidated city. Street behind it, paved with cobblestones, leads to a beautiful Largo da Sé Square, where you can see the cathedral. From the original Gothic cathedral from the 13th century, which was destroyed in 1596 by English forces led by the Earl of Essex, are preserved only unusual tower, covered porches and two inner chapels. The reconstruction of the cathedral took a long time, so it is now built both in Renaissance, and Baroque style.

Inside the cathedral you can see a huge pipe organ decorated with spectacular Chinese motifs. During festive occasions, there are playing Europe’s leading organists. The cathedral also houses one of the most important Algarve’s collections of sacred art from the 17th and 18th century. And its tower offers a beautiful view of the city.

On the square Largo da Sé is also a Bishop’s Palace Paço Episcopal. If you go through another stone arch in Arco Repouso, walk up to the church of São Francisco, which was built in the 18th century. It is decorated with tiles and scenes from the life of St. Francis. Further north, another church rises in Pé Nossa Senhora da Cruz, who is an exceptional oil paintings depicting episodes from Genesis.

In the monastery Convento de Nossa Senhora da Assunção (Monastery of Our Lady of the Assumption), which is the oldest Renaissance building in the Algarve, is probably the most beautiful cloister in southern Portugal, which was built in 1540 by Afonso Pires. The monastery was founded by Leonor, sister of Manuel I (king of Portugal). The monastery has been carefully restored and since 1973 houses a museum devoted to archeology where you can see the local archaeological finds. The collection includes also Roman, medieval and Manueline stone reliefs and sculptures. The main exhibit is a 2,000 year old Roman mosaic floor measuring 9 x 3 meters, showing a head of the god Neptune.

The most interesting church in Faro is Igreja do Carmo (Carmelite Church). It has an imposing facade with two towers and a beautiful gilded interior, but its biggest attraction is haunted Bone Chapel. Besides the Carmelite church from the 18th century is located another museum – Museo Marítimo exhibiting a small collection of marine exhibits, including model ships. You will see a flagship example of Vasco de Gama, which he used during his voyage to India. Plus you can learn here about the traditional methods of fishing on the coast of the Algarve.

The main artery of Faro is the elegant pedestrian street Rua de Santo António, which is full of shops, bars and restaurants. On the northeast of the city lies the Jewish cemetery, founded for the community, which was brought here by Marquis de Pombal in the 18th century.

About 7 kilometers from the town is a beach. The local coastline is attractive because it includes a number of small sandy islands with a unique nature reserve. In the vicinity of the bay is the Ria Formosa Natural Park, which is a favorite resting place for many species of migratory birds.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jannis Andrija Schnitzer

The cathedral was built over 600 years. Its eastern part with the chorus and part of the two towers were built in the year 1300. In the 15th century there was added the second floor to the south tower where was placed a bell. Towers were connected with the chorus through a long low building. Cathedral, as we know it today, was built in the 19th century of neo-Gothic style.

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Its official name is Hohen Dom zu Köln. The total length of the cathedral is 144.58 m, width is 86.25 m, and height of tower is 157 m. The median nave is 119 meters long and over 45 m wide, the higher one is the only cathedral in Beauvais, France (48.5 m). The church could accommodate 4,000 people and all windows cover an area of 10,000 m².

Everything that was newly built since 1842, was built according to the original medieval plans.

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The Romans founded the city in 71AD, naming the fortress town on the banks of the River Ouse Eboracum. It quickly became one of the most important cities in Roman Britain.

The name York came from the Viking word Jorvik, following their capture of the city in AD886. Even beyond the time of the Vikings York’s position by the Ouse and on the key trade route between London and Edinburgh meant is became a major transport hub.

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Although this slowly declined thanks to the rise of Hull to the east and Leeds to the west, the rise of the railways saw a revival in the city’s fortunes in the 1800s and in the modern era tourism and a reflection on its eventful and often grizzly past now dominates its economy.

Tourist attractions include York Minister, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe, which is located in the city’s heart. The labyrinthine York Castle and the city walls also point to its ancient past.

The ‘snickelways’ and ‘shambles’ are two excellently preserved examples of the small, winding medieval streets of yesteryear, containing an array of shops and food places to while away an afternoon or two.

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There are numerous museums and galleries to satisfy your culture fix with the Yorkshire Museum, Jorvik Viking centre, the National Railway Museum and the York Art Gallery amongst others. The Theatre Royal, Grand Opera House and Joseph Rowntree Theatre also mean your evenings are well catered for too.

As it is a town centred on tourism it is no surprise that accommodation-wise York has enough to satisfy all tastes and budgets. This ranges from basic accommodation found at the City’s University to the luxurious Royal York Hotel, comparable with the finest London Hotels or Dubai Hotels.

The kaleidoscopic clientèle from affluent tourist to impoverished student also means there are varied eating options available, from budget cafes, traditional pubs and quaint tea rooms to the height of luxury and fine dining.

Many visitors to England struggle to make it beyond the boundaries of London, and if they do it usually isn’t to venture north. However, those that do head to York will be rewarded with a city that offers all the charm England can offer with the facilities to meet the needs of even the most picky of tourists.

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Do not miss the visit of the Gothic cathedral from the 15th century. Nearby there are the caves of Castellana, which include (besides the Adelsberg cave) the most important cave systems in Europe. Caves that are long 1.2km (with side passages much more) are accessible with a guide and have 2 lifts. Above the caves there is a watch tower and the Cave Museum. In the nearby town of Fasano you can visit Zoo Safari with 600 exotic animals including lions, and the Dolphinarium. This part of Puglia is famous for the unique occurrence of the “trulli” – the dominant form of a circular brick houses with conical roofs in overlapping layers. Best Trulli and other precious relics are in Alberobello, Martina Franca and Locorotondo.

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Mechelen is situated in the “Flemish diamond” area, a densely populated part of Belgium, among the Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent and Louvain (Leuven). Found Artifacts from the period of La Tene, prove settlement already in the Iron Age (400 BC). Later there were Gallic-Romans in Mechelen and after those there were Germans.

In the 8th century, under the influence of Irish missionaries and preachers St. Rumbold, the residents went to Christianity. St. Rumbold’s Cathedral – Gothic cathedral is one of the landmarks of the city, built between 13th to 16th century, and has 97m high tower with two bells. The Cathedral is registered on UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From the 16th century it comes another important landmark of the city, Small and Large Béguinages (Begijnhof), a unique complex of buildings belonging to Beguines, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mechelen is a picturesque town with its typical atmosphere of winding streets, shops and cafes with a strong Belgian coffee or hot chocolate. In the center you will find a market where you can buy sweets. The best place for shopping is the square Ijzerenleen, which was famous in the Middle Ages for its fish market.

Another interesting tourist place in the city of Mechelen is the square Grote Markt, where you can find a statue of Margaret of York, and three current City Hall buildings: the late Gothic Paleis van de Groote Raad from 16th century, Gothic Belfort from 14th century and Lakenhal from 14th century. The square is surrounded by Renaissance buildings from the 16th century, rococo houses from the 18th century, and is dominated by the already mentioned St. Rumbold’s Cathedral.

In Mechelen you can find many other religious buildings, such as the Baroque basilica Basiliek van Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-van-Hanswijk and other churches.

Other important buildings in Mechelen are the late-Gothic palace of Margaret of York, which now serves as a theater and the Palace of Margaret of Austria, originally the seat of the High Court, today the Palace of Justice. The beautiful Renaissance palace gardens are now accessible to the public.

In 1835, the first railway on the European continent was built between Brussels and Mechelen.

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