Norwich

This is the main city is Norfolk and features an excellent combination of the old and new. While architecture lovers will be able to marvel at the finest collection of medieval architecture in the whole of the United Kingdom, visitors will also find an excellent range of modern amenities to make use of such as hotels, restaurants and shopping centres. The highlights of Norwich are many and varied and include the 12th century cathedral, the impressive castle and the interesting and informative Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery. Walking along the cobbled streets to browse for bargains in the city’s open-air markets is a popular pastime here, while visitors can get a real feel for the city by taking an atmospheric floodlit river cruise.

Norwich Castle, Norfolk, England, UK by Bluemoose

King’s Lynn

This picturesque town can be found on the banks of the gently flowing River Ouse and is famous for its historic attractions. Some of the highlights here include the renovated merchants’ houses at the waterside Boat Quay, the ornate Customs House and the Town House Museum of Lynn Life. King’s Lynn also boasts a richly varied entertainment and nightlife scene, and a wide range of musical events are regularly held at the Corn Exchange. Lovers of classical music will want to make sure that they catch a performance from the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra, while the town also features a collection of more than 40 pubs to choose from as well as eateries ranging from trendy bistros to cheap and cheerful cafes and just about everything in between.

Town Hall, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England, UK by Elliott Brown

Great Yarmouth

The coastal town of Great Yarmouth is the perfect place to relax and unwind on a sunny day, as it features a number of wide sandy beaches. This destination is particularly popular with families, who tend to divide their time between sprawling on the sand and exploring the amusement arcades located along the promenade. Other highlights here include the Tolhouse Museum and Old Prison, Yarmouth racecourse, Caister Castle and the enchanting Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens.

Regent Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, UK by mira66

The Norfolk Broads

This unnamed natural zone is a popular place to go hiking and trekking at any time of the year. A large number of trails run through the Norfolk Broads and offer visitors the chance to see a wide range of flora and fauna. Family run pubs and restaurants provide refreshment and occasionally accommodation to visitors and the area’s many preserved areas mean that this is a real haven for creatures such as the swallowtail butterfly and marsh harrier.

Hunsett Mill, Norfolk Broads, England, UK by Acme, Cristobal Palma Photography

Thetford Forest

Nature lovers will also want to take the time to explore this large and lovely forest while they are visiting Norfolk. The forest can be found just to the south of Thetford and offers visitors to take park in all the usual outdoor activities such as nature watching, wandering through the forest and mountain biking, while a whole host of amenities as well as comfortable accommodation options are available at the Centre Parcs holiday centre situated in the heart of the forest.

Thetford Forest, Norfolk, England, UK by Darren Bradnick

Written on behalf Holidays in Norfolk

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Surprising few things are known for this stable country, which gave birth to one of the first European cities and whose early painters have the merits for the inventing of the oil painting. Probably the lack of passionate nationalist feelings is result from the various cultures that have been melting for centuries. You will enjoy and incomparable vacation if you choose to visit Belgium and have a great stay at any of the vacation rentals here.

Belgium has a population of over 10 million people; it’s bordering with: Germany, Netherlands, France, Luxemburg and the North Sea on North West.

Bruges, Belgium by Coy!

Without even trying to be ostentatious, Belgium is able to enchant the visitors with a number of things: from the historically rich cities and the serene hillocky Ardennes to the wonderful cafes, bars and charming vacation home rentals which will make you feel at home. The official languages are three: Flamand, French and German. The capital of Belgium is Brussels- 80 % of which are French- speaking. Antwerpen is the world’s diamond trade center.

Bruges is the Flanders’s capital. Preserving its authentic medieval architecture, the city is one of the most visited places in Belgium. It has been announced as the European cultural capital in the year of 2002. The city’s central square is a colourful palette of flags, depicting lions and lilies- ancient families’ coats of arms. The square is surrounded by antiques and shops for the world famous needle lace.

Another popular sight is the Notre Dame Cathedral, whose construction took two centuries- from 13th to 15th – with a tower 122 meters high. It is the home for the Michelangelo’s Madonna of Bruges statue made out of white marble, depicting Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus; as well as the sarcophagus of Mary of Burgundy and Charles the Bold. There are plenty of hospitable apartment rentals located near it offering an excellent view of the Cathedral.

The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a unique edifice, consisting of two chapels, built one over the other. It is believed that the legend for the Holy Grail- the grail form which Jesus Christ sipped and which contained his blood after his dead, starts namely from here. Similarly to many other European cities, the City Hall is the oldest building- the Gothic edifice built between 1376-1420, stands proudly impressing with the facade of a stone lace.

Basilica of the Holy Blood, Bruges, Belgium by raider of gin

Bruges’s channels, also called The Venice on the North, offer tourist tours, combining in one splendid panoramas and the encounter with the medieval looking city, being a significant part of the world historical heritage. Let’s not underestimate the chocolate shops at every turn, which fragrance acts like a magnet for the visitors. No matter the occasion, which brings you in Belgium, the season or the vacation rental types accommodation you have choosen for your stay, you will surely enjoy a profound and unforgettable holiday with a scent of chocolate.

Article has been written by https://www.vacation-rentals.com/blog/.

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While you could easily spend a few months exploring the many corners of Krakow, should you be heading there just for a week, or even for a weekend, there are a number of key experiences that really should not be missed. I will now outline seven perfect ways to spend your time in this beautiful city.

1. People Watching at Rynek Glowny

Those that just want to sit and watch the world go by, would be hard pushed to find a better place in the whole of Europe. Krakow’s main square is not only the largest in Europe, it is also lined with over forty outdoor bars and restaurants. Regardless of whether you want to enjoy a light breakfast or an evening beer, you are sure to find the perfect place to sit and simply take in the scene. Day or night, the square is a hive of activity with an eclectic mix of both locals and tourists, bikes and horse drawn carriages.

Rynek Gowny, Krakow’s central Grand Square / Ana Paula Hirama

2. A Romantic Meal in Kasimeirz

The old Jewish district of Kasimeirz is one of Krakow’s most dynamic and cosmopolitan areas. At it’s center is, of course, a small square lined with bars and cafes but the real prize can be found in the many winding streets packed with quaint cafes and small art galleries. Incredibly popular with both students and tourists alike, no visit to Krakow would be complete without at least one night exploring this side of town. It is also the best place to go for romantic meal for two.

3. Explore the Hectic Nightlife

The two best places for a night out in Krakow are the Rynek Glowny area and Kasimeirz. The area around the main square is the part of Krakow that officially has more bars per square mile than anywhere else in Europe and there are countless clubs that don’t close until dawn. Kasimeirz on the other hand, while still offering it’s fair share of clubs, is known for it’s many chilled out student bars ideal for a few drinks in a significantly quieter environment.

4. Shopping at Galeria Krakowska

Located immediately next to the cities main train station, this shining example of just how fast Poland’s economy is growing immediately dispels any misconceptions that tourists may have about Eastern European cities. Encompassing three floors, countless fountains and an endless selection of designer clothing stores, those who love to shop will feel perfectly at home here. A wide range of dining options are available on the top floor, making the shopping center the perfect place for a relaxing day out.

Auschwitz-Birkenau, Oświęcim, near Krakow / Ian Rutherford

5. Explore Poland’s Tragic Past

Although Krakow offers visitors many illustrations of the atrocities of World War II, few are as harrowing as excursions to nearby Auschwitz. What remains of the largest German concentration camp has been open to tourists for many years and the wide range of tours available are both harrowing and highly educational. Although certainly not a pleasant day in the sun, a visit to this museum of one of humanities darkest times is not something that you are ever likely to forget.

6. A Romantic Walk Along the Vistula River

Culminating in the towering Wawel Castle, a stroll along the Vistula river is a wonderful way to spend a sunny day or a romantic evening. And thanks, to it’s convenient route, pointing the way from Rynek Glowny to Kasimeirz, the walk can easily be fit into even the shortest of visits to Krakow. Should you have the time however, why not hire a bike and really take advantage of the peaceful views on offer.

7. Visit the Tatra Mountains

The popular mountain town of Zakopane is just a two hour bus ride from Krakow and not only offers some fantastic hiking opportunities in Summer, it transforms into the most popular skiing resort in Poland each Winter. Many people are surprised to learn that Poland actually offers some tremendous skiing opportunities and unlike the Swiss Alps, a few days in the snow can be had on a backpackers budget. A word of warning however, don’t take the train which for some strange reason takes twice as long as the bus.

Zakopane in High Tatras / Ana Paula Hirama

This article was written by guest blogger and travel writer Nick. He writes for Cruise1st.co.uk.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT

Ajaccio

Ajaccio straddles a gorgeous bay and is very much a Riviera town with its spacious squares and elegant, upmarket marina. The towns are beautiful and tasteful with some fantastic restaurants and cafes. The 15th century Genoese citadel is a great place to wander and the muse Fesch is home to an incredible collection of renaissance paintings by Botticelli, Titian and Poussin. Of course the town’s beaches are a firm favourite with travellers and the Plage Trottel is the better of the two.

Le Golfe de Porto

Le Golfe de Porto region contains Corsica’s most beautiful landscapes and the blue bay and red cliffs make the area dramatic to say the least. The rock formations of Calanches de Piana are well worth visiting and the surrounding mountains and vast pine forests are a fantastic place to hike and enjoy yourself. Diving is also incredible here if you are feeling adventurous.

Calvi

Calvi is perhaps the most impressive town of Corsica and it certainly has the most impressive history and architecture. The 6km sandy beach is the biggest draw for many but beyond that the town is incredibly impressive. The imposing citadel of Calvi against the mountainous backdrop is an incredible sight to behold. The town itself plays home to the Haute Ville full of twisting cobbled lanes and stairways and the medieval architecture and beautiful street cafes are a fantastic place to stroll and relax. Villas line the outer reaches of town as you head to some of the most beautiful countryside and the mountains.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Pierre Bona

Corte

Corte lies at the base of a mountain range with stunning views and is one of the most idyllic locations of Corsica. The citadel and museum of Corsica make a great day trip and you can stroll the castle’s ramparts and enjoy a fantastic view. The town’s main street is a fantastic shopping and street café area with plenty of pokey boutiques and places to rest.

Bonifacio

Bonifacio’s location is what makes it so incredible. Its perched along an isolated peninsula at the most southerly point of the island. The town has a unique identity and the huge citadel is a great place to explore before walking along to the marina. The beaches along the coast are incredible and well worth exploring.

Where to stay
There are plenty of accommodation options on the island from camping to all-inclusive resorts. The main towns have an abundance of hotels with some particularly good ones to be found in Calvi. Along the coast there are few large resorts but villas in Corsica along small bays and in small villages are fantastic. Camping lets you get into the heart of Corsican countryside and is a great option for hiking and walking.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by McPig

Florence Cathedral is the fourth largest in Europe. Its construction started in 1296 by architect Arnolfo di Cambio. The main task of the architect was to create a huge cathedral, which size would express the growing importance of Florence, and overshadow the cathedrals in the competing cities, such as Siena and Pisa. Finally, there was built a huge, 106 meter high building that really can not be overlooked. Moreover, it is complemented by the largest dome since antiquity period. This masterpiece of medieval architecture was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. The dedication of the cathedral was in 1436. The original facade, of which only a quarter was completed by Arnolfo di Cambio was removed in 1587. The present appearance dates back to 1887, when the Florence Cathedral got the colourful Neo-Gothic facade.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Ed Webster

Rich outdoor decor contrasts markedly with, at first sight, a simple interior. The building is so obvious that the main aim of the architects was the size. However, if you look carefully, you discover a surprising number of art treasures. One of them is the crypt, where can be seen remains of the former church of Santa Reparata, and the dome, which is a masterful architectural work of Brunelleschi, and which offers a beautiful view of Florence.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Ed Webster

In Florence Cathedral you can also admire great paintings. On the left side you can see such as Dante and the Divine Comedy by Domenico di Micheli, equestrian portraits of Sir John Hawkwood by Paolo Uccello or Niccolo da Tolentino by Andrea del Castagno.

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The real treasures of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore include two sacristy. Sacrestia Nuova, which is the work of Michelozzo and Luca della Robbia, is paneled with wood and protected by a bronze gate. Above the entrance is a blue and white terra-cotta roundels from 1442 also by Luca della Robbia. By contrast, there is Sacrestia Vecchia, which is adorned with a similar roundels from the same artist. Between those two sacristies is the central apse, which houses the magnificent bronze reliquary in which are deposited the remains of the first bishop of Florence, Saint Zenobius.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Allan Engelhardt

The area of today’s town St. Albans was in ancient times inhabited by the Celts. Their village was located at Prae Hill, about two kilometres west of the city. The town was built around the Benedictine monastery, where was in year 324 executed the first British Christian martyr St. Alban.

For centuries, the town remained in the place of the most tumultuous events in the history of England. Originally a Roman settlement of Verulamium became the center of the province of Britannia, and later the leading spiritual centre of the region.

The local Abbey of St. Alban was founded in 793 and in 1553 transformed to the parish church. When St. Albans received the status of the city in 1877, it was appointed the Cathedral. This great example of medieval architecture still dominates the city. It features some Classical elements, such as murals on Norman pillars of the 13th and 14th century.

The oldest preserved part of the cathedral is the nave of the year 1077, which is the longest in England with its 84 meters. Arches built in the early English Gothic style come from the 13th century. In the cathedral you can find the remains of the shrine of St. Alban. It is a marble pedestal composed of more than 2000 small fragments. Next to it is a tomb of Duke Humphrey of Gloucester.

In St. Albans you can also visit the oldest surviving pub in England – Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, located on the street Abbey Mill Lane. It is also one of the most unusual constructions and originally served as a medieval dovecote.

According to the recent research of Nationwide Building Society, St Albans is now the 3rd most expensive city in UK (after the heart of London – Westminster followed by Winchester).

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Castillo de Coca is preserved example of medieval architecture in Spain. It is located above the river Voltoya and is protected by a broad and deep moat, which has a length of approximately 560 meters. It was built by Don Alonso de Fonseca, Archbishop of Seville in the 15th century. Besides its advanced defensive system, Castillo de Coca has also very nice interior decoration. Here you find Gothic ribbed vault mosaics and various geometric motifs.

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Castillo de Coca belonged together with castles of Cuéllar, Arévalo and Olmedo to a strategic fortification system. Thanks to the cleverly formed defence the castle was first occupied in 1808 by Napoleon’s army. In recent years, the castle was used as a forestry high school, but it is publicly accessible. Its main attraction is the decoration of the interiors and museum.

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Photo: karaco1971

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If you want a little rest and enjoy the atmosphere of the city you can not miss the waterfronts Granslei and Korenlei. At any time of day it is full of self-confident young people, mostly students of local universities, who will enchant you with their immediacy and helpfulness. Waterfront Granslei is typical for old guild houses with shields beautifully decorated, which are mirrored in the surface channel. Channels crisscrossing countless cruise ships full of curious tourists, which is the fastest way to experience all in an idyllic spot on the riverbank. If you get lost in small streets, you will be surprised by the number of caffes and many catering services for cyclists. Among other things, the Belgians take a bike as a natural means of transport anywhere in the office, on shopping, or on trips.

Much of the Gent’s medieval architecture remains intact and is remarkably well preserved and restored. The center of Gent is the largest carfree area in Belgium.

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In 1990 the historic center of San Gimignano has been included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is a good one-day travel tip for those visiting Pisa, Firenze and Siena.

San Gimignano is significant for its numerous medieval monuments. Most dominant are the already mentioned high ancestral towers. Unfortunately, only 15 of originally 75 towers survived until now, but they are still unique decoration of the city. You can find them in the old parts of the city – San Matteo and San Giovanni. At the time of their creation (in the year 1150) served to defend the city, but were also a symbol of prestige of the ruling families.

San Gimignano is situated at an altitude of 320 meters above sea level, so it also offers a great view of the surrounding hills and the Val d’Elsa valley. For those who wish to spend holidays in a quiet place surrounded by nature, far from the bustle of cities, San Gimignano is an ideal choice. Despite its considerable popularity and attractiveness, San Gimignano managed to retain its medieval character and unique atmosphere. Most tourists come here just for one day, and especially in the main tourist season, however off season the city is really quiet.

The city was built on the Via Francigena trail that led from Rome to the north, used mainly by traders and pilgrims. Later the settlement was renamed to Silvia. In the 11th century it was still just a small village with four houses, but in next hundred years grown to a smaller city. In 1348 the town was so weakened by constant fighting between the aristocrats and also by the plague, that they were forced to ask for a help of Florence.

By the time San Gimignano began to be attractive for Italian noble families who built magnificent palaces here. The city then experienced the largest glory, which was stopped in the 15th century. Since the beginning of the 20th century tourists from all over Europe began to explore San Gimignano and over time it became a popular tourist destination.

The most important sights include (in the addition to the stone towers) such as the city gate Porta San Giovanni of 13th century. Next to gate, among other medieval buildings, you can see the church of San Francesco. At the end of Via San Giovanni there is a medieval arch that connects two main squares, Piazza della Cisterna, lined with towers, medieval buildings and a range of tempting cafes, and Piazza del Duomo with two other landmarks: Collegiata and Museo Civic.

Another important monument is the Romanesque-Gothic church of Sant’Agostino from the 13th century or the ruins of Rocca castle with its public gardens. You can also visit a modest museum of religious art and archaeological finds – Museo d’Arte Sacra.

San Gimignano is worth visiting not only for its monuments, but also because of the amazing art gallery and great views of the Tuscan countryside.

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