Nice Holiday - relaxing Holiday

A vacation is probably the nicest time in the life of a person. Here one can be completely relaxing and recover from the everyday stress. Besides, a period which invites once more to the vacation stands in a queue in few weeks for many vacationers also with the wintertime and above all the Christmas holidays. All the same as one spends the days, the time should become nice. While some people escape from the cold temperatures and fly to the south, the main trend still lies to enjoy itself in winter on the ski runway. Since what fits better to the winter vacation than snow and the sport of the winter? Tirol in Austria is one of the areas in those one perfectly the winter can spend and also for the Easter time Tirol in Arlberg with the center is a Saint Anton an extremely popular holiday region. However, what does the holiday region around Saint Anton make so popular? How can one take in the region vacation? What does one need everything for a ski vacation? What does the holiday region Saint Anton make so popular? Saint Anton is beside Sölden probably the heart of the holiday zone Tirol. The town and also the region are known for her numerous ski runways and a vacation in this region connects the most different things. On the one hand is not natural also Saint Anton a town in that the party after the skiing may be absent, however, this is not to be compared to Sölden. In Saint Anton it is in general a little quiet. The characteristic feature is laid, on this occasion, on the skiing and the runways are suitable accordingly also for everybody well. There are the ski runways of the most different categories and also for Snowboarder and long-dated security a place is found in Saint Anton quick. The quiet atmosphere which one finds out on this vacation, linked with the sportiness on the ski runway are both things which mark such a vacation. How is vacation taken in Tirol or Saint Anton? Typically for the skiing areas in Austria are the awfully warm and comfortable ski huts which are made of the more often out of wood. These can catch differently many people and are attractive therefore for everybody no matter whether one liked to take rather vacation in twos or with 14 people on travelling goes. What does one need everything for a ski vacation? An available equipment for skiing is an advantage of course always, however, enough ski Hire St. Anton also exist. Many ski Rental in St. Anton offer from the ski up to the ski glasses everything what one needs as a skier and also for the Snowboarder the ski Rental in St. Anton holds almost everything. One needs to himself no worries make, because with a ski Hire St. Anton the vacation and the equipment is protected.

The Magic of Barcelona’s Modernist Art

No trip to Barcelona can be complete without a visit to the wonderful architecture of Antoni Gaudí. This Catalan architect is well known for his unique modernist art, and many buildings and even a park contain his work. While there are many examples throughout the city, below are the definite “must-sees” during your trip.

Temple de la Sagrada Familia

Perhaps the most famous of his works is the Temple de la Sagrada Familia (Temple of the Sacred Family). This magnificent construction was first built using the vision of the architects Martorell and De Villar. Antoni Gaudí then took over the project, but unfortunately passed away before the work was complete. Construction still continues and should you visit. This will be the first time you have paid to visit a construction site! Your contribution will help towards the ongoing work to complete this fascinating building.

Casa Battló

Next on your tour of Barcelona is Casa Battló in the L'Eixample neighbourhood. Originally Gaudí was commissioned to demolish the building and rebuild it from scratch, but he convinced the owner to let him completely redesign the existing structure.

This was back in the days when the Paseo de Gracia was undergoing a "keep up with the Jones'" battle with everyone trying to outdo each other with their architecture. Gaudí did an incredible job using tiles and scales on the exterior of the building, unique and beautiful interior design, and with his famous chimneys on the roof top. The balconies of this building appear to be made from large bones, giving an eerie effect when viewing the house.

Casa Milà

Nearby in the L’Eixample neighbourhood is another astonishing piece of architecture, Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera). Antoni Gaudí was commissioned by the industrialist, Pere Milà, to construct a building on the boundary of Barcelona and Gràcia, both as a family residence and also to be leased as separate dwellings or apartments.

Owing to the way its facade appears to be carved out of rock, the Casa Milà was nicknamed "La Pedrera", which means stone quarry. The house has amazing interior architecture, as well as the famous and fascinating chimneys on the rooftop.

As an interesting side note, the fascinating chimneys and roof features apparently inspired George Lucas when designing the costumes for the "Star Wars" movies.


Parque Güell (Güell Park)

Ideal for a restful stroll after your busy days in Barcelona, the park was originally planned to be a residential area. It is now a beautiful park with many wonderful Gaudí creations in tile work and stone. The views over Barcelona to the sea are simply beautiful.

Enjoy a rest on the “wavy benches,” or have lunch at the cafeteria, surrounded by wonders.

The park also contains the house of Antoni Gaudí, which is now a museum. Gaudí lived in the house from 1906 to 1925, one year before his death. The house was bought in 1963 by the "Association of Gaudí friends" and converted into "Casa Museu Gaudí," an interesting museum displaying unique furniture, drawings and decor designed by Gaudí himself in conjunction with Josep María Jujol.

So, pack the camera and plenty of batteries, and put on some comfortable walking shoes while you see the sights. For more information please visit All Barcelona Accommodation

Isola d’Elba – the jewel of Tuscany

The Isola d’Elba is the largest island off the region of Tuscany, Italy. Its stunning natural beauty has lead to it being a valued part of Italy’s third largest national park - Arcipelago Toscana National Park. Nowadays the island is perhaps best known for its scorching summer sunshine, pristine beaches and ‘o so peaceful’ secluded island life.



There is no doubt the island is any adventure seeker’s playground, the ragged coastline makes it any water sports enthusiasts’ haven, you’ll find many beaches offer water sports classes or tours such as windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing. (It’s also possible to hire all of this equipment privately).If you’re looking to sail the seven seas you can arrange to go on a boat tour or hire out your very own private speedboat. Often highlights include being taken to see the pirate shipwreck just off the island’s coast.

If you prefer to keep your feet firmly on solid ground, the Island you may be pleasantly surprised on the range of land activities available on such a small island. Apart from the obvious, such as shopping, discovering the local villages and eating out you may find a trying out one of the following activities will make for an unforgettable holiday.
For those who have a need for speed, the local go karting track provides the perfect opportunity in a family friendly environment. The café area beside the track is designed around an old yellow school bus, the table games (such as table football and air hockey) the high rise tables all give the place the feel of an American dinner - all in all it’s a guaranteed winner!



The islanders of Elba are very proud that the island was once a refuge for no other than Napoleon Bonaparte when he was exiled by….. As a result a popular attraction is Napoleon’s island estate which is open to the public. Beware – if you’re only visiting his humble abode to escape the rain, you won’t be alone. During the summer months, the number of visitors quadruples when bored beach goers are forced to find other ways to entertain themselves.
Finally if you’re a keen hiker or cyclist, Elba won’t disappoint. Popular routes include the beach trail and the steep climb up Monte Capanne. Don’t fancy braving the hike, but still want to witness the spectacular views across the island? Luckily there is also a cable car service which operates in high season so you won’t have to put in any of the leg work!

Day trips from Barcelona

We all love Barcelona, but if you’re here for a week or more, sometimes it can be nice and take a little break from the hectic hubbub of city life. Here are a few ideas of great day trips you can take from Barcelona.

Montserrat
Situated roughly an hour away from Barcelona, the mystical monastery of Montserrat feels worlds away. Getting there is simple enough, hop on the ferrocarril (train) from Sants train station and from there you will have two options of how to get up the mountain. You can either go up via cable car, or you can opt for the funicular. Once you’ve made it to the top you’ll immediately appreciate the spectacular views and fresh mountain air. You can pay a visit to the Montserrat monastery and if you’re lucky you may be just in time to hear the choir boys sing. A trip to Montserrat will always be an unforgettable adventure.


Montserrat – by lukasz dzierzanowski

Sitges
Sitges is a typical Spanish fishing village, and unlike many seaside resorts around the Costa Dorada, it hasn’t been spoilt by ugly hotels or flattened by golf courses. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the charming white-washed walls and narrow authentic streets. Sitges is also especially known for hosting the Sitges film festival and Sitges carnival. It’s also a popular gay destination (especially around the time of the carnival). During the summer Sitges is very popular amongst Barcelonans who go to take advantage of its beautiful beaches.


Sitges by Nicole Lerner

Port Aventura / Illa Fantasia
Ok, so perhaps these aren’t places you’d go for a relaxing escape from the city… but, having said that an adrenaline rush never hurt anyone! Port Aventura is a huge theme park where you’ll be able to travel from Mexico, through the wild Wild West all the way to China and back to the Mediterranean.
Illa Fantasia is a fantastic water park, a perfect escape for a hot summer’s day. As you could probably guess the park is only open during the summer months (April – September). With endless pools, slides, floats and more, get ready to get wet!


Port Aventura - by Gnislew

Make the Perfect Gingerbread Man

Make the perfect gingerbread man

One of the best things about Christmas is that’s it’s a time to give into temptation and indulge in all the Christmas sweet treats! A European classic, the gingerbread man is always the perfect festive biscuit. This year why not try making some for yourselves with our simple gingerbread recipe?!

Ingredients check list:

• 4 tsp ground ginger
• 7 tbsp golden syrup
• 200g brown sugar
• 250g butter
• 600g plain flour
• 2 tsp baking soda

Method:

1) Preheat the oven to 200C.

2) Sieve the flour into a bowl and mix in the baking soda.

3) Melt the butter in a saucepan and add syrup, brown sugar and ginger. Stir until the mixture forms a thick syrup.

4) Mix the dry and the wet mixtures together to form a sturdy dough. If the dough is too wet, roll in some more flour, one tablespoon at a time. If the dough is too dry add a teaspoon of water at a time. Do this until the dough is moist and easy to handle and shape.

5) Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to cut out gingerbread man shapes.

6) Bake for 10 - 15 minutes.

7) Leave to cool and decorate!

If your feeling really creative you could also try and make gingerbread Christmas trees, reindeer, snowmen, even a whole gingerbread house! The possibilities are endless…

New Years Eve in Berlin, come and join us!

Do you have plans for New Years Eve? Berlin is one of the top European cities to celebrate New Years Eve in. When we think of Berlin the first thing that crosses our mind is the famous love parade. Although Berlin has so much more to offer to people that can’t stop partying!

A Berlin New Years Eve is of course celebrated in different clubs across Berlin. It is handy to keep up with the programming of the hotspot like; Kulturbrauerei, Club Watergate and the Magnet Club.

If you find yourself searching for an outdoor event that has everything, then why not try the huge Brandenburger Tor party! This is a big event with various performers live on stage. They use a big clock for the crowd to count the seconds until the 1^st of January.

Another possible place you don’t want to miss is the Kreuzberg area. The bars here organise great parties and also provide an enjoyable fireworks display in the Viktoria park.

It is impossible to go to all the events but you can pick one that is above, or go exploring and see if you can find a highlight of your own!

Have you already been in Berlin!? Tell us your story we would like to hear from you.

Saludos!

Best British Holidays

Personally, when I think about holidays, I can’t help but picturing paradise. You know, sun, palm trees, sandy beaches, cocktails, secluded ocean view villas… the works. Being a realist though, I understand that for many, including myself, this is just a pipe dream, and one that isn’t happening any time soon. But who’s to say you have to splash the cash and whisk away to exotic destinations to have a good time? As a Brit, I often forget about the beauty that exists on my very own doorstep. Rather, I spend hours stressing, working up a budget and fretting over this year’s holiday destination. I mean, even places like France and Spain, which are relatively close by, can be expensive. Come to think of it, anywhere you go can be expensive. So, why not stay put? Britain may not be everyone’s holiday of choice, but it’s full of gems that I truly believe match even the best of destinations. Here is a pick of some of the best bits of Britain:

Stonehenge- Ok, the obvious one to begin with but really a must-see. This mysterious prehistoric stone circle is believed to have been constructed around 3100BC- yet nobody knows for sure exactly when, by whom or what purpose it served.

Lake District- This stunning rural area in the North-West of England is one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in England. Stretching over miles of countryside, this is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, you will also find Lake Windermere (Cumbria), the largest natural lake in the country (2 miles long, 1 mile wide and 220 feet deep).

The Giant’s Causeway- This is a World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. It is a stunning picture. This natural structure is made up of around 40,000 basalt columns, created by a volcanic eruption and is really something to behold as the tide of the sea lash against it.

Bath- Another gem in the South West of England. Few other towns can yield such elegance, charm and fantastic architectural riches. Here you’ll find the famous Roman Baths, Circus and Royal Crescent.

York- This beautiful historic town in the North of England is another must see. It is home to York Minster, one of the country’s most impressive cathedral’s and, incidentally, the largest in Northern Europe.

Edinburgh- The Scottish capital is a cultural treat- full of galleries, museums, regular arts festivals and dominated by the impressive Edinburgh Castle. It’s also got some fantastic nightlife on offer, and is home to one of the largest New Year’s celebrations in the world, the Hogmanay

London- Finally we come to the UK’s largest city and England’s capital, London. There is so much to see and do here, the list is endless. Historic monuments, museums, parks, buzzing night life. What’s more, the city will be playing host to the 2012 Olympic Games!

So there you have it. Obviously not a complete list, I’ve only just brushed the surface when talking about what Britain has to offer. But this should be enough to get you started!

Crêpes & Paris, the perfect combination!

Mmm chocolate…we all love the odd chunk of chocolate don’t we? Well, have you ever thought about having crêpes with chocolate? How about crêpes, chocolate and the Eiffel Tower in front of you? This may seem may not seem so special to you, but for me this simple combination is one of my fondest memories of the French capital. Paris has got to be the best place to enjoy crêpes in the entire world- it’s the capital of romance, of haute cuisine, of haute culture and anything else “chic” that you could think of, but it also reserves a special place for me as THE capital of tasty chocolatey treats. With hundreds of stalls selling them across the city, you won’t find a better crêpe au nutella in the world.

Let’s start with my personal favourite, the best crêperie in town in my opinion. The crêpes at Crêperie Bretonne, (on the 11^th arrondisement, near the Bastille) are sensational. Here they are referred to as blé noir, or buckwheat flour in English and if you decide to make the trip here you’re guaranteed not to leave disappointed. The chocolate here is silky, milky and simply melts in your mouth as it oozes out of the sweet wrap.

But you don’t have to stop there. Many places offer various alternatives and combinations. You could mix nutella with strawberry. Nutella with banana (another personal favourite). Even nutella with cream. All will leave you going back for more. Even if you’re not feeling particularly in the mood for something sweet, a delicious substitute would be a savoury crêpe, the perfect option for a quick and light lunch. Some examples could include crêpes with ham, ham & cheese or ham & mushroom. The great thing about these tasty pocket-sized treats is that they’re just so convenient. On a chilly winter’s day, they’re the perfect quick snack to warm you up. And as everyone knows Paris is the city of amour, so they’re also perfect to pick up as a quick bite when on a romantic walk with the partner.

Bon appétit!

A Gem of the East

What is there to see and do in Warsaw, Poland’s capital city? To put it simply, a lot! The city has a more turbulent history than most, which is what gives it its distinct character, but also combines this with a modern urban diversity. This can be seen instantly through its skyline, a mix of modern sky scrapers and structures reminiscent of the many upheavals that the city has witnessed. Here’s of pick of Warsaw’s top attractions:

 

The Old Town: This area of Warsaw was raised to the ground in WW2, completely destroyed by the Germans; located in the heart of Old Warsaw, the structures have been impressively restored to their past glory after years of reconstruction. The area is perfect for a leisurely stroll and people watching, with many windy streets, square and cafés/bars/restaurants around every corner.

The Palace of Culture and Science- This is Poland’s highest building and was also once the highest in Europe. If you go to the top of the Palace, you’ll see staggering panoramic views of Warsaw from the observation decks.

Lazienki Park- This is one of Warsaw’s most beautiful spots. Perfect for a peaceful/ romantic stroll, you might even get lucky and catch one of the music concerts often performed here. You’ll also be able to tour the impressive Palace on Water, a luxurious palace with an expansive garden that was built by King Stanislaw during his eighteenth century rule.

The Zoo- This is always a popular choice amongst kids if you happen to be travelling yours. With over five-thousand different species of animals, lush park trails, an aquarium and a reptile house, the zoo is a dead cert to please young and old alike.

The New Town: The term is slightly misleading as this part of the city was constructed in the 13^th century. The area offers an exceptional dining and shopping experience with a distinct tendency towards Polish culture.

The Warsaw Uprising memorial: This inspirational memorial was erected in honour of the many men and women who lost their lives battling against German forces.

 

For those looking to do a bit of drinking on their trip, why not go vodka tasting and experience one of the true roots of Polish culture. Vodka is a beverage which originates in Eastern Europe. Poland is well known for its vodka and there are many of them. Distilled from grain or potatoes, Polish vodka tends to have more taste and texture than others.

Centre of the Wine World

In my lifetime I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many wonderful places across the globe. One place that particularly stands out for me is the small, yet incredibly charming French town of Beaune. Located just a few hours south-east of Paris and in the heart of the Burgundian wine country, this may not jump out to you as one’s dream destination, but I´m almost certain that if you ever have the chance to visit you’ll quickly be seduced. The fact that I spent 10 months living there probably does have something to do with the attachment I have developed with the town, however I would highly recommend visiting for anyone who happens to be in the area, especially wine-enthusiasts.

Beaune lives and breathes wine- making it, selling it, tasting it, but most of all drinking it. It has consequently become one of the best places in France for wine tasting. But Beaune has much more to offer than just wine: It is a bustling, wealthy, and charming place of pilgrimage for art lovers and gastronomes too. It is also home to one of the jewel’s of Burgundy: the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu, France’s grandest medieval charity hospital and one of the country’s most visited tourist spots.

For the typical tourist, Beaune is a half-day town. The historic town centre (with its narrow, cobbled streets and picturesque old square) is charming and a pleasant place to walk around. Clearly the Hotel-Dieu (or Hospices de Beaune) is a must-see, but doesn’t take too long to see. In contrast, there’ll never be enough to time to spend in and around the town for the food and wine lover. For this the region is like a wonderland. Almost every town in the Côte-d'Or (the “département” where Beaune is located) has a fabulous restaurant, where you can sample all the local delicacies (such as the famous “escargots”, or “snails” in English), as well as countless cellars to taste wine. Even though the wine appellations in the Côte-d'Or are geographically not far apart, the wines produced in relatively close appellations vary radically- this diversity is one of the major attractions of Burgundy wine, and is what makes it such a popular destination. You’ll find world-famous wines dotted all over the region.

Beaune makes the ideal base for exploring other small wine towns in the region. It is centrally located and well connected to other famous nearby wine towns like Montrachet, Pommard and Nuits-Saint-Georges, all just a short drive away.

Krakow - The Market Square

If ever you have the pleasure of visiting the beautiful city of Krakow, Poland’s former capital, the chances are you’ll come across the Market Square (‘Rynek Glowny’, in Polish) at some point. In fact, it is one of the largest squares in Europe and is the city’s main attraction, so you can’t really miss it. Within, you’ll find countless shops, restaurants, bars and clubs, and all the culture and history you could possibly hope to soak up.

The Market Square was initially constructed long ago in 1257, after the Mongol hordes swept through the city. At 200m squared, it immediately became the largest market place in Europe at the time. Yet the beauty of the square is that as one is taking a peaceful stroll through, it never seems too big, with the also famous Cloth Hall running through the centre and providing a perfect feeling of balance. Many important events of Polish history were realized here and the square remains one of the most energetic, vibrant and inspiring places in the country. It really is a must see for anyone visiting Poland.

At the beginning, the square was the life and soul of Krakow, providing the social and commercial heart of the city. It became an emporium of the Black Sea trade and from here a springboard to Poland’s connections with the Western World. In modern times, the square provides the perfect meeting point for Cracovians of all ages. One of the most attractive aspects of the square is that it never sleeps. There always seems to be people milling around within it no matter what the time. The phrase “Pod Adamem” (“By Adam”, in English) refers to the famous statue in the middle of the square and is often used to mean “we´ll meet by the statue”).

 
Anyone that has been here will agree that the square has a certain sense of majesty and magnificence about it. There are many grand buildings within it (the old aristocracy built their palaces here) which one can use as vantage points to view the square. And probably the best time of year to visit, as you can imagine, is during the summer months. This is when the bars and cafés dotted about the square begin setting out tables and chairs, which provides a fantastic place to relax and take in the beauties of the square- all you need to do is sit back and watch the buskers, flower sellers and horse drawn carts flow by.

Its location is also a massive plus point. Just a short walk away is the ancient Wawel Castle and Wisla River, which you can reach through the many charming, narrow streets that branch off the square itself.

A unique city

Right throughout the country, England is brimming with many wonderful towns, cities and buildings, all beautiful in their own individual way: Historic York, the peaceful regatta town of Henley, university-dominated Cambridge and the famous horse-racing Cheltenham. These are just a few examples of the gems one can find in England, yet the country is littered with many more. Though I must say that from personal experience, having travelled a fair bit around the country, no other place has been so stunningly striking than the very unique City of Bath, better described as a spa-town, where I have studied for the past 4 years.

Few other towns can yield such elegance, such charm and such fantastic architectural riches. It really cannot be compared to any other town in the country, or at least I have seen none other like it. Bath´s original construction somewhat ran in the family. John Wood (there were two, the elder and the younger), both of them, were responsible for much of the city´s impressive architecture, constructing the famous Circus and the Royal Crescent. Many beleive the two combine to form a huge question mark symbol, visible from a bird´s eye view.

Upon arrival in the town you´ll also immediately notice the obvious architectural harmony, continuous throughout the city. Particularly after Bath was pronounced a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, strict construction regulations have meant that every building must be in keeping with its surroundings. For this reason, the heritage of the city has been meticulously preserved right up to this day. There really is nowhere else like it.

Yet not only is the city bursting with architectural beauty, it is full of many other treats. The famous Roman Baths (open to visitors) are a main attraction and there are endless cute little restaurants, bars, cafés and shops to keep you busy all day. Merely taking a stroll through this peaceful, historical town will take your breath away.It really is a must-see.

Try tapas in Seville

Seville is well known for two things: The flamenco and tapas. Along with some of the nicest monuments, palaces, cathedrals and Gardens in the whole of Spain. In some areas of Spain the tapas can be very similar, for example in every cafe/restaurant it can be hard to find something different. But in Seville after passing one tapas bar after another you realise that the offer is extremely varied compared with the major cities of Barcelona and Madrid where although you can find excellent tapas it’s often at a high price. Many of the Seville tapas bars serve it free when you order a drink such as the Spanish Cruzcampo beer.

The cities beautiful architecture combined with the excellent cooking provides a stunning setting to sample the Tapas. 
One of the most popular dishes is the squid friend on a skewer along with fresh prawns and coconut.

Top 5 Bars in Barcelona

Barcelona along with many other cities in the world, has an excellent Bar scene. Spain has a culture for late nights and Barcelona does not disappoint with many bars staying open until 04.00! Many of the bars don't get busy till around 11 or 12.

Here is a list of our Top 5 Bars that our a must visit when you visit Barcelona!

Ice Bar - A bar that's cooled down to a chilly –8ºC! You will be provided with a Jacket and gloves to keep you nice and warm!

Espit Chupito – Really popular bar with over 500 varieties of shots, some of which are set alight along the bar!

Manchester Bar – Taken straight out of Manchester, England its a relaxed bar with English themes.

Oveja Negra – Set in a side street close to the “Las Ramblas” it is really popular with students as the alcohol is really cheap. You can buy 3 litre containers of either Beer or Sangria!

Champañería – A Beautiful Bar which serves some really tasty Cava and Tapas.

Nightclubs in Barcelona

Barcelona; like many other cities around the world has some great nightclubs. They range from student clubs to luxury clubs where the Barcelona footballers hang out. Many of them stay open until at least 6:00am which means you can literally dance all night! The clubs can be expensive but usually if you arrive before a certain time you will gain free entry into the club. Although often you will find people handing out flyers to gain free entry for most of the night.

Top 3 popular nightclubs include:

Sala Be Cool

One of the best clubs in Barcelona, it has top quality DJ’s that play Techno, House and Disco. People that travel to Sala Be Cool go to just because of the club but because of the music. It has one of the best sound systems in Barcelona.

Shoko

Located right by the beach, it’s in a perfect location. It’s usually has free entry before 1:00am and drinks are €10 each. The club mainly plays house and has 2 different rooms with VIP areas.

Razzmatazz

One of the most popular clubs in Barcelona, it is popular with students. It regularly plays to concerts from top bands, with 5 different rooms, playing host to Indie, Electro, Pop , Chill out and Disco it is a huge club with something to suit every taste!

Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is one of the busiest streets in Barcelona and is a well known tourist attraction. The street has plenty to entertain you and is full of street sellers and famous for its human statues!

The street can get especially busy during the summer months but is well worth a visit. The street is home to the “La Boqueria” which is an old market that is full of people selling all kinds of foods from around the world. It’s a lot cheaper than the supermarkets and no doubt the food is fresher.

It is also home to the “Teatre de Liceu” which is an opera house where you can see regular performances.

The Street is full of “human statues” that often come dressed in scary clothing! There is a statue that appears to be floating in the air which often draws many visitors! Towards the bottom end of Las Ramblas Plaza Real is situated. It is a plaza that is full of lovely restaurants and cafes. The ramblas leads down to the harbour so it’s defiantly worth a visit. I would recommend heading off Las Ramblas into the El Gotico area after to find a nice café or restaurant to eat in. As there are many tourists that use the street it has been known as being a target for pickpockets but the main advice is always look after your belongings and make sure that you have always got an eye on them. Las Ramblas is well served by the Barcelona metro system you can either get off at Plaza Cataunya   , Liceu   or Drassanes . Drassanes is at the bottom and Plaza Catalunya is at the top.

 

Parks in Rome

Rome has lots of parks for to explore and enjoy a great, relaxing day out. The parks are a great place to enjoy relaxing activities such as cycling or skating.

Or you could take the more traditional approach and just relax and take in the scenery.

At Villa Borghese you can take a break from your walk by having a look in or at the art museum. It’s located in the centre of the park and has painting by the famous artist Leonardo Da Vinci. The park also houses a hot air balloon which takes you around 150 metres in the air and you can see views all over the city. Really worth a visit!

Parco Acquedotti is an area which provides Rome with one of its many water supplies.

At Via Nomentana you will find Villa Torlonia, which is a public park in the centre of Rome. It was created in the 1806 by Giuseppe Valadier. Tourists and locals both enjoy this beautiful park.

One of the best parks Rome has to offer is called the Villa Doria Pamphili which is where Cesar built a castle for Cleopatra. The castle nowadays is used for lots of official occasions.

The famous Vatican city is a must see! And in the city there are some beautiful gardens. Due to its popularity some of the garden is only open to the public with a guide. The park has a lot of beautiful animals, gardens and birds. The park makes a great place to come and spend an afternoon.

Parks in Rome make a great place to get away from the business of the city. Especially when the weather gets hotter and the crowds increase, as seen in the summer months. They provide someone for you to enjoy rest and relaxation.

How to get to Florence

Amerigo Vespucci international airport is the one closest to the city, with the driving distance being about fifteen minutes, by bus or taxi in this case. If you opt for the bus, there is the Ataf Sita Vola in Bus service that costs 4.50 Euro one-way. It transports to the central train station that gives you access to the other major cities in Italy. The trains are fast and modern and they connect you to the rest of Italy and essentially Europe too.If you are planning on making the trip even special why not stay in a Florence Apartment

If you really want to appreciate the beauty of Florence, then you should prefer walking the distances to being driven around. The magic of the city is best captured when you are on foot. But if you like there are bike rental services courtesy of the city that can help you get around much faster while still getting to see all the architecture and works of art. The historic center is a no-ride zone and any violation of this results in hefty fines.

Via car the A-1 Autostrada is the best highway. It connects to Bologna, Milan and even Rome. Driving around the city is somewhat complicate and if you happen to rent a car, be sure to ask about getting in and out of the city without violating the ZTL- these are rules. Once in the Piazzale Michelangelo, you can make the parking but only for a specified amount of time. You can pretty much walk from here on end since the distance to the heart of the city is not too long.

Outside the centre is where most of the Italians go to it, and depending on how much you want to spend, there are several dishes for you to choose from. Your taste buds will have a kick as you get to taste the Italian food. If you are in the spirit of spending, then there are great restaurants that will help you do just that