Europe Euphoria

Can you afford to miss Portmeirion village whilst on holiday in Snowdonia?

admin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:34:00 +0000

Italianate village of Portmeirion is a fantasy town, a unique village dreamed up by an architect called Clough Williams-Ellis. Built from 1925 to 1975 on a peninsula off the coast of Snowdonia, the village was the setting for the famous T. V. series, The Prisoner. Portmeirion has all sorts of architectural elements such as fountains, statues, paths, arches, cottages, balconies, cobbles, gateways and many others. It’s a strange jewel in a magnificent setting, inspired by medieval Tuscan hill towns and partly by Portofino. Portmeirion is now owned by a charitable trust and is run by Sir Clough’s grandson, Robin Llywelyn. If you want to stay in the village, you can hire cottages which are part of the Portmeirion Hotel. The village is surrounded by sub-tropical woodlands and miles of sandy beaches. If you enjoy gardens then this is the place for you! Also, there are several shops, restaurants and cafe. For an excellent day out why not visit Portmeirion Village. Believe me, it’s a full day out for the family and will appeal adults and children alike. Getting There: Portmeirion is a two-hour drive from Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham and nearly five hours from London. Trains to the nearest major stop, Bangor, are three and a half hours from London or two hours from Manchester. Taxi service is also available.

A visit to renaissance city of Italy that is rich in history!

admin — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 11:32:00 +0000

Florence, Italy’s Renaissance city is the best place for the people who have keen interest in history. There are many wonderful places that are rich in history and have an eye-popping beauty. From museums to religious places, Florence has lots to be explored and appreciated. Galleria Dell’Academia: Here you can marvel at the sexy rock star of Renaissance sculpture. It is also known as David’s house which was created by Michelangelo in 1504 to celebrate the ouster of the Medici clan from power in Florence. In the nearby gallery, you can see the unfinished but mesmerizing statues of four slaves. Image Credit Lorenzo Ghiberti’s Baptistry Doors: Here, the bronze doors depict scenes from the “Old Testament”. These are known as ‘The Gates of Paradise’. You can take a walk across the Duomo, which was created by Ghiberti’s rival, Brunelleschi. Image Credit Boboli Gardens: Boboli Gardens, have a massive Egyptian obelisk, classic grottoes and garden temples, and carefully groomed plants and trees. Image Credit The church of Santa Croce: It’s the last resting place of Michelangelo. Galileo, Ghiberti, Machiavelli and opera composer Rossini are also entombed here. The church overruns with great works of art including frescoes by Giotto and modern crucifix by Donatello. Image Credit Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School) of Santa Croce: It’s the best place to shop at. Here you can buy butter-soft, finely crafted goods and watch the artisans at work. There are other great leather stores in Florence, but this is the most fun to visit. Image Credit When to Go: Late October to early April is the best time to visit the Renaissance city of Italy. It’s the best time of the year to plan your visit because this Renaissance epicenter weaves her charms peacefully during this time.

Archaeologists excavate ancient tannery in Rome

admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:31:00 +0000

An ancient tannery dating to the second or third century has been dug up in Rome. Believed to be the largest ever found in the capital, it is a 1050 -square meter complex structure that includes burial sites and part of a Roman road. So far, at least 97 tubs, measuring more than three feet in diameter have been dug up. The tannery is located in the Casal Bertone area in the outskirts of Rome, lies between two tunnels of a high-speed railway being built to link Rome and Naples. The site is said to be threatened by the works for the high-speed railway. The question arises as to whether the high speed rail link work will continue or the site will be saved by stopping the work? It is said that if the railway work continues the site will be moved to a safer place. The site will be scanned with 3-D laser to move replace the items in their exact positions. The project will be discussed by a panel of experts and will have to be approved by the Italian Culture Ministry. Archaeologists working on the ruins of an ancient Roman tannery. The tunnels of a high-speed railway in the background of the ruins of an ancient Roman tannery.

Grayshott Spa: An idyllic getaway for women

admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Grayshott spa is a perfect getaway for women who wish to pamper themselves in luxurious surroundings. Set in the deep peace of a beautiful corner of rural England, Grayshott Spa is surrounded by acres of gardens, woods and sweeping lawns. It is England’s leading health spa that will envelop you in the luxury and comfort of its bright, airy environment and encourage you to relax and rejuvenate. Grayshott has 59 bedrooms that range from stylish and comfortable single and double rooms to the new Junior Suites and Manor House Suites. The Tennyson Suite, which comfortably accommodates three people, is the most spacious with a separate bathroom and a lounge. The rooms are luxurious and have beautiful views over the grounds. Charges: Starting from £395 per person per night. Perfect place for Relaxation & Pampering: Grayshott is the place where you feel you are enveloped in a peaceful, warm and friendly atmosphere. It’s a perfect retreat for the people who desire to relax and pamper themselves in luxury. There are 36 spa treatment rooms that offer the natural therapies. Tuition classes in yoga and other fitness activities are also offered. Spa facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a nine-hole golf course, gymnasium, exercise classes, yoga and daily walks on the grounds. Cuisines: Dining at Grayshott Spa is based on healthy eating, with innovative, delicious cuisine that reflects a balanced diet. There is a selection of organic wine and champagne, fresh juices and smoothies are also available. Location: Grayshott Spa is located near Guildford, tucked away in a quiet corner of Surrey just minutes from the village of Grayshott. Click here for more information.

Splendid Sandwood Bay!

admin — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:29:00 +0000

Sandwood Bay that lies on the northwest coast of Scotland is one of the most beautiful bays that has sandy beaches and is well worth a visit. It’s the most magnificent beach in UK. Best known for beaches, cliffs and peatlands, Sandwood Bay offers over two kilometers of wide pinkish sand backed by huge sand dunes and a loch. At the south end of the bay stands a 60 meter sandstone stack, Am Buachaille. The area is also good for bird watching. Sandwood Bay can only be reached by a walk of 8 miles there and back. The nearest approach by public road is at Blairmore, a few miles North West of Kinlochbervie and four miles short of Sandwood Bay itself. You can sit on a rock and watch the sea, explore the beach, dunes and loch, or search for Seton Gordon’s wrecks and explore the cliffs to the north and south.

Shopping in Madrid!

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:28:00 +0000

Madrid which was once synonymous with hedonism, a place most visited by party goers has now become a shopper’s paradise. Madrid has emerged as one of Europe’s top shopping destinations, boasting streets crammed with some of the world’s top designers. Also, there are numerous delightful traditional stores and markets creating wonderful contrasts and variety. Image Credit There are so many shops to choose from in Madrid that it is difficult to know where to start, but if you want to shop beyond the global brands, focus to a single street head to Calle Serrano. Here you’ll find dresses of various international designers such as Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Tommy Hilfiger and many more. Image credit Wanna buy post-punk cloths with a Spanish twist? If yes, you can head over to the Mercado Fuencarral, which features three floors of tiny boutiques. You’ll get great Spanish shoes, vintage duds and lots of quirky wares if you move to Chueca neighborhood, especially along the Calles Augusto Figueroa, Libertad and Horteleza. Image Credit Wanda is a cozy boutique that carries men and women wear. It is the sole distributor for up-and-coming designers like Micco. Men wear includes a green military-style jacket from Boxfresh, a small British label, on sale for 89 euros and more. Delishoes (Calle Manuela Malasana) specializes in shoes from native Italy and adopted Spain, including a pair of delicate, strappy sandals from the Madrid label S.ALBA, recently on sale for 85 euros. Image Credit Biscuit (Calle Divino Pastor) is a cute boutique with lilac walls. You’ll find brands such as Muka, which makes a blousey women’s T-shirt and a silk-crepe wrap dress for 144 euros, also, you can buy men’s graphic design T-shirts that range from 20 euros. Farrutx is a store that sells classy leather goods – jackets, boots, shoes and bags, don’t expect any bargain prices out here. Loewe has separate stores for men and women and sells a range of bags, accessories and fashionable clothing. Image Credit Whether you’re looking for a valuable antique or just a simple gift for someone back home, Madrid has a lot to offer you. Enjoy shopping!

Get enriched with truly unique experience at Amberley Castle

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:27:00 +0000

Image Credit Gone are the days when you needed a royal title to spend a night in a castle. With more and more castles being converted into premium hotels, it has become possible for masses to stay in the castles. There are many castles around the world that have been converted into luxurious hotels. One such castle is Amberley Castle that is nestled in the picturesque village of Amberley. Presently, the castle is owned and run by Joy and Martin Cummings. Image Credit Amberley Castle is a magnificent historical treasure that offers a truly unique experience. There are19 luxurious suites that are tastefully decorated with antiques and fine fabrics and each guestroom features a Jacuzzi whirlpool tub. Image Credit The castle has two restaurants, lounge areas, tennis court, croquet lawn, gardens and lakes, 18-hole professional putting course and an eye-catching thatched roof tree house complete with rope bridge. Image Credit One thing that adds to the delights of the castle is the mighty portcullis being lowered at midnight, as in times past. You’ll not only get a unique experience while a stay at the castle, you can also enjoy the flora and fauna of Amberley village which is is unarguably the prettiest village of the Sussex Downland villages. Nearby Amberley Wildbrooks nature reserve that has beautiful water meadows with a stunning variety of flora and fauna adds to its beauty. Image Credit Location: Amberley, Near Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9LT, England

Very Hungry God: An enormous skull made out of stainless steel utenils

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:26:00 +0000

Whilst Damien Hirst’s $99,000,000 diamond encrusted skull is on everyone’s lips, 1000 kilo sculpture Very Hungry God by the Indian artist Subodh Gupta is exciting many people at the Venice Biennale. It’s an enormous skull made out of stainless steel utensils. The skull was first exhibited last fall in Paris in the Eglise Saint-Bernard church during Nuit Blanche. It’s currently on show in Venice as part of an exhibition of Francois Pinault’s collection. Subodh Gupta is best known for his sculptural works that elevate the status of found objects from everyday items to artworks and this skull made out of aluminum pots and pans is one of the finest examples.

Go on a liquid holiday in Munich with Oktoberfest beer festival

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:25:00 +0000

No doubt, there are many countries throughout the world that organize the beer festivals. But, Munich’s Oktoberfest is the world’s largest beer festival that attracts around 6 million people every year. It’s a two-week festival held each year in Munich, Bavaria, Germany during late September and early October. This year the festival is scheduled to run for 16 days from 22nd September to 9th October. There will be about 14 tents that will be set up at this year’s Oktoberfest. Each tent will offer a different atmosphere and a variety of food and drink to choose from. At the Hofbrau Festhalle, you can enjoy a traditional Bavarian lunch with one liter glass of beer. If you prefer wine to beer, then visit the Weinzelt tent that offers an array of still and sparkling wines and champagne. Fischer Vroni is a tent that sells all kinds of fish delicacies, so if you’re looking for an alternative to the endless sausage dishes available, it’s just the right place. The festival offers roller coasters, festival parades and even live bands. The beer, the food and the music all combine to create an atmosphere that is unequaled. All these attractions are unique and best of all; entrance to the festival is free. So, if you are planning your tour to Germany and you love drinking, do plan your tour during late September to make yourselves part of this world famous beer festival. Click here for more information about the festival.

La Tomatina – Soak into world’s biggest food fight

admin — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:24:00 +0000

Valencia is known for its history, culture and fun-loving atmosphere. Every year, on the last Wednesday of August, a Spanish village of Bunol, hosts the world’s largest tomato fight – La Tomatina. It’s one of the world’s strangest events and biggest food fights in which around 30,000 foodies come face-to-face with truckloads of over-ripened tomatoes. La Tomatina is a weeklong festival of music, parades, dancing, cooking and fireworks. Local bands provide music for dancing and singing and plenty of drinking. Portable showers are installed for the participants. Rules to be observed: � Tomatoes should be squashed before they are thrown. � Bottles or any type of objects, which could cause serious injury are not allowed. � Tearing of other’s shirt is not allowed (this rule is oft broken) � Food fight gets over when water cannons are fired. This year, the La Tomatina will be celebrated on the 29 of August 2007, starting from 11 am.