Destination Archives - Page 19 of 44

September 3, 2014 by jfalbelda

A guide to the Best Vineyards and Best Wineries in Europe

If you are a wine enthusiast then visiting some wineries and vineyards should be a part of your next travelling plans. Beautiful vineyards are scattered throughout the globe, Europe especially has some magnificent vineyards that you can visit whether you’re enjoying your holidays in Turkey, in France or in Spain.

A brief history lesson for those who are unfamiliar with wines:

Made from fermented grapes, wine is a beverage which contains alcohol;
Wine has been around since 6000BC;
The winemaking process was cultivated and improved upon by the Greeks;
Wine plays an important role in religion (Christ’s blood) and was heavily supported by the Church. Monasteries even had their own vineyards (some of the best found in Europe);
Over the centuries, the technology behind making wine has gone through modifications and improvements;
A vineyard is essentially a plantation where grapes are grown (primarily for winemaking purposes).

Should you decide to embark on winery visiting trip, here are some suggestions to get your rolling.

1. Bordeaux, France

France is the world’s largest producer of wine (quelle surprise!) Bordeaux is located in southwest France and it’s the largest wine-producing region, it has been in the business of fermenting grapes since the 8th century. Mostly red wine is produced in this region, commonly referred to as ‘claret’ in Britain. There are multiple vineyards that are easily accessible in Bordeaux and you can make a day of it by visiting other historical attractions and taking part of a few wine tastings.

2. Champagne, France

Another great wine-producing region, Champagne is just a short train ride away from Paris. It is ideal for a one-day or one night getaway, you can spend your day touring the vineyard, tasting some great wines and even exploring some wine cellars that were built thousands of years ago.

3. Piedmont, Italy

Located in the northwest region of Italy, Piedmont can be reached easily via train from Turin or Milan. It’s a beautiful place, which specialises in Nebbiolo grapes. Some great wines to try if you’re in the area are Barbera del Monferrato and Asti Spumante.

4. Tuscany, Italy

If you’re in Italy and you have the time, Tuscany is a charming and beautiful place to visit on its own. The fact that there are vineyards scattered about is merely a plus. The best way of getting to these places is by driving since the train will take you only as far as Florence or Siena. Pack an overnight bag and head to Tuscany for a romantic weekend getaway complete with wine tasting tours.

5. Mosel, Germany

Mosel is the place to go if you want to taste some excellent German wine. Although Germany is typically associated with beer, it is the fourth largest wine-producing country in Europe.

6. La Rioja, Spain

Situated along the picturesque pilgrimage route of Camino de Santiago, La Rioja is known for growing Tempranillo, a very famous and ‘noble’ Spanish grape. The wines from this northern region are very strong since they are soaked in barrels for an extended period of time.

7. Cappadocia, Turkey

Cappadocia is one of the oldest vineyard regions in the world and makes wonderful wine using sweet grapes and techniques that have been passed down through the generations family to family. The winery is a family business, owned by the Turasan family and open for wine tasting and visits during select times.

Even for non-wine enthusiasts, vineyards are a great place to visit and experience. Go for a drive with family or friends and enjoy a relaxing a day in the quiet countryside taking in some beautiful scenery.

If nothing else, you’ll learn a lot about this fascinating process stepped in rich history.

Do you have any other suggestions for the best wineries in Europe not to miss? Please share them below in the comments!

September 1, 2014 by jfalbelda

For the Thrills — Getting The Adrenaline Pumping in Lapland

Finnish Lapland conjures images of wide-open spaces, frozen lakes, and the snow-laden boughs of graceful conifers, lit by the flickering colors of the Northern lights. Lapland’s snowy landscapes are the perfect setting for a host of activities. Whether you want to do sport or are heading there to see Santa, or do both, on your holiday to Lapland, you need to think carefully when planning your holiday to Lapland. From December to March is the perfect time for all winter sports, and snowmobiling is one of the most popular adventure activities.

You can go on an adventure safari by snowmobile, travelling along the courses of frozen rivers and through the snow-bound forests, to lakes where you can try your luck at ice-fishing. Once you have a feel for your snowmobile — and learnt where the button for the heated handlebar switch is – you’ll get the maximum adrenaline rush by daring to drive at up to 60 kph across the ice of a frozen lake. Alternatively, you can go off-piste through deep, new snow, and learn the skill of driving on one ski and other tricks.

Winter sledging is a sport that’s not for the faint of heart, and is definitely a way of life in northern Finland. You take a chairlift to the top of the fells, then sledge downhill at incredible speed. Sledging is not as dangerous as it looks: the sledge runs are purpose-built, and the sledges do have brakes! Lapland is also home to some excellent skiing, both downhill and cross-country, and snowboarding continues to grow in popularity. Ice climbing in gorges and frozen waterfalls makes an unforgettable experience for intrepid holidaymakers. Guided climbs with qualified instructors are available for the less experienced.

During Lapland’s summer, there’s no need to miss out on the thrill of extreme sports; climbing and abseiling continue on conventional rock faces. You can also experience the rush of downhill mountain biking, and summer sledging is a thrilling experience for the whole family. White-water rafting is another adventure everyone can enjoy.

Perhaps the ultimate extreme sports experience is a winter husky safari into the Arctic. A team of huskies pulls your two-person sled and you “Mush” your way across the silent beauty of the tundra through the twilight zone of the Lapland winter. You may try ice-fishing, or forage for your supper from the wild, before settling down for the night in a traditional wooden lodge. A husky Arctic safari is an unmissable chance to appreciate the traditional Lapp way of life.

If you still can’t enough adventure, you can always head over to see Santa and find out he’s doing. Then when you get back home, as well as tell all your friends about your adventures on the snow, you can say you’re up to date with events in the run-up to Christmas. That’s a thrill in itself!

July 30, 2014 by jfalbelda

The Top Five Most Scenic Australian Road Trips

Australia is a country that lends itself extremely well to a road trip. Whether you have a day to kill or are ready for an epic month-long adventure, you’ll be bound to find some unforgettable scenery and exotic wildlife along the way. From painted deserts to tropical rainforests, Australia is nothing if not diverse. Soak in the sun and keep your eyes open for majestic views on the following famous journeys.

1. The Yarra Valley

Are you short on time but interested in getting out into the countryside? Australia’s wine industry has become world-famous for its delectable vintages. Try hopping in the car on a day trip to some of the top wine-producing regions, like the Yarra Valley. Suitable for a day trip from Melbourne, the Yarra Valley is a lush, pastoral region dotted with charming villages, rolling hills, and verdant vineyards. You can sample wine at the numerous cellar doors or focus your taste buds on the local produce.

2. Great Ocean Road

If a more leisurely journey down the coast is more your speed, don’t miss a drive down the iconic Great Ocean Road. This stretch of coastal highway hugs the southern curves of Victoria, with the panoramic ocean views broken up by dense eucalyptus forests and laid-back surfing towns. Stop and try your hand at surfing and gaze at the massive rock formations of the 12 Apostles, a highlight of any trip to Australia.

3. The Savannah Way

For those with plenty of time on their hands and a strong sense of adventure, the Savannah Way is an intriguing road trip through rugged, exciting territory. It spans over 3500 kilometres across the northern region of Australia, linking Broome in Western Australia with tropical Cairns in the north of Queensland. Along the way you’ll pass tropical savannahs, deserted mining towns, and an abundance of wildlife. Cap off your journey with a trip to the Great Barrier Reef, or visit a beautiful zoo in Sydney that your kids would love!

4. The Nullarbor

You can drive for hours in Australia without seeing a soul. Get out into the heart of Australia with a trip across the Nullarbor Plain, which links Perth and Adelaide. Dramatic rock formations and jagged cliffs provide a stunning backdrop for this road trip, which takes over a week to complete.

5. The Fleurieu Peninsula

Adelaide is nestled in close proximity to the Indian Ocean, with a warm climate and dazzling scenery. A particularly thrilling drive in this region is along the Fleurieu Peninsula, with its emerald cliffs and dark blue water.

Whether you choose to tackle the mountains or the vast stretches of the Outback, it’s important to prepare carefully for rugged terrain. Pack plenty of extra food and water and plan to dress in layers. Be sure to have your car serviced before you depart for more remote regions, and get new tyres if necessary. You can find details here about some popular tyre options for road trippers. It’s also worth checking in advance to find out where the fuel stops will be on your journey. On road trips like the Nullarbor, it may be hundreds of miles before you get another chance! With a bit of planning, you’ll be ready to sit back and really enjoy the ride.

Do you have any more suggestions for Australian road trips worth the drive? Share them in the comments below!

July 18, 2014 by Jeremy

Three Essential Sights In Seville

Famed throughout Spain for its culture and architecture, Seville should be a part of any travel enthusiast’s itinerary when spending significant time in this sun-kissed nation. It all too often gets passed over by those choosing to devote more of their time to cities like Barcelona or Madrid, or to beach hotspots like Malaga or San Sebastian.

Even if you can only spare a few days at the most, swinging by this historical city will yield huge rewards. While you should look the following sights for further information after reading this article, don’t feel like you have to squeeze in your research time on the shaky wi-fi found in cafes or guesthouses.

The Internet in Spain for tourists can be a positive experience by using a portable wi-fi device, allowing the traveler to conduct business, research, or just fool around playing games whether you are stuck in an accommodation with crappy wi-fi or on the move while aboard the many trains that speed their way across this country. With this quick tip out of the way, let’s get into the meat of the details of the essential sights in Seville.

1) Cathedral of Seville

While it has been historically considered the third largest church in the world, modern measurements of its massive interior have crowned it as the world’s largest cathedrals. Occupying the insides of a former Moorish mosque, this place of worship is also widely known as the final resting place of famed world explorer Christopher Columbus, but the glitzy roofs of the interior will impress those that bore at the thought of history.

2) Real Alcázar

Being one of the more spectacular royal palaces in Spain, Real Alcazar simply cannot be missed by fans of extravagance. Lush gardens, more rooms than you can possibly count, and signs of financial abundance will be ever present during your times on its grounds.

Christopher Columbus planned his voyages to the West Indies here, and in the room in which he did it, his coat of arms can also be viewed by those fascinated with his life.

3) Plaza de España

Built for a world’s fair in 1929 meant to improve relations of former Spanish colonies with their former mother country, the Plaza de Espana is quite possibly one of the world’s most beautiful public places.

Complete with over a half mile of ponds, fountains, canals, and buildings constructed in the Renaissance Revival style, this square is the architectural highlight in a city filled with architectural highlights.

July 2, 2014 by jfalbelda

Top Things To Do in Atlantic City

As the heat begins to rise in the Big Apple and elsewhere throughout the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, thoughts of escaping the punishing heat of the inner city are beginning to percolate in the heads of many. If you are in this boat as well, perhaps you may have considered spending some time in Atlantic City this summer.

If you haven’t, shame on you! There are plenty of draws that this lively place has to offer anyone in desperate need of a break from the everyday stresses of the big city. The following five reasons will hopefully get you out of your funk, and into a car, train or plane bound for Atlantic City, the East Coast’s most entertaining destination.

1) Hit the beach

Fronted by a boardwalk that put this seaside city on the map back in the late 1800’s, the beach is an attraction that has been surpassed by the gambling institutions here, yet it remains a legitimate place to while away a day or two during your stay here.

The gentle slope and tame surf make this place an excellent place for families and young adults alike, as the lack of dangerous currents on most days are ideal for small children, yet when the swells are higher, inexperienced surfers can learn the ropes of this port without fear of getting seriously hurt (physically or ego-wise).

2) Tear a strip off the dance floor

When a long day of playing in the surf has evolved into night, hit the clubs in search of tunes spun by overly tanned and glammed-up DJ’s. One of the best places to get your groove on in Atlantic City is at The Pool, a nightclub located within Harrah’s casino resort. As the name implies, the club and dance floor is centred around a pool, with cabanas and VIP areas that often attract names like Kim Kardashian and Pauly D, who rose to fame spinning records at this establishment.

3) Shop until you run outta space in the trunk

Atlantic City is also known as a place where one can find an abundance of outlet stores, as common brand name consumer goods can be found at a discount to their normal retail price. Among all the outlets, its largest collection in one spot is the Tanger Outlet mall, where one can find over 100 stores offering the best in clothing, accessories, footwear and more!

4) Go lighthouse peeping

Not all attractions in Atlantic City are centred around modernity, as those seeking out a piece of marine history will want to check out Absecon lighthouse, located within Atlantic City. It ranks as the tallest light in New Jersey, and the third tallest in the United States. Dating back over 150 years, it is a sight that any history buff should take in while exploring the seacoast of New Jersey’s most popular destination!

5) Hit the jackpot … right from the comfort of your pillow top bed

While the floors of Atlantic City’s casinos can be filled with excitement, anticipation, and jubilation, this intense environment may not be for everyone, especially if you are claustrophobic or are heavily introverted. This doesn’t mean you can’t join in the fun though: recently, New Jersey legalized internet gambling within state boundaries, opening up games such as caesars online slots to both state residents and visitors as well.

So hit the jackpot while you are in the quiet confines of your hotel cocoon, having had the Atlantic City experience, and having done it your way!