Travelrific® Travel Journal
Picture postcards in prose.™ Check out the blogroll on the front page for official merchandise and other resources!Archive for international travel
Paradores and Pousadas
By Linda Tancs
If the usual tourist class hotel accommodations are getting a bit old, why not consider something more exclusive and off the beaten track? Spanish Paradores and Portuguese Pousadas are intimate settings often located in historic buildings such as monasteries, castles, and fortresses. Consider Santa Marinha Pousada, a monastery perched on a hill overlooking Guimarães, known as the “cradle of Portugal” as it’s the birthplace of the nation’s first king, Afonso Henriques. Or sleep like royalty in Pontevedra, Spain in a palace that was formerly the residence of the Counts of Maceda. Best of all, you don’t need a rock star’s wallet to afford these gems; find a property to match your budget and desires.
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A Fought-After Russian Fortress
By Linda Tancs
The Neva River is a storied attraction in Saint Petersburg, hosting its fair share of romantic walks along the granite embankment. Only 46 miles long, the river flows from Lake Ladoga to the Gulf of Finland. Perhaps even more storied is the Shlisselburg Fortress, located near the head of the river not far from this popular city. The site has been fortified for over 800 years, hosting bloody battles between the Swedish and Novogorod Republic for possession. Russia obviously won. Nowadays the fortress plays host to an annual rock concert, but its gloomy past as a political prison is also on display at the political prisoners exhibition.
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The Oldest Vine in the World
By Linda Tancs
Do fine vines get better with age? You can bet the answer is a resounding ‘yes’ in Maribor, Slovenia, home of the Old Vine. Aged over 400 years, Old Vine is listed in Guinness World Records as the oldest vine in the world. The still-producing vine is located on the frontage of Old Vine House along the Drava embankment. Enjoy the exhibition and wine tasting room.
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The Lure of Little France
By Linda Tancs
The romance of covered bridges and medieval flair of half-timbered houses are the charms of Petite-France in Strasbourg, the principal city in the Alsace region of France. Located at the corner of the Grand Île (the Main Island) where the Île diverges into a number of canals, this historic neighborhood with a fairy tale feel offers visitors ample views of all its little nooks via a river cruise or on foot.
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Germany’s Old Stone Bridge
By Linda Tancs
Germany’s oldest stone bridge, and its first to cross the Danube, is an icon of the Bavarian city of Regensburg. Built in the 1100s, the 16-arch bridge was used by crusaders on their way to the Holy Land. Nowadays the span’s southside bratwurst eatery is a go-to destination for sausage lovers. And what goes well with brats? Well, beer of course. On the north side of the bridge is Spitalgarten, site of one of the oldest surviving hospital breweries where patrons enjoy a healthy stein or two.
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The Lady of the North
By Linda Tancs
A new English lady is borne out of over a million tons of rock, clay and soil in the English countryside near the Northumberland town of Cramlington. Christened Northumberlandia and coined “the lady of the north,” the colossal depiction of a reclining female figure, 100 feet high and a quarter mile long, is the centerpiece of a new public park. Open year round, the 46-acre community park features free public access and four miles of footpaths on and around the sculpture.
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Eat With the Locals
By Linda Tancs
Tired of hotel food? Are restaurant experiences too isolating, or expensive? Why not dine with the locals! The EatWith program offers travelers a taste of down home cookin.’ Choose from a variety of destinations and dining experiences. Hosts that are “verified” meet quality standards under the program. Fees vary based on the nature of the culinary event, like homemade paella from a backyard grill in Toledo, Spain, or a nine-course meal at a family farm outside Florence, Italy. Bring your appetite.
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Timeless Elegance
By Linda Tancs
A grand dame of European hotels, Copenhagen’s five-star d’Angleterre retains its timeless elegance following a two year renovation. Dating to 1755, the palatial icon’s first iteration on Kongens Nytorv arose from the culinary and servile aptitudes of a royal servant and the daughter of a royal chef. The founders’ culinary talents and exceptional service are a hallmark of this grand hotel still today. Prepare to be pampered.
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Verdi Festival Celebrates Milestone
By Linda Tancs
As any foodie knows, the Italian city of Parma is famous for its prosciutto and cheese. The Parma region is also the birthplace of the great Italian composer, Giuseppe Verdi. This year’s annual Verdi festival, taking place now through 31 October, celebrates the composer’s 200th birthday. In addition to performances at the Regio Theatre of Parma, events will also take place at the Verdi Theatre in nearby Busseto. Enjoy performances of Falstaff, Simon Boccanegra, I Masnadieri, and Messa da Requiem.
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The Diversity of Slovenia
By Linda Tancs
Boasting one of the most diverse landscapes in Europe, Slovenia is a treasure trove of uplands and lowlands, karst and castles, alpine lakes and majestic mountains. Learn about its natural and cultural highlights at Travelrific® Radio.
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