Czech Republic Holidays – History, Spas, Beers and a Great Cultural Scene

You have almost certainly heard of Prague, one of Europe’s most famous and historic cities, but what about the rest of this small country in the heart of the continent?

Here are ten facts and observations to encourage a visit the Czech Republic, to help start your holiday planning and further research.

Old city: Prague is great for walking and soaking up the atmosphere – and if you travel midweek or off-season, it isn’t over-crowded. The medieval streets and squares are a showcase of architecture ranging from Gothic to Art Nouveau, and a trip across Charles Bridge to Prague Castle offers striking river views and lots of street entertainers. Read more »

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A Quick Tour Of Italy – Small Town Lombardy

If you are planning a tour of Europe, why don’t you consider the Lombardy region of northern Italy? Depending on your particular interests, this beautiful area might be an ideal vacation spot. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. There are even some parts of Lombardy that are relatively undiscovered by tourists. This article presents Lombardy outside of its capital Milan or the beautiful Lake districts. These are described in companion articles in this series.

Over the millennia Lombardy has been in the hands of numerous invaders. The list includes the Etruscans and the Gauls, then the Romans, Franks, and Goths, and finally the French, Spaniards, and Austrians. Did we forget the Lombards? All of these invaders left their mark, some more and some less. Keep local history in mind as you tour this impressive region. Read more »

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Relaxing Wine & Dine Weekend Getaways in the U.S.

Before Winter’s cold sets in, enjoy the last of the Fall Colors by grabbing your Road Trip Planner and create a wonderful Wine & Dine Weekend Getaway for two. A 3-Day Weekend of wining and dining, walking through vineyards or sun-dappled trails and getting a breath of fresh Fall air will breathe romance into your life and relaxation into your veins.

The TOP WINE PRODUCING STATES in the U.S. are: California, Washington, New York, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Idaho, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina. But WINE IS PRODUCED IN EVERY STATE so you can easily build a road trip within driving distance of your home or via a short flight.

Below are some Wine & Dine Weekend Getaways to help with your road trip planning, including some of the top-rated vineyards in the country as well as those wineries offering visitors a beautiful setting and a fun experience.

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA: Halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo County produces excellent Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. The Cottage Inn by the Sea at Pismo Beach overlooks the Pacific Ocean. You can venture to the region?s wineries on your own or take their Coastal Wine Tour, which includes the popular Edna Valley Vineyard. TOP RESTAURANT in the area: F. McLintocks Saloon & Dining House.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: A verdant valley, and a lovely place for a road trip, includes Napa, Sonoma, and Healdsburg. Here you can find the Monte Rosso Vineyard, one of California’s oldest vineyards. Known for its firm Cabernet Sauvignons as well as intense, old-vine Zinfandels. TOP WINES from this area: 2002 Ravenswood Monte Rosso Zinfandel; 2003 Rochioli Estate Grown Pinot Noir from the The Rochioli vineyard in Healdsburg.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: Add Santa Barbara to your road trip planner because it offers you the Pacific Ocean on one front, the Santa Ynez Mountains at your back, and in between, prime wine country. The Hotel Mar Monte is a historic hotel built in the tradition of Spanish Colonial architecture. They offer a package tour to three wineries if you’d rather not explore on your own. Or choose staying at the Estero Beach Hotel Resort in San Ysidro, nearly at the Mexican border. Nearly two dozen wineries can be found in the Mexico Guadalupe Valley. BONUS ACTIVITY: Try a bike tour to a winery or a horseback-riding adventure to the Adobe Guadalupe Vineyard.

TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN: In the nation’s fourth-largest grape-growing state, the Chateau Grand Traverse winery overlooks the Grand Traverse Bay. You can sample their award-winning varietals, including their Rieslings. BONUS DESTINATION: Nearby, you?ll find the Old Mission Peninsula, which leads you into 7 wineries like the Chateau Chantal, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery and Peninsula Cellars.

LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: For some hands-on fun, sign up for Wine Camp at Long Island’s renowned wine-producing North Fork region. Wine Camp’s packages vary as do the participating vineyards but you?ll enjoy activities like winemaking, tasting techniques, food pairings, and wine blending. The price includes lodging, some lunches & dinners… and a case of wine! But weight loss pills are not included.

WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON: To see a 6-generation family-owned establishment, enjoy a trip to Willamette Farms in Newberg. For a more drama-infused history, check out what used to be called Seven Springs Vineyard. The grapes from this vineyard were sought after by many top wine producers in the world. Then it was cut in half after a legal settlement in 2001, only to be reunited six years later with an exclusive, fifteen-year lease to the Evening Land partnership. FINAL VINTAGE: The St. Innocent Seven Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006.

TEXAS: What often springs to mind when people think of Texas are those BIG 10-gallon hats. And yes, Texas is getting BIGGER… in wine production. This Lone Star State boasts more than 110 bonded wineries and wine aficionados are noticing their award winning wines. The following three vineyards rise above the rest because they go the extra mile for their guests: Bella Vista Cellars, in Wimberly; Delaney Vineyards in Grapevine; Flat Creek Estate, west of Austin. Any of the 3 would make an excellent anchor in your road trip planning, whether you create 3 individual weekend getaways or a wine-themed week’s vacation. FUN FACT: A ten-gallon hat actually only holds ¾ gallon. Its name was derived from the Spanish galón word meaning braid.

OAK GROVE, VIRGINIA: One place I’d recommend adding to your road trip planner is Ingleside Winery, one of the oldest and largest wineries in Virginia. This winery was built in 1834 and the vineyards cover about 70 acres. Their wines have consistently earned top honors in state, national, and international wine competitions. BONUS LODGING: Ingleside Vineyards has two 2-bedroom rental cottages set within the vineyards and also a stunning four-bedroom Leeds Cove retreat, which overlooks the Rappahannock River.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: You can secure a great wine package when you add the Hotel Vintage Park to your road trip planner. Enjoy wine tasting at Pike Place Market’s tasting room, and an evening wine hour in the hotel’s lobby. Or check out Seven Hills Vineyard in Walla Walla Valley. Seven Hills Vineyard is now one of Washington’s best known vineyards.

Getting away for an extended weekend, indulging in respected wines and eclectic dishes, enjoying the view from your hotel window…yes, these are the things that await the Road Trip Planner who heads for wine country.

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Tripwiser is a fun place to visit! Our free social trip planning service leverages the collective wisdom of travelers worldwide and makes trip planning interactive and enjoyable.
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Rome City Break Guide

Known as the Caput Mundi or the Capital of the World, Rome has a enourmous amount of sights to see, all of which can be enjoyed either by foot, or on the tour buses which circle the city.

With a population of aproximately 4 million, Rome is Itay’s largest city. As the capital of Italy, it boasts the residence of the President of the Italian Republic and the Italian Prime Minister. The Italian Constitutional Court is also located within the city of Rome.

As the birthplace of the Catholic Church, it also is home to the Vatican, the Pope, and St. Peter’s Basilica. Part of the allure that makes this the third most popular city to visit in Europe, is the religious sights, the people, and the activities that surround them. With the many Basilicas in and around the city, each built at different times throughout history, you will need to make a list of those you most want to see and plan your time accordingly.

For the children there is the Bioparco or the zoo. This 18 acre zoo has quite a collection of animals and it will give you a break from classical Rome while you roam among the beasts and beauties to be found in this park.

Of spiritual and historical significance is the Coliseum in Rome. In the 1st century AD this Coliseum was built and then went on to host the gladiators, condemned prisoners, and hungry lions as they fought each other in front of thousands of spectators. The Coliseum was eventually abandoned and was damaged by earthquakes in the ensuing years. For Christians, it is a sight where we recall our history; for budding archaeologists and history buffs, this is a sight to study for ancient building techniques; for those interested in how plants migrate, it is a sight to study for the myriads of exotic plants that were planted inadvertently when seed pods fell from the animals that were brought in to fight in the great arena.

Rome has a rich history of Christianity and Catholicism, of art and museums. There are also modern works of architecture, standing side by side with the old, classical lines of the city. For a city break with culture and variety, Rome is an excellent place to begin. It’s easy to get to from just about everywhere and it has an extensive city wide transportation system for your convenience. Got a few days to spare? Rome makes a great destination for a short weekend break.

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Exciting city breaks to Rome at directline-citybreaks.co.uk/rome . All the latest prices & offers on Rome city breaks.

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Barcelona City Breaks – Take a Quick Look at Barcelona

Home of the 1992 Olympic Games, the coastal city of Barcelona boasts city life and beach time all in one great package. With a population of 3,000,000 people, Barcelona is a great place for a sight-seeing city break when you have just a few days to spare.

Barcelona has a major International Airport, El Prat de Llobregat. It is only about seven miles from the city centre. Take a cab along to the city centre where you will find yourself among the bustling crowds that move in and out among the city’s restaurants, bars and fashion stores.

ll of Barcelona’s best sites are viewable by way of taxi or the city’s metro bus service. It will take you pretty much anywhere you want in the city until about 11:00 PM and until 1:00 AM at weekends. There’s also a sky ride that will allow you to view the whole city en route to your destination.

Because lots of Europeans take their vacations in August, you’ll find that the tourist attractions in Barcelona are more crowded during that time. If you love crowds, that’s the best time to go. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, you might want to choose another time.

The lodging and the cuisine are varied with the Ritz Carlton near the Olympic Village being one of the pricier hotels. Restaurants boast Catalan and Spanish cuisine as well as typically Spanish meal times. Most Spaniards begin their days later than the Brits, but then they stay up far later too. With lunch between 2:00 and 4:00 PM and dinner around 9:00 PM, Spaniards stay up well into the night and have a much more laid back way of life.

Barcelona is home to seven beaches. While many of the beaches offer restaurants and promenades, others are more or less for people who wish to relax and soak up the sun in peace. While there are several beaches right on Barcelona’s doorstep, the resort of Sitges, just a little to the south, also offers pretty alternatives with ice cream shops and great water sports.

Other sights you might want to take in are the National Museum of Art which houses a great collection of Romanesque art as well as the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art which gives its focus to Catalan and Spanish art rendered since 1945. You will see lots of variety in architecture, as well, from the Barri Gotic to Art Nouveau to modern buildings all mingled in the same area, if not the same sections of town. A quick city break in Barcelona will be a time to remember for you and your family and friends.

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For all the best prices and offers on Barcelona city breaks visit directline-citybreaks.co.uk and search for quality hotels combined with low cost flights.

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The Best Weekend Breaks in Europe

Cheap Weekend Breaks in European Cities are very affordable

With the economy tightening all over the world, many people are finding that the traditional four or six week August vacation is harder to afford. The result has been that weekend breaks, rather than full-scale holidays, are becoming more and more popular. This is true whether you live in Europe or North America, as even North Americans are flying over to the continent for short vacations more and more often.

There are so many different kinds of weekend breaks to choose from, it is hard to know where to begin. The break you choose will depend a great deal on what you have in mind and what kinds of things you like to do. The following are some ideas that may help you have the best weekend break in Europe possible.

- Romantic breaks. You can get excellent packages to some of the most romantic cities in Europe. Of course, Paris, the city of love, comes to mind first, and there are very good, economical travel packaged to Paris available. Also consider other major European cities, such as Amsterdam or Venice, or more out of the way places, such as a private chalet in the Alps, a flat near the beach in Cornwall, or one of the many luxurious islands of Greece. Read more »

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Top Travel Tips: Russia

Russia is a massive country which covers a land mass twice the size of the USA. The culture in Russia is very different to that of the United States, and there is a lot to see and do, far more than you could cover in a single holiday. Russia was once a superpower, but they have gone through a lot of political changes and upheaval in the past few decades. Russia is a fascinating country with a rich history and a unique culture. Read more »

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The Abama Golf Spa Hotel is situated on the west coast of the island and benefits from Tenerife’s year-round sunny weather making it the perfect winter break destination. The addition of its own private man-made sandy beach below this Moorish influenced hotel makes it the prefect weekend break destination. A coach or taxi from Tenerife South airport takes less than half an hour to deliver you to the extensive tropical gardens surrounding this hotel and 18 hole golf course. There are nine swimming pools, one reserved for adults only and one with dedicated children’s facilities plus childminding service. Rooms are in the main hotel or you can book a villa with its own gardens and terrace. Indulge yourself at the health spa with hydrotherapy treatments and a special dry flotation tank to finish.

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I Love Touring Paris – The Thirteenth Arrondissement

The thirteenth arrondissement of southeastern Paris is located on the Left Bank of the Seine River. Its land area is relatively large by Parisian standards, measuring more than two and three quarter square miles (over seven square kilometers). This district has a population of more than one hundred and seventy thousand and is home to about ninety thousand jobs. Both population and employment figures are growing, largely due an influx of Asian immigrants.

Les Olympiades is a residential high-rise district built well over thirty years ago on a huge, elevated pedestrian esplanade complete with a shopping mall, the Pagode (Pagoda) at the center. To many people this complex looks like a smaller version of La Defense, Europe’s largest business district, situated just west of Paris. Read more »

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Ideal Locations For A Perfect Ski Holiday

Winter on its way! The time of the year when ski-lovers and would-be ski enthusiasts take a moment to plan the ski holiday of their dreams. If you have never taken a ski holiday before, get ready for the time of your life. Skiing is increasing in popularity each year. For many, it is a time honored tradition, that has spread around the world. Ski holidays are for anyone and everyone. From the single traveler, to entire families who want to spend their winter holidays racing each other down the slopes in countries you’d never imagine.

Switzerland: Where You Can Enjoy The Ski Holiday Of A Lifetime

Switzerland is one of the most popular places for travelers from around the world. Curling up in front of a warm fire in one of many cozy ski lodges, is a welcome treat after a long day of skiing down the magnificent Alps. And to top it all off, your ski holiday would be incomplete without a fabulous cup of Switzerland’s famous hot Chocolate. Read more »

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