Book a Stay at Germany’s Top Inns, Hotels
December 4th, 2008 by Tess Kirkpatrick, under Vacations. No Comments
With its crisp, clean air and snow-capped mountains, Germany is a vision for the soul. You’ll find any number of interesting villages from one end of the country to the other, each with its own special charm.
Most visitors to Germany spend at least a few days in Bavaria and its main city of Munich and with good reason. Bavaria, with its fairy tale castle of Neuschwanstein, picturesque villages and beer gardens, museums and fine shopping, offers plenty to do and see, and the scenery is enchanting. Other fun excursions include a trip through the Rhone and Mosel wine regions, which include famous cities such as Frankfurt, as well as castles and wineries. Another choice might be to explore eastern and central Germany, with a stop in Berlin.
If you cannot make up your mind as to where to travel, let prolific travel writer Karen Brown do the work for you. On her popular website, Karen Brown’s World of Travel, she has created several different itineraries for travelers to Germany. Her suggestions include places of interest, maps, regional tips and excellent places to stay. The following hotels and inns were chosen by her readers as the top lodging choices in Germany.
Situated across the Elbe River from the city center of Dresden, the Hotel Bulow Residenz offers romantic accommodations in a quiet neighborhood filled with historic homes. From the impressive Baroque exterior to the elegant interior with its mix of traditional and modern dcor, this is truly one of Dresden’s best hotels. Breakfast and afternoon refreshments are served in the charming courtyard. The hotel’s formal restaurant, The Caroussel, is Michelin-rated and ideal for a romantic, intimate dinner. Cocktails, wine and beer are served in the hotel’s piano bar. The hotel has been chosen by Karen Brown readers as Germany’s “Most Romantic” hotel.
A trip to Rothenberg is a bit like waking up in the middle of a fairy tale — you almost expect to see Hansel or Gretel skipping down the streets of this medieval village. A stay at the Romantik Hotel Markusturm is all part of the enjoyment of a visit to this magical town. The guest rooms, decorated by host Lilo Berger, are welcoming, comfortable and eclectic. Lilo’s husband, Stephan, creates the wonderful dinners; his wine soup and homemade beer are among the highlights. Karen Brown readers have chosen this delightful hotel as the winner of the “Warmest Welcome” award for Germany.
At Gasthaus Die Krone, visitors enjoy comfortable accommodations, excellent food and warm hospitality-all at a reasonable price. The hotel, located in the Black Forest village of Staufen, was named by Karen Brown readers as Germany’s “Greatest Value.” Guest rooms are simply decorated with light pine furnishings and beds topped with soft pillows and crisp, white comforters. The hotel’s restaurant is housed in two rooms and features wainscoting and country curtains, infusing it with plenty of German charm. The guest house is located in Staufen’s pedestrian-only area, so you’ll enjoy the quiet and avoid the noises from cars and buses.
To enjoy what Karen Brown readers have chosen as Germany’s top “Splendid Splurge,” book a stay at the Hotel Benen-Diken-Hof. Located on the sand-dune island of Sylt at the northern tip of Germany, the hotel’s friendly hosts offer a little bit of everything. Spa services, a sauna and swimming pool are available for guests to enjoy. For families, there is a children’s program, many acres in which to run about in and play, and even babysitting for parents who want to enjoy a nice dinner for two. Golfing and fishing are among the possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts. The hotel’s restaurant serves breakfast until the early afternoon, so guests can sleep in and just relax.
Trevi Fountain - Rome’s most Famous Fountain
November 21st, 2008 by Sarah Dudleymore, under Vacations. No Comments
A visitor can’t come to Rome without visiting this masterpiece created in the middle of Rome: the Fontana di Trevi.
It’s by far the largest standing and impressive Baroque fountains of Rome. It’s huge: 25.9 meters (85 feet) high and 19.8 meters (65 feet) wide. Rome has an impressive numbero of fountains spread all over the city, more than 3,000, but there is no place on earth like Trevi Fountain.
The fountain is at the juncture of three roads (tre vie). It marks the terminal point of the “modern” Acqua Vergine. One of the ancient aqueducts that supplied water to ancient Rome, stretched 22 km (14 miles) away from the city. This aqueduct (Aqua Virgo)also fed water into the Baths of Agrippa. It served Rome for more than four hundred years.
During the last centuries it has gone through many changes and finally in 1629 Pope Urban VIII asked Bernini for a new proposal and design as he thought the earlier fountain was losing its beauty.
When the Urban VIII died the project was forgotten! But in 1732 Nicola Salvi adopted it again and took it over. The fountain was completed in 1762, the orignal Bernini’s project was rejected but there are many Bernini touches in the fountain anyway.
Coin throwing: A traditional legend says that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are sure to return to Rome. For those who are not familiar with the tossing of the “three coins”. They were thrown by three different individuals, the current version is that two coins will lead to a new romance and three will ensure either a marriage or divorce!
How your love could be governed by the tossing of three coins into a fountain is still a mystery many people believes in. This act has to be done with the right hand over one’s left shoulder and is said to bring good luck.
Each day approximately three thousands euros are believed to be thrown into the fountain and collected at night. The money has been used to help poor people and homeless in Rome. Nevertheless regular attempts to steal coins from the fountain are witnessed very frequently, including some using a magnetized pole. In 1998 the fountain has been refurbished and provided with re-circulating pumps.
If you are wondering what is the building behind Trevi Fountain…well, it’s called Palazzo dei Duchi di Polis and in the center you can see a modeled replica of the triumphal arch. The center niche has free-standing columns for maximal light-and-shade.
On the outside Oceanus, water is coming out from her urn and Salubrity is holding a cup from where the snake is drinkin. There is a copy of the Roman origin of the aqueducts on the top. Horses and tritons provide a balance, giving maximum contrast with their facial expressions and poses.
The theme of the gigantic scheme that jumps forward it’s called “Taming of the waters”. The mixing of water and rockwork is simply amazing.
Trevi area is definetely one of the most beautiful areas of Rome.
Experience the Best of Italy at These Top Hotels
November 18th, 2008 by Josh Prizer, under Vacations. No Comments
Whether you long to tour the historic sites of Rome or sip wine from the terrace of a Tuscan villa, a trip to Italy is sure to rank as one of your top travel experiences.
Italy offers so many unique and interesting experiences; it can be difficult to narrow them all done for one vacation. Perhaps the best way to approach Italy is to plan to follow several different itineraries and focus on a few unique places. You might decide to combine a visit to Sicily with a driving trip that takes you from Rome to Milan. Another option is explore southern Italy and hit Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Capri and the remote area around Apulia. A unique option would be to head inland and explore the mountain towns and lake regions of Italy.
Travel expert Karen Brown describes a variety of unique itineraries on her much-visited website. These itineraries will help you get the most out of your Italian vacation. As for lodging, her readers have voted the following as Italy’s best hotels:
Locanda dell-Amorosa, chosen by Karen Brown readers as Italy’s “Most Romantic” lodging, is in an ideal spot for those wishing to travel around Tuscany and Umbria. The historic hotel is part of a larger complex that once formed a small town. The stables have been transformed into a restaurant, the main house now offers more than two dozen guest rooms, and each one has been individually decorated. The rooms boast views of the vineyards and surrounding valleys, and they feature antiques and rustic wood-beamed ceilings.
Hospitality and Italy are practically synonymous, and a stay Il Falconiere Relais is further proof of that fact. This Tuscan hotel was chosen as the recipient of the Karen Brown Readers’ Choice Award for the “Warmest Welcome” in Italy. Just outside of Cortona and nestled in the Italian countryside, the hotel provides an excellent home base for day trips to Florence, Assisi and Siena. After a day exploring, return to the inn for a scrumptious dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. Hotel guests can opt for special themed visits, one of which includes a mini cooking school and another includes guided tours of five different wine regions, such as Chianti and Montefalco.
Albergo Villa Belvedere is proof that you can eat your cake and have it too. This beautiful villa was chosen by Karen Brown readers as Italy’s “Greatest Value.” While not luxurious, the guest rooms are clean and comfortable with simple furnishings, and some have pleasant views of Lake Como. Breakfast and dinner, both filled with hearty fare, are included in the rates, adding to the value of this lakeside retreat. The Cappelletti Family and their warm hospitality are another huge plus, and you’ll be treated more as a friend than a hotel guest.
Pamper yourself at one of the world’s great resorts on the stunning Amalfi Coast at Il San Pietro di Positano. Everything about this hotel is spectacular, from the unparalleled views from the many terraces to the elegant guest rooms to the gourmet cuisine served at the hotel’s restaurant. The list of amenities is enormous - a full-service spa, fitness center, swimming pool and tennis court. Best of all is a private beach cove where you can lounge and sunbathe to your heart’s content. Il San Pietro was chosen as Italy’s best “Splendid Splurge” by Karen Brown readers.
Fun For The Family Is Cycling In Italy
November 8th, 2008 by Alison Addy, under Vacations. No Comments
This article is about spending holidays in Italy and where are good places to go as well as what there is to do.
Spending the Holidays in Italy
Italy is a beautiful country to spend your holiday. Not only is it full of culture but it’s also a very historic place. Many attractions are available in this country. Whether it’s a couple wanting a romantic holiday or a family looking for a nice vacation spot, Italy will not disappoint anyone. There are several popular cities worth seeing in Italy including Venice, Rome and Milan. While each of them is similar, they all have different highlights and wonders to see.
Rome
If you’ve decided on Rome for your Italian holiday vacation, you’ve chosen one of the most historical cities in the world. You will see works of art and architecture that you’ve only seen in magazines and books. Much of the artwork goes back as far as the Baroque and Renaissance eras. You can spend all your time in their galleries and museums and still not see all they have to offer.
Venice
Venice is another city that is exciting and will keep you on the move. Although referred to as waterlogged and half-submerged, you’ll get a real kick out of riding the gondolas. Venice, like all of Italy, is a very romantic spot to either find love or renew your love for that someone special. Venice is the location of the Mascheranda Ball, home of the famous Venetian masks. St. Mark’s square is a real hit with the tourists you’ll see strolling down the streets. Rialto Market has many vendors in action trying to sell their wares.
Milan
For the people that enjoy fashion and design, Milan is the perfect spot, as you’ll see many famous fashion designers that have come from all over the world for their amazing fashion shows each season. Anyone that’s important in the fashion industry visits Milan and chances are you’ll see some of them there. In addition, you’ll see the beauty of the city for your holiday in Milan.
Booking Your Italy Holidays
Many travel agencies book holiday vacations for flights and accommodations in person or through the internet. Italian holidays are quite common for the travel agencies. Whereas at one time Italy holidays were just a dream, more and more people are finding them affordable.
Things To Do On Your Italy Holiday
There are so many things to do while in Italy, your time will literally fly by. Cycling in Italy is quite popular with exercise and fitness being so important today. Sightseeing is something you’ll spend a great deal of time doing as well. While in Italy, don’t forget to check out their best restaurants for some delicious Italian cooking.