posted by Charles H. Russo on Oct 4
Miami Beach is fast becoming one of the top vacation destinations for families andtravelersalike. Miami Beach offers sun, fun and a variety of activities to choose from. Now that you have decided to vacation in Miami Beach, it is time to choose the hotel that you will reside in for your vacation. With a plethora of hotel options how does one pick the perfect Miami Beach hotel? A good way to choose a hotel is by the amenities t
hat the hotel has to offer. One of the biggest disappointments that I have encountered is getting to a hotel and expecting a service that the hotel does not offer. With all the travel tools that are available on the web, you can do a little research before you go to make sure you get what you want. Listed below are what I feel are the top 5 amenities that a hotel can offer to you and your family to make your accommodation choice perfect for you.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 20
The greenways programme offers a unique way to get to know Spain. The project involves the rejuvenation of old rail lines in order to convert them into paths for walking, cycling and horseriding. The main aim is to promote a new culture of open air leisure and sport, which at the same time respects the environment and finds new ways of exploiting disused facilities.
The birth of the greenways programme
The programme began in 1993, springing from an initiative involving the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Environment, the state rail company RENFE, the narrow gauge rail operator FEVE and the Spanish Railways Foundation.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 20
In Spain you can enjoy a nice warm autumn break in one of the following destinations: the Balearic Islands, the Canary Island or Almeria.
The Balearic Islands is an archipelago of 5 islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera y Cabrera) located in the east of Valencia. Thanks to its perfect climate (sun and warm temperatures during the whole year), it has become one of the most famous destinations for tourists in Spain. Tourists can not only enjoy crystalline waters in one of the 300 beaches of the archipelago, but also a wide range of activities: water-skiing, scuba-diving, fishing, water parks, etc. The Balearic Islands also offers a great variety of landscapes: beaches, dunes, untouched coves, forests, etc. We encourage you to travel round the archipelago and observe the flora and the fauna. And to give your holidays a cultural touch, you can also visit one of the most emblematic buildings: the Bellver Castle and the Arab baths in Mallorca, the Cathedral (La Seu) in Menorca and the Llotja (a wonderful Gothic building) in Ibiza. Nightlife in the archipelago is pretty busy. Restaurants, bars, clubs and casinos will be happy to welcome you until the very early hours of the morning.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 7
Fall in Rome, full of events. September starts with the “Notte Bianca ” on the 8th (the night when all shops, museums attrctions will be open all night long), with the reopening of the “Palazzo delle Esposizioni”. From the 5th of October the Palazzo will be open to the public
posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 6
Barcelona offers visitors the possibility of touring the city on foot from its Roman ruins and medieval city to the modernist Catal?n quarters. One of its most attractive places is Las Ramblas walk, which runs between Catalu?a Square and the old port. This walk is crowded with people during the day and until the early hours of the morning, lined with newspaper kiosks, flowers, street actors, caf?s, restaurants and shops. Near the port you will find markets being set up, as well as painters and sketch artists.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 6
And, like the old wine of the Gods, its geometric complexity seems to flee from its foundations, to escape from its cask in order to drink a toast with the setting to the success of the wine culture and of the architecture as the driving force behind the updating of the traditional vinicultural industry.
If the Guggenheim has become the symbol of the urban revival of a city, the building designed by Frank Gehry for the Bodegas Marqu?s de Riscal go further: it will be the idol of a new city built in honour of the wine. The project has Rioja Alavesa Designation of Origin. It is located in Elciego, in the heart of an area of 100,000 m2 given over to the study, care and production of the historic wine. The City of the Wine has just uncorked its Gran Reserva: a construction in which the alliance between gastronomy and architecture generates even more art.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Sep 5
Spain’s state-owned Parador hotel chain is supposed to offer a selection of the finest hotels the country has to offer, often in beautifully restored historic buildings. There is usually a restaurant of varying quality within, and rooms tend to be spacious and clean (especially the bathrooms, where hygiene labels are slapped on everything - see above!)
But Paradors are increasing in price, and are not the bargain they used to be. Typical summer rates hover around the 130 Euros mark, and the big guns like Granada and Santiago de Compostella can charge over 300 for a room. Yes, you can sign up for the “under 30″ or “5 night card” special deals, but only if you can work out the mind-boggling chart that supposedly explains when to make the most of these. So the question remains, are Paradores worth it?
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Aug 30
It is now possible to review the evolution of beer in Spain in the first museum dedicated to this beverage in Madrid.The new Spanish Beer Museum is already a reality in the restaurant ?La Fabrica? in Madrid. Those who feel curious about finding out more details regarding this drink can go to 21 G?nova Street and contemplate an exhibition of historical objects related to this refreshing beverage. Needless to say, national products take up all the attention. This is the case of the first Mahou advertising poster, which dates form 1800, or the collection of Spanish bottles, a kind of retrospective from the 19th century.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Aug 23
By Cassie Davis
If you need a true break and are looking for a getaway that is both serene and interesting, Saugatuck, Michigan is definitely the ideal destination. With the water lapping at your feet and a perfect balance of man-made and natural beauty, this town definitely offers all that you could ask for. Located on the bank of Kalamazoo River, Saugatuck is a perfect location to unwind and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Activities at Saugatuck
While the option of having a lazy holiday is always open, Saugatuck also offers a lot of different activities that can keep you busy through your vacation. If you are a water lover, you could consider sailing boats, yachts, pontoon boats or opt for a peaceful boat ride. If you want an adrenaline rush, you may want to look into the racing boats. Of course, Saugatuck is one of the world’s best destinations for perch fishing, so fishing enthusiasts alike should have no problem keeping themselves busy.
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posted by Charles H. Russo on Aug 23
By Sea
The EuroAdventure tour starts in Vigo, the most important fishing port in Europe. You will be able to savor lots of excellent fish and seafood dishes in the best restaurants. This area of Galicia is also a wine region, bearing the same name: Rias Baixas, excellent full-bodied white wines made from the Albari?o grape variety. While sailing, stop to have a swim near its many beaches, some of which tourists cannot even get to by land. Visit some small offshore Islands, like the Cies Islands, recently declared a national park with wild Flora and Fauna. The sea part of this journey comes to an end around the Ria de Arousa, where, according to tradition, the body of the Apostle St. James (Santiago) was brought to Galicia after his martyrdom in Jerusalem in the year 44 AD. End this gastronomical, cultural, nautical, sailing adventure by standing in front of its outstanding Pilgrimage Cathedral.
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