Cape Town boasts of several wine regions where you can enjoy good wine in god-blessed scenery. Though you can’t bring home the scenery, bringing a few bottles or cases will be your next best option together with the wine tasting experience of a lifetime.
Paarl - About 45 minutes from the city, Paarl boasts of quality wines with Shiraz seemingly the favorite produce. With more than 20 wineries in this beautiful valley, there will be a wine to suit every taste.
Visit Boland Kelder in the heart of this vast wine land and share their high quality wines which have won them awards at local and international levels. Another award winning wine producer is the Laborie where you can have a taste of their unique brand of desert wine. Bring home some bottles as welcoming gifts but you may want to keep some for yourself first. If you are looking for affordable wines, find them at Landskroon and if you are missing your weekly golf, head for Lindhorst, a little way off Paarl towards Franschhoek.
Not only concentrating on wine alone, you can find a glass blowing studio at Seidelberg Wine Estate. Personalize a carafe for your wine maybe? And just when you thought you've seen and tasted all, think again. A must try are the Kosher wines at Zandwjik which produces Kosher products too.
Franschhoek - Boasting as a culinary centre of South Africa, Franschhoek has a number of award winning wine farms. The list of wines ranges from the Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay to the full bodied red of the Merlot and Shiraz, just to name a few. This part of the wine land boasts of the well-known sparkling wines and Ports. You will not be 'lost' for accommodation in the wine lands which caters to touristy needs.
Stay at the The Franschhoek Resort Residence to experience a true wine-tasting tour. Go back in time when you visit Boschendal where winemaking started in the late 1700s. Savour their unique wines aged in their old wine cellars.
Try the award winning Sauvignon Blanc at Franschhoek Vineyards or for the artier, visit the Haute Provence Vineyards where the tasting room boasts an art gallery displaying works of South African artists. Feel like Mediterranean cuisine with your wine? Head for Môreson Matin Soleil where you can have both worlds of exquisite wine tasting infused with Mediterranean gastronomy.
By: james@holiday-velvet.com
http://www.articledashboard.com
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Wine Tours In Cape Town, South Africa
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Eurostar Destination
Guide For Rail Travel In Europe
Eurostar has changed the way people used to travel in Western Europe. Eurostar connecting London to Paris and Brussels via Chunnel Tunnel is one of the most comfortable and easy way to travel these days. Last few months were not good for them, due to various problems arising due to bad weather and technical difficulties which disturbed their honor horribly. But the way it has regained its position is a great achievement and must be appreciated.
Today Eurostar connects many destinations in Paris and Brussels directly via daily services. There are over hundred destinations in Europe that can be travelled directly or indirectly via Eurostar.
Here are the most important Eurostar destinations:
1. Paris: Paris is the major destination in France to which there are highest numbers of trains. Currently there are around 19 trains operating on London-Paris route. Train fare for this route is 69 GBP for a return ticket.
2. Brussels: Second most important destination located in Belgium, is city of Brussels. Euro star operates around 10 trains on a daily basis on London-Brussels route. Fare is same as London to Paris route.
3. Avignon: Avignon, situated in Southeastern France is a destination which is connected to London via Euro star and TGV collaboration. You must first travel to Paris or to Lille from London and after then you can take TGV train to reach Avignon. You can also get direct trains to Avignon from London between July and September.
4. Disneyland: Disneyland is one of the most visited amusement parks situated in Paris. Euro train knows the importance of it and hence provides direct services to this place. Most important thing is that Disneyland is on a walking distance from the station.
5. Lille: Lille is situated in Northern France and is one of the major metropolitan cities in France. There are daily trains from London to Lille and you can book tickets online.
This is just a glimpse of some of the important destination being connected by Euro train. In addition to these this train connects many destinations in Netherland, Germany, and Switzerland via its connections.
Know more about Eurostar destinations and get information about Eurostar prices to these destinations.
By: J. Clarke
www.articledashboard.com/
Ciudad Rodrigo... the Walled city
The site on which Ciudad Rodrigo stands, a rocky hill on the banks of the river Águeda, has been populated since the Neolithic period. Around the 6th century BC, the "vetones", a tribe of Celtic origin, founded the city of Miróbriga and settled there. Four centuries later, the Romans conquered the city and re-named it Augustóbriga in honour of the emperor Octavian Caesar Augustus. Dating to this period are the Three Columns, an enigmatic monument that still stands at the foot of the city's entrance. The object of centuries of dispute between the Arabs and Christians, this fortified town was repopulated in 1100 by Count Rodrigo González Girón, from whom it took its definitive name. King Ferdinand II of León completed the repopulation of the area and undertook several ambitious projects, including the fortification of the city and the restoration of the old Roman port. It was also during his reign that the city regained its status as an Episcopal See and that works on the Cathedral commenced.
The main buildings of the historic quarter, which is an Historic-Artistic Site, date back to the 15th and 16th centuries, a period during which the city enjoyed its golden age...
The walled city
The main defining feature of the city is the imposing medieval wall that surrounds it. This was constructed in the 12th century during the reign of Ferdinand II, although alterations were subsequently carried out during the 18th century. The walled enclosure has a perimeter in excess of 2 kilometers and seven gates, the oldest of which are the Puerta del Sol and the Puerta de Santiago.
The Puerta de la Colada leads to the promontory on which the Castle of Henry II was erected by order of the king in 1372. A square-plan keep presides over the fortress. The complex currently houses the city's parador.
Situated in the Plaza Mayor, or main square, are several stately buildings, such as the House of the First Marquis of Cerrablo, the 16th-century Casa de los Cueto, and the City Hall. The latter was constructed during the mid-16th century in the Renaissance style but also contains elements added at the beginning of the 20th century. Its main façade has two emblazoned towers and a gallery supported by columns with plateresque capitals.
The boom enjoyed by the city during the Renaissance period gave rise to the emergence of numerous palaces and mansions. One of the most outstanding of these is the so-called Palacio de los Castro with its beautiful plateresque portal flanked by spiral columns crowned by figures of lions. Particularly noteworthy in this context is the Palacio de los Águila (16th-17th centuries), an austere mansion adorned with the coats of arms of its former owners. A tour of the city could also include the Neo-Gothic Palacio de la Marquesa de Cartago constructed during the 19th and 20th centuries, the Moctezuma palace, which now houses the municipal cultural centre, the so-called Casa de los Vázquez, now the main post office, and the Palace of the Count of Alba de Yeltes.
Religious Architecture
The Cathedral is the most important religious building in Ciudad Rodrigo. Although c
onstruction commenced around 1165, the building was not completed until 1550 and the result is therefore a mixture of artistic styles. The outstanding element of the façade is the Las Cadenas entrance, the frieze of which is decorated with several sculptural reliefs. The interior of the church is divided into a central nave and two lateral aisles, each covered by rib-vaults. The Main Chapel, situated in the apse of the central nave, has a stellar vault, the work of Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón. Special attention should be paid to the choir stalls, which contain several profane scenes carved by Rodrigo Alemán in 1498.Meanwhile, the Diocesan Museumcontains a collection of religious art.
Situated close by is the so-called Capilla del Marqués de Cerralbo, a magnificent temple in the Herrera style with a grand dome on a base providing the crest. The interior of the church preserves exquisite walnut reredoses. The old quarter contains other beautiful churches, such as those of San Agustín (16th century), San Pedro (12th century) and the Church of the Franciscanas Descalzas (17th century). Situated on the outskirts of the city, en route to the Águeda reservoir, is the 16th-century Monasterio de la Caridad.
In terms of culture, one of the most popular "fiestas" amongst the inhabitants of Ciudad Rodrigo is the so-called Carnaval del Toro (bull carnival). As its name suggests, bulls play a major role in this celebration, with the Plaza Mayor serving for several days as a stage for amateur and professional bullfights with young bulls as well as other festivities.
It fell to the castle at Ciudad Rodrigo to defend Spain against both the Moors and also to watch over and defend the border with Portugal. The castle with its magnificent tower, Torre del Homenaje, is set on a cliff overlooking the river Agueda and the plains below.
This bastion was built by Enrique de Trastamara in the 14th century after he had killed his stepbrother - the legitimate king, Pedro The Cruel - and usurped his throne.
In this town, perhaps the most critical part of Spain's history played out. The Visigothic King Rodrigo raped the daughter of the governor of Ceuta (located in North Africa - in modern day Morocco). The governor was so enraged that he allowed the Moors to disembark for Spain from his port and thus began the Moorish conquest and occupation that lasted for centuries. Rodrigo history says that he was entombed alive himself with a poisonous snake for die in terrible pain trying to atone for his sin.
The fine Parador Ciudad Rodrigo overlooks the town and is the perfect base from which to take walking excursions. The old walled city is great for just wandering around with no particular itinerary. Don't miss the beautiful cathedral. Construction on this cathedral was begun in the 12th century. Its design is part Romanesque and part Gothic.
Parador Ciudad Rodrigo
The Parador Ciudad Rodrigo overlooks the town and is the perfect base from which to take walking excursions into the ancient town of Ciudad Rodrigo. The old walled city is great for just wandering around with no particular itinerary. The Parador is a grand castle (official name is Parador Enrique II) that has magnificent tower, Torre del Homenaje, and is set on a cliff overlooking the river Agueda and the plains below.
Historically, it fell to the castle at Ciudad Rodrigo (now the Parador) to defend Spain against both the Moors and also to watch over and defend the border with Portugal. The castle also played an important role in the war with Napoleon and the French. This bastion was built by Enrique de Trastamara in the 14th century after he had killed his stepbrother - the legitimate king, Pedro The Cruel - and usurped his throne.
In Ciudad Rodrigo, perhaps the most critical part of Spain's history played out. The Visigothic King Rodrigo raped the daughter of the governor of Ceuta (located in North Africa - in modern day Morocco). The governor was so enraged that he allowed the Moors to disembark for Spain from his port and thus began the Moorish conquest and occupation that lasted for centuries. Rodrigo history says that he was entombed alive himself with a poisonous snake for die in terrible pain trying to atone for his sin.
The town is a fascinating place for discovery. There are palaces, convents, and original aristocratic mansions seemingly at every turn. Much of the original walls still surround the old section. You can climb up onto those walls from the Parador. The main cathedral is spectacular. Construction on this cathedral was begun in the 12th century. Its design is part Romanesque and part Gothic.
Interesting in-town excursions from the Ciudad Rodrigo Parador:
The wonderful 'old town' is very special. Take your time and meander it's ancient cobblestone streets at random - you'll be well rewarded.
Interesting half-day trips from the Parador include:
La Alberca - This photogenic little town is as traditional and original medieval mountain village as you will find anywhere. It has been declared a national monument city.
Las Batuecas - A wild and wonderful natural area with many walking trails.
Portugal - It is but a short drive to reach the border. Guarda - with its picturesque fortress is only 40 miles distant.
Salamanca - A World Heritage city, and a "must see" if you are ever near.
The Parador Ciudad Rodrigo has many fine features and presents a wonderful place to stay and bask in the palpable presence of history which completely permeates the place.
Despegar.com takes you to Spain… check the fares:
Expedia takes you there too… take a look:
Take this opportunity and visit the Walled City…
Book in Ciudad Rodrigo’s Parador...
Paradores de Turismo de España
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Easter Island: Rapa Nui or Pascua Island
Easter Island: Rapa Nui or Pascua Island
Easter Island, denominated by her habitants Rapa Nui or Te pito o te henua, it's the remote island more habituate in the world. In her one of the complex cultures was developed but - comparable only with great megalíticas cultures (Egyptian, Inca, and Mayan) in extreme conditions of isolation . Myth and reality are confused in this territory that gave origin to an extraordinary culture that turns to Rapa Nui in a valuable archaeological treasure that it extends the borders of Chile. Eastern Island or Rapa Nui, the most oriental island of Polynesia and one of the most distant places of the planet, is localized in 27° 09' South Latitude, 109° 26 Western Longitude, about 3.800 km to the east of the South America coast, on the same latitude of the Chilean port of Caldera. At the northwest is localized the Pitcairn Island at a distance of about 2.200 km
Rapa Nui Nacional Park was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. Eastern Island is considered the biggest museum in the open air. The islets in front of the cliff of the Rano Kau or Kari Kari volcanoes are protected as a Nature Sanctuary from 1976.
The landscape of the island wonders with its megalithic religious centers, politician dedicated to the spirits of the ancestors, who were designed as deities and were represented as megalithic statues or Moai. More than 900 Moai and 207 Ahu or altars decorate all the coastal edge and transubstantiate part of the interior terrains.
There are more than 70 parasite cones and secondary craters, among them outstands the Rano Raraku, which tuff was used to sculpt the Moai; and the small cone of volcanic scree of the Puna Pau, located on the northwest of Hanga Roa, from which interior were extracted the big cylinders of red scree (pukao) in prehistoric times, located over many of the big statues called Moai.
Around Rapa Nui is developed a narrow coastal platform that increases rapidly in depth and reaches the 200 meters of depth at a media of 1.000 meters from the coast. At some miles, this finishes and steeply the ocean reaches depths of almost 8.000 meters getting close to the coast of South America, at about 4.000 meters to the east and north and 3.000 and 3.600 meters to the southeast.
The characteristics of the marine bottom, the temperatures and streams impede the formation of coral reef, characteristic of other island of the tropical Polynesia. This has the marine erosion to be the main factor that has modeled the island from its emerging since more than three million years, giving rising to the big cliffs that characterize its rocky and unprotected coasts, without bays of natural shelter; only Anakena in the north coast has a large beach of white sand.
The floors of the island are thin and its volcanic origin determines that its main characteristic is its porosity, influencing significantly in the existence of superficial water draining. There are many areas of good agricultural floors, mainly in Hanga Roa and Matarevi at the west side.
Vaihu in the south coast, and Vaitea in the center of the island. Other areas of the island are covered by big flows of lava and rocky fields that correspond to the meteorization of oldest flows and the permanent action of the erosion. There are many caves and subterranean lava tubes, used in prehistoric times as permanent homes, ceremonial and funeral places or as refugees in times of intertribal wars .
The rainfall rate of the island allows maintaining vegetation covered of meadows full of grass, mainly introduced. The water for human and animal consumption is gotten from a big subterranean lens through deep shafts. The animals are supplied also in the lakes of some craters. There exists evidence that in the past the island had biggest vegetation with extent forests, mainly of palm trees and other species which are extinguished today as a consequence of the excessive human exploitation in prehistoric times. Most of the current species of trees and animals were introduced by the first sailors, missionaries and Chileans in the last two centuries use or intangible areas and its coasts are under the guidance of the Chilean Armada. This complex administrative superposition is not free of contradictions and territorial conflicts that have a particular incidence in its management and planning.
Tips Tour…
Places in Easter Island tan you can visit:
Rano Raraku: known as the Moai manufacture. In this place you can find about 400 statues in different moment of construction and transport, activity that seems to have been abandoned from one day to the next without existing until now a worthy explanation of this event.
Ahu Moai : Through the whole Island are about 300 platforms or altars called ahu, most of these have been destructed by the human, animals and natural elements. In this outstand places as Vaihu, Akahanga, Heki'i Raai, Te Peu and Vinapu, where you can observe statues, rests of human settlements (houses, caves, burners and hen runs), besides places of farming and ceremonial ones.
Tahai-Ko Te Riku complex : This archaeological place is located on the Hanga Roa town and is known as a complete restoration, where it is possible to observe stone houses, hen runs, ceremonial places, three platforms with Moai (Tahai, Vai Uri, Ko Te Riku), besides a pier constructed all by stones.
Ahu Huri A Urenga : Is a restoration located near Hanga Roa, it has a unique statue facing the sunrise, the winter solstice. This astronomical moment marks not only the beginning of the winter season ( tonga ), but also the different tapu (prohibitions) of fishing and other activities in the island.
Ahu Akivi : Archaeological complex restored in 1960 by the archaeologist William Mulloy. You can observe 7 statues looking at the sunset (sea). The tradition tells that these 7 Moai represent the first seven explorers that arrived to Rapa Nui, sent by the Hotu Matu'a king.
Ahu Ature Huki : Is located in the Anakena beach and is the first restoration made during the Norwegian expedition in 1956. It has a statue of anthropomorphic aspect and apparently older than the neighboring platforms.
Ahu Nau Nau : Restoration made by the Rapa Nui archaeologist Sergio Rapu at the end of the 70's. It is located in the Anakena beach.
You can observe 7 statues very good preserved, in which are details
impossible to see in other Moai, as tatoos, finishing and clothing. During the restoration a Moai eye was found and it is currently exhibited in the island museum.
Ovahe Beach: counts on surroundings on cogedor standing out its steep reddish sands and of red stone, in addition its marine bottom and fauna do the ideal place for the lovers of the diving and snorkeling, or also for nude.
Ceremonial Village of Orongo: Through the XVI century and as result of a combination of excessive exploitation of the environment and natural catastrophe, the Rapa Nui society goes into a deep environmental, cultural and social crisis. This culminates in the end of the megaliths and in the emerging of a new political and religious order, which center is moved to the Ceremonial Village of Orongo, emerging at the same time the worship to the creator God Make-Make. The warrior leaders, Matato'a, ascend to the power through the annual ceremony of the Bird-Man or Tangata Manu, being the village the scenario of this ceremony from 200 years. This competition is estimated to be bade until 1886-1887 when it disappeared due to the diverse
extern impacts. The last chosen warrior was Rukunga. The ceremony Tangata Manu is carried out in Orongo, a village located in the southwest edge of the Ranu Kau crater. From there you can see the islet Mou Nui, Motu Iti and Motu Kao where the Manutara arrived to nest each spring (Gaviotín Apizrrado, Stema fuscata or Gaviotín Pascuense, Stema lunata). The culminating moment of the competition was to get the first egg of that bird. The parties and celebrations began on July when the participants set up by the volcano, in Mataveri.
Information gotten from the Tourism Chamber of Eastern Island http://www.visitrapanui.cl/
Or more information: http://www.easterisland.net/
Tampico - Tamaulipas, México...
On the flat coastline of the Gulf of Mexico in the northern region lies the proud state of Tamaulipas, which has 420 km (260 mi) of beaches, including, Playa Bagdad, Soto la Marina, Barra del Tordo and the state’s most visited beach destinations, La Carbonera and Miramar.
For an ecotourism outing, El Cielo Biosphere Reserve covers 144,530 hectares (356,989 acres), making it the ideal place to go camping, hiking, mountain bike riding, or to simply observe the diverse flora and fauna.
The cities have managed to preserve a rural feel, even in the state capital 
Ciudad Victoria, which is an important commercial center. The industrial port of Altamira has a quiet coastline, while San Fernando and Hacienda Las Palmas have one of the most important hunting ranches in the nation. Along the Rio Bravo, you’ll find Matamoros, a bustling port with fascinating architecture; Reynoso, a modern city with much commercial activity; and neocolonial Nuevo Laredo.
In the southern region of Tamaulipas, you can visit Tampico, an attractive beach destination. There you can see the Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion, which has Byzantine-style mosaics. Playa Miramar hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year, including the Torneo de Pesca Playero and the Torneo de Pesca Convivencia Familiar.
At the Carpintero Lagoon, the Competencia Internacional de Motonautica takes place, as well as other boat races, such as sailing competitions. There’s also a fishing tournament there.
In Tamaulipas you can enjoy a wide variety of local cuisine. During your visit, be sure to try the jaibas a la Frank (a crab dish), fried huachinango (red snapper), the gorditas de doña Tota and the famed carne a la tampiqueña (a grilled beef dish). To make the experience complete, be sure to check out the so-called polkeadas (a polka fiesta) and huapango, regional music and dance.
Heaven exists!...
and it is in the Huasteca region within the Mexican state of Tamaulipas
El Cielo (Heaven)
Biosphere ecological reserve:
El Cielo is located in the municipalities of Gomez Farias, Llera, Ocampo and Jaumave in the State of Tamaulipas in Mexico.
El Cielo is considerate a privileged region because of the great variety of its: 
• Fauna
• Flora and topographical
• Climatic
• Biological conditions
• that are almost unique of its kind in the world (only two similar places are known in Asia and South America).
• Due to this characteristics, El Cielo is considered as an ecological reserve.
When you come to El Cielo, Natural Wonder of Mexico
(http: // http://www.maravillasdemexico.com/), remember to stay in Casa de Piedra Hotel and Restaurant, authentic refuge for those who seek rest and tranquility,
and for those who love and respect Nature.
Hostal Casa de Piedra Hotel and Restaurant is strategically located in
Gomez Farias, Tamaulipas, near the different sites of interest of the Biosphere Reserve El Cielo: 4 km from the Ecological Interpretive Centre,
15 km from the Cloud Forest and 10 km from the rivers Frio and Sabinas.
It is possible to access all these sites in a normal (non-4x4) vehicle.
Visit: http://www.visitmexico.com/
Querétaro, México…
The city of Queretero is located in Mexico’s central region, 220 km (136 mi) north of Mexico City. The climate is mild, with average temperatures ranging between 22º and 25º C (72º and 77º F). Expect light winds at night.
This city, the state capital of Queretaro, is full of rich history, as evidenced by the magnificent architecture in the Centro Historico (Historic Center). In fact, the UNESCO declared Queretaro a World Heritage Site.
Among the edifices that stand out are: el Templo y Convento de la Cruz (The Temple and Convent of the Cross), el Templo de San Felipe Neri (The Temple of Saint Felipe Neri) and el Templo de Santa Rosa de Viterbo (The Temple of Saint Rosa de Viterbo). These constructions are beautiful examples of baroque architecture, and their interiors house valuable altarpieces made by artists from the colonial period. The city also has large plateresque-style houses, some of which have been converted into museums or elegant restaurants offering the best in regional cuisine.
As you walk along Queretaro’s cobblestone streets you can visit the Teatro de la Republica, an important building where Mexico’s constitution was signed in 1917. You’ll also find numerous art galleries, restaurants and cafes with bohemian atmospheres, which stand in sharp contrast to the modern hotels and commercial zones. In the city’s surrounding areas, you’ll see the impressive Arcos aqueduct, one of Mexico’s most important water delivery systems built during the colonial era. After having undergone several restorations, today the aqueduct is an important city symbol.
Also nearby lies the town of Bernal, where you’ll see the third largest monolith in the world. There you can also visit the Franciscan missions of Sierra Gorda, which are important architectural structures. In addition, you can explore the archaeological ruins of Ranas and Toluquilla or enjoy swimming resorts in the picturesque town of Tequisquiapan, located 74 km (46 mi) east of the state capital.
MUSEUMS...
As you’re walking along the streets, be sure to visit some of the museums to learn more about the city’s interesting culture. You’ll see permanent and temporary exhibits, such as history displays, as well as paintings and sculptures.
Casa de la Zacatecana – Located at 59 Av. Independencia. This large house is a 17th-century baroque construction with patios and several showrooms. Here you’ll see old furniture, paintings, chandeliers, sculptures and an important collection of clocks and crucifixes from the 18th to 20th centuries. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 6:00.
Museo de Arte – Located on the corner of Vicente Guerrero and Av. Pino Suarez. This museum houses an art collection and offers lives concerts at night in its patio area. The building is of baroque architecture and is adorned with figures of musical angels, saints and odd animals. Open daily from 8:00 to 6:00.
Museo Regional – Located at 3 Corregidora. This regional art museum has 16 showrooms with permanent exhibits of pre-Hispanic objects, as well as national and local history exhibits. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 to 8:00.
HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE...
The historic monuments zone in Queretaro was declared a World Heritage 
Site by the UNESCO due to the magnificent architecture made from finely sculpted hewn stone. The churches, convents and other edifices stand as a testament to the city’s fascinating history.
Acueducto (Aqueduct) – Located on Calzada de los Arcos. This monumental work is one of the city’s most representative architectural accomplishments. It is 1280 meters (4,224 feet) long, has 74 arches and was built 300 years ago.
Casa de Ecala – Located in front of the Plaza de Armas. This beautiful example of local baroque architecture was built in the 18th century. The façade has majestic windows with forged steel balconies. One of the stone window frames has a peculiar design in the form of a curtain. Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 5:00.
Casa de la Marquesa – Located at 41 Francisco I. Madero. This is one of the most beautiful examples of local baroque architecture. The two-story façade has hewn stone sculptures and various balconies. The interior is of magnificent Moorish-influenced architecture, as evidenced in the railings, arches, chapel and mosaics. Currently, the edifice is a hotel. Open daily from 9:00 to 5:00.
Plaza de Armas – Located on the corner of Andador 5 de Mayo and Pasteur. At the beginning of the 17th century this was a market. Today, it is a pleasant square with sidewalk cafes and the Marques de la Villa del Villar del Aguila statue.
Beatario de Santa Rosa de Viterbo – Located on the corner of Av. General Arteaga and Ezequiel Montes. The exterior of this church has two beautifully painted flying buttress arches and several bas-reliefs. Inside you’ll see a churrigueresque fan with the image of Santa Rosa, a notable pulpit with ivory inlays and gold-covered wooden altarpieces. Open daily from 9:00 to 6:00.
Oratorio de San Felipe Neri (Cathedral) – Located on the corner of Av. Francisco I. Madero and Melchor Ocampo. This church represents the transition from baroque architecture to neoclassic, as evidenced in the façade, which blends styles from the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable features are the columns and pink hewn stone ridges, as well as the use of volcanic rock on the façade. Open daily from 8:00 to 7:00.
Real Convento de Santa Clara Asis – Located at the corner of Allende and Andador Madero. The most notable features are the main doors, the choir’s forged steel gates and the baroque-style interior. In addition, it has twin facades and a beautiful cupola with Talavera tiles. Open daily from 9:00 to 7:00.
Templo de la Congregacion – Located on Av. 16 de Septiembre. This is the city’s second church built to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe. The cupola and the tiled towers have the colors of the Mexican flag, while the façade has a hewn stone Virgin figure. Inside you’ll see an organ and the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe painted by Miguel Cabrera. Open daily from 8:00 to 7:00.
Templo y Ex Convento de la Santa Cruz – Located on the corner of Independencia and Manuel Acuña. This church has a neoclassic façade and a large porch that serves as a lobby. Inside you’ll see what were the old kitchen, the dining hall and a cellar. In the hallways you can see 17th- and 18th-century paintings. At the Ex-Convent’s famous orchard you’ll find a tree with thorns that grow in the form of a cross. Open daily from 8:00 to 7:00.
Palacio de Gobierno - Located on San Francisco Street, in the downtown area. This is a two-story palatial construction with a series of windows and balconies. This beautiful building was the headquarters of the Casas Reales, then it was a jail, and later it became the Casa de la Corregidora, the home of Doña Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez, who played a key role during
Mexico’s independence movement. Open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 9:00 and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 2:00.
ARCHAEOLOGY...
In Queretaro’s surrounding areas you can visit several archaeological sites, some of which were influenced by Teotihuacan. At these places you can learn about the pre-Hispanic indigenous people that once inhabited the region.
Ranas – Located 157 km (97 mi) northeast of Queretaro, on Highway 120. This beautiful archaeological zone was a city-fortress and important ceremonial center. At the site you’ll see ancient ball courts, pyramids and courtyards on a hill surrounded by lush vegetation. Open daily from 9:00 to 6:00.
Toluquilla – Located 93 km (58 mi) northeast of Tequisquiapan and 65 km (40 mi) from Queretaro, off Highway 120. This ancient city was built on top of a hill. The most notable sights are the ball courts and a structure where you can still see the original stucco on the walls.
ECOTOURISM...
For nature lovers, Queretaro’s environs have some beautiful reserves where you can do ecotourism outings that allow you to appreciate a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Parque Nacional El Cimatario – Located 12 km (7 mi) southeast of Queretaro. Covers an area of 2,450 hectares (6,051 acres); lowland brushwood vegetation predominates.
This quiet park offers beautiful landscapes that are optimal for observing small plant and animal species.
Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra Gorda – Located north of Queretaro, off the San Juan del Rio-Xilitla Highway 120, in the direction of Sierra Gorda. This biosphere reserve, with 383,567 hectares (1.2 million acres), is perfect for exploring diverse ecosystems and observing a wide array of wildlife, as it covers 32% of the state’s territory. The reserve has a special area for bird-watching, allowing you to spy hummingbirds, buzzards and goldfinches. You can also visit the Sotano del Barro, in Arroyo Seco, a giant sinkhole 400 meters (1,320 feet) deep, where you’ll find the largest habitat in the world of the military macaw.
Vivero Quinta Schmoll – Located 71 km (44 mi) from Queretaro off Highway 120, in Cadereyta, at Avenida Colegio Militar and Las Fuentes. Here you can see about 4,000 cactus species and other flora while learning about the efforts being made to conserve these species.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES...
In Queretaro’s surrounding areas there are beautiful areas where you can do diverse outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, rappelling and climbing.
Parque Nacional El Cimatario РLocated 12 km (7 mi) southeast of Queretaro. Covers an area of 
2,450 hectares (6,051 acres); lowland brushwood vegetation predominates.
In this park’s periphery you’ll find the Cerro Cimatario, a hill where you can go hiking with the whole family, without the need of a guide.
Peña de Bernal – Located 59 km (37 mi) from the city of Queretaro, in the town of Ezequiel Montes, this place has the third largest monolith in the world, which is 350 meters (1,155) tall. From the top of the rock formation you’ll get a gorgeous panoramic view. If you like rappelling and climbing, this is a great place.
ARTS AND CRAFTS...
Queretaro’s artisans produce wool textiles, serapes and embroidered leather goods, among other items. They also make wicker furniture, wooden utensils, saddlery, semi-precious stones with opal, basketwork and marble objects. Yet without question, the state’s most representative works of art are the sculptures made from hewn stone. In the city’s Historic Center you’ll find numerous craft shops selling their works.
GASTRONOMY...
Queretaro’s cuisine is a national treasure, as it offers dishes and recipes dating back to the colonial era. Over the years, local ingredients have been added to the dishes, such as corn, chile, cactus and regional fruits, given the dishes a unique Mexican flavor. Indigenous influences are strong as well, as many of the dishes are prepared with various cacti, huamichi, xoconostles (sweetened prickly pears), cornmeal beverages and tamales. Many of the dishes are prepared for civic and religious celebrations, as the harvest season coincides with many national holidays. During your visit, be sure to try the regional enchiladas, Queretaro’s mole, barbacoa de borrego (baked lamb), pollo hortelano (a chicken dish) and the famous seasoned cheeses. For dessert, indulge in sweetened nopal, jamoncillos (milk candy) and fruits and flowers made of sugar.
Visit: http://www.visitmexico.com/
To Vancouver for an action packed holiday
With or without Winter Olympics games, Vancouver is a great place to visit…
This coastal metropolis is great for city-loving culture vultures who want to hang out in trendy bars and sip cocktails, as well as outdoor types who love nothing more than pulling on their hiking boots and getting out and about in the great outdoors, as it is ideally placed for a trip to the Canadian Rockies.
The city itself is divided into a number of districts, all with their own distinct personalities and different qualities.
Head to Chinatown for interesting food, hustle and bustle and a taste of east meets west, or take a trip to Gastown to learn the history of Vancouver and stroll the heritage streets.
Arty types may want to head over to Granville Island, which is home to a bustling market and several arts and crafts buildings - city rules state that no chain stores can open on the island, so this is a great place for those with unique tastes who want to avoid the world of Starbucks and McDonalds.
Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre is great for visitors who want to get a bird's eye view of the city and in the evening, a stroll down to Canada Place to watch the giant cruise ships dock and then depart is a relaxing way to pass a couple of hours.
On the edge of adventure
After they have seen the sights and sounds of the city, holidaymakers seeking something a little more exciting could take a Canadian Rockies tour and check out the spectacular scenery that makes this part of the world a draw for tourists.
From climbing the Rocky Mountain peaks to white water rafting down the rivers in the region, the Canadian Rocky Mountains are perfect for those looking for a truly exciting holiday.
However, before heading off on a thrill-seeking break, holidaymakers should ensure they remain safe by taking a reputable Canadian Rockies tour with guides who can make sure they keep out of danger and get the most out of a trip to the amazing peaks.
In total, the Rocky mountain range goes on for 2,980 miles, all the way from British Columbia to the south-western part of the US.
The Canadian Rockies alone make up more than 900 miles of the range and the highest peaks in this stretch are Mount Robson, which stands at almost 13,000 feet, and Mount Columbia.
As well as breathtaking mountains, the Canadian Rockies is home to beautiful ice glaciers that are best explored as part of an adventure holiday with a guide who knows exactly where to go for the best views.
On a Canada adventure tour, there could also be time to squeeze in a visit to the Sulphur Mountain hot springs, in the famous Canadian Rocky town of Banff, which are popular with winter sports enthusiasts the world over.
Snow activities such as skiing and snowboarding are extremely popular with Canadian visitors and no adventure tour to the Rockies would be complete without a trip to at least one of the towns that British Columbia has to offer - from Banff to Whistler, a village some 70 miles out of Vancouver which has previously hosted the Winter Olympics.
For those keen to keep the action up all the way through their adventure holiday, a rafting trip down the Kicking Horse river could be ideal. The river boasts one of the biggest waterfalls in the whole of Canada - the Wapta Falls are 98 feet tall and more than 500 feet wide.
The Rockies at night
For those who want a visit to the Canadian Rockies to never end, heading for one of the area's many camping areas could be ideal. After a hard day's rafting or hiking, visitors may be glad to bed down in a tent with some of the most spectacular scenery in the world as a backdrop.
And after a good night's sleep, campers in the Rocky Mountains could wake up early and witness a truly great sight - the sun rising over the breathtaking peaks.
By: Dipika Patel
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
If you’re planning a Canada adventure tour then no visit to Canada is complete without experiencing a Canadian Rockies tour. TrekAmerica, the adventure holiday specialist can offer something different to your ordinary holiday. Visit TrekAmerica.com to book an adventure holiday of a lifetime.
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Egypt: a Traveler’s Dream
Our trip to Egypt has been an experience of a life time. It felt like one has been transported back in time to five thousand B.C. Their history is a part of their very existence. The magnificent pyramids and the sphinx, the stories of the pharaohs, the beautiful Blue Nile, the amazing temples built by famous kings who ruled this land thousands of centuries ago. That’s what Egypt is all about.Let me start from the beginning of the tour. We started from Delhi by Kuwait airways which meant that we had to spend a few hours at Kuwait airport. Once we took off from Kuwait we were travelling above the desert. What a unique sight it was. Miles and miles of bare land below us with no life, not even a blade of grass. Such is the desert of Sinai. From thirty thousand feet above the sea level the sand dunes appeared like mere designs on the vast expanse of the desert. There were a few hills here and there but no greenery. Then suddenly there was this blue water of the gulf of aqaba. Very soon we landed at the Cairo airport. Cool breeze greeted us but there was hardly any greenery...
Next day was the visit to the famous Pyramids and the sphinx. The sheer magnificence of the structures leaves you spell bound. It is difficult to fathom how they could construct such huge edifices in those ancient times when there was no machinery. Cranes or bulldozers! It’s truly remarkable. In the evening there was this sound and light show at the Pyramids which had such a strong impact on us that for some time we forgot where we were and became a part of that great era. Next was the cruise at The Nile. ‘The Nile’, the beautiful Blue Nile. The water is indeed absolutely blue. The green belt along the Nile is the birth place of human civilization.
This is where the man learnt to do farming, making papyrus paper which even today holds the facts of history. There is so much greenery around the river that one forgets the desert for a while. During the cruise we stopped over to see the temples of king Remses the II and the goddess Isis. These are again marvels of construction of those days. But here we get to witness the marvel of today as well. When the famous Aswan dam was getting built these two temples were getting submerged in the waters.
So the Egyptian Government with the help of U.N. managed to transport the temple to a higher ground – slab by slab, stone by stone. It’s a great feat of the modern times. Seeing them one can never guess that they have been re-established.The tour of Egypt is not complete without a visit to Alexandria, a city built by famous Alexander the Great.
This lovely town runs along the Mediterranean Sea. The emerald waters of this sea take your breath away. It’s simply awesome. The most modern and huge library is the pride of this city. On the outer walls of this library there are words engraved from all the languages that exist in this world. We saw words of Hindi, Gurumukhi, and Telugu etc. Isn’t it fascinating!Then there is this Valley of the Kings.
The most famous recent discovery of this place is the Mummy of King Tutankhamen. In those days as the kings were enthroned they built these huge tombs carved in the hills where after their death their bodies could be kept, preserved as mummies, along with their valuables. Not much is left of the treasure part of it as it has been stolen over a period of time, but the tombs are indeed beautiful from inside. Paintings and carvings are worth seeing.Last but not the least was our stopover at Luxor, the shopper’s paradise.Even here we had some historical monuments.
There was this Obelisk, made out of a single stone more than seventy meters high. One fails to understand how they ever erected it. The stone has been brought from hundreds of miles away! It’s really amazing.Luxor gives you an opportunity to take back with you souvenirs of this most exotic land, paintings on papyrus paper, leather goods, hukkas of all sizes and what not. Ever since I had read about Egypt in my childhood, it had fascinated me and for me a visit to the land of the pharaohns was like a dream come true.
Published: 2008-07-06Author:
Renu Nath
Cáceres… a Spanish Jewel
More than ten towers dominate the historic quarter of Caceres, delimited by Arab walls. Cobbled streets marked by medieval, fortified homes and Renaissance palaces make up the most beautiful sceneries in this city, which was declared World Heritage.The local history is closely related to one the historic, peninsular routes: "Vía de la Plata" (the Silver Route), a Roman road that linked Seville and Astorga, used by the pilgrims who were headed to Santiago de Compostela. Pork products and shepherd recipes are the fundamental elements of the rich culinary tradition of this region, the dishes should be served with some of the excellent wines from Caceres.
Originally called Norba Caesarina, the city of Cáceres was founded by the Romans in 34 BC. However,it was not until the arrival of the Moors (12th century) that the city enjoyed its era of greatest splendour. A century later, the city would pass into Christian hands upon its reconquest by Alfonso IX of León. In the 15th century Isabella I brought an end to the continuous power struggles between the local nobles by ordering the cutting-off of the tops of the towers of their 
respective house-fortresses. Thereafter the city experienced an economic boom, mainly brought about by its active role in the discovery of America. The walled part of Cáceres, the majority of which is Almohad, preserves to this day its Medieval defensive towers such as those of Bujaco, Yerba and del Horno, all 12th century constructions. The gate known as the El Arco de la Estrella affords access to the area of the city enclosed by its wall. This entrance, the work of Manuel de Lara Churriguera, was built in the 18th century to replace the previous Puerta Nueva, which dated from the medieval period.
Once inside the medieval quarter, there are palaces and ancestral houses to be seen at every turn, which can be easily identified by the presence of family coats of arms. The Plaza de Santa María is surrounded by several palaces. One of these is the Carvajal palace, which was built between the 15th and 16th centuries, later to be refurbished in the middle of the 20th century. At the centre of its picturesque, Renaissance courtyard there stands a thousand-year-old fig tree. Beside the house stands a 12th century round tower built by the Moors. The palace currently houses the Cáceres Tourist, Craft and Traditional Culture Board.
The square is completed by the Mayoralgo Palace (16th century), the biggest in the city, with its interior stone, pointed-arched courtyard and the Episcopal Palace. The latter has two façades, one dating from the 13th century, with a foiled arch at its entrance, while the other Renaissance façade is adorned with bossage arching.
The whole is presided over by the 15th century, Gothic Santa María Pro-cathedral. The church is made up of three naves covered by rib vaults. Worthy of special mention is its main altarpiece with stalls, built in the Plateresque style. This work by Guillén Ferrant and Roque Balduque is made of non-polychromed cedar and consists of priceless sculptures and reliefs. Apart from the tombstones and Baroque altarpieces in its side chapels, you should not miss the image of the Cristo de los Blázquez, also known as the Cristo Negro ("Black Christ") which, tradition has it, brought death to all those who looked at, or touched, it.
In the neighbouring San Pablo square stands the 15th century Cáceres-Ovando House. Attached to the building stands the Cigüeñas Tower, which is the only tower that Isabella I allowed to preserve its battlements.
Notwithstanding, one of the most beautiful examples of Cáceres architecture is the 15th century Golfines de Abajo Palace, with its outstanding 16th century Renaissance façade, not to mention the superposition of Gothic and Mudejar features, as well as its 17th century Plateresque cresting. The Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella are said to have stayed here in this fine building on one of their visits to the capital.
The San Mateo square is home to the Paredes Saavedra House, which dates from the 15th and 
16th centuries, the House of Lorenzo de Ulloa (15th century), and the House of the Veletas. Built at the end of the 15th century over the old Almohad fortress, this palace was rebuilt at the beginning of the 18th century. Its Baroque façade is one of the building's most noteworthy exterior features, not to mention its pinnacles (colloquially referred to as "weather vanes") that crown its top. An excellently preserved cistern from the old Spanish-Moorish fortress, which could possibly have come down to us from the 12th century, is to be found inside, underneath the courtyard. Today the building serves to house the Cáceres Museum that has a collection of archaeological pieces and ethnographic artefacts on display to enable the visitor to get to know the history of the province.
San Mateo church (16th century), which stands in the square of the same name, is built over the city's old main mosque. It posesses an oustanding Gothic façade.
Outside the walls, there is a magnificent flight of steps that leads down to the Plaza Mayor, which is notable for its numerous towers and the Balbos Forum. Nearby stands the Godoy Palace (16th century), a Renaissance building with a beautiful corner balcony. Beside it we have the Santiago church, founded by the order known as the “Fratres de Cáceres”, a precursor of the later Order of Santiago. Several other artistic features have been added in the course of time to its original Romanesque structure, from among which the Berruguete altarpiece deserves special mention.
On leaving the city, on the highest peak of the neighbouring Sierra de la Mosca Mountains we come across the Nuestra Señora de la Montaña Church, which houses a Baroque altarpiece. Under the church you can visit the cave where the veneration of Our Lady of the Mountain began, who was to become as of 1688, the patroness of the city. To round off the visit, this area provides the visitor with some of the best panoramic views of this monumental city and its outskirts.
Gastronomy and the outskirts
Cáceres cuisine revolves around pork and its by-products. Shepherd recipes are undoubtedly the most popular traditional dishes throughout the entire province: lamb and goat-kid stew, migas (chorizo sausage, bacon and bread), etc. Other traditional dishes include sopas canas (with milk, bread, oil, paprika and garlic) and “ropavieja” (meat in a sauce with egg and tomato). All of these specialities can be accompanied by a glass of Cáceres wine, the quality of which is guaranteed by the Ribera del Guadiana Designation of Origin label. There is wide variety of desserts on offer, including sheep's, goat's and cow's cheese, not to mention the excellent confectionery, originally a monastery speciality, of which the delicious sweets from the San Pablo convent are an outstanding example.
More in Cáceres...
The old Comendador de Alcuéscar Palace, also known as the Marqueses de Torreorgaz Palace has been refurbished and converted into a Parador Hotel, which has seen it become one of the best hotel establishments in the capital. It is one of the most outstanding buildings of the "old", monumental Cáceres, which originally dates from the 14th century, but which was later refurbished in the 15th and 17th centuries.
Cáceres province possesses a host of interesting routes to be discovered by the visitor. One of these, called the Vía de la Plata, takes us along the ancient Roman road that joined Sevilla and Astorga, and which later on was used by the pilgrims as they made their way to Santiago de Compostela. On taking this route we can also visit, in addition to Cáceres, Plasencia, the second most important city in the province. Indeed, its city walls conceal an important artistic heritage. The Plasencia Parador Hotel is situated in a 15th century convent in the monumental heart of the city.
To the north of the province, in the district of La Vera, we come across Hervás, a town that possesses one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Spain, and Valverde de la Vera, a site that has been declared to be of Historical-Artistic interest. At Jarandilla de la Vera, beside the Yuste Monastery, you can spend the night at the Parador Hotel, which was originally a Medieval castle-palace.
To the east of the capital Trujillo the home of the conquistadors of Latin America is worth a visit. There we can visit the old Santa Clara convent (16th century), which has now been turned into the Trujillo Parador Hotel. Guadalupe is only a few kilometres away. This Historical-Artistic town is home to the Guadalupe Monastery, a Gothic-Mudejar building that has been declared to be a World Heritage site. Guadalupe also has its own Parador Hotel, which is located in the the old facilities of the San Juan Bautista hospital (15th century). Lastly, the Monfragüe National Park is just one of the numerous natural treasures to be found in Cáceres. An area of extremely varied landscape, it has been declared to be a Special Bird-Protection Area.
More information: http://www.spain.info/
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To Five Places to see in Argentina…
Argentina is a country of contradictions and contrasts, home to both Patagonian glaciers and tropical rainforests. A country of vineyards and waterfalls as well as deserts.
To help you define your priorities when you’re planning your trip, here’s a quick list of my five favorite Argentina tourist attractions:
1. Buenos Aires. Number one because it can’t be missed. Which is convenient for most visitors since, as the center for transportation in the country, the city would be hard to miss if you tried. Even if you only have a short time, plan on staying here for at least a few days: flexible travelers 
with lots of time on their hands often find that after several months they still haven’t moved on! Things to see and do: Go to a “milonga” (a tango dance hall), the city is, after all, the place where tango began. Have a steak, the best beef in the world. Spend an evening or two in the neighborhood of Palermo with its restaurants, bars and clubs. And if your language skills are rusty, B.A. is one of the best places in Latin America to learn Spanish.
2. The Glaciers National Park
You may have seen photos in National Geographic of these glaciers calving off icebergs and thought that this was one of those exotic places in the world you’d never be able to see. Well, think again: Argentina’s glaciers, though in the far south of the country, are 
these days easily accessible by air and land transportation and the Perito Moreno glacier, the park’s star performer, is so awe-inspiring that even the most jaded world traveler could scarcely fail to be impressed. Mount Fitzroy in the north of the Park is only a short drive away, too. With its sheer rock cliff face, it is one of the Andes’ most emblematic peaks.
3. The Iguazú Waterfalls. This enormous waterfall in Argentina’s tropical north, by many 
accounts the world’s largest, is formed by a confluence of swollen rainforest rivers dropping hundreds of feet off volcanic rock cliffs. Since the falls form part of the Argentina-Brazil border, try to see the falls from the National Parks in both countries. On the Argentine side, walkways take you to the very edge, letting you peer down into the misty void. On the Brazilian side, you’re able to take in the whole panorama of the falls from below.
4. Salta and Jujuy. Argentina’s Andean northwest, with its high planes, green valleys, llamas herds, spicy food and indigenous people sporting ponchos. The region is home to some of Argentina’s most varied and rugged landscapes.
5. Puerto Madryn and Peninsula Valdéz. No visit to Argentina should be 
considered complete without a visit to coastal Patagonia, one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world. In the winter and spring months the Southern Right Whale mates, gives birth and raises its young in the sheltered harbor of the Peninsula. At other times of the year, there are sea lions, seals, penguins, dolphins and even orcas on view.
About the Author:
Scott Ferree is the study abroad coordinator at the Interhispanica Spanish Language School in Buenos Aires, Argentina: http://www.interhispanica.com.ar/
Alsace: a region in the northeast of France
Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Alsace is a frontier land both open to the world and attached to its own traditions. The capital of Alsace is Strasbourg. 40km to the South of Strasbourg is Colmar, a renowned tourist destination.
Renowned for its geranium-filled villages, its medieval capital of Strasbourg, its tasty "choucroute garni" dishes and its crispy dry white wines. Nestled between the mighty Rhine and the Vosges mountains, picturesque Alsace is fiercely French in its social and political attitudes, but ever so slightly German in its tastes and appetites.
This beautiful place has through its history changed hands between Germany and France on several occasions. The local culture is distinct, and the region offers historic cities and castles, and interesting countryside. A popular itinerary is the Alsatian Vineyard Route - fabulous for walking from town to town trying a whole bunch of local wines.
Alsace also has some of the most beautiful cathedrals and churches in Western Europe. The stunning Strasbourg Cathedral is a unique example of a mix of roman and gothic architecture and has the peculiarity of having one tower only and of being built with pink Vosges gres.
Due to their tumultuous past history, Alsatians are extremely proud to be French and take great offence in being mistaken for Germans when they go overseas or inland France. You will not see more French flags on the streets of any other inland French cities. Alsatians have a very deep attachment to France even if the French Government has not always reciprocated. During WWII, all Alsatians men were sent by the Germans to the Russian front. Some boys managed to escape before being sent there and went to Paris to enrol in the French army. This act of courage however came at a dire price as the family of those "malgré nous" would often be killed or sent to concentration camps.
The Bas-Rhin is the northern département of Alsace; Haut-Rhin refers to the département south of Selestat.
Other destinations:
Alsace has an extensive rail network due to its shared borders with Germany and Switzerland, with rail links to both of these countries passing through the region. The French SNCF and TGV networks pass through Alsace. Rail links to Freiburg and Basel are found at Mulhouse, and Strasbourg has direct connections to Germany,Paris and other cities in France.
French is the official language. German dialect is widely spoken by the older generation and in the more rural areas. The English language can be limited to the younger generation. In some areas, the population may use the native dialect of Alsacien, an Allemanic German dialect similar to that spoken across the German border in western Baden-Württemberg or in northwestern Switzerland, but you will always find someone who can speak French fluently. Knowledge of standard German has again become important for economic reasons, but certainly English is more likely to play this role.
The Haut-Rhin département is served by Euroairport, the airport that serves Mulhouse, Basel and Freiburg, with excellent links by road and train to these cities. Budget airline Easyjet[1] offers links to London and Liverpool. A smaller airport also exists at Entzheim, near Strasbourg. But the easiest way to get in is by road. The Bas-Rhin département is linked to Paris and the rest of France by the A4 highway and the N4 road, when the Haut-Rhin is linked to west by the N59 road (via the tunnel of Ste-Marie-aux-Mines) and to the south (Belfort) by the A36 highway. Other small roads link Lorraine to Alsace, but they're all really winding since they go through theVosges. The main access to Switzerland is the A35 highway (between Mulhouse, France and Basel, Switzerland). If you arrive from Germany, you can cross the Rhine easily at one of several bridges.
It is best to have a car so you can explore all the little villages, stop for wine tastings and see the ruins of castles.
What to see:
What to do?
Discover the fantastic Fritz Schlumpf collection[2]: Bugatti, Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Hispano Suiza. They're all there, in an area covering 17,000 m², 400 exceptional cars from amongst the most famous. There are giant screens, simulators, reconstructions truer than real life, games.
Gastronomy:
Alsatian cuisine is very distinctive; heavily German-influenced with a Gallic flavour. According to Alsatians, sauerkraut (French: choucroute) was invented here. In addition, a traveller can expect to find tarte flambée (an onion, bacon, and creme fraiche 'pizza' - Flammkuchen in German), Baeckehoffe and all sort of Charturie in abundance in Alsatian restaurants, nestling alongside escargots, "cuisses de grenouilles" and crème brûlée. Alsace is the smallest region in France, but it possesses the largest number of five-star chefs per inhabitant.
The Alsatian Vineyard Route is a veritable rite-of-passage for the discerning wine buff. Visit the Vins Alsacewebsite[4] for further information.
Alsace is also home to some of the best and most renowned beers in the world, like Kronenbourg, Kanterbrau or Fischer.
As recomendation:
Restaurant « La Maison Kammerzell »
The “Maison Kammerzell” is a veritable symbol of Strasbourg, which dates back to 1427. The speciality of fish sauerkraut, with its sauces made to secret recipes, came to fill the air at the House with 75 stained glass windows.
16 place de la cathédrale in Strasbourg
+33 (0)3 88 32 42 14
http://www.maison-kammerzell.com/
Culture:
Alsatian Museum
This visit should not be missed. Its shows the extraordinary richness of the Alsatian culture. This local art museum presents the traditional lifestyle: painted furniture, toys, and religious images. Through the reconstruction of different interiors, one follows a tour of the religion, discovering the affluence of the wine grower, the life of the valley, the blacksmith’s or carpenter’s workshops…
23-25, quai St-Nicolas in Strasbourg
+33 (0)3 88 52 50 01
http://www.musees-strasbourg.org/
Night Life:
Pub « Les Aviateurs »
Situated near « place du Marché Gayot » the center of the nightlife, « Les Aviateurs » is a famous American style pub: the beers are local and the vibe friendly.
12 rue Sœurs in Strasbourg +33 (0)3 88 36 52 69
http://www.les-aviateurs.com/
Shopping:
Poterie d’Alsace – Hélène Mahler
"Poterie d'Alsace" specialized in traditional crockery was set up in 1860, a feet away from the Cathedrale. Traditional potteries are especially used for the cooking in oven: oval terrines (Baeckehof), pots, gratin dishes or shaped cake tins (Kougelhopf, Chrismas stars …). Hélène Mahler welcomes you warmly and gives you the best tips in order to use perfectly your new kitchen utensils.
3 rue des Frères in Strasbourg
+33 (0)3 88 32 23 21
http://poteriealsace.free.fr/
Events: Not to be missed in Strasbourg
Discover 2 major events:
The Christmas Market and the Strasbourg's Mondial de la Biere, the Beer Event in Europe!
Alsace is a predominantly rural region with a low crime rate. Visitors to Strasbourg should heed the same advice for any major city; do not flash cash, be sympathetic but not gullible with beggars; don't wander down dark alleys alone.
STRASBOURG: http://www.otstrasbourg.fr/
In the Alsace's region:
COLMAR, A CULTURAL, TOURISTIC AND GASTRONOMIC TOWN...
The capital of Alsace Centre, near Germany and Switzerland, Colmar (roughly 67,000 inhabitants) is situated between Strasbourg and Basel, and the Vosges and the Rhine.
Despite the ups and downs of its turbulent history the town has managed to preserve its historical centre intact. The latter has been listed as a « protected area » and undergone constant restoration and enhancement.
The pedestrian area, one of the largest in Europe, enables visitors to appreciate and admire the town’s treasures, a heritage from the period between the Middle Ages and the 20th century. From the Maison des Têtes (House of heads - early 17th century), which owes its name to the 111 heads decorating its facade, to Maison Pfister (Pfister house), a fine bourgeois residence of medieval design dating from the Renaissance, each of its monuments is unique in its kind.
In addition, Colmar possesses a very rich religious art heritage: the Dominican’s Church and the Saint-Martin’s Church are examples of pure, sober Gothic art, stripped of all ornamentation.
You can stroll down the streets, admiring the numerous ensigns and the brightly coloured roofs… or saunter along the Quai de la Poissonnerie (Fisherman’s wharf), in a picturesque district now referred to as the “little Venice” and once the nerve centre of Colmar’s
fish market.
MULHOUSE : Another Alsace
Mulhouse has kept a significant and unique historical heritage from its past as an independent republic. As the European capital city for science and industry museums, Mulhouse invites you to discover its rich past through its prestigious museums, such as the National Automobile Museum - Schlumpf Collection, the French Railway Museum or the Museum of Printed Textiles, and through its historical centre with a wonderful ancient town hall of rhenish Renaissance style. And all year long, don't miss the many events that take place in this great town, such as the Automobile Festival, the Jazz Festival or the Christmas market.
