phagemann — Travelogue

Barcelona Wine and Cava Day Trips

March 12, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

The wine region of Penedes lies south of Barcelona. The area has a world-renown reputation for producing Spanish champagne, known as cava, and superior white wines. Good quality reds also emerge from the region. Its close proximity to the Barcelona apartments and hotels makes Penedes the ideal spot for a wine and cava connoisseur to tour on a day trip.

Cava Winery Cordorniu

The Cava Winery Cordorniu sits in the village of Sant Sadurni D'Noia. The winery dates back to the 16th century. The winery's cellars were built by the architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch. The imposing structure has eyecatching architecture and has been declared a National Monument of Historic and Artistic Interest. Tours to the winery usually take approximately eight hours and include a visit to Sitges, which overlooks the sea. Sitges features a picturesque white medieval quarter with winding cobbled streets. Most tours allow an hour or so of personal time to explore Sitges. The full day tours provide lunch at one of the area restaurants.

Torres Winery in Pacs

The Torres Winery in Pacs is a delightful day trip that offers visitors the chance to view the winemaking process up close. The tour of the Torres Winery usually lasts one hour, but the entire trip will take approximately eight hours. Visitors will learn about the wine making process in great detail. The tour will cover the process from vine to bottle. Visitors will also be able to tour the winery's massive cellars. After the tour at the winery, visitors are welcome to sample wine at the special tasting centre.

Jean Leon Estate

The Jean Leon estate was one of the first wineries to create white wines in oak casks. Visitors can learn about the history of the estate and its winemaking process. They can also visit the large visitors centre. Wine tasting is included in the tour. Following the wine tour, most tour companies wrap up the day by visiting the historic town of Sitges.

Wine and cava day trips from Barcelona usually take eight hours to complete, but can run up to nine hours or more. Most tour companies allow two to six people per trip. The tours run year round from January to December. Rates vary, depending on the tour company. Pickups from area hotels or apartments in Barcelona are available. Advance reservations are strongly suggested. Some tour companies require that the day trip must be booked at least seven days in advance.

Filed Under: Barcelona, Featured, Spain

Gare de l’Est Train Station- Paris

March 2, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Gare de l"est is one of six SNCF train stations found in Paris. Gare de l'Est is not far from Gare du Nord, another in the string of stations. Both stations are in the 10th arrondissement of the city. Gare de l'Est is set up to serve trains departing for and arriving from areas east of the city.

Gare de l"est was built in 1847, in the Belle Epoque design so familiar in the city. The "newer" west wing was completed in 1854 and was made to help alleviate growing crowds heading into the Strassbourg region of France and Germany. As a point of fact, Gare de l'Est was built by Compagnie du Chemin de Fer de Paris à Strasbourg (the Paris-Strasbourg Railway Company) and originally was to be called the "Strasbourg Platform."

France's TGV along with City Night Line and Lyria train lines operate out of the station and serve Germany, Eastern France, Austria and the German speaking region of Switzerland.

Daily shuttle service to Paris's international Charles de Gaulle airport depart from the Gare de l'Est premises every 7 to 15 minutes each day. The operating hours of the station are approximately 5 am to midnight each day.

Within the station are several newsstands that carry books and periodicals in English, French and German to accommodate the mix of languages and travelers.

Paid parking around the terminal is available and the address should you be driving to the station is Place du 11 novembre 1918 75010 Paris. Valet baggage service and luggage check is available at the consignment stand within Gare de l'Est. Luggage lockers are on the left-side of the building and are for use between 6:30 am to 11:15 pm. Luggage left overnight is disposed of.

Three small restaurants that serve a variety of fast food and sandwiches serve the three main tracks of Gare de l"est. Beer and wine is served along with food should you desire.

Gare de l'Est is a WiFi hotspot, allowing you to check email and surf the web while waiting for your train. Telephone stands are available within the terminal should you be traveling without a cell phone.

Filed Under: Featured, France, Paris

Gare du Nord Train Station, Paris

February 28, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Train travel is much more prevalent and popular throughout Europe than the United States. In major European cities such as Paris, train stations are busy and bustling, transporting people over the continent. Gare du Nord, in the northern section of the Paris, serves thousands of travelers each day with departures and arrivals, restaurants, shops and pubs.

The original Gare du Nord was completed in 1846. By 1864 Gare du Nord had to be rebuilt three times to expand and accommodate the growing number of travelers. The name "Gare du Nord" is based less on its location within the city and more based on where the majority of the trains depart and arrive. Gare du Nord serves the Benelux countries, Scandinavia and Northern Germany.

Located at 18 Rue Dunkerque in Paris, Gare du Nord is open between 5 am to 1 am daily. The Regional Express Railway (RER) B line departs for Charles de Gaulle airport every 7 to 15 minutes each day, guaranteeing connections between the two travel mediums.

Eurostar, TGV and Thalys railways serve the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Northern Germany, Denmark, Norway and Sweden out of Gare du Nord.

Within the station is free WiFi – a sure sign of the changing times. Pay telephones, toilets and lockers are available throughout the station. Visitors have access to a regional tourism office open between 9 am to 8 pm. Currency exchange is done through a Thomas Cook kiosk where up to date rates are available. Newsstands stick current magazines and newspapers in a variety of languages to accommodate the variety of travelers coming through the station.

There are four restaurants serving small meals and fast food as well as beer and wine throughout the Gare du Nord premises. Use the baggage consignment office to check large bags for a half-day or longer. Remember to keep your stub to retrieve your bags.

Taxi stands are outside entrances to the station, with valet flagging and parking near by. Sight-seeing in locales such as the Monmarte and Sacre-Couer are just outside the station. Gare du Nord is in Paris's 10th arrondissement, the subsections of the city.

Filed Under: Featured, France, Paris

The Gare Saint-Lazare, Train Station, Paris

February 27, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

The Gare Saint-Lazare is one of the six largest train stations in Paris, France. It is the second busiest train station in Paris and serves long distance routes towards Normandy as well as regional trains to the western suburbs of Paris. It transits over 400,000 travelers a day. The first station at Saint-Lazare was 150 meters northwest of its current location and was called Embarcadere des Batignolles. The station opened on August 24, 1837 and was opened by the wife of Louis-Phillipe of France, Marie-Amelie. The Gare Saint-Lazare train stations is located near the following metro stations: Saint-Lazare, Europe, and Havre-Caumartin (also known as Saint Augustin).

You can reach numerous travel destinations from the Gare Saint-Lazare, making it convenient for locals and tourists alike. There are plenty of bars and restauarants located around the Gare Saint-Lazare, which is, once again, advantageous to both locals and tourists. Some restuaruants include Brasserie Mollard, Le Garnier, Brasserie Printemps, Le Madeleine C, Bistro de Deux Theatres, Casa Del Estelle and Cafe Terminus, all of which boast a 7.8 dining rating or higher. Restaurants such of these offer a fine dining experience as well as bars that are perfect for an evening cocktail.

The SNCF Intercités train services that operate out of the Gare Saint-Lazare train station include the following:

Gare Saint-Lazare – Vernon – Rouen-Rive-Droite – Le Havre
Gare Saint-Lazare – Évreux-Normandie – Lisieux – Caen – Cherbourg
Gare Saint Lazare – Évreux-Normandie – Lisieux – Trouville-Deauville
Gare Saint Lazare – Rouen-Rive-Droite – Dieppe

The suburban lines that operate out of the Gare Saint-Lazare train station include the following:

Saint-Lazare – Conflans – Gisors
Saint-Lazare – Ermont-Eaubonne
Saint-Lazare – Conflans – Mantes-la-Jolie
Saint-Lazare – Poissy – Mantes-la-Jolie – Vernon
Saint-Lazare – Cergy-le-Haut
Saint-Lazare – Saint-Nom-la-Bretèche
Saint-Lazare – Versailles-Rive-Droite

The Gare Saint-Lazare is the most historic train station in Paris. Some of the reason for this is because the Gare Saint-Lazare features a hotel, the Hotel Concorde St Lazare (also known as the Terminus), as part of the railway building. From the Gare Saint-Lazare train station, you can take a trip around Europe through Amsterdam, London, Vienna and Rome. The Gare Saint-Lazare is an architectural wonder that has inspired many 19th and 20th century artists. When you're planning a trip to Paris, France, or Europe in general, you should travel on the Gare Saint-Lazare railway because it is a historic monument and tourist destination in itself.

Filed Under: Featured, France, Paris

The Gare d’Austerlitz, Parisian Transportation With Flair

February 26, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

The Gare d'Austerlitz train station is tucked neatly into the fabric of Paris, an internationally famous city. Its history is rich and ranks among the most prominent tourist attractions. Gare d'Austerlitz plays an important role in Paris commuter transportation. If arriving or leaving Paris by train, or just staying in a Paris apartments, take the time to enjoy this historical train station.

The History of Gare d'Austerlitz
On April 26, 1931, Gare d'Austerlitz station was opened with the section known today as Paris Metro Line 10. It was located between Gare d' Orleans and Place d'Italie and for a time was the northern terminus until an extension, Place Mazas was completed. Its name derives from the Battle of Austerlitz, the name of the local district. The Battle of Austerlitz is historically a major turning point in the Napoleonic Wars.

Gare d'Austerlitz is so popular because of the unique features incorporated into its elegant design and the traverse of its lines. A view of the Gare d'Austerlitz clearly shows the Parisian penchant for beauty without compromising functionality. Structures in Paris fit into a perfect weave of architecture in traditional design that adds an air of elegance to fill the needs of Parisiennes and world travelers.

What Makes Gare d'Austerlitz So Unique?
From the moment travelers arrive at Gare d'Austerlitz, they are treated to a smooth transition to their chosen destination. The station serves Line 5 and forms the eastern terminus of Line 10, located in the 5th and 13th arrondissements. Line 5 Station opens to the outdoor area. This is strategically entered beneath the roof of Gare d'Austerlitz's main line. Travelers appreciate this exit from the station where they cross the dark green waters of the River Seine. Then, Line 5 traverses into a prominent descent and curve known as "le toboggan" ("the slide").

Traditional Beauty, Modern Enhancements
Gare d'Austerlitz accommodates needs of travelers seeking to view Paris and all of its attractive sights. Gare d'Austerlitz, in cooperation with France's national railway system the SNCF, offers high speed rail trains like the ultra-modern TGV Reseau train which carries an impressive 100 million passengers a year as well as traditional express trains that reach Gare Montparnasse, Gare de Lyon, Gare du Nord, Gare St. Lazare, Gare de Bercy and Gare de este. In addition, underground connections and subways serve local commuters as well as travelers to and from hotels and apartments in Paris the year round. Gare d'Austerlitz opens at 5 AM and remains open until midnight. Commuters enjoy the bistros and upscale brasseries as well as restaurants replete with international cuisine.

Filed Under: Featured, France, Paris

Madrid Museums, Spain

February 21, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Madrid, the capital and largest city in Spain is definitely one of the most popular cities to visit. Known for its fascinating history, Madrid boasts over 45 museums–many of them art museums–but all promise cultural experiences that should not be overlooked. When staying in a city for a extended period of time whether it be a hotel or an Apartment in Madrid, one gets to take in the city at a slower pace. One gets to enjoy all the city has to offer, from fine dining, the architecture to the history of the city and quite often this can be brought together in the many museums Madrid has to offer.

The Golden Triangle of Art is made up of three museums including the Museo del Prado, Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. Each one of these museums has its own appeal. The most famous art museum by far is the Prado. This museum, which opened almost 200 years ago is housed in an 18th century building and contains works by European masters such as Raphael, Velazquez, Rubens, Bosch, Goya and many more. With over 4,800 paintings by Spanish artists and large collections by the Italian and Flemish, and over 900 works of sculpture, it is easy to see why this museum is known the world over.

For contemporary art the Reina Sofia is the perfect choice. This museum, which is housed in an 18th century hospital, offers four floors of both permanent and temporary exhibits, with collections by Picasso, Miro, Dali Salano and other famous artists. A complement to the Prado and the Reina Sofia, the Thyssen-Bornemisza offers an important private art collection with everything from ancient to modern pop art.

The Museo de America exhibits archeological findings, textiles and clothing from North, South, and Central America. This impressive museum's 25,000 artifacts exhibit the myths, beliefs and ways of life of different societies, and languages of indigenous cultures. The most fascinating exhibits are the Aztec Tudela Codex from the 1500's, and a Paracas mummy from the first century BC.

For a trip back in time to Spain's golden age, the former home of the "Shakespeare of Spanish literature", now the Lope de Vega Museum, is a delightful experience. A two-story brick house, this museum offers rooms with furniture from the 17th century and a beautiful garden with fruit trees that were described in Lope de Vega's journal.

With 24 rooms of artifacts reflecting the history of the Spanish Navy, El Museo Naval is one of the most significant naval museums the world over. The rooms go in chronological order with exhibits from the 15th century to the cutting-edge technology of today. One of the most interesting exhibits is the Peral Submarine, invented in 1884, which many call the first U-boat.

There are a number of other important museums in Madrid such as the Archaeological Museum, the Caixa Forum, the Goya Museum and many more. For those who are planning a trip to Spain, visits to any of these museums offer rare experiences that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Head back to your apartment in Madrid, take your time and soak up the city, enjoy a bottle of wine at your new favorite restaurant and plan your next visit to one of the many museums throughout Madrid.

Filed Under: Featured, Madrid, Spain

Day trip to Badajoz, Spain

February 15, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Adventures and history buffs looking for something different will find Badajoz, Spain is one of the places to visit on a day trip from Seville. Badajoz is 200 kilometers (124 miles) northwest of Seville. It takes about two and half hours to drive from Seville to Badajoz. With the closeness of Badajoz, those staying in Seville apartments can make a easy day trip or a romantic weekend getaway.

Visitors to Badajoz can see historic sites dating back hundreds of years, visit museums and sample local cuisine in the restaurants.

The Badajoz Cathedral from the 13th century is one of the city’s historic buildings. A portal and window decorations were added when the building was remodeled during the Renaissance. Choir stalls in the cathedral date back to the 16th century.

Visitors who want to see an older historic site can walk past the Espantaperros Tower. This watchtower was built in the 12th century. It is part of the Alcazaba Fortress from the ninth century.

The Archaelogy Museum is one of the city’s historic buildings. The Palacio de la Roca was built in the 16th century. The museum has over 20,000 pieces in its collection. Some items date back to Roman times.

Painting and sculptures from the 18th through the 20th centuries are displayed at the Museum of Fine Arts. Visitors can also see engravings by Dali and Picasso here.

Exhibits at the Bullfighting Museum include photographs, posters and bullfighters’ costumes. Some of the items here date back to the 16th century.

Visitors can see religious art at the Cathedral Museum. Choir books from the 15th century with miniature paintings are some of the items displayed here. Sculptures, panels, tapestries and paintings are part of the museum’s collection.

History lovers will enjoy visiting the Museum of the City. Exhibits here focus on the history of Badajoz dating back to prehistoric times. Visitors will learn about Arabic and Muslim influences on the city and what city life was like during medieval times. Some displays provide information about life in Badajoz during wars.

Before returning to your apartments in Seville,visitors who are hungry after sightseeing will find several restaurants serving local cuisine. Items on the menu at Azcona include squid in ink, lamb stew and vegetable stew. Diners at Miajon can order Iberian pork. Iberian pork loin and gazpacho are served at The Abaceria.

Filed Under: Badajoz, Featured, Seville, Spain

Parliament House, Budapest is truly a site to behold

February 5, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Parliament House Budapest is known as the largest building in the country of Hungary. Home to the National Assembly of Hungary, tours of the impressive structure are given to members of the general public. After visiting Parliament House, guests still have time to visit additional Hungarian attractions.

Construction began on Parliament House in 1885. Citizens wanted a unique Parliament building to commemorate local millennial celebrations. Hungarian architect Imre Steindl designed the building, drawing inspiration from the Palace of Westminister. Parliament House construction was completed in 1902.

Parliament House is truly a site to behold. Sitting along the Danube riverbank, the Gothic Revival style of architecture gives Parliament House its distinctive appearance. Neo-Gothic started in England around the 1700s and continues to be popular in modern construction. Less than a mile in length, the building is outfitted with white turrets and arches. Statues of Hungarian royalty and noted military leaders guard outer walls. A dome measuring 226 feet in height stretches up to the sky.

The interior of Parliament is equally impressive. Visitors walk through 690 rooms, exploring large halls frequented by government officials. Guests view the central staircase, Session Room and Great Vaulted Hall.

As of July 2011, tours of Parliament House Budapest cost approximately $26.53. The 90 minute tour is offered in English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Hebrew, Japanese and Italian. Tours are only available when Parliament is not in session. Guests may purchase tickets in advance via the internet. Travelers staying at one of the many apartments in Budapest will find tour pickups are available at the larger Budapest hotels.

Tour features vary by company, but most include the following: pickup from a designated hotel, entry into Parliament House Budapest, the House of Parliament Tour and a local tour guide. Gratuities are not included. Unless specified, tours do not offer food or drink. Guests should inquire about additional amenities with the tour company before making their purchase.

Return transportation to your Budapest apartments or hotels after the tour is not included in the ticket price. Public transportation in Budapest is plentiful and easy to follow. The area has become increasingly more accommodating of pedestrian traffic. A large number of stone walkways make walking in heels difficult.

Nearby attractions include the Museum of Ethnography (neprajz.hu/), originally known as The Palace of Justice. Manuscripts, traditional Hungarian music recordings, films and videos are on display in the museum. Contact the museum directly for information on temporary exhibitions. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development sits next door to the museum.

Filed Under: Budapest, Featured, Hungary

Weekend Trip, Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca

January 29, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

You have been doing the extended stay, spending almost a month in your Barcelona apartments, it's time for something a little different, you're looking for another adventure, where do you look?

How about traveling offshore?, Just to the south of the mainland of Spain lies the Balearic Islands, a chain of islands lying in the beautiful Mediterranean. Mallorca, the largest island of the chain makes for an excellent destination. A little far for a day trip, but a great escape for a weekend trip.

Palma de Mallorca is the main city on Mallorca where half of the population of the island lives. A top tourist destination off the Spanish east coast, Mallorca has a lot to offer besides sun and sand.

It is easy to reach Mallorca by ferry from Barcelona with three ferry services, Balearia, Trasmediterranea and Iscomar Ferries. Ferries run every day and the trip takes about seven hours and 45 minutes. The price of tickets depends on several factors such as if you are taking your vehicle, if you have special luggage and which accommodation you select. Reservations should be made in advance. Tickets can be purchased online, by phone or at the office.

Some of the main sites to visit are:

• The Castell de Bellver was built in the 14th century on the ruins of a Muslim site. Today, it is a museum for archaeological finds and classical sculptures. High on a hill, it has beautiful views of the Bay of Palma. It is one of the most important castles in Spain and worth a walk around the moat and a visit to the top of the castle to see the marvellous architecture.

• There is also an architectural museum in Palma de Mallorca that is like a small village with models of the major classical architecture of Spain.

• The Cathedral de Mallorca is a spectacular site and beautifully lit at night. It exhibits religious paintings and other things. It is a majestic background to the Paseo Maritimo along the port where the boats and yachts are chartered. The majority of discos, bars, pubs and restaurants are there and they stay open until 6:00 AM.

• The Banys Arabs or Arab baths is the only structure from the Arab settlement that is still in Palma. It was built in the 10th century to function like a sauna with a heated floor that was splashed with water for steam.

• The Contemporary art museum has paintings by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, Joan Miro and Juan Gris. The collection is worth seeing and the admission is free.

Palma de Mallorca is a historically interesting city with beautiful beaches, year around sun and a vibrant nightlife. It is a great place to visit when staying in one of the many apartments in Barcelona and a good base from which to visit the charming villages, hidden coves and rugged mountains on the rest of the island. The ferry cost is inexpensive with convenient departure times.

Filed Under: Barcelona, Featured, Mallorca, Spain

Evora, 2 Hours From Lisbon, Portugal

January 24, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Évora, Portugal, with a population of almost 50,000 people, sits on the banks of the Tagus River in southern Portugal, only about 87 miles (140 km) from Lisbon. It's a drive of less than two hours between the two cities. Évora, with a continuous history of over two thousand years, has been the property of the Celts, the ancient Romans, the Visigoths and the Moors. In the 12th century, King Alfonso I of Portugal took control of the city.

The architectural styles used for buildings over the many centuries, from Romansque to Gothic to Renaissance to Baroque are all evident in the narrow streets, the large squares and the picturesque palaces and churches. The historical city center has over 4,000 buildings in an area only a half square-mile in area. Évora is part of the Most Ancient European Towns Network and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The first place to explore in Évora is the Praça do Geraldo or Giraldo Square. It contains both the Estaus Palace built by King Duarte in the 14th century and the Font Henrique, a Rennaissance-style fountain built in 1570. You'll also find a unique Roman temple which survived only because it was encased within another structure built in the early Middle Ages. Constructed in Corinthian style from local marble between the first and third century, much of the structure still exists, with fourteen surviving columns each of which stand over 25 feet (7.6 meters) tall.

The next historical site is the most famous landmark in the city and stretches out for over nine kilometers. It's the Água de Prata Aqueduct or the Aqueduct of Silver Water, built to supply the inhabitants of the city with water in the middle of the 16th century by King João III. Numerous cafes and shops stand under the arches of the entire length of the aqueduct.

Restaurants are the other attraction of Évora, many of which serve the traditional Alentejo cuisine. Two of the best examples are the Restaurante O Fialho and the Dom Joaquim. Alentejo food is based on the local rural meals of the region, such as roast lamb or seafood soup made with water and olive oil, seasoned with coriander and garlic and enhanced with such items as cod, egg or clams. If you'd rather not indulge in a full dinner, there are many cafes, snack bars and bakeries scattered throughout the city.

Filed Under: Featured, Portugal

Barcelona Wine and Cava Day Trips

Gare de l’Est Train Station- Paris

Gare du Nord Train Station, Paris

The Gare Saint-Lazare, Train Station, Paris

The Gare d’Austerlitz, Parisian Transportation With Flair

Madrid Museums, Spain

Day trip to Badajoz, Spain

Parliament House, Budapest is truly a site to behold

Weekend Trip, Barcelona to Palma de Mallorca

Evora, 2 Hours From Lisbon, Portugal

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