Featured — Travelogue

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, Europe, Featured, Hungary

Taormina Italy – A Shopper’s Delight

February 3, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Taormina is Sicily’s most famous resort, situated on the beautiful Ionian Sea on the northeastern coast of Sicily. Visitors come here for the weather, the culture, the food, the ambience and the shopping.

Corso Umberto is the primo shopping street beginning at Piazza Sant’ Antonio and ending at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. It is usually crowded with tourists who do not seem to mind the prices. There is no lack of variety in the shops along Corso Umberto and the items for sale range from regional hand-made ceramics to fine designer clothing to delicious dolci perfected in Sicily. Here is an idea of what you can find on a shopping day in Taormina.

Ceramics

Taormina has several shops which offer a wide variety of beautiful hand-painted ceramics from Caltagirone. Known as the Sicilian capital of ceramics, Caltagirone is less than two hours away. I have lingered in these shops on more than one occasion trying to decide from among the abundant selection. Although the prices are more than in Caltagirone, the ceramics are still a good buy compared to what I would have to pay in the States.

*Carlo Panarello is one of the recommended shops which sell hand-painted ceramics plus other things. You may even be able to watch the process in the workshop here, which is situated at Corso Umberto, 122.

*Giovanni di Blasi at Corso Umberto, 103 also offers ceramics of high quality from Caltagirone.

Jewelry

If you are interested in jewelry, Taormina has unusual pieces of fine coral jewelry in brilliant colors of scarlet and pink. A few of the shops offering quality jewelry here are:

*Kiseki Jewels at Corso Umberto, 55

*Sebastiano Rapisarda Gioielli at Corso Umberto, 74

*Monili di Guglielmetti Renata at Corso Umberto, 71

* Romano / Emilio at Corso Umberto, 75

There are shops selling marzipan in all shapes and almond wine called “vino alla mandorla,” which I had to buy. It is made in the nearby town of Castelmola. In Taormina you can find local products not found elsewhere, such as items made from lava rock from Mount Etna which is Europe’s most active volcano and can be seen from Taormina. Some of these items include earrings, ashtrays and little pots shaped like volcanoes.

Clothing Boutiques

Clothing boutiques and shoe stores are plentiful featuring the latest haute couture from Italian designers. If you are looking for chic fashions from Dolce and Gabbana, Prada, Gucci, Armani or Fornarina, you can find them on Corso Umberto. Some of the clothing boutiques lining this street include Parisi, Musumeci, Chien and Royal Blue.

Dolci and Pasticceria

Sicily has the best sweets and especially the cannoli which are my favorite. Here are a few places on or near Corso Umberto to stop during a shopping break for a wonderful treat.

*Bar Trinacria is located just off Corso Umberto and has a great selection of gelato as well as cannoli and other Sicilian pastries to die for. I have fond memories of a cannoli and cappuccino under an outdoor covered area while it was raining.

*Caffè Wunderbar – One of the most famous places in Taormina to have a granita, cappuccino and cannoli among many other dolci. This is a must for anyone who has never been to Taormina.

*La Torinese is a deli that has been in Taormina for over 75 years and has a great selection of cheeses, wines, breads, grappas, sliced meats and pastries.

*Bar Pirandello on Via Pirandello is a great little place to stop in and have a Panini and of course a cannoli. Homemade cookies made from pistachios from nearby Bronte are sold in bags to take home, a nice feature.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Filed Under: Europe, Featured, Guest Post, Italy, Margie Miklas, Sicily, Taormina

Reaching Taormina’s Beaches by Cable Car

February 3, 2012 By Guest Post Leave a Comment

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

The beautiful Sicilian resort city of Taormina is perched high on a hill affording spectacular views of the Ionian Sea. Since its beaches are at sea level Taormina operates its cable car system, or funivia, to transport you there and back.

I never rode a cable car until I took the ride in Taormina and the two minute trip was a great way to enjoy the panoramic vistas. This aerial tram is a very efficient way to travel between the historic center of Taormina and the beautiful beaches below.

Taormina’s two beaches are the pebble beach of Mazzaro just below Taormina. The southernmost area of this beach is usually the most crowded especially during the high tourist season from May to October.

The other beach is on the small island called Isola Bella which means “beautiful island.” Isola Bella is a tiny island just offshore and it has its own beach which can be accessed at low tide by a narrow strip of sand connected to the mainland. Like most beaches in Italy this is a rocky beach but nevertheless attractive to sunbathers.

I have never been to this beach but when I stayed at the resort of CapoTaormina which is at the tip of a rocky point below Taormina, I was mesmerized by the views of Isolabella and the beautiful blues and greens of the sea here.

On Isola Bella there is the Nike Dive Center which offers PADI dive courses and is conveniently located within a few minute boat ride from the dive sites. Caves, canyons and sunken Roman ship are just a few of the intriguing diving adventures offered.

The funivia consists of two sets of four cable cars traveling in both directions. As four are moving up toward the center of Taormina, the other four are descending at the same time. Up to 680 people can be transported every hour for the cost of seven euros round trip.

Each cable car holds 12 people and the system operates every day of the year. Cars leave every 15 minutes and the operating hours are from 8 am to 1 am Tuesdays through Sundays and from 9 am to 1 am on Mondays. Approximately 850,000 people a year use this cable car system in Taormina.

The summer months are very busy in this resort city and the traffic can be at a standstill at times. The cable car is a welcome option to reach the center of the city rather than driving and trying to find a parking spot.

Because of the cable car system staying in Taormina without a car is very doable as the majority of hotels are in the historic center of Taormina and the best way to see things is on foot. The cable car will transport you to the beaches and back plus provide one of the best views along this coastline.

Guest Post By: Margie Miklas

Filed Under: Europe, Featured, Guest Post, Italy, Margie Miklas, Sicily, Taormina

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, Europe, 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: Europe, Featured, Portugal

Travel Back Into History in Santarem, Portugal

January 23, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

If you're planning a trip to Lisbon, Portugal, be sure to allow time for a day trip to Santarem. This 3,000-year-old city is about an hour away from Lisbon and is reached via a scenic 65-kilometer-ride on the A1 partial toll road.

Santarem is surrounded by open grasslands and countryside, where you'll see bulls and horses grazing freely. The city, which is known as the bullfighting capital of Portugal, hosts an agricultural fair in June, where visitors can watch bull-fighting and horse races. In the spring and fall, the streets of nearby Vila Franca de Xira are crowded by visitors for the Pamplona-style running of the bulls.

Begin your exploration of Santarem with a stop at its center, where a number of Gothic and Romanesque churches cluster on the winding streets. The archaeological museum located inside the Church of São João de Alporão, which was built in the 12th century, houses a collection of ancient carvings and the tomb of a 15th- century nobleman. While you're there, you'll get a feel for the layers of history to be uncovered in this city.

Over the centuries, this city was home to Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Moors, and a dizzying array of architectural designs and monuments remain as a testament to their tenure here. Visit the Porta do Sol, where ancient castle ruins and lush gardens offer panoramic views of the city and nearby Tagus River.

If you have time, arrange for a guided walking tour. Whether you're interested in the religious architecture or the historical monuments to be found throughout the city, there's a tour service that will make sure you get to see the best this city has to offer.

Take a break for lunch at the famous restaurant, Adega do Bacalhau. Try their traditional seafood and meat dishes while resting up for the afternoon's exploration.

After lunch, go hunting for the marvelous and miraculous in the Santissimo Milagre Church, a Renaissance structure, which houses a small crystal flask reputed to hold the blood of Christ, and travel to nearby Fatima, a famous Catholic shrine and site of miracles.

Tour the Torre das Cabaças, where you'll discover the Museum of Time. This square, 26-meter-high tower was a defensive installation built on the city's surrounding walls in the 15th century.

When you're ready to leave, stop at the retail center, which is just out of town, for some coffee and snacks for the trip back to Lisbon. You'll also enjoy stopping at some of the small villages and towns, such as Alpiarca, that dot the countryside on the way.

Filed Under: Europe, Featured, Portugal, Santarem

Sines, A Pleasant Day Trip From Lisbon Portugal

January 23, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Whether you are just visiting Lisbon or a current resident, a day trip to Sines offers a pleasant change of pace. By car, you can expect to arrive in less than 2 hours, if the 163 kilometre trip takes place during the off season. During the summer, expect more traffic as over 240,000 people make their way to the Sines World Music Festival. Though it is the city's largest tourist attraction, any time of year is good for seeing the historic architecture of Sines and the nearby village of Porto Covo. Visitors will find several restaurants to choose from for refreshment and a museum to learn more of the tribal and royal history of the area.

The Sines World Music Festival is a multi-stage event that draws a wide array of artists. It provides an apt venue for world music artists, as Sines is the birthplace of Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama, who is memorialized by a statue in front of the central castle. Three outdoor stages, with combined seating capacity in the tens of thousands, serve as stages along with the Sines' Art Centre. The outdoor stages can be found at the castle, on the beach near de Gama's statue, and in Porto Covo, which is located about 13 km to the south. Performances include jazz groups, rock bands, and many other styles.

Besides the arts and cultural centres, glimpses of the past can be seen in a visit to some of the city's historic buildings. The Sines castle is the most well-known example, but there is also the 17th century Fort of Revelim built as protection from Turkish pirates. Two forts from the same time period can be found in Pessegueiro, 30 minutes further south. This is a good choice for visitors to Porto Covo, which is located en route. Other attractions include the Pidwell Palace, Windmill of Monte Chãos, the town's lighthouse, and the wine cellar of Sines.

A trip to Since should definitely leave time for enjoying the local fare. The Varando Do Oceano offers traditional food with good value and the simple atmosphere befitting small town life. The Adega de Sines offers the same on a narrow and colourful street just north-east of the castle. With several other restaurants to choose from and more attractions waiting to be found, Sines makes for a great day trip from Lisbon.

Filed Under: Europe, Featured, Portugal, Sines

Traveling To Beja From Lisbon, Portugal

January 22, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Many of the international travelers who visit Portugal head first to the well known city of Lisbon. This is where many tourists arrive by both plane and train to begin their journey in the wonderful country. It also serves as the ideal starting point for day trips around the area. Once settled into your Lisbon apartments, one of the most popular destinations for a quick trip from Lisbon is Beja. Beja is a beautiful town with a rich history and breathtaking scenery. Let this serve as your guide for getting to Beja and enjoying all that the area has to offer.

Getting to Beja: This beautiful town has plenty of transportation options, including buses and trains. The Beja Train Station generally has at least one high speed train heading to and from Lisbon each day, taking just under 2 hours each way. The train ride is relaxing and involves a handful of stops in the countryside. Enjoy refreshing drinks and tasty meals while onboard. By car, drivers can stay on the A2 highway for the entire way and arrive in 2 hours from Lisbon, making it the perfect day trip.

Historical Landmarks in Beja: This Portuguese city is believed to be one of the most historical destinations in the entire country. Full of Roman ruins, visitors can easily pass the time by strolling through the fascinating buildings and castles throughout the area. The top landmarks worth a visit include the famed Roman Arch of Beja, the Moorish Castle, the Queen Leonor Museum and the 12th century Saint Andre Church.

Attractions in Beja: The popular Arms Square is considered to be the cultural center of Beja. During certain times of the year, popular bullfights are held there. Surrounding shops cater to locals and visitors alike, and the area is the perfect place to get a glimpse of everyday life in Portugal. Other major attractions include the Casa da Cultura and the large Botanical Gardens and Museum.

Dining in Beja: As you might expect from a traditional Portuguese town, the food is hearty and authentic in most of the area restaurants. One of the most popular dining establishments in Beja is Entra Arcos, which features small plates similar to Spanish tapas. Also wonderful is Arbitro, which serves a typical dish from the area, Sopa de Cação. This dogfish soup is made from regional ingredients and is the pride of the area of Beja. Staff are attentive and friendly to guests as well.

When staying in one of the many hotes or apartments in Lisbon, travelers will have many choices for day trips outside of the city. Think about traveling to Beja on your next stay in Lisbon, Portugal

Filed Under: Beja, Europe, Featured, Portugal

Spend A Day Exploring Vatican City

January 19, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Vatican City in Rome, Italy, also called the “Holy See,” consists of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and of course the Sistine Chapel.

There are a few different options for getting around Vatican City. You can hop on a tram, bus or taxi. However, the best way to explore is by foot. You’ll learn shortcuts and see narrow streets that you wouldn’t experience on public transportation.

Join Catholics and shutterbugs alike at the Vatican on Wednesday mornings to try to get a glimpse of the Pope. On certain Wednesdays when the Pope is in Vatican City, he holds a Papal Audience.

Visit the Sistine Chapel to see the frescoes on the ceilings that were painted by Michelangelo. The main scenes depict the stories of creation and Noah. Since the Sistine Chapel is always crowded, get there before it opens at 8:45 a.m.

View Michelangelo’s sculpture work at the Pieta in St. Peter’s Basilica. Enter the Basilica via St. Peter’s Square on the east side of Vatican City or through the doorway that leads from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s.

The inter-connected Vatican Museums displays the sprawling art collection of the Roman Catholic Church. Started in the 1500s by Pope Julius II, the Vatican Museums include the Classical Antiquities of Greek and Rome, the Missionary-Ethnological Museum, the Gregorian Egyptian Museum and the Palace. Plan on spending the better part of a day visiting the Vatican Museums.

From June to September, Vatican City is extremely hot. July and August tend to be humid while the rest of the season is dry. Winters are mild and snow is rare. During November and December, the weather is rainy. The best times of the year to visit Vatican City are March, June, September and October, when the weather is mild.

Dress appropriately when visiting Vatican City so that you don’t get shut out of visiting the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica. Men and women must cover their shoulders and knees at all times, regardless of the weather.

With all that walking and touring, you’re bound to get hungry. One of Vatican City’s best neighborhood pizza shops is Pizzeria Amalfi. Near the Vatican entrance is the laid back restaurant Il Bar Sotto il Mare. Head to Castroni if you have a huge appetite or Del Frate if you’re dying for a glass of wine.

Filed Under: Europe, Featured, Italy, Rome

Bella Roma

January 18, 2012 By phagemann Leave a Comment

Imagine a city overflowing with exquisite art, legendary architecture, savory meals and endless possibilities. Think of a city where a overwhelming sense of wanderlust can be satisfied. A spot where sight-seeing, historical enlightenment and delicious wining and dining can all be done without spending an excessive amount of time going from place to place when one stays in one of the many apartments in Rome that are available. Luckily, one isn't limited to mere imagination. Italy's own capital of Rome exceeds these ideal expectations.

When picturing the fantasy-like city, one generally concocts images of Ancient Rome first. Dreams of towering statues, dome ceilings, and innovative sculptures are also more than likely floating around. Other prominent images may include elongated cobblestone pathways, lavish kingdoms (the Regia) protecting Rome's royalty and a surplus of wine.

The Roman Forum is one of the most famous and desirable places to visit in the entire city, attracting millions of visitors from all across the world each year. It features incredible outdoor engineering and possibly most famously, the Temple of Caesar (or as it is fondly referred to by locals, "Ara di Cesare"). Near this spot is supposedly where the notorious ruler, Julius Caesar was assassinated. The Roman Forum requires consistent maintenance to uphold its current image. In spite of several restorations, when approaching the Roman Forum, one is instantly confronted with a powerful emotion of the past. One can clearly picture the eventful occurrences that took place so long ago. One is surrounded by mental visuals of political up-rise, criminal trials, rebellion, glorified violence among gladiators and acts of ultimate bravery.

The Colosseum, slightly east of the Roman Forum, is another top contender for optimal Roman landmarks. Similarly to the Roman Forums, the Colosseum has endured tremendous events and therefore also needs constant restoration and upkeep. Unlike the constant violent events that happened at the Roman Forum, the Colosseum was only occasionally used to host gladiator duels but primarily geared towards theatrical interpretations and entertainment. This is a place noted for spirituality, as several plays where based off of ancient mythological tales.

After a busy day of soaking up knowledge, before returning to ones Rome apartments, one will undoubtedly build up an appetite and seek to end the day at a lovely restaurant. Thankfully, there are numerous eateries near the ancient battlegrounds. Located right in the center of Rome is a highly popular dining establishment showcasing traditional Italian food, La Teverna dei Fori Imperiali. Here one can eat without feeling completely cleansed of Ancient Rome.

Filed Under: Europe, Featured, Italy, Rome