European Travel Magazine - January 2014

Issue 2 November 2013Issue

4 January 2014

EuropeanTravel Magazine

IN THIS ISSUE

Liverpool Airport Guide

Orasac - Croatia

Top Riga Hotels

A TRIP AROUND LONDON A trip to London is always filled with a lot of fun and frolic. THE RULES OF THE ROAD IN SPAIN we’ve compiled a list of everything you need to know GRENOBLE - FRANCE You will be able to find this city at the foot of the French Alps BARCELONA THE CATALONIAN CAPITAL CITY A huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation.

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Destination of the month: Murcia M urcia – The Au to no m o u s Prov ince o f M u rc ia in S pain The Autonomous Province of Murcia in Spain is easily found on the map because it touches borderlines with Alicante on the Costa Blanca passing through Torrevieja and you will know that you are in the region of Murcia because you will be surprised by the beautiful scenery of the salt swamps at San Pedro del Pinatar.

Its capital city has the same name as the province and within its boundaries, it has a sea or lagoon called the Mar Menor ( or small sea) separated from the Mediterranean by the so called Manga, a sandy stretch of land which looks like a sleeve ( literal translation of the Spanish word manga). It then curves around a peak and the all so important city of Cartagena comes into view and lastly, when you are almost leaving this province you have a fantastic beach resort area and city called Aguilas. This Spanish region has got very hot summers, many a day reaching temperatures as high as 40 degrees and the winters are mild

and short. It is usually described as having a very arid landscape on the inlands but has managed to be known to have fertile land for growing vegetables and legumes.

There is evidence that Mursiya, as it was called when it was an Islamic city, dates back to 831 AD when it was founded by Abderraman II. It had suffered and had lost a lot of prestige, but made a come back with the arab domain, becoming the capital in the basin of the Segura River.

Either a quick flight into the airport of San Javier which is about a 30 minutes drive from the city of Murcia right near the Manga in the Mar menor or flying into the Alicante airport of the Altet, about a 40 minutes drive to the city, your hotel will be awaiting you. As every visit requires, we will soak up some architecture and culture before delving into the modern day happening, nightlife and good food.

CONTENTS

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4 Orašac - A village in southern Croatia Orašac is a village in southern Croatia, northwest of Dubrovnik, between Trsteno and Zaton. It is located in the Dubrovačko Primorje (Dubrovnik littoral).

This village was founded around AD 1040. In the centre of the town the houses are built close to each other. This once was a means of protection from the Neretva pirates.

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A Trip Around London The capital and largest city of both the United Kingdom and of England.

London is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation

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Liverpool Top Luxury John Lennon Riga Hotels 22

Grenoble France

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The Rules of the Road in Spain

What To Do When You Aren’t Skiing in Verbier

If you’re thinking about hiring a car in Spain, you’ll need to make sure you’ve brushed up on your Spanish driving laws. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of everything you need to know.

Verbier is one of the many quaint ski towns situated in the Swiss Alps, with a heavy emphasis on ski! There are board racks. The only clothing stores are those for extreme sports.

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The Amazing Florence 23

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Visiting World Heritage Sites Danube

Luggage Review

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Barcelona The capital of Catalonia

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England’s Lake District

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Orašac - A village in southern Croatia

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Orašac is a village in southern Croatia, northwest of Dubrovnik, between Trsteno and Zaton. It is located in the Dubrovačko Primorje (Dubrovnik littoral).

This village was founded around AD 1040. In the centre of the town the houses are built close to each other. This once was a means of protection from the Neretva pirates.

There are many old churches (such as the St Nicholas church build in 1250) and chapels, including the Arapovo castle, where the chief magistrate of Florence, the gonfalonier Piero Soderini is believed to have stayed, before he left for Florence in 1512.

Six villages are scattered in the surrounding area. The main road in Orašac leads inland to villages of Gromača, Kliševo, Ljubač and others located in the hills. Gromača is known for its cave and traditional ecological tourism.

Ljubač is located in a valley between three hills which forms an astonishing natural amphitheatre. In these villages there are farmers who produce homemade goat cheese and wine.

The roads of these villages lead for 25 km through the inland until you end up in Slano.

During the homeland war (1991–1995) the large hotel complex Dubrovački vrtovi sunca was destroyed and was recently reopened.

The town has numerous restaurants and bars, two grocery stores, a hospital and post office.

It is famous for sightseeing restaurants, especially at the Castle “Soderini” once owned by Florentine nobility. The castle is now converted into a restaurant. Visit the famous Church of Our Lady of Orasac, go on excursions to nearby islands, enjoy the natural beauties of Orasac with your family or friends.

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Lo ndon is a hug e cit y with s e veral distr ic t a r t icles cont ai nin g s ight se eing, re sta ura nt, n i g htl ife an d a cco mmo dat io n

T he city has one of the most comprehensive public transport systems in the

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A Trip Around London Noisy, vibrant and truly multicultural, London is a megalopolis of people, ideas and energy.

The capital and largest city of both the United Kingdom and of England, it is also the largest city in Western Europe and the European Union. Situated on the River Thames in South-East England, Greater London has an official population of nearly 8 million people — although the figure of over 14 million for the city’s total metropolitan area more accurately reflects London’s size and importance. London is one of the great “world cities,” and remains a global capital of culture, fashion, finance, politics and trade.

Districts The name London originally referred only to the oncewalled “Square Mile” of the original Roman (and later medieval) city (confusingly called the “City of London” or just “The City”). Today, London has taken on a much larger meaning to include all of the vast central parts of the modern metropolis, with the city having absorbed numerous surrounding towns and villages over the centuries, including large portions of the surrounding “home counties”, one of which – Middlesex – being completely consumed by the growing metropolis.

The term Greater London embraces Central London together with all the outlying suburbs that lie in one continuous urban sprawl within the lower Thames valley.

Though densely populated by New World standards, London retains large swathes of green parkland and open space, even within the city centre.

Greater London consists of 32 London boroughs and the City of London that, together with the office of the Mayor of London, form the basis for London’s local government.

The Mayor of London is elected by London residents and should not be confused with the Lord Mayor of the City of London. The names of several boroughs, such as Westminster or Camden, are wellknown, others less so, such as Wandsworth or Lewisham.

History Settlement has existed on the site of London since well before Roman times, with evidence of Bronze Age and Celtic settlement. The Roman city of Londinium, established just after the Roman conquest of Britannia in the year 43, formed the basis for the mod-

ern city (some isolated Roman period remains are still to be seen within the City). After the end of Roman rule in 410 and a short-lived decline, London experienced a gradual revival under the Anglo-Saxons, as well as the Norsemen, and emerged as a great medieval trading city, and eventually replaced Winchester as the royal capital of England. This paramount status for London was confirmed when William the Conqueror, a Norman, built the Tower of London after the conquest in 1066 and was crowned King of England in Westminster.

London went from strength to strength and with the rise of England to first European then global prominence and the city became a great centre of culture, government and industry.

London’s long association with the theatre, for example, can be traced back to the English renaissance (witness the Rose Theatre and great playwrights like Shakespeare who made

Piccadilly Circus

Harrods

London Taxis

Buckingham Palace

London their home).

Britain and London Visitor Centre (BLVC), 1 Regent St, SW1Y 4XT (nearest tube station Piccadilly Circus), +44 870 156 6366

Tower Bridge

the world . D espite residents ’ justified , rumbling about unreliability

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T he R ules of the R oad in S pain If you’re thinking about hiring a car in Spain, you’ll need to make sure you’ve brushed up on your Spanish driving laws.

Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of everything you need to know to keep you on the straight and narrow, so check out our guide to driving in Spain.

Age is more than a number Firstly, if you’re a younger driver, check out how old you need to be to hire a vehicle in Spain. If you’re a UK citizen, you need to be 18 or older to drive a car or a motorbike over 125cc, and over 16 for a motorbike less than 125cc.

Don’t drink and drive Tempting as it can be to go overboard on a night out and drink a little more than you probably should, it’s extremely important that you avoid driving. If your blood alcohol level is found to be higher than 0.05% (or 0.01% for those with less than two year’s driving experience), your visitor’s driving licence will be revoked immediately and you will be fined. In severe cases, you could even face imprisonment.

A beeping nuisance Don’t use the horn in built-up urban areas unless there is an emergency, as this can be a nuisance for residents. If you need to attract someone’s attention, use your lights.

It’ll be all right Valencia AirportIn Spain, people drive on the right, so make sure you familiarize yourself with this in a safe area if possible. It can

take a little while to make the switch from driving in the left, like in the UK, to the right. Also take care with pedestrians, who may cross unexpectedly, or who might not look the direction you expect them to and could step out.

Kidding around Children under 12 aren’t allowed to ride in the front seat of the car in Spain, so if you’re on a family holiday, keep the kids in the back seats to stay on the right side of the law.

Also, children under 135cm should wear specially adapted safety devices and seatbelts.

The kit In Spain, it is now compulsory to carry reflective vests, so check if your car hire company provides these. Spectacle wearers should also carry a spare pair of glasses, and first aid kits are recommended. You’ll also need to carry your driving license and other associated documentation should there be an accident for you to show to the Spanish police.

With our tips, you’ll be driving in safe style from the airport all the way to the beach, the museums, the Spanish countryside… the choice is yours, just as long as you stay safe.

I f you ’ re thin k ing about

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about hiring a car in S pain , you ’ ll need to ma k e sure you k now S panish laws .

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L ast M inute C anary I slands O ffers Country: Canary Islands Region: Tenerife Accommodation: Laguna Park II Dates: 28-Jan-14 Duration: 7nts Based On: Based on 3ad+1ch sharing a 1bdr apt Price: £185 Book Now Country: Canary Islands Region: Tenerife Accommodation: Blue Sea Interpalace Dates: 25-Jan-14 Duration:7nts Based On: Based on 2ad sharing a twin room Price:£305 Book Now Country: Canary Islands Region: Fueteventura Accommodation: Aloe Club Resort Dates: 27-Jan-14 Duration: 7nts Based On: Based on 2ads+2ch sharing 1 bdr apt Price: £405 Book Now Country: Canary Islands Region: Gran Canaria Accommodation: Cordial Green Golf Bungalows Dates: 17-Feb-14 Duration: 7nts Based On: Based on 3ad sharing a 1bdr apt Price: £389 Book Now Country: Canary Islands Region: Lanzarote Accommodation: Lanzarote Paradise Complex Dates: 30-Jan-14 Duration: 7nts Based On: Based on 2ad sharing 1bdr apt Price: £249 Book Now

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W hat To D o W hen You A ren ’ t S k iing in V erbier Verbier is one of the many quaint ski towns situated in the Swiss Alps, with a heavy emphasis on ski! Instead of bike racks, there are board racks. The only clothing stores are those for extreme sports.

A day on the slopes might be exhausting, but not exhausting enough to keep patrons from enjoying the après-ski bar at Fer a Cheval. Around mid-afternoon this cozy half-outdoor bar and restaurant becomes lively as the drinks flow and international cuisine becomes plentiful. Share a pizza (with the perfect amount of crunch!) with friends and chase it with a pint of one of their many beers on tap. Stay for the party once evening rolls around and expect great music as well as great shots concocted by the bartenders themselves!

Let the Massage Come to You Get all of your pains and knots worked out in the comfort of your own chalet or hotel. Chilali Massage brings the soothing atmosphere of a spa right to you after a long day of skiing. Their professional masseuses specialize in sports and deep massages, which are ideal for anyone partaking in Verbier’s many outdoor activities.

A Little Something Sweet While Le Monde des Crepes has plenty of savory options, including vegetarian choices, you won’t want to miss their salted butter caramel crepe topped with

vanilla ice cream. This small piece of France is a great place to warm up with a decadent cup of hot chocolate in hand. The dark-wooded ambiance makes it an ideal place to people watch and chat up the waiters on their favorite things to do in town.

Take A Stroll Want to take advantage of the snow-capped scenery but need a break from your skis? Just because the ground is covered in snow does not mean hiking is out of the question. All you need are some ‘grippers’ from one of the local sportswear stores and a good tour guide, like La Fantastique, to enjoy the magical outdoors!

Stretch It Out Yoga classes can either be a great compliment or replacement for an afternoon on the Alps. Unwind in any one of Wholey Cow’s many yoga classes, or take a private class on site or in your own accommodation. Stretch out your sore muscles and clear your mind while working with one of their helpful instructors. Wholey Cow also offers a number of other classes, including pilates and zumba for an alternative workout.

By Sara Tardiff More from this author can be found at their website www.theworldling.blogspot.com

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L iverpool J ohn L ennon A irport G uide

The airport is one of the fastest growing airports in Europe..

A bronze statue of Lennon stands in the Departures Hall and on the roof are the words from one of his most well known songs: “Above us, only sky” (from “Imagine”). The airport is one of the fastest growing airports in Europe. The airport did not even process a million passengers in 1998, and in 2006 there were already five million.

Local Transport

Contact Address Liverpool John Lennon Airport Speke Hall Avenue Liverpool L24 1YD Great Britain Telephone, fax, email Telephone: +44(0)870 129 8484 Fax: +44(0)151 907 1620 Email: n/a Airport codes IATA airport code: LPL ICAO airport code: EGGP

Car and bus The airport is 15 kilometers southeast of the city center and is easily accessible from the following three highways: M53 (exit 5), M56 (exit 12) and the M62 which connects to the A561 to the airport. The route to the airport is clearly indicated on the traffic signs.

The Airlink 500 bus leaves every half hour to the center of Liverpool, the bus stops at Norton Street Coach Station, for buses from National Express and at the train station Lime Street, Airlink 700 goes to Manchester, furthermore, there are various local buses that maintain connections between the airport and the center of Liverpool, line N86 goes via the train station South Parkway.

Taxi Taxis are in front of the Arrivals Hall of both terminals. Take into account that the road to London is frequently very busy and a taxi ride to the center of the city can last 60–90 minutes.

Airport Parking There is a place for short-term parking at both terminals with a direct, covered connection with the terminal. A free shuttle bus goes from the long-term parking area to both terminals.

Services

Shops and restaurants There is a reasonable range of shops and restaurants, but the same applies here as the number of available parking places, the airport cannot keep up with the increase in the number of passengers. If your plane arrives late at the airport, most of the shops and restaurants are closed.

Baggage Go to the service counter on the ground floor for lost and found items, you can also store baggage there.

Information You can find a general information counter on every level. In addition there is a counter for the Tourism Bureau on the ground floor – Liverpool Tourist Board.

The service counters in both terminals are staffed 24 hours, the personnel speak several languages.

Business

B et we en 1997 a nd 2007 it wa s o n e o f Eu ro p e’s fa stes t grow ing a ir por ts, increa sin g a n n u a l p a ssen ger n um bers from 689,46 8 in 1997 to 5.47 m illio n in 2007 .

Pas s eng er numbe rs h ave sin ce fa llen a n d a ro u n d 4.5 m il l ion pa sseng ers in 2012

You can find the business center ‘The Cavern Suite’ on the first level. This is a room which can be arranged in several ways with places for 30-80 people, in addition there are a few smaller offices and meeting rooms to rent.

The Halewood International Executive Lounge is accessible for everyone who pays a charge, and you receive a discount if you reserve online.

Disabled facilities The airport is very accessible for the disabled. There are wheelchair ramps, adapted elevators, restrooms and telephones. There are also parking places reserved for the disabled. Wheelchairs are available upon request, through the service counter.

Other services There are various money exchange offices (Travelex) and ATM’s in the terminal. On the second level there are comput-

ers with internet connection and there is wireless internet in the whole terminal. Liverpool Airport has an excellent prayer room on the second level. The “Rainbow Garden” is a unique place that keeps growing, as more people plant plants.

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Top R i ga H otel s A lbert H otel 3 * Albert Hotel is a top-end 3* hotel offering excellent customer service in unique -Albert Einstein inspired- surroundings. The hotel offers guests an original atmosphere, great facilities and fantastic location in the heart of the quiet Art Nouveau area, only minutes from the famous Old Town.

More Info...

M aritim P ar k H otel R iga 4 * Maritim Park Hotel is an elegant 4* hotel located next to Victory park and within walking distance of Riga’s main sites and attractions- including the historic Old Town. With tram links connecting the hotel to other sites, business districts and shopping districts.

More Info...

A valon H otel 4 *

Opened in June 2007, the newly built, award-winning 4-star Hotel Avalon successfully blends modernity and tradition, welcoming guests to enjoy new comforts in the medieval charm of the old town.

Excellent views over the trade and shops More Info...

D ome H otel & S P A 5 * Dome Hotel & SPA is a unique architectural monument built 400 years ago and renovated by Latvian designers, artists and masters in 2009.

The is located in the very center of the old town where the atmosphere of olden times harmonizes with the luxury of the hotel.

More Info...

E UROP E AN T RAV E L M AGAZIN E T allin k H otel R iga 4 * Strategically located in the Riga city centre (and not far from the central railway station) the hotel is just five minutes walk from the Old Town. The Tallink Hotel opened in April 2010 and offers 256 elegant rooms More Info...

N eiburgs H otel 4 * Hotel Neiburgs is an exquisite combination of historical heritage and contemporary design.

Situated on a quiet and picturesque street in the very heart of Riga’s Old Town, this listed Art Nouveau building offers spacious and light suites ideal for both business and leisure guests.

More Info...

W ellton O ld R iga P alace 4 * The award-winning Wellton Old Riga Palace hotel is located on a quiet street at the heart of Riga’s Old Town, near the banks of Daugava, within walking distance from the main touristic attractions.

The hotel offers a great price-quality.

More Info...

G allery P ar k H otel 5 * The first 5 star Superior hotel in Latvia, is located in Riga center and has a spa with swimming pool, sauna and fitness room, as well as on site underground parking and Mercedes S class and Viano fleets.

More Info...

O pera H otel & S pa 4 * Opera Hotel & Spa is an elegant 4* hotel in the heart of Riga city centre and within walking distance of all the city’s main tourist sites and attractions. The hotel is the ideal choice for guests wanting to experience the beauty of Riga in luxurious surroundings.

More Info...

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T he A ma z ing F lorence Spending the holiday with your family or love one in Florence is something worth the records.

The Intercity Festival is the most sought after event of tourist all over the world.

With a very puzzling name, the Intercity Festival links Florence to a great world capital, suggesting a rich program which shows the best of art and culture of the chosen country. Aside from many wonderful events, Florence has a captivating culture, a city rich in heritage and the place for the finest artworks.

The Festival of Creativity is an event held every year in October at the Fortezza da Basso in Florence. If you happen to book a holiday during this month, this great festival is something

that will hold its ground in your subconcious. This event is entirely dedicated to the world of communication, art and creativity.

Each year the Festival of Creativity brings into the city thousands of visitors.

Most of the tourists are students or just curious people who roam between the wonderful pavilions of creativity.

The art and culture of Florence have resulted to great public interests. The expertise of Italy on its art yielded the consistent production of monumental and spectacular works. Florence attracts a high proportion of international travelers to

Italy. The city is an active centre of art and culture, and organizes periodical exhibitions and art festivals.

You want to experience a spectacular holiday filled with beauty and art, booking a holiday to Florence is worth trying.

The architectural design of the San Miniato al Monte is an amazing art. A breath taking site which hold up well for years for tourists to witness the legendary building. Nature lovers will also love the museum and palace called Giardino di Boboli that exhibits the most beautiful gardens on country.

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V isiting U N E S CO W orld H eritage S ites A long T he D anube

Bordered by Germany to the west, Belarus, Ukraine, and Lithuania to the east, and Slovakia and the Czech Republic to the south.

Bordered by Germany to the west, Belarus, Ukraine, and Lithuania to the east, and Slovakia and the Czech Republic to the south, Poland is situated right in the heart of the eastern block of Europe. Train holidays to Poland are an excellent way to open up the country to visitors that want the luxury of a high-end hotel to travel with them as they move about the country discovering its unique heritage.

With such a wealth of history to choose from while traveling city to city, one thing that should not be ignored is the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that your journey will make available. While travelling, be sure to explore the UNESCO sites in Budapest, Cracow, and Warsaw.

Budapest — For the start of your excursion across this part of Europe, train holidays that begin in the Hungarian city of Budapest are a perfect starting point.

While in the city, do not miss Castle Hill, the River Danube Embankments,

or Andrássy Avenue (All UNESCO World Heritage Sites). As you stroll down Andrássy Avenue from Erzsébet Square with the Városlige, take note of the large Neo-Renaissance mansions that line this major shopping street. Then, head along the Danube River embankment with its Baroque hotels and coffee shops, many of which survived the wars and are great examples of urban landscapes representing the best of the city’s history. Finally, stop by Castle Hill, which is home to the palace, first completed in 1265 as a home of the kings and surrounded by a collection of medieval, Baroque, and 19th century houses.

Cracow — The historic centre of Cracow is a wonderful place to pause on your travels across Europe.

Train holidays will stop in the city and allow a perfect opportunity for you to explore the historic centre, which was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in

1978. At the foot of Royal Wawel Castle, this 13th century merchant’s town has ‘Europe’s largest market square’, measuring over 200 metres on each side.

The square is flanked by historic houses, churches, and palaces. The Old Town is home to the University Quarter, which is one of the oldest in Europe and has been a place of study for Copernicus and Pope John Paul II. Warsaw — As you pull away from Cracow, your journey continues through northern Europe. Train holidays that follow the route through Poland will take you to the city of Warsaw, located along the Vistula River. As you wander the historic city centre of Warsaw, you will notice how much pride the citizens take in their history. The old city was about 85% destroyed during 1944, when there was a concentrated Nazi effort to destroy the Polish state; but, the city has reconstructed

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B arcelona T he capital city of C atalonia Barcelona is a huge city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurant, nightlife and accommodation.

Barcelona is Spain’s second largest and the capital of Catalonia, one of the 17 regions that form Spain. The city, Spain’s second largest, has a wealth of unique historic architecture and has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe during the 1990s.

Barcelona has many quarters, but the most important and interesting for visitors are: * Ciutat Vella – Barcelona’s old town, including the medieval Barri Gotic. * Eixample – modernist quarter, noted for its art nouveau buildings * Gràcia – historically a working class neighborhood, now rather gentrified, and very lively * Barceloneta – historically a fisherman’s quarter When to visit: August is probably the busiest time in Barcelona; at the same time about 10% of shops and restaurants can be found closed from mid-August to early September: owners go to vacations.

As humidity is high, 19-23 degrees Celsius (not higher) is the most comfortable weather.

Festivals and events * Festes de la Mercè Around the

24th of September, the main celebrations in the city. Live music during all the day and night, theatre, life in the streets, castellers, and most of it for free! * Festes de Gràcia – around the 15th of August, the celebrations from the Gràcia quarter. Many streets are decorated by the neighbours, live music, food in the street, party all night long. * Festes de Sants – similar to Gracia’s event, but smaller and a bit later in August. If you can’t go to the Gracia’s, try these! * Sant Jordi 23rd of April. Is like Saint Valentine’s in many places. People give roses and books around the streets. Is one of the most popular and interesting celebrations in Catalonia.

Casa de l’Ardiaca during Corpus: * Corpus. Late in May (Corpus Christi day). An egg is put over the fountains (most of them in the churches, and decorated with flowers), and “magically dances” over the water. Most of the churches are in the city centre: Cathedral’s cloister, Santa Anna, Casa de l’Ardiaca, Museu Frederic Marés, and over 10 more fountains. * Fira de Santa Llúcia From December 2nd/3rd to December 23rd, to commemorate Sta Llúcia (December 13th).

In front of the Cathedral, is where the Christmas

objects are sold. Some places sell Christmas trees, but most of them sell elements for making the pessebres, the representations of the birth of Jesus that people uses to put at home. These include small sculptures, wooden pieces and moss used to simulate grass. * Revetlla de Sant Joan: for weeks on end, listen to kids shoot off caps and fire crackers. Finish the week with San Juan, head down to the beach for various music stations and all night festivities.

Language: Barcelona’s official languages are Catalan and Spanish. Most signs are indicated in Catalan, although Spanish and English are also widely used. Most inhabitants speak both Catalan and Spanish.

Most inhabitants do not speak English or other foreign languages, as is the case in most of Spain. Also, remember that many inhabitants, specially if they were born outside Spain, do not speak Catalan and only know Spanish.

Most inhabitants do not speak English or other foreign languages, as is the case in most of Spain.

Also, remember that many inhabitants, specially if they were born outside Spain, do not speak Catalan and only know Spanish.

B arcelona ’ s official

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official languages are C atalan and S panish . M ost signs are indicated in C atalan

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England’s Lake District The Lake District is in the extreme North West of England, bordering Scotland to the north, Lancashire to the south and the Irish Sea to the west.

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To tell you all that England’s Lake District, lets call it the Lake District, has to offer would take volumes of books, such is the diversity and excitement of the area. Many famous writers have written about and within the area, for instance Wainwright, who wrote the famous tour and walking guides for the area, providing countless walkers and cyclists with the joys of his writing, Beatrix Potter, who lived for many years in the heart of the Lake District at Hill Top, near Ambleside, which is now owned by the National Trust. Beatrix is famous of course for the creation of the tales of Peter Rabbit and his friends.

The Lake District is in the extreme North West of England, bordering Scotland to the north, Lancashire to the south and the Irish Sea to the west.

It sits within the County of Cumbria and is a designated National Park, one of the busiest and most popular in the UK. Whilst the Lake District isn’t widely know for it sunbathing weather, although if you are lucky to be there on a warm and balmy day, nothing beats it anywhere. the lakes wouldn’t exist if it didn’t get its fair share of rain. Or perhaps a little more than its fair share on occasion. It is this weather, the lakes, the many towns and villages and the wonderful mountains that make this place what it is and why it attracts so many people to sample its delights.

The Lake District in the spring and summer is glorious, but don’t stay away from here in the middle of winter. The snow on the tops and often at lower levels provides unequalled scenery, straight from a Christmas card. Your time spent here in winter can be refreshing and invigorating and is not quite as busy at it some times throughout the year.

If you are looking to stay in one of beautiful towns, consider Keswick, nestling next to Derwentwater in the northern lakes, ideal for walking the northern hills such as Blencathra, or take a ferry around the lake giving a different perspective on the area. Or consider Ambleside in the southern lakes on the shores of England’s biggest inland stretch of water, Lake Windermere. The western side of the lakes is less populated and provides a landscape in which you can loose yourself in, complete with England’s highest peak, Scarfell Pike and deepest inland lake, Wast Water, a dark and imposing place, with screes tumbling steeply into the water all along its north western flank.

Getting to the Lake District is easy by car or train, to Windermere and the choices of accommodation vary from spending an exciting and adventurous night in a tent, up to a luxury night in a top class hotel overlooking a lake.

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G renoble F rance You will be able to find this city at the foot of the French Alps where the Isère River meets up with the Drac River.

The city can be found in the Rhône Alps region. The city of Grenoble is the capital city of the department of Isère. As a result of the mountains being so close to the city, Grenoble has been named as the “Capital of Alps”.

While this city is thoroughly modern you should know that Grenoble’s history is more than 2,000 years old. The city has been the capital of Dauphiné since the 11th Century. The city of Grenoble is surrounded by mountains. To the north of the city you will see the Chartreuse Mountains, to the east you will see the Belledonne range and to the west of Grenoble you have the Vercors Mountains. As part of its culture if you are in the city during the Tour de France you will be able to see the race as it passes through the city.

The city of Grenoble has been built on the alluvial plain of the Isère River and the Drac River.

The city can be found at an altitude of 214 meters. Lovers of winter sports will enjoy coming to Grenoble as there are about 20 ski stations surrounding the city. The nearest of these resorts is that of le Sappey en Chartreuse. This resort is about 15 minutes drive from the city of

Grenoble. In addition to winter sports you will find there are other attractions to be found in this city.

These attractions will include a trip to Vieille Ville. This was the site of a fortified Roman town.

You will find that the pedestrian old city which is found with this location has been in existence from the time of the Middle Ages. A famous inventor named Vaucanson who lived from 1709 to 1782 was born in the Vieille Ville region. For lovers of Gothic style architecture you will find the Palais de Justice a must see building in Grenoble. Here you will find that the Palais de Justice was built in 1847 utilizing the Gothic style. This building is noted for its columned façade.

In this building you will find the Court of Appeals ad the Court of Assizes.

Yet another worthwhile sight to see in Grenoble is that of the Eglise St. Andre. This is a beautiful Romanesque church which was built in the 12th Century. This church can be found in the heart of the city’s old centre. As you wander around the church you will see the magnificent façade which depicts Jesus and the Twelve Apostles. Another great

church that you should think about visiting is that of the Cathedrale Notre Dame et Ancien Évèché.

This church which was a former bishop’s palace can be found adjacent to the Notre Dame Cathedral. It is now a museum which chronicles the regional history of the area from the prehistoric times to the present day. Under the cathedral you will be able to see a baptistery which has been in existence from the time of the Christian origins here in Grenoble. As well as the baptistery you will also be able to look at the remnants of the city’s walls.

These various sights that you will see here in Grenoble will help you to enjoy the best possible holiday that you can. So the next time you are thinking about where to go for a great holiday think Grenoble.

O N T E N TE S E UROP E AN T RAV E L MCAGAZIN

A ntler 5 6 cm C yberlite R eview The Antler Cyberlite 56cm is a cabin suitcase with 4 wheels.

It is soft-sided and is packed with features. We are featuring the red model but it also available in black, grey, lime, orange and purple.

There is a top handle and a slip in padded side handle.

A pull out identification label is discreetly located on the side of the suitcase.

A small lockable pocket is located at the top of the front panel, This pocket only extends part way down the bag so would only be suitable for your tickets or travel wallet.

A lockable side pocket is also located on the front pocket, this is slightly larger than the top pocket. We tried to fit an iPad in this pocket, it did go in almost fully but we were unable to zip the pocket shut.

The Main compartment has a fixed combination TSA lock The case is expandable which is not too common on a case of this size.

The main compartment is fully lined and features a large mesh pocket in the lid, a smaller mesh pocket running down the side of the case and tie down packing straps to secure your

belongings.

Overall: The Antler Cyberlite 56cm is very similar to the Samsonite B-Lite case we reviewed earlier, in fact it is hard to choose between the two. The Antler does offer extra features that the Samsonite one doesn’t have as well as having extra capacity, this does however come at the expense of weight as the Antler Cyberlite is 500g heavier than the Samsonite B-LIte. We recommend that you work out whether the extra features are important to you and base your decision on that. This case is suitable for a regular holidaymaker.

What you need to know about the Antler Cyberlite 56cm: Size (including wheels): 53cm*x 34cm x 20cm(expands to 15cm) *Note the official height is 56cm however this must include the top handle but as the top handle is soft and can be pushed flat we have omited the extra 3cm.

Weight: 2.4kg Warranty: 10 Years For more reviews visit www.carryonluggagesize.com.au

A Lockable Side Pocket

Fixed Combination TSA Lock

The CaseIs Expandable

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Issue 3 December 2013