Delta Europe 2015

2015

EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA, AND INDIA TRAVEL GUIDE.

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We’re delighted to bring you our comprehensive Europe, Middle East, Africa and India (EMEAI) travel guide produced with Recommend magazine. We touch on the vast array of travel options available across our network to help you explore this wonderful part of the world.

The scope to tempt you with an exciting itinerary is limitless. For the adventurous there’s the chance to do the extraordinary. For example, in South Africa there’s white water rafting, big game fishing, bungee-jumping, paragliding, and more. South Africa is also home to some of the world’s best vineyards and memorable safaris. Here, you have the opportunity to travel across some of the best of the African plains while staying in luxury camps or lodges.

For those who prefer city life, West and Central Europe is home to a vibrant collection of iconic cities. For lovers of history, there’s no place better than London with its famous sites from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace and The Tower of London. For the romantic at heart, fantastic food, shopping and art galleries await in Paris. In Rome, stylish locals rush around to a backdrop of the Colosseum, Pantheon, and St. Peter’s Square. And in Venice the beautiful waterways create a truly special atmosphere. For those who prefer sand underfoot there’s Barcelona’s mix of Catalan culture, hip venues and stunning beaches.

There are spectacular beaches in Nice too where you can kick back and relax with the effortlessly cool crowd on France’s chic Côte d’Azur.

Venture further east and the contrasts widen. The architecture of Moscow’s Red Square is truly memorable and literally envelops you in history. And in Mumbai, you can sense how the bustling energy of this city is fueling India’s progress toward becoming a global economic powerhouse.

With over 330 destinations in 63 countries on six continents, we have the network to best meet your leisure travel needs. We’re proud to operate such an extensive network that includes 23 countries and 34 destinations in EMEAI, and we continue to add new services. And wherever you’re flying in the region or around the world, you can be sure that we’ll give you a warm Delta welcome.

Sincerely,

Paris, France.

President/Group Publisher/Editorial Director Laurel A. Herman Associate Publisher Terence K. Murphy Editor-in-Chief Paloma Villaverde de Rico Managing Editor Deserae del Campo

Parry Cantarutti Senior Vice President, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India (EMEAI) Delta Air Lines

Associate Editor Michelle Marie Arean Art Director Janet Del Mastro Contributing Writers Michelle Marie Arean, Deserae del Campo, Carla Hunt, and Paloma Villaverde de Rico The Delta Air Lines Travel Guide is produced by Recommend Custom Publishing, a division of Worth International Media Group, Inc. in conjunction with Steve Long, Managing Director of EMEAI for Delta Air Lines. ®

CUSTOM

P U BLISH I NG

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DELTA TAKES SERVICE FOR EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA, AND INDIA TO NEW HEIGHTS This photo: The Sky Deck at New York-JFK Airport.

Left: Boeing 767-400 with seat-back in-flight entertainment.

For Delta Air Lines, a key goal has been to become the best carrier serving Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India (EMEAI). Since 2005, the airline’s presence in the region has nearly doubled.

Delta now offers nonstop service from 14 strategic U.S. hubs and gateways connecting EMEAI with the rest of the world.

Today, Delta operates more than 1,100 weekly flights to 34 destinations in 23 countries in the EMEAI region through the summer. In 2014, the airline expanded service to the United Kingdom from North America, adding new nonstop service from both Seattle and Los Angeles to London. In 2015, Delta is further increasing service to the United Kingdom with new nonstop flights from Newark and Philadelphia to London and from New York-JFK to Manchester.

Delta has also extended the New York-JFK to Zurich, Switzerland route from seasonal to year-round and will add new service from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam. And the growth continues.

Delta’s expanded service to EMEAI destinations also makes it easier for travelers to choose more convenient travel schedules, and as a result, more convenient connections. And in cooperation with its SkyTeam partners and Virgin Atlantic, customers gain access to more than 140 additional destinations throughout the region.

“We’ve built our network to provide a convenient flight schedule between the United States and some of the most famous and exciting tourist destinations in EMEAI,” said Perry Cantarutti, s.v.p.– EMEAI. “We’ve made a lot of investment in our product aimed at creating the most enjoyable journey to get your vacation off to a relaxing start.”

World-class airport facilities Adding more cities and flights is only one aspect of Delta’s growth strategy for the region. The crown jewel of that investment is a $1.4 billion expansion at New York-JFK Terminal 4, which opened to great accolades throughout the travel industry. The expanded main terminal features a much larger customs and immigration area, easier

traffic flow between the domestic and international gates, and a new Delta Sky Club® featuring The Sky Deck™, a stunning outdoor lounge that offers guests the ability to relax with a cocktail while enjoying breathtaking views of the JFK runways.

Twelve new security checkpoint lanes now shorten processing time, and an enhanced atrium makes it easier for fliers to browse at retail shops. Terminal 4 caters to Delta and SkyTeam’s elite Sky Priority® customers, offering 14 check-in positions dedicated to its Sky Priority customers.

Of course, many EMEAI travelers pass through Delta’s (and the world’s) largest hub, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The recently opened Concourse F, along with Concourse E, now comprise a 40-gate international terminal, which serves as the gateway for customers traveling between Atlanta and international destinations.

With the addition of Concourse F, Atlanta-bound customers no longer need to recheck their baggage when arriving in the U.S. In 2015, an increasing number of EMEAI travelers will travel through Los Angeles International Airport directly to Europe, as Delta recently launched nonstop service between Los Angeles and London-LHR. Improvements to LAX Terminal 5 in 2015 include a renovated lobby with streamlined check-in and baggage drop, a wider security checkpoint area, and an exclusive VIP check-in lobby—all part of a $229 million investment the company is making in Los Angeles.

Putting both leisure and business destinations within reach When travelers decide to visit new places, no matter how far away or exotic, they want to get there in the easiest manner possible.

Now, destinations like Dubai, Prague, Tel Aviv, Rome, Barcelona, Johannesburg, Munich, and the South of France are all within easy reach. And travelers look for established airlines that can take them there with convenience and comfort.

Delta’s industry-leading global network makes these destinations

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premium economy product, Delta Comfort+, on flights throughout the region. With up to four additional inches of legroom, up to 50 percent more recline than Delta’s standard international Economy Class seats on most long-haul international flights, complimentary in-seat entertainment from Delta Studio™, and Priority Boarding, Delta Comfort+ helps passengers relax during their flight. Additional Making the journey easier benefits include complimentary premium snacks and dedicated Investments in technology have also enabled Delta to provide overhead bin space. Plus, with more First Class seats on its U.S. industry-leading access to convenient travel tools. The award-winning routes than any other U.S. carrier, Delta provides more opportunities Fly Delta app has been downloaded over five million times, and is for passengers to upgrade their experience. available on iPhone®, Android®, Windows®, and Blackberry® phones.

A better experience, even on the ground Customers can use the app to access their eBoarding pass, receive The in-flight experience is only part of Delta’s commitment to travel alerts, change their seat assignment, view flight status, check the weather, rebook a flight, and even remind themselves where they customer service. With more than 45 Delta Sky Clubs® worldwide, parked. The Fly Delta app also allows passengers to track their bags customers seeking to relax while at the airport have a welcoming place to go. As part of our continued investment in improving the as they move through the system.

Delta Sky Club experience, the airline made recent investments And in an effort to enhance efficiency, Delta recently equipped in Atlanta, New York-LGA, Los Angeles and the newly renovated its flight attendants with the Nokia Lumia 1520 tablet, which allows Terminal 4 at New York’s John F. Kennedy airport. JFK Terminal flight attendants to take care of customer meal orders, receive detailed information about connecting flights and provide information 4 and Atlanta Concourse F are home to the new flagship Clubs, which feature The Sky Deck® at Delta Sky Club®, an award-winning for personalized service such as customers’ frequent flyer status, outdoor terrace. previous flight experiences and potential need for special services While at Delta Sky Club, passengers receive complimentary house during flight. beers, wines and spirits, healthy snacks, free Wi-Fi, personalized Delta also operates the world’s largest Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft flight assistance and private showers, in select locations. The fleet, with international Wi-Fi service on select transatlantic routes in Clubs also offer work zones that provide wireless printers and fax 2015 and all transatlantic routes by early 2016. With these and other technological advancements, it’s no surprise Delta was ranked by Air machines, charging stations and, in certain locations, meeting spaces for rent. For discerning travelers, the Luxury Bar offers Transport World Magazine as the “2014 Airline of the Year.” premium beers, wines, champagnes and spirits for purchase.

“Consistent themes for us over the past several years have been constant improvement and never taking our eye off the ball,” said continued on page 8 Richard Anderson, Delta’s chief executive officer. “This vigilance in everything we do has built a truly strong, sustainable airline.”

easy to access and, together with its SkyTeam partners, connects you to anywhere in the world you want to go. In fact, Delta flies to more than 330 destinations in over 60 countries on six continents.

And with service to four African countries, Delta offers more nonstop service between the two continents than any other airline.

Dreamy full flat-beds on all widebody international aircraft Delta aims to make long-haul flights as comfortable as possible. The airline has recently completed installation of full flat-bed seats on all of its international widebody aircraft in the Business Class cabin, also known as Delta One™ as of March 1. Flat-bed seats are also being rolled out on Boeing 757 narrowbody aircraft outfitted with a Delta One cabin and will be completed by the end of 2015. In addition to flat-bed seats, the Delta One experience features Westin Heavenly In-Flight Bedding with a full-sized pillow and duvet, as well as direct aisle access on all widebody aircraft. Seats feature in-seat personal entertainment screens with thousands of entertainment options, a 110V power outlet, and USB port.

Additionally, Delta is now offering an upgraded onboard experience for Economy customers on most long-haul international flights.

Settle in and get comfortable with new premium benefits, including enhanced meal and snack offerings; new ergonomically designed earbuds; complimentary beer, wine and spirits; in-seat, on demand video with an extensive library of your favorite movies, TV shows, games, and songs; a sleep kit to help you rest and recharge; and a USB port at every seat.

Stretch out in Delta Comfort+™ For many passengers, a little extra room goes a long way. So, as of March 2015, customers can experience Delta’s upgraded Top: The renovated Sky Priority lobby at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Right: Full beds in Delta’s Business Class.

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Novosibirsk

Yekaterinburg Samara

Almaty Amsterdam New York (JFK) Atlanta

Yerevan

Delhi

Tunis

Kuwait City Amman Bahrain Dubai Dammam Doha Muscat Abu Dhabi Mumbai Bangalore

Tel Aviv

Rabat Casablanca

Cairo

Tenerife

Djibouti Dakar Bamako Conakry

N’Djamena

Niamey Ouagadougou Cotonou

Abidjan

Lomé Accra

Abuja

Entebbe/Kampala

Lagos

Douala Port Yaoundé Harcourt

Kigali

Libreville Pointe-Noire

Nairobi Kilimanjaro Dar es Salaam

Brazzaville Kinshasa Antananarivo Lusaka Harare

Johannesburg

Cape Town

Delta Air Lines/Delta Joint Venture Route Future Route Service

Destination served by Delta Destination served by one of Delta’s Worldwide Codeshare Partners

Effective December 2014. Select routes are seasonal. Some future services subject to government approval. Service may be operated by one of Delta’s codeshare partner airlines or one of Delta’s Connection Carriers. Flights are subject to change without notice.

Maps Produced by Leaping Cat Graphics

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Vancouver Seattle/ Tacoma

Novosibirsk Yekaterinburg Chelyabinsk Perm Ufa Kazan Novosibirsk Samara Almaty Novgorod Nizhny Yekaterinburg

Portland Calgary Vancouver Seattle/ San FranciscoTacoma Portland Salt Lake City Los Angeles San Francisco Las Vegas

Calgary

Salt Lake City Los Angeles Minneapolis/ St. Paul Las Vegas Chicago

Moscow Glasgow

Cancun

Miami

Baku

Sochi Volgograd Yerevan

Prague Amsterdam Baku Düsseldorf Copenhagen Brussels Frankfurt Sochi (LHR) Shannon Munich Yerevan Glasgow London (LGW) Stuttgart Istanbul Prague Amsterdam Venice Zürich Manchester Paris Düsseldorf Milan Dublin (CDG) Brussels Frankfurt Pisa Athens (LHR) Shannon Munich Rome London (LGW) Stuttgart Nice Istanbul Venice Zürich Paris Milan Barcelona (CDG) Pisa Athens Rome Nice Madrid Barcelona Málaga Manchester Dublin

Pittsburgh Boston Houston Washington DC Mexico New York (JFK) (IAH) (IAD) Orlando City Newark Atlanta Philadelphia

Orlando

Copenhagen Stockholm

Reykjavik

Minneapolis/ Detroit Toronto Montreal Dallas/ St. Paul Fort Worth Cincinnati Chicago Pittsburgh Boston Houston Detroit Washington DC York (JFK) (IAH) (IAD) Toronto New Montreal Dallas/ Newark Atlanta Fort Worth CincinnatiPhiladelphia

Cancun Mexico City

Chelyabinsk Perm Moscow Ufa Kazan Stockholm Samara Volgograd Almaty Nizhny Novgorod

Reykjavik

Miami

Madrid Málaga

Reykjavik

Trondheim Alesund -Vigra

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Reykjavik

Trondheim Bergen Oslo Alesund -Vigra Sandefjord Stavanger

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Aberdeen

Kristiansand Bergen Oslo

Sandefjord Aalborg EdinburghStavanger

Helsinki St. Petersburg

Stockholm Linköping Gothenburg Stockholm

Helsinki St. Petersburg

Nizhny Novgorod Moscow Copenhagen Linköping Billund Kristiansand Gothenburg Newcastle Durham Aberdeen Kaliningrad Aalborg Leeds/Bradford Bremen Nizhny Riga Hamburg Manchester Humberside Novgorod Edinburgh Berlin Dublin Norwich Amsterdam Moscow Glasgow Copenhagen Hannover Billund Birmingham Shannon Newcastle Warsaw Durham (LHR) Cardiff Kaliningrad Düsseldorf Bristol Leeds/Bradford Bremen (LGW) Manchester CologneHamburg Prague Ostrava Humberside Kiev London Brussels Dublin Norwich Amsterdam Frankfurt Berlin Hannover Luxembourg Nuremberg Birmingham Shannon Warsaw (CDG) Paris Kosice Brest (LHR) Volgograd Cardiff Rennes Stuttgart Munich StrasbourgDüsseldorf Vienna Bratislava Bristol Basel/Mulhouse Cologne (LGW) Zürich Prague Ostrava Budapest Nantes Kiev London Brussels Ljubljana Geneva Frankfurt Zagreb Lyon Nuremberg Venice Luxembourg Milan Clermont Paris (CDG) Trieste Kosice Brest Bordeaux Krasnodar Munich Rennes -Ferrand Turin Stuttgart Verona Volgograd Bucharest Strasbourg Belgrade Bratislava Bologna Genoa Vienna Toulouse Basel/Mulhouse Zürich Nantes Sochi Budapest N A Coruña M M Ljubljana i Geneva c e Pisa Florence Zagreb ar onLyon Bilbao Pau Vigo Venice s Clermont tpel eill MilanRome TriesteBari Krasnodar lie e Bordeaux -Ferrand Turin Istanbul Verona Tirana Bucharest Naples r Belgrade Barcelona Yerevan Bologna Genoa Toulouse Brindisi Sochi Palma deN Madrid A Coruña M M ice Pisa Florence Mallorca Pau on ar Bilbao Lamezia Terme Vigo Lisbon s Reggio Calabria Valencia t Ibiza pe eil Rome llie le Bari Palermo Athens Istanbul Tirana Naples Catania r Yerevan Málaga Barcelona Brindisi Palma de Madrid Malta Mallorca Lisbon Reggio Calabria Lamezia Terme Valencia Ibiza Palermo Athens Catania Málaga Malta Glasgow

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Delta and Virgin Atlantic tails.

n More seats available for fewer miles n One-Way Award Tickets at half the price of round-trip tickets n New Miles + Cash Award options n All-new Award Travel search and shopping

Key alliance partnerships To better serve our customers, Delta has deepened its partnership with its strategic partners in EMEAI, including Air France, KLM, Alitalia, and Virgin Atlantic.

Air France, KLM, and Alitalia And as of late 2014, customers now enjoy new complimentary food options full of bold new flavors and fresh ingredients. The new selection includes healthy breakfast options like fruit salad, hardboiled eggs, Greek yogurt and cereal, plus fresh bagels, hot soups, a variety of tasty salads, marinated mushrooms, fresh fruit and desserts, and Bailey’s Irish Cream.

Get top priority with Sky Priority® Every part of your Delta traveling experience should be comfortable and relaxing, even before you’re in the air. With the Delta Sky Priority suite of services, customers who have earned Gold Medallion status or above always go first—whether it’s through the airport, onto the plane or out of baggage claim.

Passengers who are not Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion members can still experience Sky Priority services anytime by booking a First Class or Business Class ticket, or by simply being a SkyTeam Elite Plus member, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold member, or a Platinum or Gold member of Velocity Frequent Flyer, the loyalty program of Virgin Australia.

On-the-go support at your fingertips Delta has made it a priority to give customers the ability to contact the airline at every touchpoint, so Delta launched @DeltaAssist on Twitter to help with real-time travel issues before, during, and after a flight. Delta’s knowledgeable agents use Twitter to answer questions pertaining to policy and procedures, assist with lost baggage, rebook canceled flights, and help customers with general travel issues. The @DeltaAssist handle is strictly for customer service issues, ensuring that response times are faster than any other carrier.

This service has been expanded to include Spanish-speaking customers with @DeltaAssist_ES. Portuguese-speaking customers can use @DeltaAjuda.

Many ways to earn miles Delta’s award-winning frequent flyer program, the SkyMiles® program, offers travelers to and from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and India a variety of options to earn and redeem miles when flying on Delta, its SkyTeam® partner airlines, and Virgin Atlantic. One of the longest running and most successful loyalty programs in the travel industry, the SkyMiles program has been recognized with multiple industry accolades. The SkyMiles program is proud to offer miles that don’t expire, and, in 2015, redeeming miles is even easier with:

The Delta, Air France-KLM, and Alitalia Joint Venture today is the most evolved model for successful international airline cooperation.

This strategic alliance provides vast benefits for both consumers and the business. Representing 26% of the airline industry’s total transatlantic capacity, this joint venture covers routes between Canada, the United States, Mexico and Europe, as well as those connecting Amsterdam and India, and North America and Tahiti.

Through the joint venture, customers have more choices, more flight options, and convenient schedules on nearly 250 daily flights, in conjunction with convenient access to nearly 300 destinations in North America and close to 200 destinations in Europe, Asia and Latin America. For frequent travelers, the partnership also offers the opportunity to earn miles with the Flying Blue, MilleMiglia and SkyMiles frequent flyer programs, together with access to the largest lounge network across the Atlantic.

Virgin Atlantic Through Delta’s joint venture with Virgin Atlantic, customers now have access to a combined transatlantic network between the United Kingdom and North America with 33 peak-day round-trip flights, which will continue to expand in 2015. Together, Delta and Virgin Atlantic offer ten daily round-trip flights between LondonHeathrow and New York-JFK and Newark-EWR. The partnership brings improved travel options offering seamless connections to 63 destinations across North America and the UK. The partnership also means that members of the frequent flyer loyalty programs SkyMiles and Flying Club have more opportunity to earn and use miles/points, while premium customers have reciprocal access to Delta Sky Club and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounges. In addition, business class passengers receive priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling and additional baggage allowance on all Delta and Virgin Atlantic operated flights worldwide, including those outside of the codeshare agreement.

Becoming the premier airline serving Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India With a lot of hard work and continuous improvement, Delta is realizing its vision: becoming the best carrier in the EMEAI region.

With an extensive route network, improved services, state-of-theart technology, facilities, products and partnerships, passengers around the world can look to Delta for unmatched service to this diverse and exciting region.

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Reykjavik✯

ICELAND

FINLAND

NORWAY

SWEDEN

Oslo✯

Helsinki✯

✯

Stockholm✯

✯Aberdeen ✯Edinburgh

North Sea

IRELAND

✯Dublin ✯Shannon

Celtic Sea

UNITED KINGDOM

✯Hamburg

GERMANY

Amsterdam✯

HOLLAND

Brussels✯

BELGIUM

FRANCE

✯Berlin

POLAND

✯Dusseldorf ✯Frankfurt

CZECH REPUBLIC

✯Munich Basel✯ ✯Zurich Geneva✯

SWITZERLAND

✯Warsaw

✯Prague

✯Nuremberg ✯Stuttgart

✯Paris

Bay of Biscay

Baltic Sea

✯Manchester

London✯ English Channel

DENMARK

Copenhagen✯

✯Vienna

AUSTRIA

✯Budapest

HUNGARY

ROMANIA

✯Zagreb ✯Milan ✯Venice

PORTUGAL Lisbon ✯

✯Nice ✯Marseille

SPAIN ✯Barcelona

CROATIA ✯Florence Pisa✯

ITALY

Adriatic Sea

✯Madrid

✯Rome ✯Naples ✯Malaga

GREECE

✯A

✯Palermo 10 10

✯Catania Mediterranean Sea

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© WienTourismus/Christian Stemper

Left: Vienna, Austria’s elegant capital.

Below: Charming Stockholm in Sweden.

LAND ✯St. Petersburg

RUSSIA

✯Moscow

EUROPE & RUSSIA

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ROMANIA ✯Bucharest

ECE ✯Athens

Finding your way to Europe & Russia—to the grand cities of Vienna, London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Madrid, Moscow and Stockholm, among an array of other magnificent capital gems—can’t possibly get much easier than when flying with Delta Air Lines.

Europe & Russia, in all their grandeur, offer up an array of delightful vacation opportunities, whether it’s shopping in Milan, enjoying whisky in Edinburgh, tasting tapas in Barcelona, being inspired by Budapest’s architecture, hanging with the cutting-edge crowd in Copenhagen, exploring churches in Prague, discovering the “Venice of the North,” better known as St. Petersburg, or burying your nose in a book in Reykjavik, a UNESCO City of Literature. Europe & Russia, with their vast history and myriad cultural escapes, are waiting for you to discover them layer by layer.

And Delta Air Lines has you covered with nonstop flights from its U.S. hubs—or via connecting flights through Amsterdam, Rome and Paris—to the most sought-after destinations in Europe and Russia.

Once you arrive at your destination, high-end accommodations await, complemented by dazzling cityscapes, fabulous green spaces, iconic landmarks, cultural venues, and a vibrant nightlife.

It’s all accessible via Delta Air Lines and its key alliance partnerships with Air France, KLM, Alitalia, and Virgin Atlantic.

In this section: Austria......................... 12 Belgium ...................... 12 Croatia........................ 14 Czech Republic............ 14 Denmark..................... 16 Finland........................ 16 France......................... 18 Germany...................... 19

Greece.........................24 Holland........................24 Hungary......................25 Iceland........................25 Ireland.........................26 Italy.............................27 Norway........................31 Poland.........................31

Portugal......................32 Romania......................32 Russia.........................33 Spain...........................34 Sweden.......................35 Switzerland.................36 United Kingdom...........37

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austria

Vienna Elegant Vienna: The horse-drawn carriages, the countless museums, the coffee houses, imperial traditions, architectural delights and grand avenues…. Here, in Austria’s captivating capital, visitors will find a unique blend of classic and modern architecture, green spaces and dazzling street life. Sightseeing is not for the weary in this magnificent city, with its Belvedere Palace, its Imperial Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Ringstrasse, the latter a gorgeous boulevard that is home to historic buildings built between the 1860s to the 1890s, including the Vienna State Opera House. In 2015, Ringstrasse will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its opening with numerous anniversary exhibitions. Don’t miss, also, the Prater, with its Giant Ferris Wheel that offers a wonderful bird’s-eye view of the city.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: The stunning Kunsthistorisches Museum has the world’s largest collection of Bruegel paintings, while the MuseumsQuartier offers nine permanent museums, including the Leopold Museum, featuring one of the world’s most important collections of Austrian art.

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE: If visiting during the picturesque holidays, then do take in Austria’s Christmas markets. In Vienna, you’ll find the market, which harks back to 1298, in the large square in front of City Hall.

INSIDER TIP: Stop in at the beautiful Hotel Sacher and rest your feet at the Cafe Sacher Wien, where you can sample the world-famous Sacher Torte. Only a handful of the hotel’s employees have ever seen the original 1832 recipe for the Original Sacher Torte, which is kept in a safe.

Hotel pick: Two Luxury Collection Hotel properties call Vienna home: Hotel Bristol and Hotel Imperial. Opened in 1892, Hotel Bristol, located next door to the Vienna State Opera, offers 150 stylishly decorated rooms and suites, as well as the Bristol Bar, the oldest American bar in Vienna. Hotel Imperial, meanwhile, was built in 1863 as the Vienna residence of the prince of Wurttemberg and transformed into the Hotel Imperial in 1873. It’s located on the Ringstrasse, and offers 76 rooms and 62 suites.

facts May to September The World of Ice Giants, near Salzburg in the village of Werfen, is the world’s biggest explored labyrinth of ice caves with a length of almost 30 miles GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Vienna connecting through Amsterdam, Paris and Rome ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: The Euro LOCAL FOODs: Apple strudel; Tafelspitz, boiled beef with a variety of root vegetables, broth, served with roasted potatoes, and horseradish and chives sauce; trout from Austria’s crystal-clear lakes; Linzer torte; goulash; cheese noodles from Carinthia; and kasespatzle, macaroni & cheese, Austrian-style BEST BUYS: Sacher Torte; fab Helmut Lang fashion pieces; Swarovski jewelry; traditional clothing such as the Dirndl dresses; coffee INFORMATION PLEASE: austria.info BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT:

BELGIUM

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BRUSSELS Brussels, the capital of Belgium and of Europe (or at least of the European Union), could easily have become just another administrative city. Instead it’s full of elegant shopping streets, fun restaurants, bistros and cafes, excellent jazz and lively people. And then there is the piece de resistance, the Grand Place, variously described as “the most beautiful medieval square in Europe” and “a living theater.” Brussels’ Grand Place takes pride of place among Belgium’s attractions. Be there on the first Thursday in July for the historical Ommegang pageant.

Best Cultural Experience: Royal Museums of Modern and Ancient Art, a complex that ranks among Europe’s leading art museums, with works by Bruegel the Elder, Rubens, Magritte, Delvaux and Ensor.

BEST SHOPPING: Even if you’re not shopping, there’s no more delightful market to visit daily than the bird and flower markets on the Grand Place.

Insider Tip: Visit the city of Mons, 33 miles from Brussels, the European Capital of Culture in 2015. hotel pick: Conveniently located in the business district, and yet a short walk to the Grand Place and Royal Botanic Gardens, the Sheraton Brussels Hotel has 511 rooms and suites, with a Private Club Lounge available to guests on the Club floor. Facilities include restaurants, a fitness center, sauna and indoor pool. Everyone’s favorite boutique lodging is the Amigo Hotel, occupying a 16th century merchant’s mansion that was sold to the City Council, which turned it into a prison; this deluxe property is located next to the Grand Place.

facts April to November Belgium produces more than 300 varieties of beer GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Brussels from Atlanta and New York (JFK) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: The Euro LOCAL FOODS: Steamed mussels; frites; an endless array of Belgian beers; and, of course, waffles and the celestial chocolate BEST BUYS: Lace—both antique and new; pewter; jewelry; tapestries; and the justly famous chocolates INFORMATION PLEASE: visitbelgium.com BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT:

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Brussels’ Rue des Bouchers street is famous for its numerous restaurants.

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In 2015, Two major events close to Brussels!

www.mons2015.eu © Gregory Mathelot

www.waterloo2015.org © WBT – Didier Brancart

© WBT – G. Batistini

Brussels, Grand-Place

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CROATIA CZECH REPUBLIC

ZAGREB Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, sprung up from two medieval settlements, which form the core of the city’s old Upper Town. Visitors to this city will find old stone streets, as well as many churches and architectural marvels in both its Upper and Lower towns. Not to miss are the Zagreb Cathedral; the Lotrscak Tower—whose cannon has been fired at noon every day for more than a century—St. Mark’s Church; the Croatian National Theater building in the middle of Marsal Tito Square; the Mirogoj Park Cemetery, which is a cemetery, park and outdoor art gallery; and the ancient Medvedgrad, a medieval fort built in the 13th century.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Museums and galleries abound in Zagreb, from the Museum of Contemporary Art, which showcases works by Croatian and international artists, and the Museum of Broken Relationships, which features mementos that remain after a relationship ends including a cell phone, an “I love you” teddy bear and a wedding dress, to the Croation History Museum, which, as its name indicates, tells the story of the country.

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE: Take a ride on the Zagreb Street Car, the oldest public transport method in Zagreb—a year older than the tram—and at 217 ft. in length, the world’s shortest. Zagreb’s street car is a protected monument since it bears the original appearance and construction.

INSIDER TIP: Invest in a 1- or 3-day Zagreb Card, which provides unlimited travel on public transport, discounts at virtually all of the city’s museums, and reduced prices at many restaurants, shops, and service providers; available for purchase at many hotels.

HOTEL PICK: The Westin Zagreb, with 349 guestrooms and suites, is located in a leafy green area adjacent to the Mimara Museum and the National Theatre and Opera House, as well as within walking distance to the city’s Central Square. Here, guests can dine at the light and airy Kaptol Restaurant, serving regional cuisine, or opt for an in-room spa treatment.

PRAGUE Prague is Central Europe’s most delightful capital. Straddling the Vltava River, the city presents an amazing patchwork of architectural treasures: Romanesque monasteries, a Gothic cathedral, Renaissance palaces and gardens, Baroque churches, Neoclassic manor houses, and Art Nouveau and Cubist structures. The skyline is studded with domes, spires and towers, and the fairytale Prague Castle shares the commanding hill with the soaring St. Vitus Cathedral and the 12th century Strahov monestary complex. Across the statue-fringed Charles Bridge, the Old Town square with its medieval Town Hall and Tyn Church, is a favorite gathering place. Prague is a vibrant cultural center, full of concerts, theater spaces and dozens of art galleries.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: With a map, take a walking tour of Stare Mesto (Old Town), a cluster of streets full of architectural delights from the medieval to the Baroque; start at the Old Town Square, the medieval marketplace where from the 14th century on, duels were fought.

BEST SHOPPING: The city’s most picturesque shopping venue is the Charles Bridge, lined with little stalls selling watercolors and line drawings, and offering the best urban views.

INSIDER TIP: There’s always music in the air in Prague—and why not, Mozart held court here; he debuted his Don Giovanni opera at the cherubim-filled Estates Theater.

The most accessible music venues are in dozens of churches offering a year-round roster of heavenly choral and string-quartet groups, as well as soft-jazz combos.

HOTEL PICK: In the 21st century, the creature comforts of Prague’s four- and five-star hotel count has doubled, including new-builds and boutique properties occupying historic buildings. Most major international hotel chains are represented. For example, well located in the New Town is the Sheraton Prague Charles Square Hotel, whose stunning Art Nouveau and Art Deco details have been carefully preserved. In addition to 122 deluxe and executive rooms, the hotel features a spa, fitness center, French restaurant and rooftop terrace views of Prague Castle.

FACTS April to September According to a magical legend, fairies built the Arena in Pula. They carried stones all night from the Ucka mountains, lay them round and round in a circle, and so row by row, their city came into being. But since fairies are creatures of the night, they could only build until the first cock crowed. Then the fairies would have to interrupt their work and flee so that people would not see them. Their city remained unfinished and that is why the Arena does not have a roof GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Zagreb connecting through Amsterdam and Paris ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: Croatian Kuna LOCAL FOODS: Dalmatinska pasticada (Dalmatian stew), a meat dish that takes two days to prepare; traditional Podravina cheese with a slice of Samobor salami and spicy Samobor mustard; Maraschino, a desert liqueur made from the Maraska cherries; traditional Lika baked potatoes with lamb cooked under the embers in an iron bell; and plenty of seafood dishes BEST BUYS: Embroidered table linens; lace; Croatian wine; candy; and ties (they were invented in Croatia) INFORMATION PLEASE: croatia.hr BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT:

FACTS April to November The Czech Republic has the greatest number of castles per square mile of any country in the world—some 1,800 of them.

Many are just a day away from Prague: Cesky Krumlov, for instance, the second largest castle complex in the country and a UNESCO World Heritage monument GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Prague from New York (JFK) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: Czech Koruna LOCAL FOODS: Special Prague ham; roast beef in cream sauce; roasted boar with apples and blackberries; roast duck with red cabbage; and plum dumplings. Prague also serves up really good pizza, as well as excellent beers BEST BUYS: Glassware and porcelain are renowned; garnets set in silver and gold jewelry; decorated eggs; and wooden toys.

In a city of music, reasonably priced CDs INFORMATION PLEASE: myczechrepublic.com BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT:

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GERMANY

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DENMARK GRENADA FINLAND

facts May to September FUN FACT: Denmark offers some of the world’s most unique accommodations— from a prison hotel and a Stone Age village, to a lighthouse, a haunted castle and a prairie wagon. Even a Mongolian yurt!

GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Copenhagen from New York (JFK) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: Danish Krone LOCAL FOODs: Rye bread; Danish rice pudding; smoked herring; Danish cheese; and smorrebrod, an open-faced sandwich.

Do reserve a table at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants, and do try New Nordic cuisine, which focuses on the slow food movement and locally sourced ingredients BEST BUYS: Danish butter cookies; figurines; porcelain kitchenware; Viking jewelry; scarves; and chocolate INFORMATION PLEASE: visitdenmark.com BEST TIME TO GO:

facts May to September FUN FACT: Despite their reputation of elusiveness, the Northern Lights appear 200 nights a year in Finnish Lapland GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Helsinki connecting through Amsterdam ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: The Euro LOCAL FOODs: Mammi (Finnish Easter pudding); Baltic herring; Runeberg tarts; kaalikaaryleet (cabbage rolls); lohikeitto (salmon soup); karelian pastry, made from a thin rye crust with a filling of rice; and you’ll find berries everywhere BEST BUYS: Reindeer canned meat; Salmiakki candies; sauna gifts; glassware; and avant-garde accessories INFORMATION PLEASE: visitfinland.com BEST TIME TO GO:

Copenhagen From the world’s second oldest amusement park, Tivoli Gardens, to Northern Europe’s largest aquarium, the Blue Planet, Copenhagen is filled to the brim with great attractions, and the best part is it’s easy to get to all of them by bike, foot or public transport. Regal city?

You bet. Here, you’ll find Amalienborg Palace, the winter home of the Danish royal family, and then it’s a skip, jump and a hop over to The King’s New Square, with four grand palaces. There’s also Rosenberg Castle, home of the Danish Crown jewels, and if you stick around long enough, you’ll see the changing of the Royal Guard, which marches from this castle to Amalienborg Palace. But it’s not all about pomp and circumstance in Copenhagen.

In fact, this is one of the most cutting-edge cities in the world: Take, for instance, Christiania, whose citizens consider the area to be a “free city,” free of taxes and self-governed. Visitors can stroll through the area viewing the warehouses, huts and houses, colorful murals and outdoor sculptures, and enjoying the cafes, restaurants, bars, outdoor events and nightclubs. For more traditional Copenhagen, though, definitely swing by the Langelinie Pier to view the statue of The Little Mermaid.

Best Cultural Experience: Located in The Prince’s Palace, which was built between 1743 and 1744, The National Museum features exhibitions from the Stone Age, the Viking Age, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and modern Danish history.

Best Shopping: With its cafes, and eclectic shops, including second-hand boutiques, Jægersborggade, located in the neighborhood of Norrebro, is now one of Copenhagen’s coolest streets and it sits right at the edge of Assisten’s Churchyard, where Hans Christian Andersen is buried.

Insider Tip: Take a day trip to Kronborg Castle, in Elsinore, Hamlet’s fictional home.

Or, spend the day on a Killing-theme guided tour of Copenhagen, which takes visitors to locations from the TV series, “The Killing” (the original series is Danish). hotel pick: Opt for a hip stay at Design Hotels’ SKT. PETRI. It’s located on a beautiful street in Copenhagen’s quaint, trendy Latin Quarter, and features a minimalist Scandinavian design. Once a 1930s department store and named after the nearby church, the hotel has 268 rooms with custom-made dark wood furnishings and textiles in earthy tones and a selection of artwork by one of Denmark’s leading artists, Per Arnoldi.

Helsinki Known for offering an array of outdoor activity opportunities, Helsinki, the capital of Finland, located by the Baltic Sea with a 62-mile-long shoreline and around 300 islands, also offers myriad cultural escapes. For instance, did you know that Helsinki has the largest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Northern Europe? Or did you know that 2015 is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius? To mark the anniversary, numerous special events will be held in Helsinki.

More culture can be found at the Ateneum Art Museum, housing the largest collection of art in Finland with more than 20,000 works of art from the 1750s to the 1950s. Other city highlights include the Market Square, the National Museum of Finland, and the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum.

Best Cultural Experience: For a unique artistic escape, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, whose collection is primarily focused on Finnish contemporary art. (The museum will remain closed until March 2015 while it undergoes renovation.)

Best Nature Experience: One-third of Helsinki consists of parks and other green areas, and one of those oases in the heart of the city is the Esplanade. It and the Espa Stage host many events, including the Marimekko Fashion Show, folk dancing in June, and the Jazz-Espa concert series on weekdays throughout July.

Insider Tip: One of the best ways to take in all of Helsinki’s sights is by tram. In fact, Tram 2 is regarded as the sightseeing tram in Helsinki, although for those interested in architecture, route number 4 is ideal, and for people interested in design, art and culinary culture, tram number 6 does the trick. hotel pick: Hotel Kamp, a Luxury Collection Hotel, expertly combines modern luxuries with Old World charm—its doors opened in 1887. It has 179 rooms and is a short walk from the city’s harbor and designer shops. The onsite brasserie and Asian restaurant add to the offerings, and this being Finland and all, there is also the onsite Kamp Spa with a steam grotto and a Turkish steam room.

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EXPLORE

BEST OF BRITAIN

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Photos: Top – Stonehenge, Salisbury Plain; Bottom – Buckingham Palace, London

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france

MARSEILLE Founded by the Greeks 2,600 years ago, Marseille is the oldest city in France and now the cosmopolitan gateway to Provence. Seemingly overnight, this hub of the Mediterranean has bloomed, with a miraculous remake of the Vieux-Port (the “Old Port” and the city’s historic heart). Now visitors who stroll the Old Port area see a glittering seafront promenade with multiple new cultural venues designed by top international architects, including the FRAC regional art center and J1, occupying the old ferry terminus.

Best Cultural Experience: The new Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations (MuCEM), right at the entrance to the Vieux-Port.

Spotlight on Heritage: Take a 20-minute boat trip from the Vieux-Port to Chateau d’If, immortalized in Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel “The Count of Monte Cristo.” This 16th century fortress-turned-prison incarcerated political prisoners, along with hundreds of Protestants, the Revolutionary hero Mirabeau, and the Communards of 1871.

Insider Tip: Get out of town to soak up the sun, kayak or hike the trails of wet-and-wild Calanques National Park, a 12-mile stretch of high, rocky promontories rising from Mediterranean waters.

Hotel pick: A top choice is the new InterContinental Hotel Dieu, housed in a listed historic monument and located right by the Old Port. Other top choices include the Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port and the Hotel La Residence du Vieux Port.

facts

April to October FUN FACT: It took 666 years to build the Louvre, originally a palace but now the most visited art museum in the world GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Paris from Atlanta, Boston, Cincinnati, Detroit, Newark, New York (JFK), Minneapolis, Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Seattle, and Salt Lake City; to Nice from New York (JFK); and to Marseille connecting through Amsterdam, Paris, and Rome ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: The Euro LOCAL FOODS: From fois gras to meringues, as well as salade nicoise, daube (rich beef stew), bouride provencale (fish stew), petits farcies (stuffed vegetables), and bouillabaisse fish stew.

In Marseille, don’t miss the sea urchins caught in February, while in Nice, leave room for the 70-plus flavors of ice cream and sorbets at Fenocchio BEST BUYS: Clothing, accessories, housewares, soaps, perfumes, and olive oil in Paris and Nice.

Most unique is flea market shopping: the largest in Paris is the Marche aux Puces de St-Ouen (open Saturday, Sunday, Monday); in Nice, the Cours Saleya becomes an explosion of colorful flowers, joined by fruits and vegetables weekday mornings; come Monday, it’s the site of one of the country’s best flea markets. While in Paris, cooking teacher and author Patrica Wells recommends chocolates from La Maison de Chocolat INFORMATION PLEASE: rendezvousenfrance.com BEST TIME TO GO:

The Eiffel Tower in Paris.

NICE Nice is known as the “Queen of the Riviera” and is the largest city on this fabled stretch of coast, a gorgeous down-to-earth town that puts the accent on high culture and fine dining. While residents and visitors alike are drawn to the beautifully landscaped, 4-mile-long promenade that borders the Med, pride of place architecturally and culturally goes to Vieux Nice, or “Old Nice,” with its pastel-colored buildings and narrow alleys lined with countless artsy shops, galleries and outdoor cafes. At the same time, Nice boasts at least a dozen museums, from the Matisse and Marc Chagall museums to the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Atop Cimiez Hill are the remains of early Nice, founded by the Romans (from the year 2 B.C.).

Best Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in Nice’s Belle Epoque history at the beautiful Musee Massena, housed in a marvelous Italianate Neoclassical villa; it retraces Nice and the Riviera’s history from the late-18th century to WWII. Best Shopping: Head for the Cours Saleya, a joyous, thriving market square that hosts a famous flower market, and a fruit and vegetable market (plus hand-crafted candles, soaps, preserves and housewares) Tuesday through Saturday, and Tuesday through Sunday, respectively. On Mondays, an excellent Flea Market (one of the best in France) takes over.

Insider Tip: From mid-February to early March, Nice celebrates the return of spring with “battles of flowers,” processions of floats, and masked balls during one of the longest, most colorful, and most visitor-friendly carnivals in Europe, the Carnaval de Nice. hotel pick: Le Meridien Nice, with 318 contemporary guestrooms and suites, has an ideal address: 1 Promenades des Anglais. It’s within easy walking distance of Old Nice, and views of the Mediterranean Sea come easily from the heated rooftop pool and the La Terrasse restaurant.

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The American love affair with Paris has been ardent and lasting. Quite apart from her unique style and spirit, the city is simply a gorgeous urban landscape. No visitor ever forgets first impressions of the City of Light: A spectacular setting distinguished by landmark monuments and world-class museums, grand boulevards and flowering public gardens, fashion boutiques and flea markets, outdoor cafes and fine restaurants, not to mention graceful bridges over the River Seine. To Ernest Hemingway, Paris was a cultural banquet, one he penned as “a moveable feast.”

Best Cultural Experience: When it comes to name-dropping, no venue can top the Cimetiere du Pere-Lachaise. Everybody who was anybody in la Belle France is buried in this elegant, 109-acre cemetery, known as the grandest address in Paris: Sarah Bernhardt and Oscar Wilde, Collette and Isadora Duncan, Gertrude Stein and Edith Piaf, Marcel Proust and Moliere.

Best Nature Experience: Right in Paris, covering some 2,100 acres at the western edge, is the Bois de Boulogne, an urban oasis of gardens and trees—some 400,000 planted by Baron Haussmann in the 19th century. Crisscrossed by walking paths, the parkland also offers 10 miles of cycle paths and 21 miles of bridle paths through the 310 acres of forested land.

Insider Tip: In case you weren’t watching, the Picasso Museum, located in the Marais quarter and occupying the beautifully restored and refurbished, 17th century Hotel Sale, finally re-opened on Oct. 25, 2014. hotel pick: Paris now has a deluxe quartet of luxury properties from the big Asian hotel groups: The Peninsula Paris near the Arc de Triomphe is the latest to debut, joining the Raffles, the Mandarin Oriental and the Shangri-La properties. The latter’s elegant facade brings to mind its legacy as the former home of Napoleon Bonaparte’s grandnephew; already its Shang Palace restaurant, focusing on Cantonese cuisine, has earned its first Michelin star, while superior French gastronomy has won the hotel’s L’Abeille restaurant two Michelin stars. An iconic hotel choice, the 115-room/44-suite Prince de Galles is a member of The Luxury Collection and a legendary architectural jewel of the Parisian Art Deco movement; its La Scene restaurant is Michelin-rated.

Germany’s capital city, Berlin, is the largest and probably the most influential when it comes to politics, cutting-edge fashion, design, music, and architecture. From the imposing and grand arch that is the Brandenburg Gate, built in the 18th century in the Neoclassical style, to Old Berlin with its art galleries, theaters, restaurants, bars, shops and brand-name stores, Berlin is home to well-known landmarks, museums, a thriving nightlife, and let’s not forget its vibrant people.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: The five museums located on Berlin Museum Island were built between 1824 and 1930. This collection of galleries and museums trace the development of civilization that goes back 6,000 years. Museum Island was named a UNESECO World Heritage site in 1999 and is located in Berlin’s historical center.

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE: For a look back in history, a visit to Berlin is not complete without taking the Berlin Wall Trail. From 1961 to 1989, the Berlin Wall divided the city in two, and although most of the wall was torn down there are still fragments available for viewing. The Trail is an interactive route for walkers and cyclists; it is divided into 14 different sections following the path of the Wall. Along the Trail, information panels, located along 30 points of the Trail, tell the story of the Berlin Wall; there is also a replica of the Wall on display and a memorial site.

INSIDER TIP: For those without a fear of heights, the Berlin TV Tower is an exhilarating way to see Berlin from above—over 600 ft. in the air to be precise. With about 1.2 million visitors a year, the Berlin TV Tower is one of the most popular attractions in Berlin and gives viewers a 360-degree panoramic view of Berlin and its many points-of-interest. hotel pick: Featuring 400 guestrooms and suites, a gym, pool, sauna, two onsite restaurants, a lobby bar, and spa suites catering to guests looking for wellness-focused accommodations, The Westin Grand, Berlin is the ideal hotel stay in the city. It’s located near some of Berlin’s top attractions and shopping districts like the Guggenheim Museum and Galeries Lafayette Shopping Mall.

facts April to June Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany. The Beethoven House in Bonn is a memorial site that was founded in 1889 and features the work of the famous composer GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Dusseldorf, Munich and Stuttgart from Atlanta; to Frankfurt from Atlanta, Detroit and New York (JFK); and to Berlin, Hamburg and Nuremberg connecting through Amsterdam and Paris ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: The Euro LOCAL FOODS: Between mid-April and late June, large and scrumptious asparagus is used in practically every German dish BEST BUYS: Shopping at the Christmas markets; outlet stores in Berlin; and high-end retail and local artisan craftwork INFORMATION PLEASE: germany.travel BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT:

GERMany

Berlin

FRANCE

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germany DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Dusseldorf All things fashionable come from the city of Dusseldorf, located along the Rhine River. In Dusseldorf alone there are more than 800 fashion showrooms, which is why it’s considered the fashion mecca of Germany. Shoppers looking for high-end designers and boutique stores will find it (and more) strolling along Konigsallee; and in its Old Town, fashion aficionados will find unique and eclectic boutiques, pubs and restaurants. When it comes to arts and culture, Dusseldorf is home to theaters and museums, such as Museum Kunstpalast, which features modern art as well as a stunning collection of glass sculptures.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Japan Day in Dusseldorf takes place in May or June, and was first introduced in 2002. The festival highlights Dusseldorf’s Japanese community, the third largest in Europe; there are 8,200 Japanese citizens living in Dusseldorf, and during the festival, their culture, cuisine and traditions are shared with visitors and locals.

BEST SHOPPING: Gucci, Hugo Boss, Armani, Prada…the list of high-end fashion designers goes on and on when strolling the shopping and pedestrian promenade of Konigsallee. Also known as “Ko” by locals, the street is the fashion hub of Dusseldorf lined with chestnut trees that go on for blocks.

INSIDER TIP: Dusseldorf is known for its homemade Altbier, and in the city-center, one can find what is known as the “the longest bar in the world,” which is actually a quaint alleyway where breweries are located side-by-side.

It’s the perfect street to people-watch while sipping a glass of Dusseldorf’s Alt. HOTEL PICK: Situated along Dusseldorf’s shopping district is the InterContinental Dusseldorf. The elegantly designed hotel features 303 rooms and suites, a bar, restaurant and lounge, as well as a health and fitness center and indoor pool. The hotel also allows pets and is very kid-friendly, offering babysitting services and a kids’ amenity upon check-in.

The picturesque city of Dusseldorf along the Rhine River.

Frankfurt The Frankfurt Opera House.

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A hub of finance and business, Frankfurt is not shy to show its cultural side: The city may be the financial center of Germany, but it does not lack in cultural offerings for locals and visitors alike. The Frankfurt Opera House has been recognized as “Opera House of the Year”; the Frankfurt theater scene presents quality performances and productions (incidentally, the free theater scene in Frankfurt is also thriving); and the English Theatre and the International Theatre of Frankfurt offer foreign-language performances.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: For a look at masterpieces that span nine centuries of European art, Frankfurt’s Stadel Institute of Art with the Municipal Gallery is a must-see along the city’s Museum Mile. The museum also exhibits works of art from 1945 and on within in its underground galleries, a section on film and an architecture museum, which displays its own example of innovative architectural design.

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE: Frankfurt is proud of its heritage, which is why the city pays homage to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the writer born in Frankfurt in the 18th century. Visitors can wander through the Goethe House and Museum, where the writer’s study is open to the public. Although the property was destroyed during WWII, it was restored to its original architecture; the museum also features a collection of paintings and busts from the 18th and 19th centuries.

INSIDER TIP: Frankfurt’s popular pedestrian walkway where one can find boutique shops, restaurants, and street cafes is along Bockenheimer, but the locals call it Fressgass, or “grazing street” because of its many restaurants. hotel pick: Le Meridien Parkhotel is a good choice for business travelers, families, or even couples looking to explore Frankfurt. Located near Frankfurt’s Museum Mile, the historic Roemer (city hall), as well as the Opel Zoo and the Taunus Wunderland, an amusement park perfect for kids, Le Meridien offers local and international cuisine at its Le Parc restaurant; a laid-back vibe at the Casablanca Bar; and elegantly decorated guestrooms (297 in total) in two separate wings.

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Hamburg, Germany’s second largest city home to 1.8 million people, enthralls visitors with its seaside charm, history, architecture, and thriving shopping, nightlife, and restaurant scene. In the center of Hamburg lies Alster Lake; visitors can take a leisurely stroll around the lake or see Hamburg via a ride aboard an Alster steamer.

Hamburg is also a city where locals and visitors can enjoy festivals and events ranging from jazz music to culinary, Christmas markets and free theater nights.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Hamburg’s cultural scene thrives with its opera house, which opened in 1678 and features performances in ballet and opera; its Elbe Philharmonic Hall, located in the urban waterside district, HafenCity, presenting concerts in all types of music genres from jazz to classical in three auditoriums; and a slew of art and photography museums.

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE: Almost five million people emigrated from Hamburg— known as the “Gateway to the World”—between 1850 and 1939 to find a better life in the New World. The Emigration Museum Ballinstadt is where visitors can experience how people traveled from Europe via interactive exhibits that transform guests into emigrants themselves. The museum also features passenger lists (from 1850 to 1934), which is a great source for those looking for information on their own family history.

INSIDER TIP: The best way to experience the best of Hamburg is with the Hamburg CARD. Visitors can take advantage of free transportation and savings of up to 50 percent for attractions and museums; 25 percent at restaurants and for souvenirs; and 26 percent for musical and theater performances. The CARD is 9.50 euros, which is about $11.90. hotel pick: Luxury melds perfectly with boutique accommodations at the lavish Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. The hotel, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, was established in 1897, back when it only offered 11 rooms and three bathrooms to share. Now the Fairmont offers 156 rooms and suites; onsite restaurants; a spa offering over 100 different treatments in five treatment rooms; and a fitness center. Guestrooms are eloquently furnished and designed, with some overlooking Alster Lake.

GERMANY

Hamburg

The Christmas markets in Hamburg.

Munich Oktoberfest in Munich.

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Beer tents, Bavarian music and food, throngs of people from around the globe, amusement park rides, and festivities that last for weeks—this is Oktoberfest in Munich.

But this picturesque city offers more than just its popular beer festival. It offers innovative museums; beautiful churches; green spaces, parks and beer gardens; shopping; and an Art Quarter where one can find galleries, intimate bars, cafes and boutiques. Munich is also a starting point for day trips to Neuschwanstein Castle, Salzburg or Nuremberg.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Car lovers, and even those who are not fans of luxury vehicles, will appreciate a visit to the BMW Museum. Designed in a very distinct style that replicates the shape of a silver bowl, the museum is a top attraction in Munich. Exhibitions take visitors through the journey of building the first BMW sports car to current models and futuristic prototypes of both cars and motorcycles.

BEST NATURE EXPERIENCE: Munich’s 900-acre English Garden is a large public park where joggers and cyclists have access to 48 miles of paths that wind around the park; where nude sunbathers can lay for hours under the sun without disturbance; and where onlookers can watch skilled surfers try their skills on an artificial stream that creates a strong enough wave for surfing. There’s also a Japanese teahouse where tea ceremonies are performed; an open-air theater; and four beer gardens, one with 7,000 seats.

INSIDER TIP: The fun of eating and shopping in Munich does not have to start in the city-center. Munich Airport, voted Europe’s “Best Airport” at the 2014 World Airport Awards, offers more than 150 retail stores, international and Bavarian restaurants, and a brewery.

HOTEL PICK: Located in Munich’s city-center is Le Meridien Munich. Its prime spot in the city gives guests a chance to visit Munich’s museums, shopping streets and theaters. The hotel features 381 spacious guestrooms designed to bring the light in with floor-to-ceiling windows; an Emotion Spa; a fitness center; a pool, steam room and sauna; and a hotel bar and restaurant where guests can eat alfresco.

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Nuremberg In Nuremberg the city’s past becomes its present. Its Historical Mile begins at the Imperial Castle, which sits atop a rocky cliff above Nuremberg and was a fortified imperial palace of the Old Holy Roman Empire—the entire city of Nuremberg can be seen in full panoramic view from the observation platform at the Sinwell Tower, which was built as a keep for the castle. During its darker time in history, Nuremberg was home to the documentation center at the former Nazi Party Rally Grounds, and the Memorium Nuremberg Trials, where the architects of the Nazi killings were tried and convicted in 1946.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Christmas in Nuremberg is a vision of holiday spirit. Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is a tradition that dates back more than 400 years. At this festive market, the Old Town is decorated in Christmas lights, and shoppers can find special handmade treasures from nutcrackers made of wood to Christmas tree ornaments.

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE: Heritage also comes in the form of cuisine, and in Nuremberg, a traditional staple snack is the Nuremberg rostbratwurst. It is said that locals in Nuremberg have been serving the sausages since the first half of the 14th century, and ever since, restaurants and kitchens in the city have prepared them based on the original recipe.

INSIDER TIP: No matter the time of year, the Nuremberg Zoo is always open to the public. The zoo is one of the largest in Europe—173 acres—and welcomes over a million visitors each year. It’s home to about 3,000 animals from around 300 species.

HOTEL PICK: The Sheraton Carlton Hotel Nurnberg offers 161 guestrooms and five suites in categories that range from Classic and Superior to Executive. The hotel is conveniently located by many of Nuremberg’s hotspots that guests can visit on foot, including the city’s old town, its pedestrian area and museums. The hotel also offers guests time to relax at the spa, sauna, and steam room; a full-service fitness center; and a onsite restaurant and bar.

Dried fruit figurines in Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt.

Stuttgart Wine region of Stuttgart.

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In Stuttgart, a town that is surrounded by one of Germany’s 13 vineyard regions, the city’s cuisine highlights the best in local and international dishes, and fine wines, of course. It’s recommended visitors in Stuttgart take a wine tour to see the vineyards in the Neckar Valley. Along the tour, they’ll learn about Stuttgart’s winemaking traditions that are kept alive by winemakers today.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Watch a performance by The Stuttgart Ballet Company, which is considered to be one of the world’s leading ballet companies for more than 40 years and whose history dates back to 1609.

Praised choreographers and its ballet director, John Cranko, uplifted the company to become Europe’s most highly regarded in ballet during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE: Set in a futuristically designed building, the Mercedes-Benz Museum offers visitors a first-hand look at these luxury vehicles.

Visitors will learn about the history of this well-known luxury brand of cars, and marvel at the extensive collection showcasing 160 vehicles.

INSIDER TIP: Aside from Stuttgart’s restaurant scene, an alternative to dining in Stuttgart is the city’s market halls, which were built in 1914. Here, food shoppers can find an array of produce from fish to meats, vegetables, baked goods and fruit; and visitors can sit in the market’s restaurant and enjoy the scents of spices in the air while people-watching. hotel pick: Speaking of wine, Le Meridien Stuttgart’s Le Medoc wine tavern is an excellent spot to savor French cuisine and fine wines. The hotel is also ideally located by some of the city’s best tourist spots: the State Opera House, the State Theatre, and The Porsche and Mercedes-Benz museums. The hotel offers 293 guestrooms with marble bathrooms, a spa, and a restaurant serving brunch and French buffet.

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Discover the unique atmosphere of Germany’s towns and cities. Countless church spires towering over medieval lanes. Modern art installations side by side with buildings steeped in history. Where else but in the wonderful towns and cities of Germany?

Discover just how

spoiled for choices you are at: www.germany.travel/cities

Š imago

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greece holland

facts

BEST TIME TO GO: April

to November FUN FACT: Alexander the Great was the first Greek ruler to put his own face on Greek coins. Previously, Greek coins showed the face of a god or goddess GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Athens from New York (JFK) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: The Euro LOCAL FOODS: Mezedakia, modestly referred to as hors d’oeuvres, which may include dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), tyropitaes (cheese pies), spanakopitaes (spinach pies), keftedakia (meatballs), yemistes (stuffed tomatoes) and midia (stuffed mussels); souvlakia (grilled lamb kebabs) and barbounia (red snapper), served with fresh salads. The national drink is ouzo BEST BUYS: National handicrafts; cotton caftans; jewelry and beads; embroideries; flokati rugs made from sheep’s wool; pottery; onyx; marble and alabaster INFORMATION PLEASE: visitgreece.com

ATHENS Athens is the wellspring of Western civilization, where the Parthenon crowns the Acropolis, and other ancient glories include the Temple of the Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Archr, and the Theater of Dionysus, where the works of such classical dramatists as Euripides, Sophocles and Aristophanes were first performed.

The center of modern Athens is Syntagma (Constitution) Square, and good times (found both night and day) revolve around the colorful Plaka district.

Best Cultural Experience: Greece has more archaeological museums than any country in the world. Three of the gems in Athens are the Byzantine Museum, the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic and Ancient Greek Art, and the Benaki Museum.

Best SHOPPING: The Monastiraki Flea Market is a great place to search for unique bargain items; come on Sunday for old china, memorabilia and furniture.

Insider Tip: In digging down to lay the subway line for the Metro, ancient treasures were uncovered, and artifacts (or replicas) have been installed in museum-like stations. There’s the one at Syntagma Square, for example.

HOTEL PICK: The Grand Bretagne is the grandest hotel in Athens, and the most historic. The likes of Winston Churchill, Dwight Eisenhower, Sophia Loren and Bruce Springsteen have enjoyed the views of the Parthenon from luxury guestrooms as well as the rooftop pool and restaurant. A second pool, plus a state-of-the-art spa are found in the basement. The property is right on Syntagma Square, as is its deluxe hotel neighbor, King George.

Amsterdam Did you know that Amsterdam has the highest museum density in the world? Just one of the many reasons to visit this hip, fun city that leaves visitors in awe with its 17th century architecture, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Hermitage Amsterdam and the Rijksmuseum, the latter home to Rembrandt’s world-famous “The Night Watch.” And what can one say about those charming canals? Much indeed, because, in fact, the historic canal district was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011, although the best way to get around town is by bike. And you can take that bike to visit important sites such as Palace on the Dam, the Artis Zoo, the Jewish Historical Museum and the Rembrandt House, as well as the narrowest house in Amsterdam, with a width of about 3 ft. 3 in.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: The Rijksmuseum, or the National Museum of Holland, is located at Museum Square, in the city-center. It is home to a collection of Dutch art and history, including works by Vermeer and Jan Steen. Delftware enthusiasts will enjoy the museum’s collection, from tea sets to vases.

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE: At the former Heineken brewery, visitors can immerse themselves in all things Heineken with the Heineken Experience. The 1.5-hour tour includes a 4D experience of what it’s like to be brewed and bottled, a Heineken show, and some beer tasting, of course.

INSIDER TIP: Visit the Singel canal, which is famous for its flower market. What makes this market especially unique is that all the merchandise is displayed on floating barges, a relic from the days when the flowers and plants sold at the market were shipped in by barges.

(Fresh flowers still arrive daily, but by vans, not boats.) hotel pick: The very hip, 90-room Sir Albert Hotel, located in the Pijp District, is a former 19th century diamond factory facing the Rijksmuseum. The area is filled with bars and cafes, and the hotel itself plays host to the IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar, which has a private terrace that offers sweeping views of the city. Hotel Pulitzer, a Luxury Collection Hotel, meanwhile, is comprised of twenty-five 17th and 18th century canal houses overlooking two picturesque canals—Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht. The 230-room property features an art gallery, a wine salon, “De Apotheek,” a classic canal boat, “The Tourist,” and private gardens.

facts

April to August Twenty-six percent of the Netherlands is under sea level; during an age-long battle against the water, the Dutch constructed a water system consisting of dykes, polders and weirs GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Amsterdam from Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Newark, New York (JFK), Minneapolis, Portland, Seattle, and Salt Lake City ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: The Euro LOCAL FOODS: Cheese, of course; snert, pea soup with sausages; patatje met, French fries with mayonnaise (no ketchup, please); herring, which is eaten on a bun with onions or pickles, or biting it while holding the fish in the air by its tail; hagelslag, chocolate sprinkles on a sandwich BEST BUYS: Wooden clogs; wooden tulips; porcelain dolls; delftware; and Dutch cheese INFORMATION PLEASE: holland.com BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT:

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The architecture, the culture, the bridges, the river, the spas—Budapest is the glorious capital of Hungary, and what a city it is. Upon first setting eyes on it, it leaves you breathless and you have this overwhelming desire to devour every nook and cranny of this energetic metropolis. Here, there, the eyes dash and dart across marvels that seem plucked out of a surreal fairytale—on the Buda side, there’s the magnificent Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion, the panoramic viewing terrace where the city unfolds at your feet, and on the Pest side, there’s the striking House of Parliament. And we’re just scratching the surface here, because one of Budapest’s most charming aspects is that there are secrets waiting to be discovered around every corner.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: The Hungarian National Gallery, located within Buda Castle, is home to the largest public collection of fine arts in Hungary.

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE: Those ever-popular ruinpubs that were once tenement houses and factory buildings doomed for destruction are now hip hangouts that function as bars and cultural community areas.

INSIDER TIP: Escape the city’s hustle and bustle with a day trip to the riverside town of Szentendre, only 12 miles from Budapest. As you walk along the cobblestone streets, be sure to take in the many museums, galleries, churches and cafes. hotel pick: Centrally located only steps from the Danube River, Le Meridien Budapest offers 192 guestrooms and 26 suites with views of Erzsebet Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica. When guests aren’t taking in the city’s myriad sites, they can dine at Le Borbon, which uses local ingredients in the creation of French dishes, or hang out at Longitude 19°03’ Bar, with its bistro feel.

facts BEST TIME TO GO: March to May/September to November FUN FACT: There are approximately 500 places in the country where thermal water occurs, which means you can find water with temperatures above 86°F in 70 percent of Hungary. There are about 150 traditional spas in the country where you can bathe GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Budapest connecting through Amsterdam, Paris and Rome ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: Hungarian Forint LOCAL FOODs: Goulash; porkolt (stew); fisherman’s soup; a cake called beigli; stuffed peppers and stuffed cabbage called toltott kaposzta; hortobagyi pancake; and slambuc, a hearty dish cooked on an open fire with potatoes and noodles, and flavored with bacon BEST BUYS: Embroidery; handmade dolls; table linens; Hungarian decorated Easter eggs; and Hungarian secret boxes INFORMATION PLEASE: gotohungary.com

facts June to August Iceland was the last country to be settled in Europe, when emigrants from Scandinavia and the British Isles first came to live on the island in the ninth and 10th centuries GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Reykjavik from New York (JFK) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: Icelandic Krona LOCAL FOODS: Hangikjot (smoked Icelandic lamb); skyr (a type of cheese that’s comparable to yogurt); fish and some seafood, of course; kjotsupa (meat soup); and the Icelandic hot dog BEST BUYS: Icelandic sweaters; jewelry with volcanic rock; books; Blue Lagoon beauty products; and anything made by Icelandic designers BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT:

INFORMATION PLEASE:

visiticeland.com

Reykjavik, the world’s northernmost capital city and a UNESCO City of Literature, is a thoroughly modern city with iconic sites such as Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower, designed in the form of a wishing well from which a powerful tower of light beams, and the fantastically shaped Hallgrimskirkja Church. Another must-see is The Pearl, a dome-shaped glass building that houses an observation platform offering magnificent views of the city, as well as the Saga Museum, with an installation of very life-like silica figures depicting some of the more famous scenes of the Sagas (prose histories mostly describing events that took place in Iceland in the 10th and early 11th centuries). Of course, geothermal anything is synonymous with Iceland and for that take a detour to the Nautholsvik Geothermal Beach, which opened in 2001 and is a haven for recreational activities, such as sunbathing, sailing and swimming.

Best Cultural Experience: The Living Art Museum (Nylo) showcases contemporary visual arts; its collection consists of approximately 2,000 works, all donated by artists who have been a part of its history. Aficionados of contemporary art will relish the museum’s eclectic collection of works by both international and Icelandic artists.

Best Nature Experience: Dominating the city’s skyline is Mount Esja, where visitors will find numerous hiking trails. Even inexperienced hikers can take to the trails that lead up the mountain—and should, because the view from the top is impressive. There are signs along the way that give an indication of the difficulty of the path.

Insider Tip: Do take advantage of the Reykjavik City Card, which offers free entry to a number of museums and galleries, all the swimming pools in the city and free unlimited travel by bus within the capital area. The card also provides visitors a free ferry trip to Videy Island and discounts on various tours, in shops and on services.

HOTEL PICK: The 101 Hotel, part of Design Hotels’ eclectic collection, is located in the heart of downtown Reykjavik next to the Icelandic Opera House. This intimate property has just 38 rooms and is a former 1930s office building that was once home to the Icelandic Social Democratic Party. There’s a communal lounge with tables made of tree trunks, and the restaurant, with its white mural, glass roof and Eros chairs, serves a combination of modern Icelandic and international cuisine.

ICELAND

Reykjavik

HUNGARY

Budapest

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A pub in Dublin’s city-center.

IRELAND

Dublin

Tourism Ireland www.ireland.com

Head to a local pub, grab a pint and sit next to a local Dubliner, and you might find a friend for life. Dublin, a UNESCO City of Literature, is Ireland’s capital, and a great one to explore by foot, by sea, or even by bike. From its historic Trinity College to its free galleries and museums, and let’s not forget The Guinness Storehouse, located at St James’s Gate Brewery, which has been home to the dark brew since 1759, Dublin is a great European city to visit and was even voted the “Friendliest City” by TripAdvisor, twice.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: The Temple Bar area is Dublin’s cultural hub. A square on the south bank of the River Liffey, Temple Bar is lined with boutiques, cafes, galleries, pubs, and a cultural venue for locals and visitors.

For a bit of history, the area was where the Vikings set up camp back in A.D. 795—remains of their settlement are on view in the Dublin Castle. At Temple Bar, one can find street artists, open-air markets, exhibitions, and live performances, and it’s a great spot to people-watch while sitting at a cafe.

SPOTLIGHT on HERITAGE: At Trinity College, admire the legendary Book of Kells, a lavishly decorated and illustrated manuscript of the Gospels that dates back to the ninth century.

INSIDER TIP: For only $3, travelers can explore the city of Dublin via a bicycle with the Dublin City Bike Tours offering a 3-day ticket for unlimited use. hotel pick: For a five-star luxury stay in Dublin, a top pick is The Shelbourne Dublin, a Renaissance Hotel. It’s located in Dublin’s city-center near Trinity College, the Dublin Castle and The National Art Gallery. Featuring 265 guestrooms, and 19 suites, 12 named after famous visitors (Princess Grace, John F. Kennedy, Michael Collins), the hotel is a landmark in Dublin. Guests can enjoy the onsite Spa & Wellness Centre, the No. 27 Bar & Lounge, and The Saddle Room, a steak and seafood restaurant.

Shannon Shannon is the ideal Irish town to use as a jumping-point to visit some of Ireland’s most picturesque landscapes, castles, and memorable sights. Once you’ve landed at Shannon International Airport, it’s recommended you rent a car and begin the journey.

More adventurous travelers can canoe along the River Shannon; there is a 50-mile canoe trail that stretches from Shannonbridge to the twin towns of Killaloe and Ballina, before ending in the Clare-Tipperary border.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: In Ireland’s west coast, a trip to The Burren is a must. This area is made up of a large limestone landscape with over 700 varieties of flowering plants. Here, visitors can see the remains of prehistoric tombs, ancient roads, and monasteries dating back over 5,000 years.

BEST NATURE experience: Not far from Shannon is the imposing and breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. Used as a setting in many films, the Cliffs tower above the Atlantic Ocean. The Cliffs are located about 40 miles from Shannon International Airport, and it’s worth the drive, as the spot is Ireland’s top attraction.

INSIDER TIP: Even though it might be tempting to remove one of the small limestone rocks that make up The Burren landscape, it’s best to keep your hands to yourself— removing any stone is illegal.

HOTEL PICK: Live like a king or queen in Dromoland Castle, a five-star castle turned hotel that was built in the 16th century and was once the royal seat of the O’Brien clan. The hotel is located only eight miles from Shannon International Airport, and is the ideal spot from which to explore the nearby cities of Limerick, Galway, and Shannon as well as Ireland’s west coast. Guestrooms are richly decorated and the castle features a spa and indoor heated pool; golfers won’t want to miss a day or two at the Dromoland Golf Course.

facts May to August Ireland’s got a few “magic roads”—stretches of roadway (normally found in off-the-beaten track locales) where a car rolls uphill when it’s in neutral and turned off; but it’s really just an optical illusion of the landscape GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Dublin from Atlanta and New York (JFK); to Shannon from New York (JFK) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: Republic of Ireland uses the Euro, while Northern Ireland’s currency is the Pound Sterling LOCAL FOODs: Soups and stews as well as hearty breakfasts made up of meats (pork or black pudding), eggs and tomatoes BEST BUYS: Irish crafts and designs are better than plastic leprechauns; ceramics, textiles; glasswork; and cashmeres INFORMATION PLEASE: ireland.com BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT:

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Catania lies on Sicily’s eastern coast and sits in the shadow of Mt. Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The second largest city in Sicily, Catania was destroyed in the 17th century after an eruption from Mt. Etna, which was followed by an earthquake, but the city experienced a resurgence with the reconstruction of buildings depicting the Baroque architecture that is still present today.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Catania’s Duomo is an example of the Baroque architecture that emerged after the devastating natural disasters that changed Catania’s landscape. The Duomo was reconstructed with materials recovered from Roman-era buildings, like the marble columns that decorate the courtyards. Looking onto the piazza, the Duomo was designed to leave enough space around it and between buildings in case another earthquake struck the city.

BEST NATURE EXPERIENCE: Outdoorsy travelers will enjoy trekking and horseback riding tours over the slopes of Mt. Etna. The site is also the perfect spot for birdwatching as sparrows, buzzards, and golden eagles can be seen flying above the volcano, while ducks and other aquatic birds live on Lake Gurrida, the area’s only water basin.

INSIDER TIP: The Duomo is dedicated to the city’s patron saint, St. Agatha. A statue of St. Agatha surmounts the main facade of the Duomo and was designed by Palermoborn architect Giovanni Battista Vaccarini. hotel pick: In Catania, the way to go when it comes to accommodations is a boutique-style stay, and Il Principe Hotel, a quaint four-star boutique property near Catania’s lively nightlife, doesn’t disappoint with spacious rooms, a breakfast buffet, a wellness room with Turkish baths, and complimentary WiFi.

Vasari’s “Last Judgement” fresco within Florence’s Duomo.

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ITALY

Catania

facts April to June/September to October FUN FACT: Italy has 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most of any country on the World Heritage List GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Rome from Atlanta, Detroit, and New York (JFK); to Venice and Milan from Atlanta and New York (JFK); to Pisa from New York (JFK); to Florence connecting through Amsterdam, Paris, and Rome; and to Palermo and Catania connecting through Rome ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: The Euro LOCAL FOODs: Chianti wine; Parmesan cheese; balsamic vinegar; pesto; buffalo mozzarella and cured meats BEST BUYS: Clothing; footwear; leather goods; or anything with a “Made in Italy” label INFORMATION PLEASE: italia.it BEST TIME TO GO:

Florence Named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982, Florence is where the Renaissance era thrived, and even today, its architecture, monuments, churches, artwork, and sculptures draw tourists from all over the world to its narrow streets, street-side cafes, and rich history. The Piazza del Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and a walk across the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge over the Arno River is only a sprinkling of what tourists can experience in Florence.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Gazing at Michelangelo’s original David statue housed in the Galleria dell’Accademia.

For art lovers, the Uffizi Gallery features some of the most influential works by artists from Botticelli and Michelangelo to Leonardo da Vinci, among others. Situated behind the majestic Pitti Palace is the beautiful and expansive Boboli Gardens featuring a selection of sculptures that date back to the 16th and 18th centuries.

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE: Dating back almost 400 years is the Scoppio del Carro, the “Explosion of the Cart,” festival held every Easter Sunday. An elaborately designed wagon is dragged through Florence by white oxen before it is set alight with fireworks.

INSIDER TIP: A day trip to the town of Fiesole, which is located on a hilltop and offers a stunning panoramic view of Florence. A bus from Florence’s Piazza San Marco arrives every 15 minutes and heads uphill to Fiesole’s central square. hotel pick: The Four Seasons Hotel Florence offers a spa, a pool, and is located near the Giardino della Gherardesca, the largest private garden in Florence. Another luxurious option is the St. Regis Florence, located along the Arno River, offering 80 guestrooms and 19 suites in a historic palace with spa suites, a fitness center, a restaurant and butler service.

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ITALY GRENADA

Milan Milan is home to Italy’s stock exchange and it’s a fashion hub for shoppers with designer flagship stores from Armani and Versace to Prada and Dolce & Gabbana. The imposing Duomo, Milan’s cathedral, is a wondrous site with 135 spires and 3,200 statues. This metropolis also has a vibrant nightlife and is known for its afternoon aperitivo scene.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Hanging on a wall of the refectory, adjacent to the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie, is Milan’s most famous mural, Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.” For even more masterpieces, head on over to the Ambrosiana Library and Painting Gallery, featuring a collection of works by Caravaggio, Titian and Raphael.

BEST SHOPPING: Shoppers will be in complete bliss searching for high-end fashion pieces as they stroll the city-center’s best-known shopping area, the Quadrilatero d’Oro, or “Rectangle of Gold.” Here is where most of the flagship stores are located; window-shopping is also quite an experience.

Walk down Milan’s Via Monte Napoleone, within the area, to people- and clothes-watch.

INSIDER TIP: The neighborhood of Isola (island in Italian) is an up-andcoming community where artists, designers, young couples and boutiques dwell. The picturesque (and home to a few celebrities) Lake Como is only a 1-hour drive from Milan. Mountains, Mediterranean villas, five-star hotels, cafes and quaint shops surround this lakeside town. hotel pick: The Sheraton Diana Majestic, Milan is conveniently located in downtown Milan near the city’s shopping hub, but for a modern stay, the W Milan hotel is opening in April 2016.

Side street in Naples’ historic center.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.

Naples Naples, another Italian city on the UNESCO World Heritage list, is nestled at the edge of the Bay of Naples in southern Italy—in the distance sits the still-active volcano, Mt. Vesuvius, which erupted in A.D. 79 entombing the city of Pompeii in ash. Naples is also home of the scrumptious pizza margherita, and features four castles, one of which is the city’s most recognizable symbol, the medieval Castel Nuovo.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: For two weeks in September, the streets of Naples are filled with the aromas of fresh dough, melted cheese, and tomato sauce for what is known as Pizzafest. The culinary festival also features pizza-making workshops.

BEST SHOPPING: Naples’ oldest street market, La Pignasecca, is where locals and tourists can find local cheeses, seafood, wines and fresh produce.

INSIDER TIP: Forget Capri and visit the island of Procida, the smallest island in the Bay where a day trip can include a meal by the sea or a day relaxing on the beach. The Naples province is also a great destination for aquatic sports, and divers and snorkelers might be interested to explore the underwater world of Baia, a former Roman vacation spot that succumbed to the rising tide and is now preserved underwater. hotel pick: Hotel Excelsior, Naples overlooks the Bay of Naples and offers guests rooftop dining, elegantly designed guestrooms and is only 12 miles from the island of Capri. The five-star Grand Hotel Vesuvio, is located by the sea and features 160 rooms with 21 suites, two restaurants with panoramic views, and a fitness club with an indoor pool.

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ITALY

Palermo Just off the tip of Italy’s boot lies the island of Sicily, and on this island, surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, is its main city, Palermo. Here, the Arab influence is still very much present, especially in the old Arab quarter, La Kalsa—which was built in the ninth century—the city’s Arab-style domes; and its castle, Zisa, built in Norman-Arab architecture in the 12th century.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Stroll through the stands at the 700-year-old Vucciria market where vendors sell fresh seafood and produce. For another look back in history, within the province of Palermo and not far from the city, is the area of San Cipirello, which features an archaeological site known as the settlement of Monte Jato—an ancient city—where visitors can see the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite, the grand theater and other remains.

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE: The progress of Sicilian art, from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, is on display at the Galleria Regionale della Sicilia. The gallery is considered Palermo’s best art museum for its collection of treasures that depict the evolution of Sicilian art through the decades.

INSIDER TIP: The Fontana Pretoria is the centerpiece of the Piazza Pretoria. The immense fountain features tiered basins and is ornamented with animal heads, nymphs, monsters, and gods and goddesses. The city bought the fountain in 1573, but its nudity caused uproar for Sicilians and was then named the Fountain of Shame. hotel pick: Refurbished in the Art Nouveau-style, the five-star Grand Hotel Villa Igiea offers sea-view accommodations with marble floors, onsite dining, and guided tours of the city.

The statues of Pretoria square in Palermo.

Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo.

Pisa A visit to Pisa is not complete without a stop at its popular tourist attraction, the leaning Bell Tower at Campo dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage site where visitors can also find the Duomo, the Baptistry, and the Camposanto Monumentale monuments. Piazza dei Cavalieri (The Knights Square) is also a must-see and home to elegant 16th century buildings.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Museo Nazionale di San Matteo is housed in a 13th century convent and holds valued art and sculptures from the 12th to the 15th centuries. While a day tour of the Leaning Tower and its surrounding edifices is a must while in Pisa, at night, the tower takes on a different form. From June 7 to Sept. 5, visitors can tour the tower until 11 p.m.

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE: Every June 16, Pisa is set aglow with over 70,000 lumini, small glass lamps burning wax or oil, that shine from the windows and balconies of buildings along the Arno River for the Luminaria of San Ranieri festival, which dates back to 1688.

INSIDER TIP: Hidden in a back alley near the Leaning Tower is Il Montino, a hotspot where locals can be found dining on house specialties like cecina (chickpea pizza). hotel pick: Try the five-star Relais dell’Orologio in a restored 14th century fortified tower with guestrooms that boast original frescoes and range from Classic to Romantic, which are located on the top floor of the tower; an onsite restaurant serves traditional Tuscan dishes. The hotel is located near the Leaning Tower as well as the town’s museums, squares, shops and restaurants.

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ITALY

Rome

The Colosseum in Rome.

Italy’s capital and largest city is saturated in ancient history and architecture, art, culture, and religion. Architectural wonders are on display throughout Rome, such as the Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon, and the imposing Vatican City and its Saint Peter’s Basilica. In Rome, one is never too far from excellent Italian cuisine and high-quality goods, as well as well-known piazzas like the famous Spanish Steps.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Stand with your back to the Trevi Fountain (which will be undergoing restoration into 2015) and throw a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand—all this ensures a return trip to Rome. Street artists and vendors surround the Piazza Navona, Rome’s most recognized square with its decorative fountains—in the center is the Fontana dei Quattro Fuimi (Fountain for Four Rivers); sitting on the south end is the Fontana del Moro; and north lies the Fontana del Nettuno.

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE: A visit to the Vatican Museums, founded by Pope Julius II in the early-16th century. Exhibits range from Egyptian art to modern paintings, but the main draw is Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.

Elaborately decorated halls and galleries house the different museums and it’s suggested that those interested in viewing all of the exhibits plan for a multi-day visit.

INSIDER TIP: A visit to the Cinecitta film studios, where Liz Taylor and Richard Burton first met on the set of the film, “Cleopatra.” hotel pick: While in the Eternal City, stay at the St. Regis Rome, which features lavishly designed guestrooms and suites, and is located near many historic sites and museums.

Venice Venice’s beauty is intoxicating.

ilene gold

Gondolas slowly slicing through narrow canals, beautiful churches and zigzagging streets (free of cars) leading to quaint piazzas surrounded by centuries-old buildings—this is Venice and it’s here where romance and history are apparent as the rising waters during every high tide. Venice’s beating heart is the Piazza San Marco, the city’s most significant piazza bordered by the Campanile Bell Tower, the Basilica, and Museo Correr.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: For two weeks in February, before Lent, the piazzas and waterways of Venice come alive during Carnival. Tourists flock to this lagoon city, and private parties and masquerade balls are held in grand venues. For a wide-eyed look at influential contemporary art from the 20th century, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection is another must-see while in Venice. The museum is located on the Grand Canal and exhibits well-known forms of modern art from Cubism to Abstract Expressionism.

BEST SHOPPING: Venice is known for its famous Murano glass and the beautifully designed terracotta masks worn during Carnival. If shopping for local produce and fresh fish, Venice’s Rialto markets is where foodies should stop to glimpse Venetian specialties; vendors open early and the market closes early, too.

INSIDER TIP: Opened in 1720, Caffe Florian, in Venice, is the oldest cafe in Italy serving bites from pastries to sandwiches, pizza, breakfast and succulent desserts. hotel pick: The 185 guestrooms and suites feature a terrace or Grand Canal view at The Westin Europa & Regina, Venice. The hotel is also a great spot for weddings and events. Another high-end stay is The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice, which was built in 1525 as a residence and is a short walk from the Piazza San Marco. The hotel boasts only 82 rooms with Murano glass chandeliers, and original gold-trimmed ceilings.

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facts May to September There are as many Norwegian descendants living in the U.S. as there are Norwegians in Norway (approx. 4.5 million) GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Oslo connecting through Amsterdam and Paris ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: Norwegian Kroner LOCAL FOODS: Herring, cod and coalfish are popular, but salmon is the undisputed king—prepared in a variety of ways—and no cold buffet is complete without both gravlax and smoked salmon; farikal, a hearty lamb or mutton stew with cabbage, peppercorns and potatoes, served with lingonberry jam; breads and cakes; almond-flavored kringle or cone-shaped krumkake cookie filled with whipped cream BEST BUYS: Sweaters with beautiful patterns and color combinations top every shopping list; pewter and silver; furs; crystal and porcelain dinnerware INFORMATION PLEASE: visitnorway.com BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT:

Situated at the head of a 60-mile-long fjord, surrounded by forests, and populated by more than a half-million people, Oslo—which celebrated its 1,000th anniversary in the year 2000—is the oldest capital in Northern Europe. From Viking ships to Vulcan living—in a new neighborhood defined by sustainable architecture—Oslo pushes the boundaries a bit as Norway’s cultural hub. The city is home to the Museum of Contemporary Art, the new Oslo Opera House, with its walkable roof in the old harbor area and City Hall, whose richly decorative murals were a contribution from Norway’s leading artists during the 1930s. Of course, native son artist Edvard Munch has his own museum, although his famous “The Scream” painting hangs in the National Gallery.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, which pays homage to the national heritage, is home to some 150 buildings from all over Norway; a distinctive wooden stave church dates from 1200.

BEST NATURE EXPERIENCE: When in Norway, you’ve got to get out in a fjord.

Easy to do on an Oslo Fjord Tour (or by public ferry), visiting a scenic world of idyllic islands, sprinkled with cabins, just minutes away from the Oslo harbor. In the summer, fjord tours are coupled with an evening dinner cruise.

INSIDER TIP: Take the train line that goes to the University of Oslo, to reach the stop for the International Children’s Art Museum, displaying artworks for children ages 2-18 from 150 countries; it has been honored by UNESCO and the Lego Group. hotel pick: In Oslo, you have a pick of five Radisson properties (one at the airport).

The Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Oslo is the largest, with 676 sleek and contemporary guestrooms and suites with separate living rooms; accommodations have city views and the highest floor rooms have views to the fjords. Internet is complimentary, as is breakfast, and guests have a choice of five restaurants and bars, plus an indoor pool and health club.

Poland’s charming capital, Warsaw, offers up a landscape where tradition easily intermingles with modernity. Visitors will feel the breath of history in the partially walled Old Town, and there from the terrace on Zamkowy Square—where the Royal Castle and St. Anne’s Church are situated—they’ll get a view of the new Swietokrzyski Bridge. Zamkowy Square is the starting point of the former Royal Route, which runs south to the baroque Wilanow Palace. Along the route one can view the Polonia House, which was once the Museum of Industry and Trade, where Maria Curie worked before she left for France; the Radziwill Palace, which today is the residence of Poland’s president; the Kazimierzowski Palace; the Czapski Palace, which houses the Academy of Fine Arts; and the Botanical Gardens and Royal Lazienki Park, a palace-and-park complex. Of course, no trip to Warsaw is complete without taking in a bit of Chopin history, and visiting the Chopin Museum, located at the Ostrogski Palace. For a more modern twist on the Warsaw experience, visit the Praga District, overflowing with artists’ studios, galleries, alternative theaters and underground clubs.

Best Cultural Experience: The Warsaw Rising Museum contains interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that are used to transport visitors to the events surrounding Warsaw’s Uprising of 1944. One of the museum’s most interesting exhibits is a Liberator bomber similar to those used during the Uprising.

Best Nature Experience: Located about 12 miles northwest of Warsaw, the Kampinoski National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, is the second largest park in Poland, and the largest in northern Europe. The park is home to over 5,000 types of animal, including salmon, lynx, black storks and bison, as well as architectural marvels such as a 12th century Roman-style Abbey.

Insider Tip: Take a ride on the Warsaw Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, which offers 10 stops along its route, and where you can go sightseeing at your own leisurely pace.

HOTEL PICK: The Hotel Bristol, a Luxury Collection Hotel, has been a city landmark since 1901, when it opened its doors. Located on the Royal Route, next to the Presidential Palace and just a short stroll from the Old Town, Royal Castle, and National Theater and Opera House, the hotel offers 168 guestrooms and 38 suites. Guests can enjoy the famed Cafe Bristol and Marconi Restaurant, as well as the two bars, and an indoor pool.

facts June to September Poland’s location on the Baltic Sea gives its spas direct access to the clean waters of a sea that has one of the lowest salt contents in the world GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Warsaw connecting through Amsterdam, Paris and Rome ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: Polish Zloty LOCAL FOODS: Bigos, or Polish hunter’s stew; borscht, a beet soup; sponge cake; golabki, cabbage leaves stuffed with ground meat and rice; and golonka, fresh ham served with horseradish BEST BUYS: Uniquely shaped candlesticks; embroidery; dolls dressed in traditional clothing; handcrafted eggs with minature figurines inside; handcrafted tablecloths; wooden jewelry; and a porcelain piece INFORMATION PLEASE: poland.travel BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT:

Poland

Warsaw

ilene gold

norway

OSLO

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portugal romania

LISBON A riverfront city of sophistication and charm, Lisbon is near the Estoril beaches, fishing villages and castles converted to pousadas. The city’s appeal lies in its magnificent vistas from its many belvederes and in the tree-lined avenues and squares decorated with mosaic pavements. Narrow winding streets and sidewalks climb the famous seven hills. No better city views than from the towers of St. George’s Castle, built by the Moors. Must-see museums include the fabulous private collections at the Gulbenkian Museum and the exquisite National Tile Museum, occupying an old convent with a spectacular church.

Best Shopping: It’s fun to learn all about Portugal’s signature port wines, and perhaps purchase a bottle or two when traveling through the Douro Valley near Oporto.

Best Cultural Experience: By day, go palace-hopping outside Lisbon in Sintra and Queluz; in the evening, step out with the natives in fado music clubs and cafes in the Alfama and Bairro Alto quarters.

Insider Tip: Head for Mercado da Ribeira, Lisbon’s largest covered market, one side reserved for fresh produce, the other now devoted to a food court serving up Portuguese and international dishes; there are wine bars, too.

HOTEL PICK: Enjoy grand city views and gourmet international dining at the Panorama Restaurant at the Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa. Guests are accommodated in 369 spacious guestrooms and suites, and enjoy such features at the Spirito Spa, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center. From the hotel, it’s an easy walk to King Edward VII Park and the Gulbenkian Museum.

Bucharest Once known as “Little Paris” due its reputation for living the high life, today Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a bustling metropolis with grand avenues and Belle Epoque buildings. Places to visit include the House of the Free Press; the Arch of Triumph, which was built in 1922 to honor the Romanian soldiers who fought in WWI, and has an interior staircase that allows visitors to climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city; the fashionable Calea Victoriei, the city’s most charming street; the Lipscani District, the city’s historic center with narrow cobblestone streets; and the Royal Palace, among an array of other marvels. Of course, Romania has a Communist legacy, so don’t miss a detour to Parliament Palace and the Civic Center.

Best Cultural Experience: The Bucharest History & Art Museum, housed in the neoclassical Sutu Palace, features some 300,000 artifacts, from coins, books, maps, engravings, paintings, arms and furniture to old traditional costumes.

Best Nature Experience: Get away from the city to visit (and stay) in a rural village. A visit to the countryside offers a glimpse into Romania’s century-old traditions.

It is here where visitors can immerse themselves in small-scale farming that continues the century-old traditions. Everything—from making hay for livestock, collecting eggs from the hens, and milking the cows or goats, to preparing fruit preserves, making bread, and crushing grapes for the new wine—is still done by hand.

Insider Tip: Halloween in Romania, or Transylvania to be exact, delves deep into vampire lore. Here, tours, shows and celebrations follow the footsteps of Bram Stoker’s novel, “Dracula.” hotel pick: The JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, with 402 rooms and suites, offers a casino, six restaurants and bars, fitness club and spa, and luxury shopping gallery. For a traditional Romanian stay, there’s the 60-room Casa Capsa, which opened in 1852 and is located in the city-center; it has retained its Old World charm with sparkling chandeliers and Baroque furnishing. Don’t miss the onsite pastry shop, serving traditional sweets.

facts April to November The Brazilian bombshell, Carmen Miranda, was actually Portuguese GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Lisbon connecting through Amsterdam and Paris ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: The Euro LOCAL FOODS: Caldeirada (fish stew) is a specialty and bacalhau (dried codfish) is prepared in a hundred different ways; roast kid and the inspired porco a alentejana (pork and clams); nothing beats Portugal’s creamy and expensive Serra da Estrela cheese and summer peaches BEST BUYS: Ceramic tiles; pottery; silver; filigree jewelry; tapestries; hand-sewn carpets; embroidery and lace; earthenware; copperware; linens; crystal and porcelain INFORMATION PLEASE: visitportugal.com BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT:

facts March to September The name “Romania” comes from the Latin word “Romanus” which means “citizen of the Roman Empire” GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Bucharest connecting through Amsterdam, Paris and Rome ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: Romanian Leu LOCAL FOODS: Ciorba de perisoare (meatball soup); ciorba de burta (tripe soup); tocanita (meat stew seasoned with onions and/or spices); ghiveci (over 20 vegetables cooked in oil); sarmale (pickled cabbage leaves stuffed with a mix of minced meats, rice and spices); mititei (small skinless grilled sausages); and clatite cu branza (crepes filled with cottage cheese, raisins and spices) BEST BUYS: Painted eggs; ceramics; woodwork; textiles; traditional clothing; embroidery; rugs; masks and blown glass INFORMATION PLEASE: romaniatourism.com BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT:

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May to October Fun Fact: “White Nights” in St. Petersburg is a special event during June and July, the peak of summer, when the nights are long and big cities host festivals and many cultural events Getting There: Delta flies to Moscow from New York (JFK); and to St. Petersburg connecting through Amsterdam, Paris, and Rome Entry Documents: Valid passport; travelers from most countries must apply for a Russian visa, and visas can’t be obtained at the airport Currency: Russian Rubles LOCAL FoodS: solyanka—a salty, sour and sometimes spicy soup combined with meat or fish and topped with smetana, Russian sour cream Best Buys: Hand-painted wood souvenirs, original art, Amber jewelry, vodka, and porcelain products Information please: russia-travel.com Best Time To Go:

Moscow Well-known for its brightly colored onion domes, Moscow is considered the center of Russian culture and is one of the world’s largest urban economies. Visitors can immerse themselves in Moscow’s culture via its vast array of museums and theaters, as well as its numerous ballet—Bolshoi Ballet, anyone?—and opera performances. No trip to Moscow is complete without a stop at Red Square, considered the soul of Moscow. It’s here where one can find its main department store—State Department Store, GUM—and historic sites such as Lenin’s Mausoleum and St. Basil’s Cathedral.

Best Cultural Experience: If you’re not shy, a Russian bathhouse is something to try—keep in mind clothing isn’t allowed. Another must-see is The Kremlin Armoury, which showcases the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible, and those exquisite Faberge eggs.

Spotlight on Heritage: Located 213 ft. underground, the Cold War Museum, at the Bunker-42 on Taganka in the Taganskaya area, offers a free exhibition of Cold War history. The complex is a former classified military building of the USSR, and allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the area with a tour that takes them through the facility, and allows them to try on uniforms, while posing with equipment of the time.

Insider Tip: Lebedev Shop and Cafe, a hidden gem with a local feel and style all its own. hotel pick: Built in 1903, the Hotel National, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow is a historic landmark near Red Square, the Kremlin, and St. Basil’s Cathedral. The property and its 202 guestrooms feature traditional decor and furnishings inspired by the hotel’s 19th century ambiance, and each suite features rare Russian antiques.

RUSSIA

facts

St. Petersburg As the northernmost city in the world, located on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea, St. Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia. Founded in 1703, it’s been dubbed “The City on 101 Islands,” because it’s almost entirely built on a series of islands sprinkled on the delta of the Neva River. With that in mind and picturing the more than 300 bridges that crisscross the Neva River, it’s easy to understand why this city is considered the “Venice of the North.” Add to that postcardperfect setting a historic center with canals lined with Italianate mansions that intermingle with plazas and palaces, and you’ve got a recipe for a gorgeous cosmopolitan city—St. Petersburg does indeed leave the visitor in awe.

Best Cultural Experience: Must-sees include the HerThe Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in St. Petersburg. mitage Museum—with a collection that includes more than three million works of art and artifacts—the Mariinsky Opera and Ballet Theater; and the Peter and Paul Fortress, as well as the Imperial Palace and park ensemble at Peterhof.

Best Shopping: Udelnaya Fair is a treasure trove with pre-revolutionary antiques, WWII artifacts and all manner of objects. The creative space known as Taiga, which is located close to the Hermitage, is one of the trendiest shopping spots in town, with, among other things, designer and vintage clothing stores, and galleries.

Insider Tip: The Petersburg Card is a single smart card offering complimentary admission to 40 museums in St. Petersburg and its suburbs, as well as free or discounted tours and special offers, and discounts at various hotels, cafes and restaurants. The card can also be used as a transport pass for all types of public transportation with two trips included in the cost. For additional trips, you can recharge the card as you go. hotel pick: W St. Petersburg, located steps from the city’s famed Hermitage Museum and St. Isaac’s Cathedral, offers 137 guestrooms and suites with views of the cathedral or the property’s courtyard. Guests can participate in workouts at FIT, swimming at WET, or relaxing at Bliss Spa. Taste buds can indulge in cocktails at MiXup Bar and dinner at MiX, the property’s signature restaurant.

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SPAIN

Barcelona

GRENADA

Madrid

Barcelona is a hot Mediterranean destination that needs to be thoroughly enjoyed, savored, and strummed. And once you think you’ve seen and done it all in this fantastically delightful city, then go for another round and you’ll realize you’ve yet to even begin to become acquainted with this classic city whose history stretches far back—you’ll even find the remains of Roman walls here—but where, nonetheless, there’s an ever-present modern vibe. This is a city that exhausts—there are so many elements coming at you from all angles—and at the same time, fills you with boundless energy and a renewed take on life.

Best Cultural Experience: A must is visiting the Eixample neighborhood, dotted with Modernist-style buildings (Art Nouveau). The exterior of the buildings are a feast for the eyes with ornate iron balconies, although be sure to take a peek inside the buildings to glance at the intricately designed elevators. Two standout buildings in the area include Gaudi’s La Pedrera and Casa Batllo.

Best Shopping: Passeig de Gracia is the it spot for shopaholics: Think Stella McCartney, Louis Vuitton and Barcelona’s oldest design house, Santa Eulalia. It’s not all about name brands, though, as Barcelona is home to an array of vintage and second-hand shops, with the most famous street being Carrer de la Riera Baixa in the Raval neighborhood.

Insider Tip: The Horta Maze, named after its surrounding neighborhood, may not be the most intricate in the world, but it’s elaborate enough to keep you twisting and turning among its 8-ft.-high hedges while at the same time being embarrassed by the onlookers who follow your travails from the terrace of the mansion located within the historic gardens. hotel pick: The W Barcelona is one of the hottest accommodations in town. It’s got 473 guestrooms and suites that offer panoramic views of the Med and the city, the Michelin-star rated chef Carlos Abellan’s BRAVO24 restaurant, and on the 26th floor, the ECLIPSE rooftop bar. Part of the Derby Hotels Collection, the five-star and very sexy Hotel Claris is a 19th century palace located steps away from Passeig de Gracia. It offers 120 rooms and is filled with over 400 archaeological wonders composed primarily of Egyptian pieces (even within suites!).

facts April to November The Mediterranean diet was awarded the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity designation in 2010, and Soria, in Castile-Leon, is cited as a clear example of a city that is committed to the Mediterranean diet GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Madrid and Barcelona from Atlanta and New York (JFK); to Malaga from New York (JFK) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: The Euro LOCAL FOODS: Tapas; paella; Manchego cheese; Spanish omelette; all manner of seafood; and lots of olive oil Best Buys: Saffron; paella pans; Lladro; shawls; hand-held fans; unique clothing and accessories designed by local designers INFORMATION PLEASE: spain.info BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT:

Located in the geographic center of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is truly the heart of this county and offers limitless possibilities for visitors. Culture, nightlife, shopping, culinary delights, museums, green spaces, castles, architectural marvels— Madrid has it all…and then some. Its most marked landmarks are the Retiro Park, its 60-plus museums, its Puerta del Sol square, and the Royal Palace, among a million other offerings too numerous to fit in this entry. And for those who want to do like the locals and hang out until the wee hours, there are myriad bars and taverns, as well as thunderous flamenco halls.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Madrid is home to what is known as the “Triangle of Art,” which contains within a limited area the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofia Art Centre and the Thyssen-Bornesmiza Museum.

BEST SHOPPING: Want to hang out at one of the oldest flea markets in Calle de Alcala is the longest street in Madrid.

Europe? Then take a detour to the famous Rastro Market on Sunday mornings. Browse through the jumble of stalls: paintings, antiques, toys, leather goods, clothes.... Then again, there’s also the coin and stamp market in the Plaza Mayor, the antique book fair on the Cuesta de Moyano hill, and the model market in the Railway Museum.

INSIDER TIP: One of the hottest offerings in Madrid right now are the various rooftop terrace lounges, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city-center; one best pick is the Terraza Cibeles with views of the Gran Via. Also, don’t miss sunset at Templo de Debod, an Egyptian temple dating from the second century located in the heart of the city.

Hotel pick: The Westin Palace Madrid, located in the heart of the city in a gorgeous building dating back to 1912, features 467 guestrooms and suites, La Rotunda restaurant, the Museo Bar, and the Asia Gallery restaurant. The four-star Innside Madrid Suecia Hotel, part of the Melia brand of hotels, was built in 1956 and was Ernest Hemingway’s home while visiting Madrid. Centrally located a short distance from Plaza de Cibeles, the property features a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city, 127 rooms, including seven suites, and the Dado Dali restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine.

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Malaga, located in Costa del Sol and the capital of the province of Malaga, is much more than just beaches. In this port city, travelers can retrace a history that harks back thousands of years (it’s considered one of the oldest cities in the world). It was here that the most important Mediterranean civilizations—Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans—established trade routes because of the port’s strategic location, and it is here where you can wander through one of the largest Arab fortresses in Andalusia, the Alcazaba, or explore the Gibralfaro Castle, which overlooks the Roman theater, the bullring and the city’s historic center (not to mention, take in those gorgeous views overlooking the city). Of course, another must-see is the Cathedral, also known as “La Manquita” (the one-armed lady) due to its unfinished right tower. Beyond The waterfront city of Malaga. its historic sights, Malaga lures with its phenomenal culinary offerings—this is Andalusia after all—and its wellness-oriented vacations (hammams, anyone?).

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: It’s fitting, of course, that Picasso’s birthplace has a museum dedicated to this great painter and this is one of the best in the country, with more than 200 works on loan from two of Picasso’s relatives.

BEST NATURE EXPERIENCE: Yes, there’s the seafront promenade, but Malaga also offers some enviable green spaces such as El Parque de Malaga, and La Concepcion Historical-Botanical Gardens.

INSIDER TIP: One of the best times to visit Malaga is during Easter week, when the city is taken over with religious floats and displays of popular devotion.

Hotel pick: For a five-star experience within the city, there’s the Vincci Seleccion Posada del Patio, with 106 rooms, including four suites. This newly built hotel, located in the historic center, offers easy access to all the points of interest in the city, while the four-star Parador Malaga Gibralfaro, sitting atop Mount Gibralfaro, offers stunning views over all those same points of interest, especially if you book the Picasso room on the top floor. If you are looking to drive through Costa del Sol, the gorgeous Villa Padierna Palace Hotel in Marbella, which is reminiscent of a Tuscan palace, features 130 rooms including nine villas with private pool.

May to September FUN FACT: Ninety percent of aluminum cans are recycled in Sweden. Bonus fact: Swedish parents are entitled to 480 days of paid parental leave; of that, 60 days are reserved for Dad GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Stockholm from New York (JFK) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: Swedish Krona LOCAL FOODS: Swedes are raised on a diet of herring in many forms; the other important and delicious dish is kottbullar (meatballs). Thursday is the day for a traditional meal of thick, yellow-pea soup with pork, followed by pancakes with lingonberry preserves BEST BUYS: The uniquely Swedish sense of design has reached around the world— think IKEA and H&M, for starters. Top buys are Kosta Boda and Orrefors crystal; furs; high-end stainless steel flatware; jewelry; silver; dolls; and handicrafts such as the colorful wooden Dala horses INFORMATION PLEASE: visitsweden.com BEST TIME TO GO:

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STOCKHOLM Stockholm is an exciting city, buzzing with design, culture, culinary pleasures and nightlife.

Built on 14 islands, woven together by 54 bridges, this historic capital is as modern as the 21st century. In Gamla Stan, the Old Town, brightly colored houses date back to medieval times. Many of them are now shops, restaurants and pubs. Essential sightseeing includes the Royal Palace, featuring royal regalia and artifacts, and the magnificent City Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held. Of special interest is the Vasa Museum, housing a fabulous 17th century warship. Two other top museums are the National Museum with European masters and Swedish painters and sculptors, and Moderna Musett, whose vast spaces designed by Rafael Moneo showcase art since the 1960s. To do as the natives do, let a boat whisk you away to an offshore archipelago of islands…for an hour, a day, or a week.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: Skansen, one of Europe’s premier (and its first) open-air museums, with a collection of some 150 authentic houses, churches, shops and schools dating to the 19th century or earlier, transplanted from all over Sweden; arts and craftsmen recreate bygone Sweden.

BEST SHOPPING: Have a look around Kulturhuset (Swedish Culture Center) to see the full display of the finest, jury-chosen of national crafts. Here, you’ll find contemporary crystal— one reason alone many people come to Sweden, with one of the best selections at Svenskt Glas. Better yet, visit the glassworks themselves, more than a dozen, including Kosta Boda and Orrefors, welcoming visitors in towns between the port city of Kalmar and the town of Vaxjo in the Smaland province.

INSIDER TIP: The new Abba Museum—chronicling the quartet that dominated the 1970s disco scene and sold 378 million albums—is a big hit. hotel pick: In the heart of the city and close to the Old Town and Central Station is the five-star, 462-room Sheraton Stockholm Hotel & Towers, with fantastic views over Lake Malaren, Gamla Stan and City Hall. Modern guestrooms and suites are unusually large and well equipped, and guests enjoy special services on the Tower Floor; facilities include a sauna and casino.

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SWEDEN

SPAIN

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SWITZERLaND

Basel Basel is known for its museum and cultural scene—with about 40 museums in total located throughout the city. Historic landmarks, picturesque parks by the Rhine River, and located in close proximity to the German and France borders, Basel is an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience Switzerland’s oldest university city and nearby European countries, too.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: A good way to learn about Basel is through the City Treasure Hunt. Armed with city maps, location descriptions, and a Polaroid camera, groups (as large as 50) roam the streets looking for clues and hotspots in and around Basel. The treasure hunt lasts from two to eight hours and is offered through the Basel Tourism Office.

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE: The yearly Fasnacht (Basel’s version of Carnival) takes place on the Monday following Ash Wednesday, when at 4 a.m. all the lights in the city are distinguished and a parade of Carnival revelers (about 15,000 to 20,000 masked party-goers) walk through the streets of Basel.

INSIDER TIP: A visit to Basel is extra special during the international art show, Art Basel. Now a staple event in Miami, FL., Art Basel in Switzerland is where it all began.

Held in June, Art Basel brings together over 50,000 artists, gallery owners, museum directors, and art aficionados as well as over 300 of the best galleries from Europe, the U.S., Asia and Australia. hotel pick: The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Enough said. Well, not quite. The hotel’s website points out that the first business lunch was hosted here by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798. This historic landmark hotel is located along the Rhine River and offers Michelin-starred restaurants, limo and concierge services for guests, and eloquently designed rooms (101 guestrooms, 18 suites) furnished with antique furniture and works of art.

facts June to September Fans of the children’s novel “Heidi” visit Switzerland from around the world to explore the country’s trails and paths inspired by the story GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Zurich from Atlanta and New York (JFK); to Basel connecting through Amsterdam and Paris; and to Geneva connecting through Amsterdam, Paris and Rome ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: Swiss Franc LOCAL FOODS: Typical specialties of Switzerland include fondue; Alplermagronen (Swiss mac & cheese); and chocolate BEST BUYS: A Swiss watch—95 percent of Swiss watches are exported around the world INFORMATION PLEASE: myswitzerland.com BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT:

Geneva

Rue de la Fontaine in the old town of Geneva.

Nestled between the Alps and Jura, France, sits the French-speaking city of Geneva. Known as the “City of Peace,” Geneva is home to the United Nations and the International Red Cross, which has its own museum highlighting the organization’s history and work. In Geneva’s Old Town, tourists can find restaurants and hotels, lakeside promenades, parks, quaint side streets and shops. The city is also known as the birthplace of traditional watchmaking and is home to many watchmaker shops.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: For a look into the humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross, the International Museum of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Geneva presents an interactive look at 150 years of the Red Cross’ efforts to help people around the world. The museum is separated into three separate areas: Defending Human Dignity, Restoring Family Links, and Reducing Natural Risks. The museum is free for guests who present a Geneva Pass.

BEST NATURE experience: For a breathtaking view of Lake Geneva, the surrounding Alps, Juro, and Geneva itself, visitors can take a day trip out to Mont Saleve in France. A cable car lifts visitors to an altitude of 3,600 ft. where the landscape is in full view.

INSIDER TIP: The best way to experience Geneva is with the city’s Geneva Pass. From special fares to free entries and gifts, the pass is valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours and can gain tourists access into museums, cruises, and special tours, as well as free public transportation. hotel pick: Located near Lake Geneva and the boutiques along the Rue du Rhone, is Hotel President Wilson, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Geneva.

The hotel features 180 guestrooms and 48 suites with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto Lake Geneva. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s Spa La Mer, the pool terrace with its outdoor heated pool, and its Bayview restaurant, with dishes prepared by chef Michel Roth; the restaurant received a Michelin star in 2014 and meals are prepared with the region’s seasonal ingredients.

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switzerland

Zurich Zurich lies on the northern shores of Lake Zurich and is rich with cultural happenings, a thriving restaurant scene, outdoor activities during the summer and winter months, over 50 museums and galleries, and, of course, the stunning snowcapped Alps on the horizon. In Zurich, the nightlife continues until the wee hours of the morning (the city boasts the highest density of clubs in Switzerland), and during the winter, when the days are shorter, the desire for fondue is awakened as restaurants offer different variations of this traditional Swiss dish.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: There are over 50 museums in Zurich, with about 14 of them completely focused on artwork. Top picks include the Swiss National Museum, the Kunsthaus Zurich, the Rietberg Museum and the Giacometti Hall. Some of Zurich’s art galleries are located side-by-side; such is the case at the former grounds of the Lowenbrau brewery. In addition, Zurich is home to many concert halls and small theaters.

BEST SHOPPING: In Zurich, the place to shop is along the Bahnhofstrasse, a famous shopping street that begins at the main railway station and ends at Lake Zurich. Along this street, shoppers can find department stores, boutiques, and jewelry shops; and the farther one walks toward the lake, the more high-end and exclusive the shops become.

INSIDER TIP: In 2015, Zurich will be welcoming two new museums. Soccer fans will get a “kick” out of the new FIFA museum with 3-D shows, a jersey collection and interactive games; and chocolate lovers will hope for samples after Lindt and Sprungli open the chocolate museum by Lake Zurich. hotel pick: Located near some of Zurich’s must-see spots like the Zurich Zoo, the Zurich Opera House and the city’s shopping district is the Sheraton Zurich Neues Schloss Hotel. With 60 stylish guestrooms, including four suites, the Sheraton is a charming property with an onsite restaurant, Le Jardin Suisse, specializing in fresh Swiss cuisine.

facts FUN FACT:

Aberdeen

united kingdom

April to October Whistling is forbidden in London’s Burlington Arcade because it was used by pickpockets as coded signals in the 19th century GETTING THERE: Delta flies to London from Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Newark, New York (JFK), Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Philadelphia and Seattle; to Manchester from Atlanta and New York (JFK); to Edinburgh and Aberdeen connecting through Amsterdam and Paris; and to Glasgow connecting through Amsterdam ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: Great British Pound LOCAL FOODS: Arbroath smokies in Scotland; British cheese; pork pies; Scotland’s Lorne sausage; haggis in Scotland; Devonshire cream teas; gingerbread; Cornish pastry; Bakewell pudding BEST BUYS: Scottish whisky; kilts; one-of-a-kind designer clothing; antiques; vintage fashion; cashmere; and anything Royal, of course INFORMATION PLEASE: visitbritain.com BEST TIME TO GO:

Sunset over Zurich.

Famous for its glittering granite skyline, Aberdeen, Scotland’s third largest city, offers up everything from world-class restaurants to top museums and galleries, including the Aberdeen Art Gallery, housed in a late-19th century building. Stroll through the city’s Old Town, with cobbled streets and granite buildings, and enjoy the myriad castles that can be found in Aberdeenshire, by starting a self-drive tour in Aberdeen and making your way along the Castle Trail. The trail, the only one of its kind in Scotland, will take you to 17 castles along the way. It’s here, too, where nature prevails and it’s in Aberdeen where you’ll find the only proper sandy beach within city limits.

Best Cultural Experience: To truly get a feel for the city’s port history, visit the Maritime Museum, which has a unique collection covering shipbuilding, fast sailing ships and fishing.

Best Nature Experience: The Johnston Gardens is a city garden with streams, waterfalls, ponds, rockeries and rustic bridges. A stroll through the garden will take visitors past rhododendrons, spring bulbs, heathers and alpines, and the ponds are full of irises, aylesbury, mallard and muscovy ducks.

Insider Tip: For truly special shopping, take a detour to the boutique shops on The Green and in the West End. hotel pick: Copthorne Hotel Aberdeen is a historic building located in the West End. Like so many buildings in the “Granite City,” this hotel features a granite facade and offers 87 guestrooms, as well as the West End Bistro & Bar.

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united kingdom

visitbritain

Edinburgh is Boston on steroids. This place is just gorgeous—its architecture and cityscape leaves visitors completely breathless. From its medieval Old Town to the Georgian New Town, Edinburgh offers up a cornucopia of delights with museums, galleries, cafes, the Edinburgh Zoo, the majestic Edinburgh Castle, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse—the queen’s official residence while in Scotland—as well as an array of festivals, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world. And just taking in the architectural marvels is reason enough to swoon over this charming, stunning city.

BEST CULTURAL EXPERIENCE: The National Museum of Scotland, which has exhibits on everything from the natural world, art and design to science, technology and Scottish history, also offers panoramic views from its rooftop terrace. Take the lift to the top floor and then climb the stairs for breathtaking views across the city.

SPOTLIGHT ON HERITAGE: Perched on an extinct volcano and watching over Edinburgh is Edinburgh Castle. It’s here where visitors can delve into Scotland’s history—Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to the future King James here—and they’ll also get a bird’s-eye view of the city.

INSIDER TIP: Visit the Elephant House, on George IV Bridge, famous as J. K. Rowling’s cafe of choice. With stunning views from the back, it’s not hard to see why this place has provided inspiration for so many authors over the years; The Elephant House also counts Ian Rankin and Alexander McCall-Smith among its patrons. hotel pick: The Balmoral, part of the Rocco Forte collection, is an exquisite five-star property right in the center of Edinburgh. It offers 168 spacious rooms, Michelin-starred dining at the Number One restaurant, over 400 whiskies in its Scotch bar, and views of the Edinburgh Castle, among other city jewels.

Edinburgh Castle looks out over the city.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum in Glasgow.

Glasgow

visitbritain

GRENADA

Edinburgh

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Known as Scotland’s style capital, Glasgow dazzles the mind with a history that dates back to the Stone Age, but still offering a thoroughly modern vibe. Here, visitors can gain inspiration in the stylish architecture, the more than 20 museums and art galleries—including the Riverside Museum, which focuses on the city’s transport heritage—the vibrant nightlife and, of course, the local distilleries. If you want to try a thoroughly Scottish treat, head on over to The Ubiquitous Chip, a multi award-winning restaurant with a menu inspired by Scotland’s natural larder.

Best Cultural Experience: The Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum has 22 themed galleries displaying 8,000 objects, including Salvador Dali’s “Christ of Saint John of the Cross.” Housed in a red brick building dating from 1901, it’s surrounded by one of the city’s most lovely parks.

Best Shopping: Princes Square is one of Scotland’s most upscale shopping experiences with over 30 stores covering fashion, beauty, gifts, houseware, art and jewelry—think Ted Baker, Vivienne Westwood, French Connection and Links of London.

Insider Tip: Visit the Glasgow School of Art for a glimpse of architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s famous Art Nouveau style. In fact, Glasgow owes its stylish look to Mackintosh. hotel pick: The Hotel du Vin & Bistro is located in fashionable West End amidst tree-lined terraces and Victorian mansions. Within these converted period townhouses there are 49 guestrooms and suites that offer a cozy, intimate ambiance. Guests have access to a bar, cigar shack and whisky room, and a delightful neighborhood at their doorstep.

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visitbritain

Big Ben, the London Eye and the River Thames in London.

Manchester The Lowry gallery in Manchester.

visitbritain

visitbritain

Museums, nightlife, cultural events that run the gamut, theater, historic sights, shopping, dining…really, what doesn’t London offer? This is a city NOT made for the weary and one that needs to be savored multiple times.

It’s offbeat, it’s classic, it’s inspiring. And it will all leave you mesmerized. No visitor can possibly say “I’ve been there, done that” when it comes to London, because with every visit something else is uncovered in this magical city. Top places to visit include Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower Bridge, but there are also royal parks, over 300 museums and galleries…the possibilities are truly endless. Like Samuel Johnson said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.”

Best Cultural Experience: It’s tough to narrow it down, but the British Museum is one of the city’s best museums with the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and Egyptian mummies; all of the museum’s regular exhibits are free.

Spotlight on Heritage: The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers visitors a chance to see the Crown Jewels on display, made up of nearly 24,000 gems, and a glimpse into what imprisonment was like for the “upper classes” of previous centuries.

Insider Tip: Do get the London Travelcard, a daily or weekly paper ticket for unlimited travel on all of London’s public transport. hotel pick: The Lanesborough, a St. Regis Hotel is an elegant hotel located in Knightsbridge minutes away from the exclusive shopping of Harrods and Sloane Street. Offering more than 93 guestrooms, including 43 suites, the hotel offers the St. Regis butler service as well as afternoon tea, the Spa Studio, and dining and lounge options, including the Library Bar, with a collection of vintage cognacs.

united kingdom

London

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Once an industrial metropolis, Manchester is one of the coolest kids on the block and is, in fact, known as England’s edgy northern capital. It’s home to some of Britain’s biggest music legends—think Oasis, The Smiths, Joy Division and The Chemical Brothers—and offers a thriving arts and culture scene, not to mention world-famous sports. Here, visitors will find The Lowry, an iconic gallery that’s home to the world’s largest collection of works by British artist LS Lowry; the Museum of Science and Industry, with innovative exhibitions; and the People’s History Museum, where one can discover Britain’s political history.

Another must-visit is the city’s beautiful Victorian Baths in Chorlton-on-Medlock, which opened in 1906.

Best Cultural Experience: As the industrial and Roman heart of Manchester, Castlefield is a lens into Manchester’s past. Here, one finds the A.D. 79 Roman fort of Mamucium and the 1761 Bridgewater Canal, the world’s first industrial canal system built in 1764, and it’s in Castlefield where the world’s first inter-city passenger railway (which ran between Manchester to Liverpool) terminated.

Spotlight on Heritage: IWM North—formally known as the Imperial War Museum North—houses thousands of objects, from a T34 Russian tank and Harrier jump-jet to clothing, diaries and works of art from this era in world history.

Insider Tip: The Portico Library is the second oldest in the city. Though you do have to pay for membership, entrance to the Gallery area is free and open to everyone, and tea/coffee and cake are available to buy. There are exhibitions and events throughout the year, all open to the public, but pay attention when going there, you might miss the Portico’s inconspicuous main entrance altogether.

Hotel pick: The five-star Radisson Blu Edwardian Manchester Hotel offers 263 guestrooms, including several suites. Located in what was once the Free Trade Hall, which was built in 1853 to repeal the Corn Laws, the hotel offers the Sienna Spa, located deep in the building’s vaults, as well as the Opus One Bar and Restaurant, with its red velvet walls, and the Steak & Lobster dining spot. 39

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Casablanca✯

Mediterranean Sea

MOROCCO

Red Sea Dakar✯

SENEGAL GHANA Accra✯

NIGERIA ✯Lagos

KENYA Nairobi✯ Mt. Kilimanjaro✯

TANZANIA

South Atlantic Ocean

Johannesburg✯

Cape Town✯

SOUTH AFRICA

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AFRICA

Red Sea

Above: Casablanca in Morocco is home to stunning architecture.

Right: Exploring Kenya’s vast natural wonders.

Africa is, to put it simply, thrilling. And finding your way to this great continent with its multifaceted countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Morocco, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal, can’t possibly get much easier than when flying with Delta Air Lines.

The vacation opportunities here are limitless, whether it’s climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania; exploring South Africa’s Apartheid history in Johannesburg; shopping in Casablanca’s colorful Moroccan souks; viewing wildlife in the outskirts of Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi; exploring 17th century forts in the city of Accra in Ghana; delving into the history of the slave trade in Lagos, Nigeria’s capital; or taking time to sunbathe in Dakar’s world-renowned beaches (did you know that Senegalese beaches are among the most photographed in the world?).

And Delta Air Lines has you covered with flights from New York to Accra and Dakar; from Atlanta to Johannesburg and Lagos; and via Amsterdam, Paris and Rome to Cape Town, Nairobi, Kilimanjaro, and Casablanca.

Once you arrive at your destination, a unique, wondrous world awaits, whether you’ve decided to go on safari, climb one of the world’s highest mountains, or delve into the vibrant African culture.

It’s all accessible via Delta Air Lines and its key alliance partnerships with Air France, KLM, and Alitalia.

ENYA

bi✯

✯

NIA

kenya tourism board

Arabian Sea

In this section: Ghana..........................42 Kenya .........................42 Morocco......................43

Nigeria..................43 South Africa..........44 Senegal................45 Tanzania...............45 41

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facts Best Time To Go: October

to April; for safari trips, January to March Fun Fact: The left hand is rarely used and considered an anathema in some activities; avoid receiving or giving, gesticulating in speech, waving at a person, or pointing things out with the left hand Getting There: Delta flies to Accra from New York (JFK) Entry Documents: Valid passport; visa and proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travelers, except infants Currency: Ghana Cedi Local Foods: Chichinga, a common street food, is a skewered shish-kebab made with your choice of meat and a peanut-spice rub called tankora or a peanut powder extract called kuli-kuli; “strawberry fool,” made with strawberries, cream, and wine Best Buys: Carvings; masks; beaded jewelry; leather; pottery; and weave-work Information please: ghana.travel

Nairobi

KENYA

GhANA

Accra The Greater Accra Region is the gateway to the whole country of Ghana and home of the country’s sprawling capital city, Accra. The city has a wide range of nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels, as well as several landmarks, including the National Museum—the oldest of the six museums under the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board—and the National Theatre. The city’s most historical areas are Jamestown and Usshertown, or Old Accra, home to the 17th century Ussher Fort and James Fort, which visitors can climb to get a bird’s-eye view of the city and fishing harbor.

Accra has an Atlantic coast beachfront area, and its most popular area for sunbathers is Labadi Beach. For travelers who want to get away from the city, Ghana has a wealth of opportunities for watersports lovers, including game fishing.

Best Cultural Experience: The Akonedi Shrine, located in Larteh, 34 miles north of Accra on the Akwuapim Ridge, is where travelers can find herbal medicine and psychic healing practiced by the fetish priests (a person who serves as a mediator between the spirit and the living). There is a fee to observe religious ceremonies.

Best Shopping: The Centre for National Culture is a place where visitors can find anything from trinkets to woven fabrics, and it’s a great place to practice one’s bargaining skills. Travelers may even find local craftsmen in a drum session practice.

Insider Tip: Shop at Global Mamas, a non-profit and fair trade organization store whose proceeds go back to the local community. It helps the women of Ghana to improve their standard of living by promoting their craftwork, including scented shea butter, kids’ clothing, colorful fabrics, accessories, dresses and more. hotel pick: The five-star Movenpick Ambassador Hotel is located on a 16-acre garden setting overlooking the business district of Accra. This 260-room property houses the Sankofa restaurant serving both continental and locally inspired cuisine, plus the Sankofa terrace, which offers outdoor dining; one2one, a cocktail bar featuring African music and live bands; the Pool Bar & BBQ; and a deli. There’s also a wellness center offering Thai-inspired spa treatments, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool—the largest in Accra—a jogging track that loops around the hotel, and two tennis courts.

In terms of entertainment, Nairobi, which is sometimes referred to as “The Green City in the Sun,” is hot, although the city actually houses the largest ice rink in Africa, the Solar Ice Rink, which can accommodate up to 200 people. Away from the ice, foodies will love the array of gourmet restaurants serving all sorts of international cuisine (beef lovers will appreciate Carnivore, serving nyama choma). Those seeking the city’s cultural side, will want to visit the Nairobi National Museum and Karen Blixen’s House & Museum (author of “Out of Africa”), as well as the Nairobi Railway Museum. Visitors can also check out the wildlife at the Nairobi National Park, which is located just outside the city limits; it’s home to zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs and lions.

Best Cultural Experience: Karen Blixen’s House & Museum, site of the author’s home from 1914 to 1931, is a colonial house turned museum. It’s surrounded by gardens and an indigenous forest, and evokes an ambiance of a bygone time.

Here, visitors get a glimpse into the author’s life during her time in Kenya.

Best Nature Experience: The Langata Giraffe Center, run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, is a sanctuary for the Rothschilds giraffe. Located within the city, here guests can observe, hand-feed, and kiss the giraffes, plus there are myriad photo-ops.

Insider Tip: Can you imagine viewing wildlife set against a city backdrop? The Nairobi National Park offers just that experience. Visit during July and August to view the wildebeest and zebra migration, although wildlife can be viewed year-round, including the black rhino, and don’t miss the park’s wetland areas, which sustain an array of bird species. hotel pick: The five-star Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi, located within Nairobi’s commercial hub, is a gorgeous property with 200 rooms and suites, as well as onsite restaurants, bars, a pool and Kempinski The Spa.

facts For safaris, the best time to go is January to March Fun Fact: Kenya has the richest pre-historic fossil heritage, dating back over 100 million years to the dinosaur age Getting There: Delta flies to Nairobi connecting through Amsterdam Entry Documents: Valid passport; visa and yellow fever vaccination suggested Currency: Kenyan Shilling Local Foods: Roasted maize, grilled corn seasoned with salt, chili, and lime served in the corn’s husk; irio, made of mashed-up potatoes, peas, beans, corn, and onion; nyama choma, grilled meat that’s usually goat or sheep Best Buys: Maasai blankets; carved figurines; and artwork Information please: magicalkenya.com Best Time To Go:

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Casablanca, known as “Casa” to locals, isn’t too touristy, but is the most cosmopolitan and Western-feeling city in Morocco. In fact, it’s the country’s largest city and home to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world (open to non-Muslims outside prayer time). In Casablanca’s bustling and affluent Maarif district, travelers can experience a modern Casablanca, as well as visit the luxury shops and trendy establishments frequented by Moroccan locals. Other must-sees include Anfa, Casablanca’s upmarket area, and Boulevard Mohammed V, in the city-center, lined with shops and restaurants. A must is taking a stroll through Arab League Park, located in the heart of Casablanca; here, the central path is lined with high palm trees, and there are cafe terraces ideal for people-watching.

Best Cultural Experience: Visit Volubilis, the site of the largest and most preserved Roman ruins in Morocco, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Best Shopping: The best place to shop for unique Moroccan take-home pieces is in the souks, which are filled to the brim with stalls standing cheek-by-jowl and selling all manner of curiosities, including copperware, handicrafts, rugs, and leather pieces.

Insider Tip: Casablanca extends along the sea, so do like the locals and schedule some time to relax on the Moroccan beaches. hotel pick: Le Royal Mansour Meridien, with views of Casablanca’s harbor and the Hassan II Mosque, features 182 guestrooms done up in traditional Moroccan style, a spa, and the La Douira restaurant serving Moroccan cuisine. The property is also close to popular attractions such as the Place des Nations Unies; the New Medina; the Old Medina, with its winding streets; and the Central Market.

facts July to September.

The Majorelle Botanical Garden, Jardin Majorelle, in Marrakech, was bought

by Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Berge in 1980, saving it from becoming a hotel complex Getting There: Delta flies to Casablanca connecting through Paris and Rome Entry Documents: Valid passport; visa Currency: Moroccan Dirham Local Foods: B’ssara, a rich soup of dried broad beans topped with olive oil and a sprinkle of cumin; harira, soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas and lamb, and topped with a bit of lemon juice and chopped coriander Best Buys: Copper, silver, and bronze; woodwork; crockery; mosaics; and leather goods Information please: visitmorocco.com Best Time To Go: Fun Fact:

facts October to April Nigeria is the largest English-speaking country in Africa Getting There: Delta flies to Lagos from Atlanta Entry Documents: Valid passport; visa; vaccinations against yellow fever and cholera are recommended, as are anti-malaria medicines Currency: Nigerian Naira Local Foods: Agidi Jollof, made from “bisquit bones”—soft, chewable bones known as okpukpu agidi—and stock, corn starch, and tomato stew, wrapped in a leaf known as the Uma leaf; nkwobi, made with well-cooked cow foot or cow head and a spicy palm oil paste; and roasted plantains, made either ripened or unripe Best Buys: African textiles; leather goods; pottery; raffia and wood-carvings Information please: tourism.gov.ng Best Time To Go: Fun Fact:

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Originally inhabited by the Awori subgroup of the Yoruba people, Lagos is Nigeria’s capital, and, in fact, the largest city in Africa. It offers travelers plenty to do with museums, historic sites, and art venues—a must is a visit to the Nike Art Gallery, opened by one of Nigeria’s most important artists, Nike Davies-Okundaye. Additionally, Lagos has plenty of great beaches—outside the city visit Badagry, and within the city limits, a good choice is Lekki. The National Theatre of Arts & Culture, located five miles from Lagos in Iganmu, has become the prominent center for performing arts in the country featuring two cinema halls, a restaurant and a bar.

Best Cultural Experience: Freedom Park is located on the site of the old colonial prison (the Old Broad Street Prison, where prominent Nigerians served their jail terms during the colonial era). The park is used for events and recreational entertainment. Visitors can enjoy the live bands and tasty food outdoors during the frequently scheduled activities, while taking in the history around the gardens and museum.

Best Nature Experience: At the Lekki Conservation Centre, a conservation initiative to protect the wildlife of Nigeria in a growing urban development, visitors can get up-close—well, from raised platforms—to monkeys, crocodiles, myriad bird species and a bounty of flora and fauna.

Insider Tip: History buffs will enjoy the Black Heritage Museum, which preserves artifacts and records from the slave route that ran through Badagry, a coastal town in Lagos State (travelers should carry their passport with them as it’s near the Benin border and they might be questioned by immigration officials). hotel pick: The Federal Palace Hotel & Casino is located in the city’s commercial district of Victoria Island with views of the Atlantic Ocean. The property houses a casino, a pool, a gym, and tennis courts, and there are two in-house restaurants—The Ancestors Spirit and Wine Bar, which captures the country’s urban culture, music, fashion, dance, and language through entertainment and cocktails at the bar; and the Explorers Restaurant, an elegant gourmet venue providing cuisine ranging from Africa to Asia.

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NIGERIA

Lagos

MOROCCO

Casablanca

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SOUTH AFRICA GRENADA

Cape Town The second most populated city in South Africa, seaside Cape Town is known for its harbor, its natural setting, and well-known landmarks such as Table Mountain National Park and Victoria & Alfred Waterfront…and those vineyards in Winelands. Cape Town, located on the shores of Table Bay, is today considered one of the world’s most multicultural cities. Take the aerial cableway to the top of Table Mountain, of course, and don’t miss a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Robben Island Prison Museum. Do like the locals and take some time to head to the beach; nearby Camps Bay Beach is a Cape Town weekend favorite, with trendy eateries. Make sure you include a trip to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, offering spectacular views of nearby Table Mountain, and showcasing South Africa’s indigenous flora.

Best Cultural Experience: The Castle of Good Hope, constructed between 1666 to 1679, is the oldest building in South Africa, and was once a fort but now functions as a platform that showcases the history of the Cape’s early days. Here, guests can take a guided tour, experience the Key Ceremony followed by the firing of the Signal Cannon, or book a horse-and-carriage ride.

Spotlight on Heritage: !Khwattu, known as the San Culture & Education Centre, is the only San-owned and -operated culture center in the Western Cape. Located in the ancestral lands of the San, some 40 miles from Cape Town and set on a 2,100-acre nature reserve, here, travelers can find a restaurant serving South African cuisine and a crafts shop.

Tours are also available including a nature walk and a wildlife drive.

Insider Tip: Crystal Pools, located an hour from Cape Town, is a wonderful place to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Be sure to pack some snacks and drinks for the day to enjoy mountain pools in the valley of the Steenbras River Gorge. A hike along the stream leads travelers to the first pool, with two additional pools found a little farther on. hotel pick: The Westin Cape Town is a five-star property that features panoramic views of Table Mountain, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and Table Bay. Located in the capital’s cultural center, at the waterfront’s entrance, near Long Street, this 483-guestroom and –suite property features Afro-chic interiors, with South African artwork. The property also houses an award-winning spa—Arabella Spa—on the 19th floor overlooking the city, as well as two dining venues—Louis B’s with an outdoor terrace, and Thurty7, a brasserie with Asian and French influences.

facts For game viewing, the best time to visit is July to September Fun Fact: Two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, had homes on the same street, Vilakazi Street, in Soweto, an urban area of Johannesburg Getting There: Delta flies to Johannesburg from Atlanta and to Cape Town connecting through Amsterdam and Paris Entry Documents: Valid passport; valid yellow fever certificate for visitors over 1 year of age traveling from an infected area or having been in transit through an infected area Currency: South African Rand Local Foods: Pap en vleis, maize porridge and meat, with any combination of starch; and braaied, skewed meat with a side of spicy gravy, relish, or chakalaka, a South African vegetable relish Best Buys: Wine; crocodile, lizard and ostrich shoes and purses; amber necklaces; hand-painted fabrics; jade and ebony sculptures; hand-crafted wooden jewelry boxes Information please: southafrica.net Best Time To Go:

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town.

Johannesburg Referred to as “Jozi” by the locals, Johannesburg is a dynamic city that is coming into its own with a vibrant nightlife—think cool nightclubs, pubs, and jazz and cigar bars— and a cosmopolitan feel with plenty of cultural hotspots. In fact, the city has a plethora of art galleries, including the Johannesburg Art Gallery, displaying 17th and 18th century works by Europeans, as well as traditional African pieces. The city also offers visitors the opportunity to view wildlife at one of its myriad nature reserves, or at the Johannesburg Zoo. In the Market Theatre area, travelers will find live music venues and bars.

Best Cultural Experience: The Apartheid Museum is an ideal place to learn about South Africa’s past. The museum focuses on the system of racial discrimination that became synonymous with South Africa from 1948 until 1994. Another must is a visit to Constitution Hill, which also delves into South Africa’s past; here, the museum section includes the Mandela Cell, which features a documentary of his incarceration and emotional return 40 years later.

Spotlight on Heritage: The Lindfield Victorian House Museum tells the story of an era that shaped urban Johannesburg today—the daily family life, fashion trends, and high culture of the Victorian era.

Insider Tip: Leave the city behind for a visit to the Cradle of Humankind, one of the world’s richest depositories of hominid fossils and a UNESCO World Heritage site. hotel pick: The all-suite Ten Bompass Hotel, part of the Design Hotels portfolio, is located in a tranquil garden setting in Dunkeld near the business and entertainment areas of Rosebank, Hyde Park and Sandton. Ten individually designed suites each lead to a private terrace or garden, and all have a wood-burning fireplace. The hotel also features a pool, a wine cellar, and an onsite restaurant, Winehouse.

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Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is known for its nightlife, and specifically, one of Africa’s most varied music scenes including French jazz, American funk and hip-hop, as well as percussion-based genres. The city’s vibrant markets and active nightlife offer visitors who want to mingle with trendsetters a great escape. Travelers looking for a bit more of a heritage-based scene should check out the African Renaissance Monument, which opened in 2010; and the IFAN Museum of African Arts, one of the oldest art museums in West Africa and one of the most prestigious for the study of African culture. The Les Almadies, located near the Iles de Madeleines National Park, within the greater Dakar urban area (about a 30-minute trip from the city), is where foodies will delight as it’s filled with seafood restaurants, and where surfers can take on the waves. For travelers looking for a more laid-back getaway, nearby Ile de Goree and its beaches allow visitors to relax.

Best Cultural Experience: During the 16th to mid-19th centuries, the island of Ile de Goree was an important stop on the slave transport route. Just a ferry ride away from Dakar, visitors can witness historic forts, houses, and museums, including La Maison des Esclaves, where they can see where slaves and their traders lived while waiting to be transported to the New World. The island is also known for its Mediterranean architecture and is a good getaway from the hustle and bustle of Dakar.

Best Nature Experience: Visitors can take in the pink hues of Lac Rose, a shallow, salty lake located 18 miles from Dakar. On sunny days, the water’s high salt content makes the water appear bright pink, and tourists can swim in the lake or watch local salt traders scrape salt from the lake’s bottom by hand.

Insider Tip: Take time for some sunbathing on the beaches, which are among the most photographed in the world. The most popular beaches near Dakar are on Ile de Goree and Toubab Dialao, which is famous for its red cliffs. hotel pick: Located in Dakar’s affluent area of Fann Corniche, Radisson Blu Dakar features a pool, tennis courts, nearby golfing, and a bowling alley. Rooms feature marble floors and designer furnishings, a flat-screen TV and en-suite bathrooms with walk-in showers. Some rooms overlook the Atlantic Ocean. An in-house restaurant features a modern take on traditional Senegalese cuisine.

facts December to April All newspapers are in French, as it’s one of the official languages of the country. Most business is done in French Getting There: Delta flies to Dakar from New York (JFK) Entry Documents: Valid passport; visa Currency: CFA Franc Local Foods: Ceebu jen, a native take on rice and fish made of seasoned rice grilled or pan-fried fish stuffed with a garlic paste and vegetables; dahkar, a sweet tamarind; xoon, the crispy burned rice from the bottom of the pan; and bissap, a sour green sauce made from hibiscus leaves Best Buys: Paintings; ceramic pots; glass jewelry and hand-made skirts Information please: africa.com/ senegal/travel Best Time To Go: Fun Fact:

facts June to September parties have become popular on Zanzibar’s northern beaches Getting There: Delta flies to Kilimanjaro connecting through Amsterdam Entry Documents: Valid passport and a Tanzanian visa. Shots against yellow fever and cholera are recommended, as are anti-malarial medicines Currency: Tanzanian Shilling Local Foods: Coconut bean soup made from coconut milk and shredded coconut; ugali, often referred to as the national dish, is a stiff dough prepared with cornmeal, cassava flour, sorghum or millet served with a sauce made with fish, meat, cooked vegetables or beans; nyama choma is barbecued goat, fish, or chicken with barbecued bananas Best Buys: Fabrics such as Maasai tartans; woven blankets; wood carving such as jewelry boxes; African drums; ostrich eggs; and Tanzanite, a pale purple gem-stone Best Time To Go:

Fun Fact: Full-moon

Information please:

tanzaniatouristboard.com

Mt. Kilimanjaro, which is accessed via Kilimanjaro International Airport, located near Arusha in northern Tanzania, is Africa’s highest peak and the world’s highest free-standing mountain. Climbers can take in the five distinct climate zones of the mountain, each with its distinct fauna and flora, and landscapes ranging from evergreens lower in the mountain, to rocky terrain towards the top, and glaciers and volcanic craters at the very top. Also in Tanzania, visitors can explore the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Best Cultural Experience: Travelers can visit the Chagga Live Museum and learn about the Chagga people who live at the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Visitors will learn about the tribe’s folklore and history, while also experiencing a day in the life of the Chagga, and have the opportunity to see coffee and banana plantations, a waterfall and the Chagga caves, as well as a replica of a Chagga hut.

Best Nature Experience: Doesn’t get much better than climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, standing 19,341 ft. above sea level and composed of three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. The mountain offers six trekking routes to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering routes, and there’s also the opportunity for day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau; trout fishing; or visiting the Chala crater lake on the mountain’s southeastern slopes.

Insider Tip: Visit the Ngorongoro Crater, called “Africa’s Eden” and the “8th Natural Wonder of the World.” It’s been declared one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, and is located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here, visitors can see herds of zebra, wildebeest, and black rhinos within the crater rim. hotel pick: Protea Hotel Aishi Machame, located at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro, provides all the necessary equipment, as well as experienced guides and porters for those hiking up the mountain. There’s an onsite restaurant, a heated pool, a lounge, a coffee shop, a bar, a gym, and laundry and babysitting services. All guestrooms overlook the property’s gardens and the snowy mountains.

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Black Sea Caspian Sea ✯Istanbul

TURKEY

Tel Aviv✯

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Gulf of Oman

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Finding your way to the Middle East & India—whether to glamorous Dubai, trend-setting Tel Aviv or buzzing Mumbai— can’t possibly get much easier than when flying with Delta Air Lines.

This part of the world offers up an array of delightful vacation opportunities, whether while relaxing in a Turkish hammam in Istanbul, enjoying a day at the beach in Tel Aviv, exploring Dubai’s historic quarter, gaining inspiration in Cairo’s Egyptian Museum, or shopping in Mumbai’s bazaars. It’s all here waiting to be discovered.

And Delta Air Lines has you covered with flights from New York to Istanbul and Tel Aviv; from Atlanta to Dubai; via Amsterdam to Mumbai; and via Paris and Rome to Cairo.

Best part? It’s still all very exotic, although modern luxuries await, of course, with top-of-the-line accommodation, not to mention culinary feasts, contemporary music festivals, lavish spas, high-brow cultural experiences, architectural marvels and some of the world’s best shopping.

It’s all accessible via Delta Air Lines and its key alliance partnerships with Air France, KLM, and Alitalia.

In this sedtion: Egypt..............................48 India ..............................48

ilene wood

MIDDLE EAST & INDIA

Top to bottom: The Pyramids in Egypt; Tel Aviv’s beaches; and the Gateway of India in Mumbai.

Israel..............................49 Turkey............................49 United Arab Emirates......50

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EGYPT INDIA

facts November to May Founded in the 14th century, fascinating Khan el-Khalili is the biggest bazaar in the Middle East GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Cairo connecting through Amsterdam, Paris, and Rome ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport; tourists are issued visas—valid for 3 months—upon arrival in Egypt CURRENCY: The Egyptian Pound LOCAL FOODs: Mahshi kromb—rice and meat stuffed cabbage leaves, cooked with plenty of dill and clarified butter; mulukhiyah—soup made from a green leafy vegetable called mallow (usually served with roast chicken); hamam mahshi—small pigeons cooked with cracked wheat and rice, tomatoes and onions; om ali—layers of pastry filled with nuts and raisins, soaked in cream and milk, then baked BEST BUYS: Gold and silver jewelry and accessories; copperwares; perfume; spices; applique work; musical instruments; and dance costumes INFORMATION PLEASE: egypt.travel BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT:

CAIRO Egypt is North Africa’s superstar destination, Cairo its capital and the continent’s largest city. Captivating Cairo is full of amazing things to see in the three major cultural centers: Ancient, Islamic and Coptic Cairo, spanning a 5-millennium history. Just outside the city are those iconic attractions: the colossal Sphinx and Pyramids at Giza, at their most magical during the evening sound and light show. And, of course, it’s essential to go back in time on the Nile, during an evening dinner cruise in Cairo and/or a full river cruise visiting the magnificent assemblage of antiquities between Luxor to Aswan.

Best Cultural Experience: A visit to the Egyptian Museum, which houses the world’s largest repository of Egyptian antiquities: 120,000 artifacts covering 5,000 years of history, including 27 mummies of Egyptian pharaohs. A special exhibit is dedicated to the finds of the tomb treasures of Tutankhamun, discovered in the Valley of the Kings.

Best Shopping: Cairo’s Khan El-Khalili bazaar is world-famous for its wealth of shopping treasures, secured by the “ceremonial” practice of haggling. Best buys here range from copper and brass to cotton and leather goods, jewelry, tapestries and woodwork.

INSIDER TIP: Free performances by the Whirling Dervishes (Sufi dancers) take place at the Citadel, and on Wednesday and Saturday nights, at the Mausoleum of Al-Ghouri in Islamic Cairo. hotel pick: Visitors to Cairo can stay riverside on the Nile at a number of hotels, from Cairo’s oldest five-star hotel, the 431-room Nile Hilton, to the 650-room Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino; in residential Cairo at the sprawling resort of Sheraton Heliopolis; or out of the city at Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Spa, complete with two floodlit tennis courts, a pool with waterfalls, and a nearby golf course. More choices are coming: the 292-room St. Regis Cairo opens in June 2016.

MUMBAI Your passage to India is likely to take you right to bustling Mumbai, India’s commercial capital, teetering on the edge of the Arabian Sea. Formerly known as Bombay, Mumbai is both the industrial and commercial center of India, as well as the center of its “Bollywood” cinema industry and the renewal of Indian art. Home to many of the subcontinent’s best restaurants and great hotels, Mumbai is also the gateway to Goa to the south, and the spectacular cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora to the east.

Best Cultural Experience: The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly the Prince of Wales Museum and thankfully known just as “museum,” is arguably the best in India, providing an extensive and accessible introduction to Indian history and culture.

Best Shopping: No serious shopper should miss spending time in the great Bhuleshwar Bazaar, and not to be missed is the Chor Bazaar or “Thieves Market,” famous for fake antiques.

Insider Tip: Mumbai has a large (40 sq. miles) national park, Sanjay Gandhi, located within city limits. Among its residents are leopards, the Indian flying fox, hyenas and four-horned antelopes. hotel pick: We will always have The Taj Mahal Palace, the most celebrated address in Mumbai. And the international chains are well represented, too.

Starwood has entries in three brands: In northern Mumbai, you’ll find The Luxury Collection’s award-winning ITC Maratha Mumbai with 380 rooms and suites, a Kaya Kalp Spa and six excellent restaurants, each focused on a different regional cuisine; in the heart of Bollywood, there’s The Westin Mumbai Garden City, with 269 rooms and suites, indoor and outdoor pools, a Heavenly Spa, the Kangan restaurant focused on Indian specialties, and Prego trattoria serving authentic Italian dishes; and coming in 2017, is the W Mumbai, with 325 rooms and suites.

facts November to March Once we learn to pronounce Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, we also discover it is home to the Jaye He Museum, India’s largest public art program; some 7,000 works pack the 4-story museum GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Mumbai connecting through Amsterdam ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport; all visitors need visas, which are valid for 6 months CURRENCY: The Indian Rupee LOCAL FOODs: Konkan, or coastal food, is the local specialty, and seafood is the standout— tamarind prawns or cashew-nut based coconut curry with prawns or garlic king crab, for instance; yellow chicken curry; kebabs; Indian breads BEST BUYS: Clothing (of course, saris and dhurries); handwovern fabrics and textiles; jewelry; brass and silverware; wood carvings; spices INFORMATION PLEASE: incredibleindia.org BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT:

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Founded just over 100 years ago on a vacant stretch of Mediterranean coast, Tel Aviv is Israel’s second city and its capital of style and culture. It was dreamt up as an overspill for Jaffa, the nearby medieval port mentioned in the Old Testament.

Today, Tel Aviv is an urban and sophisticated metropolis in its own right, with miles of shoreline, seaside promenades, paths for hiking and biking, and spectacular sunsets.

Best Cultural Experience: Hang out at The Eretz Museum, whose eight pavilions span 1,000 years of Israeli life, covering everything from ethnography and folklore to ceramics and other crafts.

BEST NATURE EXPERIENCE: Spend a day (or two) in the Negev at the enormous Ramon Crater and two smaller ones—unique geological phenomena, and include Ein Avadat, an exquisite spring-fed chalk canyon where ibex roam.

Insider Tip: Founded in 1909, Tel Aviv harbors the largest concentration (more than 1,000 buildings) of Bauhaus architecture in the world; follow a special marked Bauhaus Trail, highlighting this historic treasury. hotel pick: Tel Aviv has no shortage of large chain hotels and resorts, and the inventory of boutique hotels is growing. For example, long established is the Sheraton Tel Aviv Hotel with 318 guestrooms and suites, great views, the Cielo Spa and health club, restaurants that include kosher dining in the Olive Leaf, a pool and informal restaurant with Mediterranean specialties. Coming in 2015 is a new W property, occupying a converted 19th century building that once housed the French Hospital; the hotel will have 125 rooms and suites.

April to November FUN FACT: Part of Turkey (about 3 percent) lies in Europe; the rest is in Asia GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Istanbul from New York (JFK) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: Turkish Lira LOCAL FOODs: Iskender kebabi, thin slices of spit-roasted lamb, served on a layer of pide (thin bread), tomatoes and yogurt, covered with melted butter; damat dolmasi (squash or green peppers) stuffed with ground lamb and nuts; fish is the favorite dish at waterfront restaurants BEST BUYS: Woven rugs called kilims; antique copperware; meerschaum pipes; brass samovars; jewelry galore; and Turkish carpets.

INFORMATION PLEASE: goturkey.com

Mid-March to June and October FUN FACT: A new way of getting around Tel Aviv: Tel-O-Fun, a convenient bike-sharing system with pick-up at one station, return at another GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Tel Aviv from New York (JFK) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport LOCAL FOODs: From Middle Eastern mezze dishes to sensational seafood that includes shrimp and roasted calamari with chimichurri.

BEST BUYS: Crafts, jewelry; Judiaca; creative clothing and accessories INFORMATION PLEASE: goisrael.com

ISTANBUL The only city built on two continents, Istanbul stands on the shores of the Bosphorus where the Black Sea meets the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn.

Here, Istanbul, for centuries a great funnel of trade, guards the relics of two empires—the Byzantine and the Ottoman—in its museums, ancient churches, palaces, great mosques and picture-perfect bazaars. There’s also the bustle of the crowd in this modern metropolis with fashionable shops, lively art galleries, restaurants and five-star hotels. Events not to miss include the annual Istanbul International Arts and Culture Festival, held in historic buildings in late-June and early-July.

Best Cultural Experience: Turks have been weaving rugs since the 11th century, and rugs are part of the visual, historic and cultural panorama of Turkish life.

Take time to learn about them, then experience the “ceremony” of buying a Turkish carpet—it always starts with hot mint tea.

Spotlight on Heritage: The International Istanbul Music Festival, held in various historic venues, is the most prestigious event on the city’s cultural calendar.

On the program are some 30 performances of orchestra, and chamber music, dance and ballet, starring big-hitter international and national performers (scheduled during the first two weeks of June in 2015).

Insider Tip: The new Istanbul Modern, created as Turkey’s equivalent of London’s Tate Modern, is housed in a former customs warehouse on the waterfront in Karakoy and is home to thoroughly modern Turkish art. hotel pick: For a hotel with a history, choose the beautifully updated Hotel Pera Palace, a legacy from the Ottomans, famous for its associations with the OrientExpress and its list of elite clientele, from Ataturk to Agatha Christie. Or be waterside and thoroughly modern at the luxurious Shangri-La Bosphorus, where guests opt for a massage at CHI, The Spa, followed by a cleansing steam bath in the Turkish hammam, and then dine on traditional Cantonese delicacies at the Shang Palace.

The Dolmabahce Palace, home to Ottoman sultans, is just a short walk away, as are the upscale boutiques of Nisantasi.

TURKEY

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TEL AVIV

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES GRENADA

DUBAI One of the seven United Arab Emirates, Dubai is also the name of its thoroughly modern city and resort, one rising up like a mirage between desert and sea. Oil wealth, in part, fuels a booming economy geared to commerce and trade. But this forward-looking Emirate with a can-do mindset has won global recognition by fashioning a luxury resort oasis that bursts with color and character, outlandishly lavish hotels and divine dining venues, pristine beaches fringing manmade islands and world-class sporting activities, sybaritic spas and stylish emporiums.

Best Cultural Experience: Walk the historic quarter of Bastakiya, a world of labyrinthine alleys lined with wind-tower residences. Work your way to the Dubai Museum, located in an 18th century fort and charting Dubai’s evolution from a sleepy pearl-diving fishing village to glamour capital of the world. Take a water taxi to the Gold Souk.

Best Shopping: Dubai is a veritable Aladdin’s Cave—carpets, electronics, jewelry, textiles, and more—of retail opportunities, offering a staggering array of shops, souks and malls. Shopping is celebrated in the annual Dubai Shopping Festival, the largest shopping and entertainment extravaganza in the Middle East. In 2015, it will take place Jan. 1 to Feb. 2.

Insider Tip: Dubai’s Metro connects the city’s major sites; ride it to the gorgeous BurJuman station, a name that matches the shopping center above ground. The station loosely follows a water theme, with immense blue-lit chandeliers floating like translucent jellyfish. hotel pick: The luxury hotel choices are dazzling. One pick is the elegant Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai with 102 spacious guestrooms and suites.

Leisure features include a health club, outdoor pool, spa, and tennis and squash courts. There are dining options galore, too, with international buffet at Dunes Cafe, Moroccan cuisine at Marrakech, Vietnamese specialties at Hol Ann, and Cantonese cuisine at the hotel’s signature Shang Palace restaurant.

facts BEST TIME TO GO: October to April FUN FACTS: It’s all about numbers in Dubai: Burj

Khalifa, the 164-floor behemoth, is the tallest manmade structure in the world—one of the fastest lifts in the world goes to the 124th floor; at 5,400,000 sq. ft., the Dubai Mall is the largest retail space in the world; and 400,000 was the number of fireworks used in Dubai’s 6-minute, New Year’s Eve display to welcome in 2014, a record that rocketed it into the Guinness World Records GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Dubai from Atlanta ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport; proof of roundtrip ticket transportation. A 30-day tourist visa (free) is stamped in passport upon arrival CURRENCY: The United Arab Emirates Dirham LOCAL FOODS: Dubai’s local food is international food, including excellent Lebanese and Egyptian restaurants; excellent dining on Vietnamese and Indochinese specialties; and deliciously informal Indian and Pakistani curry houses in the Bur Dubai and Deira districts.

Note: Because hotels have a near-monopoly on liquor licenses, they are the ever-popular dinner spots BEST BUYS: Go to the specialized souks for gold jewelry, carpets and spices; go to the massive malls for European designer clothing and accessories INFORMATION PLEASE: definitelydubai.com

Delta Vacations expands its European footprint Delta Vacations, the official vacations provider for Delta Air Lines, has been expanding its European footprint.

Whether it’s a first-time trip to London, Paris or Rome, or another journey in the continuing exploration of the continent, a variety of world-class destinations and vacation choices are offered throughout Europe. In total, travel agents can choose from more than 650 hotels in more than 20 European destinations.

Among these are several four- and five-star properties in Rome, Florence, Venice, Paris and London that were added to Delta Vacations portfolio earlier this year. All are located in historic city centers offering easy access to restaurants, shopping, museums, historical sites and more.

Along with these properties, several hotels and vacation packages were added in Pisa, Naples and along Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast this year. The company initially added 17 properties, including a number of luxury and boutique hotels, in Naples and in the Amalfi Coast towns of Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento and the Island of Capri. Three four-star hotels were added in Pisa.

These properties offer the utmost in service and sophistication and are a tremendous opportunity, particularly

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when bundled with Delta’s first-class service and amenities, for travel agents with affluent clientele wanting to experience the next level in European luxury travel.

Beyond its more traditional destinations, Europe has much to offer throughout the continent. Travelers looking for their next getaway can choose from exploring the fjords of Norway, strolling Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, discovering the Grand Bazaar n Istanbul, experiencing a chamber orchestra concert in a centuries-old cathedral in Prague and much more.

Another exciting way to explore Europe is river cruising. This unique way to discover Europe with Delta Vacations partner, Avalon Waterways, offers more personalized cultural experiences for travelers and is a lucrative opportunity for travel agents.

No matter where they travel in Europe, Delta Vacations offers its travel agency partners and their clients superior levels of service, more ways to earn bonus miles, redeemable miles for Award Travel, and a best Price Guarantee for their vacation packages.

Offer subject to change without notice, other restrictions may apply. Price Guarantee requests must be submitted within 24 hours from when booking was made. Vacations that were booked outside of 24 hours are not eligible for Price Guarantee consideration. For complete terms and conditions about the Price Guarantee, visit www.deltavacations.com.

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MUST HAVE MISSED ITS FLIGHT. More free entertainment than any other airline.

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