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AMAZING EXPERIENCES 40 Years Of Amazing Experiences

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1/6 Europa What to Know

7/8 What to Do

9/30 40 Amazing Experiences

1 Europe Famous for giving the world fine wine, the Renaissance, high fashion, opera and the sandwich, these days this captivating collection of countries also allows you to enjoy experiences as diverse as surfing some of the world’s biggest waves, sipping afternoon tea, exploring ancient ruins, and discovering your inner pop star. With such a vast array of things to do, perhaps the greatest challenge is working out what to do first. Will you kick off in one of Europe’s great capitals – Paris, say, for wonderful views across this most romantic of cities, or London for a look at refined Georgian England? Will you get off the beaten path and immerse yourself in dramatic Mediterranean landscapes, or let your appetite lead you on

a gastronomic tour of Spain? Swim the Greek Islands, eat with Venetians, or just relax at a Barcelona beach bar? These are just a few of our 40 amazing Europe experiences. And once you’ve enjoyed these, there are plenty more to discover for yourself.

1.2 What To Know Helpful Info • ATMs: Widely available in cities and towns, may be scarce in villages. Credit cards: Visa and MasterCard more widely accepted than others; the smallest places may not accept any cards. Tipping: Varies by country, 10% is a good general guideline.

Getting Around • Air: The proliferation of low-cost carriers across Europe has made it easy to cover a lot of ground in a short space of time. • Train: With the exception of Greece and Turkey, most of the countries in Europe are well connected by rail. • Buses: Long distances by bus may be a tad cheaper, but you’ll trade in comfort. Buses are best used for mountainous or coastal routes not covered by rail, as in Croatia.

Getting There & Away • European gateway airports: The airports in London, Frankfurt, Paris, Rome and Athens are among the major gateways, but most major European cities receive flights from abroad. • Accommodations. • Hostels Hostels: Offer the best bargain, and you don’t have to be a youngster to use them. You need to be a member of the Youth Hostel Association or Hostelling International to use affiliated hostels, but often you can stay by paying an extra charge. • B&Bs, pensions & guesthouses: The traditional bed and breakfast is an institution throughout much of Europe. You’ll find these are usually the most characterfilled places, and are typically budget or midrange.

• Homestays & private rooms: Homestays are often a great way to see daily life and see local people. Make sure you bring a small gift for your hosts—it’s deeply ingrained in the cultural tradition in many areas.

• Two weeks ahead Book intra-European flights, but know that reserving even earlier will snag you a better fare.

• Hotels Big-name chain, midrange stalwart or funky boutique there are plenty of hotel choices. Remmember, hotels in Europe are often small compared to those of other countries. Breakfast is sometimes included, be sure to ask when reserving a room.

Spring / For most of Europe, April and May are springtime. Crowds are fewer, costs sometimes less, and the weather pleasant (though the mountains will still be cool). Autumn/fall / September and October are good, when crowds are smaller and seasonal attractions haven’t closed for the winter yet. Christmas / OK, so Christmas is an expensive, chilly, busy time to visit. But we just love all the festive markets and decorations, and there are usually added concerts this time of year.

Advance Planning • Three months ahead Start re-searching airfares. If you plan on traveling in July or August, book even further in advance. • One month ahead Depending on how scheduled you plan to be, make hotel reservations. If you’re winging it, at least book a bed for your first and last nights.

When to go

Currency • Euro (€; Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain), pound (£; Britain), Swiss franc (Sfr; Switzerland), Czech crown (K; Czech Republic).

What to Bring Antibacterial gel or wipes / Avoid swapping surface germs with a horde of other travelers. Travel-size detergent / You’ll often wish you could wash something out in the sink. With this, you can. Lonely Planet’s phrasebooks / Saying “Jo napot” in Hungarian or tozasting prost in German goes a long way towards making friends. Swiss Army knife / A multi-use tool often comes in handy for cutting bread or salami and opening beer and wine…. Just remember to keep it in your checked luggage.

Etiquette Watch the local customs for hand and body gestures. Be careful, for example, about raising your fingers to order two beers, even with your palm facing the bar staff; it’s rude in some countries. And if introduced to locals, follow their cues. In some northern European countries, such as Denmark or Germany, it’s still common to shake hands with a stranger. While in charming France, Spain or Italy, it doesn’t matter if people don’t know you from Adam—they’ll still kiss you.

Currency • Euro (€; Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Slovakia, Spain), pound (£; Britain), Swiss franc (Sfr; Switzerland), Czech crown (Kč; Czech Republic), forint (Ft; Hungary), kuna (KN; Croatia), Turkish lira (TL; Turkey)

When to go • Spring / For most of Europe, April and May are springtime. Crowds are fewer, costs sometimes less, and the weather pleasant (though the mountains will still be cool). • Autumn/fall / September and October are good, when crowds are smaller and seasonal attractions haven’t closed for the winter yet. • Christmas / OK, so Christmas is an expensive, chilly, busy time to visit. But we just love all the festive markets and decorations, and there are usually added concerts this time of year.

What to Bring • Antibacterial gel or wipes / Avoid swapping surface germs with a horde of other travelers. • Travel-size detergent / You’ll often wish you could wash something out in the sink. With this, you can. • Lonely Planet’s phrasebooks / Saying “Jo napot” in Hungarian or toasting prost in German goes a long way towards making friends. • Swiss Army knife / A multi-use tool often comes in handy for cutting bread or salami and opening beer and wine…. Just remember to keep it in your checked luggage.

Etiquette

Tech Stuff

Watch the local customs for hand and body gestures. Be careful, for example, about raising your fingers to order two beers, even with your palm facing the bar staff; it’s rude in some countries. And if introduced to locals, follow their cues. In some northern European countries, such as Denmark or Germany, it’s still common to shake hands with a stranger. While in charming France, Spain or Italy, it doesn’t matter if people don’t know you from Adam—they’ll still kiss you.

• Electricity

Travel seasons

Wireless Internet access is becoming more common across the continent—in hotels, bars, cafés and even on some public squares. Note that it’s rarely free. • Internet terminals

• Skiing: The ski season in the Alps and in Slovakia’s High Tatras runs from roughly December to March. Higher elevations may have slopes open earlier and later. • Summer holidays:

Europe runs on 220-240V, 50Hz AC. This varies from that in the US and Canada; converters for appliances from those countries are necessary. • Plugs Most of Europe uses the two, round pin plug. The UK and Ireland use three-pin, square plugs.Adapters are available at airports. • Wi-fi

Internet cafes are easy to find, and hotels often have business centers with computer access.

July and August are the busiest times to travel in Europe; expect lines and bookedsolid hotels. Plan ahead.

Books • A Tramp Abroad Mark Twain’s humorous 1870s look at Europe on foot. • Europe 101: History and Art for the Traveller Insight into all those artworks and churches. • Europe: A History Professor Norman Davies boils down European history down to one book. • In Europe: Travels Through the 20th Century Journalist Geert Mak traveled the continent the final year of the millennium.

Films • A Room with a View (1985): EM Forrester’s classic tale about an Englishwoman who travels to Italy and back in the 1900s. • Europe Trip (2004): Youthful comedy about a post–break up, cross-Europe trip to meet a German pen pal. • European Vacation (1985): Chevy Chase and the Griswalds’ usual zaniness. “Look, kids—Big Ben!” • From Russia with Love (1963): James Bond 007 spy flick filmed in Turkey.

Music • European Jazz Masters Tropical jazz, French pop, a Tuscan orchestra… • François-René Duchâble plays Bach, Beethoven, Scarlatti and Mozart: Classical music by Austrian, German and Italian composers. • German Drinking & Beer Garden Songs: 14 All-Time Favorites Learn ’em by heart. • Mediterranean Sunset Blends traditional eastern instruments like the mandolin and bouzouki with Spanish guitar. • Putumayo Presents: Music from the Wine Lands Sounds from southern countries like France, Spain and Italy.

Websites • Arts in Europe (www.artsineurope.com) On exhibits and art in Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Hungary, Spain and Germany. • Eurocheapo (www.eurocheapo.com) Budget-friendly ideas for European travel. Lonely Planet Community Blog (www. lonelyplanet.com/thorntree) • Tips from the traveler community. Restaurants in Europe (www.foodeu.com) Articles, recipes, and those Michelin stars explained. • The Man in Seat 61 (www.seat61.com) Dream about traveling by train anywhere in Europe.

Be forwarned • Travel light Within Europe, most airlines charge for the number of bags and the weight. On budget carriers the cost of lugging that Czech crystal may be three times as much as your seat fare. Know the regulations. • Misplacing things happens Keep copies of your passport and drivers licence in a separate place from the real things. Of all the items we’ve lost, these are the trickiest two to replace. • August slowdown Countries in the sunny climes, especially France, take their vacations in August; some restaurants and businesses close. In Athens, some.

More Info • Measurements Except for the UK where metric and imperial measurements are used, Europe uses the metric (kilometers and liters) system. • Visas Not required in most countries for most nationals; Turkey is the exception.

1.3 What to Do Shopping

Iconic experiences

1. Milan

1. A trip around the London Eye

2. Grand Bazaar, Estanbul

2. Tasting French wine where it grows

Designer garb at the Golden Quad, cut rates at street markets. Four thousand shops. Enough said.

3. Nuremberg

Germany’s premier Christmas market.

4. Portobello Road, London

Crowded street market filled with antiques.

5. Prague

Bohemian Moser crystal and more, in Nové Mesto.

6. Brussels

Chocolate, comics and lace all widely available.

Top-notch museums

Touristy, but great South Bank views from a giant Ferris wheel. Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne… let your palate be your guide.

3. Island hopping in Greece

Take a ferry from Piraeus to the Cyclades, Crete, Corfu and more.

4. Balloon ride over Cappadocia

Float over the ethereal fairy chimney rock formations in central Turkey.

5. An idle café day in Vienna

Idle over coffee and cake for hours at a turn-of-the-20th-century café.

Literary & artistic haunts 1. Les Deux Magots, Paris

1. British Museum, London

A treasure trove of Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, Oriental and Roman artifacts.

2. Louvre, Paris

Mindboggling array of art inside an equally impressive palace.

3. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

A master-filled collection valued in the billions.

4. Uffizi Gallery, Florence

The world’s greatest assembly of Italian Renaissance art.

5. National Archaeological Museum, Athens

A vast collection from all the ancient civilizations across Greece.

6. Museo del Prado, Madrid

A seemingly endless parade of priceless artworks from Spain and beyond.

Stop for a café au lait at Hemingway’s favorite Parisian café.

2. Teatre-Museu Dalí, Figueres

Delve into the surreal world of Salvador Dalí at this zany art museum.

3. Trevi Fountain, Rome

See the fountain where Anita Ekberg got wet and wild in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita.

4. Castle Howard, Near York, England Admire the fabulous stately home made famous in Brideshead Revisited.

5. Cephallonia, Greece

Explore the idyllic Mediterranean island that inspired Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.

6. Anne Frank Museum, Amsterdam

Pay homage at the tiny hideaway where Anne Frank wrote her famous wartime diary (now a moving museum).

40 AMAZING EXPERIENCES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.

Mani Peninsula, Greece Striling Castle, Scotland Turquoise Coast, Turkey Colosseum, Italy Eating Spanish style, Spain Alhambra, Spain Lanzarote, Spain English afternoon tea, England Moravia, Czech Republic Cherasco, Italy Paris, France El Teide, Spain Al Sorriso, Italy Plage de l-Arinella, France Desenzano, Italy Penrith, England Ostia, Italy Penrith, England Waterford, Ireland Lisbon, Portugal Crete, Greece

22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.

Betlem, Spain Barcelona, Spain Leros, Greece London, England Mull, Scotland Amsterdam, the Netherlands Eze, France Krk, Croatia Dune du pilat, France Andalucia, Spain Gorges du Verdon, France Algarve, Portugal Lucca, Italy Cetina River, Croatia Berlin, Germany Mazzorbo, Italy Little Cyclades, Greece Maritime Alps, Italy Col du Grand St Bernard, Switzerland

20 5 6 12

2 26 16 8 25

40 32

39 28

13 10

15 37 29

23 22

35 4 1

24 3

Hike the Mani Although it can no longer be described as ‘remote’, the Mani peninsula still holds a magic unlike anywhere else in Greece. For centuries the feuding families here were literally a law unto themselves, and this has contributed to the unique and proudly independent Maniot culture. These days, footpaths though wonderful landscapes draw hikers from around the world, eager to visit everything from rugged rocky highlands and hidden lush green oases.

Itinerary: Mani Peninsula Country: Greece Currency: Euro Language: Greek Travel books to read before you go: 92 Acharnon Street (John Lucas)

For More, See Lonely Planet Greece 10Th Edition

Lay Siege to Stirling Castle Hold Stirling and you control Scotland. This maxim has ensured that a fortress of some kind has existed here since prehistoric times. Commanding superb views, you can’t help drawing parallels with Edinburgh castle, but many find Stirling’s fortress more atmospheric – the location, architecture and historic significance combine to make it a grand and memorable sight. This means it draws plenty of visitors, so it’s advisable to visit in the afternoon; many tourists come on day trips

from Edinburgh or Glasgow, so you may have the castle to yourself by about 4pm. Itinerary: Stirling Castle Country: Scotland Currency: Euro Language: English, Scottish Travel books to read before you go: 44 Scotland Street (Alexander McCall)

For More, See Lonely Planet Scotland 7Th Edition

nº 1 / Limeni Fishing Village, The Mani, Greece / © Istockphoto.Com, Constantinos-Iliopoulos

nº 2 / Stirling Castle, Scotland / © Dennis K. Johnson, Getty Images

Cruise Turkey’s Turquoise Coast For many travellers to Turkey, cruising from beach to beach along the country’s beautiful Turquoise Coast is a highlight of their trip. Traditional sailing boats known as gülets make the journey from Demre to Olympos, calling at such scenic spots as Ölüdeniz and Butterfly Valley. Organise it with friends or make new friends onboard.

Itinerary: Turquoise Coast Country: Turkey Currency: Turkish lira Language: Turkish

For More, See Lonely Planet Turkey 13Th Edition

4 3

4 Find your inner gladiator at Rome Rome’s most iconic monument, the Colosseum, is a compelling sight. You’ll already know what it looks like from pictures, but no photograph can prepare you for the thrill of seeing it for real. For 2000 years, this arena has stood as the symbol of Roman power, as the striking embodiment of the terrible awe that Rome once inspired. You can climb its deeply stacked stands, trying to imagine them full of frenzied spectators screaming for blood.

Itinerary: Coliseum Country: Italy Currency: Euro Language: Italian Travel books to read before you go:

Route 66 A.D. : On the Trail of Ancient Roman Tourists (Tony Perrottet)

For More, See Lonely Planet Rome 7Th Edition

nº 3 / Cruise Turkey’s Turquoise / Unknown Artist

nº 4 / Coliseum Rome Italy / Unknown Artist

Eat and drink like a Spaniard Having joined Spaniards around the table for years, we’ve come to understand what eating Spanish style is all about. If we could distil the essence of how to make food a highlight of your trip into a few simple rules, they would be these: always ask for the local speciality; never be shy about looking around to see what others have ordered before choosing; always ask the waiter for their recommendations; and, wherever possible, make your meal a centrepiece of your day.

Itinerary: Eating Spanish style Country: Spain Currency: Euro Language: Spanish Travel books to read before you go:

A Handbook for Travellers (Richard Ford’s)

For More, See Lonely Planet Spain 9Th Edition

Marvel at the Alhambra The Alhambra is one of the world’s great architectural wonders. If the Nasrid builders of the complex proved one thing, it was that, given the right blend of talent and foresight, art and architecture can speak far more eloquently than words. Perched on a hill with the peaks of the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop, Granada’s towering Moorish citadel has been rendering visitors speechless for nigh on 1000 years. The reason: a harmonious architectural balance between human ingenuity and the natural environment.

Fear not the dense crowds and the snaking queues; this is an essential pilgrimage. Itinerary: Alhambra Country: Spain Currency: Euro Language: Spanish Travel books to read before you go: Mañana, Mañana (Peter Kerr)

For More, See Lonely Planet Andalucía 7Th Edition

nº 5 / Tapas Bar, San Sebastian, Spain / © Dallas Stribley, Getty Images

nº 6 / The Alhambra, Spain / © John Elk Iii, Getty Images

7 Surf in El Quemao, Lanzarote Known to surfers as the ‘Hawaii of the Atlantic,’ the Canary Islands are full of world-class surf spots, but none comes with a bigger reputation than Lanzarote’s radical left reef break, El Quemao. For expert surfers able to snag a wave off the locals, these huge barrels promise the ultimate rush. For those not quite up to El Quemao standard, nearby La Caleta de Famara offers ideal conditions for learners to get on a board and get wet.

Itinerary: Lanzarote Country: Spain Currency: Euro Language: Spanish Travel books to read before you go:

Mediterranean Winter: The Pleasures of History and Landscape in Tunisia, Sicily, Dalmatia and Greece (Robert Kaplan)

For More, See Lonely Planet Canary Islands 5Th Edition

8 Take afternoon tea in England Among England’s many and varied traditions, afternoon tea is one of the most enticing and certainly one of the tastiest. Central to the ritual is the iconic beverage itself – brewed in a pot, ideally silverplated, and poured carefully into fine, bone-china cups and saucers. Depending on where you are in the country, the tea is served with scones and cream, fruitcake or wafer-thin cucumber sandwiches – and sometimes all of the above. Fancy city hotels and traditional country cafes are

among the best places to sample this epicurean delight. Itinerary: English afternoon tea Country: England Currency: Pound Language: English Travel books to read before you go: In Search of England (HV Morto)

For More, See Lonely Planet England 7Th Edition

nº 7 / El Quemao, Spain / © Istockphoto.Com, Richardmclarke

nº 8 / England Afternoon Tea / Unknown Artist

9 Cycle between Moravian vineyards The Moravian wine experience is much more low-key and homespun than similar experiences in California or Australia. Rather than flash boutique hotels and Michelin-star restaurants, the wine scene here is more likely to involve harvest festivals and leisurely bike rides between family-owned vineyards. Traditionally known for robust reds, in recent years late-ripening whites have taken centre stage – look out for varietals of Rulandské šedé, Ryzlink vlašský and Veltlínské zelené.

Itinerary: Moravia Country: Czech Republic Currency: Czech crown Language: English

For More, See Lonely Planet Prague & The Czech Republic 10Th Edition

10 Try ultimate ‘slow’ food in Piedmont Though surrounded by lush wine country, the Piedmontese town of Cherasco is best known for its edible snails (lumache). In this neck of the woods they’re dished up nudo (shell-less) and dishes to look out for – should you want to try them – include lumache al barbera (snails simmered in Barbera red wine and ground nuts) and lumache alla piemontese (snails stewed with onions, nuts, anchovies and parsley in a tomato sauce).

Itinerary: Cherasco Country: Italy Currency: Euro Language: Italian Travel books to read before you go:

The Italian Way (Mario Costantino and Lawrence Gambella)

For More, See Lonely Planet Italy 10Th Edition

nº 10 / Cherasco, Italy / Unknown Artist

11 Enjoy sweeping city views in Paris In Paris’s 20th arrondissement, a few blocks east of boulevard de Belleville, the lovely but little-known Parc de Belleville ensnares a hill almost 200m above sea level. Stroll through lush gardens and up the steps to the top of the park for some of the best – and free – views of the city.

Itinerary: Paris Country: France Currency: Euro Language: French Travel books to read before you go: Yellow Studio (Stephen Romer)

For More, See Lonely Planet Paris 9Th Edition

Head to the top of El Teide, Tenerife Head to the top of El Teide, Tenerife Start off gradually with a gentle hike around the base of Tenerife’s El Teide, kidding yourself that you are enjoying a stroll around the surface of the moon; it really is that extraordinary. The trails take you deep into an alien landscape with red, yellow and brown craters resembling giant prehistoric molehills, bizarre volcanic rock formations and pebble-like lapilli. Top it off by taking the cable car to the summit for the ultimate heady experience.

Wrap up warm though; it can get pretty chilly up there in the clouds. Itinerary: El Teide Country: Spain Currency: Euro Language: Spanish Travel books to read before you go:

A Handbook for Travellers (Richard Ford’s)

For More, See Lonely Planet Canary Islands 5Th Edition

nº 11 / Paris, France / Unknown Artist

13 Dine in style at Al Sorriso Restaurant Unassuming-looking Al Sorriso, near Lake Orta in northern Italy, is one of the country’s best restaurants. Head chef Luisa Marelli has created a stellar reputation for herself with dishes like foie gras balanced with the sweetest red mountain currants or the reddish-purple prawns sourced in San Remo, describing her culinary style as Piedmontese with Mediterranean and international influences, and drawing adoring fans to this otherwise quiet village.

Itinerary: Al Sorriso Country: Italy Currency: Euro Language: Italian Travel books to read before you go:

On the Shores of the Mediterranean (Eric Newby)

For More, See Lonely Planet Italy 10Th Edition

Unwind in a Corsican paradise If there is one crescent of sand in Corsica you must not miss, it’s Plage de l’Arinella, a serene, rock-clad cove with dramatic views of the citadel of Calvi across the water and one of the finest beach- dining experiences on the island. Wooden tables, strung on the sand and topped with straw parasols at Le MataHari immediately evoke a tropical paradise – and rightly so. From the stylish, shabby-chic interior of this hip beach restaurant to the big windows looking out to Calvi beyond the waves, this is one special hideaway.

The cuisine is creative: penne à la langouste, squid, fresh morue (codfish) or a simple tuna steak pan-fried to pink perfection. Itinerary: Plage de l’Arinella Country: France Currency: Euro Language: French Travel books to read before you go: Living Abroad in France (Terry Link)

For More, See Lonely Planet France 10Th Edition

nº 13 / Sorriso Restaurant, Italy / Unknown Artist

Lake Garda’s prestigious olive oil Lake Garda’s microclimate ensures ideal olive-growing conditions, and Frantoio Montecroce’s farm, set in the hills above Desenzano, is the perfect place for a tutored tasting in the area’s oil. The same family has been harvesting olives for four generations and their oils have won numerous prestigious prizes. The mill’s granite wheels, gleaming machines and stainless steel vats give a real insight into the modern production process, while family members provide tasting tips.

Itinerary: Desenzano Country: Italy Currency: Euro Language: Italian Travel books to read before you go:

Francesco’s Mediterranean Voyage: A Cultural Journey Through the Mediterranean from Venice to Istanbul (Francesco Da Mosta)

For More, See Lonely Planet Italy 10Th Edition

Eat like a king in the Lake District If you can drag yourself away from the beauty of Ullswater and its surrounding hills, then just north of the lake you’ll find gastropub gorgeousness at the atmospheric, centuries-old Yanwath Gate Inn. It’s been named Cumbria’s Top Dining Pub three times by the Good Pub Guide, and the grub puts many of the country’s gastronomic restaurants to shame: expect wild venison, saltmarsh lamb, Brougham Hall chicken and crispy pork belly, chased down by Cumbrian cheeses and beers from three local breweries.

Itinerary: Penrith Country: England Currency: Pound Language: English Travel books to read before you go:

The Oxford Illustrated Literary Guide to Great Britain and Ireland)

For more, See Lonely Planet Great Britain 10Th Edition

nº 16 / Lake District, England / Unknown Artist

Roman life in Ostia Antica Not many people make it out to Ostia Antica, Rome’s version of Pompeii, but make the effort and you’ll find that its wonderfully preserved ruins are easily on a par with the more famous sites in the city centre. Walk along the central strip, the Decumanus Maximus, or potter around the Thermopolium, an ancient café, and you’ll get a much better idea of what a working Roman town looked like than you ever will exploring Rome’s forum.

The site gets busy at weekends but is usually exhilaratingly empty during the week. Itinerary: Ostia Country: Italy Currency: Euro Language: Italian Travel books to read before you go: We Followed Odysseus (Hal Roth)

For More, See Lonely Planet Rome 7Th Edition

17 18

18 Get off the beaten track in Sardinia As much for the getting there as the being there, Sorgono rewards a detour. Deep in the heart of the Mandrolisai, the remote hilly area to the west of the Gennargentu, the village is surrounded by huge tracts of forest, full of ilex, cork, chestnut and hazel trees. In the vicinity, the Biru ‘e Concas archaeological site boasts one of the largest collections of menhirs in Sardinia, while, in town, the Cantina del Mandrolisai is one of the area’s most important wine producers, famous for its beefy reds.

Itinerary: Sardinia Country: Italy Currency: Euro Language: Italian Travel books to read before you go:

On the Shores of the Mediterranean (Eric Newby)

For More, See Lonely Planet Sardinia 4Th Edition

nº 18 / Sardinia, Italy / Unknown Artist

19 Get off the beaten track in Sardinia If you are beguiled by the beautiful Waterford countryside, on Ireland’s south coast, why not bed down in the middle of it, with only the sound of a snoring cow to break the silence? Waterford Farm Accommodation arranges stays on local farms, with places such as Dungarvan (and its commanding Norman castle), Ardmore (and its ancient church), and the Ring Peninsula (with its Gaelic-speaking locals) all close by and worth exploring.

Itinerary: Waterford Country: Ireland Currency: Euro Language: English Travel books to read before you go: Vitali’s Ireland (Vitali Vitaliev)

For More, See Lonely Planet Ireland 10Th Edition

20 Step back in time in Lisbon Stroll back to an age when purchases were still hand-wrapped, shopkeepers knew customers by name, and stores traded solely in tinned fish, buttons and bowler hats in the cobbled alleyways of Baixa in the centre of Portugal’s capital. And after you’ve tired yourself out at the speciality shops, toast the city’s past (and your new purchases) Lisbon-style, with a glass or two of ginjinha (cherry liqueur).

Itinerary: Lisbon Country: Portugal Currency: Euro Language: Portuguese Travel books to read before you go: Living in Portugal (Anne De Stoop)

For More, See Lonely Planet Pocket Lisbon 2Nd Edition

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