The country’s capital city, Rome, is not only a wondrous relic of the ancient Roman world, but also boasts hundreds of the country’s most beautiful and recherché hotels, restaurants, bars, boutiques and galleries. For thousands of years, travellers and artists have flocked to Rome to explore the near-timeless monuments set amidst this buzzing metropolis: the Colosseum, the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain – and, of course, the Vatican, which sprawls lavishly across 120 acres and houses some of the world’s most incredible art. An essential sight is the Sistine Chapel and its famed ceiling, painted with the extraordinary fresco of heaven.

Meanwhile, Venice is an enchanted world of its own, a floating city of 118 networked islands, full of ornate bridges, churches, palaces and squares, and approachable only by boat across the Lagoon. No visit to this extraordinary city is complete without a gondola ride down the Grand Canal. For spectacular views of the city, take the lift all the way to the top of the Campanile, 300 feet above. Visitors also throng the Rialto Markets, where unique souvenirs, jewellery and beautiful Murano glass ornaments are sold. The Deco Hotel is particularly worthy of a stay if you are seeking a more exclusive experience, or try the opulent Bauer Il Palazzo, overlooking the Grand Canal.

Atop a dramatic cliff, Sorrento offers truly mesmerising views of the sea as well as a highly exclusive culture. A prime spot for sightseeing, its sumptuous hotels offer first-class service and opulent accommodations. The Grand Hotel Ambasciatori looks out over the spectacular Bay of Naples toward Mount Vesuvius. In the heart of the city, the Grand Hotel Riviera is a quiet and splendid hotel away from the bustling crowds, but with easy access to the Corso Italia and its sophisticated boutiques and stores.

These are just some of the highlights of an endlessly various and multi-faceted country. For the traveller who wants to enjoy beautiful food and wine, take in incredible sights – both ancient and modern – and enjoy the very best in luxury dwellings, Italy is the perfect destination.

Best for foodies
There’s nothing like top quality cuisine and fine vintage wine to fan the flames of romance. The Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons is a gorgeously tranquil manor house set in 17^th century walled gardens in which an array of organic ingredients is nurtured especially for your plate. Multi-Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc anticipates your every wish, creating a gastronomic experience to be savoured at each turn. Wines are expertly matched with the food, and there is a choice of dining rooms, from the formal to the more relaxed patio with garden views. And, if you need to sleep off you foodie indulgences they have several cosy rooms in the main house available for guests. The surrounding Oxfordshire countryside offers theatre-going and shopping, horse-riding and fishing. Le Manoir is unsurprisingly very popular and hotel deals in UK food hotspots like this one get snapped up quickly. So plan well ahead if it’s for a special anniversary

Best for culture creatures
London is a romantic city in all seasons, whether you’re taking in the artistry of Turner at the Tate, or rustling a bag of roasted chestnuts by the Thames. For thrills, try a high-speed boat tour on the river, where you’ll be especially pleased to have someone to hold on to. Boats leave at a pier next to the London Eye, and take in all the sights along the river. Afterwards you can relax in a private champagne capsule on the London Eye, or just hold hands and stroll up Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath, which is free and offers an equally stunning vista. Later, seek out sultry saxophone sounds in Soho, where venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and Jazz After Dark offer casual but chic spaces to melt away by candlelight, and are surrounded by livelier entertainments should you still seek to party the night away. The ultimate way to get back to your hotel has to be a rickshaw ride through the capital’s brightly-lit historic streets.

Best for outdoors
There’s no need to “wander lonely as a cloud” to stumble across a host of golden daffodils, buttercups and forget-me-nots. The Lake District offers some of Britain’s quaintest lakeside spots alongside its grandest valley views. But this wonderfully picturesque part of the UK also offers some of the greatest walks and scrambles in the country. Try the Langdale valley, where you can climb Crinkle Crags and Bowfell, offering views of all the giant fells in the Lake District. You can sample a glass of ale or fine scotch at the Hiker’s Pub at the Old Dungeon Ghyll after your walk. And there’s no need to sacrifice comfort for camping either. The latest ‘glamping’ offering from Long Valley Yurts will keep everybody cosy and warm: the local site offers sheeps’ wool-insulated yurts with Moroccan rugs and lanterns, and comfortable beds of course.

This post was written on behalf of Marriott Hotels

Salted cod – Dry salted cod is said to have changed the course of Portugese history. When Portugese sailors realised they could dry out the fish and keep it for long periods of time, sailors were able to spend longer at sea and discover new trade routes and new lands. Today, the salted cod is still a popular traditional dish.

Piri piri chicken – Although piri-piri peppers originally came from Brazil, they were so widely adopted by the Portuguese it is now widely considered a Portuguese dish. Piri-piri chicken can be found everywhere in Portugal, and is a popular dish for locals. The Portuguese also like to put piri-piri sauce on just about everything they eat!

Caldo verde – If you feel like a Portuguese soup, the traditional type to sample is ‘caldo verde’ – a cold soup of potato, shredded cabbage, and chunks of sausage.

Cherry brandy – Portuguese cherry brandy is a local favourite. Locally known as Ginjinha, it consists of cherry-like ginja berries fermented in brandy. It’s quite alcoholic – so one cup might be enough!

Tripe with haricot beans – The Portuguese have long been known as tripe eaters, following the story of Henry the Navigator who famously led a team of Portuguese to conquer the Ceuta in Morocco, killed their livestock and then kept the intestines for themselves. Tripe is not everyone’s favourite, but if you’re game try it when you visit Portugal.

Rice pudding – Most Portuguese desserts are egg based – think cream caramel, famous Portuguese tarts and pastries. Another local favourite is a cinnamon flavoured rice pudding. Yum!

So when you next visit Portugal, make sure you try some of these traditional dishes. Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is a great place to base yourself for a Portuguese food safari. From hotels in Lisbon, you’ll be able to sample all that Portuguese cuisine has to offer.

Barcelona coastline consists of 9 beaches that stretch 5 km from Barcelona’s Harbour to the Port Forum marina. Despite the 5km of beautiful beaches, it wasn’t until 1992 that Barcelona’s coastline became an attraction. Previously, Barcelona’s waterfront had been an industrial area. In preparation for the 1992 Olympic Games held in Barcelona, the beachfront areas were cleaned, revamped and reconstructed for public use. Since then, they remain one of the city’s best assets.

Which beach should I choose?

There are 9 beaches to choose from:

• Sant Sebastià beach
• Sant Miquel beach
• Somorrostro beach
• Barceloneta beach
• Nova Icària beach
• Bogatell beach
• La Mar Bella beach
• La Nova Mar Bella beach
• Llevant beach

The busiest beaches are Sant Sebastià and Barceloneta, located closest to the city centre. These beaches are popular with locals and tourists, but also cater to the student and backpacker crowd. If you’re looking for a more tranquil beach scene, head to the northern beaches, which are favoured by the locals and have cleaner sand. Mar Bella beach is Barcelona’s official nudist beach (although nudism is not compulsory!)

When you’re on the beach, you can grab snacks, drinks and meals from the “chiringuitos” or beach bars. They also often host beach parties and are open until late.

When is the best time to visit Barcelona’s beaches?

The best time to visit Barcelona’s beaches is between April and September when the weather and the water is warm. In the winter, the beach bars and lifesaving services are usually not in operation.

How do I get there?

Barcelona’s beaches are conveniently located close to the city centre, making it easy for visitors to get there from Barcelona hotels. It takes approximately 10-20 minutes on public transport. All of Barcelona’s beaches are located on the Yellow Metro Line L4.

So if you’re in Barcelona, make sure you spend some time on the city’s beaches and experience first hand the world’s ‘Best urban beach’!

Related articles

• Barcelona: Cram in the sights, then hit the beach (independent.co.uk)

Here, we take a look at 4 of the best place to visit in France during the winter.

Paris
You won’t get much respite from the cold, rainy days of England, but there is a certain air of romance and magic about Paris during the winter. As the festivities get under way for Christmas, the city comes to life in a flurry of lights, seasonal events and traditional markets. Spend your days exploring the city, which is far less crowded than during the summer months, before warming yourself with a delicious coffee in a cosy Parisian cafe.

Nice
The capital of the French Riviera, Nice is cosmopolitan, cultured and the perfect antidote to wintertime blues. Home to over 300 days of sunshine a year, the jewel of the Cote d’Azor has become increasingly popular amongst tourists who come to enjoy the distinct cuisine, beautiful beach and seafront attractions. When you’re not sipping a cocktail on the promenade, meander through the cities historical streets and marvel at the ancient Roman city of Cemenelum.

Strasbourg
Perched on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg offers an interesting blend of both cultures. Strasbourg is considered to be the intellectual and cultural capital of Alsace and is also home to a 431 year old Christmas Market, the oldest and largest of its kind in France. From the end of November to Christmas Eve the city is taken over by seasonal stalls selling all manners of crafts, fantastic food and hot mulled wine.

Alps
France is a winter sports haven thanks to the excellent skiing opportunities in the Alps and the Pyrenees. There are many world class ski resorts to be found here, offering facilities for people of all abilities. Flaine is the best destination for a family friendly ski holiday, whilst Meribel is ideal for those looking to let down their hair with drinking and dancing after a day on the slopes.

Photo credit: mpix

Scotland’s history is evident as soon as touch down – you can see it in the music, the traditions of the people and the landmarks that dot the landscape. But for real history buffs and cultural pilgrims, it will be Scotland’s world heritage listed sites that are the main attraction.

Scotland has 5 sites that are recognised and supported by UNESCO. So if you want to get to the roots of Scotland’s past, check out of Glasgow airport hotels and add these destinations to your itinerary.

The Heart of Neolithic Orkney

The heart of Neolithic Orkney is a concentration of monuments in the area surrounding the Ness of Brodgar – the area of the West Mainland. The area was used in the ceremonies of the Neolithic people of Orkney. This area of the Orkney Mainland was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The archaeological remains include the major sites Maeshowe, The Ring o’Brodgar and the Stones of Stennes. The area is rich in archaeology and under the World Heritage protection are a multitude of unexcavated sites.

St. Kilda

The archipelago of St Kilda is the remotest part of the British Isles and lies 41 miles (66 kilometres) west of Benbecula in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. The islands are protected under UNESCO for their unrivalled natural heritage. With soaring cliffs and teetering sea stacks, the islands are the most important breeding nation in north-west Europe. This unique archipelago became listed in 1986 for its natural qualities.

Edinburgh Old and New Towns

In 1996, both Edinburgh’s old and new towns were listed as world heritage sites. Old Town includes the medieval Royal Mile which stretches from the beautiful Edinburgh Castle down to the Palace of Holroodhouse. The ‘New Town’ refers to the area to the north which is home to neo-classical 18^th century areas including Princes Street.

New Lanark

Relatively new to Scotland’s UNESCO World Heritage listings, New Lanark is located in South Lanarkshire, and the product of an experiment in utopian socialism by Robert Owen. The industrial cotton mill was restored by the New Lanark Conservation Trust in 1974.

The Antonine Wall

The Antoine Wall is one of the UK’s most important Roman remains. The Antonine Wall stretches for nearly 60 km (40 Roman miles) from Bo’ness on the River Forth to Old Kilpatrick on the River Clyde. In 2008 the Wall was the fifth site to be inscribed by UNESCO. The Antonine Wall is now recognised as an extension of the trans-national Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site (which already includes Hadrien’s Wall and the Upper Raetian German Lines).

Whether you’re interested in historical or cultural tourism, Scotland’s UNESCO listed sites cater to a range of tourist tastes. So if you’re visiting Scotland, pick up a hire car from Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness airport parking and head off to discover Scotland’s varied and rich past.

Related articles

• The Antonine Wall sculptures at the Hunterian Museum: no gimmicks, just the living stone (guardian.co.uk)
• Antonine wall fills gaps in story of Roman occupation of Britain (guardian.co.uk)

Of London’s 5 airports, Gatwick and Heathrow are the two largest and busiest, with thousands of passengers arriving and departing each day. Most international carriers and international flights to and from London operate out of these terminals. So which airport should you choose when you fly into or out of London?

If you have a choice of the two, there are a number of factors to consider. Here is some basic information on each airport to help you determine which airport is best suited to your holiday and travel needs.

Heathrow Airport

• Heathrow is located 15 miles west of Central London, and is the world’s busiest international airport.
• Two Piccadilly Line tube stations serve the airport – the underground tube is the cheapest way to get to or from all London airports.
• Travelers can also choose from two train services – the Heathrow Connect and the Heathrow Express. There are also National Express buses to deliver passengers to and from London.
• If you’d like to drive to the airport there is also a range of Heathrow airport parking options to choose from – long stay, short stay, business, valet as well as a number of pick up and drop off zones.

Gatwick airport

• Gatwick is located 30 miles south of Central London, and is widely regarded as smaller and better organised than Heathrow.
• An efficient monorail makes the 2-minute journey between the two terminals.
• The Gatwick Express links the South Terminal with Victoria. It’s a non-stop 30 minute journey that runs every 15 minutes.
• Southern Trains also run services to Victoria via East Croydon and Clapham Junction, leaving four times an hour.
• easyBus is another transport option, offering low-cost frequent airport transfer service non-stop from London and Gatwick with prices from £2. Buses depart every 15 minutes at peak times and run throughout the day and night from both North and South terminals to Earls Court/West Brompton in central London.
• If you want to drive to the airport, there are a number of Gatwick airport parking options to choose from – whether you need a short or longer term arrangements.

Frequent flyers are divided on their preference for Heathrow or Gatwick. For many, the advantage of choosing Heathrow is that you can buy a travel card at the airport to cover you for your entire London trip. For others, Gatwick’s smaller size and better organisation makes it easier to navigate. It often takes less time to clear customs at Gatwick than Heathrow, making it a quick and hassle-free airport experience.

If you’re flying into or out of London, consider which airport better suits you. Remember, if you are travelling through both terminals, Gatwick and Heathrow are 40 miles apart, so make sure you give yourself at least a 2 hour connection time to make the trip between the two.

What’s your preference? Gatwick or Heathrow?

Collodi
Your kids will thank you for a long time, if you bring them to visit the city of Pinocchio! Collodi is the city where Carlo Lorenzini (pseudonym: Carlo Collodi) spent his childhood. The city hosts the wonderful Park of Pinocchio, where you can experience the fairy tale and enjoy the union among art and nature. In the Park of Pinocchio, conceived like theme park for children’s education, you will take a picture with the Cat and the Fox, watch the puppet theatre, or play the Pinocchio’s game of the Goose!

Cacciucco alla livornese (Livorno-style)
It is a fish stew typical of Livorno. Cacciucco is traditionally made with fishes of little value: the original recipe counts 13 kinds among fishes and shellfishes (cuttlefishes, crayfishes, octopuses, moray eels…). The fishes are cooked with tomato sauce and served over a few slices of toasted Tuscan bread put down on the bottom of the plate.

Carrara quarries
The marble of Carrara is universally known for being one of the most precious. The tour of the caves transports you in a lunar setting: about 30 minutes to discover this wonderful place, chosen by Maserati and Lamborghini to present their Autos. Immersed in a totally white scenario, almost unreal, you’ll learn the secrets of the extraction and the cutting of the marble.

Sassicaia
Less popular than Chianti, Sassicaia is one of the most popular and prestigious Italian wines. It is a red DOC wine (Controlled Origin Denomination). You can’t miss tasting it, especially if you’re in the Province of Livorno, the production area. Try it with game or with some strong flavour cheese!

Skiing in Abetone
Small municipality with less than 700 inhabitants, Abetone is a popular holiday destination. Its 50 Km slopes at about 1.400 meters altitude are very appreciated from ski lovers. Abetone is also a beloved summer resort destination because of the possibilities of wanderings in the beautiful mountains, tennis, soccer, horse riding and mountain bike excursions. Not less important, the charming medieval villages and the delicious local cuisine.

Related articles

• Pinocchio’s Real Roots Mapped – Discovery News
• No lie: Pinocchio’s life had roots in reality

Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial
This museum and memorial is housed on the site of the main torture prison of the former East German Communist Ministry of State Security, the Stasi. Its location outside of the centre makes it a less crowded sight than many others in central Berlin. The prison has been left virtually intact since the Stasi walked out 20 years ago, and provides a fascinating but chilling insight into what life was like behind the Iron curtain. You need to join a guided tour (German or English) to explore the museum, but this is reasonably priced and enlightening, with some tours led by former inmates. The easiest way to get there is by tram or taxi (about 10 euros from the city centre).
Official Berlin-Hohenschönhausen website

Avant-garde architecture
Berlin is full of fantastic historical architecture such as the iconic Brandenburg Gate, but those interested in striking contemporary architecture are also in for a treat.
Potsdamer Platz packs in plenty of modern buildings, all built after 1995, but to uncover less well-known modern architecture you could check out Am Kupfergraben 10. This purpose-built, contemporary gallery space on the Kupfergraben canal overlooks Museum Island, so it’s easy to miss it in the rush to see all the other attractions in this part of Berlin. The simple and bold design, with its large windows letting in heaps of natural gallery light, manages to strike a good balance between fitting into its surroundings and yet still making a statement.

Another place worth seeking out is the serene Chapel of Reconciliation in the Mitte district, with its elegant wooden curves. Sat on the site of a former church, knocked down in the 1980s to clear the area between East and West, an outer oval wall recreates the shape of the chapel’s predecessor, while an inner oval made from pressed clay follows the usual east-west orientation of churches, and is the first clay-built public building to be constructed for more than 150 years in Germany.
Other better-known modern buildings in Berlin that are worth a look include the Nordic Embassies; the Holocaust memorial and museum designed by Daniel Libeskind; and the Reichstag, which blends old and new with its modern glass dome.

The Alternative Berlin Tour
Another great idea for visitors looking for something a bit different is to join the free ‘Alternative Berlin’ tour, an English language guided tour which kicks off each morning at 11am from Alexander Platz TV tower and lasts for over three hours. Using the city’s public transport system the guide covers a huge area of the city, pointing out some of Berlin’s alternative, ‘underground’ sights such as graffiti culture, musical landmarks and technological innovations – all for a small donation.

If you’re off on a trip to Germany’s capital, you’ll need to check out some Berlin hotels to find the best place to stay. Berlin is the third most visited city in the European Union, so accommodation is in high demand and it’s well worth booking your hotel rooms in advance to secure a good deal.

Related articles

• Berlin remembers its wall of history (independent.co.uk)
• 50th anniversary of the Berlin Wall: a timeline (guardian.co.uk)

In case a costly entrance fee is part of your holiday budget and you are lucky enough to be able to choose from plenty of very good festival, which one shell you pick? Take a look at the list below in order to learn about which summer music festivals we find as the top ones:

1) Glastonbury Festival, UK – 22-26 June

There is simply no way to start this top European music festivals list, without mentioning this legendary festival first. The Glastonbury festival is one of the biggest outdoors music events in the world. The festival takes place in an extremely huge and very green area, 900 acres in the Vale of Avalon. There are many reasons why this festival is one of the most popular ones in the world: the smashing lineup, (Coldplay, U2, The Chemical Brother, Fat Boy Slim and many more) the Woodstock-like atmosphere, the hippie festival fashion, the famous people, (such as Kate Moss and Lily Allen) that go there and let loose like “normal” people, and mostly the free spirit vibe that is felt all over this amazing event. When going to Glastonbury you get the feel as if you are back in time and you’ve reached a place that is all peace, love and harmony.

2) Oxegen Festival, Dublin, Ireland, 7-10 July

With more than 100 acts, 80,000 visitors, huge names such as Black Eyed Peas, Jay Z, Florence and Machine, Eminem and Muze, this all-time sold-out festival is a huge event that attracts excited fans from all over the globe year after year. The Oxegen is one of these rare occasions where you are able to be true a rocker for few days, regardless of your back-home attitude, social background sex or color. Because the festival is located in a vibrant metropolis like Dublin, you can combine a nice city trip to visit all the major landmarks, once the festival is over.

3) Heineken Jammin Festival, Venice, Italy, 9-11 June

Already from learning about the venue’s location, you can imagine it will be beautiful, extra unique, and different from any other festival you’ve been to before. The Heineken Jammin festival is a rock festival that features famous and very talented international and Italian artists. What makes this festival stand out from the others is the fact that Heineken beer is behind it, a factor that promises a lot of surprises and extra treats. Started at 1998, the festival became bigger and bigger with each year thanks to its amazing decoration, excellent sound system and very well organized facilities.

4) PinkPop, Landgraaf, Netherlands, 11-13 June

With a smashing lineup includes huge names such as: Coldpaly, Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon, Ash and more, you can get a clear a vision of the immense rock and roll party it is going to be. The PinkPop is by far the most popular festival in Holland, when it comes to live shows and huge artists. Each year the festival gets a totally media cover and even if you were unlucky to get a ticket, you will be able to watch it on T.V, 24/7. The festival got so big in the last few years that it became more than just a music event; it now stands as one of the symbol for the Dutch summer.

5) Peace and Love Festival, Borlänge, Sweden, 28 June till 2 July

There is no better way to finish up our list but with a festival that not only provides good fun for a couple of days, but it also sends out an important message to the world: be kind to each other. Aside from good music, pumping party, beautiful people and lot of dancing, the festival’s organizers make sure to share with the visitors their point of view in different way: the sponsors of the event includes names such as Greenpeace, WWF, Unicef and Amnesty, the performers in the festival keep reminding the crowd about the importance of accepting and loving each other and basically the entire festival is dedicated to create social awareness and love and peace sharing.

Now that you have a bit more information about the festivals out there, it is time to start planning your trip and booking that cheap hotel so that you can spend the extra money on entertainment… or booze