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<p>Athens is known as the cradle of Western civilisation for good reason – full of classical, marble-pillared edifices to the foremost minds of ancient Greece, it is a place of importance and influence that lingers into the modern day. Here, ancient ruins form the magnificent backdrop to teeming markets, cafés and tavernas, a melting pot of cultures in a city that gained fame as a centre of art and literature, commerce and industry, and above all, philosophy and oratory. The ideas originating out of Athens, which spawned great thinkers thousands of years ago, are still discussed, debated and pored over today. Ultimately, this is a city like no other.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Acropolis wow</h3>



<p>The world-famous Acropolis is one of the most iconic monuments in the whole of Greece as well as Europe, and perhaps the wider world. Open all year round, this jewel is quite simply a must-visit for its cultural significance and its broader architectural importance. Despite the wider urban sprawl, the temples on the ‘Sacred Rock’ of Athens still command an imposing presence, especially at night or viewed from the right angle – such as driving east on the so-called Sacred Way, otherwise known as Iera Odos, from Eleusis to Athens. Marvelling at its immense rocky bulk from Plaka – an old quarter clustering at the foot of the Acropolis, which itself is steeped with archaeological sites both large and small – is also awe-inspiring.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_19-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84951" width="768" height="511" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_19-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_19-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_19-768x511.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_19-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_19-800x532.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_19.jpg 1064w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>The most recognisable of the monumental structures is the Parthenon, whose decorative sculptures are considered by many as the epitome of ancient Greek classical art. Historically, it was presented as a magnificent ‘Temple to the Virgin’ in 438 BC, namely the goddess Athena, who was represented by a giant gold and ivory sculpture. The temple took nine years to complete and over the years has served as a church, a mosque and even an arsenal.</p>



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<p>A portion of the Parthenon frieze, a stretch of sculpted figures that ran around the inner wall, now resides in the British Museum. These are known as the Elgin Marbles in reference to Lord Elgin who had negotiated a permit from sultan of the Ottoman Empire to remove “some blocks of stone with inscriptions and figures” in 1801; the exact terms of this deal remain a source of contention between the governments of Greece and the UK.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ancient wonder</h3>



<p>Sculptures left behind by Elgin are housed in the Acropolis Museum, situated below the Parthenon near the Akropoli metro station. Amazing authentic fragments are mounted at eye level in the museum, while the rest is a plaster cast awaiting a possible future – and campaigned-for – return to their original site. They are all displayed in the order in which they would have graced the Parthenon.</p>


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<p>Containing a slew of treasures found in and around the Acropolis, this glittering all-glass museum offers great insight into the daily life of ancient Athens. The building harnesses natural light for the best presentation of these relics, and its glass floor allows visitors to gaze down at the site of an early Christian settlement. Marvel at the Peplos Kore, an Archaic votive statue retaining exquisite and intricate detail such as traces of paint visible on her eyes, lips and curly hair. Then delight in the form of another Archaic sculpture dating back to 570 BC – a bearded man carrying a calf as a sacrificial offering for Athena.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Theatre under the stars</h3>



<p>Cut into the southern cliff face of the Acropolis is the enduring cultural legacy of the Theatre of Dionysus. Some 17,000 Athenians would amass on its tiered stone steps, entranced by dramatists like Aristophanes, Menander, Sophocles, Aeschylus and Euripides. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an immensely tall late addition to the Acropolis, often served as a venue for the enactment of ancient Greek tragedies. It now plays host to modern-day singers, dancers and actors during the glorious moonlit performances of the Athens Epidaurus Festival.</p>


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<p>Below the Acropolis is another amazing heartbeat of the ancient world, the Agora, where the likes of Socrates, Aristotle and Paul the Apostle once held court. This marketplace with its council buildings, law courts and thronging streets formed the political focal point of ancient Athens from 600 BC, and some academics suggest it was where democracy breathed into life. An interesting historical nugget is that speeches made at the Agora were strictly timed using a water clock called a clepsydra.</p>



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<p>The complex also contains the Stoa of Attalos, a world-class museum within a magnificent two-storey structure that was built by King Attalus of Pergamon between 159 and 138 BC, and reconstructed by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens in the 1950s.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sculpted splendour</h3>



<p>Also well worth a visit is the National Archaeological Museum, considered one of the finest museums anywhere and packed full of great works spanning the Neolithic and Bronze Ages right up to the Roman era. Its Bronze collection boasts a breathtaking 460 BC sculpture of either Poseidon or Zeus, while its Hellenistic statuary exhibits the vigorous movement and sensuality characteristic of sculptures in this period.</p>


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<p>Some of the works housed in the Museum of Cycladic Art – such as the early Bronze Age female marble statuettes – have inspired the artists of today. Fantastic Greek art from Neolithic times to the modern day can be admired at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, where more than 6,000 objects are displayed over four floors. Meanwhile, the Byzantine and Christian Museum showcases some 25,000 exhibits, offering a unique insight into Greek heritage.</p>



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<p>Located southeast of the Acropolis is ancient Greece’s most colossal temple. The Temple of Olympian Zeus was conceived circa 515 BC by the tyrant Peisistratos, yet political turmoil delayed its completion until AD 131 under Roman Emperor Hadrian. Sixteen magnificent columns survive from the original 104.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Turning back the clock</h3>



<p>At the Roman Agora, which supplanted the Greek Agora as the commercial and administrative centre during Roman rule, a stream ran down from the Acropolis to operate a water clock known as the Tower of the Winds. This superb octagonal tower was masterminded by Syrian astronomer Andronikos Kyrrhestes in about 50 BC.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_16-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84948" width="768" height="513" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_16-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_16-419x280.jpg 419w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_16-768x513.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_16-200x134.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_16-800x534.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_16.jpg 1504w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Remnants of the outer wall of ancient Athens can be seen at Kerameikos, providing a fascinating insight into life and death in this classical city. Used as a burial ground since the 12th century BC, this sacred place comprises a series of elaborate tombs, temples and roads, and even an ancient brothel.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Shop and graze</h3>



<p>Moving onto modern attractions rooted in history, one of the liveliest and most colourful areas in Athens is Monastiraki. Located against the wondrous backdrop of the Acropolis, its bustling maze of alleys and pedestrianised streets encompass the remains of the aforementioned Greek and Roman agora and are brimming with shops, clubs, bars and taverns. A thriving area day and night, the Monastiraki neighbourhood take its name from the restored church in the centre of its lively square.</p>


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<p>Perhaps Athens’ most popular shopping thoroughfare is Ermou Street, which starts from the west side of Syntagma Square and leads to Monastiraki. Lined with designer boutiques, coffee shops and department stores, it guides visitors down to a funky flea market where a row of souvenir shops awaits.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Edible art</h3>



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<p>Blessed with a wide range of Mediterranean influences, the culinary delights of Greece exhibit diverse flavours. Athens offers a great range of restaurants serving favourites from moussaka to grilled seafood to souvlaki (chicken, pork or lamb spit-roasted for hours) on a bed of vegetables. Varvakios Agora (Central Market) affords the ideal opportunity to sample some of the local Greek cuisine.</p>
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<p>Spondi is considered one of Athens’ most sophisticated restaurants. Its exquisitely prepared haute cuisine may include signatures like crab with turnip, honey, tarragon and passiflora, and venison in Sarawak pepper crust.</p>


Classical Beauty: Follow in the fascinating footsteps of great Western thinkers on a tour of ancient Athens


<p>The skiing opportunities in Austria are simply breathtaking. Deeply embedded into the culture of this landlocked Alpine nation during the winter months, the pastime is taken super seriously. Most forms of winter sports are available, with alpine and Nordic skiing the most common, while snowboarding, cross-country skiing and sledging are also popular.</p>



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<p>For those attracted to nightlife as well as outdoor leisure, many of the famous ski resorts have also accrued a reputation for their après-ski shenanigans as much as for the skiing itself – none more so, perhaps, than St Anton am Arlberg in the west of the country.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Topping the lot</h3>



<p>The global reputation of the Arlberg ski region emerged in the late 19th century, following the opening of the Arlberg railway tunnel in 1884. Ski-Club Arlberg, the first ski club in the Alps, opened in 1901 and St Anton’s inaugural ski school was established in 1924. The sleepy village was well on the way to becoming an iconic venue for winter sports enthusiasts.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Winter_Skifahren_Kapall-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Patrick-Batz-83-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84011" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Winter_Skifahren_Kapall-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Patrick-Batz-83-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Winter_Skifahren_Kapall-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Patrick-Batz-83-1-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Winter_Skifahren_Kapall-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Patrick-Batz-83-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Winter_Skifahren_Kapall-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Patrick-Batz-83-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Winter_Skifahren_Kapall-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Patrick-Batz-83-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Winter_Skifahren_Kapall-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Patrick-Batz-83-1-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Winter_Skifahren_Kapall-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Patrick-Batz-83-1-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>St Anton is now considered the zenith of Austrian alpine skiing, and the country’s renown as a ski paradise came partly on the back of this amazing resort. It is connected by state-of-the-art ski lifts and cable cars to nearby villages to form one huge contiguous ski area. The Arlberg massif region in Vorarlberg boasts a vast ski terrain encompassing 300 kilometres (186 miles) of slopes.</p>



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<p>The sport is certainly challenging here, and there are plenty of off-piste opportunities for those who want to test themselves, with about 200 kilometres of backcountry terrain beckoning thrill-seekers. The adrenaline will certainly be pumping on many of the exhilarating descents, not least the Kandahar run on Galzig. The views are stunning, and the well-maintained slopes provide top-notch exercise for much of the winter.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ski stars</h3>



<p>Arlberg boasts three top-notch ski resorts: St Anton – St Christoph – Stuben, which are connected by cable car; its over-the-valley neighbour Lech – Oberlech – Zürs; and Warth-Schröcken. St Anton’s epic Run of Fame is a spectacular marathon taking in the entire Ski Arlberg area. As the longest ski circuit in the Alps, covering 85 kilometres and an altitude difference of 18,000 metres (59,055 feet), it takes the best part of a day to complete and traverses three mountain passes – Arlberg, Flexen and Hochtannberg. The route pays homage to the many ski pioneers, athletes and movie stars who have popularised these slopes over the years, leaving their indelible footprints in the snow.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="662" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DSC_3366-1024x662.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84006" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DSC_3366-1024x662.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DSC_3366-433x280.jpg 433w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DSC_3366-768x496.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DSC_3366-1536x993.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DSC_3366-2048x1323.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DSC_3366-200x129.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/DSC_3366-800x517.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Indeed, Ski Arlberg has so much to offer for all levels of skiers. There are endless signposted runs, ultra-modern cable cars, fantastic powder-snow slopes, and practice areas for young skiers and beginners, as well as a multitude of sports facilities, from fun parks to carving areas to race courses.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Food with a view</h3>



<p>Part of the joy of skiing in Austria are the scrumptious culinary delights served in the local restaurants and huts, and St Anton offers some of the best. Perched at 2,085 metres and billed as one of the highest gourmet restaurants in Europe, Verwallstube is worth a visit for the amazing mountain views alone. In the winter months, it opens daily for lunch, while weekly evening candlelight dinners accompanied by piano music are a special experience. Meticulously arranged dishes infused with uplifting flavours range from bouillabaisse to beautifully tender veal cheeks braised in red wine. Truffle mash adds additional charm to the meal.</p>



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<p>On the edge of St Anton village, Museum Restaurant-Café is another excellent choice with a wonderful ambience. Housed in the St Anton Museum, this charming wood-panelled venue serves Austrian cuisine and offers private dining and vegetarian and vegan options. It has the most succulent Tyrolean beef, lamb or trout on a menu prepared with both creativity and tradition. Try the winter salad with caramelised nuts, pear and smoked goose breast, then treat yourself to the mouth-watering crème brûlée.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Web_Shooting_Fruehjahr_2024-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Roman-Huber-49-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84010" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Web_Shooting_Fruehjahr_2024-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Roman-Huber-49-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Web_Shooting_Fruehjahr_2024-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Roman-Huber-49-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Web_Shooting_Fruehjahr_2024-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Roman-Huber-49-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Web_Shooting_Fruehjahr_2024-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Roman-Huber-49-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Web_Shooting_Fruehjahr_2024-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Roman-Huber-49-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Web_Shooting_Fruehjahr_2024-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Roman-Huber-49-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Web_Shooting_Fruehjahr_2024-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Roman-Huber-49-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The fine international cuisine and excellent wine list at Hazienda, located in the basement of the four-star M3 Hotel, draw in gourmet skiers. Superb pasta dishes and veal are a forte. Classic Austrian restaurant Fuhrmannstube by Buffy is a cosy hideaway, great for tucking into venison stew, traditional dumplings known as knödel, or copious helpings of strudel.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Après adventuring</h3>



<p>St Anton is noted the world over for its après-ski options – think crazy, fun-filled drinking houses brimming with raucous revellers on a high from the day’s excursions on the glorious Alpine slopes. At the legendary MooserWirt, which has been opening its doors to boisterous skiers since 1989, expect loud Austrian music and party-goers dancing on tables, sweating in their salopettes. To the backdrop of non-stop après-ski hits mixed by famous DJs, guzzle down a wide variety of beers to your heart’s content – the venue reportedly gets through a staggering 5,000 litres a day. It’s also a wonderful place to make new friends for the following day’s skiing, but make sure you leave your skis in a safe, easy-to-find spot as you will need them to get back down the slope after your drinking games.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Restaurant-Himmeleck-Gampen-2-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-84008" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Restaurant-Himmeleck-Gampen-2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Restaurant-Himmeleck-Gampen-2-420x280.jpeg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Restaurant-Himmeleck-Gampen-2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Restaurant-Himmeleck-Gampen-2-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Restaurant-Himmeleck-Gampen-2-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Restaurant-Himmeleck-Gampen-2-200x133.jpeg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Restaurant-Himmeleck-Gampen-2-800x533.jpeg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>There are plenty of other notable après-ski hangouts. Sennhütte has a lovely sunlit terrace affording superb mountain views. Tables bounce with skiers swaying with delight to local bands playing country or rock music designed to get the party in full schnapps-happy swing. Just to its north is Heustadl, another hotspot usually bursting at the seams. Located near the end of run no. 50, it offers live music to 6 pm.</p>



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<p>Billed as St Anton’s oldest après-ski haunt, Krazy Kanguruh – owned by Austrian skiing legend Mario Matt – is a lively slopeside bar with a great terrace overlooking the village. It is usually loud, fun and jam-packed from 5 pm to closing around 8 pm. Enjoy the moment as you swig intoxicating tequila and consume quality nosh before getting back on your skis to slide gracefully down to the valley.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other runs around</h3>



<p>The villages of Lech and Zürs are linked to St Anton over the mountains but are still relatively isolated. With distance comes exclusivity, and Zürs, in particular, has garnered a reputation as one of the most renowned winter sports resorts in the Alps, beloved by the well-heeled and international glitterati.</p>



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<p>Austria has many splendid ski areas aside from Ski Arlberg. The season at Ischgl in Tyrol normally runs until early May since it sits at 2,872 metres above sea level and offers 239 kilometres of pistes, with some as long as 11km. It provides skiing for all levels, and the more accomplished aficionados will be attracted by its daunting slopes of 70% gradient or steeper.</p>



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<p>Silvretta Arena ski resort comprises Ischgl and the Swiss village of Samnaun in the Grisons, which has the added advantage of being a duty-free zone. The Smuggler’s Trail, straggling the Austria-Switzerland border, allows skiers and snowboarders to explore old smuggling routes. The season here starts on 30 November 2024 when English singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding performs at the Top of the Mountain Opening Concert at Silvretta car park against the unforgettable backdrop of the Tyrolean mountains. Another bonus is the foodie’s paradise of Ischgl’s many restaurants.</p>



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<p>Schladming-Dachstein in Styria has some of Austria’s most impressive mountains for skiing and a 230km-expanse of slopes. A high altitude ensures reliable snow coverage at SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental in Tyrol, which has had the distinction of being voted the best ski resort in the world on several occasions. Blessed with wide pistes and panoramic views, Tyrol’s Zillertal Arena has the claim to fame for hosting one of the country’s longest descents. It also offers plentiful après-ski entertainment.</p>



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<p>Meanwhile, having Austria’s only ski area with three peaks topping 3,000 metres as well as two glaciers, the popular resort of Sölden in Tyrol is guaranteed to produce wow moments.</p>


Alpine Attitude: In winter, Austria’s Arlberg hills are alive with the sound of skiers – and après party animals


<p>Madrid has been described as the sunniest, liveliest and highest capital in Europe. It has rightly garnered a fine reputation for the magnificence of its cultural offerings. There is an incredible array of activities and sightseeing opportunities in this Spanish city full of passion and many layers of history. Arrivals are warmly welcomed and those on short stopovers will need to be selective in order to make the most of what is sure to be a memorable visit.</p>



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<p>Madrid is a marvellous destination to visit all-year round, but in October, the vibrant cosmopolitan melting pot offers beautiful clear days and eye-catching autumnal colours in the majestic parks. There are also many festivals and events to enjoy during this season. Naturally, a major capital such as Madrid is blessed with a slew of luxury hotels, as well as great historic hostelries with wonderful neoclassical facades, and even transformed century-old palaces with all the modern comforts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Museum mile</h3>



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<p>Madrid is teeming with museums and galleries and is considered one of the world’s premier art venues. It boasts a magnificent golden mile of art, the Paseo del Prado, a boulevard lined with important art galleries. In fact, outstanding galleries are dotted throughout the city, allowing visitors to soak up world-class art culture.</p>
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<p>One of the most famous is Museo Nacional del Prado, housed in Juan de Vilanueva’s imposing neoclassical building, an architectural masterpiece in its own right. There are many notable works here, including inks by Spanish masters, most notably Goya. Great pieces from Rubens, Rembrandt, Botticelli, Bosch and many others grace the splendid walls.</p>



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<p>Goya’s paintings can also be admired on the ceiling of Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida, once a humble hermitage, now a chapel with a resplendent series of frescoes completed under royal orders in 1798. The artist is actually buried here, in front of the altar. More from the great Spanish romantic painter can be seen in Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, a prestigious art school.</p>



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<p>Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia displays some of Europe’s finest 20th-century art, and is particularly noted as the home of Picasso’s sensory masterpiece Guernica. Works by Salvador Dali and Joan Miró also act as a magnet for art enthusiasts. An added bonus is that the museum’s glass lifts offer panoramic views of one of Europe’s finest cities.</p>



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<p>Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza hangs the works of scores of leading European painters from the 14th century onwards, all nestled within a gorgeous salmon-pink interior colour scheme. Museo Cerralbo contains an astonishingly diverse collection of works and artifacts – paintings, porcelain, sculptures, tapestries, glassware and more – housed within a beautiful palace that offers a glimpse into the life of Spanish aristocracy more than a century ago.</p>



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<p>The Essential Paseo del Arte app is designed to help you discover 24 great masterpieces in these museums in an easy and accessible way. It offers a complete tour of the History of Western Art in the heart of Madrid.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">From palace to plaza</h3>



<p>An elegant and visually uplifting city, Madrid showcases many centuries of architectural grandeur. The changing of the guard at Palacio Real on the first Wednesday of the month (except August and September) is an amazing spectacle and is performed with musical tunes like El Almirante, Doña Francisquita, and España Cañí bellowing out. To put it in historical context, this awe-inspiring spectacle, choreographed to perfection, remains exactly how it was performed in the times of King Alfonso XII and King Alfonso XIII. The uniforms are the same, and a total of 400 people and 100 horses stage this majestic display.</p>



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<p>This stunning 18th-century baroque palace of more than 3,400 rooms was built by Felipe V with the intention of dwarfing those of his European counterparts. Great views of this sumptuous royal residence can be obtained through the trees of the northern end of Plaza de Oriente, as well as from the western side, via the ornamental gardens of Campo del Moro.</p>



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<p>The district known as Old Madrid has a plethora of must-visit squares. Lined with cafes and traditional restaurants and with an equestrian statue of Felipe II at its centre, Plaza Mayor is steeped in history. Sit and soak up the intoxicating buzz, scale and detail of this majestic heartbeat of Madrid with its slate spires and deep-ochre façades offset by intricate frescoes and fantastic wrought-iron balconies. A vibrant locale to start a night out in Madrid, Plaza de Santa Ana is a centrally located pedestrianised square dotted with monuments and historical importance.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tapas temperament</h3>



<p>One of Europe’s culinary capitals, Madrid has no shortage of great places for foodies to indulge their cravings. Food from all regions of Spain can be sampled here, and eating is considered one of life’s great pleasures. The idea of going out to eat tapas – which can mean eating almost anything – is deeply ingrained in the culture. Madrid’s oldest and perhaps most beautiful market, Mercado de San Miguel, is the perfect place to sample all forms of tapas (from chocolate to caviar) at tables within its stunning 20th-century glass walls.</p>



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<p>Local specialities include sopa de ajo (garlic soup) and the hearty stew of cocido madrileña, a kind of noodle broth combining carrots, chickpeas, chicken, blood sausage, beef, lard and perhaps other sausage meat. Roasted meat like cordero lechal asado – spring lamb cooked in a wood-fired oven – and, of course, the country’s famed jamón (cured ham), are also commonly served.</p>



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<p>Madrid boasts one of the largest fish markets in the world. Boiled octopus, all manner of shellfish, anchovies, cod and more are favourites, perhaps consumed as a seafood-laden rice dish, something which has been turned into a local art form.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Taverna time</h3>



<p>Visiting one of the 100 or so remaining traditional tabernas (taverns) is a must. Each is considered unique, though they share some common distinguishing features – a large clock standing guard over a carved wooden bar that often holds wine flasks cooled by running water, an interior lined with ceramic, and marble table tops. Restaurante Botín, founded in 1725, is thought to be the world’s oldest continuously functioning restaurant. Featuring in books by Hemingway, Forsythe and others, this taberna has excellent roasted meats to enjoy at tables in a vaulted cellar, conjuring up a wonderful ambience. A small, convivial bar of many decades standing, Casa Revuelta serves excellent boneless fried cod.</p>



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<p>La Venecia is an old-style bar where Sherry is poured straight from the barrel. A great place to soak up the essence of Madrid, it is just a short walk from Plaza de Santa Ana and simply drips with Spanish history. Spanish-style hot chocolate – thick, dark and strong – has been served at Chocolateria San Ginés since 1894, along with churros (fried dough) for dunking.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Living culture</h3>



<p>From a culinary night out to a cultural feast, Teatro Circo Price is the home of avant-garde theatrical performances, while Corral de la Moreria offers the chance to watch superb flamenco dancing and dine on innovative Spanish fare. Café Central draws admirers of jazz. La Noche Boca Arriba, a popular nightclub, proffers great food and great music.</p>


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<p>For those who like to shop before sipping Sangria or a Sherry cocktail, designer boutiques can be found in the upmarket Salamanca district, an elegant location hailed as a fashionista’s dream come true.</p>



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<p>On 12 October, Spanish National Day, the city will be abuzz with military parades, cultural performances, sporting events, street parties and communal meals. November heralds the Festival de Otoño, a joyous celebration of drama, ballet and opera; the 42nd Madrid Autumn Festival, presenting an outstanding international programme of arts; and the JazzMadrid24, featuring some of the great artists of the genre. Other festivals this autumn include Suma Flamenca, which showcases flamenco in all its enticingly splendid forms.</p>


Unreal Madrid: Stupendous art and architecture, amazing culture and incredible food all score highly in the Spanish capital 


<p>The high-rise, open-all-hours city of Seoul has many faces, from the rice-beer bars and markets to the palaces, temples, royal tombs, ancestral shrines and cultural attractions that act as magnets for tourists. For five centuries it was a dynastic seat of power, and this amazing blend of ancient history and modern-day joie-de-vivre infuses a tantalising vitality into everyday life that leaves visitors enthralled.&nbsp;</p>



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<p>A huge urban conglomeration of almost 10 million people, the South Korean capital sits about halfway down the Korean peninsula. Of course, recent history has seen Korea become a centre of geopolitical power play, and some 50 kilometres to the north is the four-kilometre-wide Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), pulling in tourists curious to witness how the country has been carved into two.&nbsp;</p>



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<p>Autumn is the best season to visit as rainfall is minimal and temperatures bearably mild. This is when the slopes of the four main surrounding mountains – Bugaksan, Inwangsan, Naksan and Namsan – take on delightful hues as leaves turn into beautiful arrays of red, yellow and orange. Another good time to visit is spring; the flowers are in bloom and cherry blossom washes a pinkish white over the city. Both seasons play host to some amazing cultural and arts festivals that accompany the joys of nature.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Palaces galore</h3>



<p>A small settlement called Hanyang at the dawn of the Joseon dynasty in 1392, Seoul was soon renamed and bounded by protective fortress walls. The city is now blessed with five palaces, the largest of which, Gyeongbokgung, was built by King Taejo in 1395 against a splendid mountain backdrop as home for the new ruling family. It has been restored twice, following destruction during the Japanese invasions of 1592 and more recently that country’s occupation from 1910-1945. On another momentous date in Korean history, Japanese assassins broke into the palace in the early hours of 8 October 1895 and murdered Empress Myeongseong.&nbsp;</p>


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<p>The scholars, eunuchs, concubines, soldiers and servants who once roamed this majestic compound have been replaced by hordes witnessing the changing of the guard and browsing two fantastic museums that bring Korea’s rich and often turbulent narrative to life. Royal artefacts in the National Palace Museum highlight the artistic pedigree of the Joseon era – royal seals, gold-embroidered traditional clothing and illustrations of court ceremonies. The National Folk Museum has three main exhibition halls replete with memorable attractions.</p>


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<p>Perhaps the most enchanting of Seoul’s palaces is Changdeokgung, built in the early 15th century as a secondary royal residence to Gyeongbokgung and now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Many royal family members lived here into the 20th century, enamoured by its aura of beauty and grace. The must-see Huwon secret garden beguiles with charming vistas of pavilions on the edge of a square lily pond. &nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Magnificent markets</h3>



<p>Following a palace tour, stop for some retail therapy at one of the city’s great markets. The hugely atmospheric Gwangjang Market is a mesmerising panoply of silk, satin and linen wholesalers congregated in a hive of alleyways during the day, joined by food stalls and vendors who stay active well into the night. Considered the merriest place to go for dinner and drinks, it is a veritable foodie’s paradise. Popular offerings include stewed pig’s trotters and snouts, gimbap (vegetables and ham wrapped in rice and rolled in sheets of seaweed) and bindaetteok (crispy pancakes of crushed mung beans and veggies fried on a skillet). Why not wash the delicacies down with the local liquors of makgeolli and soju?</p>


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<p>If seafood is your preferred choice, then Noryangjin Fish Market is the place to go with its mind-boggling variety of fresh catches. Early mornings host noisy fish auctions, while the evening is particularly picturesque and a good time to wander among the acres of shellfish, spider crabs, sea worms and other salty fare.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Night vibes</h3>



<p>Seoul is teeming with places to eat, drink and enjoy nightlife. Fine dining is showcased at Dooreyo, celebrity chef Tony Yoo’s restaurant nestled in the heart of Bukchon Hanok Village – a tourist draw of restored traditional Korean houses. Hot soups are a favourite in Korea, and high-end O’neul in Dongbinggo-dong has a wonderful rendition of yukgaejang (spicy beef soup) simmered for 12 hours. Ssuk tteok, a rice-cake hybrid tinged green with mugwort, also entices at this restaurant that champions Korean culinary traditions and techniques.</p>


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<p>Teeming with some of the capital’s best bars, clubs and restaurants, Itaewon has become a trendy night-time area and attracts many from the LGBT community. Another buzzing district, Hongdae, is saturated with nightlife hotspots, while Samcheongdong, the historic neighbourhood east of Gyeongbokgung Palace’s Gwanghwamun Gate, entices with relaxed joints for wining and dining. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cultural enrichment</h3>



<p>While famed for its glitzy K-pop stars and karaoke bars, the city has much more to offer in terms of culture, with a high concentration of museums, art institutions and galleries. You can soak up Seoul’s past and vibrant present in Samcheongdong, where art events abound during the autumn month. Art Sonje Center presents a major exhibition by Do Ho Suh, one of the most important figures in Korean contemporary art, until 3 November. The Seoul branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has an extensive collection of modern Korean and international artworks, and hosts the prestigious Korea Artist Prize annual exhibition.</p>



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<p>The Frieze Seoul art fair takes place in the upscale Gangnam district, south of the Han River, from 4-7 September, providing exposure for local and international artists. Some galleries have seized the chance to stage their debut exhibitions in South Korea alongside Frieze. For instance, until 12 October, Gagosian presents new paintings by Derrick Adams at the APMA Cabinet, which is located in the headquarters of the country’s cosmetics giant, Amorepacific.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">City oasis</h3>



<p>An attraction of a different sort, Cheonggyecheon is a long-buried stream uncovered when a raised highway was demolished. Stretching almost 11 kilometres, it has transformed the city centre, creating a riverside park that offers a calm respite from the commercial hubbub and a walking course whose banks are popular with joggers. Peruse the public art dotted along the way or pay a visit to the museum which tells its history.&nbsp; A spectacular two-week Lantern Festival is held in November, when thousands of glowing paper-and-paint sculptures float in the water, illuminating downtown Seoul in sparkling lights.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Spectacular hiking&nbsp;</h3>



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<p>There is plenty of hiking available in the city and its mountains. The Seoul City Wall trail, snaking more than 18 kilometres along the major peaks, offers a wonderful opportunity to admire myriad architectural styles from the ancient Three Kingdoms period to modern restoration work. One option is to start your circuit of the City Wall by hiking up the tallest of Seoul’s four guardian mountains, the conical-shaped Bugaksan (North Peak Mountain). This is considered a most spectacular section of the City Wall trail, running for about 2.5km and rising steeply from Changuimun, one of the ‘four small gates’ in the City Wall. Another beautiful trail is Naksan, which is the lowest of the four guardian mountains and is blessed with the arty neighbourhood of Thwa-dong on its slopes.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Great views</h3>



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<p>For some of the best views of the city, the section of the City Wall at Inwangsan takes some beating. The hike involves climbing past some incredible weirdly shaped rocks and giant boulders, but the trek is worth it for the most amazing views of Seoul, offering a complete panorama of this spectacular city. Several of the majestic palaces are clearly visible as well as much of the glorious Seoul City Wall, especially the sections where it meanders its course along Bugaksan, Naksan and Namsan. Hikers at this wonderful viewing point can clearly discern how the guardian mountains formed a protective shield for the old city nestled inside.</p>


Sensational Seoul: Beyond K-pop hype, the city’s glorious palaces and majestic surrounding mountains endure


<p>In a world where the cost of living keeps rising, experiencing true luxury and opulence can feel out of reach for many. However, an alluring travel trend is allowing more people than ever before to step into the shoes of royalty – if only for a night or two. Around the globe, a growing number of former palaces and grand estates have been painstakingly transformed into world-class luxury hotels, offering guests a chance to live like kings and queens.</p>



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<p>Besides the draw of their architectural magnificence, these unique properties afford the opportunity to step back to a simpler time and experience the rarefied world of royalty and aristocracy. At Villa d’Este in Italy, you can sip Prosecco while relaxing on the very same outdoor terraces that once hosted European princes. At the Taj Lake Palace in India, you will be waited on hand and foot by an army of discreet, highly trained staff, just as the Maharajas once were. At Ashford Castle in Ireland, you can imagine yourself as a lord or lady of the manor, exploring the same tapestry-lined halls that have borne witness to centuries of history.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Aman_Aman_Summer_Palace_Gallery_3_edit-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82955" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Aman_Aman_Summer_Palace_Gallery_3_edit-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Aman_Aman_Summer_Palace_Gallery_3_edit-280x280.jpg 280w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Aman_Aman_Summer_Palace_Gallery_3_edit-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Aman_Aman_Summer_Palace_Gallery_3_edit-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Aman_Aman_Summer_Palace_Gallery_3_edit-200x200.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Aman_Aman_Summer_Palace_Gallery_3_edit-800x800.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Aman_Aman_Summer_Palace_Gallery_3_edit-100x100.jpg 100w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Aman_Aman_Summer_Palace_Gallery_3_edit.jpg 2000w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>Of course, these ancient palaces and castles also offer ample modern comforts and amenities to complement their historic charms. Lavish spas, Michelin-starred restaurants, state-of-the-art fitness centres and beautifully appointed guest rooms ensure that every creature comfort is catered to. The level of personalised service is unparalleled, with many maintaining a nearly one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio, with butlers, concierges and other attendants anticipating every need.</p>



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<p>So, whether you are celebrating a special occasion, planning the ultimate romantic getaway, or simply craving a taste of the high life, consider indulging in a stay at one of these storied hotels. From quaffing Champagne in a marble-clad palace suite to gliding across a tranquil lake in a private boat, the chance to live like royalty, if only for a moment, is an experience you’ll never forget.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Historic Charm</h3>



<p>Palace hotels are able to balance their historic legacy with modern luxury amenities through a fastidious approach to restoration and renovation. At their very core is the preservation of the original architectural details and character of the buildings. Great care is taken to maintain features like ornate mouldings, grand staircases, intricate tilework and towering ceilings. Furnishings and décor often pay homage to the property’s past, with antique furniture, vintage artwork and traditional textiles and materials.</p>


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<p>The goal is to enable guests to feel truly immersed in the history and grandeur of the place as if they have been transported back in time. At the Aman Summer Palace in Beijing, for example, the guest rooms are housed in a series of refurbished Qing dynasty pavilions, allowing visitors to experience the elegant aesthetics of that era. And at Ashford Castle, the 13th-century castle walls and towers have been meticulously restored and maintained.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Modern Essentials</h3>



<p>While the historic shell of the palace is preserved, the hotel management companies diligently integrate all the modern amenities that today’s discerning travellers expect. This often involves thoughtful additions and renovations that do not compromise the integrity of the original architecture.</p>



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<p>The goal is to create a harmonious fusion of old and new, where guests can experience the elegance and refinement of a bygone era alongside modern comforts and conveniences. The resulting effect is a sense of luxury that is both timelessly regal and freshly contemporary. Visitors are made to feel not just like esteemed guests but as illustrious members of a former ruling class.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lakeside Luxury</h3>



<p>One of the most iconic examples of this trend can be found on the shores of Italy’s picturesque Lake Como. Villa d’Este has welcomed nobility, celebrities and the international elite since first opening its doors as a hotel in 1873. Originally built in the 16th century as the summer residence of a Cardinal, this sprawling villa features stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture, meticulously manicured gardens, and a world-famous floating pool that appears to drift on the lake’s surface. Today, its sumptuous guest rooms, suites and private villas, refined dining and impeccable service have made Villa d’Este a bucket-list destination for luxury travellers.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="658" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/taj-lake-palace-recovered_p-1024x658.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82960" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/taj-lake-palace-recovered_p-1024x658.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/taj-lake-palace-recovered_p-436x280.jpg 436w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/taj-lake-palace-recovered_p-768x494.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/taj-lake-palace-recovered_p-1536x987.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/taj-lake-palace-recovered_p-2048x1316.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/taj-lake-palace-recovered_p-200x129.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/taj-lake-palace-recovered_p-800x514.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>Here in Asia, you’ll find another former palace that has been transformed into the ultimate in extravagant accommodation. The Taj Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur, Rajasthan, occupies a breathtaking white marble island in the middle of Lake Pichola. This 250-year-old royal residence was once the pleasure palace of the Maharana of Mewar, and its grand, ornate halls, intricately carved details and shimmering reflection in the lake’s still waters create a sense of pure enchantment. Guests arrive by private boat to be welcomed by royal guards; they can get lost in another, magical time amid the intricate network of hidden pathways and courtyards, then dine in ceremonious style on the Royal Barge.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/peakpx-9_edit-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82959" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/peakpx-9_edit-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/peakpx-9_edit-373x280.jpg 373w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/peakpx-9_edit-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/peakpx-9_edit-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/peakpx-9_edit-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/peakpx-9_edit-200x150.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/peakpx-9_edit-800x600.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>From palace to castle, the turrets, towers and sweeping grounds of Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland, have delighted guests of the landed gentry for more than 800 years; it was once the seat of the powerful Guinness family. Today, the Ashford Castle Hotel is renowned for its exceptional service and facilities. Take your meals in the George V Dining Room, the Drawing Room or the Dungeon, and experience a vast array of activities from falconry to fishing on the private lake.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Palace Pride</h3>



<p>To our north, the Aman Summer Palace conjures up the magnificence of the Qing dynasty. After exploring the imperial marvels of the Summer Palace, guests can relax in the hotel’s own serene gardens and partake in calligraphy or the tea ceremony in the Cultural Pavilion before retreating to their luxurious suites, which seamlessly blend traditional Chinese design with modern amenities.</p>


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<p>On the other side of the world, another palatial wonder awaits in the bustling seaside city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Conceived by the president as the country’s premier hotel, the Copacabana Palace opened in 1923, and its striking neoclassical façade, grand marble staircase and iconic swimming pool have made it an enduring symbol of old-world glamour. Over the decades, this legendary hotel has hosted everyone from royal families to Hollywood’s biggest stars, who come to enjoy its splendid service, fine dining, prime beachfront location, and during the Rio Carnival, sensational Copa Ball.</p>


Royal Highness: Revel like royalty at grand palace hotels where monarchs and aristocrats once slept

Breathtaking Bhutan: The mountainous kingdom is steeped in rich cultural tradition and stupendous natural beauty


<p>The world’s best beaches, lush tropical vegetation, great cuisine and friendly, fun-loving people are just some of the charms of the beguiling islands in the Indian Ocean known as the Seychelles. The East African island nation comprises 115 isles scattered like sapphires and emeralds to form a multifaceted archipelago that represents an unforgettable experience for holidaymakers and honeymooners.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="556" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/708e88e1b60d8f6152da3e8b3fa9fb4dcd8364895f59f64bb52feb985f0ab4f0-1024x556.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82318" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/708e88e1b60d8f6152da3e8b3fa9fb4dcd8364895f59f64bb52feb985f0ab4f0-1024x556.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/708e88e1b60d8f6152da3e8b3fa9fb4dcd8364895f59f64bb52feb985f0ab4f0-516x280.jpg 516w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/708e88e1b60d8f6152da3e8b3fa9fb4dcd8364895f59f64bb52feb985f0ab4f0-768x417.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/708e88e1b60d8f6152da3e8b3fa9fb4dcd8364895f59f64bb52feb985f0ab4f0-1536x833.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/708e88e1b60d8f6152da3e8b3fa9fb4dcd8364895f59f64bb52feb985f0ab4f0-2048x1111.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/708e88e1b60d8f6152da3e8b3fa9fb4dcd8364895f59f64bb52feb985f0ab4f0-200x109.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/708e88e1b60d8f6152da3e8b3fa9fb4dcd8364895f59f64bb52feb985f0ab4f0-800x434.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>The main, populated islands lie a few degrees south of the equator and rise from shallow banks to mountainous granite; others are tiny coral formations. They have a tropical climate with consistent temperatures throughout the year that seldom rise above 32⁰C. The months from May to October are perhaps the most pleasant time to visit, although there can be occasional southeasterly monsoon rains.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Creole charm</h3>



<p>About 100,000 people inhabit Seychelles, a presidential republic which became independent from the United Kingdom in 1976. Given that there is no indigenous population, Seychellois form a diverse ethnic mix of immigrants comprising French, British, African and Arab influences. The official languages are English, French and Creole, the latter being a combination of local languages mixed with the tongue of the colonial masters. The Creole spoken is Seselwa – a hybrid tongue that borrows French phonetics and syntax from its former overlords; Britain annexed the territory in 1794 during the French Revolutionary Wars. Tourism is now the mainstay of the economy.</p>


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<p>Each island has its own allure, and limiting a visit to just one would be a mistake The best option is hopping among the inner isles. Travel companies are on hand to facilitate such itineraries; many of the ships plying between the islands are agile sailing boats or traditional schooners that take a maximum of 16 passengers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wildlife haven</h3>



<p>Above all, the islands are a blaze of colour and a botanical feast, spawning unique flora and fauna particularly reptiles and birds. Much of Seychelles’ natural beauty has been carefully preserved and there are many protected areas.</p>


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<p>Native to Seychelles is the magnificent coco de mer tree, whose seed (the sea coconut) is the largest in the botanical world. The trunk populates the densest of forests, while the nut itself can weigh up to 30 kilograms and its erotic shape has made it the fruit of folklore.</p>



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<p>Another highlight is the number of giant tortoises, estimated to be about 100,000-strong, with many living on the World Heritage Site of Aldabra, the world’s second-largest coral atoll. They can also be spotted on Frégate Island, and Moyenne Island in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. An Aldabra giant tortoise called Esmeralda, which roams around Bird Island, is thought to be more than 180 years old.</p>


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<p>Amazing exotic birds such as the white tern, paradise flycatcher and Aldabra drongo, a beautiful songbird, can be glimpsed on many of the islands.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tropical diversity</h3>



<p>The islands are covered in dense tropical forests of amazing diversity, especially at the higher elevations, and are home to many ornamental plants that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. For instance, the aromatic Seychelles vanilla orchid is blessed with large white flowers and is unique to the islands. Coconut and cinnamon trees, as well as spice plants, add to this fragrant botanical playground.</p>



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<p>Areas of natural beauty abound, including the Morne Seychellois National Park on the largest island, Mahé. The Sainte Anne Marine National Park is just five kilometres offshore and is the spawning ground for hawksbill sea turtles; its bountiful aquatic creatures and diverse seagrasses also draw sightseers. The Curieuse National Park off the coast of Praslin is also rich in ocean life.</p>



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<p>Ultimately, Seychelles offers many outdoor activities centred around birdwatching, fishing, diving, snorkelling and cruising. Glass-bottomed boat tours are an option.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Honeymoon isles</h3>



<p>Some of the islands serve as exclusive resorts. Most notably, the world-famous eco-resort – considered the ultimate in luxury in the midst of unspoilt nature – that attracts wealthy tourists to North Island. One of a handful of privately owned Seychelles islands, this was the honeymoon destination of Prince William and Kate Middleton, who surely took advantage of its environmental credentials and various activities, from mountain biking to paddle boarding. Opened in 2003, the North Island Marriott Luxury Collection Resort boasts a range of splendid bungalows secluded along the beach and coastline, each shielded within their own private enclave from spying eyes. Guests can tap into the valuable insights of expert researchers about nature conservation on the island.</p>


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<p>North Island was the first in the Seychelles to be explored by Europeans in 1609. It soon became a suitable hideout for pirates who made use of its many coves and caves dotted along the coast. Settlers made their living out of coconut plantations and harvesting other fruit. When this industry collapsed, the island was abandoned and much of the wildlife died out.</p>


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<p>In the mid-1990s, private investment enabled the restoration of its natural habitat. Indigenous animal and bird populations have once again settled here and are thriving on an island which is one of the most fertile in the archipelago. Such was its beauty that Victorian biologist and artist Marianne North, known for her prolific output of plant and landscape paintings, stopped off here during her many travels to ink out on canvas its natural wonders.</p>



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<p>Other Seychelles’ private island getaways favoured by the rich and famous as honeymoon destinations are Desroches (home to the Four Seasons), Denis, Cousine and Frégate Island Private.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mahé magic</h3>



<p>By far the largest island in the Seychelles is Mahé, full of palm trees, unspoilt beaches and the nation’s capital, Victoria, a peaceful urban retreat in the north. The Morne Seychellois peak, situated southwest of the capital and rising to a height of 905 metres, is just one of the picturesque lofty mountains often atmospherically shrouded by mist. Mahé is dotted with luxury resorts, and to the south, at Anse Intendance, lies one of the most breathtaking bays in the world.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USE-THIS-ONE-2f7e81d89dd4a95f3b5a858336c3f01975e0d31575101ef960ce57407d84580e-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82327" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USE-THIS-ONE-2f7e81d89dd4a95f3b5a858336c3f01975e0d31575101ef960ce57407d84580e-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USE-THIS-ONE-2f7e81d89dd4a95f3b5a858336c3f01975e0d31575101ef960ce57407d84580e-419x280.jpg 419w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USE-THIS-ONE-2f7e81d89dd4a95f3b5a858336c3f01975e0d31575101ef960ce57407d84580e-768x513.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USE-THIS-ONE-2f7e81d89dd4a95f3b5a858336c3f01975e0d31575101ef960ce57407d84580e-200x134.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USE-THIS-ONE-2f7e81d89dd4a95f3b5a858336c3f01975e0d31575101ef960ce57407d84580e-800x534.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/USE-THIS-ONE-2f7e81d89dd4a95f3b5a858336c3f01975e0d31575101ef960ce57407d84580e.jpg 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Victoria is a tiny capital by modern standards, but there are plenty of attractions to keep the visitor occupied. Architecturally, the famous Victoria Clock Tower – constructed in 1903 and known as Little Big Ben – stands in the centre. The imposing Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is built in French colonial style, while not far off is the splendid Capuchin House.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Seafood and soufflé</h3>



<p>Seychelles cuisine is appealingly fresh and down to earth. Fish dishes are the mainstay, with lobster, crab and crayfish usually served grilled. Ladob banan is a popular dessert of banana cooked in coconut milk with sugar, salt and vanilla.</p>


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<p>Chez Plume on the west coast of Mahé is an excellent French Creole seafood restaurant surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. It offers a superb passion-fruit soufflé. The Anchor Cafe is a good place to catch the sunset and enjoy the catch of the day. The restaurant at the hilltop Le Jardin du Roi, set among spice plants and fruit and ornamental trees, has amazing cinnamon- and lemon-grass-flavoured ice cream. Mahé also offers tropical island nightlife in the form of lively bars and clubs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sustainable tourism</h3>



<p>The Seychelles is one of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) which have been encouraged by the United Nations to develop sustainable tourism. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of the Seychelles, Sylvestre Radegonde, recently outlined how many players in the tourism sector are involved in a certification programme linked to climate change and mitigation adaption. To become Sustainable Seychelles certified, participants need to implement a variety of climate actions as part of their daily operations concerned with waste management, energy efficiency, water management, conservation and community involvement. The issuance of the first blue bond in 2018 by the government was designed to raise funds for marine conservation and sustainable fisheries. The funds raised have already facilitated the expansion of marine protected areas and sustainable tourism development.</p>


Seychelles Serendipity: Astonishing natural beauty awaits daily discovery on these idyllic islands east of Africa 

Bermuda Bounties: The many charms of this British territory extend from pink beaches to pastel cottages


<p>Goa is rightly considered one of the most desirable destinations in India. It boasts beautiful long, palm-fringed beaches, tranquil backwaters, a slew of historic buildings emanating from its Portuguese colonial past and amazing parties. Its unique blend of the East and West differentiates the state from the rest of the vast expanse of the Indian subcontinent.</p>


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<p>This melting pot of influences borders the Arabian Sea on India’s west coast and is located some 500 kilometres south of teeming Mumbai. Its favourable coastal location made it an ideal trading location over the centuries; before the Portuguese arrived in 1510, Hindu merchants flourished, trading spices, silk, pearls and horses. Arab, South Asian, East African and Mediterranean cultures have been fused into the Goan identity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rome of the East</h3>



<p>The Portuguese added a significant layer to the architectural landscape, not least because the new rulers forcibly converted many Hindus and Buddhists to Catholicism. Old Goa, the site of Goa’s former capital before it was moved to Panjim (now Panaji), is dotted with ornate structures dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Such was its grandeur that it was once known as the ‘Rome of the East’ and many of the imposing churches and cathedrals are still in use or have been converted to museums.</p>


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<p>The standout is Se Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina), one of the largest cathedrals in Asia, measuring an awesome 76 metres long and 55 metres wide. Construction began in 1562 under the auspices of King Sebastian I of Portugal, and it took 90 years to complete. The building is noted for its plain, Tuscan style and a lopsided look resulting from the loss of one of its bell towers after a lightning strike. The other tower contains the Golden Bell (Sino de Ouro), famed for the richness of its tone. Inside are several fine carvings and splendidly decorated chapels.</p>


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<p>Perhaps one of the most famous buildings in the Christian world, the Basilica of Bom Jesus was completed in 1605 and contains the tomb of St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. The saintliness of this missionary was such that his mostly incorruptible body has miraculously survived – so the story goes ¬– for almost 500 years. His remains are kept in a silver casket and viewed by the public once every 10 years. The next decennial exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier takes place between 21 November 2024 and 5 January 2025 and will undoubtedly draw thousands of awestruck pilgrims from across the world.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Capital gains</h3>



<p>The modern-day capital of the most laid-back state of India is wedged between the Mandovi and Zuari rivers in central Goa, just a 20-minute drive from Old Goa. Exploring Panaji’s historic Latin Quarter of Fontainhas, home to quaint, narrow streets and ochre-coloured mansions with terracotta-tiled roofs, is a delightful and photogenic experience. The pretty Chapel of St Sebastian holds a striking crucifix harking back to the time of the Goa Inquisition.</p>


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<p>Panaji hosts a slew of other cultural attractions including the Goa State Museum, housed in the oldest Portuguese-era building in Goa. Elaborately carved furniture used during the brutal 250-year inquisition as well as beautiful Hindi and Jain sculptures decorate its halls. Visitors to the capital will also discover plenty of superb galleries, temples, restaurants and nightlife establishments. A popular walking-tour operator, Make It Happen, offers local insight into Goan history and culture through guided peeks into heritage homes, and for lovers of Portuguese music, a fado performance.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Spice and all things nice</h3>



<p>After a stroll around the Latin Quarter, relax and enjoy the wonderfully diverse local cuisine. Goan food is influenced by abundant seafood from the Arabian Sea, the enclave’s historic location along the spice route, and Portuguese cooking techniques. Sorpotel, for instance, is a Portuguese stew made of liver, heart, and tongue of pork or other meat that was adopted by Goan Catholics.</p>


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<p>Hotel Venite, with its balcony tables overlooking charming cobbled streets, presents authentic Goan cuisine, with vegetable vindaloo served with Portuguese-spiced sausages and rice, fish curry rice, pepper steak and bebinca, a traditional sticky, seven-layer cake made of eggs, coconut, sugar, ghee and flour. The balcony of the cosy Riverfront restaurant overlooks the creek and Old Patto Bridge and its sister pub – called Down the Road – makes for a nice nightspot with occasional live music.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Trance of a lifetime</h3>



<p>Cruises along the Mandovi River may afford a glimpse of a dolphin gliding through the water or a mugger crocodile basking in the estuary. Such tourist excursions are often accompanied by live bands and renditions of Goan folk songs and dances, with some private operators running what can best to described as ‘party’ cruises. Panaji is also noted for its floating casinos, operating ‘offshore’.</p>


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<p>Anjuna in North Goa was once the epicentre of the hippie party scene. Indeed, as far back as its 16th-century boozy Portuguese sailors, Goa acquired a reputation for all-night drinking parties, much to the consternation of the locals. Infamous drug-fuelled trance parties in the 1990s led to a government crackdown, and now the psychedelia takes place on special occasions such as Christmas, New Year or full-moon nights. The legendary Anjuna dive of Curlies received a demolition notice, but you can still get your party fix at Hill Top in Vagator and venues in and around Morjim.</p>


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<p>Anjuna is also famous for its weekly Wednesday flea market, where exotic merchandise sourced from all over India delivers a fascinating injection of local life. The Friday market at Mapusa provides fresh produce, spices and textiles.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Natural pleasures</h3>



<p>Goa has become world famous for its beaches, and the sandy stretches of North Goa, particularly at Baga and Calangute, draw the biggest crowds. There is a booming nightlife scene, trendy bars and restaurants, yoga retreats and easy access to water sports, such as parasailing, jet- and water-skiing, scuba diving and snorkelling.</p>


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<p>In South Goa, the curved, palm-fringed beach at Palolem, with its golden sands, balmy waters, gentle-swaying palm trees and water sports in the sheltered bay, is one of Goa’s most postcard-perfect spots. Even quieter beaches at Patnem and Agonda are not far off, and beautiful Butterfly Beach can be reached by hiring a boat from Palolem while taking in an unspoilt coastline.</p>



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<p>Just nine kilometres southeast of Palolem is Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, where an overnight stay increases the likelihood of spying on various species of monkey, deer and the occasional panther. Goa offers numerous other natural attractions, such as bird sanctuaries, spice plantations and the mountainous splendour of the Western Ghats.</p>


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<p>This hedonistic state loves to put on a colourful festival and indulge in nonstop revelry. Aside from the many Catholic feast days, traditional Hindu celebrations such as Diwali and Shantadurga are celebrated, as is the International Film Festival of India, held in Goa, generally in November, since 2004.</p>


Goa Glow: India’s west-coast paradise entices with its colonial churches, beaches, spices and intoxicating nightlife


<p>The only city in the world constructed purely on waterways, Venice has a beguiling beauty. It has over the years provided an endless canvass for writers, painters and philosophers and the backdrop for haunting films. Packed with palazzi and other must-see cultural attractions, this most remarkable of Italian destinations oozes charm, with the lapping canal water leaving an indelible mark on bewitched visitors.</p>



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<p>Perched upon more than 120 islands within a sheltered lagoon, the maritime melting pot was the centre of a formidable Venetian trading monopoly in the Middle Ages and Renaissance era; legendary 13th-century merchant-explorer Marco Polo called it home. Inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List in 1987, the city has seen its population dwindle by more than half since the end of the Second World War to less than 50,000 today. Talk of its demise is nothing new, and Unesco has twice considered declaring this wonder of the world endangered as it combats a multitude of existential threats, from tourist overcrowding to subsidence.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Grand tour</h3>



<p>The six districts of Venice lie either side of the majestic watercourse known as the Grand Canal, the main artery of the city. There are an estimated 3,000 alleys to explore and 400 bridges to cross. Ponte de Chiodo is the one remaining bridge with no parapet (side wall or rail).</p>



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<p>A voyage down the Grand Canal – Canalazzo to the locals – reveals more than 200 ornate palaces and grand houses lining the banks. The vaporetto (water bus) starts at Piazzale Roma and snakes through the city on waters full of colourful flotillas of gondolas, ferries, taxi launches, high- speed police boats and barges stacked high with fresh produce. Ferry line No. 1 takes in all stops and offers the best views. If possible, grab outside seats at the front or rear of the boat for the full journey to San Marco, Venice’s foremost district, then return in order to drink in the full scenic glory of the palazzi from the opposite direction. A night- time boat trip is perhaps even more magical.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Building bridges</h3>



<p>The ride passes under some splendid bridges. Dating from 1588, the Ponte di Rialto is perhaps the most famous – an iconic eight-metre-high structure with a span of 28 metres positioned at the narrowest point of the Grand Canal. The bridge is the central focus of the city’s commercial hub, the Rialto. Here the wet market, full of luscious fruit, vegetables and fish, is a treat for the senses and has enlivened the quayside since medieval times.</p>



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<p>San Giacomo di Rialto, the oldest church in Venice, is located nearby. To cross the Grand Canal here board a traghetto, a large gondola in which passengers traditionally remain standing. No visit to Venice would be complete, of course, without floating along some part of the canal network in a black-painted, flat-bottomed, banana-shaped boat guided by an expert gondolier – musical serenade optional.</p>



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<p>Another notable bridge on the Grand Canal is the Ponte dell’ Accademia. This wooden structure erected temporarily in 1932 has become a much- loved permanent fixture and affords superb views of waterborne life.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Masters of art</h3>



<p>Riva del Vin, one of the few banks of the canal with pavement access, hosts a clutch of open- air restaurants and hotels. The colossal Baroque palace of Ca’ Pesaro houses the city’s modern art collection and is beautifully floodlit at night. Works by 19th- and 20th-century masters such as Gustav Klimt and Marc Chagall and a strong Italian assemblage are highlights.</p>



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<p>Also located on the Grand Canal is Italy’s leading museum for 20th-century European and American art, the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni, which houses the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. The American mining heiress, who began amassing magnificent paintings while living in Paris in the 1920s, relocated to the 18th-century Venetian palace after the war.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Around the square</h3>



<p>Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) is adorned with monuments that bear testimony to Venice’s rich history. Here you will find the great Basilica di San Marco cathedral church, considered the perfect architectural fusion of East and West. Booking a guided visit beforehand is recommended to avoid the queues. The building has been replaced twice, with much of today’s church hailing from 1071, and it became the city’s cathedral in 1807.</p>


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<p>Striking exterior details include the original mosaic over the leftmost door – depicting the transfer of St Mark’s body from Alexandria to Venice – and Romanesque carvings above the central door. The interior is embellished with resplendent historical works of art. The Basilica Museum houses the famed quarter of gilt-bronze horses looted from Constantinople by Venetian forces during the Crusades.</p>



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<p>Adjoining the basilica is the Doge’s Palace, a superb combination of Byzantine, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Construction began in 1340 and it served as the powerhouse of the city’s rulers until 1797, when Napoleon’s occupation of Italy ended the Republic of Venice. The building became a museum in 1923 and contains terrific works from Venetian painters such as Titian, Tintoretto and Bellini.</p>


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<p>Blessed with many architectural styles, Campo Santa Margherita (St Margaret’s Square) is another lovely square. Its cafes provide charming rest stops to sit and soak up the bustling life of thriving market stalls.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Food with a view</h3>



<p>Turning to dining delights, Venetian restaurants range in style from cool 18th-century refinement to rustic gentility. Venice embraces a wide range of foreign communities and this influence has given rise to Italy’s most eclectic and subtle cooking, according to many culinary experts. The elegant terrace of Grand Canal Restaurant at Hotel Monaco &amp; Grand Canal in San Marco offers picture-postcard views over the lagoon. Venetian, Italian and international dishes are served including fish soup, vegetable risotto and scampi.</p>


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<p>Next door is the legendary watering hole of Ernest Hemingway and many other writers, painters, artists and aristocrats. The success of Harry’s Bar has been attributed to personalised service and lack of imposition. The Bellini aperitivo is said to be invented here and the food is good, too, with an emphasis on classic Italian dishes.</p>



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<p>Originally a 1720s coffee house, Antico Martini is another Venetian institution. Located in San Fantin Square beside La Fenice Opera House, it is a lovely place to sit and watch the sun go down. The warm historical ambience, excellent Italian menu and wonderful background music draw in the crowds.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Festia pizzazz</h3>



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<p>Venice is host to a multitude of fantastic festivals. The most famous, the Carnival, is a spectacular parade of masked, caped and gowned revellers staged during the 10 days prior to Lent. In 2024, the city’s internationally acclaimed film festival will take place from 28 August to 7 September, while music lovers can enjoy evening concerts at various venues – in palaces, churches and the open-air – throughout the year. The word regatta originated in Venice, and an amazing historical water pageant precedes a competitive race around the lagoon on 1 September.</p>
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Venetian Finds: With water everywhere and palaces galore, Venice captivates the imagination like no other city


<p>Prague is one of the most majestic and architecturally amazing cities in Europe. This ancient settlement, once the capital of the Kingdom of Bohemia, is a gem from a bygone age whose splendid buildings are seemingly unspoilt by modernism, war or natural disaster. The city’s core remains intact and world-famous structures date back more than 10 centuries.</p>



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<p>A bird’s eye view of Prague would reveal a melting pot of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque landmarks, plus some 19th-century revivals and a sprinkling of 20th-century Art Nouveau. The tightly knit architectural haven is ideal for visitors to spend joyous days wandering through beautiful alleyways, passages and cul-de-sacs before heading back to one of many luxury hotels now populating the Czech Republic’s main city.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bridging the past</h3>



<p>A dawn crossing of Charles Bridge, a magnificent 14th-century bridge lined with Baroque statues that spans the Vltava River, is considered a quintessential Prague experience. The excursion from the Old Town to the Lesser Town or Little Quarter is made even more memorable by an approach under the arch below Old Town Bridge Tower, which itself is considered one of the finest Gothic buildings in the world. Here, the rib-vaulted viewing gallery provides wonderful views of Prague’s 1,000-year-old hilltop castle. The bridge became pedestrianised after the Second World War, having nobly withstood five centuries of wheeled traffic – its sturdy sandstone blocks were strengthened (according to legend) by mixing the mortar with egg yolk.</p>


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<p>The structure’s series of Baroque statues (some are copies, with the originals residing in Czech museums) stare indifferently at the assembled gathering of buskers, jazz bands, hawkers and tourists. One of the artistically most remarkable is the sculpture of St Luitgard, dating from 1710 and based on the vision of a nun kissing the wounds of Christ.</p>


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<p>The Little Quarter Bridge Tower, on the opposite river bank, also affords superb views of this glorious City of 100 Spires. Aside from an early morning visit, the bridge is one of many great places to watch the sunset.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Prince of the castle</h3>



<p>Occupying a high and commanding position above the river, Prague Castle was founded in the ninth century by Prince Bořivoj. Its walls enclose a complex of palaces, churches, halls, a monastery and picturesque artisans’ cottages – a little village in its own right.</p>


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<p>Czechia’s beating heart, the castle has huge cultural and historic significance; it boasts buildings from every period of the country’s history and has contained the seat of presidential power since 1918. There are also many physical treasures within these walls, such as the Bohemian crown jewels and exquisite works of art in Lobkowicz Palace from the former royal family’s private collection. The Prague Castle Picture Gallery contains wonderful paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries, with works by Titian and Rubens among the highlights, as well as some impressive sculptures.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gothic glory</h3>



<p>One of Europe’s most beautiful urban spaces, Old Town Square is a must-visit. Dotted with fine historical attractions, it has been the city’s main marketplace since the 11th century and remains a focal point, with a tourist information centre, plus numerous restaurants, cafés, shops and galleries. The south side of the square has an array of fine Romanesque and Gothic houses, while the east side is home to the Rococo-style Kinsky Palace, now an art museum whose façade is dressed with elaborate stucco decoration, and the 13th-century Stone Bell House, restored as a Gothic palace.</p>


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<p>Another of the city’s top attractions is the Old Town Hall, established in 1338 after King John of Luxembourg allowed the district to have its own council. Carefully restored following damage sustained during a 1945 uprising against the Nazis, the complex embraces a row of immaculate Gothic and Renaissance buildings, some of which are open to the public. Atop the Old Town Hall tower is a famous astronomical clock that features, on the hour, a medieval marionette show lasting 45 seconds.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Worship wonders</h3>



<p>Important religious landmarks include St Vitus Cathedral, located within Prague Castle and the country’s largest church. Work on the Gothic building began in 1344 and was finally completed in the 19th and 20th centuries. The first church on the site dates back to 930 and was built at the request of Wenceslaus I, Duke of Bohemia – “Good King Wenceslas” of carol fame was murdered five years later. He became the patron saint of the Czech state, and his tomb can be found within the cathedral, along with the aforementioned crown jewels.</p>


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<p>Constructed in the first half of the 18th century, the Church of St Nicholas is a Baroque masterpiece in the storybook setting of the Lesser Town. It was the brainchild of father-and-son architects Christoph and Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer, Prague’s greatest exponents of High Baroque. Its statues, frescoes and paintings are by preeminent artists of their time, notably including Karel Škréta’s Crucifixion.</p>


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<p>The Prague Jewish Museum is also worth a visit. It encompasses half a dozen ancient synagogues, a ceremonial hall and former mortuary, plus the Old Jewish Cemetery, all clustered together in a corner of the Old Town.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cultural cheers</h3>



<p>Prague is famous for its beer, or pivo in the native tongue, with the Czechs being among the world’s most enthusiastic beer drinkers. The country perfected the first Pilsner-style lager, the Pilsner Urquell 1842, and the pub is a focal point of Czech culture, a place to have fun, discuss art and put the world to right. The city is awash with breweries, large, small and micro, and craft beers. Favourites include Ležák, a classic pale lager; the yeast beer Kvasnicové; and the coffee-flavoured Kávové.</p>


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<p>A few minutes from the castle, U Černého vola Beerhall is one of the best-known old-school pubs, serving classic snacks such as pickled camembert- style cheese, head cheese with onions or baked ham and eggs. Another good watering hole is U Hrocha, located near the British embassy. There are also plenty of late-night drinking spots and dance clubs to party into the small hours. Studio 54’s reputation as an excellent after-hours club playing a wide range of music is well-earned.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cracking pork</h3>



<p>The Czechs are also known for their fondness for pork (vepřový maso), with roast pork, pork goulash (vepřový guláš) and pork schnitzel (vepřový řízek) heading the menu. Boiled bread dumplings (knedlíky) are perfect for soaking up the gravy, while tomato, cucumber, lettuce and pickled cabbage add colour and crunch to local plates.</p>


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<p>Ensconced within an iconic Old Town building, La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise prepares modern dishes inspired by 19th-century cuisine and serves them in tasting feasts of up to 11 courses. For panoramic views of this ancient city, visit Villa Richter, where gastronomic delights and exceptional wines can be enjoyed amid the St Wenceslas vineyards of Prague Castle, the oldest in the country.</p>


Bohemia Rhapsodies: The ancient spires of Prague nod to a city steeped in history and charm


<p>The remote paradise of El Nido has gained international repute over recent years for its magnificent white-sand beaches, abrupt limestone formations, luscious turquoise waters and amazing coral reefs that are a magnet for scuba divers. As its accessibility has improved, so has its appeal, and it is now one of the most popular resort destinations in the Philippines. Its location in northern Palawan provides the perfect gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, where fabulous island-hopping tours of surreal lagoons and world-famous beaches will take your breath away.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Natural beauty</h3>



<p>The northern reaches of Palawan island – the largest province in the Philippines – boasts many scenic locations that are staunchly preserved and attractive villages with tree-lined streets. Here, the indigenous Bataks with their dark skin and curly hair look unlike most Filipinos. Dwindling in numbers, these once nomadic people have settled in river valleys along the eastern coastline.</p>


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<p>The municipality of El Nido is fronted by karst limestone cliffs similar to the spectacular rock formations of Guilin in China or Phang Nga Bay in Thailand. These days, its many charms and luxurious accommodations can be conveniently accessed by a flight from Manila that lasts just over an hour. Before the local airport was built, though, the town could only be reached via road from the coastal city of Puerto Princesa about 238 kilometres to the south – a rather precarious journey that could at times fray the nerves. This area is also home to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park, acclaimed as a natural wonder of the world for its underground habitat of cathedral caverns, massive stalactites, icy lagoons and swooshing bats.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Birds’ eye views</h3>



<p>El Nido means ‘the nest’ in Spanish and is so- called as swiftlets flock to the nooks and crannies of the towering black cliffs to build their homes. Unlike most birds, who conventionally gather twigs, dead leaves, grass or feathers to construct nests, the swiftlets – or balinsasayaw as they are known here – use their own saliva, which hardens when exposed to the air. Locals clamber up rickety bamboo scaffolding to harvest these prized edible nests from the high crags and caves.</p>


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<p>The precious nature of this culinary ingredient is reflected in the hazardous method of collection, the loneliness of guarding the scaffolds and nests from poachers, and the effort involved in separating hardened saliva from inedible leaves or feathers. Bird’s nest, often made into soup, is thought by some to have aphrodisiac and youth- preserving properties. It is also said to boost the immune system and strengthen the lungs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">French destination</h3>



<p>El Nido has thrived on human endeavour as well as birdlife, with many fine restaurants and beachside bars built so holidaymakers can sit and watch the sun go down. The town has become a favourite destination for French travellers. A beachfront watering and eating hole exuding a relaxed vibe, La Plage Sunset Restaurant &amp; Bar is noted for its French and Asian cuisine and the added luxury of a pool overlooking the beautiful bay. Boasting one of the region’s best hotel bars, La Salangane is also famous for French cuisine – including vegetarian options – and making its own uniquely flavoured rums.</p>


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<p>The El Nido Boutique Artcafé, not far from the beach, is another excellent place to eat, drink, relax and soak up the gorgeous surroundings. It has excellent salads using lettuce and arugula from its own organic farm, homemade bread, seafood, curry, pizza and scrumptious sweets like pineapple upside-down cake and chocolate and mango tarts. Live acts perform at least five nights a week while guests sip smoothies, cocktails, beers or wine and take in the sea breeze and stunning views. The venue also acts as a travel centre, offering domestic-flight bookings and local land and sea transportation for trips around El Nido’s famous hotspots.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Marine pleasures</h3>



<p>Indeed, El Nido has a slew of diving and tour centres since the most popular activities are island-hopping and snorkelling. It is a haven for lovers of aquatic sports, and visitors can become PADI-certified divers while on vacation. The municipality comprises 45 islands and 50 beaches, some of which have been voted among the world’s finest.</p>


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<p>Excursions to the limestone outcrops of Bacuit Bay zip through crystalline waters containing hundreds of species of fish and coral. Much of the area has been given marine-protected status and the health of the underwater ecosystem is monitored. This is a mesmerising landscape of jagged limestone islands, white, sandy beaches, lagoons and coves that leaves a deep impression whether you are underwater or simply soaking up the vista on a beautiful beach.</p>


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<p>Numerous upmarket, honeymoon-worthy resorts have pool, beach and canopy villas dotted around these majestic islands, such as Apulit Island in Taytay Bay and Miniloc Island Resort. Some flaunt their eco credentials; at Miniloc, native cottages stand on stilts right over the edge of a cove and guests are invited to hand-feed the wild fish, which will greedily gobble up all offerings.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Paradise found</h3>



<p>Miniloc Island is known for its three lagoons – Big, Small and Secret – which are all hugely photogenic. Accessed by an extremely shallow channel and surrounded by unspoiled jungle-clad karst cliffs, Big Lagoon is an enormous, unforgettable natural swimming hole where snorkellers can while away the hours among exquisite coral formations. Reaching Small Lagoon is an adventure since it involves swimming through a hole in a rock wall or paddling through on a kayak at low tide. Inside is a wonderful hidden world with a small cave waiting to be explored. Secret Lagoon is similarly dwarfed by steep basalt walls and requires crawling through a rocky crevice.</p>


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<p>Another island worth visiting in the archipelago is Pinasil, which harbours the stalactite splendour of Cathedral Cave, wide enough for motorboats to enter. At Pangulasian Island Resort, an eco-luxury island getaway, you can marvel at the brilliant white sand along the extensive stretch of beach, the jungle trials teeming with wonderful flora, and the marine sanctuary right on the doorstep of your well- appointed accommodation.</p>


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