Perhaps it’s best to visit Neuschwanstein knowing nothing of its history or the reason why it was built. The most famous of the Bavarian castles and one of Germany’s most popular day trip destinations is set in an impossibly perfect location – striking green hills rising to snow topped peaks to the south, descending into …
I remember one of my first experiences in Dublin, crawling from bar to bar during the Guinness Blues Festival which takes place each year between the months of May and June. Pubs across town host acts small and large — all blues related — and Irish and blues enthusiasts alike have yet another excuse to go …
I have had a fascination for Vienna for a long time. I am half-German and half-Turkish with a dork’s love for European Imperial history, so one of the events (two events actually) that I love to imagine the most are the two sieges of Vienna by the Turkish Ottoman Empire during the 17th century. …
Bern, Switzerland is one of those perfect little Alpine cities that could double as Santa Claus’ summer home. In fact, he probably does live there, near Albert Einstein’s old home and within laughing distance of the ‘Zytglogge’ so everyone can hear him enjoy the puppets and bells of the world famous clock tower. When Santa …
Bulgaria is an ancient nation situated along the Black Sea to the east, Romania to the north, Turkey and Greece to the south, and Serbia and Macedonia to the west. The original Bulgars and Slavs migrated to present-day Bulgaria more than 2000 years ago and established themselves as a major power in southeast Europe. For …
Rudesheim, Germany is known for two very special things: Wine and the Rhein (Rhine). It might not seem like much at first glance, but these two attractions have guaranteed a steady torrent of visitors to this quiet little town in the Rhein Valley. Rudesheim is located just a few train stops from Frankfurt am Main on the Rhine …
Ahhh York …. with its great city walls, castles and churches. For most tourists coming to this town, the medieval history of this great northern city is the major draw. The renowned City Walls stretch for about 3km and should be walked by all travelers with a just a little or a lot of time on their …
Koblenz, Germany is perfectly situated to be the beginning or the end to a cruise on the Rhine River. You can easily spend three days or more checking out the great fortresses and castles in the area, the churches that defined the city for many a century, and the dozens of Weinstuben that serve the local …
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Amsterdam, then you basically have to choose between being in the middle of the madness or being slightly removed from it. Ever since Holland decriminalized the sale and use of marijuana, this place has become a pilgrimage spot for any young rebel worth his/her weight in booze …
When I was little I believed that Cologne, the city, had magically fragrant water. I pictured a city of white spires and towers with flags, because only such a city could be the source of a world famous perfume. Funny how that image actually is not that far from the truth. Cologne is famous for …