Copenhagen is an innovative coastal city that serves as a guiding light for European fashion, public transportation, gastronomy, and environmentalism. The mix of cool canals, bridges, avant-garde architecture, beautiful schooners, and a sea of bicycles make it easy for a first-time visitor to fall into step with the Danes to get the best out of Copenhagen. Copenhagen can be expensive, but we'll ... Read Full Article
Discovering Authentic Paris and Enjoying Places that Parisiens Love
James turned to the hovering waiter. “Encore, deux cafés.” The big cups of creamy coffee arrived and soon my husband had sketched out a plan for my seventh visit to Paris, his ninety-third. He filled our September week with authentic Paris, must-see places and events that any tourist can fit around the obligatory sightseeing. We meandered down the oldest street in Paris, the Roman road ... Read Full Article
First-time Visitor Guide to Milan, Italy
More than any other city in Italy, Milan, with a city proper population of 1.3 million and metropolitan area population of 4 million, is a thriving, international, cultural, commerce center. While Rome is the place to see what remains of the old Roman civilization, Milan is where you'll find sophisticated, modern Italy. Cutting-edge fashion boutiques, trendy restaurants, world-acclaimed ... Read Full Article
First Time Visitor’s Guide To Krakow, Poland
Krakow is one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Though it’s located in the “Lesser” region, it’s no slouch: Krakow is the only Polish city that wasn’t decimated during World War II, and its Gothic architecture puts the city center on the list of World Heritage Sites. While it is the second largest city in Poland, Krakow retains a small-city feel, with plenty of small, winding ... Read Full Article
Up Close Guide to Marseille
Marseille, the second most populated city in France after Paris, was founded in 600 BC by Greek sailors. They named it Massalia. Under Roman rule, Massalia became Marsala, which, eventually turned into Marseille. With such a rich legacy, it should not come as a surprise that Marseille has been elected the European Capital of Culture for the year 2013. The city and its inhabitants are preparing ... Read Full Article
European Wine Guide: Spain
Have you ever looked at labels on European wine bottles and wondered about the meaning of AOC, DOGC, or QmP? Look no further. In my European Wine Guide series (organized by country), I will take you through a crash course in wine classifications and varietals found in major wine-producing regions throughout Europe. Let’s continue our “wine tour” in Spain. The Spanish wine classification system ... Read Full Article
Insider’s Guide to Italy’s Amalfi Coast
Italy's Amalfi Coast is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in all of Europe. The essence of its former glory is rife as you traverse the coastal road, it’s seaside villages, and strikingly romantic vistas. The medieval town Amalfi remains the heart of the coast, a once affluent maritime hub and centre of International trade. With busy merchant routes from the ... Read Full Article
Reykjavik Up Close City Guide
Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital and largest city. In fact, of the approximately 300,000 people who live in Iceland, about 200,000 live in Reykjavik. Situated on the harbor, in the shadow of snow-covered mountains, the size and sensibility of a small town meets the style of a city here. There’s plenty to do to keep a visitor busy for a few days, yet it’s easy enough to get around on foot. Despite ... Read Full Article
Glasgow Insider’s Travel Guide
The largest city in Scotland, Glasgow has historically been Scotland’s industrial centre, but in recent times has transformed itself into a cosmopolitan, cultural destination. It has the vibrant feel of a modern European city, but retains much of its Scottish identity. Food, shopping, and that “Glaswegian Charm” make for an unforgettable experience. Tourist Sights All tourists should start their ... Read Full Article
Amsterdam Insider Travel Guide
Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, once had an established reputation as a den of iniquity. But today there are so many more aspects of Amsterdam that appeal to every type of traveler: wonderful museums and galleries, up-and-coming cuisine, and quirky bars and cafes. It is a city full of nooks and crannies to be explored; and it has long earned its well-deserved status as a world ... Read Full Article