Sunday, May 13, 2012
Enjoy a taste of the Amalfi Coast at home with some homemade limoncello! 
Ingredients • 10 large, thick-skinned lemons • 1 litre of 90 alcohol, or vodka • 3 1/2 cups water • 2 1/2 cups sugar -- Directions Peel lemons with a zester or vegetable peeler, removing the white pith from the peels. Place lemon peels in a 2 quart pitcher. Pour vodka over the peels and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for 10 days in a dry place. The longer it rests, the better it will taste. Dissolve the sugar in the water in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cool the sugar/water mixture completely. Pour the mixture over the vodka and peels. Cover and let stand at room temperature for 24 hours. Strain the limoncello and discard the peels. Transfer the liquid into bottles. Seal the bottles and refrigerate for 30-45 days. Store in the freezer and enjoy it cold.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Monday, April 30, 2012
Best Holiday Destinations in Turkey: Bodrum
With the seemingly never-ending bout of torrential downpours we have been experiencing across the UK over the last 2 weeks it seems we hard working Brits are currently faced with 2 options if we are to save ourselves from misery:
1. Build an Ark
2. Book a holiday abroad!
As the former seems a little drastic - and perhaps beyond the meagre resources of the average office worker such as myself - we can only therefore look to take the option of seeking out sunnier climes for sources of inspiration, hope and relief from the perpetual gloom of the British Isles.
When it comes to catching a bit of sunshine this spring, why not look to Turkey as an affordable and easily accessible option? With thousands of people heading to Turkey from the UK each year it is perhaps not surprising that there are many great holiday destinations to choose from in this intriguing and expansive land – but in Bodrum you may find a location that offers much more than just sunshine and beaches and the pleasant refuge offered by its warm spring Mediterranean climate.
Rich in history stemming from its historical Greek, Persian and Ottoman occupation, Bodrum as a settlement can be traced back to around 600 years BC – meaning there is much to be learnt from the city and its past. Some of Bodrum’s most popular tourist attractions include the impressive medieval period Castle of St Peter which dominates the city skyline. Constructed in the 1500s, the castle is a must see for anyone taking flights to Bodrum this spring.
There are also some much older areas of historical interest in the city - including the Bodrum amphitheatre - which has been recently restored and carries a capacity of over 15000 - and the remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. This was once a wonder of the ancient world, but be warned some may find the remains a little underwhelming – although extremely historically significant in its own right nonetheless.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Top 5 Museums and Galleries in Paris
Paris is known for its exquisite galleries and unparalleled museums. Here are the top five:
1. The Louvre Museum is world famous for its superb art galleries. Under its roof lie thousands of priceless classics as well as masterpieces of modern art. It is revered by all art lovers and is one place everyone must visit at least once in their lifetime. It only costs €10 to gain access and appreciate work from all the ages. There are antiquities from the Near East, Rome, Egypt, and Greece. There is a department completely dedicated to stunning Islamic art and sculpture, as well as masterpieces by infamous artists like Delacroix, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rembrandt. It is not an understatement to say that those on Paris flights will not have completed their trip without vising the Louvre.
2. The National Museum of Modern Art at the Centre Pomidou is the most well-known and important modern art museum in all of Europe. For just €12, visitors can learn about movements such as Fauvism, Surrealism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism. There are, of course, a huge number of works by the masters who created or sparked these important movements. Visitors can stroll through the pieces by Kandinsky, Miro, Picasso, Matisse, and other modern art pioneers.
3. The Palace of Versailles is actually visible to passengers on Paris flights that have begun their descent in preparation to land. Once the residence of King Louis XIV and his descendants, the Palace of Versailles is a gorgeous 18th century building that has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for more than 30 years. It is quite possible the most extravagant palace in the world and has been a silent witness to centuries of world-changing events. Also called the “cradle of liberty” for its huge significance in the uprisings against King Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and the rest of the French aristocracy, the palace is truly unparalleled.
4. The Musee d'Orsay is located just across the way from the Louvre, but it is worlds away in terms of its collections. The museum has the largest collection of paintings, decorative objects, and sculptures that were created from 1848-1914. The works of masters such as Monet, Degas, Ingres, Manet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, and Gaugin fill room after room. The Musee d'Orsay showcases work from important art periods and movements, some of which are romanticism, expressionism, neoclassicism, impressionism, and art nouveau. The museum has recently acquired some new pieces, one of which is The Circle of the Rue Royale by James Tissot, a painting that has been named a “national treasure”.
5. The Grevin Wax Museum is a wonderful place to go for those who want to see what Paris really looked like at different times throughout history. Not only can visitors walk among life-size scenes of Joan of Arc burning at the stake, King Louis XIV holding court in Versailles, and the assassination of Henri IV. Other famous personalities include historical figures such as Napoleon and Mahatma Gandhi, and movie stars including Marilyn Monroe, Nicholas Cage, Shah Rukh Khan, and Charlie Chaplin. There are also wax figures of famous sports figures, politicians, entertainers, cartoon characters, and more. During their tour of Grevin, visitors can even learn about how wax statues are made.
1. The Louvre Museum is world famous for its superb art galleries. Under its roof lie thousands of priceless classics as well as masterpieces of modern art. It is revered by all art lovers and is one place everyone must visit at least once in their lifetime. It only costs €10 to gain access and appreciate work from all the ages. There are antiquities from the Near East, Rome, Egypt, and Greece. There is a department completely dedicated to stunning Islamic art and sculpture, as well as masterpieces by infamous artists like Delacroix, Leonardo da Vinci, and Rembrandt. It is not an understatement to say that those on Paris flights will not have completed their trip without vising the Louvre.
2. The National Museum of Modern Art at the Centre Pomidou is the most well-known and important modern art museum in all of Europe. For just €12, visitors can learn about movements such as Fauvism, Surrealism, Cubism, and Abstract Expressionism. There are, of course, a huge number of works by the masters who created or sparked these important movements. Visitors can stroll through the pieces by Kandinsky, Miro, Picasso, Matisse, and other modern art pioneers.
4. The Musee d'Orsay is located just across the way from the Louvre, but it is worlds away in terms of its collections. The museum has the largest collection of paintings, decorative objects, and sculptures that were created from 1848-1914. The works of masters such as Monet, Degas, Ingres, Manet, Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh, and Gaugin fill room after room. The Musee d'Orsay showcases work from important art periods and movements, some of which are romanticism, expressionism, neoclassicism, impressionism, and art nouveau. The museum has recently acquired some new pieces, one of which is The Circle of the Rue Royale by James Tissot, a painting that has been named a “national treasure”.
5. The Grevin Wax Museum is a wonderful place to go for those who want to see what Paris really looked like at different times throughout history. Not only can visitors walk among life-size scenes of Joan of Arc burning at the stake, King Louis XIV holding court in Versailles, and the assassination of Henri IV. Other famous personalities include historical figures such as Napoleon and Mahatma Gandhi, and movie stars including Marilyn Monroe, Nicholas Cage, Shah Rukh Khan, and Charlie Chaplin. There are also wax figures of famous sports figures, politicians, entertainers, cartoon characters, and more. During their tour of Grevin, visitors can even learn about how wax statues are made.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
A Guide to Berlin in the Summer
I used to be lucky enough to live in Berlin and, although the promise of snow and wonderful Christmas markets made winter great, summer was, without a doubt, my favourite time of year in the city.
Here are just a few things to get up to when the sun is shining in Berlin:
Go Bargain Hunting
You probably didn't know this, but the Germans seem to be a nation of bargain hunters. Every weekend in the summer, Berlin's pretty squares get taken over by flea markets and if you love nothing more than browsing quirky stalls and picking up odd souvenirs, I suggest you check one of these out.
My personal favourite was held on Boxhagener Platz (in Friedrichshain) every Sunday. Take the U-bahn to Samariterstrasse, walk down Mainzer Strasse and you'll pretty much be there.
Enjoy Brunch
Another wonderful weekend activity that can be combined with a trip to the Boxhagener Platz market! You can go for brunch at any time of the year, but there's something lovely about sitting at a table on the pavement in the sunshine. There are a host of cafes and restaurants on Simon-Dach Strasse (just a short walk from the flea market) where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat brunch, usually for under €10 (£8.40).
Take a Trip to Potsdam
There's nothing stopping you visiting Potsdam in the depths of winter, but it's a beautiful place to explore when the sun's out. You can take the S-bahn from the centre of the city, so it's not hard to get there, and then wander around its amazing collection of palaces and parks.
The architecture is stunning and there are plenty of wide-open spaces to lounge around in. I'd recommend taking a picnic lunch, finding a spot in one of the parks and just relaxing for a couple of hours.
Go to a Beach Bar
Yes, Berlin has not one beach bar, but several, despite being nowhere near the coast! A host of friendly establishments pop up along the banks of the River Spree every spring and stay there until the warm weather finally disappears, so pull up a deckchair, get a cold beer and enjoy.
If you're staying centrally, the most easily accessible is Strandbar Mitte, conveniently located behind Museuminsel. Personally, I'd recommend hopping on the S-bahn to Treptower Park and then strolling along the banks of the river until you reach Badeschiff.
Bring your swimwear as there's a pool floating on the river, as well as the open-air bar on dry land. The fun doesn't end when the sun goes down, either, as the venue regularly hosts concerts and DJs.
This post was written on behalf of idealshortbreaks.co.uk, a site offering inspiration and recommendations to help you plan the perfect short break.
Here are just a few things to get up to when the sun is shining in Berlin:
Go Bargain Hunting
You probably didn't know this, but the Germans seem to be a nation of bargain hunters. Every weekend in the summer, Berlin's pretty squares get taken over by flea markets and if you love nothing more than browsing quirky stalls and picking up odd souvenirs, I suggest you check one of these out.
My personal favourite was held on Boxhagener Platz (in Friedrichshain) every Sunday. Take the U-bahn to Samariterstrasse, walk down Mainzer Strasse and you'll pretty much be there.
Another wonderful weekend activity that can be combined with a trip to the Boxhagener Platz market! You can go for brunch at any time of the year, but there's something lovely about sitting at a table on the pavement in the sunshine. There are a host of cafes and restaurants on Simon-Dach Strasse (just a short walk from the flea market) where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat brunch, usually for under €10 (£8.40).
Take a Trip to Potsdam
There's nothing stopping you visiting Potsdam in the depths of winter, but it's a beautiful place to explore when the sun's out. You can take the S-bahn from the centre of the city, so it's not hard to get there, and then wander around its amazing collection of palaces and parks.
The architecture is stunning and there are plenty of wide-open spaces to lounge around in. I'd recommend taking a picnic lunch, finding a spot in one of the parks and just relaxing for a couple of hours.
Go to a Beach Bar
Yes, Berlin has not one beach bar, but several, despite being nowhere near the coast! A host of friendly establishments pop up along the banks of the River Spree every spring and stay there until the warm weather finally disappears, so pull up a deckchair, get a cold beer and enjoy.
If you're staying centrally, the most easily accessible is Strandbar Mitte, conveniently located behind Museuminsel. Personally, I'd recommend hopping on the S-bahn to Treptower Park and then strolling along the banks of the river until you reach Badeschiff.
Bring your swimwear as there's a pool floating on the river, as well as the open-air bar on dry land. The fun doesn't end when the sun goes down, either, as the venue regularly hosts concerts and DJs.
This post was written on behalf of idealshortbreaks.co.uk, a site offering inspiration and recommendations to help you plan the perfect short break.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Best Holiday Destinations in Northern Europe - Rocking in Riga
Over the last couple of years (having already had the privilege of travelling to many of the more famous and frequently visited holiday destinations in Europe such as Paris, Barcelona and Venice) I have been looking to expand my horizons somewhat, and travel to what may be considered some of the slightly less well known city destinations on the continent - and this is how my friend and I found ourselves in Riga earlier this month. Equipped only with a small amount of Lats (the necessary travel money for Latvia) and a backpack of warm clothes (an even greater necessity for visiting the Baltics in winter) we flew to the city on a voyage of discovery - perhaps not fully knowing what to expect. As we began our descent towards Riga we got a great view of the Baltic Sea and were amazed to see that it was completely frozen over in areas near to the shoreline. It was at that point we realised this was going to be a cold trip!
Arriving in the city it was easy to see why an increasing number of airlines are offering flights to Riga as a holiday destination and more and more people are visiting the city as part of their European backpacking trips. The old town area (or Vecrīga) is a UNESCO world heritage site and has to be one of the most beautiful and intriguing old town centres in Europe - offering up fantastic timber framed buildings side by side with Art Nouveau architecture. The city features an impressive Cathedral (sadly under fairly major repair works during our visit) with many other smaller quaint churches and historical buildings dotted around the Old Town area. Away from the main old town other more modern buildings of note we visited in Riga included the daunting presence of the Latvian Academy of Sciences and the city's towering TV and Radio mast (the tallest building in the entire Baltic region) which dominated the city skyline as we walked beside the banks of the frozen Daugava River.
At night - and particularly during the weekend - Riga really comes alive, with a host of great bars and restaurants offering everything a visitor could hope for in and around the main Old Town centre. For a great local meal at a very reasonable price B-Bar is well worth a visit, and if you fancy something a little quirky then check out Dada restaurant for some freshly made East Asian food in inspiring if not slightly confusing surroundings. During the week we found some great relaxed bars away from the main strip - but if you want to party hard with the local students you should try Shot Bar, which lives up to its name with a massive range of shooter drinks including many made with Latvia's deadly herbal liquor Black Balsam. If like us (being stereotypically English) you just can't bear to miss out on the football then Maloney's Irish bar is kitted out with multiple TV screens showing sport all day long, as well as serving some cheap and decent local and Anglo-American food.
Arriving in the city it was easy to see why an increasing number of airlines are offering flights to Riga as a holiday destination and more and more people are visiting the city as part of their European backpacking trips. The old town area (or Vecrīga) is a UNESCO world heritage site and has to be one of the most beautiful and intriguing old town centres in Europe - offering up fantastic timber framed buildings side by side with Art Nouveau architecture. The city features an impressive Cathedral (sadly under fairly major repair works during our visit) with many other smaller quaint churches and historical buildings dotted around the Old Town area. Away from the main old town other more modern buildings of note we visited in Riga included the daunting presence of the Latvian Academy of Sciences and the city's towering TV and Radio mast (the tallest building in the entire Baltic region) which dominated the city skyline as we walked beside the banks of the frozen Daugava River.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Staying in Bournemouth Hotels? Make the Most of the Ocean.
If you are staying in one of Bournemouth’s hotels, than here’s our guide on how to make the most of Bournemouth’s biggest playground – the seaside.
Award Winning Seaside
It’s impossible not to be inspired by mile after mile of clean, soft, golden sand – Bournemouth’s breathtaking beaches are its biggest attraction by far.
Bournemouth beaches won no less than six awards at the 2006 Seaside Awards proving that Bournemouth has some of the cleanest, safest and best beaches in the UK. What better reason to choose Bournemouth hotels for your summer holiday?
Bournemouth Pier beach, Boscombe Pier beach, Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne, Durley Chine and Alum Chine all received awards, which were judged on water quality, toilet facilities, bathing safety, cleanliness, access, first aid, litter bins and environmental care.
Bournemouth Hotels
If you and your family like to be besides the seaside and you’ve checked in to one of Bournemouth’s hotels, than you’ll probably be spending a significant part of your holiday on the beach. The local beaches are patrolled by RNLI lifeguards but there are always some safety tips you should take into consideration. Last year they saved 27 lives and were called to 7,226 incidents. Here are some RNLI top tips:
• Don’t take inflatables out to sea – although great for the pool, the wind can blow them out to sea swiftly. Surf conditions can be dangerous too. If you do take an inflatable to the beach, make sure the line is connected to the shore, or held by an adult. Avoid altogether in strong weather.
• Rip currents lurk under the surface and can drag swimmers from the shallows to the depths. Always try and remain calm, fighting against a current will exhaust you. Make noise and raise your hand for help.
• If there are red and yellow flags on the beach, swim between them.
• Keep a look out for any safety signs.
• When in doubt, ask a lifeguard for advice.
Underwater Adventure
If you want to avoid the dangers of the real sea than you can certainly get enough thrills and spills visiting Bournemouth’s Oceanarium. One of the advantages of staying in Bournemouth hotels and spending a few days and nights in the town is the vast array of attractions for all the family.
It may seem surprising staying at Bournemouth hotels to find the world at your feet but Bournemouth’s Oceanarium takes you through the marine wonders of the world including the Amazon, Mediterranean, Africa, The Ganges, Great Barrier Reef, Hawaii, Key West and even…..The Abyss!
The Oceanarium is an interactive experience with feeding demonstrations, a walk-through underwater tunnel and exhibits exploring the mysteries of marine life from African land snails to Zebra Cichlids.
The beach and ocean make Bournemouth the biggest and best playground for children of all ages – book your stay in one of Bournemouth’s hotels this summer.
Beachlets.com specialise in beach cottages, villas and apartments worldwide and throughout Europe and the UK.
Award Winning Seaside
It’s impossible not to be inspired by mile after mile of clean, soft, golden sand – Bournemouth’s breathtaking beaches are its biggest attraction by far.
Bournemouth beaches won no less than six awards at the 2006 Seaside Awards proving that Bournemouth has some of the cleanest, safest and best beaches in the UK. What better reason to choose Bournemouth hotels for your summer holiday?
Bournemouth Pier beach, Boscombe Pier beach, Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne, Durley Chine and Alum Chine all received awards, which were judged on water quality, toilet facilities, bathing safety, cleanliness, access, first aid, litter bins and environmental care.
Bournemouth Hotels
If you and your family like to be besides the seaside and you’ve checked in to one of Bournemouth’s hotels, than you’ll probably be spending a significant part of your holiday on the beach. The local beaches are patrolled by RNLI lifeguards but there are always some safety tips you should take into consideration. Last year they saved 27 lives and were called to 7,226 incidents. Here are some RNLI top tips:
• Don’t take inflatables out to sea – although great for the pool, the wind can blow them out to sea swiftly. Surf conditions can be dangerous too. If you do take an inflatable to the beach, make sure the line is connected to the shore, or held by an adult. Avoid altogether in strong weather.
• Rip currents lurk under the surface and can drag swimmers from the shallows to the depths. Always try and remain calm, fighting against a current will exhaust you. Make noise and raise your hand for help.
• If there are red and yellow flags on the beach, swim between them.
• Keep a look out for any safety signs.
• When in doubt, ask a lifeguard for advice.
Underwater Adventure
If you want to avoid the dangers of the real sea than you can certainly get enough thrills and spills visiting Bournemouth’s Oceanarium. One of the advantages of staying in Bournemouth hotels and spending a few days and nights in the town is the vast array of attractions for all the family.
It may seem surprising staying at Bournemouth hotels to find the world at your feet but Bournemouth’s Oceanarium takes you through the marine wonders of the world including the Amazon, Mediterranean, Africa, The Ganges, Great Barrier Reef, Hawaii, Key West and even…..The Abyss!
The Oceanarium is an interactive experience with feeding demonstrations, a walk-through underwater tunnel and exhibits exploring the mysteries of marine life from African land snails to Zebra Cichlids.
The beach and ocean make Bournemouth the biggest and best playground for children of all ages – book your stay in one of Bournemouth’s hotels this summer.
Beachlets.com specialise in beach cottages, villas and apartments worldwide and throughout Europe and the UK.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Umbria Holiday Rentals are Here!
I am happy to announce that new rental properties in the beautiful region of UMBRIA have been added to the SPQR Travel Italy accommodation portfolio.
Newly added Umbria holiday rentals can been seen HERE.
Newly added Umbria holiday rentals can been seen HERE.
Umbria Holiday Rentals are Here!
I am happy to announce that new rental properties in the beautiful region of UMBRIA have been added to the SPQR Travel Italy accommodation portfolio.
Newly added Umbria holiday rentals can been seen HERE.
Newly added Umbria holiday rentals can been seen HERE.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Vienna & Bratislava – Kilometres Yet Poles Apart
Separated in purely geographical terms by a mere 80 kilometres if travelling by road (perhaps around 55 kilometres “as the crow flies”) the 2 great European capital cities of Vienna and Bratislava offer the visitor 2 equally exciting and worthwhile tastes of European life that are perhaps to be considered “unashamedly” different to each other. As a British backpacker taking the opportunity to spend a couple of days in each of these cities (divided by a brief yet exhilarating trip via a high speed boat along the river Danube - that I guarantee will surely beat any bus or train journey) I could not help but feel that somehow this was almost an unofficial “watershed” point between Eastern and Western Europe.
The lasting memory of Austria’s capital Vienna for me was the sheer grandeur architectural styling of its “museum quarter” – during the day time a site to behold in itself from the area’s exterior, even if you were not to explore the many cultural and historical treasures that lay within the Modern Art or Leopold museum interiors. At night the museum quarter becomes a trendy place for local students to hang out and for backpackers to enjoy a local wheat beer in glamorous surroundings.
Slovakia’s capital Bratislava while different in many ways to Vienne was none the less exciting to visit. The great attraction of the city is undoubtedly its old town area – for me one of the best (although not the largest) in Central and Eastern Europe. Packed with relaxed bars and restaurants all offering great drinks and food at extremely affordable prices, a visit to Bratislava’s Old Town is one that should not be overshadowed by more famous Old Town centres in Europe. Bratislava too holds an excellent castle –a must for any visitor – which towers on a hill above the Danube. Aside from offering a good visitor experience in itself, scaling the hill to reach the castle will provide an awesome view of the city.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Reminiscing About Venice - My Holiday in Pictures
Being sat back at home in freezing cold England makes me want to go travelling again, and although I am set for a short break in Riga in February - which I'm sure will be great fun, its not exactly going to be warm there either at that time of the year! All the cold weather has made me think about some of the great holiday destinations in Europe I have been privileged enough to have visited in the last few years, and in turn this inspired me to start looking back at some of my old photo collections from these trips. One set of photos that made me feel a lot warmer inside were my pictures of Venice, taken during my trip to the stunning Italian city during summer 2010. I have shared below some of what I consider to be my favourite pictures from Venice here, so you too can see what a wonderful city it is - making it surely one of the best holiday destinations in Europe.
Grande Canal
Venice's biggest and most famous of all its many waterways in all its glory!
Gondolas
Venice's world renowned mode of transport - but not a cheap one!
Bridge of Sighs
There are few more famous and architecturally stunning bridges across the world - but it is now sadly covered in advertising boards :(
Fish Market
Eating fresh fish and seafood in Venice's restaurants was one of the highlights of my visit - and the fish market from which it all is bought is a great thing to visit and experience in itself.
Grande Canal
Venice's biggest and most famous of all its many waterways in all its glory!
Gondolas
Venice's world renowned mode of transport - but not a cheap one!
Bridge of Sighs
There are few more famous and architecturally stunning bridges across the world - but it is now sadly covered in advertising boards :(
Fish Market
Eating fresh fish and seafood in Venice's restaurants was one of the highlights of my visit - and the fish market from which it all is bought is a great thing to visit and experience in itself.
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