Greece – Beautiful islands and ancient history
Greece – Beautiful islands and ancient history
From the busy streets of its capital, Athens, to the quietest uninhabited islands, this country has a multitude of attractions for the tourist. Around 20 million tourists every year, many of whom come for the combination of things to see and do – the beautiful summer weather makes many parts a ‘sun and sand’ destination, and there’s a huge number of beautiful beach resorts to stay in if this is your thing. Villages with whitewashed homes and buildings really are abundant in Greece, especially on its islands, while ancient history can be explored just about everywhere you look. Then there’s the cuisine – Greek food has made its way around the world but when you visit Greece you have the opportunity to sample some truly authentic Grecian foods.
Athens – the capital of Greece
Athens is today a very cosmopolitan city which is the capital and largest city of Greece.
It is also Greece’s cultural, financial, and economic heart, and to the outside world it is best known for its ancient history.
Athens has some of the most famous ancient ruins in the world and many tourists come primarily to see these – the Parthenon is the best known and it’s at the centre of one of Athens’ World Heritage Sites, the Acropolis of Athens.
Thessaloniki – the second city of Greece
As Greece’s cultural capital Thessaloniki is also a very popular destination. The city is the second largest in the country and is the capital of the Central Macedonia region.
It too has ancient sites to explore as well as landmarks from more recent periods in history, plus it has some excellent beaches.
If you enjoy nightlife then Thessaloniki is the place for you – it’s been ranked by Lonely Planet as one of the best party destinations in the world!
The Greek Islands
There are approximately 1,400 islands in Greece and these, combined with the long mainland coastline, give Greece the eleventh longest coastline in the world.
And with 13,676 kilometres (8,498 miles) of coastline to see Greece is the perfect destination to explore by luxury yacht!
You could spend a whole summer here and only get to see a very small proportion of the total islands.
Even if you only wanted to visit the inhabited islands there are still 227 of those.
The Greek Islands span a large distance as well and include several different archipelagos including the Ionion, Cyclades, and Dodecanese Islands.
Of all the islands Crete is the largest and it’s popular with tourists. Rhodes is one of the larger islands too, and it, along with Lesbos, Kos, and Corfu are also very popular tourist destinations.
The most beautiful and romantic is said to be Read more about Santorini.
Greek Cuisine
Many of the world’s towns and cities now feature at least one Greek restaurant. The cuisine of Greece is extremely popular and it’s mainly very healthy too.
Olive oil features almost everywhere and Greek specialities include souvlaki, spanakopita, moussaka, and tzatziki.
You’ll also find lots of fresh fish and seafood – try octopus and squid (calamari) for something a little different.
Tours and things to do in Greece
More from Greece
Corso Zundert Flower Parade, Netherlands. 5 – 6 September 2021
Corso Zundert Flower Parade
5 – 6 September 2021
About Corso Zundert
Considered the largest flower parade in the world, made by volunteers.
Massive artworks created by steel wire, papier-mâché and flowers march down the Bloemencorso Zundert on the first Sunday of September.
Thousands of dahlias, and only dahlias, decorate the floats, coming from 20 hamlets around Zundert.
Festival Highlights
The first corso took place in 1936, in honour of then-queen Wilhelmina.
It’s a unique Dutch tradition where 8 million dahlias are needed for the entire corso.
Hundreds of float builders of all ages are involved in the planting and growing of the dahlias.
The bloemencorso is a competition where professional and independent jury decides which float (topping 9 m high and as long as 19 m) is the most beautiful and which hamlet will be crowned the winner.
So, the parade begins 13.30 at the exhibition grounds.
Then the floats roll down Molenstraat Check the website for the route map.
Tickets
To enter Corso Zundert you need to purchase tickets at the pre-sale or at the cash register.
Basic Information & Useful links
When: 5 – 6 September 2021
Where: Zundert, The Netherlands
Official website: corsozundert.nl
Hotels: Hotels in and around Zundert
Where to Stay
There is not so many places to stay right in Zundert, but there is a great Bed and Breakfast for your overnight stay.
B & B Zundert has a few rooms, and if you are lucky it’s not sold out.
It has some of the best reviews from their guests with a score over 9 of 10.
An other alternative, 5 kilometres from Zundert, is De Buiten Bij, with some cozy camping houses.
If it’s sold out you may look at some other good places near Zundert.
More from The Netherlands
Adriatic Cruises and tours along the Croatian coast
Adriatic Cruises and tours along the Croatian coast
Spend six nights at sea on this independent Adriatic cruise from Split, and discover the little pieces of paradise that make up Croatia’s alluring archipelago as well as the Dalmatian Coast’s mainland towns.
This Adriatic cruises start running in May and go on the whole summer to the middle of October.
Explore and swim by day, and dock overnight in Korčula, Dubrovnik, Mljet, Hvar and Split.
The cruise boat is relatively small and intimate, with just 17 cabins — the perfect size to visit the smaller islands that larger boats can’t access.
More Adriatic Cruises and tours along the Croatian coast
More from Croatia
Lincoln, UK – Historic attractions and a beautiful Christmas Market
Lincoln UK – Historic Attractions and Christmas Market
Lincoln in England, UK.
Lincoln, in the East Midlands of England, provides visitors with examples from the history of England and combines this with fine modern examples of architecture and culture.
Originally an Iron Age settlement, the Romans developed the area in a gap through higher land ( the Lincoln Edge) made by the River Witham.
After the Norman Conquest, William, Duke of Normandy, fortified the area with the construction of Lincoln Castle in 1068, followed by Lincoln Cathedral in 1072, on the site of the Roman settlement.
Lincoln is a city of two parts.
The Lower area is around the river and waterfront which contains the newer part of the city, whilst the higher area contains the Castle and Cathedral.
Connecting the two parts is Steep Hill, a pedestrian street which rises over 50 metres to the historic area.
This cobbled street contains many independent shops, pubs and tea rooms.
It is steep and not suitable for persons with health or mobility problems.
For those who do not like the steep walk, there is the Walk and Ride bus shuttle service from the High Street ( in the lower area).
It loops around Steep Hill taking visitors to the Cathedral and Castle area and back.
Lincoln Christmas Market
3rd December To Sunday 6th December 2020
A great attraction and one of the oldest traditional Christmas market in the UK.
Located in the historic area with the Castle and Cathedral, it gives a magical old history feeling.
It has a German style and usually opens on the first Thursday of December and goes on 4 days.
During those 4 days it attracts over 200,000 visitors, from across Europe, wishing to buy traditional gifts from over 350 stalls.
Lincoln Christmas market, combined with the towns many historic attractions and examples from the history and culture of England, makes this to an exciting visit.
If you wish to stay in Lincoln during this weekend it’s important to book early in advance, as last minute accommodation is difficult to find.
Other things to see and do
Sightseeing bus tour. You can buy day tickets from the visitors Information Centre on Castle Hill or on the bus.
Lincoln is so vibrant it is possible to visit at any time of the year and still find attractions.
Farmers’ markets and Antique fairs are held monthly in both the Lower and Upper areas.
The Brayford Waterfront in the Lower city is vibrant with modern hotels, bars and restaurants.
From this area boat tours of the area can be taken.
In the Upper area are the more traditional hotels and guest houses, which attract large numbers of tourists because of their position beside the Cathedral and Castle.
Museums
There are also many museums and galleries within the city.
Museum of Lincolnshire Life in the Cathedral Quarter provides an insight of life in the area during the last 3 centuries.
It also has numerous exhibitions during the year.
The Cathedral
The Cathedral was once the highest man-made building in the world, higher than the Great Pyramids of Egypt, but the steeples which made it so have long since been removed.
It consists of 3 towers and was destroyed by fire in 1141 and then by an earthquake in 1185.
With its fine Gothic style the present building has tours Monday to Friday of the floor and roof.
At various times during the summer there are also Tower tours. It is recommended that you pre book your tour which is free, although you have to pay the entrance fee for the cathedral.
The walled Castle area contains within its area the former Georgian/ Victorian prison, a building which is well worth a visit.
In particular the chapel where you can see the wooden partitions which restricted prisoners from seeing other inmates and allowing them only to view the priest performing the service.
Free guided tours are available each day with guides from the “Friends of Lincoln Castle” giving their services free.
These tours around the prison and on the Castle Walls last about one hour.
History is mixed with the present as Lincoln Crown Court still operates from inside the castle walls.
At times during the year the grounds inside the walls are used for various attractions, examples being falconry displays and medieval jousting.
During excavation work a 1,000 year old stone coffin was discovered with a skeleton inside which is undergoing carbon data testing.
The castle and cathedral are musts for your visit to Lincoln, both having guided tours available.
The Cathedrals website; lincolncathedral.com
Exciting hotels and properties
There is a great five star hotel in town; Pemberton House.
It’s the nice white house on the image above, situated near the beautiful Cathedral.
This house is a Grade II listed Tudor building (Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest).
Hotel with one of the best vistor reviews
The Rest Hotel has got some of the highest score.
Beside those hotels, you have over 30 more options with B&B, guesthouses and 2 – 4 star hotels available.
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Kitzbuhel, Tough Skiing, Luxurious Surroundings and Good Festivals
Kitzbühel is home to one of the toughest downhill races on the World Cup circuit. But don’t let this put you off! This resort town in Tyrol, Austria, has much more to offer than just tough skiing; it’s a beautiful medieval town with landmarks dating back to the 1300s. such as St. Catherine’s Church. If you enjoy discovering the history, there’s a great museum that tells the 1,000 year history of Kitzbühel. You can find some great 5 star hotels here and wonderful restaurants. It is also a great après-ski destination, and when combined with the neighbouring resorts of Kirchberg, Jochberg, and the Thurn Pass, it is one of the largest ski regions in Austria.
Fine Dining
Schwarzer Adler Hotel and Restaurant “The Neuwirt”
There are many excellent restaurants in and around the town that offer fine dining experiences.
You can sample a huge number of different cuisines from traditional Austrian to all sorts of international flavours.
Restaurant “The Neuwirt”, which you’ll find inside the Schwarzer Adler Hotel, has won awards in food guides.
The hotel it self is also lovely and very popular with good reviews. Check it out here >>
Places to Stay
Kitzbühel itself has over 160 properties listed on booking.com
When you add in those neighboring resorts too, there are approximately 10,000 beds in all hotels and guest houses together.
Among the luxury 5 star hotels is the Hotel Schloss Ledenberg which has a fairytale setting high above the town and offers stunning panoramic views.
The hotel includes the original castle and a newer addition, and it’s just a ten minute walk into town, or take the hotel shuttle.
Hotel A-ROSA Kitzbühel is even more fairytale-like.
It was built in the style of a Tyrolean castle and is simply beautiful, just outside town.
Getting to Kitzbuhel
Kitzbühel is easily reached by car.
If you’re renting a car from the airport you will probably be flying in to Salzburg, or for more international flight options Munich Airport is a little further away.
There are also three stops in Kitzbühel on the Salzburg-Tyrol Railway which is another good option if you’re flying in to Salzburg Airport.
Festivals in Kitzbühel
Kitzbuhel Alpine Rally
30 September – 3 October 2020
Old time cars rally is held every year, normally in end of May, but postponed in 2020.
Website: alpenrallye.at
21 – 22 August 2020 Takes place a weekend in August with an eclectic range of music. Website: kitzmusik.atKitzbühel Music Festival
Kitzbuhel Filmfestival
24 – 30 August 2020
This film festival is held every year in August.
Website; ffkb.at
More from Austria & the Alps
Events on Rugen Island in Germany
Events on the beautiful Rugen Island in Germany
Blue Wave festival with a host of jazz artists are one of the most popular events during the year and gathers large audience in Binz If you want to experience Blue Wave festival so book your hotel in Binz as soon as possible. It quickly becomes fully booked during this weekend. The festival takes place four days in June.Blue Wave Jazz Festival Rugen
Störtbeker Festival
A big show, during the summer on Rugen, is the annual Störtebeker Festival in Ralswiek.
Games Mondays to Saturdays during the period middle of June til first week of September.
Störtbeker is played both on land and on the water with over 150 participants, 4 ships, 30 horses and lot special effects.
Each evening also includes a fireworks display.
More events
Every Easter celebration and bonfires on most beaches – most in Binz, Göhren and Sellin.
Binz Half Marathon even walking and Nordic walking race
Swimming from Stralsund to Altefaehr
Duckstein Festival – Art, Culture, beer and food – One week in September
Binz Christmas market in the park with contemplative music, a live nativity scene, and all things belonging to a Christmas market
Rügen Classics – classic car rally on Rügen.
Website; Ruegen Classics
You can find information on all this and more at the official website of Binz Ruegen: