Covent Garden is a popular destination for Londoners and tourists alike. At its heart is the capital’s first planned square, laid out in the 17th century by Inigo Jones and recently completed by the addition of the imperious, pearly white Royal Opera House. In spite of such grandeur, there is still a local feel to … Read more
A Walk around Covent Garden Morning Take the tube to Leicester Square and visit the latest exhibition at the Photographer’s Gallery. Head up Monmouth Street, where the delicious smell of coffee roasting will lead you to the Monmouth Coffee Company for coffee and a pastry. Continue up Monmouth Street to the small entrance to Neal’s … Read more
Pubs & Cafés Royal Opera House Café Take the escalator up to the café in the Amphitheatre Bar for coffees, cakes and drinks. Covent Garden WC2 World Food Café, Neal’s Yard Dining Room Have a pot of tea or a coffee, an Indian mango ice cream or a vegetarian snack in this pretty corner of … Read more
Seville, Cordoba and Granada Seven days from only $748.5pp. Selected departures up to November 2013 Andalucía is one of the most beautiful corners of Europe, where the excesses of modern life do not seem to have taken root and travelers are welcomed as honored guests. Immortalized by the writings of Ernest Hemingway and beloved by … Read more
These two quarters were once the province of the rich and the royal. Adjoining the Tuileries Gardens is the largest museum in the world, the Louvre, while the grand opera house gives the second quarter its name. The Place de la Concorde is one of the most historic sites in the city. Storming of the … Read more
A Day in the Tuileries Morning Visiting the Louvre takes planning, and you should get there at least 15 minutes before opening (unless you’ve already bought your ticket). Spend the whole morning and pick up a map as you enter so that you can be sure to see the main highlights. Have a morning coffee … Read more
It was Different from the Start, a crazy pattern of streets that broke from the city’s grid plan, reflecting the boundaries of a rural village. As a bohemian haven, the leafy lanes of the Village have been home to artists and writers. Jazz musicians, beat poets, and performers like the young Bob Dylan found their … Read more
A Village Stroll Morning Begin at Washington Square and the elegant townhouse row where Edith Wharton and Henry James once lived. Find the charming houses of Washington Mews and MacDougal Alley , then follow 6th Avenue, past the Jefferson Market Courthouse, to West 10th Street. Stroll down the passageway at the front of the Alexander … Read more
Boston’s compact Chinatown is the third most populous Chinese neighborhood in the US, concentrating a wealth of Asian experience in a small patch of real estate. Theater-goers find the proximity of Chinatown to the Theater District a boon for pre- and post-show dining. The Theater District itself is among the liveliest in the US, and … Read more
Exploring Chinatown & South End Morning Walk down Essex Street, ducking into Oxford Place to see the mural, Travelers in an Autumn Landscape, based on the famous scroll painting by the same name at the Museum of Fine Arts. Stroll along the aisles of Cheng Kwong Market if you are looking for exotic produce, Chinese … Read more
Asian Restaurants Restaurant sign, Chinatown East Ocean City Select your fish from the tanks near the front and ask the chef to recommend a dish. 27 Beach St 617 542 2504 No DA Chau Chow City Contemporary Hong Kong seafood reigns on the first two levels of this multi-story dining emporium. Some of Boston’s best … Read more
Within easy driving distance of Toronto are many delightful communities worthy of a daytrip or a more extended visit. North of the city, Honey Harbour and Gravenhurst are the gateways to cottage country, with beautiful lakes and forests, while Collingwood offers excellent skiing in winter and summer fun on Georgian Bay. To the west of … Read more
A Drive in the Country Morning Start at St. Jacobs Farmers’ and Flea Markets, admiring the handicrafts, collectibles, and foodstuffs of over 600 vendors. After stocking up snacks, walk across the parking lot to the Trolley Shop for a 75-minute horse-drawn trolley tour through Mennonite farm country (Apr–Oct). After the tour, drive to the Visitor … Read more
Country Stays Prince of Wales Hotel Impeccable service, opulently decorated rooms, a spa, and a wine list to match the fabulous cuisine at this historic hotel in the heart of town. 6 Picton St, Niagara-on-the-Lake 1 888 669 5566 www.vintageinns.com Prince of Wales Hotel Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa This country mansion welcomes … Read more
If the Old Town is the heart of Barcelona and the green mountains of Tibidabo and Montjuïc the lungs, the Eixample is the city’s nervous system – its economic and commercial core. The area began to take shape in 1860 when the city was permitted to expand beyond the medieval walls . Its design, based … Read more
The Modernista Route Morning Pop into the decrepit chess bar El Pato Loco (cnr Diputació & Aribau) to get a sepia picture of Barcelona that hasn’t changed for a century. Wake up with a cafè solo and watch the old men playing speed-chess, then stroll around the gardens of the Universitat Head east along Gran … Read more
Cafés Laie Llibreria Cafè A cultural meeting place with a lively atmosphere, airy terrace and foreign newspapers. There’s an excellent set lunch and live jazz (on Thursdays). C/Pau Claris 85 Closed Sun & Mon eve Cafè del Centre Said to be the oldest café in the Eixample, with dark wooden interiors that have not changed … Read more
Shopping Tips For any unresolved complaints on a product you have purchased, call the Better Business Bureau at 206 431 2222. Department Stores Although suburban shopping malls have the bulk of nationally recognized chain department stores, downtown shopping opportunities serve the needs of Seattle’s residents in a variety of ways. Find most of the larger … Read more
Traditional Hotels Unless otherwise stated, all traditional hotels accept credit cards, and have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning. Westin Located in two round towers, the Westin has an indoor pool, 24-hour room service, in-room movies, valet/laundry, two restaurants, a business center, and non-smoking rooms. 1900 5th Ave 206 728 1000 www.westin.com/seattle Dis. access Fairmont Olympic … Read more
In 1957, Stanley Kubrick shot scenes for his film Paths of Glory in Schloss Schleißheim. Oberschleißheim, Freising, Dachau, Fürstenfeldbruck, Wolfratshausen, and Ammersee (Herrsching) are on the S-Bahn lines. Schloss Schleißheim Maximilian II Emanuel, the Elector, wanted to rival Versailles with the Neues Schloss (New Palace). Begun in 1701 based on plans by Enrico Zuccalli and … Read more