Later that day, I travel onwards via train to the small town of Inzell, which is another pleasant surprise, located as it is roughly mid-way between Munich and Salzburg. I arrive there after switching to the bus after a twenty minutes or so transfer from Traunstein, where I left the train. It’s snowing heavily when … Read more

A couple of hours later and I’m pulling into Klais, which is right down near the Germany/Austria border having travelled through some increasingly mountainous terrain along the way. The snow has also increased considerably too and by now it has covered everything with a generous layer of the white stuff. Amazingly, everything continues to function … Read more

I arrive back in Munich in the early evening and it’s still snowing, although to a lesser degree. The next step is to navigate my way through the commuters and onto the local train to my hotel. Once there, I meet Claudia Mitchell from the Bayern tourism office and we head out for something to … Read more

This area has always been a contrasting mix of the highest and the lowest, from the most extravagant luxury to the toughest work-a-day world. In ancient times, the emperor’s lavish palaces were built on the Palatine, but they weren’t far from the docks, where roustabouts heaved the tons of goods that were imported to the … Read more

A Morning Parkland Stroll The parkland on the other side of the Circus Maximus from the Palatine Hill conceals exquisite early churches and other gems. Start on the south side of the Circus Maximus, now a sunken patch of dust and weeds, but once a majestic racecourse until the popes plundered its stones to build … Read more

Historic Hotels Note: Unless otherwise stated, all hotels accept credit cards, and have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning Willard Inter-Continental This is certainly among the most historic of hotels. Epochal events, including the birth of the League of Nations, were discussed here by principal figures. Royalty from all over the world have been guests. 1401 … Read more

Moderately Priced Hotels Note: Unless otherwise stated, all hotels accept credit cards, and have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning The Latham Hotel Best known locally as the home of the top-rated Citronelle restaurant, this is a fine hotel in an excellent Georgetown location. Distinctive two-story carriage suites provide a gracious home base. The poolside patio … Read more

Hilltop Hotels Unless otherwise stated, all hotels accept credit cards, and have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning The Ritz-Carlton If you want the ultimate in luxury and thoughtful service, this is the place to come. The views from the perfectly appointed rooms are magnificent, the staff at the top of their game, and the food … Read more

Boutique Hotels Unless otherwise stated, all hotels accept credit cards, and have en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning Campton Place A member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World and definitely one of San Francisco’s finest, this place aims to provide personal attention to every guest. Expect to find the best of everything. Its restaurant … Read more

The area around Alexanderplatz is one of the oldest parts of the city; it was here that the twin towns of Cölln and Berlin merged to become one town in the 13th century. Berlin’s oldest coherent quarter, the 18th-century Nikolaiviertel and its medieval Nikolaikirche, the city’s oldest church, lie in the shadow of the TV … Read more

A Day around Alexanderplatz Morning Start your day by going to Alexanderplatz where you can watch the crowds in the square and perhaps do a spot of shopping before strolling to Marienkirche. Not far from here you can chill out at Neptune Fountain and then admire the statues of Marx and Engels in the Marx-Engels-Forum. … Read more

Pubs, Cafés & Beer Gardens Zur letzten Instanz Berlin’s oldest pub dates back to 1621, and former guests include Napoleon, the German artist Heinrich Zille and former Soviet leader Mikhael Gorbachev. Waisenstr. 14–16 noon– 1am Mon–Sat 030 24 25 528 Brauhaus Georgbräu Attracting Bavarians and tourist alike, this beer garden offers rustic fare and beer … Read more

This is where royalty shop and the rest of us go to gaze. Many of the wonderful small shops around here were established to serve the royal court at St James’s Palace. Piccadilly – named after the fancy collars called “picadils” sold at a shop in the street in the 18th century – divides St … Read more

Exploring St James’s Morning Starting from St James’s Park Underground, walk up through Queen Anne’s Gate, noting the lovely 18th-century houses. Pass through the alley in the corner into Birdcage Walk then into St James’s Park . Get a coffee from the café, Inn the Park, and watch the pelicans before heading up to Buckingham … Read more

Two of Paris’s best-known landmarks, the golden-domed Hôtel des Invalides and the Eiffel Tower, are found in these quarters. Large parts of the area were created in the 19th century, when there was still room to construct wide avenues and grassy esplanades. To the east of the Invalides are numerous stately mansions now converted into … Read more

A Day Around the Invalides Quarter Morning Begin the day with an early morning visit to the Musée Rodin . A magnificent collection of Rodin’s works are displayed both indoors and outside in the attractive garden. There are also excellent temporary exhibitions. Stop for a coffee at the garden café with its leafy terrace. Move … Read more

Mansions Hôtel Biron Built in 1730, this elegant mansion was home to the duc de Biron. From 1904 it was transformed into state-owned artists’ studios. Among its residents was Auguste Rodin (1840–1917), who agreed to donate his works to the nation in return for his apartment and studio. After the sculptor’s death the house became … Read more

Places to Eat Le Jules Verne Book a window table for the view and then sit back and enjoy the fine food from Alain Ducasse. Reserve in advance. 2nd Level, Eiffel Tower, Champ-de-Mars, 75007 01 45 55 61 44 No disabled access Le Divellec One of the best fish restaurants in town, including oysters, salmon … Read more

Harvard may hold Cambridge’s undeniable claim to worldwide fame, but that is not to diminish the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, superb restaurants, unique shops, and colorful bars lying just beyond the school’s gates. Harvard Square, with its international newsstands, name-brand shopping, and numerous coffee houses, is a heady mix of urban bohemia and Main Street USA. … Read more

The Cambridge Curriculum Morning Call the Museum of Science early to learn what features are playing at the Omni Theater and book tickets over the phone for an afternoon show. Then begin your morning with a stack of pancakes at Davis Square’s legendary Rosebud Diner. Next, ride the “T” inbound to Harvard and head straight … Read more