By Danielle Pruger Photos courtesy Burgundy Tourism
Auxerre, France
Burgundy, France offers more than 600 miles of waterways, making it a perfect destination for sailors of all experience levels. There are many ways to enjoy the rivers of Burgundy – sailing, sightseeing, waterskiing and bicycling along the river are just to name a few.
FUN AND RELAXATION BY THE WATER Visitors can relax on a sightseeing boat for a guided tour along the waters of the Burgundy Canal. The Seille, a river flowing between the French departments Tournus and Louhans, also offers cruising opportunities. Hotel barges are also a relaxing way to enjoy the Burgundy Canal.
The city of Clamecy and the medieval village of Cravant on the Nivernais Canal are great small towns to visit and explore. The little town of Semur-en-Auxois is few miles away from Burgundy and includes sights such as the Tour de l’Orle d’Or or the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame. Large cities also have a lot to offer: the Dijon marina is a lively area with the Péniche Cancale, a boat converted into a floating gourmet bistro and cabaret that hosts concerts, exhibitions, dance performances and theatre.
Burgundy, the birthplace of pinot noir and chardonnay, is home to world-class vineyards that produce some of the most prestigious wines in the world. Visitors can taste some of the best wines of Burgundy at the cellars of the vineyards of Auxerrois, Tonnerrois, Maranges or Santenay.
WATER SPORTS Water sports enthusiasts can choose other activities including water-skiing, sailing and rowing. The developed areas invite swimming in leisure centers in Auxerre or Decize. The tranquility of the waterway can be enjoyed by fishing on the region’s canals or lakes or by big game fishing on the Saône while accompanied by a qualified instructor.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ALONG THE BANKS The towpaths along the canals and rivers, open to cyclists, are perfect for biking. These paths are also great for enjoying a walk along the waterfront.
The region is full of marked trails so there are plenty of routes to choose from. The Tour of Burgundy by bike runs along the canals of Nivernais and Burgundy, as well as the Canal du Centre. These paths take visitors through the region’s most beautiful landscapes – across vineyards, groves and forests and pass by historic monuments and charming residences.
Pardone des mariniers in Saint-Jean de Losne
A region criss-crossed by waterways, every year Burgundy celebrates water with various events. Music, demonstrations, tournaments and tastings punctuate the shorelines all summer long. There are many events to choose from, including the Pardon des mariniers in Saint-Jean de Losne, the Fête du Flottage in Clamecy or the Halles en eaux in Decize.
By Danielle Pruger Photos courtesy Austrian National Tourist Office
Lake Wolfgangsee
The Salzburg Lake District (Salzkammergut) is said to be one of the most charming regions in Austria: blue lakes, high mountains, green meadows and forests—a storybook landscape. The former emperor Franz Josef and his wife Sissi spent many holidays in this area and hence coined the term “Sommerfrische” (summer health resort).
Aristocracy was easily persuaded, and it was not long until half of Vienna passed the hot summer months in the “healthy” region of the Salzkammergut. The artist Gustav Klimt was yet another regular, spending time on the lakes and trying to capture this stunning natural scenery in his paintings. This area is also known as both a cycling and hiking paradise.
One way to experience this region is through self-guided tours through the company Bike Tours Direct. Trails are well-marked and well-maintained, and the terrain varies from flat lakeside trails to hilly meadows to outright mountains. The region is dotted with gorges, waterfalls and other natural wonders, but it’s also filled with culture and history—quaint villages, medieval towns and imperial villas where the Austrian emperors spent their summers.
The self-guided tour is seven nights long. Highlights of the tour include a bike tour of Lake Wolfgangsee, a train ride into Salzkammergut and a stay at the Hallstatt lake resort.
Although the tour is self-guided, van support is available for transfers and shuttles.
If you’re looking for a unique kind of European travel experience, consider a road trip. With the freedom of making your own way around the world comes an opportunity to discover things you would have otherwise missed – and you may be surprised at where the world’s best routes lie. Here are just four European destinations where the road trips are some of the best.
Photo by Raul Taciu
IRELAND It’s perhaps the most unexpected country of all for a road trip, but Ireland actually boasts some of the best, biggest and most beautiful routes in the entire world. Take the Wild Atlantic Way, listed as the best road in the world by The Planet D. It’s also the longest coastal route in the world, too – running for over 1,550 miles along Ireland’s west coast, it’ll definitely make for an adventure.
Photo by Claire Bissell
That isn’t the only road Ireland has to offer, though. From the Burren Loop, surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Burren National Park itself, to the scenic Comeragh Mountains, Ireland has some of the most beautiful routes in the world hidden beyond its shores.
ITALY There’s no denying Italy has some of, if not the most wonderous and beautiful routes, perfect for a road trip. Consider driving by the Amalfi Coast near Naples, a scenic coastline with beautiful views across the turquoise waters from the jutting cliffs above. As an added bonus, towns like Salerno and Amalfi can be visited during your journey.
(left to right) Photo by Chris Holgersson; Photo by Ciprian Boiciuc
And Tuscany simply beckons for a relaxed road trip, with its rolling hills and sprawling countryside to discover. It’s a good opportunity to escape from the outside world as it’s quiet and draped in history and heritage – don’t be surprised if you go hours without seeing another soul. That’s the appeal.
GERMANY Since Germany is one of Europe’s biggest countries, it’s no surprise it boasts some of the longest roads in the continent. The Huffington Post lists Germany’s Romantic Road as the “ultimate European road trip,” with the sheer variety it offers – from wine tasting to majestic castles in the countryside. “1 Cover” highlights Fussen as a must-see, lying at the end of the Romantic Road, so be sure to pull up and explore this picturesque town.
(left to right) Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel; Photo by Joseph Argus
Many of Germany’s routes have names that are equally as fascinating and intriguing as the Romantic Road. From the 625-mile-long Castle Road to the Fairytale Road, you have a number of choices when it comes to finding the right route for you – it all comes down to what you’re willing to discover along the way.
ICELAND It’s safe to say Iceland isn’t a country many tourists are dying to visit – it’s yet to become one of the top hotspots for travelers. It’s a shame, as its offerings, including the incredible Ring Road, are some of the best if you’re looking for a very unique travel experience.
The Ring Road is the route to consider if you’re wanting a road trip like no other. The natural sights offered here are simply incredible – from volcanoes to waterfalls, from icebergs to northern lights, you’ll be overcome by just how beautiful Iceland truly is.
(left to right) Photo by Ivars Krutainis; Photo by Lorenzo Castagnone
Manchester, in the United Kingdom, was the first industrialized city in the world, born of cotton. It was here that the Industrial Revolution took hold, and Manchester was the most productive center for cotton processing in the world. Later it was the world’s largest marketplace for cotton. During the Victorian era it was dubbed “Cottonopolis.”
Times have changed. Now this metropolitan area of nearly half a million people, one of the largest urban areas in the United Kingdom outside of London and Edinburgh, is associated with its interesting architecture, culture, music scene, and scientific and engineering endeavors. And its sports teams such as the Manchester United Football Club, the world’s most famous soccer team, is a constant reminder that Manchester is a highly diversified city, and is looking to the future.
Over the years, the city has reinvented itself from a technological standpoint, but remaining are many of the old historic buildings that attract thousands of tourists each year.
An example is the iconic four-star Midland Hotel on Peter Street, overlooking St. Peter’s Square. This impressive building, built in 1903 by the Midland Railway to serve Manchester Central railway station, stands right in the heart of Manchester city center. Over the course of its 100-year-old history, the hotel has played host to kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers and rock stars, including Winston Churchill, Princess Margaret, the Duchess of York, and the actress Sarah Bernhardt and Jeremy Brett (who played Sherlock Holmes), as well as the Sultan of Zanzibar, who arrived with an entourage of 60 people.
It’s in this 312-room hotel that Charles Rolls met Henry Royce in 1904 to form Rolls Royce. The French Restaurant in the hotel is one of the most important restaurants in the city, and also where a number of films have been shot.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY Manchester’s Museum of Science and Industry, located at the site of the oldest surviving railway station in the world, is a family-friendly museum with lots to offer. The museum features everything from the first steam-powered mill and to the microcomputer, with lots of hands-on exhibits. There’s a large collection of vintage vehicles and historic working machinery, especially since the Industrial Revolution started in Manchester. You can even take a train ride behind a replica steam locomotive.
The John Rylands Library is less a library in the usual sense and more of a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture: it looks more like a castle or cathedral. Rylands, who died in 1888, was one of Manchester’s most successful industrialists and had a large fortune. This world class collection includes the oldest known piece of the New Testament, the St. John Fragment. Other treasures here include illuminated medieval manuscripts and a 1476 William Caxton edition of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales.
MANCHESTER ART GALLERY The Manchester Art Gallery on Mosley Street has one of the country’s finest art collections in spectacular Victorian and contemporary surroundings. The gallery’s recent $53 million transformation has enabled the collection to be presented to visitors in new ways. Highlights include outstanding pre-Raphaelite paintings, craft and design, and early 20th century British art. Exhibits are always changing, but I saw a display of French and British Impressionist and post-Impressionist paintings, along with some splendid Victorian paintings.
The Gothic-style Manchester Cathedral, in the center of the city and built between 1441-1882, is a medieval church occupied by the Bishop of Manchester. Its official name is the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St. Mary, St. Denys and St. George in Manchester. It was extensively refaced, restored and extended in the Victorian period, and then again following severe bomb damage in the 20th century; it contains many precious artifacts.
MANCHESTER TOWN HALL A guided tour of Manchester Town Hall is an activity worth doing while here. The hall was designed in Victorian Gothic style by Alfred Waterhouse and opened in 1877. Among its treasures are the Ford Maddox Brown murals which are a monument to the ideas of Victorian Manchester, portraying the science, invention, education, trade and textile industry. Among the impressive rooms is the Sculpture Hall, containing statues of notable Manchester figures from the past, and the Great Hall, featuring a glazed skylight inscribed with the names of every mayor, lord mayor and chair of the town council since 1838. Be sure you see the mosaic pattern of bees on the floor outside the Great Hall. The bee symbolizes Manchester’s industry and is featured on the city’s coat of arms.
After dark, try out one of Manchester’s “real ale” pubs, or check out Matt & Phred’s Jazz Club, a nightclub where you can hear great jazz from some of the best performers, including Wynton Marsalis. Other clubs include Band on the Wall and Night and Day.
For food, try the Damson, a neighborhood restaurant in Heaton Moor, the relaxed San Carlo Cicchetti’s with delicious small dishes, and the French brasserie called Aubaine, on the top floor of Selfridges, which also offers a great view of Manchester.
Selfridges Department Store, Manchester
The Romans were known to inhabit the area around Manchester as early as 79 A.D., and the 19th century cotton trade brought great change to this city. Now with new glass buildings and a new development in the northern downtown core where the Industrial Revolution first took root, Manchester keeps re-inventing itself. Visitors will enjoy the mixing of old and new into a masterful blend.
Northern Ireland is one place you don’t want to miss as you travel around Europe. The country’s capital, Belfast, is a charming city known for being the location where the famous Titanic was built.
It’s also home to political murals that reflect the “The Troubles”—the conflict that has defined the country’s contemporary history. A little further outside of the city you can see picturesque views of the countryside as well as beautiful cliffs overlooking the sea.
Here are some top experiences you should have on your bucket list when visiting Northern Ireland.
LEARN ABOUT SHIPBUILDING IN THE TITANIC BELFAST MUSEUM Made popular by the 1997 epic film, the widespread history of the Titanic makes this attraction one of the most popular in the city. The self-guided museum takes guests through a series of galleries where you can learn about the RMS Titanic, which was originally built in Belfast by shipbuilders Harland & Wolff. The museum goes well beyond the ship’s building however, and touches on its launch, its maiden voyage, the tragic sinking and its aftermath. However, it’s important to note that as this is one of the most popular attractions in the city, Independent Travel Cats advises getting your ticket in advance to avoid waiting in line.
STROLL AROUND THE BELFAST PEACE WALLS The conflict known as “The Troubles” was a trying time in the city of Belfast. The violence between the unionists and nationalists resulted in 3,500 deaths and 50,000 injuries. During the 1970s, a Peace Line was created which separated the conflicting sides from each other. However, human spirit and kindness also prevailed. Save the Children’s Northern Ireland 1971 report details how children and mothers from both sides of the Peace Line would interact with each other in a friendly and relaxed way, with no sign of animosity. These small interactions weren’t enough to stop the growing conflict, however, and the Peace Walls was erected. This was to prevent violence from erupting between the two sides.
Now, decades later, the walls are painted with colourful murals on either side. Each side depicts the sentiments of the community, and gives a snapshot of the culture and history that runs through the town. One way of exploring these murals is through strolling around and taking your time with each piece. However, if you want a more guided experience, another option would be to take a Black Cab tour. Jump in a black cab and drive around the different murals and points of interest along the Peace Wall. While you’re traveling around, a local guide will tell stories about their own personal experiences of “The Troubles.” Hearing stories from a local’s perspective is always a good way to immerse yourself in a city’s history.
MARVEL AT THE GIANT’S CAUSEWAY Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the north coast. The site holds about 40,000 natural columns jutting out to the sea. The columns were formed due to a volcanic eruption that happened many centuries ago.
Legend has it that the giants of Ireland and Scotland were challenged to a fight, and for the duel to take place, the giants created a causeway over the ocean leading to Scotland. Interestingly, you can find the same types of columns at Fingal’s Cave in Scotland which supposedly comes from the same flow of lava or were made by the same giants, whichever you choose to believe. Remember that visiting the Giant’s Causeway is free, although you do have to pay more if you want to explore the Visitor’s Center. To access the Causeway for free, follow the archway to the side of the Visitor’s Center.
DRIVE THROUGH THE DARK HEDGES Similar to Wales, Northern Ireland is composed of beautiful sprawling countryside. The Dark Hedges is a quiet road near the rural town of Ballymoney in County Antrim where beech trees line each side, creating an eerily imposing tunnel-like entrance. Planted almost 300 years ago, they were made famous when they appeared in the hit TV series Game of Thrones. The hedges originated in the 18th century when the Stuart family planted the trees to impress visitors as they approached their mansion, the Gracehill House. The hedges are just a 50-minute drive from Belfast, so it’s a perfect stopover before going further to explore the north coast.
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