Take one step inside, and you can’t help but stand still, as if stopped by an invisible hand. Picturesque multi-colored houses climbing the hills of centuries-old Porto on the banks of the majestic Douro River have been the main attraction for countless visitors through the ages. But no traveler should … Read more
Christopher Isherwood famously wrote about the debauchery of early 1930s Weimar Berlin in his book, “The Berlin Stories,” the basis for the movie “Cabaret.” I decided to keep a diary of my recent visit to the hugely popular German city. While my experiences were nowhere near as racy as Isherwood’s, … Read more
Switzerland’s Lake Geneva Region is a perfect puzzle of graceful cities such as Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux, punctuated by dozens of fairytale villages. This Francophone swath is marked on the sophisticated traveler’s map thanks to its stunning Alpine scenery, clear blue waters of Lake Geneva and acres of chocolate so … Read more
“Gstaad is the last paradise in a crazy world.” These words from the lovely and talented Julie Andrews capture the essence of this charming Swiss village in the heart of the Bernese Oberland in southwest Switzerland. Gstaad is one of 10 unique villages that make up the district known as … Read more
Half-timbered houses, red-tiled roofs, cobbled lanes, medieval clock towers and an abundance of charm await in the picturesque villages and towns of Bavaria. Here’s a look at some of the loveliest.
At first glance, the middle-aged woman with glasses and greying hair is just wrapping little balls of clay the size of marbles but within seconds shapes appear – a head, legs, arms, then finally a fully developed figure. Together with her sister and nephew, Maria Inácia Fonseca runs the craft … Read more
When dreaming about Italy, the magnificent cities of Rome, Venice and Florence usually come to mind. Of course, Tuscany is a must see too. But I wanted to get off the well-worn tourist path and explore beyond those bucket list spots. Nestled in the shadow of the Alps, I found … Read more
From towns to villages, the traditional Christmas markets of Bavaria have delighted young and old alike for centuries. Experience the magical atmosphere of twinkling lights, holiday melodies, decorated stalls heaped with Christmas treasures and the tempting aromas of sweet roasted almonds, sausages, gingerbread, and Glühwein.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is, without a doubt, the most famous resort in the German Alps, partly because of its proximity to the highest mountain, the Zugspitze, and partly because it hosted the 1936 Olympic Winter Games. The town’s location between the gentle Ammer mountains and the imposing peaks of the Wetterstein chain, … Read more
Imperial power, World War II tension, outstanding artistic achievements and great human tragedies … Nuremberg has mirrored German history since the Middle Ages. For some, the name of the city evokes images of Albrecht Dürer, sausages and the Christmas market; for others, the prosecution of Nazi war criminals during the … Read more
Matev Casana, Oriol Castro and Edvard Xatruch, three groundbreaking chefs who met and trained professionally together at Adria Ferran’s world-famous El Bulli, opened Disfrutar in Barcelona’s Eixample neighborhood in 2014. Over the past few years, the restaurant has become an icon of avant-garde cuisine both in Spain and globally. Disfrutar … Read more
Founded in 1158, Munich has been the capital of Bavaria since 1506 and therefore boasts of grandiose palaces and royal heritage. The city is impossibly energetic and it’s easy to see why it is southern Germany’s most popular destination. Beer mugs and high-tech cars, contemporary art museums and dirndls – … Read more
It’s morning aboard the Scenic Opal, and I lazily roll out of bed, put on my plush robe and dial my butler. “Good Morning, Ms. Marshall. Are you ready for your tea? Yes, please.” Slipping on a cushy pair of slippers, I wander out to my private terrace to see … Read more
Bayreuth, the capital of Upper Franconia in Germany, is beautifully laid out with sandstone streets, baroque architecture and impressive palaces. Arguably, it’s one of the great cultural centers of Europe. The foundations were laid in the 18th century by Margravine Wilhelmine, the favorite sister of King Frederick the Great, who … Read more
Charming Füssen, the southern end of the Romantic Road, is framed by snow-covered peaks and an idyllic lake district. Only an hour south of Munich, many travelers stop here to visit the royal palaces of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau a little over two miles away. While the stunning Königsschlösser are arguably … Read more