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From Russia with love-ly cocktails
2008-05-18 20:30:00 If you want to sample Russia 's alcoholic staple in style, St Petersburg's Senat Bar comes with a royal seal of approval.Housed in a formidable tsarist-era building that has been painstakingly restored, it's hard not to be over-awed by the abundance of gold gilt and antiques on show.And that's before being bowled over by the mouth-watering cocktail list.Among the favourites is the Senator house cocktail, a heady mix of vodka, gin, Malibu, apricot liqueur and fruit juice.There's also a vast array of beers on offer sampling the best of local Russian and other top European breweries.If you're still not convinced, the bar enjoys boasting that it was chosen to cater for former US president Bill Clinton when he visited the city in 1996.If you're thirsty for further tsarist Russia experiences in the city, head to the Peter and Paul Fortress or the sumptuous Winter Palace. More About: Love , Cocktails , With Love
A wicked time at Scotland's Wicker Man Festiv
2008-05-18 20:30:00 Cult cinema classic The Wicker Man gets a 2008 reincarnation this summer as part of a Scottish alternative music festival.Based on the eerie 1973 movie, the Wicker Man Festival in Dumfries and Galloway features bands, bars and a children's area complete with clowns, workshops and storytelling.Previously, the festival has attracted such big musical acts as the Buzzcocks, Sandi Thom and Fun Lovin' Criminals.Among the performers at the July 25th and 26th weekend this year are Gary Numan, the Cuban Brothers, Dodgy and Alabama 3, who will play across 120 acres of farmland.And the event wouldn't be complete without the burning of an enormous wicker man late on Saturday night.The movie of the same name tells the story of a police sergeant called to a remote island village to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. It was re-made two years ago starring Nicolas Cage. More About: Events , United Kingdom , Time , Wicked
An Urban Retreat in London
2008-05-18 20:30:00 Shop 'til you drop may be the mantra of the British capital but at least there's a place to combine the two in fashionable Knightsbridge.Situated conveniently above legendary store Harrods, Urban Retreat offers much more than R&R after a long day trawling the nearby designer shops and trendy boutiques.This exclusive spa is all about choice, offering services as diverse as the anti-cellulite body blitz, maternity treatments, a wig boudoir and intuitive healing.It boasts some of the best beautification experts in the UK, including hair wizard Philip Kingsley whose products are used by a host of A-list stars from Kate Winslet to Sigourney Weaver.For those with money to splurge, why not follow another celebrity trend and release your own perfume? Urban Retreat has its own haute parfumerie to create a signature fragrance.Other top spas in London include Nickel in Covent Garden and the Sanctuary in Soho. More About: United Kingdom
The appliance of science in Spain
2008-05-18 20:30:00 When your chef has devoted two years to perfecting the humble poached egg, you can count on a cracking course at his multi-Michelin-star restaurant in Spain .Andoni Luis Aduriz' Mugaritz eatery is tucked away in the countryside near San Sebastian and boasts some of the most refined repast in the world.With his passion for precision, Andoni treats traditional Basque cuisine with scientific rigour to produce exquisitely executed and highly unusual dishes.Whether it be sheep's milk curd seasoned with hay and toasted fern or frites made from blackened radishes, diners will delight in the range of exciting ingredients and daring flavours on offer on this extensive menu."The food is a sort of parody of nouvelle cuisine," drools Conde Nast Traveller, "a cross between laboratory testing and extremely well-rehearsed performance art."For more dinner with drama, visit Ferran Adria's celebrated El Bulli on the Costa Brava. More About: Science , European , Appliance
Swanning around near London
2008-05-18 20:30:00 Push the boat out this summer enjoying a 12th-century tradition on the gorgeous River Thames.The ceremony of Swan Upping sees members of the Queen's establishment don bright scarlet uniforms and embark on a five-day voyage upstream to check the local swan population is at a healthy level.The bird-brained idea dates back hundreds of years but is enjoyed to this day by scores of tourists who flock to lock gates and bridges along the historic route to watch the flotilla pass.The Queen's swan marker and accompanying swan uppers start out in six medieval rowing skiffs on July 14th at Sunbury in Surrey and complete the course at Abingdon, Oxfordshire.Along the way they'll be rounding up cygnets to count and carrying out other vital conservation work in a colourful display of pageantry.Traditionally the Crown has claimed ownership of all unmarked mute swans in open water but today the Queen only exercises this on certain stretches of the Thames and surrounding tributaries. More About: Events , United Kingdom , London
A wicked time at Scotland's Wicker Man Festiv
2008-05-18 20:30:00 Cult cinema classic The Wicker Man gets a 2008 reincarnation this summer as part of a Scottish alternative music festival.Based on the eerie 1973 movie, the Wicker Man Festival in Dumfries and Galloway features bands, bars and a children's area complete with clowns, workshops and storytelling.Previously, the festival has attracted such big musical acts as the Buzzcocks, Sandi Thom and Fun Lovin' Criminals.Among the performers at the July 25th and 26th weekend this year are Gary Numan, the Cuban Brothers, Dodgy and Alabama 3, who will play across 120 acres of farmland.And the event wouldn't be complete without the burning of an enormous wicker man late on Saturday night.The movie of the same name tells the story of a police sergeant called to a remote island village to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. It was re-made two years ago starring Nicolas Cage. More About: Events , United Kingdom , Time , Wicked
Grand designs in fair Verona
2008-05-18 20:30:00 Shakespeare may have had some immortal words for Verona but a sojourn in nearby Byblos Art Hotel is likely to leave guests a little speechless.Located five miles out of the Romeo and Juliet city, this beautifully restored 15th-century villa will have art and design aficionados drooling with its lavish collection of antique furnishings and classic canvases from some of the world's leading artists.Salvador Dali, Proust and Cindy Sherman are all represented amid glittering chandeliers, opulent ceilings and individually decorated guest rooms making this a truly unique hotel experience.A little more subdued is the adjoining restaurant, which makes up for restrained decor with a daring blend of regional and international ingredients on the menu.When the mental activity of art criticism takes its toll, there's opportunity to exercise the body as well with a gym, pool and spa in the hotel's extensive grounds.Further afield, Verona itself and nearby Lake Garda offer some satisfying walks ... More About: Fair , Grand , Designs
Music in Cannock Chase forest
2008-05-15 20:30:00 The last weekend of June sees Staffordshire come alive with one of the first of many music festivals to storm the UK's summer scene.Cannock Chase Concerts will feature performances from big-name bands The Zutons, The Charlatans and Status Quo.The event, taking place on June 27th and 28th, is part of the Forest ry Commission's 2008 Forest Tour, which aims to encourage people to explore their local woodlands in new and exciting ways.Member of the legendary Status Quo Francis Rossi said of the show: "We are really looking forward to playing in the forest. Fans can rest assured they'll be rocking all over the woods!"But festival fever doesn't end there in Staffordshire, with the Lichfield Festival at the beginning of July for a celebration of music, dance, drama and poetry, as well as the Shugborough Music and Fireworks Weekend in August.Last year's Forest Tour saw acts including Travis, Blondie, James Morrison and Jools Holland entertain the crowds. More About: Events , United Kingdom
Take a Starlight Express train to Bochum
2008-05-15 20:30:00 Exciting and exhilarating, Starlight Express is one of Andrew Lloyd-Webber's most original musicals.Featuring an entire cast on rollerskates, it tells the story of a group of steam trains and carriages through a romantic tale first written as a story by the musical legend for his children.Performed in Germany in a specially built venue in Bochum, the fantastic rock inspired music features catchy songs including Starlight Express, A Lotta Locomotion and Only You.The crowd-puller has welcomed millions of visitors to its purpose-built German venue over the last two decades, keen to see this unique spectacle and hear its infectious songs.It has recently been revamped and modernised, with new stunt skaters brought into the fold which adds to the excitement of the play.Starlight Express recently toured round the UK as part of a new production, featuring cutting-edge 3D technology. More About: Theater , Train
Fair enough in Hanover
2008-05-11 20:30:00 Each year hundreds and thousands of visitors flock to Hanover for what has become north Germany 's biggest fair.Although a Schutzenfest occurs in most areas of the country, Hanover is renowned for hosting the largest of these.Dating back over 400 years and traditionally involving archery and shooting competitions, the festivals are now a little more light-hearted, featuring amusement rides, beer tents and a variety of entertainment.One of the events traditions is to drink a glass of a local beer called Luttje Lage in synch with a glass of schnapps, trying not to spill anything.The event welcomes over 12,000 participants, including 150 bands from all over the world for its highlight - a huge parade on the Sunday.Flowers, floats, brass bands and horse-drawn carriages are all part of the colourful procession, which covers a seven-mile stretch.The evening culminates in a fantastic firework display.Those who haven't indulged in too much Luttje Lage may want to visit some of the 24 museu... More About: Events , Fair
Exit to Serbia
2008-05-11 20:30:00 Each year thousands of revellers descend on Serbia to take part in one of Europe's largest music festivals.Exit has been held in the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad since 2001, gradually making a name for itself as one of the highlights of the European summer music calendar - the first event saw 200,000 people flocking to the venue.The eclectic line-up this year features Juliette and the Licks, M.I.A., Manu Chao and the hugely successful The Gossip.Guests can see performances at 11 stages, while they can also take advantage of other sources of entertainment include the extreme sports arena, technology zone and open-air cinema.Like all traditional festivals, revellers can choose to camp or, for those who don't fancy slumming it, can stay in a nearby hotel.For those who have the energy after the three-day festival, which this year takes place from July 10th - 13th, local attractions in Serbia's second-biggest city include the Museum of Vojvodina and the Gallery of Matica Srpska. More About: Events
Dancing in Amsterdam
2008-05-11 20:30:00 Amsterdam's prestigious summer dance festival, Julidans, will be taking place this year between July 1st and 12th.The eighteenth edition of this celebration includes performances from across the spectrum of dance, showcasing the work of both well-known choreographers and up-and-coming talent from around the world.Innovative performances are on show in the festival that aims to explore both the present and the future of dance theatre.The line-up this year features London choreographer Hofesh Shechter opening the festival with Uprising/In Your Rooms.Other highlights include Argentinian Constanza Macras' Brickland and the premiere of Nanine Linning's new production Dolby.Performances take place at a number of venues throughout the city.While in Amsterdam, visitors may want to check out some of the many attractions that the city has to offer - the Dutch capital boasts the most museums per square inch of the world, so there's plenty to keep tourists occupied. More About: Dancing , Events , Amsterdam , Netherlands
Split to Dubrovnik
2008-05-11 20:30:00 Croatia is now one of the must-see destinations in the Mediterranean, with Dubrovnik proving to be a popular destination for tourists, boasting stunning architecture, scenery and good weather. Designed by Split architect Dinko Kovacic, Hotel Uvala offers visitors the chance to take pleasure in the best of Croatian architecture as well as those little luxuries in life. Guests can relax and unwind in the indoor or outdoor pool, or even take advantage of the two wellness rooms offered by the hotel by enjoying a massage or body treatment. This 51-bedroom venue, which is part of national chain Maestral, offers its visitors simple and modern design, with views over the sea or the park. Guests may also enjoy using the hotel's Rozolin bar or Mantala restaurant. There are a number of exciting things to see and do in Dubrovnik, such as visiting Sponza Palace, the Franciscan Monastery or the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Tower over London
2008-05-11 20:30:00 Offering fantastic views right across London , Tower Bridge is one of the most famous constructions of its type in the world.Now open to the public as a museum, the medieval-looking bridge, which is still in use, was opened in 1894.Designed by Sir Horace Jones, it is notable for its engineering ingenuity, hydraulically-operating twin bascules, raising them to allow space for tall ships and boats to pass through.It is possible to call ahead to find out when a bridge lift is occuring, so visitors have a chance to see this impressive sight, taking place approximately 1,000 times a year.The in-house museum, the Tower Bridge Experience, offers a fascinating insight into the history of the bride by way of animatronic characters, video and computers.From the walkways, which are situated 42 metres above the River Thames, visitors can see breathtaking views of some of the British capital's most noteworthy landmarks, including Canary Wharf, St Paul's Cathedral and the London Eye. More About: United Kingdom , Museums
Religious rites in Britanny
2008-05-11 20:30:00 One of Brittany's oldest religious days or pardons takes place in Locronan in July each year.Known as the Petite Tromenie, the centre-piece of the pilgrimage festival is a huge procession, featuring silk banners documenting all the parishes that are participating.Those taking part walk approximately six km around the sacred areas of Locronan.They dress in costume and sing traditional Breton songs as they walk from Locronan Church to Le Nemeton, a sacred forest clearing.In the middle of the forest lies a natural temple, which dates back centuries as a Pagan site for worship, symbolising nature and fertility.Once every six years (the last time was in 2007), the event gets much bigger with la Grand Tromenie, with thousands of pilgrims travelling 12 km.Locronan is a picturesque village in the north-east of France, dating back to the 16th century. More About: Religious
Romantic retreat in Lisbon
2008-05-11 20:30:00 Hip, historic and healthy, Lisbon 's Solar Do Castelo is an exquisite haven for a romantic retreat.Located in the heart of the old town of Portugal 's capital, this 18th-century mansion originally built within the walls of St George's Castle has been converted into a luxurious hotel, fit for royalty.The circa 1765 building retains many of its original features, but alongside this boasts an enticing contemporary design, with all the modern amenities including free wireless access in every room.And according to secretplaces.com, each room is treated to a fresh apple each day.A stone's throw from some of the trendiest shops, bars and cafes in Lisbon, guests here can venture out to sample a variety of tastes, as there is no restaurant within the hotel itself.The picturesque hideaway is home to 14 rooms and these surround gardens and an inner courtyard.While in Lisbon, tourists may want to visit some of the many attractions including Commercial Square, the Church of Sao Roque and the N... More About: Romantic , Retreat
Dine in Dubrovnik
2008-05-11 20:30:00 Located on the Mediterranean coastline, Dubrovnik is one of Croatia's shining jewels and provides a whole host of sumptuous restaurants for visitors to enjoy in this historic city. Atlas Club Nautika, Proto, Kamenice, Sapur and Sesame are all eateries in Dubrovnik that promise an exquisite dining experience. However, restaurant Orhan insists that holidaymakers must venture down to Pile harbour near the old town to taste its traditional Croatian cuisine. Offering a covered terrace, diners can soak up the beautiful Dubrovnik scenery and fresh sea air while sampling its range of fish, pasta, meat dishes and soups. And according to Concierge.com, the eatery offers guests a cheaper alternative to the nearby Atlas Club Nautika. Furthermore, the restaurant can provide accommodation for those who cannot bear to be parted with the sound of the Mediterranean sea, as the nearest beach is just 50m away. More About: Dine , Local
Self-catering fun in Florence
2008-05-08 20:30:00 The modern, five-star Residence Hilda is a hotel in a quiet pedestrian area of Florence .With just 12 suites, this venue epitomises the word boutique and is fantastically located for travellers who want to explore this beautiful city.Large, contemporary suites come with fully-equipped kitchens. Although this is officially a self-catering apartment, the huge number of restaurants within walking distance will keep any visitor who isn't keen to hit the hob a welcome break.Each of the suites is basically identical, although some are slightly larger - there are standard, superior and deluxe apartments, the latter two catering for four guests, while the first only houses two. All offer beautiful views of the city below.Restaurants, cafes as well as a host of museums of art galleries are within a stone's throw of this venue, which is ideal for a more low-maintenance tourist.A number of stunning attractions await visitors to this Italian city, which is the home of the Palazzo Vecchio, the ... More About: Catering
Modern art in Porto
2008-05-01 20:30:00 The Portuguese town of Porto is home to the National Museum of Modern Art, the most visited museum in the country. Presently, exhibitions include Institutional and Poetical Violence (IPV) and the 100 Fish Fountain. Three artists are involved in IPV: Anne-Lise Coste; Tatjana Doll; and Erik van Lieshout; with words provided by Coste, paintings by Doll and videos by Lieshout. This goes on until July 13th and there is a guided tour in English on May 8th; 100 Fish Fountain shows until July 6th. The bronze cast display by Bruce Nauman also uses water to provide an entertaining spectacle. An English-speaking guide will conduct a guided tour of this exhibit on May 27th. Of the museum, the New York Times said: "[It] exhibits the work of an exemplary coterie of contemporary Portuguese painters, designers, and sculptors. "Exhibits change constantly, but there's always something interesting." There are many other museums in Portugal to visit in addition to this, including the P... More About: Events , Modern Art
Enjoy authentic Czech food and beer
2008-05-01 20:30:00 The U Medvidku restaurant dates back to the 15th century, according to its present owners. This interesting eatery was converted from a brewery into Prague's first cabaret and the largest beer hall in the Czech city. It traditionally serves Budweiser but actually serves five different types of beer on tap in its bar. Attached to the restaurant – whose name translated means At the Little Bears - is the museum, which claims to be the one of, if not the, largest beer and brewery souvenir shop in the Czech Republic There is plenty of space to enjoy and sample the beer, the food and the atmosphere – the hall seats 290, the lounge 30, the garden 50, the cabaret 100, Budweiser Bar 40 and the brewery 50. "The downstairs restaurant serves smoky Czech-style goulash that's less oily than the Hungarian original, massive broiled pork knuckles and traditional beef tenderloin in sour-cream gravy," states Concierge.com. It adds that the atmosphere is sociable and lively and t... More About: Food , Beer , Enjoy , Local
Eat with the chic in Milan
2008-05-01 20:30:00 Da Giacomo, a stylish family-run restaurant in Milan , may be nothing to look at on the outside, but it is the regular haunt of fashion icons, designers, architects, businessmen and financiers. Located on an ordinary street near Milan's fashion district, this high-class trattoria is not pretentious but is a good place to take a loved one for a romantic evening that won't break the bank.As it is Milan's most exclusive restaurant, booking is essential, but once inside diners will enjoy the old-fashioned service and the Tuscan cuisine including swordfish steak.Decor-wise, the dining area is a blast from the early decades of the last century thanks to its arches, art deco lamps, and yellow and green walls.For $95 (£47), diners can enjoy get a three-course, while wine enthusiasts will appreciate the comprehensive wine cellar brimming with quality vintages.Meals are served most evenings and lunchtimes.Other trendy restaurants in Milan include 10 Corso Como Cafe, Dolce and Gabbana G... More About: Italy , Italian
Pocket a bargain in Lisbon
2008-05-01 20:30:00 Old books, vinyl records, paintings, secondhand computers and Portuguese food specialities are just some of the diverse goods to be found at the Thieves Market in Lisbon . The Feira da Ladra in the city's Alfama district is a busy flea market located in a street and has some of the best bargains around, according to some reports. World Events Guide notes vendors sell local handmade cloths, while the New York Times likens it to the famous flea markets of Paris and Madrid, adding: "You can experience the fun of haggling for bargains … Nearly everything you can imagine is for sale." Go Lisbon website says the market dates back around 800 years, though it may have been named Feira da Ladra as late as the 17th century. It adds that today traders are "perfectly legal" but the Lisbon Connection advises shoppers to keep a tight hold on their purses and bags. As well as shopping there are many cultural beauties to visit during a stay in Portugal 's capital, such as t... More About: Shopping , Bargain , Pocket
See democracy in action in London
2008-05-01 20:30:00 One of the most spectacular buildings in London , the neo-gothic Westminster Palace is home to the decision-making heart of the UK.Parliament is open to visitors for most of the year and tours around the fascinating building take place on a regular basis. The home of the famous Big Ben, visitors will hear the bell toll on the hour in person as they look round the areas of the famous palace that are not restricted.Built between 1840 and 1888 and housing the House of Commons and the House of Lords, those who visit the building while parliament in session may have the opportunity to view debates in one of the houses from the public galleries.These have been blocked off by a glass screen since a coloured powder was thrown at the prime minister by activists a few years ago.To gain access to Westminster, visitors should stand in line by the St Stephen's entrance, for an excellent opportunity to see democracy in action - many of those in line here will be waiting to lobby their member of p... More About: Action , United Kingdom , Democracy
Classic romance in Venice
2008-05-01 20:30:00 The stunning yet unpretentious boutique Pensione La Calcina has an ideal location right in the heart of Venice .Having undergone continual renovation over recent years, the good-value venue is perfect for a romantic break in this beautiful city.Overlooking the Giudecca canal in Drosoduro, the 19th-century building retains much of its original character and many original features, including its furniture and polished parquet floors.However never fear, modern conveniences are in each room for the taking, including Wi-Fi, TVs and minibars.Guests can delight in the heavenly new cafe/restaurant La Piscina, which is situated on a floating wooden dock in front of the hotel.The whole venue is packed with clean-lined furnishings and simple colours with a more classic twist.Venice has a history as the romantic centre of Italy , offering opportunities for fairytale gondola rides, fantastic restaurant visits and secluded corners in which to explore and get lost. More About: Classic , Romance
Musical spectacular in Florence
2008-05-01 20:30:00 Florence's spectacular Maggio Musical e is the oldest music festival in Italy , taking place over a two-month period each summer.Incorporating not only but concerts and opera but also ballet, the fantastic selection of entertainment includes a host of world-famous performances.According to whatsonwhen, the line-up this year features the ballets The Sleeping Beauty in the Wood and Hommage a Maurice, choreographed by Maurice Bejart.Concerts will include the legendary Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, conducted by Zubin Mehta and those by the Orchestra e Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino at the 2,000-seat Teatro Comunale. And Giovanni Testori's Erodias also hits the stage at Cortile del Museo Nazionale del Bargello as part of the festivities.The event has in the past hosted a number of notable greats including conductors Vittorio Gui, Brno Walter and Dimitri Mitropoulos, while Maria Callas has also graced the stage with her glorious operatic tone.Other venues that host musical performance... More About: Events , Florence , Spectacular
Heaven in Prague
2008-05-01 20:30:00 Nebe, meaning heaven, represents paradise for a host of club-goers who head to the Czech capital to revel in the eclectic nightlife.The Prague venue is a perfect spot for the lover of more alternative music, set in a great cellar venue.Located in an old building dating back at least a few hundred years, the dance club and bar blares out hip-hop and techno, along with smatterings of indie, rock and punk classics.As one of the only venues in the Czech capital to play this genre of music, it attracts massive crowds, who indulge in the cheap drinks and friendly atmosphere, while taking advantage of the free entry.Friday nights are particularly noteworthy, when Nebe is home to the renowned Prague Heartbeats, who play a glorious selection of indie and Britpop.Guests can treat themselves to one of over 100 cocktails, or even share one of the massive cocktail buckets designed for eight people.Other hot night venues in Prague include Cross Club, M1 Lounge and the hip Radost FX. More About: Czech Republic , Heaven
Sumptuous stay and fine dining in Edinburgh
2008-05-01 20:30:00 One of the coolest hotels in the Scottish capital, the Bonham hotel has interesting roots as a maternity hospital.However, now minus the screaming babies, it was reincarnated into a relaxing retreat in 1998.Situated in an excellent location just moments from a huge range of shops and boutiques as well as all the glorious sites the fashionable city of Edinburgh has to offer, this is a great place to stay during a visit.Home to 48 spacious rooms and a lavish restaurant complete with a French chef, this is one of the city's fines hotels, having recently been named the Scottish Boutique Hotel of the Year.The chef of Restaurant at the Bonham, Michel Bouyer, creates delightful European-inspired dishes, including Aberdeen Angus beef with porcini sauce - successfully combining traditional Scottish fare with a modern European twist.This eatery won a commendation by the Scottish Hotels of the Year Awards 2007.Other top hotels in the Scottish capital include Glasshouse, Le Monde and the Scots... More About: United Kingdom , Dining , Fine , Stay
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