Euro adventure: Amsterdam, Cannes, Croatia, Greece, Ireland, Norway & Prague
JASSMIN PETER suggests making the most of a European sojourn with a stopover in a culture-rich city, natural wonderland or très chic coastal hot spot.
WHY GO Quirky, creative and open-minded Amsterdam may be well known for its notorious red-light district and liberal cafes - with more than coffee on the menu, but this city's impressive architecture, labyrinth of wide canals and bicycle-riding culture imparts a relaxed charm, ensuring a lasting high.
TO DO Visit the Van Gogh Museum (www.vangoghmuseum.nl)
to view more than 200 paintings and 500 drawings by Vincent and his contemporaries, including Gauguin and Monet. The Anne Frank Huis (www.annefrank.org) is a powerful exhibit on the life of Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. Walk through the reconstructed rooms and read Anne's original diary, now encased in glass.
During spring, the Keukenhof Gardens (www.keukenhof.nl) boast a colourful display of seven million tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, spring bulbs and trees. En route to the garden you'll drive through stunning countryside, passing windmills and vibrant fields carpeted in flowers.
STAY
$ Di Ann Hotel Amsterdam (www.hoteldiann.com) is a charming, historic canal house.
$$ Hotel Roemer (Roemer Visscherstraat 10) is situated in a quiet street in the heart of Amsterdam.
$$$ For an authentic experience, stay in a houseboat - complete with modern comforts and a well-equipped kitchen - situated along the canal. www.houseboathotel.nl
EAT Van Dobben (Korte Reguliersdwarsstraat 5) serves Dutch fare such as kroketten (croquettes) and pekelvlees -similar to corned beef. Try Bagels & Beans (www.bagelsbeans.nl) for its creative bagel menu.
GETTING THERE Fly direct on KLM Royal Dutch or Singapore Airlines.
WHEN TO GO May to August.
Cannes
WHY GO While Cannes shines every May for the glitzy Cannes Film Festival, this playground for the rich and beautiful is worth visiting at any time of the year. While palatial hotels, chic boutiques and exclusive nightclubs
TO DO For the best insight, take two walks. One through the old town around Mont Chevalier and Château de la Castre, the ruins of the Lerin-munks castle, and the other along Promenade de la Croisette lined with boutique shops, restaurants and La Croisette, the Cannes catwalk. Stop by the famous Palais des Festivals, where films are screened during the festival, and pose for a picture on the iconic 22 steps leading to the theatre's entrance.
Find a quiet cove to relax and take a dip, or charter a yacht to sail across the French Riviera and visit neighbouring Nice, St-Tropez and Monte Carlo. Fashionistas will feel right at home between the stretches of La Croisette and Rue d'Antibes where luxury boutiques such as Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Jean Paul Gaultier are located.
STAY
$ Hôtel Alnea (www.hotel-alnea.com) is located within steps of many hot spots.
$$ For quaint and charming, try Claremont Hotel (www.claremontcannes.com).
$$$ Treat yourself to a stay at Hotel Martinez (www.hotel-martinez.com) - frequented by A-list celebrities and royalty.
EAT Get your sugar fix at Rue d'Antibes, home to the area's best chocolatiers and delicatessens. Marché Forville is a market offering a spectacular eating experience, situated at the west end of Rue Meynardiers - one of the Cote's best gourmand streets. Many popular - albeit pricey- restaurants dot the riverfront.
GETTING THERE Fly to Nice International Airport on Air France or Emirates. Cannes is just a coach or train ride away.
WHEN TO GO Anytime - Cannes enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate all year round.
Croatia
WHY GO With tumultuous times firmly in the past, now is the perfect opportunity to visit this land of immense beauty. Experience varying landscapes at every turn, as the tranquillity of the mountains and Pannonian plains lead down to vibrant hues of the warm Mediterranean Sea.
Sunbathe on Dalmatia's pebble beaches, SCUBA dive in the Adriatic Sea, or trek through cascading waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes (www.np-plitvicka-jezera.hr) - Croatia's largest national park. Keep a lookout for resident bears, wolves and rare bird species. For a truly relaxing experience, soak in a thermal spa, renowned for its therapeutic properties,
at Istarske Toplice (www.istarske-toplice.hr).
STAY
$$ Enjoy solitude with a lighthouse
stay, well-equipped with electricity, television, showers, beds, drinking water and a personal keeper. www.lighthouses-croatia.com
$$$ Opt for scenic bike rides and hikes surrounding a countryside cottage and indulge in homemade fare and regional specialties. www.adriatica.net
EAT Feast on the freshest catch along the coast, Venetian-inspired rižot (risotto) in Dalmatia and pungent truffles in Istria. On the mainland, savour hearty Austro-Hungarian meat dishes such as goulash and Wiener schnitzel.
GETTING THERE Fly to Croatia's capital Zagreb on Air France, Turkish Airlines
and Lufthansa.
WHEN TO GO May to September.
Greece
WHY GO Although its ancient architecture and stunning scenery has been the backdrop for many movies and postcards, Greece's unrivalled beauty has to be seen to be truly appreciated, offering archaeological sites, clusters of islands, rugged countryside and lively cities.
TO DO Athens has some of the most important archaeological monuments of the ancient world such as the majestic Acropolis crowned by the iconic Parthenon temple, the Academy of Athens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the historic triangle of Plaka, Thission
and Psyri.
STAY
$ King Jason Hotel (https://kingjason.reserve-online.net) offers modern facilities
$$ Eridanus (www.eridanus.gr) is well-priced for five-star ambience.
$$$ For a luxurious stay, Grande Bretagne (www.grandebretagne.gr) has a reputation for hosting the wealthy and famous.
EAT Paradosiako (www.paradosiako.com.gr) is a Greek tavern offering traditional fare. Enjoy handmade baklava and kataifi at Yiorgos Hatziparaskos (Vernardou 30 Old Quarter) and stop by Iliomanolis (Tel: 28320 51053) for hearty home-style Cretan food and homemade wine, olive oil and raki - an aniseed-flavoured spirit, similar to ouzo.
GETTING THERE Fly direct to Athens on Singapore Airlines or Qatar Airways.
WHEN TO GO May to September.
Ireland
WHY GO Expect unspoiled countryside, sweeping coastlines, spectacular castles
and an energetic pub scene.
TO DO Dublin's greatest draws are its museums, parks and cultural offerings. Must-visits include the Dublin Writers Museum (www.writersmuseum.com), Christchurch Cathedral (www.cccdub.ie) and City Hall. Stroll through Iveagh Gardens or Phoenix Park (www.phoenixpark.ie) or take a day-trip to the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains for scenic views.
Venture off the beaten track with a trip to the Aran Islands. Cycle or stroll to explore the ancient forts of Dún Aengus on Inishmór and Dún Chonchúir on Inishmaan. Visit Kilkenny to revel in medieval adventure and the city of Waterford, home to exquisite hand-blown crystal glassware.
STAY
$$ Find modest accommodation at Lynams Hotel (www.lynamshotel.net).
$$$ Complete your Irish experience with a royal stay in Dromoland Castle (www.dromoland.ie) or Waterford Castle (www.waterford.com).
EAT McDonagh's (www.mcdonaghs.net) is popular for its battered cod, plaice, haddock, whiting and salmon served with homemade tartare sauce, while Gruel (www.gruel.ie) is known for its roasted-meats-in-a-roll served with a selection of homemade relishes. For traditional Irish fare - such as pig's trotters and soft quail eggs - try Tea Rooms (www.clarence.ie).
GETTING THERE Fly to Dublin on British Airways or Air France.
WHEN TO GO July and August are warmest - fingers crossed. St Patrick's Festival is celebrated on and around March 17.
WHY GO With its majestic fjords, mountain peaks, glaciers, scenic nature walks and national parks, Norway is ideal for nature lovers.
TO DO The capital of Oslo has many charming parks, museums and shopping districts. The Viking Ship Museum (www.khm.uio.no) exhibits the best preserved Viking ships - built between 820 AD and 900 AD - plus the weapons, tools, ornaments and helmets of Viking traders, farmers and warriors. Drive to Holmenkollen Ski Jump (www.holmenkollen.com), the world's most modern ski jump where a visit to the ski tower is rewarded by spectacular views of Oslo.
In the summer, Norway is best experienced in the southernmost town of Mandal, known for Sjosanden beach, an 800-metre sandy beach with crystal blue waters fringed by forest, ideal for sailing, swimming and snoozing in the sun.
In the winter, Hemsedal (www.skistar.com), also known as the Scandinavian Alps, is home to Norway's best skiing. Spend the night in a private cabin with modern facilities and wake up to breathtaking views. In Oslo, skate at the Spikersuppa Skating Rink (Karl Johansgate) decorated with trees and fairy lights, in front of Stortinget (Parliament of Oslo).
STAY
$ Anker Hotel (www.anker-hotel.no) offers stylish comfort.
$$ Thon Hotel Europa (www.thonhotels.com) is near several hot spots.
$$$ Holmenkollen Park Hotel Rica (www.holmenkollenparkhotel.no) has Norwegian "dragon-style" architecture and promises a luxurious stay and impressive views.
EAT Kaffistova (www.kaffistova.com) serves local specialties such as boknafisk (dried and salted cod) and rømmegrøt (sour cream porridge). While Statholdergaarden (www.statholdergaarden.no) promises a fine dining experience with gourmet cuisine and impeccable wines. Café Sara (www.cafesara.no) is popular with locals for its casual ambience, pizzas, Turkish and Mexican fare.
GETTING THERE Fly to Oslo on KLM Royal Dutch, Air France or Lufthansa.
WHEN TO GO May to September for a summer vacation, December and January for skiing.
Prague
WHY GO Known as the golden city of 100 spires, Prague has a glorious architectural style mixing Renaissance, Baroque art nouveau and cubist styles. This cosmopolitan city is peppered with riverside parks, beer gardens, music clubs, concert halls, museums and art galleries.
TO DO The Old Town is surrounded by medieval buildings and historic monuments, including the famed Astronomical Clock which displays the 12 apostles when it chimes the hour. The Josefov (Jewish quarter) houses the Jewish Museum, showcasing fine collections of Jewish art, textiles and silverware.
Connecting Old Town with Lesser Town is the historic Charles Bridge. At 515 metres long and 10 metres wide, it is fortified by three towers and was built in 1357 to replace the flood-damaged Judith Bridge. In Lesser Town, must-sees include the Lennon Wall with its graffiti inspired by the poems and lyrics of John Lennon. Also stop by Prague Castle. Standing at 570 metres high and 130 metres wide it's the biggest ancient castle in the world and serves as the historical and political centre of the city. The Žižkov Television Tower is another major attraction due to its unique rocket launch pad design.
STAY
$ Brezina Pension (www.brezina.cz) caters to all budgets.
$$ Try a fun botel (boat hotel) stay. Botel Florentina (www.florentinaboat.cz) has 50 cabins, a restaurant, bar, spacious sun deck and gorgeous views.
$$$ Le Palais (www.palaishotel.cz) is a beautifully-restored belle époque building complete with luxurious bedrooms, original mosaic floors and period fireplaces.
EAT Czech cuisine is based around pork or beef with starchy side dishes such as dumplings or potatoes and desserts include fruit dumplings or crêpes. Chudoba (www.restauracechudoba.cz) is a Czech tavern-restaurant serving goulash and hearty meat fondue, while Francouzska (www.francouzskarestaurace.cz) offers fine dining and a gourmet menu.
GETTING THERE Fly on KLM Royal Dutch and Emirates.
WHEN TO GO May to September.
Airlines:
Air France www.Air France.com
British Airways www.britishairways.com
Emirates www.emirates.com
KLM Royal Dutch www.klm.com
Lufthansa www.lufthansa.com
Qatar Airways www.qatarairways.com
Singapore Airlines www.singaporeair.com
Turkish Airlines www.turkishairlines.com
Posted Jun 2011
