Travel Photo of the Week: Mykonos Windmills, Greece

I have had the pleasure (read ‘jealous pleasure’) of spying some amazing photos in my Facebook newsfeed recently from many of my friends who have escaped a Melbourne winter to travel to such destinations as Thailand, Cambodia, far north Queensland, America and of course Europe. One friend in particular had a few weeks away visiting Crete and some of the Greek Islands. I couldn’t help but share one here of the Mykonos windmills which are an iconic feature of the Greek island, Mykonos. 

Photo courtesy of Travel Tips Plus reader Harry.

Berlin, capital of Germany, is one of the most cosmopolitan, vibrant and youthful cities in Europe. It is the most populous city and hosts cultural options, shopping and entertainment for all tastes and budgets. The international atmosphere permeates the streets, bars and restaurants, one of the quintessential college towns in Europe. It also has excellent communications by road and by air. Berlin is one of the busiest cities of low cost flights in Europe. Hotels in Berlin are not very expensive either. There are many attractions in this city that is the summit of art and alternative culture and home to pioneering experimental musicians in styles and trend setters.

Some of the best kept secrets of Berlin are:

The Tiergarten, Berlin lung park is the second largest park in the city after the Grünewald. It’s located right in the city heart and because of its large size, it is best to cross it by bike to make the most of every corner, especially their wildest and leafy nooks. It features a cemetery in which lie the remains of Red Army and one of the best kept secrets of this beautiful natural area is open to the public. It’s the nudist space offered in summer, example of progressive culture within the city. The second secret of the Tiergarten is that it can accommodate parties and barbecues freely, although always according to rules of conviviality and use. Any citizen or visitor can use the facilities and public barbecues of Tiergarten to enjoy a picnic day.

Scheunenviertel, the Jewish quarter of the city is par excellence. Located in the eastern part of Berlin, it is not always mentioned among the main Berlin attractions, but by no means is it less interesting. This outdoor museum of Hebrew culture reflects history, suffering, reconciliation and peace in the streets. Today lovers of culture, art, alternative trends and creativity, as well as those who enjoy charming cafes and a touch of modern romance, find as one of their favourite places, the Scheunenviertel in Berlin. One of the secrets of this bohemian mecca for connoisseurs of fashion and trends, are its clothing stores, where you can find unique clothes, gourmet boutiques or designer pieces.

The Free Tour is one of the best options for the most emblematic of the city from the hand of young enthusiasts who know by heart places. The duration of this tour is about three and a half hours walking on foot and the most important points of historical and cultural attractions of Berlin. The worst kept secret about this tour is that it is free. Guides accept the offerings of the participants at the end of the visit, so that each is free to remunerate the work of the same according to their criteria, if desired. It is a favorite for young and international students who come to Berlin each year to their first contact with the city options.

The route of this tour, which is normally available twice a day every day of the week, includes the Pariser Platz, the door Bandenburgo, the Parliament building or memorial Memorial to Murdered Jews of Europe and more. The tour will not ignore the history of the Hitler Bunker and will guide participants in their tour of the iconic Berlin Wall, as well as the exploration of the former SS barracks or the Gendarmenmarkt. It also includes other landmarks such as the famous Neue Wache or Bebelplatz and the TV Tower and beautiful Museum Island.

Berlin is home to some of the most interesting open secrets of European cultural scene. This city is rich in history, education, arts and entertainment and will delight our five senses. All you need is a good base of action. So it’s a great idea to find a good apartment in Berlin near the center so you are situated within reach of all the open secrets!

The city of Dubrovnik isn’t called “The Pearl of the Adriatic” for no reason. Situated on the beautiful Dalmatian coast, since the 13th century Dubrovnik has been an important Mediterranean sea power with rich history and cultural life. Over time, it has managed to preserve it’s gorgeous palaces, monasteries and other similar historical and architectural monuments. As an incredibly well preserved example of a medieval Mediterranean city it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole Europe, especially for the last couple of decades.

Dubrovnik Summer Festival

Dubrovnik Summer Festival was founded in 1950. to revive the renaissance and baroque atmosphere, theater and literary heritage of Dubrovnik, while at the same time providing an opportunity to breathe new life into the cities artistic and festive existence. As a cultural center of this part of Mediterranean sea and the Dalmatian coast itself, Dubrovnik has become the perfect breeding ground for world known artists and ensembles to manifest their work in front of an audience. The festival repertoire has over time become an instrument for channeling and reflecting the cities history through plays, performances and concerts all set in it’s natural architectural and cultural surroundings, making this festival one of a kind in the world.

Dubrovnik Summer Festival hosts a variety of open-air performances from plays and concerts to recitals, thus providing a unique experience for every tourist who decides to pay a visit to this ancient Mediterranean city. A must see on your holiday Dubrovnik Summer Festival is the perfect opportunity to experience Mediterranean and it’s cultural life as it once was. Whether you’re into theater, ballet, dance or music, Dubrovnik Summer Festival has something for everyone and will equally leave everyone who visits it in awe.

Classical music, contemporary drama, best ballet ensembles from all around the world, circus theater, opera – you name it, Dubrovnik Summer Festival has it all and offers you the best possible experience of this kind in the world, as one of the largest cultural manifestations in all of Europe. As a melting pot of different cultures, languages and nations it has become a meeting place of the world’s most prominent artists from world famous actors like Daniel Day Lewis to Czech Philharmonic and the Moscow Chamber Musical Theater to Julliard Quartet from New York, Amadeus Quartet from London and piano soloists like Syvatoslav Richter, Nikita Magaloff, Rudolf Firkusny, Van Cliburn, Alexis Weissenberg and many more.

Dubrovnik Summer Festival Opening

As a one of a kind place in the world Dubrovnik is definitely the perfect tourist destination for all of you who want a unique experience that will stay in your memory forever. Off course, The Dubrovnik Summer Festival is the perfect manifestation of everything this ancient city has to offer and needless to say, this festival is very popular among tourist from the whole world, so we recommend you to find your apartment in Dubrovnik as soon as possible. After you do that you’re on your way to having the best holiday of your life, a holiday you will always remember and tell all of your friends and family about. Once you visit Dubrovnik, you’ll always come back, because nothing compares to what this city has to offer.

As the home of national hunt horse racing, the United Kingdom boasts some excellent and exciting festivals. From Ascot to Aintree, some of the best known racecourses in the world play host across the season, however, one stands out above the rest.

The Cheltenham Festival takes place every March, and is seen as the jewel in jumps racing’s crown. With millions watching worldwide as the very best horses, jockeys and trainers battle it out in 27 races over the festival’s four days, Cheltenham has provided racing with some of its greatest moments.

The 2014 Cheltenham Festival will be no different. The festivities get off to a bang on March 11th with the first race of the festival, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. A fast paced race, the 2014 favourite is Irving, unbeaten in his career so far, and available at 5/2 with Coral.

As this race begins, the large crowd will let out the traditional Cheltenham Roar, enough to send a shiver down the spine of every racing fan.

Travelling to the Festival

Cheltenham is easily accessed from any direction, with excellent links to nearby bigger cities such as Birmingham by both car, coach and train. For international visitors, it is best served by Birmingham International Airport, which is just a short train journey away from Cheltenham itself.

The journey will be more than worthwhile, soaking up the atmosphere and being one of the more than 200,000 spectators that will witness the very best racing over the course of the festival is a memorable experience for both hardcore and casual racing fans alike.

The Biggest Races at the Festival

The highlight of the first day’s racing is always the Champion Hurdle. Run at a fast pace, this race has produced some fan-favourites over the years, none more so than Hurricane Fly. The Irish-trained hurdler will be going for his third win in this event, and would be an extremely popular winner with the crowd. Priced as a joint 3/1 favourite alongside The New One with Coral, this race could be electric, all the latest odds can be seen at Cheltenham.coral.couk.

However, the highlight of the entire festival will not take place until the final day, when the very best stayers line up for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. A true test of technique and speed, the Gold Cup is a crowd-favourite. Last year’s winner Bobs Worth is this year’s favourite to win at 7/4. Nevertheless, a strong field lining up against him and could run him close.

The Cheltenham Festival must be attended to truly appreciate its magic, with a week full of the best racing entertainment awaiting the lucky spectators.