When the harsh winter wind chills you to the bone, putting on a pair of fuzzy socks, sitting in front of a crackling fire and warming your hands and belly with a hearty Irish stew is one of the best remedies. But while it’s a privilege to eat a flavourful portion of simmered meat and vegetables today, this wasn’t always the case. Let’s talk about the surprisingly humble beginnings of Ireland’s savoury stew.
Those who appreciate the finer things in life may struggle to find a ski resort that caters to their needs, but not if they book a stay at the wonderful Austrian resort of Mayrhofen. Located in the stunning province of Tyrol, Mayrhofen is a versatile place with a wonderful, rustic charm, which extends to its gastronomic galore. The picturesque village is filled with inviting and traditional eateries, drinking establishments and shops, providing its visitors with an authentic – and unforgettably delicious – Tyrolean experience. Travelling to Mayrhofen via Innsbruck? Check out our culinary guide to the city here! The food
When people think about visiting Italy, they usually think of touristy cities like Rome and Florence. While these are fabulous cities that are world-famous for their attractions, sometimes it’s more fun to leave the masses of tourists behind and go off the beaten path. For this reason, I often recommend visiting Milan, which is a hugely underrated city and has many hidden gems that are rarely uncovered by holidaymakers. Milan is primarily known for being a global hotspot for business and fashion, but it also boasts a wealth of awe-inspiring attractions… if you know where to look. Fortunately for you,
Picking the right ski resort for a fun family ski holiday can be tricky. Ideally, it will be somewhere that caters to families, has a friendly atmosphere and plenty of facilities and activities so that you can all have a fun-filled trip and create many happy memories together. My recommendation? The Les Contamines ski area at the base of Mont Blanc. Les Contamines is a family-friendly place where you will find a real sense of community in the charming village (which dates back to 1758!). This means that it is a great place for a leisurely stroll with kids –
The icy temperatures are here to stay, but that doesn’t mean that you have to! Instead of putting on countless layers every morning, why not dig out your summer clothing, throw it in a suitcase and wave goodbye to winter for a few days? Winter jackets off, sunglasses on… warmer weather, here you come. But if you believe that variety is the spice of life, you don’t simply want a balmy beach holiday – no, you want a sunny getaway that strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and excitement. Well, how do 340 days of sunshine every year, myriad Blue
You may not have heard of it before, but that could just be because those who have discovered it don’t want to share the secret. Those who have stumbled upon its uncrowded slopes, vast ski area and wide range of snow-based activities may not want to share Gerlos, in Austria’s Tyrol region, with anyone else. At the moment, skiers here enjoy uncongested slopes, lifts – which take them around the wonderful Zillertal Arena ski area – without massive queues, a free ski bus, and restaurants, cafés and hotels that are not bursting at the seams. In addition to these perks,
The Port of Civitavecchia lies on the west coast of Italy and is the gateway to the magnificent city of Rome for cruise ship passengers. Such is the wealth of ‘must-see’ tourist attractions in the Eternal City that a one day shore excursion provides little more than a glimpse of what the nation’s historic capital has to offer. For this reason many passengers return to Civitavecchia time and time again on different cruises or add on a cruise extension at the beginning or end of their holiday. Port of Civitavecchia The Port of Civitavecchia, which is commonly referred to
How about a holiday that strikes the perfect balance between art, nature, good food and hair-raising fun? While it may sound impossible to find a place that meets (and exceeds) all of these diverging expectations, you’re in luck: Holland has everything you’re looking for. What’s more, the research portion of your trip just got significantly easier, thanks to The Culture Trip’s infographic. We’ve condensed its take-away advice for you, making your getaway to the land of tulips, cheese, windmills and clogs easy as pie (which is also delicious in Holland, by the way). Have a look!
There are so many reasons to choose Val Thorens for a family ski holiday that it’s hardly surprising that the resort is so popular with French and English skiers alike. When I decided to visit, the choice was driven by a slightly obsessive hankering for the very best snow. After all, Val Thorens is the highest resort not just in France, but in the whole of Europe, with guaranteed snow from November through to May. What’s more, I was pleasantly surprised by all of the other things that the resort has to offer. Here’s my guide to this snowy spot!
When you think of the beautiful medieval city of Lausanne, situated on Lake Geneva, you probably don’t think of counter-culture art, avant-garde architecture or of trendy international cuisine. But Lake Geneva’s second largest city has much more to it than just historic charm: in fact, it has contemporary cool by the bucket-load. Thanks to its new exhibition spaces, bars and restaurants, the city is beginning to become a hub for hip culture. And what better time than the present to discover the edgy, contemporary charm of Switzerland’s most historic city? Even in the old parts of Lausanne, which feature cobbled
Set in the dramatic Icelandic landscape of lava fields, snow-capped mountains, glaciers and wild, windswept oceans, Reykjavik feels like the perfect place for an arctic adventure. From jet skiing on glaciers and horse riding along ancient Viking trails, to boat trips promising sights of whales swimming and puffins diving for fish – there are plenty of activities to try here. Families can enjoy a range of activities together in a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Iceland’s welcoming capital city, whether swimming in natural thermal baths, hiking Mount Esja or, of course, watching the spectacular northern lights. The city of Reykjavik is the
Geneva airport is one of the busiest in Europe with a constant flow of European business travellers, seasonal skiers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. But many of the people who travel through the transport hub each year are so busy trying to get to their final destination that they miss the unique, quirky experience of the city itself. Switzerland’s second most populated city may be famous as the headquarters for such illustrious international organisations as the Red Cross and the World Health Organisation, but it is the unique Swiss hospitality and sense of humour which makes the more curious visitors fall
If you’re a fan of floral and fruity wines, you’ll know that few things in life are as satisfying, soothing and invigorating as taking a sip of refreshing Vinho Verde (‘green wine’). And what better place to tantalise your taste buds with this luscious liquid than in Portugal, its country of origin?
