4bubbly travel blog

Walking tours in Berlin

admin — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:21:07 +0000

Everybody knows that there are a few important things that have to be considered when planning a holiday in one of the famous travel destinations such as Berlin, for example. Once the flight tickets are in place and the Berlin apartment is booked, the next thing to be done is planning your days there. There are plenty of ways to see a certain city and they are all pleasant. Among them is the option to go on a walking tour. The walking tours in Berlin are even more recommended, since the city has different faces and to understand them all one should better be joined by a knowledgeable guide. The city of Berlin has undergone many and rapid changes. It features wide boulevards and small hidden squares, a lot of greenery and a great deal of historical sites. By going on a walking tour, the traveler can experience all that at a leisure pace in a small group, led by an attentive guide. The walking tours in Berlin run every day and they require a reservation.

berlin wall

Checkpoint Charlie

There are various walking tours in Berlin and here I will mention just the most popular. The first on my list is the Insider Walking Tour, with web address www.insidertour.de, which focuses on the former West Berlin site, the Bahnhof Zoo and then the center of the former East side. Allong the way, travelers see Alexanderplatz, the Hitler’s bunker, the Berlin Wall and the Checkpoint Charlie. The tour not only presents the main sites of Berlin, but also reveals the history of the city, its destruction, followed by division and then reunification after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The Insider Walking Tour starts at 10 am from Hardenbergplatz opposite the Zoo station. Another option are the Original Berlin Walks, web site www.berlinwalks.com, which start daily at 9.45 am outside of the Zoo Station. The tour lasts for 3.5 – 4 hours and is led by an English speaking guide. Travelers are presented the major landmarks of Berlin such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Museum Island, Nazi bookburning and naturally The Wall. The guides are entertaining and fun, so it is not only the historical facts that are told here.

There is also the Brewer’s Berlin Tour, web address www.hostel-berlin.de, where tourists receive a lot of information on the German history while visiting the sites. The service one gets here is very pleasant and realistic, as it is a first-hand experience. The Brewer’s Berlin Tour is offered every day and they start outside the New Synagogue. In case that you require a guided private tours in Berlin for sightseeing and walking, then the good choice would be the Berlin Tourist Guide, web address www.berlin-sightseeing-tours.de. These tours cover city walks and sightseeing and are done by well-informed guides with good knowledge on the city facts but also ready to provide good travel tips when asked. There are many other walking tours in Berlin as well, with different duration and landmarks coverage.

A post by H.Wagner who also writes about Amsterdam apartment and apartments in Budapest.

Hidden attractions in Krakow

admin — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:17:12 +0000

As the city of Krakow is among the nicest places to visit in Poland for a great holiday, there are some really nice apartments in Krakow that are worth to be considered and that have great locations with easy access to all the main places of interest. There are however, some lovely hidden attractions in Krakow, which are also interesting to be seen. The city of Krakow itself is always associated with various legends and has a great choice of hidden attractions, which are places and spots that are outside the beaten path. These hidden attractions in Krakow are of various type – where some of them are being scary, others are being charming and the rest are being absolutely marvelous. They all however have this something special, which makes the travellers want to see them. Since they are really hidden attractions in Krakow, most of the guidebooks will not reveal them to you. Thus, you might be close to such an attraction in Krakow and not even understand that. Because of that we will present here some of the hidden attractions in Krakow and you will need just a map to find them when you reach the city.

This photo of Jewish District (Kazimierz)

Among the hidden attractions in Krakow is the fabulous Remuh Synagogue, which is placed in the Jewish District of Kazimierz. The place is very charming and full of energy and it will definitely lead you back in time, when the area was really Jewish and the Jews lived a normal life here or in other words, the place will take you back to the times before the Second World War. The Remuh Synagogue is the only synagogue in Krakow that is holding services and that has a place to pray. The place is also open for visitors and is working as a museum too. Another places that is worth to be visited is the artificial mound that was made by the locals to celebrate the Polish national hero Tadeusz Kosciuszko. From this place of the city is revealed a lovely panorama towards Krakow and this is definitely a great site to be checked. Another great site nearby is the Kosciuszko Mound, which is the largest park of Krakow that features many walking trails and also a skiing zone opened during the wintertime. Here is also to be found the Krakow Zoo. If you like mystery, then check the small and charming streets on the Old Town like Senacka street. This is better to be visited when the sun sets.

This photo of Kosciuszko’s Mound (Kopiec Kosciuszki)

Also interesting to visit is the Liban quarry which used a labor camp during the Second World War. On site were working approximately 400 people under inhumane conditions. If you still have time, make sure to visit the former Jewish Ghetto of the district Podgorze, which was arranged to commemorate the Holocaust victims. Among the other hidden attractions in Krakow is also the Chakra, which is the mystic 7^th stone on the earth that has special energy and is set in Wawel Hill.

This photo of Kosciuszko’s Mound (Kopiec Kosciuszki)

A post by S. Nowak who also writes about Warsaw apartments and apartment in Budapest.

Madrid in winter for tourists

admin — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:44:22 +0000

The Spanish capital Madrid is a great tourist destination and even if most of the people prefer to visit it in spring or during the summer, Madrid could be a very nice place for a trip during the winter as well. Winters in Madrid tend to be cold, but dry and pleasant. Another fact that should be mentioned here for sure, is that in the winter months, the landmarks, the museums and the galleries are not that crowded as during the rest of the year. There are no long lines and the time is just perfect for some good sightseeing and enjoying the various tours in Madrid. Another thing to consider is that since not many people like to ravel during the winter, the hotels in Madrid offer lower and very special prices so you can find apartment in Madrid very cheap and the same is valid for the flights. Actually the holiday packages are very budget friendly, and the price gets even better if you make a reservation in advance.

The Greatest Square in Madrid

Madrid is the largest city in Spain and the third biggest in Europe, just after the cities of Berlin and London. The Spanish capital is also among the most touristic cities in Europe, so a winter holiday here might be a very good surprise. However, since it can get very cold in Madrid, it would be a good idea to book a hotel room with a good heating system and to pack some warm clothes. Taking a waterproof jacket and an umbrella is also a wise thing to do. So, once in Madrid and the weather is cold, use your time to see all those museums, monuments and galleries that you have never had time for before.

This photo of Madrid

Another way to spend your time, when it is close outside, is by making a gastronomy tour and enjoy some tapas, as well as wine tours and cooking classes. Another good way to spend your time is by going to listen to some flamenco music. There are even places, where one can teach you how to dance this typical Spanish dance.

This photo of Madrid

If you decide to visit Madrid for Christmas though, note that the Christmas Eve is usually spend at home with the family and most of the bars are closed. There are certain restaurants that work and that offer special Christmas menu, so you may want to try that. The New Year’s Eve is celebrated outside with a night party. Many people prefer to go to Plaza Nueva for the big celebration and then they go to different parties all over the town. The celebrations at that day are real fun and they last until the morning hours.

The days that follow these celebrations are quiet and life goes back to its normal. The city is peaceful and very romantic and this is the perfect time to enjoy it with a feeling as if you are alone and all the landmarks are there just for you to enjoy.

Another popular winter destinations with warm weather in winter are Barcelona and Portugal, where you can stay in Barcelona apartment or apartments in Lisbon.

Local cuisine in Czech Republic

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:42:40 +0000

Local cuisine in the Czech Republic is usually based on pork; however other meats used are beef and chicken, goose and duck, all quite common. At some places in the country are served dishes from venison and wild boar as well. Vegetarian dishes are also served.

This photo of Czech Republic

Once you find a table in the restaurant of your choice, a waiter comes to give the menu. The first they take are the drink orders. Then, comes the hardest part and this is to order the food. Usually, the restaurants in the Czech Republic do not offer English menus. They are arranged like that – first are the starters, then are the soups, then the meals on poultry, then the house food recommendations. Then comes the ready made food, then the meals for which you have to wait. After that comes the fish, the salads and the vegetables and sauces. The list with the desserts come last. Travelers will notice that when they order beer and meals based on pork, the dishes will come very quickly. This is not so with the rest of the dishes.

This photo of Czech Republic

The starters include beef soup with noodles or small meat balls, gulash soup with ham and sausage pieces, potato soup and borsc. Usually, the bread comes with the soup and is free but not always. Other starters could be fried mushrooms, rolls of ham, fried garlic bread with cheese. Now, the main course could be beef goulash with peppers and fresh onions, pork goulash, slices of beef with bread dumplings, chicken fried in breadcrumbs, chicken breasts with potatoes, beef steak, pepper steak, roast duck and rabbit. Garlic is used a lot in many of the dishes. Salads are usually coming as a side dish in the Czech Republic and they can be a mixed salad, a sopsky salad with cheese on the top, tomato salad and cucumber salad. The desserts are usually very nice and they could be a glass with fruit and ice cream, pancakes with fruits and ice cream, cake and apple strudel, which is delicious. Once you are done, the waiter will offer you coffee or tea. The bill comes when you ask the waiter for that. Tips are given to the waiter and are not to be left on the table.

Those who want to eat at a bar in the Czech Republic might try the Klobasa, which is the big German sausage, which is served with mustard and bread, or the little sausages Parek that taste great. Other great dishes are Sekana which is a meatloaf, and Topinky which is fried bread with garlic.

This photo of Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has many hundreds of restaurants, pubs, cafes very close to your Prague apartment. Actually, there is something for every taste, style and budget. The local dishes are very tasty and if you come for a first time, try as many different dishes, as possible. The beer types are also many and are all worth to be tried.

A post by Andela FIiala who writes about apartment in Warsaw and Berlin apartments.

Night life in Rome

admin — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:43:48 +0000

Rome is a fantastic place for a holiday. It has plenty of interesting sites, many squares, fountains and parks to be checked during the day, but it also has a great variety of entertainment venues, such as theatres and operas, cinemas and disco clubs near your Rome apartment during the evening and the night. In the city of Rome, the theatrical season lasts from October until May and often goes further through the summer season. There are productions and plays, musicals, staged by the traditional state theatres, but also many private and experimental theatres.

This photo of Rome

Nowadays, there are many new multiplex cinema centers, besides the other small cinemas that have been restored. Among the small and independent cinemas that need to be checked for the innovative movies they play are the Intrastevere, the Labirinto, the Greenwich. There are also many outdoor cinemas and the most famous one is Cineporto, which is placed near the Olympic Stadium.

This photo of Rome

The people, who love the classical music, will be truly pleased with the long and varied concert season in Rome. There are baroque music concerts in Confalone and chamber music at Accademia di Santa Cecilia. Many opera performances take place at the elegant Teatro dell’Opera and in the summer these performances are staged outdoors at Terme di Caracalla and Teatro Nazionale.

This photo of Rome

For those who love live music, there are many nice venues in Rome that have to be checked. The clubs that should be mentioned here are Auditorium Parco della Musica, the Big Mama blues club in Trastevere, the jazz club Casa del Jazz. For those who love experimental pop, there is the Circolo degli Artisti club, where also play some Italian rock bands. The greatest concentration of clubs in Rome is in the Testaccio district.

We should also not forget the dance clubs in Rome, which are quite popular entertainment places. There are these 90’s style clubs which are frequented by elegant people, including actors and politicians. The young generations or the so called party animals love the modern clubs like Locale with the new wave music and live Roman bands. Tourists should know that during the hot summer months, most of the disco clubs are moving to the beaches of Ostia and Fregene and it is there that the party goes on.

Another popular way to spend the night in Rome is to visit a bar or a pub. These places are really popular during the weekend and they come with a great variety. There are outdoor restaurants, cozy bars, beer gardens and pubs. Actually, most of the cafes are open until late. The most popular ones are concentrated in the beautiful neighborhood of Trastevere, near Piazza Navona. Besides them, there are also many wine bars to consider, which offer a relaxing atmosphere and are great places to try some local wines with some snacks. The pubs in Rome have a kind of British atmosphere, and thus there one could have a beer and play a game of darts.

A post by Daniela Riggio writing about apartments in Milan and Rome.

Should You Travel to Greece This Year?

admin — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 07:37:33 +0000

Because of the upheavals, demonstrations and riots that have been happening in Greece in the past years, especially in 2010 and the first half of 2011, governments have issued travel precautions and warnings to their citizens when traveling to Greece. This ancient country is experiencing a number of challenging problems of late. Though this is true, Greece is still a viable travel destination.

If you plan to travel to Greece this year, before you even begin to research on accommodations, transportation and tourist attractions, find out if your country has a travel advisory on Greece. You can always check the US State Department website or UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for advice.

Remember that terrorist attacks, riots, demonstrations and even crime happen anywhere in the world. When traveling to Greece or any other country, you should exercise extreme caution and frequently monitor developments in that country that will affect your safety.

With that said, why should you travel to Greece? Because Greece is the birthplace of not only democracy but also of the world’s modern western culture. If you are interested in history, architecture and art, Greece is the place to be. Some places you should visit are:

The Palace of Knossos in Crete is where Theseus supposedly slew the Minotaur, a half bull and half man creature, to save young Athenians from sure death.

This photo of

Olympia is the site of the first Olympic games in 776 B.C. The Temple of Zeus once stood proud in this historic location.

The island of Santorini is simply breath taking with its white-washed buildings and tragic history. There earlier settlements of Santorini were decimated by a volcanic eruption more than 5,000 years ago. Today, Santorini is alive and a popular tourist destination in Greece.

Mt. Parnassus hosts Delphi, where it is said that the oracle of Delphi lived. See the ruins of the place once frequented by kings and important men to seek advice.

Athens is where the ruins of the Parthenon and the Erchthion still stand. While in Athens, explore the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Greek Agora, Hadrian’s Arch, and Lykavittos Hill. A visit to the Archeological Museum is a must.

These are just some of the places to visit in Greece. Immerse yourself in Greek culture and tradition while there. Enjoy the food and the warm hospitality of its people. Greece may be experiencing many challenges at the moment but this should not stop visitors from traveling to Greece. Threats and untoward incidents can happen anywhere in the world. Just remember to follow your government’s advice and that of the local authorities when traveling anywhere in the world.

There are many people from Greece that are online and would love to share their experience with their country current appear. You can do people search and find those people easily.

Romance Fills the Air in Europe

admin — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 07:16:25 +0000

The eccentrically rich history of Europe grabs the attention of masses of vacationers. Not just vacationers, but those on their honeymoon specifically. Crumbled stone, picture-perfect nature experiences, and culture filled streets will grab the attention of those in love. Europe has a way of making everything a little bit more romantic in some way. Although many choose other destinations, having your honeymoon anywhere other than Europe is outlandish. From Paris to Venice, Rome to Milan, Europe has everything a couple could ever want for the perfect honeymoon. Not only is the history rich, but the cities are endless, landmarks are stunning, and the accommodations are to die for.

Landmarks

the Acropolis of Athens

Europe is home to many famous landmarks. The Acropolis (in Athens, Greece) is a stunning piece of history. Over 2,500 years old, this ‘used-to-be’ temple is often a beloved sightseeing option in Greece. Not only does it bring back old history, the Acropolis is an architectural piece of artwork. Possibly one of the most commonly known landmarks in Europe is the The Colosseum in Rome. Italy is culture-rich, and the Colosseum is proof of that. The Colosseum was the greatest amphitheatre of all time, and was created by Titus. The Colosseum is so brilliant, that it is officially named one of the seven wonders of the world. Another commonly known landmark is the Eiffel Tower in Paris. This beautiful ‘iron giant’ is equipped with a glass elevator to allow for a romantic time.

Accommodations
There are multiple places for a new couple to stay upon visiting Europe. Many five star hotels have emerged from the cities, and provide tourists with the ultimate experience. Flights around Europe are often inexpensive, leaving room for additional sightseeing. Flights to London, Greece, and Switzerland can all be booked in order to visit the most fantastic sites in Europe. Often, hotels offer guests ‘romance packages’ to aide in making your special honeymoon a success. Many choose to partake in tours to take in the sights and sounds of Europe.

Places To Visit

A photo of Amsterdam

A photo of Switzerland

Rome, Milan, Switzerland, Amsterdam, Florence, and Venice are all often most visited places in Europe. Not only is Rome stunning, it is home to the Colosseum in Italy. Rome is known for it’s cobblestone paths, and culture-rich food. Paris is one of the most favoured holiday destinations. Whether it is the Eiffel tower, or the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris has it all. Paris is perfect for a honeymoon because it is often referred to as the city of love. Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world. Switzerland offers many a full out cultural experience. Amsterdam is known for their ‘free-spirited’ persons. Florence, and Venice both express the meaning of romance, and are often chosen as honeymoon destinations.

Europe is huge, and offers a seemingly never ending itinerary. A boat ride in Venice could set the perfect mood for a honeymoon, as well as an evening in Paris. Europe holds the key to romance, and is the perfect setting for something honeymooners will never forget.

This article was written by Natasha travel enthusiast and blogger , writing for Escape Travel, Australia offering a great selection of holiday deals

Family vacation – Berlin

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:06:17 +0000

Hello from Berlin!
This is my own little blog review about my family vacation in Germany. Expectations was lower than what we discovered. It was an impressive welcome from the resort and our vacation has begun. From the main boulevard to the central region of the city is only 1km straight. As you most likely realise, Berlin is rich with galleries and cultural, architectural structures, so it was satisfying to observe and inspire. Next up was the Berlin national gallery. My wife is a great fine art supporter, something not so exciting for me and for my two boys. After 15-20 minutes inside, I was ready to go and consume a beer. It was hard to look at so many coloured pics wondering what exactly the artist wanted to say. Whatever, we are out and continue travelling… Up coming destination spotted was Jewish Museum. The amazing history inside is so shocking and breathtaking. Walking with bated breath after I left my Berlin Accommodation and wishing this will never happen again. Many monuments demonstrating what exactly we can expect from one more conflict. Part of the Berlin wall was there too. Finally our spiritual tour was over and next on our list was the football stadium. Our expectations were extremely high, but the stadium is surpassed them! We paid for a tour and that was a fantastic idea. The person was from Bayern ultras. He informed us with regards to the very great from Bayern history, cup moments, champions and famous competitors. I dream of some day seeing my kid playing out there. At last the day time was finished and returning to the motel we met a lot of street bands and incredibly good musicians. The next question was wherever to spend our night. There were a couple of possibilities. To view a performance at the Berlin theatre or to catch a bus and get a panorama pics from one of the greatest buildings in town. So, we did both Nothing exciting to say about the photos. But for the performance, oh Lord, it was extraordinary. I am movie lover and what i noticed was excellent performance, superb script, special sets and much more. This is what I recommend to every one of you, go to Berlin, visit the Jewish Museum, enjoy a performance at the theatre and go to the club for the finest holiday break. You are always free to choose your own accommodation between pretty good hotels and Apartments in Berlin. Enjoy!

Study in Berlin

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:02:54 +0000

Hey,
I am a part-time undergraduate from Berlin University. This is actually my first year and I would like to discuss my own experience with you.
So, I arrived at 9 am and the city was already awake. The school is next to the fantastic centre and the housing is really close to the greatest Berlin Theatre. More than 1200 performances are staged here. Moreover, a huge number of excellent Hollywood comedians are regulars here. It is interesting how affordable seats for college students are. Europeans are quite sociable and helpful. Everyone can have financial aid with not the best qualification achievements. If you are able to work and study, this is the place for you

The Jewish Museum

Lets talk a little bit about the Berlin infrastructure. The area is full of museums, galleries and national monuments. Houses are traditional and renovated, you can sense the very old spirit in the entire metropolis.
Before everything else, my dream was to visit the Jewish Museum. This was the most effective way to experience a glimpse of the world war spirit. There was a portion from the Berlin wall, lots of Jewish heroes and a few of the prisons, commonly known as concentration camps. This all was within a stone’s throw from my apartment hotel in Berlin It was frightening… An additional great museum is Unesco World Heritage site. Furthermore known galleries are Museum of Indian fine art, The Museum of East and Asian Fine Art and many, many more. So, if you make a decision to refreshyour own knowledge, this is the location to begin with.

Unesco World Heritage

Berlin has a very good economical rate. With almost three and a half million people this is one of the megalopolises with the highest lifestyle standard. Standard income is 2000 euro for every month based on the year 2005 year data. Strange fact is that, nearly 60% of the people have no faith affiliation. A great deal of Muslim and overseas culture there, but the biggest denomination are the Evangelists.
Next Sunday I will be watching a football match between the regional Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin. Seems like a derby match and I expect it will be amazing.
My evenings are really good. The place where we are located is very tranquil and I can enjoy my law readings without any drunk people shouting or yelling around. There are a lot of good places to go out throughout the nights. Night clubs are very popular and a lot of popular dj’s are the typical guests. The price ranges are according to the targeted group. Often at happy hour the products are on store cost.
Plenty of Apartment Rental Berlin are welcoming hundreds and hundreds of holidaymakers each day. This is your city.

Travelling – Berlin

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:57:51 +0000

Hey,
I am a young traveller, visiting Europe’s most amazing metropolitan areas. Certainly, Berlin is one of the most fantastic capitals and metropolitan cities in the world. What I found there has two sides. It is easy to obtain something intriguing there. I mean something different from standard traditional monuments, buildings and plazas… When you say Berlin, it is anybody’s guess about World War Two, and being more specific – the Berlin wall. For the people in the city, this is something like the Statue of Liberty for American, only with opposite feelings. I found an amazing 85 years world conflict veteran and it was fantastic to listen to a few quality details. Based on a true story, this man told me about the top line actions. As you understand, German men and women are really vulnerable about the entire war. Now, he is living near the remains of the Berlin wall and with tears in the eyes explained to me about the dead people attempted to escape from East Berlin. Therefore, if you want the top info about Berlin history, you have to go and ask. Citizens are helpful and always available for discussion.

One more amazing part of the metropolis is the huge number of 151 museums like Unesco Museum Island, Altes museum with the bust of Queen Nefertiti, Neues museum, Pergamon, Bode and many more. And obviously, maybe the most important, the Jewish Museum with all the Jews listed who died in the war. There is a special report from the musician Libeskind.
More than fifty concert halls are located in Berlin. The Deustches theatre is the oldest and the greatest. With only a single year break throughout the world war, the theatre has produced more than 10,000 performances. Near the Vacation accommodation in Berlin area you will find one of the three major opera houses – Berlin State Opera.
You can check out the zoo, it is old and provides a lot of species from all over the world. One more interesting element of the city are the sports facilities like the Olympiastadion, which hosted the World cup final during 2006. It is incredible how important sports are. Football is some think of a religion. Every day there are plenty of people enjoying even the practice of the greatest regional football club Hertha Berlin.
So, about the night life, it is fantastic and there are a lot of spots where you can spend your time. Plenty of parties and dancing clubs, good dj’s and great night clubs for you and your friends.
And the Berlin apartment I slept in was very nice!