Top 3 Chateaus You Must Visit in Loire Valley

Loire Valley is considered so beautiful that kings, queens, dukes, and nobles came to establish castles and palaces in its fertile river valley. So it comes as no surprise that you will be greeted with extravagant fortresses in every corner of this jaw-dropping valley. These fortresses are surrounded by villages and vineyards so expect sumptuous food and wine to go with the great agrarian views.  Download the Loire Valley Travel Guide and Offline Map and see the entire splendor yourself.

1.     Chateau de Chenonceau

Spanning the Cher River the Chenonceau is one of France's most elegant châteaus. Sitting atop a gracefully arched bridge it is surrounded formal gardens and its magical architecture reflecting its colorful history of being shaped by a series of powerful women. As a result, it is nicknamed Le Château des Dames. Fabulous art fills the interiors. Works by Tintoretto, Correggio, Rubens, Murillo, Van Dyck and Ribera are among the many artworks.

2.      Chateau de Chambord

One of the notable achievements of the French Renaissance architecture, the Château de Chambord boasts 440 rooms, 356 fireplaces, and 84 staircases. It is by far the largest and grandest château in the Loire Valley. Construction began in 1519 by François and was initially built as a weekend hunting lodge. But it quickly grew into more than just that and turned into one of the most expensive architectural projects by a French monarch.

3.     Chateau Royal de Blois

Blois is indeed the epitome of royal living as seven French kings lived in the chateau. Its four grand wings were built during the four distinct periods in French architecture: Gothic, Flamboyant Gothic, early Renaissance, and classical. Make sure to set aside half-a-day to be able to truly immerse yourself in the chateau's dramatic and bloody history and its extraordinary architecture. One of its features that you must visit is the richly painted Hall of the States-General, from the 13th century.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Three Reasons Why You Should Visit Romantic Road in Germany

During the medieval times, the route was a trade route that connected the center of Germany with the south. Today this region is thought by many international travelers to possess "quintessentially German" scenery and culture. The Romantic Road is a "theme route" devised by promotion-minded travel agents in the 1950's. It describes the 350 kilometers of highway between Würzburg and Füssen linking numerous picturesque towns and castles. Enjoy the scenic route with The Romantic Road Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.     Neuschwanstein Castle

One of the most famous castles in the world or also knows as the Sleeping Beauty Castle, Neuschwanstein Castle welcomes a whopping 1.3 million visitors annually. The 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace on a rugged hill above the village of Hohenschwangau near Füssen in southwest Bavaria. The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat until he died in 1886.

2.      The Wieskirche Church

The Wieskirche is also one of the most famous works from the Rococo period of art and architecture. Locates in the foothills of the Alps it was designed in the late 1740s by brothers J. B. and Dominikus Zimmermann. It is one of the most important places of pilgrimage in southern Germany. It also lies close to other religious attractions like the Oberammergau and the Passion Play making the Wieskirche Church a great stop along The Romantic Road.

3.     Lake Constance

Lake Constance is the biggest lake in Germany. Lying below the northern edge of the Alps it borders Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. It offers a jaw dropping scenery along its 270-kilometer shoreline. The largest and deepest part of the lake, the Obersee, extends from Bregenz Bay to Konstanz and is lined by numerous old lakeside towns and attractive villages with incredible views of the Swiss Alps.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Why Visit Alicante, the Spanish City Set in the Mediterranean

The port city of Spain's Alicante in southeastern Costa Blanca s a melting pot of the old and the new. Nestled in this waterfront, Mediterranean city is a medieval castle, and old quarter, and a long waterfront with amazing hilltop views of the coast. Despite the sweeping medieval sites, Alicante is definitely one of the Spanish cities that is most influenced by tourism. So you'd also best expect an exciting dining scene and a legendary nightlife that's buzzing all year-round. So what are you waiting for? Download the Alicante Travel Guide and Offline Map now and make your way to this beautiful city!

1.      Castillo de Santa Bárbara

Set on Benacantil Mountain this large 16th-century castle offers a great panoramic view of the city at 166 meters above sea level. Archeological remains have been found on its slopes dating back to the Bronze Age, Iberian, and Roman times. The castle itself houses a museum that depicts the history of the city and as well as dedicating a couple of chambers for a temporary exhibition.

2.      Playa del Postiguet

This lively beach town is famous among locals where the young and young at heart spend their day. If you don't mind a little bit crowd especially during the Summers then Playa del Postiguet is the perfect getaway for a blissful day at the beach. If you don't want to sunbathe or go swimming then you can stroll along the promenade and its many chiringuitos, cafés, and restaurants. There's definitely plenty to do for both city breakers and families.

3.      Basílica de Santa María

As the oldest active church in the whole of Alicante province, the Basílica de Santa María was built in Valencian Gothic style between the 14th and 16th centuries over the remains of a mosque. The basilica stands tall with its single nave and six side chapels located between the buttresses. By the request of the city of Alicante to the Holy See, the church was promoted to the rank of basilica in 2007.

Learn more about other destinations that offer unique experiences by checking out eTips.

Edinburgh, the Most Beloved UK City

Edinburgh may not be popular to Americans but it is quite revered by people in the United Kingdom. In fact, it has topped The Guardian’s Favorite UK Cities list for 11 consecutive years now. Below are the top 3 reasons that make this wondrous city such a draw. And when you do visit it, make sure you have our handy Edinburgh Travel Guide & Offline Map and City Tour downloaded on your mobile device.

Edinburgh Castle

Who weren’t fascinated by castles when they were kids? You can make your childhood dream of being inside a majestic castle by visiting the Edinburgh Castle. It houses several museums, a few old prisons, and a Royal Palace where some of the oldest British crown jewels are exhibited. The castle itself is an architectural wonder. Just walk around and you’ll find something that will amaze you at every corner.

Crazy Festivals

Edinburgh holds insane festivals all year round and the city folk go all out in celebrating them. The Mela Festival celebrates all the international cultures and cuisines that have influenced it. The city’s most notable festival, however, is the Fringe Festival which is acknowledged as the largest art festival in the world. Most of the festival’s events can be accessed for free though tickets are required for the premium ones. The Fringe Festival sells over 2 million tickets each year.

Blogmanay

Scotland is known to have one of the largest New Year celebrations in the world in which thousands of people participate in massive New Year street party. Carnivals and festivals are held 24/7 for the week before and ever New Year. In these two weeks of festivities, Edinburgh holds the Blogmanay competition in which 5 different dog sledding breeds are pitted against each other in races and other events.

There are plenty of other reasons that make Edinburgh an awesome tourist destination. To know more about places that should be in your travel bucket list, check out eTips. eTips is your trusty companion that helps make your travels easier and safer.