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.

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Three Compelling Reasons to Visit Bologna, a Foodie's Dream Destination

Bologna is rich in food history and culture that we're sure the city's name sounds familiar to you. Bolognese sauce? Bologna sausage? Yes, they all originated from Italy's 7th most populous city. Its rich history comes to no surprise as the first settlements date back to at least 1000 BC. It has withstood four periods from the Etruscan period and Celtic period to the Roman period and the Middle Ages. Learn more about Bologna through the Bologna Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.     All'Osteria Bottega

For foodies out there All'Osteria Bottega is the place to be while in Bologna. The owners themselves, Daniele and Valeria lavish attention on every table between trips to the kitchen. Enjoy plates of culatello di Zibello ham, tortellini in capon broth, Petroniana-style veal cutlets (breaded and fried, then topped with Parma ham and parmigiano reggiano and pan-sauteed in broth) and other Slow Food delights.

2.      Torre degli Asinelli

The leaning towers are the city's main symbol. The taller tower, the Torre degli Asinelli is 97.2m-high and is open to the public. However, be prepared to climb up and down 498 steps. It was built by the Asinelli family between 1109 and 1119. The shorter tower, the Torre Garisenda is 47m-high and leans 3.2m off vertical. If you wish to climb up the shorter twin, you'll have to purchase tickets in advance from the official website as there are no tickets sold onsite.

3.     Basilica di Santo Stefano

The Basilica di Santo Stefano is such an interesting religious site to visit. Its unique atmospheric structure is like a labyrinth filled with interlocking ecclesiastical structures. Its architecture dates back centuries of Bolognese history and incorporates Romanesque, Lombard and even ancient Roman elements.

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Three Awesome Things to See in Brittany, the French region for Explorers

There's far more to Brittany than delicious crêpes and homemade cider. The hilly peninsula that stretches towards the Atlantic Ocean is filled with a dramatic coastline, medieval towns, and lush forests. Once you go beyond world-famous sights such as stunning St-Malo, you will be charmed by the wild, varied landscapes including prehistoric menhirs and even an unusual blush-hued beach. Discover what Brittany has to offer the Brittany Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.     St-Malo

With one of the world's greatest tidal ranges here you'll witness waves lash the top of the ramparts of the city. But don't let that discourage you from visiting, just mere hours after a storm the blue sky becomes one with the cobalt sea and as the tides recede they expose broad sandy beaches the surround granite outcrop islands. The beautiful walled city's fortifications began in the 12th century and during the 17th and 18th century it soon became a base for merchants and pirates alike.

2.      Carnac

Beyond its enticing beaches and stunning town center, Carnac holds a collection of magnificent megalith sites making it a must-see while in Brittany. Predating the Stonehenge by a century, the town is also home to a sheer number of ancient sites found in its vicinity. The collection contains more than 3,000 upright stones erected between 5000 and 3500 B.C. making it the world's greatest concentration of megalith sites.

3.     Château de Josselin

Upon your first glimpse of the château, you will be greeted by its three round towers. It is an incredible sight and remains the home of the Rohan family today. The castle flamboyant Gothic facade is accentuated by the central courtyard's tree-filled grounds and a great view of the river below. Although you will need a guide to enter the castle, here you will see a medieval-style dining room, a 3000-tome library, and a grand salon filled with Sèvres porcelain, Gobelins carpets, and an astronomical clock.

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Top 3 Jaw Dropping Sights in Verona, the City of the Star Crossed Lovers

More famously known for being the setting of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet;"  the northern Italian city of Verona boasts more than just Juliet's House. Its medieval old town is built between the Adige River and is home to the smaller version of Rome's Coliseum yet equally meandering Arena di Verona. Explore one of UNESCO's World Heritage Center with the Verona Travel Guide and Offline Map as your adventure partner.

1.      Arena di Verona

Built in the 1st-century Arena di Verona is a huge Roman amphitheater that used to stage shows and games. It was so famous that spectators from all over the land--often far from away places would go to witness the. In ancient times, the arena is located in the Piazza Bra in Verona would host more than 30,000 guests. Today, it currently showcases concerts and large-scale opera performances fitting crowds of up to 15,000 people.

2.      Lake Garda

The largest lake in Italy is a popular holiday destination for both locals and tourists alike. Located between Brescia and Verona, Lake Garda is nestled on the edge of the Dolomites. Glaciers at the end of the last Ice Age formed the picturesque alpine region. Its size is attested by how the lake itself and its shoreline are divided between three provinces--Verona to the South-east, Brescia to the South-west, and Trentino to the North.

3.      Juliet's House

Moved by the power of storytelling hundreds of thousands of people go to Verona just to set foot in the most prominent setting in Shakespeare's "Rome and Juliet." The house that is said to have been Juliet's was owned by the family dell Capello. It dates back from the 13th century and the family coat of arms still stands tall on the wall. The most notable part of the house is the famous balcony that overlooks the courtyard.

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3 Towns you should visit in Cinque Terre

There are lots to see in Cinque Terre, after all, it is literally mean "five lands" for the five villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso al Mare along the Northern West coast of Italy on the Mediterranean Sea. Besides the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre is one of the most popular stretches of the Italian Riviera. The five towns are full of colorful houses and vineyards that sit on steep terraces, harbors are filled with fishing boats, and trattorias turn out seafood specialties along with the Liguria region’s famous pesto sauce. Enjoy your visit to Cinque Terre by downloading the Cinque Terre Travel Guide and Offline Map.

1.      Riomaggiore

You've probably seen pictures of it all over social media, the colorful tower houses overlooking a quaint, sheltered beach. Yes, that's Riomaggiore and is the second largest town in Cinque Terre. Some of the places to visit are the Port of Riomaggiore, Church of San Giovanni, the Guardiola, and the Centre for Environmental Education and Naturalistic Observation. It's also known for its locally-produced wine and is the hometown of the Wine Cooperative of the Cinque Terre region. A notable feature is also the Riomaggiore castle, it was once used as a lookout for Saracen incursions, but now offers lodging and is open for events.

2.      Manrola

Manrola might be one of the smallest towns, but it is rich in culture and is the oldest. This ancient Roman town is huddled atop a headland of dark rock. Asides from its picturesque beauty, it is known to attract visitors from all over Italy and the world for its Nativity scene with 300 life-sized statues made from recycled materials. The church that is dedicated to the Nativity was once used as a lookout tower.

3.      Monterosso

This town has one the of the more interesting architectures in the region. During the 11th century to protect the town from Saracen pirates and rival Pisans, fortifications were increased thus defending the people from attacks. Here' you'll find the Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Aurora Tower. The famous depiction of the Crucifixion by Van Dyck himself is housed in the monastery of Cappuccini, which is connected to the church of San Francesco.

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Best places to to put your feet on at the Amalfi Coast!

Italy has become one of Europe's most popular Summer destinations and with beauties like the Amalfi Coast, it's really no surprise as to why. With its steep, picturesque cliffs, and sparkling views that's been considered an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape by UNESCO, it has fast become one of Italy's most popular destinations. And you've probably seen it all over social media these days as there are picture perfect moments at every turn. Download the Amalfi Coast Travel Guide and Offline City Map and start planning your next Summer escapades.

1.      Positano

This famed Italian destination is every photographer and travel blogger's dream. The village is home to tiny, winding roads that run down to the sea and are lined with restaurants, shops, and a cascade of pastel-colored boutiques and hotels. It's the most photogenic town you'll ever see. Positano is a popular destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway as well as families and groups stopping through on day tours. Spend hours wandering the winding roads of the village and explore the beach path that hugs the mountainside and ends up at the watch tour castles. Every turn brings something new and exciting into view. As you meander through Positano, the charm of this otherworldly town is intoxicating.

2.      Amalfi Cathedral

You might ask yourself why Amalfi, for such a small place, has its fair share of monuments, not least the spectacular cathedral. It was, of course, one of the four powerful Maritime Republics and established many commercial relationships not least with traders from the Orient. The Cathedral complex is formed of the 'Cloister of Paradise', the 'Basilica of the Crucifix', which houses the Museum, the 'Crypt of St. Andrew' and the Cathedral. Concealing the original Romanesque church, the Baroque interior we see today dates from the early 18th century as do a number of paintings celebrating St. Andrew. Look out for a canvas by Andrea D’Asta on the main altar showing St. Andrew on the Cross. Two superb antique granite columns from Paestum support the triumphal arch of the main apse.

3.      Amalfi Paper Museum

Located in an ancient XIV century medieval paper-mill, along the road to the Ferriere Valley, Amalfi's Paper Museum is, no doubt, one of the most original museums on the Amalfi coast. It was founded in 1969 by Nicola Milano, owner of the paper-mill and member of one of the most famous families working in the paper production. It hosts machineries and instruments used in the ancient paper-mills. The ancient technologies, restored and active, reconstruct the entire production cycle of the paper. Among the century-old tools in the Museum it is possible to admire the ancient wooden mauls, operated by an hydraulic wheel, the press used to remove the water in excess from the paper, the continuous printing machine and the Dutch machine.

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Come to Strasbourg, the Charismatic French City with a German Accent

There are numerous compelling reasons why you should visit Strasbourg other than the fact that it is the official seat of the European Parliament. Here are some of them. And don’t forget to get the Strasbourg Offline Map & Guide City Travel & Metro to aid you on your visit.

1.     The Beauty of Strasbourg

Beauty has almost become synonymous with France. It's like everything French is beautiful whether it is in terms of language, fashion, food, art, or architecture. Such captivating beauty can be found in Strasbourg no matter which direction you look. The city is full of half-timbered houses built as far back as the Medieval Ages. Strasbourg most iconic structure is the Gothic Cathédrale de Notre Dame, which is the tallest medieval building in the continent. The cathedral features a colossal astronomical clock built in 1842 that depicts man's life and death cycle. Climbing to the top of the cathedral rewards you with a spectacular view of the city and the Alsatian countryside. Also, check out the Les Pont Couverts Bridge.

2.      The Marriage of French and German Cultures

The Rhine River is the only thing separating Strasbourg from Kehl, Germany which made it easy for the two cities to influence each other. Strasbourg was also conquered by Germans twice; first by the German Empire and second by Hitler’s Nazi Regime. Today, Strasbourg is in such good relations with Kehl that a Strasbourg citizen doesn’t even need to show a passport to cross the border to Kehl and vice versa.  You can clearly see German influence in Strasbourg’s cuisine, culture, music, fashion, and accent.

3.      The Alsatian Cuisine

The Alsatian cuisine combines traditional French food with German flavor and it is Strasbourg’s specialty. The city loses only to Paris when it comes to the number of Michelin-starred restaurants and eateries. Have a sip of both authentic French wine and German-style beer in one of the many breweries. Check out the bakeries for some world-renowned French bread sprinkled with some German love. You need to absolutely make sure that you don’t fail to sample the Tarte Flambée, the Alsatian version of thinly-sliced crispy crust pizza cut in rectangular slices.

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Top 6 Reasons to Visit Geneva, One of the Greatest Urban Locations in the World

Geneva lies literally on the French border, occupying the westernmost corner of Switzerland. It has the Alps on one side and the Lake Geneva on the other. Here are a few reasons to visit Geneva. Check out the Geneva Travel Guide and Offline City Street Map for more detailed information. World’s Best Watches

Many of the world’s best watchmakers are in Switzerland and no other location has more of them than Geneva. If you want to go shopping for watches there is no better place to go. Some of the great watch houses even have their own museums. Some of the most popular watch brands based in Geneva are:

• Patek Philippe
• Breguet
• Rolex
• Vacheron Constantin

Geneva Rolex Watch

Authentic Swiss Chocolate

Geneva also houses boutiques from the most famous chocolate producers in the world many of which offer tours around their factories. Some such chocolate makers include:

• Teuscher, La Maison du Cacao
• Zogg
• Chocolaterie des Bergues
• Stettler
• Auer
• Chocolaterie du Rhone

Museum of Art and History

The Musées d’Art et d’Histoire is considered by many as the country’s national museum due to its unparalleled collection of literary works, artworks, and historical artifacts. On one floor you will find an abundance of French sculptures and on another floor an Egyptian mummy carbon dated to have been buried around 9th century BC.

The Infamous Jet of Water

The Jet d’Eau is the official symbol of Geneva. It is simply a natural wonder. The spray can tower up to a remarkable 450 feet (137 meters). Water gets sprayed so high up in the air that you can see it from anywhere along the lakefront.

Geneva amazing Jet of Water

The Red Cross headquarters

Ever wondered why the original emblem of the International Red Cross looks like a color-reversed version of the Swiss flag? Well, that is because the organization is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. The base also houses one of the most famous museums in the continent.

Lake Geneva Cruise

Experience the best view of Geneva and the surrounding regions by going on a boat cruise on the colossal Lake Geneva. Several towns on the Swiss side and the southern French Coast have boats departing regularly.

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