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Amsterdam, the City of Museums

Amsterdam is a magical city brimming with unique details and rich in architecture, history, art, culture and museums alike. With artists of the likes of Rembrandt and Van Gogh dominating the local art scene, art lovers will find that this city more than satisfies any of their fine arts cravings. However, the Dutch capital has a lot more to offer than mere brushstrokes on canvas, with an almost endless array of oddities on display to please even the most curious of travelers. If you are planning on spending some days at one of our center Amsterdam apartments, you may want to have a look at this museum review to complement your plans in the city. ART Amsterdam’s art scene has always been very vibrant, and one particular museum proves it, the Rijksmuseum, one of Europe’s most prominent art collections. You can visit the Dutch Golden Age in the heart of the Dutch capital anytime from 9am to 5 pm. Among its collections, you’ll find paintings by Masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer, as well as the popular painting The Night Watch. Rembrandt fans, baroque aficionados, and those who wish to learn more about Europe’s cultural heritage should not skip a visit to the Rembrandt House, in the Jodenbreestraat, behind the Waterlooplein. This was the painter’s home and studio between1639 and 1659, where he created many of the famous art works that hang on the walls of this home turned museum. You can visit it any day of the week from 10am to 5pm. And it’s time now for the Master of impressionism, Vincent van Gogh. The Van Gogh Museum, a...

Vegetarian/Vegan Alternatives in Barcelona

In the bustling streets of Barcelona´s metropolitan city streets you´ll be sure to find a wide array of meats of all variations and sizes. In a city in love with its Jamon culture, it´s not always so evident that you´ll find meat-free options, But alas! They never did say Barcelona was not a city full of surprises. Even in a city full of Jamon styled recipes and restaurants; you´ll be sure find both vegan and vegetarian alternatives. Here we will give you a short list of 10 of our favorite restaurants with mouthwatering cuisine. They’re not ones to be missed! Instagram: @flaxandkale Flax & Kale A wonderfully stylish and gourmet, New York style, surprise you as walk through the door and have you staying for hours sort of place! Wow that was a mouthful! Here is a personal favorite of mine. You will find a most delicious range of vegetarian options available to satisfy even the most stubborn of taste buds. With an explosion to the taste buds, this is one to keep in mind. Flax and Kale whip up their own creations of milkshakes and health juices. You´ll be insane not to try! They also have a fish option available for those who wish to try.   Govinda An indian-style vegetarian choice. With a diverse range of foods, this spicetastic restaurant is a must try! There´s also gluten free options available.   Muy Mio For a more relaxed and chilled out atmosphere, Muy Mio is the place to be. With a menu offering Mediterranean and even International inspired cuisine. You´ll have yourself coming back for more!   Surf...

Explore Lisbon through its Pastry Shops

Visiting Lisbon is a real treat, and not just a treat for the sight but also for the palate. Touring the streets of the Portuguese capital becomes a lot more tempting with the sweet background smell of its typical sweets, straight out of the oven, seducing the traveler’s senses. And that’s why we’d like to suggest you step into the shoes of a taster for a day and explore the city from the windows of its best bakeries… Pick up your map of Lisbon and take good note!   Our starting point is the Casa Pastéis de Belém, who have maintained their original 1837 pastry recipe to our days. But don’t expect anyone to let you in on how to recreate that delicious taste in your own kitchen, it’s a big secret! Located on Rua de Belém 84-92, it’s perfectly positioned to start the day off with a visit to the Jerónimos Monastery, where the popular mix of ingredients that’s responsible for these Pastéis originated, and obviously the Belém Tower, an emblematic monument built in the Manueline style.   Moving on- if walking is not quite your thing we’d suggest you take the tram or the subway to Terreiro do Paço. As you can see, this stop is right by the Praça do Comércio, where you’ll find several cafeterias that serve the popular pão de ló (a type of cake). This will be the perfect time to have a light lunch and a fresh cup of coffee. Crossing through Lisbon in the direction away from the sea, you’ll find four pastry shops not too far from each other. These...

Apartments with a View

Beauty is a visual affair and though not all that glitters is gold, and appearances can be deceiving, it’s clear that spending your holidays in any of these apartments with direct sea views will remove any of your prejudices and clear your mind, at least temporarily.   Mykonion Waterfront Apartment E Located right by the popular VIP Kalo Livadi Beach in Mykonos this private villa is a dream-come-true for anyone who values calm and tranquility by the sea.   MONTE CARLO: 1BR Suite on the Beach w/Five-Star Amenities Miami means luxury and comfort. If we pair that with the breathtaking views of a fully equipped apartment, including its own spa, Jacuzzi and gym, we come up with a holiday fit for a king right on the Atlantic. Embarcadero – 0421 If breakfast by the sea sounds like your thing, don’t let this apartment with views over the Majorcan coast elude you. Imagine what a real ensaimada would taste like on this idyllic setting. Casita Lanzarote with Sea View 10 Meters from the Sea Surf lovers, sailors, and sea breeze addicts alike: this is the apartment for you. On the coast and fully immersed in nature, this simple and practical little house is the perfect accommodation for those who can’t resist a spur-of-the-moment dip in the sea....

Sardinia: a Slice of Paradise

Sardinia is a slice of paradise in the heart of the Mediterranean. Emerald waters, dunes of white sands… A wild island of intense vibrant colors with a rich wildlife with deer, horses and eagles. Its translucent sea has some of the prettiest waters in the world. Among its many wonders we find Sardinia’s Nuragici, monuments that bear witness to the ancient culture that inhabited this island back in the 6th century. The Nuraghi are the archeological remains of large stones set around a tower, still preserved nowadays as proof of the religious rituals practiced by the peoples of this ancient culture. We invite you to discover some of the most impressive sites on this magical island. Costa Smeralda Costa Smeralda is one of the most popular destinations in Sardinia, not only for its stunning scenery but also for the wide variety of activities on offer, such as scuba diving, golfing, water skiing, as well as the delicious cuisine of its many restaurants. Porto Cervo is at the heart of the Costa Smeralda, with its Porto Vecchio, where you’ll find luxury yachts and many celebrities. Strolling through its beautiful squares, the balconies of these houses will surely catch your eye with their unique and beautiful windows. And we suggest you take a little break right around here to enjoy a good Italian aperitif at the harbor, while the sun sets in front of you. The church of Stella Maris is also very striking, so don’t hesitate to go visit and let yourself be amazed by the gorgeous scenery. The Most Beautiful Beaches   There are some wonderful beaches on the...

The Best Spots for Summer Reads

There’s nothing like picking up a good book over the holidays to break away from the routine of our daily lives. At the beach, in the mountain, in the big city, in a park, at a terrace, at your local library… There’s no excuse to not read during the summer holidays because there’s just no wrong time or wrong destination. Flipping through the pages of a book is a real luxury, as is going to bed, waking up to and napping in its company. Let’s review some of the best places to break off from the outside world.

5 Ideal Destinations for Families Traveling with Children

Do you feel somewhat identified with the common story of that travel-savvy couple who got married, had kids, and saw their adventures vanish into thin air? It’s a very common situation, as traveling with kids isn’t easy. It’s not just that you have to carry thrice the luggage, but also the fact that children get bored and tired in most travel-related situations: walking from one end of town to the other, visiting museums with works that mean nothing to them, getting up early to make the most of the day, or listening to the endless explanations of tourist guides. But not being able to travel with children is only an urban myth, as there are countless places that are perfectly eligible for a family adventure. We believe that exploring with kids in tow can be an even more rewarding way to travel, as experiencing new things is the best way to learn. And so, without further ado, we leave you with our list of ideal destinations for traveling with children so that you have no more excuses. Go on and get packing! The Netherlands The flat Dutch landscape makes it ideally suited for cycling trips, with bikes being the typical mode of transport and readily available everywhere, making it a relaxing and fun way for the little ones to get around. Another advantage of Holland and its surrounding regions are the many vast green fields, perfect for family picnics. Some of the towns in the Netherlands look like they’re straight out of the pages of a fairytale, such as the town of Delft. The town of Bruges, a short-train ride...

Experience the Gracia Festivities Like a True Barcelonan

Some very special festivities await you in Barcelona from August 15th through 21st… If you thought floating plates and candles were something out of a Harry Potter scene, you may want to reconsider. For the people of Gracia, a neighborhood in the northeastern part of Barcelona, this type of decor is nothing out of the ordinary, and especially so in the summertime. Would you like to know more about this multitudinous event? Keep on reading!   Battle of the Neighbors You might be wondering what sets these neighborhood festivities apart from the rest. Well, for one thing, they are visually attractive, as each street is decorated in its own unique theme: movies, animé, tropical jungles, dinosaurs, Asian landscapes…. The list is practically endless! Neighborhood associations start working on their masterpieces months in advance, knowing that they’ll be admired by thousands of locals and curious tourists. However, gaining the appraisal of passerbys is not their only motivation, as there is a price for the inhabitants of the winning street every year. The 2015 edition of the Gracia Festivities will showcase balconies decorated as gold mines, dragons, butterflies, laboratories, and even a ‘garden of earthly delights’. These and many others are some of the themes that have already been registered into the contest, along with their respective participants, who expectantly await the day of the great unveiling.   A Full Program And if decorated streets are not enough incentive for you- worry not. The program for the 2015 Gracia Festivities (check it here LINK) includes all type of events for all ages. Little ones will have a great time watching the...

The Italian Ferragosto

August 15th, the feast of the Assumption of Mary, tends to be a festivity across most European countries. But in Italy it’s a lot more than that. For Italians, August 15th marks the start of what is known as the Ferragosto, a celebration with years of tradition that combines the best of all summer festivities: music, food, outdoor activities, fireworks and much, much more. On the night of the 14th you’ll find bonfires on most beaches, groups of friends singing and waiting for the clock to strike midnight to go for a dip in the sea, fireworks that reflect on the surface of the water… and so, it’s inevitable to stay up until well into the am hours. The following day, Italian families share a big meal together, full of the traditional specialties of their local cuisine. One of the most typical recipes with a very long tradition in the area of Tuscany is roasted pigeon, and in the area of the Appennino Tosco-Emiliano they prepare aniseed flavored sweets known as ciambelle. In fact, each city across bella Italia preserves its own traditions and events… so let’s explore some of them together! Milan Milan offers countless options when it comes to celebrating the Ferragosto. Starting with the night of the 14th, on the eve of the day, it’s customary to head to Sempione Park, where various types of events are usually held, and then on to Piazza Cannone, where many of the museums open their doors all night so we can admire their treasures. From the Archeological Museum to the Gallery of Modern Art, including museums of the likes...