Amazing Places To Visit Archives - Page 2 of 2

Heineken experience in Amsterdam

Sharon Preston — 10:00 am

When you’re next in Amsterdam, take time out to enjoy a beer – or at least two! – as you explore a brewery belonging to Heineken, one of the world’s three largest producers of beer

This 19th Century brewery is the first Heineken brewery to be built in the Netherlands. It dates back from 1867, and was the company’s primary Dutch pilsner brewing facility right up to 1988 when it was replaced by a more modern and larger brewery on the outskirts of Amsterdam.One of Heineken’s charms is that is has remained a family company throughout its history, which started in 1864 and continues world-wide to this day.

One of Heineken’s charms is that is has remained a family company throughout its history, which started in 1864 and continues world-wide to this day.

The old brewery has been open to the public since 1991 and it’s become one of the city’s main tourist attractions. It’s been modernised since then, and opened as the Heineken Experience in 2008, with all sorts of historical artifacts, products and samples on display, including authentic brewery interiors and equipment, old photographs and awards the company received for its beer.

There are also some thrilling interactive exhibits using high tech multi-media technology. In fact, it’s a combination museum and amusement park, which is why it’s such fun to visit.

Best of all, you can learn a little history while you’re having fun on the brewery tour, where you also learn about the process of brewing pilsner beer. Another reason to visit here, aside from the great-tasting beer that beckons, is that you don’t have to go on a guided tour; you can explore on your own.

You can learn all about the Heineken family and watch commercials of the beer that have been created around the world. You can also make your own music video here if you like, something that isn’t offers in many museums around Europe! One of the most exciting displays is an interactive one where you actually ‘become’ beer. You will we shaken up, sprayed with water and subjected to heat. And then, as a reward for the experience, you will get to sample some refreshing, delicious cold beer.

This is definitely more fun than visiting a museum. It’s a fun adventure just waiting to be experienced.

Open Mon- Thu 11am – 7.30pm (last ones in at 5.30pm); Fri-Sun 11am – 8.30pm (last ones in at 6.30pm)
Tour of the facility takes approximately one and a half hours
Note: You have to be over the age of 18 to enter. Ticket price includes 2 glasses of beer at the end of the tour.
Address: Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE, Amsterdam. Website: www.heinekenexperience.com

In Amazing Places To Visit, Uncategorized beer, brewery, Heineken, Heineken experience

Spotlight on… Dubrovnik

Sharon Preston — 10:00 am

I visited Dubrovnik before the war, and what struck me about this magnificent walled old city was its magic and history. I walked along the ramparts and looked over the Dalmatian coastline, marvelling at the beauty of the Adriatic Sea. I explored the old city, untouched by modernity – and somehow this ancient town stole part of my heart. To this day, I long to return.

If you are lucky enough to visit Dubrovnik, this is what you can expect to see. It’s a description I wrote of the city after it stole my heart… One of the most charming old walled cities in Europe, Dubrovnik has had a tumultuous past, but finally this beautiful city, with its red roofed buildings and high stone ramparts, is at peace. Once again people can come to explore this romantic place, with its maze of cobbled streets and idyllic setting close to the azure sea. Located on the magnificent Adriatic coastline with Italy its nearest neighbour over the waters, Dubrovnik has been famous throughout city for its charm and beauty. Of course, the historic Old Town, which is now designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is quite extraordinary. The city itself is enclosed by walls that were built in the 13th Century, and the buildings inside are just as well-preserved. One of the city’s most famous landmarks is Onofrio’s Fountain, located just inside the main entrance to the Old Town at Pile Gate. From there one can walk to the centre of the Old Town, to the main street, known as the Stradun. This street was originally a channel that separated an island from the mainland. The channel was then filled in, joining the two towns on either side – and that’s how Dubrovnik was formed. Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a real joy to explore. You’ll find all sorts of fascinating places, including a number of old churches, monasteries and museums. Some of those worth exploring include the Sponza Palace, St Blaisius Church, the Franciscan Monastery and the Rector’s Palace. Of course, Dubrovnik is also full of shops, restaurants and bars and you’ll find good ones both inside the Old Town and on the beautiful coastline just outside the city. This is where visitors find accommodation, and also where they come to enjoy the sun and the sea at various marina’s and coves, or walk along a selection of pretty promenades.

In Amazing Places To Visit, Uncategorized Discovering Dubrovnik, Explore Dubrovnik, The magic of Dubrovnik

Spotlight on… Cologne Opera House

Sharon Preston — 10:00 am

One of my favourite locations in Cologne is the city’s iconic Opera House. Here I share some information about it…

Cologne is a city of opera lovers. The city’s residents have enjoyed opera here since the mid 18th Century. In fact, the first permanent opera company here was established in 1822 and performed in the Theater an der Schmierstrasse, which was built in 1783 and used for concerts, plays and opera.The first opera house to be built in the city was the Theater am Habsburger Ring, built in 1902 by the city. It was badly damaged during the Second World War, so opera was performed at the University of Cologne until a new building was built. In fact, the opera company also used to perform in the repaired Glockengasse and Habsburger Ring theaters too.
The current Cologne Opera House is the first modern music building to be built in Europe after the Second World War. It was designed by the German architect Wilhelm Riphahn and it was inaugurated in 1957 by the former mayor of Cologne, Konrad Adenauer, who was Chancellor of Germany at the time. The first opera to be performed here was Oberon, created by Carl Maria von Weber.
The opera house seats up to 1 300 spectators and the orchestra pit accommodates 100 musicians. This magnificent building has been designed so that wherever one sits in the audience, the stage is visible and the acoustics are excellent. The Opera House is home to a resident opera company that performs approximately 25 different operas during the regular season, which runs from September to June.
The Opera house is also part of an arts complex that includes the Cologne Playhouse, built in 1962 and also designed by Riphahn. Both theaters were recently extensively refurbished.
The Cologne Opera company is famous for producing the highest quality children’s operas in the world. And in addition to producing classical performances, it also produces operas from the 20th Century. The Cologne Opera House also hosts dance performances. We suggest you find out what is showing while you’re in town, as it would be a great opportunity to attend a performance of either opera or dance in one of the best opera houses in Europe.

In Amazing Places To Visit, Germany

How to Find Cheap Travel Packages to Caribbean

justine123 — 10:00 am

Caribbean region comprises of the Caribbean Sea, more than 7000 islands, islets, reefs and cays. This region is an immensely popular tourist destination. There are many opportunities for entertainment like scuba diving, sailing, etc.

If you reside in North America, South America or Southern Europe, this is a great region to seek cheap travel packages. You can find really attractive seasonal deals.

Here are some tips on how to find cheap travel packages to the Caribbean region.

The first step is to decide on the mode of transportation. You can travel by sea or air. Packages club travel and hotel expenses. In fact travel aggregate sites like kayak.com, airlines, cruise lines and Caribbean-only websites offer cheap travel packages to the region. They are separated into cruise and vacation package (air travel) sections.

The next step is to choose the location. You may choose from three different regions: The Western Caribbean (Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, etc), the Eastern Caribbean (Barbados, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, etc), and the Southern Caribbean (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao). The greater the distance from your home, the more the cost for you.

It is advisable to schedule your travel in line with Caribbean seasons and travels. June through December is the wet season; and January through May is the dry season. You will get cheap travel packages if you book your trip outside the peak travel times. Carnival is during the months February, May and June. It is be more expensive during these months. June to November is the hurricane season. You will get cheap travel packages during these months; however it is advisable to check for cancellation policies.

It is advisable to visit locations that speak your language. The United Kingdom offers better deals to British islands. Similarly France offers great deals to French Caribbean Islands. Caribbean islands that use the Euro are more expensive than those that use Eastern Caribbean dollar and other currencies. Anguilla, Grenadines and the islands of St. Barts attract more celebrities and are usually more expensive than other locations.

You will get good deals on http://www.groupon.com/getaways. It is advisable to use the services of aggregate travel search engines like Travelocity, Expedia, Priceline, Orbitz and Hotwire. They enable you to look for a specific destination on a specific date. It is a good idea to click on last minute deals. Costco.com offers excellent cruise packages to the region. If you are traveling with your family, go for all-inclusive packages. Compare offers before deciding. Cheapcaribbean.com has many hotel and flight packages for the region. You may customize by selecting the number of adults, seniors and children.

It is a good idea to book using a credit card. If hotel, airline or any other service goes out of business, your will get your money back. Credit cards usually offer travel insurance. Check for this before you travel. Websites like TripAdvisor has reviews from visitors. Read them. It will help you to decide if the location is right for you.

The above-mentioned tips will help you get excellent cheap travel packages to the Caribbean region. If you use these tips, you will not only enjoy your holiday, but also save money.