Even though it seems like the summer travel season is flying by, those still looking to book a European getaway have some cheap options for a last-minute trip, according to a new report.
20.07.2023 - 13:19 / wanderlust.co.uk / Salvador Dalí
The first of the trail’s five sections begins in Barcelona. Once you’ve explored the city, wriggle inland and head up Mt Monserrat in time for sunrise and views that sweep across the surrounding reserve.
Go Nordic walking among the vineyards in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia – which is known for its cava – then visit the 12th century Cistercian monastery Santes Creus. Wind down in the port city of Tarragona, which is home to Roman ruins that are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Tarragona, follow the coast south to Cambrils and Les Terres de l’Ebre, a Biosphere Reserve with 300 species of birds – look out for flamingos while you’re there.
You can also kayak along the River Ebro or stretch your legs on a bike ride along a former railway line known as the Val de Zafán Greenway before drinking a glass of wine in a vineyard between Falset and Montblanc. The cave of L’Espluga de Francoli is nearby.
You’ll end up inland in Lleida, where Seu Vella cathedral looms over the city. Linger there or take a detour to the medieval village of Guimerà, which is set on the River Corb.
The third section of the self-guided tour runs from Lleida to Seu d’Urgell near Andorra. If you’re up for a hike, trek around the glacial lakes and waterfalls of the Catalan Pyrenees before relaxing in one of Val d’Aran’s medieval villages, which are valued for their unique language and stone architecture. You can also see Romanesque churches in Vall de Boí nearby or hike around Catalonia’s only National Park, Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.
Along the way you’ll be sure to meet locals and sample regional food. Try artisanal cheese and fill up on olha aranesa, a stew made with black sausage, pilota meatballs, beans, noodles and potatoes.
If you’re keen to complete the loop, on the fourth section you will skirt the southern border of France from Seu d’Urgell to Figueres. La Seu d’Urgell is a charming town set on the confluence of the Segre and Valira rivers. It hosts regular festivals and a market every Tuesday and Saturday where you can buy regional produce such as cheese, olives and grapes.
But if you’d rather do not see then continue east for a hike among the beech, oak and ash forests of Cadí Moixeró Natural Park in Berguedà, where ibex can be spotted on its rocky trails. Look out too for woodpeckers, Tengmalm’s owl and marten.
Monastery of Ripoll is another highlight of this section, but if you prefer to stay outdoors, explore the volcanic area of La Garrotxa Natural Park, which is home to 40 volcanoes, before ending up in Figueres in the north east corner of Spain.
The fifth and final section of the Grand Tour begins in Figueres, the birthplace of the Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. Once you’ve visited the Dalí Theatre and Museum,
Even though it seems like the summer travel season is flying by, those still looking to book a European getaway have some cheap options for a last-minute trip, according to a new report.
Among the many wonderful things about Greece is that everyone has a favorite island—and everyone is right. For veteran Forbes travel contributor Jim Dobson, that magical isle is Sifnos. Reachable by ferry from Athens in a little over two hours, Sifnos has beautiful beaches, numerous hiking trails along the Aegean Sea and a remarkable 237 churches. Here’s where to eat, stay and play on Sifnos.
Get thee to New York's museums and get thee to them now. There's an end in sight to summer's dog days, and with the promise of cooler early-autumn days comes a fresh turnover in the exhibitions on offer throughout the city. Some of the big summer tentpoles—Africa Fashion at the Brooklyn Museum, installations at both MoMA and MoMA PS1—will run all the way into October, so if you haven't made your way to them yet, there's still time. Joining these holdovers are a myriad of newer options, the variety of which ensures that there's something for everyone. Find our guide below.
There’s no shortage of restaurants, bars, and wellness destinations in the Hamptons, but every year there are some new locations shaking things up out east. From a re-imagined waterside hotel to an all out dinner to dance party spot, here are five new places to try.
The drama and beauty of Luxembourg’s capital often comes as a surprise to the first-time visitor. The Grand Duchy – the world’s only sovereign nation whose head of state is a Grand Duke – emerged in 963 AD when Count Siegfried built a castle on top of the Bock cliffs. Today the Bock and Old Quarter – a UNESCO World Heritage site – perch on a sandstone plateau high above the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers, and wandering its upper and lower cities is like strolling through history.
One of New York City’s buzziest 2023 restaurants just added more opportunities to book a highly coveted table.
Royal Caribbean already operates the world’s largest cruise ship—Wonder of the Seas—but next January it will break that record with Icon of the Seas, which boasts 2,805 staterooms (including more than 1,800 with balconies) and 179 suites. Nearly 1,200 feet long, Icon of the Seas has 20 decks and features a 55-foot-waterfall, multiple pools and waterparks and a “chill island” and a “thrill island”—depending on a passenger’s vibe.
Most frequent travelers have already crossed Paris’ famed Louvre—the world’s largest art museum—off their bucket list. But another cultural hub is opening its own Paris-approved Louvre, and it might put the institution right back into the top of your travel to-dos: Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Forget the free food and fancy drinks—the best thing about flying first class is the seats. Specifically, the ability to lie down, which makes a huge difference in comfort on a long-haul flight.
When the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list was issued in June, a new entry was sitting on top at #1: Central in Lima Peru, rising from #2 the previous year, replacing perennial favorites in Denmark, Spain and Japan. But for those who admire Peruvian cuisine, this restaurant, which is described as a culinary introductory course through 15 Peruvian ecosystems categorized by altitude, the choice was no surprise, just as Peruvian cuisine itself topping the list was no surprise, given its complexity, diversity of influences and simply luscious flavors. For those in New York, another introductory course of a kind will take place on July 28th at the Lower East Side restaurant POPULAR as several chefs get together to create a special dinner to celebrate Independence Day in Peru.
Solo travel has the power to transform: Think of the memoirs “Eat Pray Love” or “Wild.” But you don’t have to circumnavigate the globe or hike 1,100 miles to see why some people choose to go it alone. The freedom to explore at your own pace, open to connecting with people you meet along the way, can feel as intoxicating as a tropical breeze. But solo travel can be daunting, too, especially when problems arise. And of course, solo travelers need to keep certain safety considerations in mind.
In the spring of 2022, my aunt and uncle began kicking around the idea of visiting Switzerland after a work trip to France. An avid traveler myself — who at that point hadn't been out of the country since before the pandemic — I happily and unabashedly invited myself along.