Glamping in Slovenia

FREE APRIL 2019

WHAT’SWHAT TO SEE | WHAT TO DO UPBAVARIA

GERMANY’S TRADITIONS easter Day Trips in Germany Passau’s Spring Festival

Glamping in Slovenia

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TIME & TRADITION

Beginning on or near Ash Wednesday, you’ll start seeing beautifully- decorated eggs hung from the branches of live trees and bushes outdoors. ©FOOTTOO/123RF.COM ©FOOTTOO/123RF.COM

TRADITIONSGermany’s By Shereece Spain

For many, Easter is a sacred States, kids hunt for eggs and other treats on Easter morning. holiday commemorating Easter Bonfire Christ’s resurrection. Easter Tree Hay is put in a large wheel and set on It’s also viewed as a chance to welcome fire. It’s then pushed down a hill. If the spring. In Germany, that is no different than Beginning on or near Ash Wednesday, you’ll wheel makes it to the bottom intact, in the United States. However, our host start seeing beautifully-decorated eggs it is said that the harvest will be good nation offers its own customs and traditions. hung from the branches of live trees and that year. This tradition is only practiced Here are some you may experience. bushes outdoors. Some cut branches from by some northern areas of Germany, trees, put them in vases inside their homes, including Lügde in Weserbergland — the and hang eggs from them. Twisted Willow Osterradstadt (Easter city)— that has been Easter Market tree branches will be commonly used. Their following this tradition for more than a This is by far my favorite custom! Any beautiful spiraled patterns add a wonderful thousand years. whimsy to the decor. The eggs can be made season that includes its own special If you plan to attend church services, out of hollowed-out real ones, plastic or markets ranks at the top of my list. The Europe offers many world-renowned styrofoam. This is the perfect spot to hang main feature of these markets are artisan- cathedrals. For example, Notre Dame the collection you’ve made from Easter crafted eggs. They are handcrafted from a in Paris, Westminster Abbey in London, markets and any you or your family have wide range of materials, including glass, Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Ulm made. Just like Christmas trees, who says wood and fabric. It’s fun to collect at Cathedral in Ulm, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in you can only have one? least one from each market you attend. Dublin and many more! Be prepared for

One could liken these to the tradition of larger-than-normal crowds on these days, collecting Glühwein mugs. The Baked Easter Lamb) so arriving exceptionally early is a must.

However you decide to celebrate Easter You can’t have a holiday without a this year, consider incorporating some of Easter Bunny traditional dessert to accompany it! In Germany’s customs into the mix. Frohe Germany, it’s das Gebackene Osterlamm, It is believed that the idea of the Easter Ostern (Happy Easter)!. n Bunny originated in Germany, with the which is a delicious cake in the shape of Germans and Dutch bringing it to the a lamb — not an actual baked lamb. Stop United States in the 1700s. Children make by your local bakery to order one for your and leave nests in their yards for the Easter Easter festivities or consider finding a Bunny to leave presents. Similar to in the recipe online to make your own.

GERMANY PassauDAY TRIP

GERMANY DAY TRIPS By Shereece Spain

Welcome, spring! Oh, how I’ve missed you and the radiant sunshine you bring. I’m officially in the mood to start the 2019 festival season. The options are overwhelming. Let’s use this opportunity to discover a festival in the city of Passau.

stroyed by war over the centuries. Guided tours Heavenly Ladder - Reflect in this unique religious A fest-tastic day are available, but at least take the time to head experience and marvelous views of the city while up the hill to traverse the grounds and soak up climbing the 321 stairs from the Innstadt to Pau- It’s time to dust off your lederhosen and dirndl the astounding city and river views. The castle line’s Fathers’ Monastery Mariahilf. and head over to Eastern Bavaria’s largest folk is celebrating its 800th anniversary this year, so festival, Passauer Dult. The over 300,000 square check the website for any other special events feet Messepark Kohlbruck is transformed into they may be having on the day of your trip. Getting there an amazing festival experience. It runs April 26 - May 5, so you may find yourself planning Passau is located approximately three hours Cafe Simon chocolate - A stop at this lo- more than one visit. You can enjoy a family out- from Bavaria and two and a half hours from cal, family-owned establishment is a must for ing or make it a girl’s or guy’s trip. Regardless, Grafenwöhr if you drive. The closest parking chocolate-lovers. Their assortment is almost everyone will find something — festival food, to the festival can be found on Dr. Ernst Derra overwhelming. To help me narrow down my carnival rides for kids to adults, desserts, games Strasse near the Eisarena. Taking the train is also choices when I travel, I opt for local originals. and more! an option. Passau Hauptbahnhof is the closest In this case, the Passauer Goldhauben Pralinen They have six glorious beer tents with out- station. I would recommend taking a taxi or standing entertainment and delicious food to choose from. Each tent is different. The menu, brand of beer and any other beverage options (wine, schnapps, etc.) can vary. Similar to most major festivals, advanced reservations are a must. Make sure you go online to check out what each tent offers and secure your seats. Beyond the festival

If you’ve never been to Passau, you may want to explore other parts of the city. Consider arriving early to absorb these local experiences. ©FOOTTOO/123RF.COM IVANOV/123RF.COM ©ANTON

River cruise - Donauschifffahrt offers a 45-min- The spring festival is also called Maidult. If you enjoyed your first ute “Three rivers” tour. It’s the perfect way to experience the Ortspitze, where the Danube, trip to Passau, consider coming back for the Herbstdult this fall to Inn and Ilz Rivers meet and get a unique view of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Schaibling Tower (a close out the festival season and catch other parts of the city. 14th-century city watchtower). During peak sea- (Passau gold-hooded chocolate) is a must-buy son (late-April until October), tours leave every bus from the station to the Messepark because while you’re here. These sweet treats are fash- 30 minutes, so there’s no urgency to plan ahead. the station is approximately four kilometers ioned after the historic Passauer Goldhauben from the fest grounds. However, that would be (a type of women’s hat made of gold materials Veste Oberhaus - You can’t miss it sitting ma- one way to work off those extra calories you’re with a black bow worn in the 19th century in jestically above the city. It’s one of the largest about to consume.n surviving castles in Europe. This is hard to imag- Germany and Austria) and covered in a 23-karat ine after so many European castles were de- gold leaf overlay.

10 GERMANY

DAY TRIPS THE LOCAL CIVILIAN By Shereece Spain MILITARY DEFENSE FIRM Sauerwiesen 2, Kaiserslautern- Siegelbach, Germany 67661 Welcome, spring! Oh, how I’ve missed you and the radiant sunshine you bring. I’m U.S.Toll Free Phone: officially in the mood to start the 2019 festival season. The options are over- (833) 446-UCMJ whelming. Let’s use this opportunity to discover a festival in the city of Passau. stroyed by war over the centuries. Guided tours Heavenly Ladder - Reflect in this unique religious A fest-tastic day are available, but at least take the time to head experience and marvelous views of the city while up the hill to traverse the grounds and soak up climbing the 321 stairs from the Innstadt to Pau- It’s time to dust off your lederhosen and dirndl the astounding city and river views. The castle line’s Fathers’ Monastery Mariahilf. and head over to Eastern Bavaria’s largest folk is celebrating its 800th anniversary this year, so festival, Passauer Dult. The over 300,000 square check the website for any other special events feet Messepark Kohlbruck is transformed into they may be having on the day of your trip. Getting there an amazing festival experience. It runs April 26 - May 5, so you may find yourself planning Passau is located approximately three hours Cafe Simon chocolate - A stop at this lo- more than one visit. You can enjoy a family out- from Bavaria and two and a half hours from cal, family-owned establishment is a must for ing or make it a girl’s or guy’s trip. Regardless, Grafenwöhr if you drive. The closest parking chocolate-lovers. Their assortment is almost everyone will find something — festival food, to the festival can be found on Dr. Ernst Derra overwhelming. To help me narrow down my carnival rides for kids to adults, desserts, games Strasse near the Eisarena. Taking the train is also choices when I travel, I opt for local originals. and more! an option. Passau Hauptbahnhof is the closest In this case, the Passauer Goldhauben Pralinen They have six glorious beer tents with out- station. I would recommend taking a taxi or standing entertainment and delicious food to choose from. Each tent is different. The menu, brand of beer and any other beverage options (wine, schnapps, etc.) can vary. Similar to most major festivals, advanced reservations are a must. Make sure you go online to check out what each tent offers and secure your seats. Beyond the festival

If you’ve never been to Passau, you may want to explore other parts of the city. Consider arriving early to absorb these local experiences. ©FOOTTOO/123RF.COM IVANOV/123RF.COM ©ANTON

River cruise - Donauschifffahrt offers a 45-min- The spring festival is also called Maidult. If you enjoyed your first ute “Three rivers” tour. It’s the perfect way to experience the Ortspitze, where the Danube, trip to Passau, consider coming back for the Herbstdult this fall to Inn and Ilz Rivers meet and get a unique view of St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Schaibling Tower (a close out the festival season and catch other parts of the city. 14th-century city watchtower). During peak sea- (Passau gold-hooded chocolate) is a must-buy son (late-April until October), tours leave every bus from the station to the Messepark because while you’re here. These sweet treats are fash- 30 minutes, so there’s no urgency to plan ahead. the station is approximately four kilometers NEW hours: Tuesday - Thursday 11:00 - 15:00 ioned after the historic Passauer Goldhauben from the fest grounds. However, that would be (a type of women’s hat made of gold materials Friday & Sunday 17:00 - 21:00 Veste Oberhaus - You can’t miss it sitting ma- one way to work off those extra calories you’re with a black bow worn in the 19th century in jestically above the city. It’s one of the largest about to consume.n surviving castles in Europe. This is hard to imag- Germany and Austria) and covered in a 23-karat ine after so many European castles were de- gold leaf overlay. Olympia park, the venue of 3 the 1972 Olympics, transforms 5 2 into a bright open-air market TOP filled with an Easter egg hunt, egg painting, rides, crafts and much more!

FIVEBy Mary Del Rosario Easter markets in Germany are filled with explosions of 5 colors along with decorated stalls, mouthwatering food, Hamburg precious crafts and of course, ornate Easter eggs. Get out This port city celebrates Easter in a unique way – with bonfires! What start- ed as a Pagan tradition is now an anticipated Easter one adopted by Chris- of hibernation and welcome the anticipated spring season tians. This ritual is held on the evening on Easter Saturday where a candle by heading to these five Easter markets! is lit from the bonfire into a darkened church. For those who would like to see a more traditional spin on Easter, head to the Hamburg DOM funfair, a spring fest that has a vast amount of attractions for the kids in addition to Nuremberg delicious sweets, beer, bratwursts and more! Dates: Through April 22, 2019 Known as the oldest Nuremberg market, this Bavarian city will be a sea of pastel hues. With over 100 vendors, you’re sure to 1 leave this market with baskets filled with crafts, sweets, eggs and Easter decorations that will make the perfect centerpiece ©HANOHIKI/123RF.COM for your Easter dinner. The Nürnberger Ostermarkt also has cooking demonstra- tions for the curious chefs in the making. BERLIN Since you’re in this beautiful city, head to Being that Berlin is Germany’s largest city, the Alstadt, or Old Town and see medieval 4 it’s no surprise there will be a few markets architecture at the Kaiserburg, a famous and Spring festivals dotted throughout the castle which has an observation platform, city. The Easter market of Kurfürstendamm boasting gorgeous views of Nuremberg. is perfect for children who love a good Dates: April 5-22, 2019 Easter egg hunt — 12 large eggs hidden within the market to be exact! Alexander- platz’s Easter market is Berlin’s most popular one with wine stands, a beer garden, street artists, Easter stalls and more. The Spring Festival on Kurt-Schumacher-Damm is also a fan-favorite fest that includes roller coast- ers and other kid-friendly activities. MUNICH ©MEINZAHN/123RF.COM With over 100 vendors, you’re Munich, the Bavarian city that’s home to the famous Oktoberfest, also does this spring event in an elaborate fashion as there are many Easter celebra- sure to leave this market with tions peppered throughout the city. Olympiapark, the venue of the 1972 St. Wendel Olympics, transforms into a bright open-air market filled with an Easter egg baskets filled with crafts, hunt, egg painting, rides, crafts and much more! If you’re a foodie, try can’t- Every Easter season, the St. Wendeler Ostermarkt becomes the highlight of this quaint be-missed delicacies at The Market of the Senses, a market filled with crafts- town. Over 90 stalls filled with everything from fresh soaps to beautiful spring flowers sweets, eggs and Easter manship. An Easter brunch at The Schlosscafe in the Palmenhaus is another TIP — fill up the town as well as your stomachs as they sell delicious goodies like those opportunity to feast on Easter delights. irresistible chimney cakes! The perfect family activity, this Easter market will get your decorations that will make Be sure to take part in the Easter Rit- little ones excited for the appearance of the Easter bunny. Don’t forget to take a pic- terfest, a medieval festival where you ture of the giant Easter crown that proudly sits in the town’s fountain. the perfect centerpiece for can see knights jousting, fire shows Dates: April 4, 2019 your Easter dinner. and more. Anyone dressed in a fully armored knight suit gets in for free!

12 Olympia park, the venue of 3 the 1972 Olympics, transforms 5 2 into a bright open-air market TOP filled with an Easter egg hunt, egg painting, rides, crafts and much more!

13 life is either a daring

dventure – Helen Keller Ad or nothing. 14

16 © JOST_GANTAR_VELIKA/CHARMING_HERBAL VINTGAR GORGE POSTOJNA CAVE PREDJAMA CASTLE the key to the greatest outdoor tripyou’ll ever take. of having andabedjustmight be abathroom,luxury electricity orous camping). Combining nature initspurest form withthe consider thelatest trend incamping, termed “glamping” (glam- for overnight accommodations. For the best ofbothworlds, is. As adults, afew additionalamenities are generally preferred S Glamping in endless andimaginations canrunwild. For children, that tentimes agreat adventure. The possibilitiesfor funare intents, cabins, tree housesorteepees isof- leeping SlovEnia By Jessica ZenBy Jessica

© JOST_GANTAR_VELIKA/CHARMING_HERBAL mountains, rivers andvast halls, aswell as a 16-foot-tall toward Postojna Cave. This subterranean wonder has here. Awinning combination ifever there was one. by oaktrees, flourishing but you’ll also have a Wi-Fi signal for theenjoyment ofall. Notonlywillyou besurrounded beds, bathrooms, grills, hottubsandbadminton courts Upper Carniola, there are rusticcabinswith queen-sized transcending thewater. For stay nearBledin aluxury lovely singlearch stone from bridge railway theBohinj pools, rapids andwooden bridges. Here you’ll alsoseea minutes from thelakeis Vintgar Gorge, hometo waterfalls, mightily onaprecipice above thelakeaswell. Amere 15 BledCastle Medieval theQueen. looms Church ofMary mountains, thisscenic lakeishometo theiconic island Lake Bled. Surrounded by lushgreen trees andmajestic linens. What more could you possiblyneed? guests andincludeelectricity, shared bathrooms, bedsand mallows. These holdupto pet-friendly unitsinSoca four lodges justbegging for you to stay androast somemarsh- want to leave Triglav. are withinthepark Buried nature ing, canoeinganddiving. where you’llkayaking, likeswimming, raft findactivities For hotdays, thoseextra headto thewater at LakeBohinj, footbridges, are andtranquility inabundance. waterfalls of themany trails where cultural monuments, picturesque with amountain guide. For amore leisurely hike, findone hike can reach thesummitoneither atwo orthree-day dominating thelandscapeat 9,396feet. hikers Determined Mountfind Triglav, thehighestpoint intheJulian Alps, the great outdoors in Triglav National Park. Here you will Spendsomeofyour summervacation exploring heart. clearwaters,Alps andcrystal Slovenia issure to steal your location.luxurious hasto offer,beautiful places thisearth allwhilestaying ina horizons andsleepinginsomeofthemostbreathtakingly immersing yourself inthe localculture, broadening your withtheworld.connecting Wander offthebeaten path by tourism gohandinandtravelers theirlives enrich by oftravelence anewkind inSlovenia, where nature and green,keeping itscountry cleanandauthentic.- Experi Slovenia onsustainabletourism isconstantly and working the world’s thetitlein2016, first Earning green country? What better place ofnature to soakupthebeauty thanin For more adventures, south headfurther toA trip Slovenia isn’t complete withoutvisiting With somuchnatural beauty, surely you won’t With sprawling greenery, thetowering Julian -

© JOST_GANTAR_VELIKA/CHARMING_HERBAL little glamour!n inthewild mixedan amazingcamping trip witha ever comes your way. Nothingresets thesoullike invigorated, refreshed what andready to tackle bustle ofeveryday life. You’ll return from Slovenia excursions andjustrelax away from thehustleand Become onewithnature, goonsomeamazing stars that see. you canactually under sparkling charmingslovenia.com. For more information onthislocation, visitwww. you willalmostforget that you’re camping at all. of amenity saunas andtheever-important Wi-Fi, personal hottubs, heating andairconditioning, engulfed landscape? inanaturally striking With for your soulaswell asforsanctuary your body, ultimate glampingsite. Where elsewillyou find childcare, thislocation really seemsto bethe restaurant, workshops, herbal aspaandorganized Ljubno. Resort With 10glampingtents, aherbal can really glampitup, Glamping visittheHerbal for vacation atruly luxurious looking where you www.glampinghub.com location orany previously mentioned, visit green paradise. For more information onthis a beautifulmelodyandtheviewofanextensive hot tubandbathroom. Wake upto birds singing here. There isakitchenette, andanexternal TV als. Don’t worry, you’re definitely stillglamping made outofwood, renewable andnatural materi- the treetops, thishousehasroom for two andis day life andreturn to traditional values. Nestledin meant to inspire from gueststo disconnect every Here you’ll that structure is findaneco-friendly right way by staying at atree houseinGrosuplje. dragons, bats andhorses, endyour adventure the through thepastures. dreamy, Sounds doesn’t it? carriages, tour themanorandwander aimlessly ties to seetheoldeststable, visitamuseumwith years. At theLipicaStud Farm- there are opportuni whichhasbeeninbusinessforstud farm, over 400 century. Lipicaishometo theoldestEuropean these magnificent horsesdate back to the16th forKnown beingclassicallytrained indressage, head to Lipicato seethefamousLipizzanerhorses. your acolony own risk; ofbats reside here! but therest for isreserved adventure tours. Enter at Part ofthecave canbeseenwiththecastletour, hold claimsthetitleofworld’s largest cave castle. natural elements withmanmadeones, thisstrong- middle ofacliff for over 800 years.By combining a medieval wonder that hasbeenperched inthe salamanders. bodiesare justolmsoraquatic with snake-like science willtell you thesefascinating creatures has itthat baby dragons dwell here, though world’s firstunderground cave railway. Legend white stalagmite isalsohometo the column. It Get awayGet from life bigcity andsleep treeIf housesaren’t for you andyou’re After apotentially longday filledwith dragons andbats aren’tIf your cupoftea, Close to thecaves isPredjama Castle, - - © JOST_GANTAR_VELIKA/CHARMING_HERBAL VINTGAR GORGE POSTOJNA CAVE PREDJAMA CASTLE the key to the greatest outdoor tripyou’ll ever take. of having andabedjustmight be abathroom,luxury electricity orous camping). Combining nature initspurest form withthe consider thelatest trend incamping, termed “glamping” (glam- for overnight accommodations. For the best ofbothworlds, is. As adults, afew additionalamenities are generally preferred S Glamping in endless andimaginations canrunwild. For children, that tentimes agreat adventure. The possibilitiesfor funare intents, cabins, tree housesorteepees isof- leeping SlovEnia By Jessica ZenBy Jessica

© JOST_GANTAR_VELIKA/CHARMING_HERBAL little glamour!n inthewild mixedan amazingcamping trip witha ever comes your way. Nothingresets thesoullike invigorated, refreshed what andready to tackle bustle ofeveryday life. You’ll return from Slovenia excursions andjustrelax away from thehustleand Become onewithnature, goonsomeamazing stars that see. you canactually under sparkling charmingslovenia.com. For more information onthislocation, visitwww. you willalmostforget that you’re camping at all. of amenity saunas andtheever-important Wi-Fi, personal hottubs, heating andairconditioning, engulfed landscape? inanaturally striking With for your soulaswell asforsanctuary your body, ultimate glampingsite. Where elsewillyou find childcare, thislocation really seemsto bethe restaurant, workshops, herbal aspaandorganized Ljubno. Resort With 10glampingtents, aherbal can really glampitup, Glamping visittheHerbal for vacation atruly luxurious looking where you www.glampinghub.com location orany previously mentioned, visit green paradise. For more information onthis a beautifulmelodyandtheviewofanextensive hot tubandbathroom. Wake upto birds singing here. There isakitchenette, andanexternal TV als. Don’t worry, you’re definitely stillglamping made outofwood, renewable andnatural materi- the treetops, thishousehasroom for two andis day life andreturn to traditional values. Nestledin meant to inspire from gueststo disconnect every Here you’ll that structure is findaneco-friendly right way by staying at atree houseinGrosuplje. dragons, bats andhorses, endyour adventure the through thepastures. dreamy, Sounds doesn’t it? carriages, tour themanorandwander aimlessly ties to seetheoldeststable, visitamuseumwith years. At theLipicaStud Farm- there are opportuni whichhasbeeninbusinessforstud farm, over 400 century. Lipicaishometo theoldestEuropean these magnificent horsesdate back to the16th forKnown beingclassicallytrained indressage, head to Lipicato seethefamousLipizzanerhorses. your acolony own risk; ofbats reside here! but therest for isreserved adventure tours. Enter at Part ofthecave canbeseenwiththecastletour, hold claimsthetitleofworld’s largest cave castle. natural elements withmanmadeones, thisstrong- middle ofacliff for over 800 years.By combining a medieval wonder that hasbeenperched inthe salamanders. bodiesare justolmsoraquatic with snake-like science willtell you thesefascinating creatures has itthat baby dragons dwell here, though world’s firstunderground cave railway. Legend white stalagmite isalsohometo the column. It Get awayGet from life bigcity andsleep treeIf housesaren’t for you andyou’re After apotentially longday filledwith dragons andbats aren’tIf your cupoftea, Close to thecaves isPredjama Castle, - - 17 Bucket List Ljubljana Edition By Elizabeth Jones

Considered to be Europe’s best-kept secret, Ljubljana has many treasures waiting to be shared with the world. Slovenia’s capital boasts an abun- dance of things to see, do, eat and drink. Not sure where to start? Check out these bucket list experiences to be had in this hidden gem.

1. Visit the beautiful Ljubljana Castle. 7. Eat jota — a meal consisting of sausage, sauerkraut, potato and pieces of fried lard. 2. Bask in the views on top of the Panoramic Tower. 8. Satisfy your sweet tooth at any of the city’s many famous ice 3. Walk across the famous Dragon cream parlors. Bridge and Triple Bridge. 9. Pay a visit to the central market 4. See street art at Metelkova. filled with Slovenian delicacies every Friday evening.

5. Feel the liveliness of the city 10.0 Take a day trip to the picturesque within Prešeren Square. Lake Bled.

6. Have a picnic in the lush Tivoli Park.

Have you ever been to Ljubljana? Tell [email protected] some bucket-list-worthy items you would put on this list! n

18 Bucket List Ljubljana Edition By Elizabeth Jones

5. Feel the liveliness of the city 10.0 Take a day trip to the picturesque within Prešeren Square. Lake Bled.

6. Have a picnic in the lush Tivoli Park.

Have you ever been to Ljubljana? Tell [email protected] some bucket-list-worthy items you would put on this list! n

Make time to GET AWAY

European Getaways

DazzlingBy Mary Del Rosario Lakes Now that the days of defrosting your windshields and hibernating for the winter are thankfully a thing of the past, it’s time to fill your travel plans with being surrounded by pristine travel destinations. From beautiful nature, much-welcomed sunshine and a vast amount of his- tory — Europe is the best place to spring into adventure. For a chance to get away from everyday life, literally test the waters and escape to Europe’s most dazzling lakes.

Since Lake Como is close to the Swiss border, hopping village to Lake Bled village is a must-do activity. The best way for town-hopping is by ferry. While making your rounds to these lakeside towns, be sure The Slovenian resort town, Bled, possesses a prized treasure — to visit Como, the regional capital, Bellagio, Menaggio, Varenna Lake Bled. Gorgeous views of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke and Tremezzo. Of course, to live up to its luxuriousness, visiting serve as the backdrop when you step foot into this stunning Villa del Balbianello is a must as it was featured in Casino Royale! blue-green, glacial lake. Active pastimes include taking a pletna, a traditional wooden boat around the lake, cycling, walking along the 6-kilometer paved trail, hiking and swimming. A good way to Lake Constance get your steps in is by climbing 99 steps up the Baroque Stairway to the Church of Assumption, a picturesque church in the middle Lake Constance, or the Bodensee, is Central Europe’s third of the lake. Once you’ve had your day’s worth of exercise, relax in largest lake that straddles three countries: Germany, Austria and the northeastern part of the lake’s thermal springs. Switzerland. In this convenient, strategic location, this clear-blue lake is teeming with nature and clouds of white sails from the For notable sights, take a look at Bled Castle, the oldest castle sailboats passing by. Activities in Lake Constance include various in Slovenia. This castle is thought to produce the most romantic types of water sports and activities such as swimming, sailing, view, hence why many weddings take place here. Be sure to stand up paddling (SUP), wind sailing, canoeing and more. also ring the wishing bell in the castle before you leave as it is said to make your wish come true! The Bled cream cake is also Aside from the marine pastimes, highlights include strolling the something you should get your hands on because its golden island of Mainau, touring the Zeppelin Museum, traveling to crust, whipped cream and butter dough makes this treat unique Liechtenstein, taking the children to Affenberg Salem where they to Slovenia. can feed monkeys, hiking and visiting beautiful sites such as the Abbey of St. Gall and Reichenau.

Lake Como For the foodies, have a gourmet experience at the San Martino Gourmet, an elegant Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s best to book Situated in Italy’s Lombardy region, Lake Como is the perfect in advance as this restaurant only accepts 16 people at a time getaway for those who enjoy luxury. This chic resort town is filled for its gourmet menu! For the wine aficionados, try the Müller- with activities such as swimming, sailing, shopping and eating Thurgau and Blauburgunder – Pinot noir which is produced in all the pasta to your heart’s content. Like many Italian cities Lake Constance. n straddling water, its views are breathtaking with its lush green mountains and iconic villas.

Rome in 24 HOURS By Shereece Spain

You just stepped off your tour bus and only have 24 hours to absorb iconic Rome. That’s plenty of time to take in the highlights and leave with many check marks on your bucket list! Opt for Rome’s Metro for its speed and ease of use. Here are the major sights by metro stop. It’s basically a big circle, so start anywhere!

Spagna (A Line) can’t help but marvel at the magnificent Colosseo (B Line) architecture, dome construction with the A couple blocks from the metro exit will “Oculus” and the original marble floors. This stop puts you practically right at the have you at the Piazza di Spagna near the base of the Colosseum. Long before your From here, about a 20-minute walk across Spanish Steps. At the foot, you’ll find the favorite sports arenas were built, this am- the Tiber River at the Ponte Sant’Angelo Fontana Barcaccia, a relatively small foun- phitheater hosted the finest athletes of its crossing, will be the spectacular Saint tain picturing a seemingly sinking boat. time. To make it free for attendees, Emper- Angelo Castle on your right. Once a safe- The splendid Baroque staircase leads up to ors often paid for the events. house fortress for popes, it’s now a mu- Obelisco Sallustiano. seum and worth a glimpse. Next, head toward the splendid Roman You’re also in a prime, high-end, shop- Forum. During the Roman Empire, this was ping district. Within a 10-minute walk, Ottaviano (A Line) the social, political and commercial hub find stores such as Gucci, Prada and more. When you exit this stop off the A-metro of the city. Stroll around to admire all the Window shop your way down Via Mario de’ line, take a 15-minute walk south, you will temples and ruins. Fiori to the Trevi Fountain. arrive at St. Peter’s Square, the entrance to Rome may not have been built in a day, This iconic landmark is the largest and one Vatican City and home to St. Peter’s Basilica but it is definitely possible to experience a of the most picturesque fountains in all of and the Sistine Chapel. There are English good portion of it in one. There will be time Rome. Soak it in, throw in a coin, make a Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapels tour to rest afterward! wish and head to your next stop! options that last approximately two hours. To move at your own pace, you can also Tip: For tours of any location above, pur- After a short 10-minute walk west, you opt for self-guided tours. chase skip-the-line tour tickets in advance. will find yourself at the Pantheon. You The time it saves is worth every euro! n

242 3 Rome in 24 HOURS By Shereece Spain

2 325 EDITOR’S April EventsPicks By Karen Bradbury

©JOS ALFONSO DE TOMAS GARGANTILLA/123RF.COM Tattoo Show Wine at the Cathedral Culinary Wine Hike Easter Middle April 5-7, Stuttgart April 13-14, Speyer April 14, Oppenheim Ages Market Thinking of getting inked? In the shadow of the cathedral, A four mile track through rolling April 20-22, Mainz-Kastel Head to the Kulturhaus Arena six associations of German wine- vineyards offers sweeping views, Encounter brave knights, pretty Stuttgart-Wangen, where tattoo makers pour tasty red and white stands with hot and cold treats damsels, amusing jesters, and artists, bands and grown-up wines from the Pfalz. Saturday and sampling of some fine red other colorful Middle-Ages style entertainment await. tickets cost 30 euros. or white wines. characters at this festival.

Stuttgart Spring Beer Day Spring Fest Asparagus Hike Festival April 23, Bamberg April 26-May 12, Munich April 28, Lampertheim Beer day is celebrated nation- “Oktoberfest’s little sister” is A hike in which asparagus plays April 20-May 12, Stuttgart wide, but nowhere more whole- pretty big in her own right, with a starring role is one you don’t The 81st edition of this fair offers heartedly than in UNESCO-listed two massive beer tents and over want to miss! thrilling rides, gourmet treats, Bamberg, home to nine brewer- 100 rides and games. This party’s wine, beer, live music and tents. ies and 50 types of beer. on at the Wiesn too. HELLO Port Anniversary May 10-12, Hamburg PLANAHEAD EVENTS around germany This massive bash beside the Elbe highlights Hamburg’s maritime culture with over 200 events including sailing regattas, old time april vessels, guided ship tours, rescue demos and shanty choir performances. Highlights include the Grand Arrival Parade, a huge fireworks show and the unique tugboat ballet.

FOR MORE EVENTS VISIT www.stripeseurope.com! 26 EDITOR’S April EventsPicks By Karen Bradbury

Joan of Arc Festival Biennale Arte 2019 Floralia Through May 8 in Orleans, France May 11-Nov. 24 in Venice, Italy May 21-22 in Budapest, Hungary A festival dating back over 600 years celebrates The 58th International Art Exhibition wears A Roman festival held at the Museum of the liberation of the city by Joan of Arc during the title “May You Live In Interesting Times,” a Aquincum celebrates spring with theatre, the “Hundred Years War” with great pomp. phrase alluding to times of crisis and turmoil. gladiator shows and traditional food and drink.

Things to do next ©LIGHTPOET/123RF.COM © JORDI2R /123RF.COM JORDI2R © month! Brussels Jazz Weekend Prague Fringe Festival May 24-26 in Brussels, Belgium May 24-June 1 in Prague, Czech Republic This free festival encourages listeners to find This extravaganza of theater, comedy, cabaret, new parts of the city as they seek out venues music and more takes place against a lovely where sounds of myriad genres of jazz ring out. May backdrop. Some performances are in English. By Karen Bradbury ©STOYAN HAYTOV/123RF.COM ©STOYAN ©OLIVER FÖRSTNER /123RF.COM FÖRSTNER ©OLIVER ©MADRUGADAVERDE/123RF.COM

Duxford Air Festival Distortion Festival The Cat Laughs May 25-26 in Duxford, England May 29-June 1 in Copenhagen, Denmark May 30-June 3 in Kilkenny, Ireland The Imperial War Museum hosts its annual This hip capital offers three distinct experienc- Those who get a certain type of humor will spectacle of aerial shows in which aircraft of es: daytime street parties, club events and its delight at the shows given by top British and yesteryear play the starring roles. weekend “Ø” festival. Irish comedians in the capital of Ireland.