Archives for March 2008

Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland by Paul Stanbury:

 Our holidays in Europe are generally no longer than a week or ten days and focus on the outstanding wildlife habitats that we have left in the region. We explore the great Danube Delta in Romania, the Coto Donana in Spain, the Biebrza Marshes and primeval Bialowieza Forest in poland. In particular we focus on Europe's spectacular mountain ranges - the Pyrenees, Alps, Picos de Europa, Carpathians, High Tatras and Dolomites - all exceptionally rich in plants, birds, mammals and butterflies. These regions also provide fine walking opportunities, although we always move at a pace slow enough to enjoy all aspects of the natural world! Europe's lowlands too provide some very special habitats; the Spanish Steppes and Hortobagy national Park (that protects the very best of the grasslands and wetlands of the Great Hungarian Plain. Northern Europe offers its own special landscapes; the great fjords of Norway where we watch Killer Whales in November, and botanise in summer; the dramatic Arctic wilderness of Spitsbergen - home of the Arctic Fox and Polar Bear. Wherever you choose to travel with Naturetrek, you will enjoy the best of Europe's last great mammals - Brown Bears, Bison and Wolves! Furthermore, you will be able to enjoy all this in comfort and on a full stomach, for the characterful and freindly family-run hotels that we choose for our holidays offer both comfort and fine local cusine, whilst the quality of the Naturetrek picnic lunches is legendary!

These three countries along the coast of the Baltic Sea, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, are known for having experienced numerous upheavals over the past, and thus for a long time tourism has been minimal. For centuries, they have been dominated by various European empires, interspersed with periods of independence. This similarity and their geographical proximity give the countries some common historical background, but different languages and cultures. Their historical, cultural, architectural, and artistic richness can’t help but attract travelers who are fascinated by the man-made, while the beautiful landscapes and parks attract lovers of the outdoors.

A Bit of History
From the 12th to the 17th centuries, the Baltic States were under the influence of the Hansa (merchants’ guilds); Riga was the principal eastern trading post. In 1589, although Latvia and Estonia remained in the Hanseatic League, Lithuania joined with Poland. In 1795, after a new partition of Poland, Lithuania and the two other Baltic States became attached to Russia. They regained their independence after World War I, thanks to the will of the eastern countries to establish a geographic barrier between themselves and Russia, which had become Communist. In 1939, Russia and Germany signed a reciprocal treaty of non-aggression, and on this occasion the Baltic States returned to the Russian fold.

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It's efficient, safe, uncrowded [by locals - total population is about 8m], and has stunning towns and magnificent mountains.
The rise and fall of the Hapsburg [aka Habsburg] dynasty [1278- 1914] and the Austrian Empire is a monumental story, gone but not forgotten by tourists gaping at the mass of gothic, baroque and rococo royal relics or listening to present day concerts by long-dead Vienna inhabitants - Mozart, Strauss, Brahms and Beethoven to name but a few.
Museums offer a lot more than Habsburg lifestyle samples and cover many topics in great depth and style.
The climate offers a comfortable heat in the summer and acceptable cold in winter, encouraging year-round outdoor activities, particularly summer hiking and winter skiing.
Transport systems are brilliant and road access to other European cities is easy.
Locals are friendly and many speak English.

Downside:
- Food is heavy and dedicated to carnivores. Vegetarians may have a hard time finding suitable body fuel.
- German is more a language of command than conversation.

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A tiny principality run by an iron-willed monarch in the heart of 21st-century Europe, Liechtenstein is like the oft-quoted fictional country of Ruritania made real. A Gothic castle perches over the capital, Vaduz, where tourists stop for passport and postage stamps.

Getting There
Liechtenstein has no airport; the nearest ones are in Friedrichshafen (Germany) and Zürich (Switzerland), with train connections to the Swiss border towns of Buchs (via Romanshorn) and Sargans, respectively. From each of these towns, there are usually three buses an hour to Vaduz. From Austria, buses run every 30 minutes from Feldkirch. You sometimes have to change at Schaan to reach Vaduz.

When To Go
You can visit Liechtenstein any time of the year. Summer lasts roughly from June to September and offers the most pleasant climate for hiking. Unfortunately, you won't be the only tourist during this period, so prices can be high. You'll find much better deals during the shoulder seasons of April-May or late-September-October.

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The Czech Republic is still all things to all people. From the pulsing capital Prague to the back-in-time villages of Moravia, from toiling up mountains to lounging in spas, from the world-famous Pilsner to the strains of Smetana and Dvořák, there's an experience to suit every taste.

Stunning architecture is not limited to Prague; there are plenty of beautiful structures in other towns, and significantly fewer tourists. Among the richest are Kutná Hora, Cheb, Loket and Domalice in Bohemia, and Olomouc, Telč and Kromêří in Moravia.

The high season and the best time to go is in May or September, when weather is mild and crowds fewer. Many museums, galleries, castles and the like are only open at this time. April and October are chillier but you'll benefit from smaller crowds and cheaper rooms. In July and August hostels are chock-a-block with students, especially in Prague. In winter, you'll likely get to see it all under a blanket of snow; camping grounds are closed, as are attractions in smaller towns but the time is right for skiing and other winter pursuits.

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Moldova is a picturesque country - all rolling green hills, whitewashed villages, placid lakes and sunflower fields - with an old-world charm that's hard to manufacture. Oh, and those vineyards. Go see it before it becomes completely Pepsified.

Travel Warning: Transnistria
Travel is discouraged to the breakaway region of Transdniestria in the northeast as consular support cannot be provided to travellers in the area. Check with the British Embassy in Chisinau for latest information before setting out.

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Albania is located in the south-eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, a small country bordered by Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Kosovo (Serbia) and Greece. The country has witnessed many vicissitudes in its eventful history - from the passing of Ceasar's army over fleeing refugees and bloody vendettas, to years of dictatorial rule. In sharp contrast with this is the extreme, almost medieval, hospitability of the Albanians. Albania manages to offer tourists the traditional Mediterranean charm and a heady blend of different religions, cultures and landscapes.

Albania is one of the poorest country of Europe and one of the least visited by travellers. This is partly because travel infrastructure is far from extensive, however this is evolving quite rapidly. Tourist guides as recent as 2003 will tell you it is impossible to use ATM's in Albania - this is no longer true!

But Albania does have many things to offer to the visitor. Rough scenery, a beautiful coast, authentic villages that have survived the communist period and archeological sites to name a few.

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The UK has the most expensive hotels in Europe, according to a price index out today.

Average costs of UK hotels rose 12% last year compared with 2006, taking a one-night stay to £106, the index compiled by Hotels.com showed.

Bath was the most expensive city (£117 for one night), followed by London (£115), Oxford (£113) and Aberdeen (where the price rose 34% to £109).

Edinburgh
Edinburgh (£103 per night) also had hotels above the £100-a-night mark. The cheapest big town in which to stay last year was Coventry (£57 a night).

The index also showed that, of major world cities, London was the fifth most expensive for a one-night hotel stay.

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If you’ve read Roman mythology you’ll be familiar with Thermessa or Vulcano. It was the abode of Vulcan, the Roman God of Fire, and also the entrance to Hades. It is a volcanic island and Thucydides, Siculus and Aristotle have recorded eruptions. There are three volcanoes on the island, of which only one is active. Although the Gran Cratere or the Big Crater hasn’t erupted since 1890, it is the biggest attraction on the island. You can climb up to its peak that is 418m high. It is relatively easy and will take you just over an hour to climb. The other two volcanoes are Vulcano Piano and Vulcanello. There weren’t any inhabitants on the island in ancient times. The Romans had a small colony but the fear of the volcano and the destruction caused by it eruption kept away any development. The Bourbon rulers converted the rich soil of the island to farmlands. Later efforts were made to bring wine production to the island but volcanic eruptions again came in the way of progress. Today, the Gran Cratere is a dormant volcano and the island of Vulcano is a popular tourist destination with local and international travelers, with those who can afford it buying villas here. The island is also popular for its sulphuric thermal baths and many people come here to relieve stress and cure ailments. The other major attraction is the island’s many black sandy beaches that are considered the in the Aeolians.

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If you have time and you have come to Lithuania during a warm period, we recommend that you visit Trakai. This is a rather small town with a lovely castle and little more than a few streets. But the visit is worth it! After touring the castle with its museums and restaurants, you can take a boat ride around the castle or walk through the charming little town and enjoy a drink or a snack at one of the many restaurants lining the lake which offer a view of the castle. You can come here by a one hour taxi ride, but if you do, be sure to organize your trip back in advance. Taxi service out of Trakai is in short supply and may not be available in the evenings. Alternatively, you may come for a day visit. Many tour companies offer bus excursions to Trakai. Ask about tours from the reception of your hotel.