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Friuli Venezia Giulia (often shortened to Friuli) is a northeastern Italian border region tucked between Slovenia and Austria where travelers will find the cultural and culinary imprints of all three countries. On Tourissimo's NEW 7-day Chef Bike Tour of Friuli Venezia Giulia hosted by Chef Brooke Williamson and her husband Nick Roberts, guests will cycle from Tarvisio along the Tagliemento River Valley via the Alpe-Adria Bikeway, one of the first long-haul rail-to-trail projects in Europe.
Read more: New Cycling and Culinary Tour of Friuli Hosted by Chef Brooke Williamson
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As spring slowly blossoms across Europe, travelers are eager to head back out into nature and witness its rebirth first-hand. Lithuania, a country renowned for its untouched forests and lush groves, is ready to welcome this wave of travelers with an abundance of walking paths and nature experiences.
Lithuania has hundreds of walking paths that vary in both length and difficulty. From the hardened hiker to a nature-loving family, there are many opportunities to escape the buzz of the city and breathe in some revitalizing countryside air.
In preparation for the rapidly warming weather of spring, many are now set on finding new nature experiences for their next getaway. With Lithuania planning to refurbish a lot of the local-beloved walking paths through some of its best-kept natural secrets, there is no better time than now to pay the country a visit. From exploring the continental dunes of Dzūkija to one of the oldest oak forests in the country, there is something fit for everybody’s preferences.
Walking among Juniper trees. The 1.3 km long Arlaviškių — or Juniper Valley — nature trail just outside of Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city invites you to admire the magnificent panorama of the widened Nemunas river, Dabinta Island and the enchanting surrounding outcrops. With the renovation of the trail now complete, its novelty is more easily observed: naturally grown on a steep slope, with patches of steppe grassland between the juniper trees and in other parts of the reserve that are home to rare plants, mushrooms, springs with forming tuffs, and even hanging wetlands.
Oasis of sandy dunes. The legendary sand dunes of Lithuania can not only be found in the west of the country by the Baltic sea. Dzūkija National Park, found in the southern part of Lithuania, is home to the largest mass of continental dunes in the country. In the Marcinkoniu Geomorphological Reserve, work is currently underway to open up the historic dune and remind people what the landscape looked like 10, 000 years ago. The dune is currently best viewed along the Marcinkonys-Varėna road.
200-year-old oak forest. In spring, it will be possible to return to the Dūkštai Oak Grove Nature Trail to see one of the oldest and largest natural oak forests in Lithuania. Among the undergrowth of 200-year-old oak trees there are several species of rare and endangered animals, plants, fungi, and lichens that call the grove home. As these trees were worshiped as gods several hundred years ago, wooden statues made in their honor can be discovered by those who wander through the area. Adding to the mystic energy of the park is the Airėnai Stone, with runes etched onto it whose meanings are still a mystery to mankind.
Rural hilltops and the grave of a giant. Active outdoor recreation is still a hot topic this season. Last year, the Kaišiadorys Tourism and Business Information Centre created 10 new routes of varying difficulty for those wishing to explore the region on foot. The region is renowned by nature-loving locals for its idyllic, rural landscapes filled with hills and mounds. Some of the most-notable natural sights are the Mergakalnis scarp — the highest sightseeing place on the Kaunas lagoon shore — and the Masiejūnai mound, which legends tell is the resting place of a giant. All of the must-visit mounds, beaches and interesting stops are marked on the renewed trails.
Awe-inspiring field of bison. This spring, Dzūkija National Park will invite you to visit Lithuania’s newest bison nursery, located between Marcinkonys and Zervynos. From the observation deck, you will be able to watch Europe's largest beasts — which have been held as a national symbol in the country due to their long history — in an exhibition enclosure. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about this rare species and understand why bison need to be protected.
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Global soccer legend Eric Cantona launches travel experiences in partnership with startup DHARMA
Eric Cantona, the sporting legend and former captain of Manchester United unveiled today that he is launching a travel brand in collaboration with DHARMA, the disruptive travel startup that has previously launched travel brands for iconic people and brands such as Equinox and Culture Trip.
Read more: Soccer legend Eric Cantona launches curated travel experiences
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Lithuania has introduced a new museum of amber in order to showcase the legends surrounding this compound’s mystical healing properties, inquire into its scientific characteristics, and preserve the cultural heritage of the Baltic region. The new Mizgiris Amber Museum is strategically located in the resort town Nida on the Curonian Spit that has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its distinct flora, unique fauna, and ethnographic legacy.
Read more: New Museum in Lithuania Invites to explore Baltic legacy through unique amber collection
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By complete coincidence, as I walked the streets of Manaus' historical district, in the northern Brazilian state of Amazonas, my eye caught a beautiful yellow 19th-century building this past February. The classic French Belle Époque style building featured what looked like an upscale café or restaurant. I asked a friendly attendant at the front gate if it was possible to go in for a coffee.
Read more: Juma Opera boutique hotel
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- Category: Festivals
Carnaval is one of the most crowded times in Rio de Janeiro, along with New Year's Eve, when thousands of tourists flock to the city to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Experiencing the Rio Carnaval is a popular bucket list item. I was fortunate to tick the Rio Carnaval box this year, and it certainly lived up to the hype.
Read more: 5 tips for visiting Rio during Carnaval
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Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is known for its fantastic shopping, selection of international restaurants, luxury hotels and theme parks. But it's also an excellent destination for adrenaline seekers. Of course, you might think of skydiving above the iconic palm islands — as experience by actor Will Smith. But did you know the Dubai Autodrome offers the once-in-a-lifetime experience of driving a Formula 1 race car or a wide range of exotic vehicles like a Ferrari, Porsche or McLaren?
Read more: Fulfill your need for speed in Dubai
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The Houghton Hotel is Johannesburg's newest 5-star property. It's so new that I wasn't even listed on the Uber app. I instead had to add the adjacent Houghton Golf Club's address as a substitute. It's located a bit out of the way and a perfect option if you're looking to stay in a quiet area, away from the hustle and bustle of central Johannesburg.
Read more: The Houghton: Johannesburg's coolest new hotel
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Are you looking to experience the ultimate wilderness experience in Namibia's Etosha National Park in style and luxury? Emanya@Etosha Game Lodge is a perfect option. This 5-star safari lodge is conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from Etosha National Park's eastern von Lindequist gate.
Arriving at Etosha Lodge after a long 6-hour drive from Windhoek, undertaken shortly after landing at Hosea Kutako International Airport on a flight from Johannesburg, this was a welcome sumptuous abode.
Read more: Emanya Lodge: Luxury at the edge of Namibia's Etosha Park
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The Strand Hotel Swakopmund is one of those underrated 4-star properties which should definitely be considered a 5-star. Located directly along the idyllic Swakopmund Mole (promenade), it boasts direct access to the town's main beach.
Read more: Strand Hotel Swakopmund
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