Let's Go

March, 2010


12 Old-World Gems

April White

12 Sintra, Portugal
Poets have written odes to the breathtaking scenery of the Sintra coast, a well-heeled summer getaway just 20 miles from Lisbon. In this noble town, the seaside cliffs of Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and Romantic dwellings built for royalty compete for attention. golisbon.com


11 Glasgow, Scotland
A must see is the Glasgow Cathedral, a Gothic landmark with a sweeping view of Scotland’s stylish second city. To the northwest, look for the cool blue glow of the halo atop Oran Mor, a beacon that attracts Glaswegians to the popular church-turned-entertainment hub.
glasgowcathedral.org.uk
oran-mor.co.uk


10 Brussels, Belgium
For more than a hundred years, Brussels has been a beer lover’s dream vacation. Start your tour at the 110-year-old Cantillon Brewery, the last lambic brewery in the city proper. Then head to Delirium Café, a modern brewhouse that stocks 2,000 beers hailing from Belgium and 70 other countries.
cantillon.be
deliriumcafe.be


9 Penedès, Spain
Travel less than an hour outside Barcelona and you’ll find yourself feeling bubbly in picturesque cava country. Taste Spain’s sparkling answer to French champagne at wineries like Freixenet and Codorníu.
freixenet.es
codorniu.com


8 Munich, Germany
At this mecca for the modern design movement, you can start your exploration at the Pinakothek der Moderne art museum — and end it with shopping and dining in the modern Fünf Höfe complex.
pinakothek.de


7 Oxford, England
The hour’s train ride from London is a trip back in time to medieval Oxford. Spend the day punting on River Cherwell, quaffing pints at classic British pub Kings Arms, and touring Christ Church — it’s up to you if you’re visiting for the 16th-century architecture or because it’s Hogwarts.
oxfordcity.co.uk


6 Oslo, Norway
The acclaimed Oslo Opera House — and its irresistible rooftop plaza — is just one of dozens of reasons to visit this vibrant northern city. Need another few reasons? There are 19 hours of daylight in midsummer.
operaen.no


5 Zurich, Switzerland
Polished Zurich has its surprises, including Flussbad Oberer Letten, a downtown riverfront recreational area (swimming and volleyball in summer) that attracts both old-money Zurich and the city’s new bohemians.
myswitzerland.com


4 Giverny, France
Paris’s Musée de l’Orangerie has Claude Monet’s Nymphéas. But Giverny, just 45 minutes outside the city, has the artist’s inspiration ­— the familiar Japanese bridge and lily pond near Monet’s Giverny home. Also on your itinerary: The recently reopened Musée des Impressionnismes.
musee-orangerie.fr
giverny.org
mdig.fr


3 Umbria, Italy
When in Rome — head to Umbria. The green, mountainous region north of Rome is a lush alternative to the bustling city. Once there, do as the Romans do and settle into a rented farmhouse for a stretch. It could be the most relaxing, pastoral experience you’ll ever have.


2 Segovia, Spain
Three reasons to visit Segovia, an hour from Madrid: the city’s rich medieval history, its classic dish of roasted suckling pig, and the renovated La Parador de Granja, an elegant hotel housed in buildings built by a king.
paradoresofspain.com


1 Dublin, Ireland
The central downtown shopping district, sprawling parks, and lively street performers of Temple Bar (not to mention the Street Performance World Championship held in Merrion Square), make the Irish city a favorite with travelers who like to meld with local culture.
spwc.ie/dublin


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