St. Vitus Cathredral in Prague

The Jewel of Prague

Interested in visiting Prague? Your visit won’t be complete without seeing the St. Vitus Cathedral. Everyone knows great things take time and the St. Vitus is no different; it took 600 years to be built. This Roman Catholic cathedral is the most important cathedral in the country, one because it is the seat of the archbishop of Prague, and two because it is the final resting place for several saints.

The creation on the cathedral was largely supported by Charles IV, King of Bohemia later becoming Holy Roman Emperor. He intended the cathedral to be a coronation church, family crypt, and treasury for the most precious relics of the kingdom among other things. Matthias of Arras, a Frenchman, was the first of many designers to start building the St. Vitus. Each master builder continued their predecessor’s plans, but made their own additions to the design as well.

Building was delayed by the Hussite War and part of the cathedral was greatly damaged by a fire in 1541. Nevertheless, the St. Vitus Cathedral was finally finished in 1929 under the architectural hands of Kamil Hilbert.

Many tourists claim Prague is the best place to visit in Europe, largely due to the St. Vitus Cathedral. After seeing the stained glass windows that give off bursts of color when the sun shines through or the tombs stunning gilded monuments of the cathedral, not many people argue with the former declaration. Don’t forget to return to the cathedral at night and see the intimidating Gothic architecture lit up. This is a scene you won’t soon forget.

Visit the St. Vitus Cathedral and other sites in Prague on our Czech Republic tours, specifically our Salzburg to Prague tour.

Hiking in Grindelwald

For high mountain enthusiasts and hikers of all stripes; Grindelwald is the outdoor paradise of Switzerland. We have offered hiking tours in the region for a number of years now.

Situated just a short train ride above Interlaken, Grindelwald is a mountain village with a typical Swiss mountain ambiance. It sits below the famous Eiger and Jungfrau peaks, among others, and it seems you could fall right off the summit of those and land in town! What is fantastic about the Grindelwald and the surrounding Jungfrau region is the improbable network of mountain trains, buses, and cable cars. With a pass you can ride all these modes of transport and do a seemingly infinite combination of hikes. Take any one of them up to a point and then hike around and down or to another point where you can come back by another mode of transport. High mountain services are possible too for lunches.

The incredible Junfraujoch sits at the top of the chain and overlooks just about everything except a few of the highest peaks. An amazing number of tourists ride the trains up there every day, including a vast number of Japanese tourists on ‘highlight trips’. But the trails are far less busy, but yet utilized primarily by European (Swiss and Germans mostly) hikers. In Grindewald you will see people of all ages decked out in hiking shoes, daypacks, walking poles heading up or down.

Don’t forget your high mountain clothing – weather can change any time. Rain, wind, sun, snow. A goretex shell, good glasses, and sunscreen are a must among other items. Even in full summer. I woke up this morning and could see a dusting of snow on the mountains not too far up.

Cycle the hills of Tuscany

Cycling in Tuscany – we know, everyone is doing it. So why us and why it’s different: well, we are locals! We are working with Italian based bike guide service and they know these roads and countryside as well as anyone. Therefore, already our clients have the best possible routes and riding itineraries possible. Service is always available and custom requests are accommodated as much as is possible.

Selling Italy, specifically Tuscany, as a destination for cycling is easy really, but the cycling itself in the Tuscany region isn’t easy! This is a famously hilly region and yes it is famously gorgeous but cyclists need to be prepared to climb some hills. The most charming villages are always perched on hilltops with fantastic panoramic views of the surrounding villages and far off villages. These villages with their cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways are every so charming. In these streets you can find arts and crafts, wine cellars, restaurants, and some museums and historical sites. Many of the hotels we use in these villages are themselves historic buildings located within the old walls of the medieval cite upon which many were founded. Religion is mostly at the heart of these villages and their locations were built for the strategic value the hilltop location offered. Whether you are a practicing catholic or not, the historical value of the religion and its role in shaping the region is fascinating and a big part of what there is to discover.

People talk about Tuscany like they do of Provence in France; that it’s the quality of life and eternal sunshine that make for perfect getaway. It’s true of course, and for anyone visiting and spending only a week, it would be hard to miss, but in such a short time it’s also hard to fully soak in. Nonetheless, the impression one can get from knowing how it could be to live in such a lovely place surrounded by vineyards and olive groves where life moves at a pace of a former time is a vacation for the mind and spirit that will stay with you and draw you back long after you return to your whirlwind lifestyle and occupations. You can cycle for a week, relaxing and discovering, but you can return again and again in your mind for years to come!

Check out our tours in Italy http://www.pure-adventures.com/tours/cycling-italy.php

Norway Celebrates Winter

Norway is an exciting country; there is always something for travelers to experience. The events throughout the year give visitors the opportunity to get lost in Norwegian history and culture. Winter is particularly an exciting time of the year with enjoyable festivals sure to please everyone.

This December winter is home to the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony, Christmas Market, and Drekkedagsnatta. The largest gingerbread town is on display in the town of Bergen. The locals help with the town by contributing homes and buildings they made with there gingerbread. This is a sight not seen anywhere else.

In January and February, travelers can experience Tromsø International Film Festival, Ice Music Festival, Northern Lights Festival, Røros Fair, and Polar Jazz. Don't miss out on these exciting events. Click here for more information.

Hungary and Slovakia Cycling Tours - Press Release

This was a press release about two Pure Adventures Tours published awhile back, but still very relevant. Every has loved these tours, so check them out...you won't be disappointed!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Discover France/Pure Adventures
CONTACT: Loren Siekman
TEL: 800-960-2221
E-MAIL: info@pure-adventures.com
WEBSITE: www.pure-adventures.com


Discover Culture, Adventure, and Diversity with ‘Pure Adventures’

EUROPE—Pure Adventures, the progeny of Discover France, has announced it’s line-up of self-guided cycling tours. Understanding that modern- day travelers are continually looking for new and exciting travel destinations, the company has masterfully incorporated international adventure, cultural experiences, and a diversity of activities into its two new tours.

There is an ever increasing popularity amongst adventure travelers in visiting central European countries. The trend is caused by the fact that they are inexpensive, open to tourism, have well preserved historical interest and offer "off the beaten" path itineraries. As always, the new tours are supported by locals who really help the guests to appreciate the best there is to see and become fully immersed in the area’s culture.

The Hungary Cycling Tour is eight days and seven nights and takes guests into the heart of the Hungarian countryside where they will enjoy three and four star lodging while discovering the intriguing and mysterious history of the region including the city of Budapest.

Despite spectacular development, Budapest has preserved its old charm and magic. Not only is it the worthy holder of the title `Queen of the Danube`, it is a city where the pleasing harmony of different architectural styles and superb structures, the cuisine, culture, and legendary hospitality blend into an unforgettable experience for visitors

A sampling of the incredible itinerary includes cycling along the Danube River out of Budapest into the countryside of Western Pannonia. The cycle path begins at Batthyany Square, crossing the Danube at Kisoroszi, into Visegrad. Arriving in Visegrád guests will take a trip up to the “Castle in the Clouds” and enjoy the amazing panorama which unfolds before their eyes. Guests will pass through forests and open woodland along diminutive roads with little traffic along the way and will also visit the village of Tata, known as “the town of waters. Guests will then venture on to visit the millenary, Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma, where they may visit the church and library and taste the famous wines of the historical wine district. After a fashion, guests will arrive in Sopron, a town rich in cultural history and containing vast amounts of intriguing relics…..

Not to be out-done, the eight day/seven night Slovakia Cycling Tour takes cyclists from Vienna to Krakow. Slovakia has seen its tourism gradually increase since the late 1990’s, after its amicable split with Czech Republic,. Quaint and jovial with a surprisingly rich cultural life, guests will discover castles, artisans, and charming people along the route and certainly create cherished memories doing so.

A peek into the rich itinerary is sure to leave travelers yearning for more. The first leg of the journey leads straight to the town of Trnava, the oldest royal town in Slovakia. Its past wealth is reflected in its fortifications and rich assortment of monuments. The tour follows rolling hillsides around the most famous Slovakian spa town of Piestany, renowned for its successful treatment of arthritis. Guests will then be off to Beckov with its towering castle ruin of the same name and then on to view the majestic castle perched above the city of Trencin. After several days more, the tour culminates in the wonderful city of Krakow, a colossus of art and architecture…..

Both packages include all lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, luggage transfers, arrival orientation and bike fitting, route book with maps, cue sheets, and site information, local emergency service, local support guides and experts that are available by phone to assist during the trip with any kind of emergency.

Itineraries can be adapted for longer ride options and extended stays (up to 9 days). Additional nights in Krakow or Bratislava, Vienna, and Budapest, are all possible and the Slovakia tour may be combined with the Hungary (Budapest to Vienna) trip for a spectacular two week journey.

For a complete itinerary, pricing, and booking information call 800-960-2221 or e-mail info@pure-adventures.com Photos available.

Czech Bike Tour and Beer Festival - The Perfect Combo

Traveling to the Czech Republic next summer? Make sure you stop in Prague for the largest tourist attraction of the year there --- Czech Beer Festival!!

Since its inauguration in 2008 the attendance has grown from 19,000 to 100,000 in 2010 and is expected to reach 180,000 in 2011. Many say it is "Oktoberfest of the Future." Come see what all the hype is about May 12-28. Admission is free and beers cost 3.60 euros.

Check out Pure Adventures Czech Republic Bike Tour. You can bike from Vienna to Prague exploring the amazing country and end the perfect trip with a beer festival you won't soon forget.

For more information about the festival visit www.ceskypivnifestival.cz

Czech Republic Tips

What's new in Czech Republic?
CzechTourism.com gives us the latest...

RESTAURANT TIP:

CAFE BRAUN
Sokolska 31, Prague 2

Café B Braun is the newest addition to Prague’s stylish dining scene. The restaurant boasts sleek design by the renowned Czech architect Eva Jiricna. Filled with glass, steel and practically all white in color, Café B. Braun is decorated by Jiricna’s famous glass staircase spiraling up to the second floor. Read More

CULTURE TIP:

PLZEN-THE CAPITOL Of CULTURE IN 2015

The Bohemian town of Plzen just won the competition to be the European Capitol of Culture in 2015! Every year two cities are selected from the EU countries to become the European center for cultural events. Plzen is building new theater, gallery and library to host these important events. In the future Plzen won’t be known just for its famous Pilsner beer, but also for its great contemporary architecture. www.plzen2015.net

SPA TIP:

SPA RESORT TREE OF LIFE

The 4-star Spa Resort Tree of Life is located 90 minute outside of Prague, offering hundred year old spa tradition combined with modern amenities of luxury resort. From dozens of procedures offered by the resort, you can choose from a wrap in local natural fen peat, therapeutic massages, reflexology or oxygen therapy. In your free time you can take a stroll through the resort’s park and enjoy magnificent views of the lake. www.treeoflife.cz/en/Homepage/