2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide - (Page 22)

GERMANY Stuttgart Situated between Munich and Paris in southwest Germany, Stuttgart is an industrial powerhouse with a green side. The city, which observes a long wine-growing tradition, is also a manufacturing hub where Mercedes-Benz and Porsche both have their headquarters and museums. There are a number of parks for guests to visit, including Schlossgarten, Rosensteinpark, Killesbergpark and the Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden. SEE: Witness panorama vistas of Stuttgart and the surrounding area from the 1,300-ft. observation tower in the 123-acre Killesbergpark. In July, the park becomes illuminated with thousands of lanterns for the Lichterfest Stuttgart. SAVOR: Sample more than 600 regional wines against the backdrop of live music at Stuttgart's annual Wine Village (Aug. 24Sept. 4). Vendors sell Swabian foods, including Maultaschen (a filled pasta) and Kasspatzle (a pasta in cheese) to accompany the wine. SIGNATURE EVENT: Stuttgart's Jazz Open, held July 8-17, is a major summer music festival with open-air performances staged on Schlossplatz, at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, and at the BIX Jazzclub and Lounge. In the past, the event has seen renowned musicians, including BB King and Chicago, take the stage. STAY: The colorful 62-guestroom Hotel ibis Styles Stuttgart opened this January featuring a restaurant, a bar and bistro, and the Vitadom spa. GREECE Athens FACTS BEST TIME TO GO: April to November the Great was the first Greek ruler to put his own face on Greek coins. Previously, Greek coins showed the face of a god or goddess GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Athens from New York (JFK) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: The Euro LOCAL FOODS: Mezedakia, modestly referred to as hors d'oeuvres, which may include dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), tyropitaes (cheese pies), spanakopitas (spinach pies), keftedakia (meatballs), yemistes (stuffed tomatoes) and midia (stuffed mussels); souvlakia (grilled lamb kebabs) and barbounia (red snapper), served with fresh salads. The national drink is ouzo BEST BUYS: National handicrafts; cotton caftans; jewelry and beads; embroideries; flokati rugs made from sheep's wool; pottery; onyx; marble and alabaster INFORMATION PLEASE: visitgreece.com FUN FACT: Alexander 22 Stuttgart is famous for its regional wines. Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, offers some of the most fascinating and alluring archaeological remains in the world. But beware: No matter how many photos you've seen, nothing prepares you for the Acropolis experience on site. SEE: Greece has more archaeological museums than any country in the world. Athens' newest high-profile museum, the Acropolis Museum, is also its most stunning. Three smaller gems in Athens are: the Byzantine Museum, the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic and Ancient Greek Art, and the Benaki Museum. All are within walking distance of the center of modern Athens, Syntagma (Constitution) Square; also within walking distance are colorful Plaka and Monastiraki, good dining, good shopping and generally good-times neighborhoods night and day. SAVOR: Foodies will delight in Athens dining, from traditional tavernas-Taverna tou Psiri, the oldest and best in Greek cuisine-to the top-rated (2 Michelin stars) Spondi, serving Mediterranean specialties in its 19th century townhouse setting. SIGNATURE EVENT: Look forward to Sound-and-Light performances that begin on the Acropolis in Athens (and also in the Old Town of Rhodes) in April and run nightly through October. STAY: It's fun to stay in the Plaka neighborhood where a good choice is the 67-room Hotel Plaka with a terrific location, balconies on most guestrooms, and good views of the Plaka and Acropolis from the rooftop restaurant. CRUISE: Piraeus is the main harbor of Athens' main seaport. Mid-size and large cruise ships cruising the Eastern Mediterranean, and smaller boats connecting the islands leave from several different Piraeus harbors. http://www.visitgreece.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide

Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Holland
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Ghana
Kenya
Morocco
Nigeria
South Africa
Senegal
Tanzania
Egypt
India
Israel
Turkey
United Arab Emirates

2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide