2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide - (Page 26)

IRELAND GRENADA ITALY Shannon Outdoor pursuits abound in Shannon, a natural beauty situated in the southeast corner of County Clare. After arriving at Shannon International Airport, you can head out to the beach, watch for dolphins on the River Shannon, or take a boat trip out on a lake for bit of fresh country air. SEE: The Hunt Museum in Limerick, a city nestled in the heart of the Shannon region, houses roughly 2,000 national and international, ancient and modern treasures, making it one of Ireland's greatest private collections of art and antiquities. Wander the museum's three floors, basement, and gallery to uncover Bronze Age, Christian, and Viking pieces. SAVOR: Tap, hum and move along to the delightful sounds at The Traditional Irish Music Nights at the Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, where singers, dancers and musicians from local villages come together to celebrate the region's renowned musical tradition. SIGNATURE EVENT: This year's Limerick River Fest 2016 (April 29May 2) will include the Barringtons Hospital Great Limerick Run, Ireland's largest barbecue cook-off, the Coors Light Riverfest BBQ Competition, the Continental Fair of European artisan producers and Fashion Friday. STAY: The 46-villa Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort in Limerick is sprinkled with some unique spots, including The Dunraven pet cemetery, an icehouse, "lost" cottages hidden within the estate and grounds for clay pigeon shooting. CRUISE: Shannon Foynes Port in the Shannon Estuary is Ireland's second largest port facility, extending 62 miles from Limerick to the sea at the Loop Head and Kerry Head peninsulas; it's popular with river barge cruises. Catania The Bunratty Castle and Folk Park in Shannon. Adored for its close proximity to the crystal-blue waters of the Ionian Sea and UNESCO sites-Mount Etna and Baroque towns-Catania, a city on Sicily's east coast, also boasts those quintessential Italian markers-grand piazzas, open-air markets and friendly locals. SEE: The Sicilian Baroque architecture of the hundred-year-old Teatro Massimo Bellini opera house in the center of the Piazza Bellini is almost, if not more, captivating than the on-stage performances. SAVOR: Walking tours traverse Catania's lively markets and historical squares in search of the city's best street food. SIGNATURE EVENT: Catania's most important religious festival, the 3-day Feast of Saint Agatha, honors the city's patron saint in February and August with a procession carrying a statue of the saint through the city streets to the Cathedral. STAY: It's all about the views at the new Hilton Catania Capo Mulini Conference Center & Spa, located in the coastal fishing village of Capo Mulini within the city of Catania-picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea to the east and towering scenery of Mount Etna to the north. Opening later this year, the hotel offers plenty of amenities for leisure and play-an indoor pool and gym at the adjoining spa complex and a seaside restaurant and bars on site. CRUISE: Catania is an ancient port city once used a commercial hub by the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spaniards. These days, the still-active port area, located approximately 15 minutes from the center of town, hosts a number of luxury yacht cruises sailing the Adriatic, Ionian and Mediterranean seas. 26 FACTS April to June/September to October FUN FACT: Italy has 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites, the most of any country on the World Heritage List GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Rome from Atlanta, Detroit, New York (JFK) and Minneapolis (seasonal service to begin June 2016); Delta flies to Venice and Milan from Atlanta and New York (JFK); Delta flies to Florence connecting through Amsterdam, Paris and Rome; Delta flies to Naples connecting through Paris and Rome; Delta flies to Palermo and Catania connecting through Rome; and Delta flies to Pisa from New York (JFK) ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: The Euro LOCAL FOODS: Chianti wine; Parmesan cheese; balsamic vinegar; pesto; buffalo mozzarella and cured meats BEST BUYS: Clothing; footwear; leather goods; or anything with a "Made in Italy" label INFORMATION PLEASE: italia.it BEST TIME TO GO: http://www.italia.it

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