2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide - (Page 32)

PORTUGAL ROMANIA Lisbon A new bolt of artistic fervor, mixed with boutique hotel openings, a growing wine scene, and well-traveled Portuguese chefs, have made Lisbon Europe's newest capital of cool. A riverfront city of sophistication and charm, Lisbon is also a hub for a day-away on the beaches of Estoril and Cascais, as well as overnight stays in castles converted to pousada hotels. SEE: Not to miss in Lisbon is the Moorish St. George Castle, sitting atop the Alfama district; riverside, the Belem Tower, a monument to the Age of Discoveries; and museums, including the fabulous private collections at the Gulbenkian Museum, the Colecao Bernardo Museum, and the exquisite National Tile Museum. Essential are excursions to the royal palaces at Sintra and Queluz. SAVOR: Soulful fado music is a national obsession; in the evening, step out with the natives in fado music clubs and cafes in the Alfama district-Casa de Linhares and Sr. Fado are just two-and in the Bairro Alto, where Luso is a long-time favorite with locals and visitors alike. SIGNATURE EVENT: On June 13, Lisbon celebrates her patron St. Anthony with street fairs, music and dancing. STAY: Think historic and charming and head for the York House, whose antique-filled rooms occupy the nun cells of a former 17th century convent; excellent restaurant and Tagus River views here. CRUISE: The Port of Lisbon ups the ante on comfort and facilities later this year with a new terminal, outfitted with a rooftop restaurant and a smattering of boutiques. Up the coast is Porto, sitting at the mouth of the Douro River; the handsome city is not only the traditional capital of Port wine, but now the gateway to bucolic river cruising. Bucharest The Romanian capital surprises first-time visitors with its broad boulevards, lush parklands, eclectic architecture, extra-special museums, and cosmopolitan vibe and energy. Located right in the heart of the country, Bucharest offers easy access to scenic rural destinations like Sibiu and Brasov. SEE: One of the biggest attractions, literally, is Parliament Palace, built during the demented reign of Nicolae Ceausescu and the second largest office building in the world-after the U.S. Pentagon. Daily tours show off some of the 1,100 rooms; it's also home to the interesting National Museum of Contemporary Art. Other mustsee museums include the National Art Museum of Romania, the open-air Village Museum, covering several acres with farm houses, windmills, churches, and barns that were transported to the capital from all over the country, and the fascinating Museum of the Romanian Peasant, which traces rural life through tools, painted eggs, weavings, pottery and other crafts. SAVOR: Head for the Old Town's Lipscani District and dine out at Caru' cu Bere, the oldest (1898) bar in Bucharest and a historic monument. Colorful Belle Epoque interiors dazzle with stained glass, mosaics, carved panels and a painted ceiling. SIGNATURE EVENT: Easter is the highpoint of the Orthodox Church calendar, and Easter fairs and painted egg festivals abound. Orthodox Easter falls on May 1 in 2016. STAY: The five-star Radisson Blu Bucharest is well located, not far from the Old Town. CRUISE: Although anchoring an hour away from the capital, for Danube River cruises, Bucharest is either the first or last stop on going to/coming from Budapest. Viking, Avalon and Uniworld river cruises ply this eastern reach of the waterway, also stopping at ports in Bulgaria, Croatia, and Serbia. 32 FACTS April to November The Brazilian bombshell, Carmen Miranda, was actually Portuguese GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Lisbon connecting through Amsterdam and Paris ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: The Euro LOCAL FOODS: Caldeirada (fish stew) is a specialty and bacalhau (dried codfish) is prepared in a hundred different ways; roast kid and the inspired porco a alentejana (pork and clams); nothing beats Portugal's creamy and expensive Serra da Estrela cheese and summer peaches BEST BUYS: Ceramic tiles; pottery; silver; filigree jewelry; tapestries; hand-sewn carpets; embroidery and lace; earthenware; copperware; linens; crystal and porcelain INFORMATION PLEASE: visitportugal.com BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT: FACTS March to September The name "Romania" comes from the Latin word "Romanus" which means "citizen of the Roman Empire" GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Bucharest connecting through Amsterdam, Paris and Rome ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: Romanian Leu LOCAL FOODS: Ciorba de perisoare (meatball soup); ciorba de burta (tripe soup); tocanita (meat stew seasoned with onions and/or spices); ghiveci (over 20 vegetables cooked in oil); sarmale (pickled cabbage leaves stuffed with a mix of minced meats, rice and spices); mititei (small skinless grilled sausages); and clatite cu branza (crepes filled with cottage cheese, raisins and spices) BEST BUYS: Painted eggs; ceramics; woodwork; textiles; traditional clothing; embroidery; rugs; masks and blown glass INFORMATION PLEASE: romaniatourism.com BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT: http://www.visitportugal.com http://www.romaniatourism.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