Christmas Markets
How about a cruise down a historic river that stops in ports with famous Christmas Markets? We have links to the best Christmas markets in Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
Festivals and Carnival
Carnival is a festival of rebirth--a time of discovery and chaos. Shame is absent; the world is oblivious of original sin. Always there is reversal; peasants replace kings, the world is turned upside down. Carnival traditionally occurs as the last wild feasting prior to start of Lent.
Although the Venice carnival is one of the most popular European carnivals, it has become by most accounts a rather commercial affair, lacking the spontaneity of earlier festivals. But carnival in Venice is a still a great tradition, and moody pictures of the celebration often shrouded in fog are there for the taking. There are carnival celebrations elsewhere in Europe, of course, and you'll find links to them on this site.
The Last Word - Hotels
Hotels, especially small, family-operated ones, are generally less expensive in winter. Watch out, however, for suplemental heating charges that may be added to your bill during colder months. It's most likely a legal and justifyable charge, but if you're on a budget you'll have to account for it. Ask at the desk if you're unsure.
In colder weather, I look for hotels with cozy, charming restaurants that serve local favorites made from local ingredients. That way inclement weather doesn't interfere with my evening meal. In France, when I'm not sure where to go I look for the Logis de France designation for family run hotel restaurants. An Italian version is in operation as well. These hotels offer a good value and local cuisine.
If you're really into breakfast and skiing, rest assured that most hotels in northern Europe put on quite enormous breakfast buffets. If you don't ski or walk all those calories off after pigging out at your hotel you can often get by with a light lunch or no lunch at all, thus saving yourself more than a few Euros. Alas, in the south breakfast still hasn't entirely caught on as a major gastonomical event, but breakfasts do seem to be getting more substantial every year.
Winter Sports - Skiing Links
Skiing and snowboarding are favorite pastimes in Scandinavia and the Alps. Try the legendary European slopes and glaciers below:• Skiing Scandinavia Links
• Liechtenstein Links includes skiing Malbun and Steg
• Andorra Links Includes skiing.
• Skiing Piemonte (Italy)
• Ski Switzerland
• Top Ski Resorts in France
• Skiing in Spain
