Argentina

Argentina has a stronger European influence than some of its South American contemporaries, so you’ll find plenty of aesthetic similarities in Argentinian Christmas decorations. However, seeing as December is summertime south of the equator, it can be quite hot out. Christmas trees are sometimes decorated with cotton balls to represent snow that wouldn’t last five minutes in the Buenos Aires climate. A uniquely Argentinian addition to the festivities are globos, paper lanterns launched on Christmas Eve. Watching them drift across the night sky is lovely way to mark the season.

Chile

You’ll find plenty of festive holiday treats in any of the nations on this list, but none pack as much kick as the Chilean beverage Cola de Mono (“Monkey’s Tail”). Lore has it this drink’ll have you swinging from the ceiling. That’s probably down to the sugar, coffee and booze, which combine with milk and spices for a flavour reminiscent of a White Russian cocktail. Chilean aguardiente or pisco are most traditional, but if you’re curious to try this one at home, white rum is a fair substitute.

Catalonia

Catalonia’s Tió de Nadal might be one of the odder traditions here, though it shares some DNA with the Advent calendar and the piñata. The tió is a hollow logo, often painted with a smiling face and covered with a blanket to keep it warm. Beginning on December 8 children feed it snacks and candies. When Christmas Eve rolls around, the kids beat the log with sticks while asking it in singsong to poop out presents. When the songs are over, lo and behold the tió has dropped a stash of treats beneath the blanket. The tió has several scatological names and songs attached to it, ensuring this quirky tradition never gets old.

Belgium

Saint Nicolas is the patron saint of children, and Sinterklaas is his Belgian incarnation. His signature red outfit is the inspiration behind modern-day Santa Claus. Like Santa Claus he keeps a thorough naughty-and-nice list, but unlike Santa his off-season home is in Spain, and he makes the journey to Belgium by boat. Nor does he travel by reindeer, but rides a white horse. Instead of milk and cookies, some children leave a carrot or hay to feed Sinter’s faithful mount.

Germany

Many Germany children practice a variant of the old stocking-by-the-hearth tradition. While waiting for Father Christmas on the night of December 5th, they place a shoe or a boot outside their front door — perhaps recently cleaned, to show they’ve been good. If he buys it, the shoe will be filled with sweets and gifts come morning. If a child has landed on the naughty register instead, Father Christmas’ dour assistant Knecht Ruprecht will stuff it with coal, twigs, or stones.

Austria

One of Austria’s great contributions to the Christmas canon is “Silent Night” (“Stille Nacht”). Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber with lyrics by Joseph Mohr, the song has been officially recognized by UNESCO as part of the nation’s cultural heritage. That song might be the definition of wholesome, but the Austrian tradition makes room for some wickedness in the form of Krampus, a cloven-hoofed demon who violently punishes naughty children. Krampus festivals take place throughout December, featuring some truly terrifying costumes. If the holidays get a little saccharine for your tastes, Krampus will cut through the sweetness in a hurry.

Croatia

You’ve probably heard of yule logs (even if it’s only through the televised version). Croatia’s iteration is called a badnjak, and traditionally it would be cut on the morning of Christmas Eve. Families sprinkle it with wine or holy water while making their religious observations. Once lit it’s important the badnjak stay burning throughout the night, so someone must be sure to get up and tend the fire every few hours. With an increasingly urbanized population this one isn’t so widespread anymore, though it’s still practiced in rural areas.

Czech Republic

Most kids look forward to seeing Santa or his regional equivalent on Christmas Eve, but in the Czech Republic some look forward to seeing a golden pig. That’s down to a persistent legend that states anyone who fasts until dinner on the 24th will see a golden pig. It’s meant to be a sign of good luck, but whether it appears or not chances are most Czechs will break fast with fish. Carp with potato salad is a very traditional meal, so much so large tanks show up on the streets of Prague the week before Christmas full of fresh carp.

France

The French are known for their culinary excellence, so it’s no surprise Christmas meals can take a long time. In Provence that might mean following dinner with a whopping thirteen desserts. Les Treize Desserts de Noël are said to represent Jesus Christ and his twelve apostles. Exact menus vary, but fruits, nuts, biscuits and nougat are traditional. Most of the options are fairly light, and remain set out on the table until the 27th to give a family time to graze.

Ireland

A candle in the window seems like a quintessential Christmas decoration, but in Ireland at least the tradition has a double meaning. Officially the candle was meant as a symbol of hospitality and an invitation for Joseph and Mary to seek shelter there. The second meaning was more clandestine — in the 17th century Catholicism was suppressed, and Catholics practiced their faith in secret. A candle in the window at Christmas time was a beacon that told priests they could safely visit to say Mass. The candle tradition is less common today, but persists in some homes as a sign of welcome.

Italy

In some traditions Epiphany holds more religious significance than Christmas itself. That’s why in Italy children often receive their gifts on January 5, Epiphany Eve. Rather than a visit from Father Christmas, some Italian youngsters look forward to a visit from La Befana. Legend has it she was approached by the Three Wise Men during their search for Jesus, but she declined their offer to accompany them because she had housework to attend to. When she realized what an opportunity she’d missed she struck out on a search of her own, gifting presents to good little children along the way. She might even do a bit of sweeping before moving on, and children leave her a glass of wine as a token of thanks.

Portugal

The bolo-rei is the most famous of Portuguese Christmas desserts. Literally translating as “king cake,” it looks like a deluxe fruitcake topped with colourful candied fruit. A hole in the middle makes it resemble a crown. Baked inside it are a fava bean and a coin or small prize (some versions omit the latter, and commercial versions may omit both). The person who gets the prize can bask in their good luck for a whole year; the person eating the slice with the fava bean is declared the King and must supply next year’s bolo-rei.

Slovenia

An old Slovenian Christmas tradition revolves around baking three loaves of bread. Wheat, rye, and buckwheat don’t sound like particularly festive choices, but they symbolize the three feasts of Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Epiphany. A sweeter option is potica, a cake made with nuts or other flavourful fillings. In addition to all the baking, if you’re in Slovenia you might catch other scents on the air as well— burning incense is a popular holiday tradition.

Considering seeing some of this Christmas traditions firsthand? Check out our South American tour offerings, or use the Destinations tab to browse our European tours.

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Along with some kind words about the great experience she had on their tour, Leisha was kind enough to highlight some key spots along their travels pointing out amazing views, museums, food & drink! For those planning or thinking about planning a tour to the area, this is a must read.

Thanks Leisha for sharing your adventure with us, and here’s to many many more happy years of wedded bliss!

Dearest Melanie,

Sincerely,
Leisha Stelken

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At Pure Adventures we are so lucky to have bike rental connections all over the world, who supply our clients with top quality bikes perfect for the diverse tours that we offer.

However, if you just can’t bring yourself to leave your bike at home, here are some excellent infographics by the folks over at Yellow Jersey  that display bike luggage charges from one end of the planet to the other.

Which will you choose after crunching the numbers?

The post Bike Luggage Charges: Worth Keeping Your Bike At Home? appeared first on Pure Adventures.

Being a hot tourist destination, with attractions such as Prague Castle, Old Town Square, and many museums and galleries – visitors need to eat somewhere in between, right? Yes, Prague is also famous for amazing restaurants and fine cuisine. That said, you don’t have to spend a fortune to eat well in the Czech capitol.

So don’t fear! We’ve collected some top cheap eat locations in Prague for the travel budget conscious. While planning your trip (or bike tour with us)  be sure to include these on your itinerary!

BUDGET COFFEE SHOPS

Another way of discovering some great cheap eats in Prague is to eat at some local coffee shops. Muj salek kavy, the flagship cafe of the local Doubleshot roasters, serves up great coffee and reasonably priced lunches and snacks during the day, some of them gluten free. Just a street away, the recently opened Proti proudu bistro combines fun design with delicious breakfasts and sandwiches (the pork belly is pictured below), soup and something sweet. We would just skip the coffee and still have it at Muj salek kavy. On the other side of the river, Cafe Lounge serves consistently solid coffee, a daily soup all day and popular lunch specials up until 3pm.

MASO A KOBLIHA

Probably the best “bistro” in Prague, Maso a kobliha is located ten steps from the famed Sansho restaurant. Maso a kobliha is a winner because of two people: Paul Day uses the best Czech protein from his butchers of The Real Meat Society and combines it with the wonderful brioche and other breads baked by Julka, a.k.a. Maskrtnica, arguably the best baker in the city.

SISTERS

If you want to try Czech fast food in Prague, head over to the extremely popular Sisters bistro, which serves “chlebicek”, the classic Czech open-faced sandwiches. Unlike large Czech dishes, chlebiceks give you, according to Hana Michopulu, the owner, the opportunity to try, let’s say, three different meals on a piece of bread. A favorite chlebicek, ham and potato salad, pickled herring with wasabi mayo, or smoked mackerel with beet roots and potato salad, cost CZK 39 each. Sisters also serves delicious daily soup for CZK 59. You can combine the soup and two chlebiceks for a rich meal.

NASE MASO

One of the best butcheries in town does not just sell meat to go. Nase maso also has a kitchen and serves simple, truly Czech meals that will not cost you an arm and a leg. For instance, three thick slices of the best meatloaf in town (and the world) cost under CZK 100, the same as three pieces of their delicious, juicy sausages. Their burgers are delicious and cost about EUR 5. If you are really lucky, their pork belly braised for hours with lager and onion is to die for and costs below CZK 150. Whatever Nase maso cooks can easily list among the best cheap eats in Prague. Just expect to wait in line, but the Czech beer on tap makes the wait that much easier

Source: www.tasteofprague.com

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For travelling cyclists, Austria and the Czech Republic offer something for everyone. Austria’s bike-friendly Danube cycle path is paved and well marked, winding trails through the mountains offer a challenge to fit cyclists, the breathtaking architecture and scenery provides a memorable backdrop for tourists, and of course, beer to quench your thirst after a day in the saddle. If you’re planning a self-guided cycling trip to Austria or the Czech Republic, Pure Adventures suggests checking out these bike trails and brew pubs.

České Budějovice

Did you know that České Budějovice is home to the original Budweiser, having been brewed here for more than 700 years? There are a handful of brewpubs in this small city and two breweries, Měšťanský Pivovar and Budějovický Budvar. Calling their beers The Original Budweiser, Budějovický Budvar is a state-owned brewery with it’s drafts available in all the local pubs. Budvarka Pivnice is regularly packed with locals, but for a trendy European style experience, you may want to head to Potrefená Husa. The city also boasts nine paved and well marked paths which take you through picturesque parks and across bridges. All the bike paths in České Budějovice are interconnected, so zipping through the city to shop or dine is a breeze.

Linz
The historic city of Linz is undergoing a transformation and has come a long way since the Iron Curtain was lifted 25 years ago. Festivals, food and of course cycling, have helped Linz flourish. The Schwemmland – the wetland around Linz harbor – are a hidden gems for nature lovers. Klosterhof is by far the largest pub in Linz, but centuries old Wirt auf der Wies deserves a visit as well.

Vienna
Vienna is a vibrant, beautiful city with many things to do including seeing the cathedral and the amazingly designed Hundertwasser House, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser in 1985. There are 745 miles of bike baths throughout Vienna, including the Ringstrasse, a paved route circling the city and taking in its most beloved sights. Most hotels are famously bike-friendly as are the public trains. Vienna’s lively beer scene offers everything from Irish-style pubs with extensive whisky selections (Bockshorn Irish Pub), Fischer Bräu which was recently named Austria’s best brewpub and 1516 Brewing Company, which boasts two of Austria’s best beers and their burgers were named among the best in the world by Matador.

Salzburg
This impressive town, situated on the banks of the Salzach River, is where the composer Mozart was born and raised. With Pure Adventures, you spend a day riding along along the Mozart cycling path, winding  through beautiful Alpine countryside, the Salzkammergut, along the Mondsee and Wolfgangsee lakes to St. Gilgen. Within Salzburg’s city center, there are over 105 kilometers bike paths with 900 signs, 23 scenic bicycle routes, ingenious self-service stations offering free tools, bike stands, lubricating oil and compressed air for emergencies and a website dedicated to helping you find the most direct cycling route through Salzburg. No wonder it’s Austria’s number 1 cycle city! As for beer and brewpubs, numerous options await in this regions, which has been producing beer for more than 500 years. Stiegl, Austria’s leading family-owned brewery can be found in Salzburg, produces more than 20 varieties in their state-of-the-art facility. Augustiner Braustubl is a hidden gem of adored by locals. Awarded a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor, it’s also ranked the best brew pub by tourists for its food, atmosphere and of course, beer.

Pure Adventures offers three unique self-guided cycling vacations in Austria. Starting at € 1051 Euros, our self-guided bicycle tours include hybrid bike rental, flexible start dates, accommodations, route maps, daily breakfasts, luggage transfers and local support. Contact us for more information or for your free Austria destination guide.

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If you’re looking for rich history, fascinating culture, mesmerizing arts and a breathtaking countryside, look no further than the Czech Republic. From magnificent medieval castles to captivating stories of powerful families whose influence can still be felt there today, to a warm, welcoming culture of people who are fiercely proud of their heritage and eager to share it with visitors, you are certain to experience something unlike anything you ever have before in this beautiful country. If a trip to Czech is in your future, here are 5 towns to add to your itinerary.

Cesky Krumlov

Located in the South Bohemian Region, what the tiny town of Cesky Krumlov lacks in size, it more than makes up for in rich history and fantastic architecture. One of the most noteworthy examples of both is the infamous Cesky Krumlov Castle, which was constructed in 1240. Over the centuries, the castle has been renovated and expanded multiple times in differing architectural styles, including the popular and beautiful Baroque style. Similarly, the Cathedral of St. Vitus, which dominates the little town, provides a wonderful example of the Czech Gothic style. In fact, the entire area is considered to be an architectural jewel which was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 1992 and remains one of the most fascinating places to visit in the country. Cultural activities that occur in Cesky Krumlov include the International Music Festival, the Old Music Festival, and the Five-Petalled Rose Festival.

Breclav

Breclav is a quaint town located in the South Moravian Region of Czech. It is bordered by Austria and the Dyje River, making it an absolutely lovely destination to visit, both for culture and scenery. Breclav boasts and incredibly fascinating history – there is even evidence of settlement there dating back as far as prehistoric times. In fact today there is an archeological site and an exhibition to visit. The Breclav Castle was built in the 11^th century and has been rebuilt and renovated over the years in the architectural style of Renaissance. There are also a number of churches and other ancient buildings to explore and discover throughout the area.

Mikulov

Also located in the South Moravian Region, the town of Mikulov is particularly known for its exquisite wine production and its rich Jewish heritage, which dates back to the year 1421 but was all but eliminated by the time World War II took place. Today, the town remains a popular destination for wine lovers, specifically the Mikulov Wine Trail, which winds its way through the region for some 65 kilometers. Additionally, visitors to Mikulov can enjoy a number of noteworthy historic sites, including the old Jewish Quarter, the Dietrichstein sepulchre and a variety of old churches which feature differing architectural styles. For example, the Church of St. Václav was constructed in Romanesque style, while the Church of St. John boasts Baroque design, and the Eastern Christian Church of St. Nicolas features the neo-gothic style.

Telc

Established during the 13^th century, the town of Telc served as a royal water front at the crossroads of the busy Bohemia, Moravia and Austria merchant routes. Today, this friendly little town features a magnificent Renaissance chateau and a spectacular town square. The town square combines an urban plaza with several historical Renaissance and Baroque style homes that have been remarkably well preserved. In 1992 the area was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Telc is an incredibly picturesque place to visit and has recently become a hot spot for art and cultural events including several annual musical festivals.

Trebon

Located in beautiful South Bohemia, Trebon is a popular tourist destination for a variety of reasons. It is a small spa town that features a well-preserved historic center and a number of ancient structures that are excellent examples of the architectural styles of the area. Trebon Castle, built in Renaissance style, is one of the biggest castle complexes in the Czech Republic and has been declared a National Cultural Monument. The Augustinian Monastery played an even more significant role in the town’s history, having been built in 1367 and has been hailed as an important center of art and education. The town’s many historic monuments and its surrounding waterways have made it a possible candidate for UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

Of all the countries that make up the continent of Europe, perhaps none offer as much cultural discovery and historical gems as that of the Czech Republic. These 5 towns feature the very best of what this incredible country has to offer, and should be added to the list of must-visit places for any Czech travel itinerary.

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Located in the South Bohemian region of the Czech Republic, the tiny town of Cesky Krumlov happens to be one of Czech’s oldest villages – and one of its most beautiful.  What it lacks in size and youth, it more than makes up for in charm and personality.  Cesky Krumlov is home to a number of fascinating and memorable sites, from an ancient castle to exquisitely designed churches that feature some of the most incredible architectural designs in the world.  There’s plenty to see and do in this friendly little town, and it’s definitely a destination for your travel to-do list.

With a long, rich history that dates back to the late 13^th century, Cesky Krumlov is probably best known for its “Old Town”.  This quaint village features some 300 protected medieval buildings and an awe-inspiring castle complex.  The Cesky Krumlov Castle is impressively large in comparison to the size of the town itself.  In fact, it’s the second largest castle in the entire Czech Republic. The castle grounds feature a large garden, an extensive bridge, and the castle structure itself, which consists of a variety of parts and sections that date back to several different periods of time.  Today, the garden features a beautiful functioning central fountain that was recently reconstructed for the enjoyment of tourists and locals alike.

Cesky is the center of cultural richness, and is home to an impressive number of festivals, events and celebrations that are held there throughout the year.  One of the most famous and noteworthy is the Five-Petalled Rose Festival, which is celebrated annually in June during the weekend of summer solstice.  During this time, the downtown area is transformed to resemble what it looked like in medieval times.  Local people dress in traditional garb and participate in ancient activities such as fencing, jousting, historical dancing and folk theatre performances.  The end of the festival is marked by an incredible fireworks display that can be seen above the mighty castle.

Cesky Krumlov is also home to the annual International Music Festival, which typically runs from July through August and features music from a variety of international musicians representing a wide range of genres.  The event attracts music lovers from across the globe and is widely celebrated as one of the best festivals of its kind in the world.  The town is also home to more than a dozen museums and galleries, as well as both historic and modern theatres, including the Castle Baroque theatre, which was built in the 1600’s.  With all of this culture, it’s no surprise that Cesky is a favorite among artists, musicians and writers and historians.

During the communist error, Cesky Krumlov sadly fell into disrepair, but its age-old beauty was fortunately restored in the late 1980’s, during what was called the “Velvet Revolution”.  Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a hidden gem among travelers.  Surrounded by rolling hills and the flowing Vltava River, its unassuming cobblestone streets make their way through centuries-old homes, friendly inns, and plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants to keep you busy during your stay.

If history, culture and picturesque scenery are among your travel preferences, a visit to Cesky Krumlov is certain to please.  Stroll along the ancient cobblestone streets, canoe the beautiful Vltava River, or enjoy a leisurely picnic along its banks as you bask in your breathtaking surroundings.  Friendly locals and unforgettable experiences await you in this charming little town.

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The Greenways is a designated corridor of 100-year-old hiking trails stretching for 250 miles from Vienna to Prague along the Dyje River in Southern Moravia and the Vltava River Valley in Southern and Central Bohemia. It connects beautiful countryside with cultural monuments, historic towns and villages with restored castles and churches. Since much of the Czech Greenways stretches along the former Iron Curtain, where there was limited access and no development for 45 years, the countryside remained untouched and the environment clean making it the perfect destination for a multisport tour.

Begin this one-of-a-kind tour in Valtice with a short hike up the hill to the Reisten Colonnade, if you arrive early enough. Cycle most of the days visiting sites including Mikulov chateau, Jewish painter Frantisek Moritz Nagl’s memorial, and the oldest working Baroque theater in Europe. Save some energy to hike in the unspoiled beauty of Podyji National Park. You will also have the opportunity to canoe down the Vltava River.

Pure Adventure’s Vienna to Prague Multisport Tour combines cycling, hiking and canoeing in one trip! It is a great way to mix up your activities and get a different perspective by foot and on the water of the Czech landscape.

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Traveling to Czech Republic anytime soon? 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/

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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.

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