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.

The post Unique Christmas Traditions from Around the World appeared first on Pure Adventures.

Winemaking is woven into the culture of many of the countries we visit with Pure Adventures. If you’re a wine lover on a self-guided tour, you might drop in on favourite vineyard to see how the grapes are grown and the wine is made. Along the way you may discover a unique local producer you’ve never heard of, or take advantage of a tasting day to explore the nuances of the terroir. A little advance research can help you identify must-trys along your route, so we’ve compiled a list of regionally famous wine varietals to keep an eye out for next time you find yourself in wine country.

Germany – Riesling

Riesling is Germany’s signature varietal — the first recorded reference to Riesling comes from the 15th century, when it became the drink of choice for German nobility. Today it accounts for nearly a quarter of the nation’s total wine production. Rieslings are typically low in alcohol, high in acidity, and prized for their refreshing crispness. Somewhat unusually for a white wine, they can age well. Older Rieslings develop a signature petroleum smell, which might sound unappetizing but is natural and prized as part of the grape’s unique profile. They range from sweet to bone-dry depending on the terroir. Because of the local climate, German Rieslings tend towards the dry side. They pair particularly well with spicy food because the acidity has a way of cleansing the palate. See this post by Wine Folly to learn more about Riesling varieties.

Austria – Grüner Veltliner 

Austria’s favorite grape is Grüner Veltliner, or Grüner for short. This wonderful white is often considered one the world’s best “food wines.” Again thanks to its high acidity it can hold its own even against red meat or a spicy plate of Vietnamese. The availability of plentiful, affordable Grüner is part of the charm, but the varietal has the sophistication to improve with age. “Reserve” Grüners exhibit a deeper hue and a peppery flavour.

The terraced vineyards along the Danube are fairytale-pretty and make the ideal backdrop for a tasting. While you’re in Austria, consider trying the classic Grüner and weiner schnitzel combination. Vegetarians, on the other hand, will appreciate how well this one pairs with bitter veg like asparagus. 

Argentina – Malbec & Torrontés 

Malbec originated in France, but grew poorly in the French climate. The vine much preferred Argentina’s hot climate and high elevation, and quickly grew in popularity once it was planted there. It is rich and full-bodied, with flavours of dark fruits like cherry and blackberry. Malbec is excellent served on its own, and pairs well with smoky or earthy flavours. Try it with lean red meat or with mushrooms, or a pungent blue cheese. At a local tasting, you’ll notice the mountainous vistas of Salta are a good match with dramatic, bold flavours as well.

If you prefer white to red, Torrontés is among the famous wine varietals well worth trying. Of the three varieties — Torrontés Riojano, Sanjuanino, and Mendocino — Riojano is the popular favourite. Notable for its moderate acidity and light peach flavour, Torrontés also benefits from Argentina’s warm, dry climate and high elevation. It is usually drunk young, and carries refreshing floral and herbal notes. Torrontés pairs well with spicy Indian food, but while you’re in Salta try pairing it with empanada salteñas.

Portugal – Port & Vinho Verde

Port derives its name from the city of Porto, the second largest city in Portugal. The grapes are produced in nearby Duoro Valley, home to some unbelievably picturesque vineyards. Looking out across the Duoro River as it winds out to sea between sunny hillsides is guaranteed to enhance the tasting experience.

Port is a fortified wine, meaning the addition of brandy to wine stops fermentation before it is complete. This method preserves residual sugar for a sweeter flavour. Typically full-bodied and plummy, ports can serve as either aperitif or digestif. There are several varieties to try, including ruby and tawny port. The former is younger and retains more fruity characteristics, while the later is aged in small wooden barrels for a nuttier taste and a darker colour. Both are blended to maintain a balanced profile. More expensive vintage ports are blended, oaked, then bottle-aged for years to attain their peak complexity. Try serving a glass with blue cheese to round out a special meal.

If you’re looking for something a bit fresher, consider a glass of vinho verde. Literally “green wine,” the colour here refers to age, not grape variety. These wines are fresh and summery with a slight effervescence. Serve with seafood or other light, citrusy dishes. If you’re enjoying a glass after the end of a long day biking, the low alcohol content won’t send you off to bed too early.

Hungary – Tokaji Aszú 

Hungary’s Tokaji aszú is considered one of the great dessert wines of the world. Even if you typically avoid sweet wines, this one deserves to be on your list. Aszú has a long history of being celebrated in royal courts across Europe. The production of aszú relies on noble rot, a type of mold that develops in moist conditions. When affected grapes dry out they shrivel, concentrating their flavours and sugars. They are then added in careful proportion to a base must, giving the wine its unique qualities. The high sweetness means aszú ages very well indeed — bottles can last over a century. Even a glass of more recent vintage will show rich flavours of apricot, honey, cinnamon and ginger. Aszú is delightful on its own, perhaps as a holiday digestif, or as part of classic pairing with foie gras, chocolate, or cheese.

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At eight famous wine varietals across five countries, we’ve barely scratched the surface. There’s certainly enough here to kickstart a wonderful tasting adventure, but a list is no substitute for on-the-ground experience. Start planning your next custom trip and discover some new and vibrant flavours on your own.

The post Advanced Wine Tasting: Regionally Famous Wine Varietals appeared first on Pure Adventures.

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?

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When one thinks of Germany they often conjure up visions of bar maids and lederhosen.  But this beautiful country has much more to offer than Oktoberfest and sausage.  And while it’s a fascinating place to visit any time of year, a trip there during the Christmas Markets is simply unforgettable.  In Germany, the Christmas season is a time for enjoying family, friends and a number of unique customs and holiday traditions.   These historical markets embody these values and create a magical atmosphere unlike any other.  If you’re planning a trip during this enchanting time of year, here are a few Christmas markets you’ll want to add to your must-see list.

Dresden – Who hasn’t heard of or seen a holiday fruitcake?  Well, the one you’ll see at the Dresden Christmas Market (Striezelmarkt) is no normal dessert loaf.  In fact, it weighs in at a whopping four tons and is one of the central parts of this traditional festival, including a parade and even a fruitcake maiden (called the “Stollenmädchen”).  If giant cake isn’t your thing, you can check out the nearly 50-foot tall Christmas pyramid or shop at the 230 dazzling craft stalls overflowing some of the most spectacular handcrafted gifts in all of Germany, including blown glass, wooden trinkets and the world-famous blue and white ceramics.  It’s a chance to be part of the country’s oldest running Christmas market and create unique memories to last a lifetime.

Munich – What’s a Christmas celebration without mouthwatering food and drinks?  You won’t be sorry at the Munich Christmas Market, where you’ll find an endless supply of reiber-datschi (potato pancakes), sausage, Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and glühwein to fill you to the gills with traditional yummy goodness.  There are plenty of craft stalls to peruse, all surrounding the Marienplatz where an impressive 100-foot Christmas tree sits in all its glory while an enchanting Christmas tram slowly makes its way through the city.  Enjoy the pleasing sounds of an Alpine choir and brass band as they share traditional holiday carols.  Perhaps the best part of the Munich Christmas Market is the fact that it’s made up of several smaller markets, each featuring their own theme from Bavarian to Medieval.  Experience a little bit of everything in one magical place!

Nuremberg – Of all the Christmas markets held throughout Europe, Nuremberg’s is arguably the most popular.  It’s also among the biggest, hosting some 2 million shoppers and visitors annually.  The atmosphere is simply magical, with craft stalls decorated in candy-cane stripes and the air permeated with the mouthwatering aromas of fresh cooked fare.  While the entire Nuremberg Christmas Market experience is memorable, one of the most spectacular and unforgettable sights by far is the tiny puppets, known as the Nuremberg Plum People, which are designed and displayed by the stall owners who use them to compete for the coveted prize of “Gold Plum Person”.  It’s an unforgettable event not to be missed!

Stuttgart – For nearly 320 years the spectacular Christmas Market of Stuttgart has occupied several historical town squares amidst the backdrop of an ivy-clad castle and a towering Gothic cathedral.  Eager merchants line the streets peddling handmade treasures from their quaint little booths, from clothing to wooden toys to glass art and a huge variety of traditional food and drink to feast on.  The sights and smells add to the already enchanting atmosphere while the sounds of Christmas music float through the air from the nightly concert in the Old Castle’s Renaissance courtyard.  Stuttgart is the perfect destination for those with families because it features an area called “Kinderland”, complete with carnival rides and a variety of fun holiday activities for the kids.  Nearby towns also feature smaller thematic markets that boast everything from fire-eaters to medieval music to even more brilliant artisans selling their masterpieces.  There’s enough here to keep you busy for days!

One of the best things about visiting another country during the holidays is being able to experience the unique cultural customs and traditions that are celebrated there.  Germany’s Christmas markets evoke a magical and enchanting feeling and provide the perfect opportunity to experience the holidays in a unique and unforgettable way.  Feast on delicious local cuisine, shop for one-of-a-kind treasures and participate in age-old traditions that have been carried on for centuries, all while enjoying the rich history and beauty this country has to offer.  If you’re looking for a way to truly bring the spirit of the season to life, these Christmas Markets of Germany are not to be missed!

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Whether you are in France, Canada, the USA, Australia or Germany, there is always a festival to attend celebrating the long running tradition, Oktoberfest. We are all familiar with the name, but not many know how it first came to existence.

This 2 weeklong festival began in 1810. On October 12, to celebrate the royal wedding of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese, the citizens of Munich, Germany were invited to attend the festivities in front of the city gates, which ended with a horse race. The decision to repeat the horse races in subsequent years gave rise to the tradition of Oktoberfest. Throughout the decades amusements have been added to the festivals attractions including beer tents, which is now the dominant feature of Oktoberfest.

Festivals are held around the world, usually starting the third weekend of September and ending the first weekend of October.  Munich still holds the most well-known and largest Oktoberfest fair with over 5 million attendees a year. With over 14 beer tents to choose from you won’t go thirsty at this event. Oktoberfest in Munich is a one of a kind celebration!

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Everyone knows that some of the best beer and wine in the world comes from the country of Germany. But this amazing country offers so much more than world-class beverages. Ancient castles and formidable structures offer testimony to the country’s rich history while quaint restaurants offer exquisite dining and nightclubs provide the opportunity to relax, unwind and mingle with the locals. Friendly old villages welcome visitors with which they share their ancient traditions and unique culture. And with ample countryside and varying beautiful terrain, outdoor activities abound in Germany, from skiing to hiking and everything in between. One of the best ways to experience all that this lovely country has to offer is by cycling it.

Here are five reasons to get on your bike and cycle Germany.

Zwinger

One of the country’s most famous landmarks, this Dresden palace was commissioned by the great Augustus the Strong in the early 1700’s. This huge structure features 6 pavilions all connected by large galleries and a massive Crown Gate as its entrance, the palace’s best known feature. The exquisite statues on the gate were beautifully designed to represent the four seasons. Inside the palace are several museums featuring world famous works of art and ancient weaponry. It’s an incredible monument to behold and provides an excellent example of the country’s rich culture.

The Frauenkirche Church

Also located in Dresden, this Lutheran church, sometimes referred to as “Church of Our Lady” was originally constructed in 1726 but was sadly destroyed during WWII. For 40 years the ruins remained untouched until 1994, when plans were begun to reconstruct the old cathedral using its original building plans. Old was combined with new as original charred stones that were salvaged from the ruins were mixed with new, lighter ones to create a unique and historical recreation of the original church. Construction finished in 2005, and now this incredible building is completely restored and open to be admired by visitors.

Saxon Switzerland

Outdoor enthusiasts delight in this mountainous region, which offers excellent climbing opportunities amidst the impressive 1,000 peaks. The region also offers a beautiful national park that is home to an absolutely breathtaking botanical garden, Pflanzengarten Bad Schandau. The park also features several medieval castles and other ancient structures to visit, dating back as far as the Dark Ages. It’s a unique opportunity to commune with nature and experience fascinating historical finds at the same time.

Dresden Elbe Valley

A former UNESCO World Heritage Site, this lovely valley extends over 20 kilometers and is ideally located along the River Elbe. This area features fabulous landscapes, quaint villages and interesting works of architecture. The Pillnitz Castle and the nearby Blue Wonder Bridge, which stretches some 920 feet in length over the Elbe River, exhibit some of the country’s most impressive engineering and architectural feats. And the Katholische Hofkirche, a Roman Catholic Church, was once the place of worship for the former royal court. There is enough sightseeing, culture and history in this valley to please any visitor.

German Cuisine

Aside from the beautiful countryside and historical finds, Germany is also home to some of the most delicious cuisine in the world. Different regions feature varying styles, ingredients and dishes and offer a lovely contrast from one area to the next. Bravaria’s dishes are based around flour and Knödel, featuring unique plates like liver Knödel soup, Bierwurt sausage and Fleischplfanzerl, which are flat pan-fried dumplings made of minced meat while the Lower Saxon area uses potatoes in many of their meals, as well as kale, asparagus and a variety of fish dishes. Staple foods in Germany tend to be meat, fish and (of course) beer. One thing is for sure, you haven’t experienced Germany until you’ve tasted its delectable food.

Germany is by far one of Europe’s most interesting places to visit. Offering everything from mesmerizing landscapes to ancient artifacts to age-old traditions and delicious local fare, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country. And with a terrain that practically begs to be ridden, cycling through Germany is one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences one can have. What are you waiting for? Grab your bike, bring your camera and don’t forget your appetite!

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