July 23, 2008
Travel the globe on your honeymoon
There are fabled cities like Camelot, Zanadu and Shangra-la that live only in the imagination. There are as well, real live destinations so seductive the mere mention of the name makes your pulse race. Since this is your first trip together as husband and wife, why not choose one of these alluring cities, and turn your dreams into reality.
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Like Rome, Jerusalem, Istanbul and Belgrade, the majestic city of Prague is built on seven hills. And like these other golden citadels whose historical and cultural heritage dazzles the senses, it is a place that will captivate you the moment you arrive.
Prague is a chronicle in stone, a perfectly preserved confection of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. It is home to Mucha, Kafka and Dvorak and 100 cathedral and castles. It is where music is as important as food, and concerts are held on every corner.
Honeymooners can cross the magnificent medieval Charles Bridge, visit the heart-stoppingly beautiful Prague Castle, the Old Royal Palace, the splendid St. Vitus' Cathedral and the wonderful museums. Or, they can stroll the cobblestone streets of Old Town, wander the labyrinth of winding roads and alleyways, courtyards and passages, and discover churches, gardens and enchanting little shops.
Superbly located on the banks of the Vitava River, only steps from the Charles Bridge, stands the exquisite Four Seasons Hotel. It is a combination of three historic buildings that span the centuries. The rooms are glorious and the restaurant which overlooks the river is superb.
For more information, call 800-332-3442.
Barcelona
The legacy of architect Antonio Gaudi greets you the moment you arrive in Barcelona. Spain's colorful, sensual, playful 2,000-year-old city is filled with wide, tree-lined boulevards, fun-loving denizens, a stunning port with glass and steel structures, and a vast repository of architectural jewels.
Stay at the magnificent sea-front Hotel Arts, a spectacular Ritz-Carlton property but spend your days at the Dali, Miro and Picasso museums. See the Gaudi treasures: the colorful Casa Batllo, the Casa Mila, Guell Park and the astonishing Sagrada Familia.
Walk the charming Ramblas, dine at the tapas bars and make memories that will last forever.
For more information, call 800-241-3333.
St. Petersburg
No period in history was as opulent as Russia's Golden Age of the Czars. It was a legendary era filled with gaiety, romance, lavish balls, priceless art treasures and gilded palaces. The Imperial families lived out their champagne wishes and caviar dreams in regal splendor and so can today's honeymooners.
St. Petersburg, spread over 101 islands with 66 winding canals and hundreds of bridges, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Stay at the luxurious Grand Hotel Europe which is guaranteed to please a Romanov. Visit the Hermitage, Catherine's Russian Baroque Palace in Pushin, Peterhof, the palace estate of Peter the Great and the sumptuous Yusupov Palace.
Enjoy the architectural masterpieces, the exquisite food, and the ballet where it was created on your royal honeymoon.
For more information, call Abercrombie & Kent at 800-323-7308.
Portugal
If a sun-kissed country with cobblestone streets, golden vineyards, silvery olive groves and a timeless soul appeal to you, Portugal should be your honeymoon choice.
Palatial, antique-filled manor houses in towns untouched by modern times are welcoming guests and allowing them to become one of the family during their stay. Check into the gorgeous 17th-century Paco de Calheiros in Ponte De Lima where the count and countess will assure you a honeymoon fit for nobility. You can sight see and shop in the charming town and watch perfect sunsets on your patio overlooking the Lima valley.
For more information, visitwww.solares-de-portugal.com.
Roberta Graff is a Woodmere, N.Y.-based freelance writer.
Copyright © 2008, The Virginia Gazette
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