Things to do in Europe
Venice, Italy
Venice Carnival - Feb. 11-21, 2012
Carnival started as a time for celebration and expression throughout the classes, as wearing masks hid any form of identity between social classes. Today, the Venetian Carnival is just what the name proclaims-a carnival. It no longer reflects most of the traditions of old. Costumes have become more elaborate and the parties have become wilder. The Carnival of Venice attracts 30,000 visitors from around the world each day. The masks are what make Venice's carnival so unique.
Venice Carnival - Feb. 11-21, 2012
Carnival started as a time for celebration and expression throughout the classes, as wearing masks hid any form of identity between social classes. Today, the Venetian Carnival is just what the name proclaims-a carnival. It no longer reflects most of the traditions of old. Costumes have become more elaborate and the parties have become wilder. The Carnival of Venice attracts 30,000 visitors from around the world each day. The masks are what make Venice's carnival so unique.
Venice, Italy
Befana Regatta- The Witches Race - Jan. 06, 2012
In celebration of Befane - the lady whom gave the Three Wise Men directions to a famous stable but declined their invitation to join them for the birth of the year - fifty rowing men dress up as 'Epiphany Witches' and race from San Tomà to Rialto Bridge. The finish line is marked by a huge stocking, which is just one of many stockings put out throughout Venice in anticipation of having them filled with sweets or charcoal by Befane, depending on how well one has behaved in the preceding year.
Befana Regatta- The Witches Race - Jan. 06, 2012
In celebration of Befane - the lady whom gave the Three Wise Men directions to a famous stable but declined their invitation to join them for the birth of the year - fifty rowing men dress up as 'Epiphany Witches' and race from San Tomà to Rialto Bridge. The finish line is marked by a huge stocking, which is just one of many stockings put out throughout Venice in anticipation of having them filled with sweets or charcoal by Befane, depending on how well one has behaved in the preceding year.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Biking - All year
Amsterdam is known as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world and is a centre of bicycle culture. 38% of all journeys in the city are made by bicycle. Most main streets have bike paths. Bike racks are ubiquitous throughout the city. There are about 700,000 bicycles in the city. Now this is a place a Portlanders can relate to! Bicycle rentals are readily available throughout the city. Central Station, Leidseplein and Dam Square are all major rental hubs. Day rates average 8 euros with some multi-day rates as low as 4 euros. Bikes are sturdy and locks are included. Equipment for children and other add-ons are also available. Avanti offers guided tours as well as recommended route maps for trips in and outside of Amsterdam.
Biking - All year
Amsterdam is known as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world and is a centre of bicycle culture. 38% of all journeys in the city are made by bicycle. Most main streets have bike paths. Bike racks are ubiquitous throughout the city. There are about 700,000 bicycles in the city. Now this is a place a Portlanders can relate to! Bicycle rentals are readily available throughout the city. Central Station, Leidseplein and Dam Square are all major rental hubs. Day rates average 8 euros with some multi-day rates as low as 4 euros. Bikes are sturdy and locks are included. Equipment for children and other add-ons are also available. Avanti offers guided tours as well as recommended route maps for trips in and outside of Amsterdam.
Keukenhof, Netherlands
Keukenhof Flower Garden - Mar. 19, 2012 - Months 2
Famous flower garden opens third week in March.
Keukenhof Flower Garden - Mar. 19, 2012 - Months 2
Famous flower garden opens third week in March.
Munich, Germany
Starkbierfest (Strong Beer Festival ) - Mar. 2012 - Days 17
Strong Beer Festival - The people of Munich owe this "spring health cure" to the monks, who since time immemorial have brewed an especially nutritious beer during Lent to strengthen their bodies that have grown weak from fasting. The official opening, with many prominent guests takes place when the first barrel is tapped in the restaurant Paulaner Wirtshaus on the Nockherberg. It is also celebrated in, among other places, the Löwenbräu Cellar, where the programme includes groups in local costumes and a stone-lifting competition.
Starkbierfest (Strong Beer Festival ) - Mar. 2012 - Days 17
Strong Beer Festival - The people of Munich owe this "spring health cure" to the monks, who since time immemorial have brewed an especially nutritious beer during Lent to strengthen their bodies that have grown weak from fasting. The official opening, with many prominent guests takes place when the first barrel is tapped in the restaurant Paulaner Wirtshaus on the Nockherberg. It is also celebrated in, among other places, the Löwenbräu Cellar, where the programme includes groups in local costumes and a stone-lifting competition.
Cologne, Germany
Karnival - Feb. 16-22, 2012
The Cologne Carnival is a carnival that takes place every year. Traditionally, the "fifth season" (carnival season) is declared open at 11 minutes past 11 on the 11th of November. But, the time of merrymaking in the streets is officially declared open at downtown square Alter Market on the Thursday before the beginning of Lent. Street carnival, a week-long street festival, also called "the crazy days", takes place between the Fat Thursday (Weiberfastnacht) and ends on Ash Wednesday (Aschermittwoch). The highlight of the carnival is Rose Monday (Rosenmontag), two days before Ash Wednesday. All through these days, Cologne folks go out masqueraded. The typical greeting during the festival is Kölle Alaaf!, a Kölsch (Cologne) phrase which can be translated as "Cologne above all!"
Karnival - Feb. 16-22, 2012
The Cologne Carnival is a carnival that takes place every year. Traditionally, the "fifth season" (carnival season) is declared open at 11 minutes past 11 on the 11th of November. But, the time of merrymaking in the streets is officially declared open at downtown square Alter Market on the Thursday before the beginning of Lent. Street carnival, a week-long street festival, also called "the crazy days", takes place between the Fat Thursday (Weiberfastnacht) and ends on Ash Wednesday (Aschermittwoch). The highlight of the carnival is Rose Monday (Rosenmontag), two days before Ash Wednesday. All through these days, Cologne folks go out masqueraded. The typical greeting during the festival is Kölle Alaaf!, a Kölsch (Cologne) phrase which can be translated as "Cologne above all!"
Valencia, Spain
Las Fallas - Mar. 12-19, 2012
Every year, Valencia plays host to Las Fallas, a giant fiesta that celebrates the beginning of spring. Neighborhood groups fundraise year round to build giant puppets (built of wood and papier-mache) mounted on floats which are paraded around and then burned in huge bonfires on the last day of the festival. The puppets are based off of historical figures, politicians or pop culture icons like Shrek. Music, food and fireworks are integral parts of the celebration, turning the city into an open-air non-stop party for four days. --- Valencia is a Mediterranean destination on the sea, great for boating, and also is known as the birthplace of Paella, so you can't visit the city without endulging in a heaping portion of saffron-colored rice filled with seafood and fresh vegetables. ----- . The city is also home to the City of Arts & Sciences, a state of the art cultural center, designed by Valencia's own native son, Santiago Calatrava. The center is a very cool modern looking complex of 7 buildings, holding an IMEX cinema, an opera house, a performing arts center and other museums and exhibits.
Las Fallas - Mar. 12-19, 2012
Every year, Valencia plays host to Las Fallas, a giant fiesta that celebrates the beginning of spring. Neighborhood groups fundraise year round to build giant puppets (built of wood and papier-mache) mounted on floats which are paraded around and then burned in huge bonfires on the last day of the festival. The puppets are based off of historical figures, politicians or pop culture icons like Shrek. Music, food and fireworks are integral parts of the celebration, turning the city into an open-air non-stop party for four days. --- Valencia is a Mediterranean destination on the sea, great for boating, and also is known as the birthplace of Paella, so you can't visit the city without endulging in a heaping portion of saffron-colored rice filled with seafood and fresh vegetables. ----- . The city is also home to the City of Arts & Sciences, a state of the art cultural center, designed by Valencia's own native son, Santiago Calatrava. The center is a very cool modern looking complex of 7 buildings, holding an IMEX cinema, an opera house, a performing arts center and other museums and exhibits.
Madrid, Spain
Twelfth Night Children's Parade Madrid - Jan. 4-5, 2012
The holiday season in Spain ends with the traditional Kings' Day parade, as Caspar, Balthasar and Melchior travel through the streets of Madrid throwing sweets out to the assembled crowds of children and adults. The event varies immensely according to town and city. Celebrations can take the form of theatrical re-enactments, traditional pageants or the more common sweet distribution for children. Madrid opts for the latter of the three and on a scale that is likely to keep every Madrid dentist busy for the year to come.Thirty carriages equipped with just under 7000 kilos of sweets take to the streets between El Retiro Park and the Plaza Mayor. The exotic Kings from the Orient, along with helpers, greet the crowds with handfuls of sweets and smiles. At the end of the procession there are numerous theatrical activities for children in the Plaza Mayor. Hoards of people turn up to witness to the event. Estimates in the last few years have put the attendance figure at around half a million. The night before the procession it is traditional for children to leave their shoes on their windowsills and fill them with straw for the horses of the visiting trio.
Twelfth Night Children's Parade Madrid - Jan. 4-5, 2012
The holiday season in Spain ends with the traditional Kings' Day parade, as Caspar, Balthasar and Melchior travel through the streets of Madrid throwing sweets out to the assembled crowds of children and adults. The event varies immensely according to town and city. Celebrations can take the form of theatrical re-enactments, traditional pageants or the more common sweet distribution for children. Madrid opts for the latter of the three and on a scale that is likely to keep every Madrid dentist busy for the year to come.Thirty carriages equipped with just under 7000 kilos of sweets take to the streets between El Retiro Park and the Plaza Mayor. The exotic Kings from the Orient, along with helpers, greet the crowds with handfuls of sweets and smiles. At the end of the procession there are numerous theatrical activities for children in the Plaza Mayor. Hoards of people turn up to witness to the event. Estimates in the last few years have put the attendance figure at around half a million. The night before the procession it is traditional for children to leave their shoes on their windowsills and fill them with straw for the horses of the visiting trio.
London, England
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Races - Feb. 21, 2012
Main event is at Spitafileds Mkt - other events around the country. Start training for Shrove Tuesday and join in the Great Spitalfields Pancake Race. All you need to do is gather a team of four people suitably dressed up (or down) to enter in the relay race. Bring your own frying pan and the organisers will provide the pancakes. The goal is to walk as fast as possible toward the finish line while flipping pancakes, which sounds easier than it really is. The race will be run along Dray Walk at The Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. The heats will start at 12.30 p.m. followed by the finals and the awards ceremony. The winners will receive a beautifully engraved - you've guessed it - frying pan! The best dressed team will also receive a prize. And there will be prizes for runners up and scrumptious pancakes for all entrants.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Races - Feb. 21, 2012
Main event is at Spitafileds Mkt - other events around the country. Start training for Shrove Tuesday and join in the Great Spitalfields Pancake Race. All you need to do is gather a team of four people suitably dressed up (or down) to enter in the relay race. Bring your own frying pan and the organisers will provide the pancakes. The goal is to walk as fast as possible toward the finish line while flipping pancakes, which sounds easier than it really is. The race will be run along Dray Walk at The Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane. The heats will start at 12.30 p.m. followed by the finals and the awards ceremony. The winners will receive a beautifully engraved - you've guessed it - frying pan! The best dressed team will also receive a prize. And there will be prizes for runners up and scrumptious pancakes for all entrants.
London, England
Leonardo DaVinci Exhibition - Nov. 9 - Feb. 5, 2012
'Painter at the Court of Milan' at the National Gallery. This is the most complete display of Leonardo's rare surviving paintings ever held. This is the first time these paintings have been on display.
Leonardo DaVinci Exhibition - Nov. 9 - Feb. 5, 2012
'Painter at the Court of Milan' at the National Gallery. This is the most complete display of Leonardo's rare surviving paintings ever held. This is the first time these paintings have been on display.
London, England
BADA Antiques and Fine Art Fair - Mar. 21 - 27, 2012
The Duke of York Square, located near Sloane Square in the beautiful Chelsea neighborhood of London welcomes the UK's premier art and antiques fair.
BADA Antiques and Fine Art Fair - Mar. 21 - 27, 2012
The Duke of York Square, located near Sloane Square in the beautiful Chelsea neighborhood of London welcomes the UK's premier art and antiques fair.
Windsor, England
The Queen: Sixty Photographs for Sixty Years - Feb. 4, 2012 - Jan. 2013
The exhibition presents a portrait of The Queen's reign as captured in fleeting moments on both official occasions and at relaxed family gatherings.
The Queen: Sixty Photographs for Sixty Years - Feb. 4, 2012 - Jan. 2013
The exhibition presents a portrait of The Queen's reign as captured in fleeting moments on both official occasions and at relaxed family gatherings.
Everywhere, Scotland
Burns' Night - Jan. 25, 2012
An exhibition of some of the finest treasures from the Royal Collection will go on display at The Queen's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2012.
Burns' Night - Jan. 25, 2012
An exhibition of some of the finest treasures from the Royal Collection will go on display at The Queen's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2012.
Menton/Riviera, France
Festival du Citron -Feb. 17 - Mar. 7
Menton is an easy day trip by rail from Nice.
Festival du Citron -Feb. 17 - Mar. 7
Menton is an easy day trip by rail from Nice.
Paris, France
Cézanne à Paris art exhibition - Oct. 10 - Feb. 27, 2012
Held at the Museum de Luxembourg.
Cézanne à Paris art exhibition - Oct. 10 - Feb. 27, 2012
Held at the Museum de Luxembourg.
Paris, France
Paris Half Marathon - Mar. 4, 2012
Every year in April, 35,000 runners crowd the streets of Paris in the annual Marathon de Paris – or Paris International Marathon. This event, in the form that it appears in today, has been happening ever since 1977, and the next time is on Sunday, April 15, 2012. The first time a marathon was run in Paris was as early as 1896 over the at that time official distance of 40 km. Present day's Paris Marathon is limited to 40,000 entrants, and the maximum is reached almost every year - usually as early as six months before marathon day. But it is not enough to send your registration off in time. Before your entrance is submitted, you need a medical certificate affirming your physical fitness.
Paris Half Marathon - Mar. 4, 2012
Every year in April, 35,000 runners crowd the streets of Paris in the annual Marathon de Paris – or Paris International Marathon. This event, in the form that it appears in today, has been happening ever since 1977, and the next time is on Sunday, April 15, 2012. The first time a marathon was run in Paris was as early as 1896 over the at that time official distance of 40 km. Present day's Paris Marathon is limited to 40,000 entrants, and the maximum is reached almost every year - usually as early as six months before marathon day. But it is not enough to send your registration off in time. Before your entrance is submitted, you need a medical certificate affirming your physical fitness.
Paris, France
Paris Full Marathon - Apr. 15, 2012
Every year in April, 35,000 runners crowd the streets of Paris in the annual Marathon de Paris – or Paris International Marathon. This event, in the form that it appears in today, has been happening ever since 1977, and the next time is on Sunday, April 15, 2012. The first time a marathon was run in Paris was as early as 1896 over the at that time official distance of 40 km. Present day's Paris Marathon is limited to 40,000 entrants, and the maximum is reached almost every year - usually as early as six months before marathon day. But it is not enough to send your registration off in time. Before your entrance is submitted, you need a medical certificate affirming your physical fitness.
Paris Full Marathon - Apr. 15, 2012
Every year in April, 35,000 runners crowd the streets of Paris in the annual Marathon de Paris – or Paris International Marathon. This event, in the form that it appears in today, has been happening ever since 1977, and the next time is on Sunday, April 15, 2012. The first time a marathon was run in Paris was as early as 1896 over the at that time official distance of 40 km. Present day's Paris Marathon is limited to 40,000 entrants, and the maximum is reached almost every year - usually as early as six months before marathon day. But it is not enough to send your registration off in time. Before your entrance is submitted, you need a medical certificate affirming your physical fitness.
Binche - a town in Wallonia, south of Brussels, Belgium
Carnival of Binche - Feb. 19 - 21, 2012
The carnival is the most known of several others that take place in Belgium at the same time and has been proclaimed as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity listed by UNESCO. Its history dates back to approximately the 14th century.
Carnival of Binche - Feb. 19 - 21, 2012
The carnival is the most known of several others that take place in Belgium at the same time and has been proclaimed as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity listed by UNESCO. Its history dates back to approximately the 14th century.
Lucerne - Switzerland
Carnival in Lucerne - Feb. 16 - 22, 2012
The origins of the Lucerne Carnival, the celebration of which practically rules the town for a few days, are marked by the figure of Fritschi, an elderly man with his wife known as the Fritschene, and the Fritschikind, or Fritschi's child. Lucerne is famous for having the best of mood and music, the most colorful and jolly parades and the most elaborate masks in the whole country. The opening of the Carnival on Dirty Thursday cannot be described better than on the official Lucerner Fasnacht website: "When on Dirty Thursday Brother Fritsch with his followers arrive at 5am on Schweizerhofquai and open the Fasnacht carnival with the loud bang (Urknall), the city suddenly transforms into a gurgling Witch-pot. Hundreds of Guuggenmusicians start drumming and blowing their pipes and playing their brass instruments. Thousands of people start filling the small streets of the old town, dressed in colorful costumes and wearing elaborate masks. This is how the "Fifth season" in Lucerne starts and its residents, who are usually self-controlled, for six days turn the city into a center of joy coated in just a little bit of carnival madness.
Carnival in Lucerne - Feb. 16 - 22, 2012
The origins of the Lucerne Carnival, the celebration of which practically rules the town for a few days, are marked by the figure of Fritschi, an elderly man with his wife known as the Fritschene, and the Fritschikind, or Fritschi's child. Lucerne is famous for having the best of mood and music, the most colorful and jolly parades and the most elaborate masks in the whole country. The opening of the Carnival on Dirty Thursday cannot be described better than on the official Lucerner Fasnacht website: "When on Dirty Thursday Brother Fritsch with his followers arrive at 5am on Schweizerhofquai and open the Fasnacht carnival with the loud bang (Urknall), the city suddenly transforms into a gurgling Witch-pot. Hundreds of Guuggenmusicians start drumming and blowing their pipes and playing their brass instruments. Thousands of people start filling the small streets of the old town, dressed in colorful costumes and wearing elaborate masks. This is how the "Fifth season" in Lucerne starts and its residents, who are usually self-controlled, for six days turn the city into a center of joy coated in just a little bit of carnival madness.
Basel - Switzerland
Carnival in Basel - Feb. 27 - 29, 2012
The Carnival of Basel is the biggest carnival in Switzerland and takes place annually between February and March in Basel. It has been listed as one of the top fifty local festivities in Europe. It begins when the clocks strike four am , all the lights in the city centre are extinguished. From thousands of piccolos the traditional and somewhat archaic-sounding melody of the "Morgestraich" is played and fills every street and alley of the city. The only light sources are the big lanterns of the Fasnacht groups, the pole lanterns of the preceding "Vortrab" who clear the way for them, and the head lanterns on the masks of all participants.
Carnival in Basel - Feb. 27 - 29, 2012
The Carnival of Basel is the biggest carnival in Switzerland and takes place annually between February and March in Basel. It has been listed as one of the top fifty local festivities in Europe. It begins when the clocks strike four am , all the lights in the city centre are extinguished. From thousands of piccolos the traditional and somewhat archaic-sounding melody of the "Morgestraich" is played and fills every street and alley of the city. The only light sources are the big lanterns of the Fasnacht groups, the pole lanterns of the preceding "Vortrab" who clear the way for them, and the head lanterns on the masks of all participants.
Budapest - Hungary
Budapest Spring Music Festival - Mar. 18 - Apr. 3, 2012
The Budapest Spring Festival is one of Hungary's most prominent cultural events. Held annually in the last two weeks of March. The program is very diverse - besides classical music and jazz concerts, there are theatre performances, film screenings, open-air programmes and other festival-type events. Artists from all over the world fill more than 50 venues across the city. It's the perfect opportunity to get to know Budapest's cultural side.
Budapest Spring Music Festival - Mar. 18 - Apr. 3, 2012
The Budapest Spring Festival is one of Hungary's most prominent cultural events. Held annually in the last two weeks of March. The program is very diverse - besides classical music and jazz concerts, there are theatre performances, film screenings, open-air programmes and other festival-type events. Artists from all over the world fill more than 50 venues across the city. It's the perfect opportunity to get to know Budapest's cultural side.
Budapest - Hungary
International Circus Festival - Feb. 2-6, 2012
Festival takes place at the State Circus. Five shows featuring performances from world-renounced circus performers are judged by an international panel, always promise to be exciting and full of unexpected feats. The Festival is a celebration, a unique event for the circus arts and a serious competition for the participating professionals.
International Circus Festival - Feb. 2-6, 2012
Festival takes place at the State Circus. Five shows featuring performances from world-renounced circus performers are judged by an international panel, always promise to be exciting and full of unexpected feats. The Festival is a celebration, a unique event for the circus arts and a serious competition for the participating professionals.
Krakow - Poland
Wawel Evenings - Jan. 2-31, 2012
Wawel Castle hosts live classical music concerts through the month of January. Wawel Castle is located in Krakow, and is within a short distance of the city center.
Wawel Evenings - Jan. 2-31, 2012
Wawel Castle hosts live classical music concerts through the month of January. Wawel Castle is located in Krakow, and is within a short distance of the city center.
Sample Vacation Packages
Amsterdam - Netherlands
Amsterdam Winter Package with Historic City Bike Tour
The Amsterdam Winter Package is the perfect way to see this diverse European city. You will have the chance to explore its eclectic flabor by bike, boat, and, of course, on foot with the convenience of the canal bus pass and entrance into the fabulous Van Gogh Museum.
Amsterdam Winter Package with Historic City Bike Tour
The Amsterdam Winter Package is the perfect way to see this diverse European city. You will have the chance to explore its eclectic flabor by bike, boat, and, of course, on foot with the convenience of the canal bus pass and entrance into the fabulous Van Gogh Museum.
Venice - Italy
Experience Carnival in Venice
Enjoy an unforgettable experience in this unique city, incomparable for its charm, art, history, architecture and eclectic atmosphere. During Carnival 2012, Venice transforms into a magical celebration of costume and culture from February 11-21.
Experience Carnival in Venice
Enjoy an unforgettable experience in this unique city, incomparable for its charm, art, history, architecture and eclectic atmosphere. During Carnival 2012, Venice transforms into a magical celebration of costume and culture from February 11-21.
London - England
London Winter Package with Vintage Red Bus Tour
Combining a perfect overview of its best-known landmarks with the convenience and ease of the Oyster Card, this package is a great way to familiarize yourself with London town. If you've traveled to the big city across the pond before, the London Winter Package gives you a refresher on all that makes it the ideal blend of classic and modern.
London Winter Package with Vintage Red Bus Tour
Combining a perfect overview of its best-known landmarks with the convenience and ease of the Oyster Card, this package is a great way to familiarize yourself with London town. If you've traveled to the big city across the pond before, the London Winter Package gives you a refresher on all that makes it the ideal blend of classic and modern.
Munich - Germany
Starkbierfest Munich Strong Beer Festival
To truly appreciate the German's love of beer you have to experience what locals call the fifth season. It’s the Starkbierfest (Strong Beer Festival), a three-week frenzy of early-spring stout swigging. During Starkbierfest, breweries across Munich unveil their strongest concoctions along with plenty of food and fun. The official opening is usually in mid March and takes place when the first barrel is tapped in the Paulaner brewery on the Nockherberg, just south of central Munich. Think of Strong Beer Season as Oktoberfest without the tourists and with much stronger beer. Locals pack into a huge hall and dance on the benches to modern and old-time German hits. The beer is served by the one-litre ceramic steins called Keferloher.
Starkbierfest Munich Strong Beer Festival
To truly appreciate the German's love of beer you have to experience what locals call the fifth season. It’s the Starkbierfest (Strong Beer Festival), a three-week frenzy of early-spring stout swigging. During Starkbierfest, breweries across Munich unveil their strongest concoctions along with plenty of food and fun. The official opening is usually in mid March and takes place when the first barrel is tapped in the Paulaner brewery on the Nockherberg, just south of central Munich. Think of Strong Beer Season as Oktoberfest without the tourists and with much stronger beer. Locals pack into a huge hall and dance on the benches to modern and old-time German hits. The beer is served by the one-litre ceramic steins called Keferloher.
