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Russian Culture Monday: Maslenitsa 2012

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:00:48 +0000

Maslenitsa, Russia's farewell-to-winter festival begins today. Also known as Pancake Week or Butter Week, this festival is one of feasts, games, and traditions that date back to pre-Christian times, such as the burning of the effigy of winter. Moscow in February...

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Wine in the Hungarian Capital

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 20:30:44 +0000

If you're a wine lover, you will have many opportunities to sample Hungarian wine on your next visit to Budapest. From historic cellars to trendy wine bars, you can sample wine in a variety of venues to suit your style. And you don't have to be a connoisseur. Try a glass of white or red with dinner or buy a bottle at a shop to enjoy in your hotel room. Wine is a part of the Budapest experience, so don't miss out!

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Russian Culture Monday: Kostroma

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 07:56:49 +0000

Kostroma is a Golden Ring city with a well-established connection to royal Russia. Russian tsars and emperors used this ancient city as a retreat or safe haven from the bustle and intrigue of Moscow. The most famous sight in Kostroma is Ipatiev Monastery, which was occupied by one of several False Dimitri's, or pretenders to Ivan the Terrible's throne.

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Valentine's Day Destinations

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:59 +0000

Celebrating Valentine's Day in Eastern Europe is a unique way to make memories that you can cherish in the future. Though many destination cities in the region continue to huddle under a blanket of cold weather in February, seasonal activities and festivals show how the locals embrace their winters. Hotels and restaurants are aware of the importance of Valentine's Day for travelers and accommodate with special pricing or package deals. For the most romantic February 14th visit to the region, plan well, pack thoughtfully, and take advantage of what each city has to offer by way of cultural activities, food and drink, and evening performances.

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Russian Culture Monday: Valentine's Day in Moscow

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:44 +0000

Celebrating Valentine's Day in Moscow will make for vibrant memories. The winter wonderland Russia turns into from around October to March is a side of the country that leisure travelers rarely experience. However, Russians know how to enjoy their long months of freezing temperatures, and travelers can learn from the locals. Warming meals and evening performances help to stave off below-zero temperatures and outdoor ice skating rinks, icebreaker cruises, and other winter activities enable visitors to take advantage of this special time of year.

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February Romance in Poland's Capital City, Warsaw

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:52:18 +0000

If you've ever considered spending Valentine's Day in a European city, why not consider Warsaw? Warsaw's modern vibe that takes history in stride sets the perfect backdrop for romantic activities, which range from relaxing at a jazz club or spending a few hours in Old Town. Warm up over a candlelit dinner in the city center before resting up for another day of exploration in a cozy hotel.

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Russian Culture Monday: Suzdal

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:24 +0000

Suzdal's long list of sights makes it a good candidate as a stop on your tour of the Golden Ring region of Russia. A kremlin, monasteries, convents, and what's left of the historic trade center are some of its attractions. A museum of wooden architecture preserves significant examples of these fragile structures. Though Suzdal has suffered plunder, fire, and the absence of a railway, it continues to thrive as a destination for visitors curious about Russia's past.

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Russian Culture Monday: Bogolyubovo

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:52 +0000

Bogolyubovo is a Russian city named for Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, who was given the name "God-loving" as a result of his religious fervor. Bogolyubovo can credit its existence to a vision the prince had, wherein the Virgin Mary commanded him to establish a town on that location. Andrei Bogolyubsky is also associated with the Our Lady of Vladimir Icon, which now hangs in the Tretyakov Gallery and is Russia's most recognizable icon and also one of its holiest. Prince Bogolyubsky was responsible for some of Russia's religious heritage, a part of which can be found in Bogolyubovo.

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Romance in Dubrovnik for Valentine's Day

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:03 +0000

Dubrovnik in February isn't as warm as spring or summer, but Valentine's Day in Dubrovnik still has the potential for steamy days and nights. This destination has long been attracting ...

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Russian Culture Monday: Uglich

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:00:52 +0000

Uglich is the site of one of Russian history's most famous murders. The male child of Ivan the Terrible, who may have succeeded to the throne had his older brother bore no sons, was found dead in Uglich in 1591. Dmitri was only a boy at the time, and though his death might have been an accident, it is likely that Boris Godunov had Dmitri killed to prevent him from ever claiming the throne. The murder instigated the appearance of several so-called False Dmitris who were sometimes supported by those who wanted power for themselves or instability in Russia.

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