Winter Holiday Travel in Italy Portugal the Netherlands and Germany

Family Vacations Food and Wine Itineraries Medieval Villages Nature Parks

Italy

Abruzzo is located on the Adriatic Coast, east of Rome. It is home to national parks, hilltop medieval and Renaissance towns and numerous nature reserves. The Apennine mountain chain forms much of its interior while the coastal plain has sandy beaches and dunes.

Basilicata, also known as Lucania, is a southern Italian region bordering with Campania to the west, Apulia to the north and east, and Calabria to the south, with one coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea between Campania and Calabria, and a longer one in the Gulf of Taranto on the Ionian Sea.

Campania the ancient Romans called this region of Italy Campania Felix. Baia, Puteoli, Pompeii, Stabia and Capri were their favorite destinations. Then and now, Happy Campania is famed for its ancient ruins, coastal resorts and world renowned culinary traditions. A cultural and national capital for much of its nearly three thousand year history, Naples is home to art museums, the San Carlo opera house and a spectacular bay framed by Mt. Vesuvius, affectionately and fearfully referred to by the local inhabitants as The Monster. 

Rome Lazio is mainly flat and hilly, with small mountainous areas in the eastern and southern districts. The coastline is mainly composed of sandy beaches. Behind the coastal strip, to the north, lies the coastal plain of Maremma Laziale. The center is occupied by the Roman countryside, a vast alluvial plain surrounding the city of Rome, and the south is characterized by flatlands. The Apennines of Latium are marked by the Tiber River valley and three mountains of volcanic origin whose craters are occupied by Lakes Bolsena, Vico and Bracciano. South of the Tiber, the Alban Hills, are of volcanic origin.   

Marche is slowly being discovered as the new Italian frontier; an abridged expression of the varied charms of Italy with a variety of attractions offered seasonally and year- round, including: authentic foods, breathtaking landscapes, a lively cultural landscape, artistic and natural treasures. 

Puglia is located in southern Italy; it borders the Adriatic Sea in the east, the Ionian Sea to the southeast, and the Strait of Otranto and Gulf of Taranto in the south. Its southernmost portion, the Salento peninsula, forms a high heel on the boot of Italy. 

Portugal

Lisbon Porto and the Douro Valley Lisbon a City of Lights and Contrasts is both Atlantic and Mediterranean, illuminated by an extraordinary light that contrasts with landscaped hills tumbling towards the Tagus river. 

Rotterdam Netherlands

Maritime Museums Walking and Boat Tours Original and fascinating professional guided walking tours. The heart of the second-largest city in the Netherlands lies inside a triangle of main roads. This inner city can easily be explored on foot within this triangle. The relatively short distances make a walk along beautiful and interesting sights and exceptional museums, the perfect way to discover Rotterdam. 

Düsseldorf Germany

Walking Tours Castles Fashion Museums and Rhine River Cruises Düsseldorf is the cosmopolitan capital of North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany`s state with the country`s largest population. The city has close to 600,000 inhabitants and is known for its old quarter – Altstadt – with nightlife and buildings which date back to the 16^th century. Here, you can taste the famous Altbier – a dark beer. 

Archaeological Cultural and Historic Preservation Planning

Your Community Plan for preserving local buildings and sites of archaeological, cultural and historic significance should:

list all archaeological, cultural and historic resources

identify those potentially threatened by future growth

recommend actions for safeguarding each, and

explain why the selected actions will achieve long term preservation. 

Preservation usually also entails efforts in the area adjoining the building such as easements and other deed restrictions, protective zoning regulations, establishment of preservation districts, purchase of the resource by an entity committed to preservation.

Frequently Asked Questions the plan sets forth criteria for assessing what constitutes preservation of an archaeological, cultural and historic resource, shows existing archaeological, cultural and historic resources within the planning area as well as resources threatened by anticipated growth. If any are threatened does the plan: recommend actions for preserving the resource and provide the factual basis for the effectiveness of each action.

If there are no archaeological, cultural and historic resources within the planning area or they are all secure then the score for this quality of life factor is 5 or A.

A New Plan for Your Area if your current plan is about to expire or rates poorly based on the Quality of Life Growth Management system, we can assist you in carrying out the outlined steps and/or conduct a community workshop and assist you in formulating a planning strategy for your community.

Nashville Tennessee

Music City Southern Charm History Culture and Haute Cuisine

Nashville has been the subject of many books, movies and songs. But, while music is the lifeblood of this city, you will also find here culture, history, haute cuisine, sports, natural beauty and especially Southern charm.

Food Scene Nashville's creative spirit can also be appreciated in its kitchens, from casual barbecue to fine dining, the use of local ingredients and unique culinary experiences.

The Jack Daniel Distillery is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and where the magic of brewing this world-famous Tennessee Whiskey all happens. Where Mr. Jack first crafted the recipe for Old No. 7 and where the pure, iron-free cave spring water flows.

The General Jackson Showboat is the world’s grandest showboat; experience world-class country music entertainment and delicious meals prepared by award-winning chefs

Antebellum South once a world renowned thoroughbred horse farm, the Belle Meade Plantation dates from 1853; explore the Root Cellar, the South's largest Smoke House, the family Herb Garden, and sample Tennessee wine at the new winery on the grounds.

Experience Home Style Barbecue and Line Dancing Lessons at the Wildhorse Saloon

Visual Arts 5th Avenue of the Arts is located just off Broadway. Here you will find several visual art galleries on one historic block including:

The Arts Company known as a prime destination for fresh, original, and contemporary artwork in photography, painting, and sculpture,

The Rymer Gallery whose goal is to foster artwork that entices, engages, and lures artists, collectors, and enthusiasts to Nashville’s expanding art scene, and

Tinney Contemporary that focuses on cutting-edge contemporary artwork from international artists.  

The Johnny Cash Museum features the most comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia in the world.

Grand Ole Opry what began as a simple radio broadcast in 1925 is today live-entertainment dedicated to honoring country music's rich history and dynamic present with a mix of country legends and the contemporary chart-toppers who have followed in their footsteps. 

Country Music Hall of Fame Museum and Historic RCA Studio B. See it. Live it. Experience it. More than a museum; an exciting and entertaining destination in Nashville with something for everyone. Rhinestone costumes, seasoned instruments and tear-stained lyric sheets are accompanied by interactive exhibits, films featuring top country names and sessions with professional songwriters.

Historic RCA Studio B the Home of 1,000 Hits

Ryman Auditorium was built in 1892 and is designated a National Historic Landmark. By day, take a guided museum and backstage tour and record your own CD in the new Ryman Recording Studio. In the evening, return for a show or concert at this premier performance hall.