1. Embracing History at the Acropolis

Upon arriving in Athens, your first destination must be the legendary Acropolis, the crown jewel of ancient Greek architecture. As you ascend the sacred rock, you’ll encounter the Parthenon, a marvel of classical beauty that has withstood the test of time. Standing on this ancient citadel, you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of the city, a reminder of Athens’ grandeur. While the Acropolis is a popular tourist spot, it’s advisable to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the tranquility of this historical marvel.

As you explore the Acropolis further, you’ll encounter other notable structures like the Erechtheion, with its distinctive Caryatids, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Each monument bears a unique tale from antiquity, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich history of ancient Greece.

2. Roaming Through the Ancient Agora

Step back in time as you stroll through the Ancient Agora, once the heart of Athens’ political and social life. Here, you can marvel at the remarkably preserved Temple of Hephaestus, a Doric marvel that dates back to 449 BC. The Agora offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Greeks, and you’ll find yourself enchanted by the tales of philosophers and politicians who once walked these same paths.

As you meander through the Agora, keep an eye out for the Stoa of Attalos, a reconstructed building that now houses the Agora Museum. The museum’s exhibits provide context to the historical significance of the Agora and its role in ancient Athenian life.

3. Exploring the National Archaeological Museum

For history enthusiasts, a visit to Athens’ National Archaeological Museum is a must. Housing an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, sculptures, and pottery, this museum provides an immersive experience of the past. You’ll discover an incredible array of treasures, including the iconic Mask of Agamemnon and the breathtaking Antikythera Mechanism.

Allow yourself ample time to explore the museum’s galleries, as each artifact unveils a unique narrative. From intricately sculpted statues of ancient deities to delicate pottery depicting scenes of daily life, the museum is a treasure trove of Greek history and artistry.

4. Getting Lost in Plaka’s Charm

Amidst the city’s ancient allure, Plaka offers a charming contrast with its narrow cobbled streets and neoclassical houses. This picturesque neighborhood is a hub of vibrant cafes, traditional tavernas, and boutique shops. Here, you can indulge in authentic Greek delicacies while immersing yourself in the locals’ warm hospitality.

As you stroll through Plaka, you’ll come across charming artisanal shops offering handmade crafts and souvenirs, providing an excellent opportunity to take a piece of Athens’ charm back home with you. Be sure to taste traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava at the local tavernas, where the flavors are as rich as the history surrounding you.

5. Admiring the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square

A short walk from Plaka, Syntagma Square is home to the Hellenic Parliament, where the famous Evzones guard performs an impressive ceremonial changing of the guard. Clad in traditional Greek costumes, the Evzones’ synchronized movements are a sight to behold, embodying the nation’s reverence for its history and traditions.

The changing of the guard takes place every hour, but the grandest ceremony occurs on Sundays at 11 AM. Make sure to arrive early to secure a good vantage point and witness this captivating display of precision and discipline.

6. Exploring the Panathenaic Stadium

Sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike will delight in a visit to the Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro. This marvel is not only the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 but also a reconstruction of an ancient Greek stadium used for the Panathenaic Games.

Stepping onto the hallowed grounds of the stadium, you’ll feel a sense of reverence for the athletes who competed here centuries ago. Capture the moment with a photograph at the marble podium and take in the immensity of this historical landmark that played a significant role in the revival of the Olympic Games.

7. Soaking in Sunsets at Cape Sounion

Venturing a short distance from Athens, Cape Sounion is an excellent escape to witness some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the world. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, the Temple of Poseidon majestically graces the landscape, adding an ethereal touch to the setting sun.

Arrive at Cape Sounion in the late afternoon to explore the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon before finding a comfortable spot to watch the sun dip below the horizon. The changing colors of the sky and the mesmerizing view of the sea create an ambiance that words can hardly describe, making this an unforgettable experience.

Bonus Tip: Free Walking Tours

While exploring Athens independently is rewarding, consider joining a free walking tour to enhance your experience further. These tours, led by knowledgeable local guides, provide fascinating insights into the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems.

Wander through quaint alleyways, learn intriguing anecdotes about ancient legends, and discover local spots that might be overlooked otherwise. Free walking tours usually last a few hours, making them an ideal way to familiarize yourself with the city’s layout while gaining valuable insights from enthusiastic guides.

Not only do these tours offer a budget-friendly option, but they also present an opportunity to meet fellow travelers from around the world, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared exploration. Keep an eye out for these tours near popular tourist areas, and get ready to unlock the secrets of Athens through the eyes of passionate locals.

Although SANDEMANs NEW Europe doesn’t yet operate in Athens, you can book your Free Walking Tours with any of the following providers. Simply remember to book directly with Tour Operators as much as you can.

athens-free-tour.com

athensfreewalkingtour.com 

newathensfreetour.com 

The post Exploring the Ancient Capital: A First-Time Traveler’s Guide to Athens first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

We are very proud to have been chosen by HostelPass as one of the best tour companies in Europe, and we’re happy to offer its member a 15% discount on selected SANDEMANs tours.

Don’t have a HostelPass yet? Get your first HostelPass with our exclusive 20% off discount code: SNE20.

5 Things We Love About HostelPass

1. Great Value For Money

Priced at just €24.99, the HostelPass makes a great purchase (or gift) for any travel lover. The HostelPass is valid for an entire year, but you’ll likely make your money back and more after just two days in a new city, depending on where you stay and what activities you book.

When you book a tour or hostel via HostelPass, you get a unique discount code to pay directly with the tour company or hostel themselves. Booking direct means getting the absolute best (and cheapest) rates, and with HostelPass, you get discounts on top of those rates.

What a great way to save money, especially if you are on a budget!

2. Vetted, Quality Discounts

HostelPass was founded by travellers, for travellers, and they only offer discounts on experiences and accommodations that they have vetted to be top-notch. They wouldn’t recommend anything to a fellow traveller that wasn’t 100% worth it, so you can rest assured when you find a hostel or tour via HostelPass, it’s one of the best. We’ve made the cut, so they must know what they’re doing!

3. Accessibility

At SANDEMANs we ensure that everyone, regardless of their budget, is able to experience our world-class tours. We love that HostelPass is contributing to our mission by making it easy for travellers from all over the world to unlock experiences and safe accommodation, regardless of income. The HostelPass is great value for money, virtual and super easy to navigate. We love the accessibility of it, and are proud to be partnering with them to offer our paid tours at a reduced rate.

4. Amazing Places to Stay

HostelPass has vetted Europe’s most amazing hostels in the best locations to give you great discounts in not just shared dorms, but private rooms too. While exploring the city with our top quality tours, you can stay in these great hostels, at a discounted rate. From Generator and Selina, to JO&JOE, Sant Jordi, and even independently run boutique hostels, there are plenty of great choices for everyone, all centrally located, with free wifi, clean and comfortable facilities and great staff.

5. Inclusivity

The HostelPass team’s mission is to foster international communities and encourage cross-cultural understanding. At SANDEMANs, we know that lifelong friendships can come from meeting someone on a walking tour, sitting next to someone new at breakfast, or chatting with a bunkmate. We are proud to support HostelPass on their mission by offering discounted tours via their HostelPass. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a serial backpacker, casual weekend explorer or about to embark on an epic gap year adventure, the HostelPass covers all the bases with amazing and tailored deals.

The post Get 15% off SANDEMANs Tours with HostelPass first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

Let’s explore the top 4 activities in Madrid to do during the times of Covid:

1. Museums in the Art Triangle

Madrid just wouldn’t be the same without it’s three main museums: the Prado, the Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza, all of which are located in a very small area known as the Art Triangle. All three centers have opened their doors to the general public, operating with restrictions in the floor space available to visitors and also instating the mandatory use of masks and the social distance measures of 2 meters separation.

With minimal precautions one can still go inside and enjoy some of the world’s best paintings and sculptures, covering Spain’s most famous artists, from Velazquez to Picasso and Dali, not forgetting Goya and many others, as well as key international artists of both modern and classic art periods.

Our recommendation is to start with el Prado, then move on to the Reina Sofía and end up in Thyssen-Bornemisza, as this way you make sure you cover the area from largest to smallest museum, and it also allows you to be more flexible with your time if your stay is short.

2. Watch the sunset at Templo de Debod

Perhaps one of the most beautiful images that Madrid has to offer, the Debod Temple close to Plaza de España is one of the strangest places the city has to offer: being over 2,200 years old, the Temple was gifted to Spain by Egypt in 1968 as a sign of gratitude for the help Spain provided in preserving the Abu Simbel temples during the 1960s. As such, it represents a very curious image for a city that has been shaped to its current form in the past 500 years.

Our recommendation is that you head over around 8:30 pm during the summer months and wait for the sun to go down; it is one of the most romantic images the city has to offer, and it makes for great photos to remember your trip. Also, the Temple is surrounded by both the Western Park and the area of Argüelles, which are great if you want to have a quiet walk around the park or find one of the great terraces Madrid has to offer to those looking for great food and drinks.

3. Rent a bike and discover Madrid’s great parks

For those of you that like to travel and relax but don’t want to stay too relaxed during your time away, riding a bicycle is not only a great way to cover a lot more ground that you would on foot, but it also embodies one of the safest activities when it comes to enjoying your holidays despite having restrictions in place!

If you are a bit clueless on where to go, we would recommend two key places: first and foremost, the Retiro park, as it is the most famous green space in the whole of Spain, located right in the center of the city. When you visit it, make sure to go to the “Palacio de Cristal”, one of the key sites in Madrid for those travelers who are always looking for the best photo to take. If, on the other hand, you are a bit more experienced on the bike and want to cover more ground, we recommend the Juan Carlos I park, which is one of the hidden gems of the city, covering almost 400 acres of ground. In it there are multiple bike paths and lanes that will surely make for a great time for those interested.

4. Take a Free Tour!

In another of our posts we already explained the usefulness and convenience of discovering a new city using a Free Tour, but even during the uncertain times we are living through, this is reinforced. Free Tours are probably the most convenient way to travel during the times of the Covid restrictions, mainly due to the following reasons:

a) It takes place outdoors: Following the advice of one of the key government agencies dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, the Robert Koch institute, activities that take place outdoors in groups of a controlled size and with an ensured safety distance are a great way to minimise the potential spread of the disease. As such, SANDEMANs NEW Europe’s Free Tour is the best way to discover any new city, even during these times.

b) Safety measures: Us at SANDEMANs NEW Europe have always kept your safety at the top of our priority list and, as such, we have adopted a series of measures to ensure that taking part of any of our tours is not only fun, but also perfectly safe. We have reduced the sizes of our groups, we have sanitizer gel available at all times, and we have made sure that, wherever required, we are equipped with face masks and any other equipment recommended to avoid the spread of the virus.

c) A Free Tour is a great option for those cities where some of the key attractions are closed down to the public due to the restrictions, as we can ensure that you still get all the information without being exposed to any risk and also regardless of whether or not that attraction is open to the public.

d) Information: Finally, taking a Free Tour at the beginning of your holiday is a great way to stay up to speed with the latest developments in terms of restrictions and reopenings, and plan your stay according to the latest regulations passed about Covid-19 taking advantage of the great tips our fantastic guides will offer for you to responsibly enjoy your holidays. As we all know, the situation changes really quickly, and sometimes it’s very difficult to keep up with the latest news, especially if you’re traveling. So if you’re on holidays and want to know if you can visit your favorite museum or park, but are hesitant due to the restrictions, ask your guide, they’d be happy to help!

As we have seen, these times we are going through do mean that we need to take as many precautions as possible to stop the spread of this virus, but they don’t necessarily mean that we cannot enjoy our holidays in Madrid. As such, from SANDEMANs NEW Europe we want to invite you to come visit Madrid, but do so responsibly. As you see, there are many options available!

The post Top 4 Things to Do in Madrid with Covid Restrictions first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

In this post we will talk about Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. As such, this city has always been known as one of the hidden gems of Europe, with a buzzing nightlife and a huge cultural offer for anyone visiting to enjoy. World-famous for its viewpoints and increasingly famous gastronomy, there are a lot of things that visitors coming after lockdown can still do to enjoy it.

Let’s explore the top five activities in Lisbon to do during the times of Covid:

1. Watch the sunset at one of Lisbon’s famous viewpoints

Being a city riddled with hills, Lisbon has a huge amount of viewpoints (the “miradouros”) where you can sit down, grab a drink and listen to some street music that accompanies the sunset (beware of the temperatures at night though!). Enjoying the views is a perfectly safe activity that anyone visiting Lisbon simply cannot miss.

Our most recommended viewpoints are: Graça, Portas do Sol, Nossa Senhora do Monte, São Pedro de Alcântara and Monte Agudo. As you can see, there’s plenty of them for you to choose from.

2. Take a small trip to the beach

Lisbon has a great weather all year round, and in the past few years it has become increasingly famous for its beaches and stunning locations, becoming a great competitor to the Algarve and the Azores. As such, if you’re visiting the city, think twice before taking the trip all the way away from lovely Lisbon and give some of it’s nearby beaches a try! We recommend Cascais and Estoril as the completely unmissable ones. Stay safe and work on your tan enjoying one of the best sights in Portugal!

Photo by Liam Spradlin

3. Rent a bike and discover Lisbon’s riverside

For those of you that even during your vacation don’t want to renounce to some exercise during your time away, riding a bicycle is not only a great way to cover a lot more ground that you would do on foot, but it also embodies one of the safest activities when it comes to enjoying your holidays despite having restrictions in place!

The best option would be following the riverside of the city, which has two compulsory stops: firstly, you can visit the neighborhood of Belém (that is if you haven’t already walked through it with us) or if you want to cover more ground, you can continue and end up on one of the beaches Lisbon has to offer (although that would take a bit more effort!).

4. Enjoy the city from a boat

As you are aware, Lisbon is a city that is seamlessly tied to the river, which dominates not only the views but also life in Lisbon, so we cannot recommend it enough. One of the activities that we believe should be on your list when you come over is to take a boat ride along the river. Not only is this a perfect opportunity to see a different angle of the city, it’s also a cool trip to take with your travel partners! As well as being outdoors, this activity is risk-free to embark on as it is easy to guarantee social distancing on boats. Some companies, like our friends over at Lisboat, have taken the measures a step forward and, like us, have obtained the “Clean & Safe” official stamp guaranteeing the safety of this experience.

Photo via Lisboat

5. Take a Free Tour of Lisbon!

In another of our posts we already explained the usefulness and convenience of discovering a new city using a Free Tour, but even during the uncertain times we are living through, this is reinforced. Free Tours are probably the most convenient way to travel during the times of the Covid restrictions, mainly due to the following reasons:

a) It takes place outdoors: Following the advice of one of the key government agencies dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, the Robert Koch institute, activities that take place outdoors in groups of a controlled size and with an ensured safety distance are a great way to minimise the potential spread of the disease. As such, SANDEMANs NEW Europe’s Free Tour is the best way to discover any new city, even during these times.

b) Safety measures: Us at SANDEMANs NEW Europe have always kept your safety at the top of our priority list and, as such, we have adopted a series of measures to ensure that taking part of any of our Tours is not only fun, but also perfectly safe. We have reduced the sizes of our groups, we have sanitizer gel available at all times, and we have made sure that, wherever required, all our staff members and guide partners are wearing all safety gear approved by law.

c) All the measures mentioned above have made us eligible for the official “Clean and Safe” stamp that the Portuguese authorities are granting, which guarantees the safety of all our tours and activities.

d) A Free Tour is a great option for those cities where some of the key attractions are closed down to the public due to the restrictions, as we can ensure that you still get all the information without being exposed to any risk and also regardless of whether or not that attraction is open to the public.

e) Information: Finally, taking a Free Tour at the beginning of your holiday is a great way to stay up to speed with the latest developments in terms of restrictions and reopenings, and plan your stay according to the latest regulations passed about Covid-19 taking advantage of the great tips our fantastic guides will offer for you to responsibly enjoy your holidays. As we all know, the situation changes really quickly, and sometimes it’s very difficult to keep up with the latest news, especially if you’re traveling. So if you’re on holidays and want to know if you can visit your favorite museum or park, but are hesitant due to the restrictions, ask your guide, they’d be happy to help!

As we have seen, these times we are going through do mean that we need to take as many precautions as possible to stop the spread of this virus, but they don’t necessarily mean that we cannot enjoy our holidays in Lisbon. As such, from SANDEMANs NEW Europe we want to invite you to come visit Lisbon, but do so responsibly. As you see, there are many options available!

The post Top 5 Things to Do in Lisbon with Covid Restrictions first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

All of that excitement is currently in a strange limbo-land with the Covid-19 pandemic. Maybe you are still planning trips but worry about when you’ll really be able to get there and enjoy the sights, sounds and buzz. We have those strong feelings as well and that urge to travel as soon as it’s deemed safe to do so.

So what can you do in the meantime to help satisfy those urges? Well luckily all around the world wonderful sights are being showcased in digital form. Below we’ve listed a few of our current favorites plus our new ‘tour guide in your living room’! – so relax and enjoy these from the comfort of your sofa!

Step out onto the roof of the Grand Palais in Paris

The Google Arts & Culture project includes more than 2,000 (!) leading museums from around the world. You can explore Art Movements, collections, artists and much more. But one of the things we really love is their ‘View From The Top’ – panoramas from the roofs of iconic buildings. Stand atop of the Grand Palais in Paris, Qutub Minar in Delhi and many more.

Explore Edinburgh Castle

Also on Google Arts & Culture, you’ll find Edinburgh Castle amongst the other stunning historical sites around the world. Have a digital wander on Castle Rock and when things get back to normality, come and join our walking tours to the stunning site.

Spot the elusive Northern Lights

This 24-hour live webcam in Manitoba, Canada is a great spot for spotting the incredible natural wonder of the Northern Lights. The website also includes a highlights reel and viewers can post screenshots of their findings too. This shot below was from the 2nd of April 2020. Be warned this webcam can become quite addictive!

Another great live webcam is of Trevi Fountain in Rome – probably the most famous fountain in the world. This Roman landmark is usually surrounded by tourists taking snaps of the Baroque masterpiece depicting Neptune atop a chariot pulled by sea horses.

Take the train from Bergen to Oslo

This 7-hour train ride through Norway is ideal for those who need to escape their self-isolation. It’s simply a railway journey with a camera fixed on the front of the train. At around the 2 hours 3 minutes mark the train exits a tunnel into a snowy dreamland and also the stop at Finse at around 2 hours 28 minutes is equally as spectacular.

Have a quick bike ride in Bora Bora

This three-minute bike ride at the St Regis Bora Bora Resort and posted by Lonely Planet is the most relaxing thing you’ll watch today. It doesn’t sound like much, but for a brief moment, you will escape that sofa and find yourself in beautiful French Polynesia.

A tour guide in your living room

Our guide partners may not be able to lead their famous FREE Tours just now, but you can still support their work with tips-based donations, just as you would in real life. Guides across the SANDEMANs network have been preparing short videos for you about topics related to their cities. As you would with the FREE Tour, if you like what they have to say, feel free to leave them a donation of your choosing!

Those are just some of our favorite digital escapes at the moment. Enjoy them from the comfort of your home, stay safe and we’ll see you soon.

The post Travel The World from The Comfort of Your Sofa first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

1. Tapas/Food

Think of a Spanish dish. You probably thought of a tapa: a little plate of heaven! Of course you can find all the classics here – patatas bravas, jamón-filled croquetas and salty chicharrones (pork rinds). But did you know that there are some tapas that you might only find in Andalusia? The king is the montadito de pringá, a seriously hearty sandwich stacked with shredded meats (pork, chicken, blood sausage and chorizo). Espinacas con garbanzos is the star of vegetarian plates, a moreish moorish mix of cumin-spiced spinach and chickpeas. Not forgetting salmorejo, the Sevillian take on classic gazpacho (cold tomato soup), which is beyond refreshing on a scorching summer afternoon!

2. Drinks

In a city famed for its scorching days and warm nights, it’s only right that Sevillians should have all the best refreshers. Every tapa must be served with a caña (a thin glass of beer, usually the local Cruzcampo), but you can always opt for the classic rebujito (a crisp mix of sherry and lemonade). Swap the sherry for red wine and you get Seville’s answer to sangria, known as tinto de verano. On the other hand, if you’re looking more to indulge than to refresh, then there’s a mind-boggling array of luscious sherries (wines from nearby Jeréz de la Frontera), such as amontillado, manzanilla or a sweet moscatel.

3. Triana

For a relatively small city, Seville boasts many characterful districts, from the narrow streets of trendy Santa Cruz, to the open boulevards of upscale Nervión. But no barrio is quite as iconic as Triana. Traditionally the home of Seville’s gitano (gypsy/Roma) population, Triana is a colourful neighbourhood with a very independent spirit – you’ll feel it as soon as you cross the river Guadalquivir! From intimate Flamenco venues, historic potteries and bustling clubs on the river-facing Calle Betis, it’s a vibe you have to experience to believe. Join us to see the best of it on our dedicated Triana Walking Tour!

4. Andalusia on its doorstep

Seville is the crown jewel of a truly magnificent region of Spain: Andalusia. It’s well-connected by train from Santa Justa to some stunning sights, such as the Alhambra (Islamic Palace) at Granada, the iconic arches of the Mezquita (Mosque-turned-Cathedral) in Córdoba and the ancient port city of Cádiz. That said, some nearer sights are actually harder to reach, but they are well worth the trip by road: we recommend the jaw-dropping gorge that splits the town of Ronda in two, and the whitewashed cave and cliff houses of Setenil village. Hey, it’s better to have too much to see than not enough!

The Alhambra in Granada

5. The Weather

If you’re in search of sun, bear in mind that some of our Northern and Central European destinations need a little… encouragement to warm up. There are no such problems in Seville, however, which has a summer period that arguably extends from April through till early October, and enjoys many hours of sunshine outside of these months, too. As such, life is geared around making the most of the good weather, with terrace dining, walks around the gorgeous Parque María Luisa, and consuming a mind-boggling amount of helado (ice cream) high up on our list of things to do under the sun.

Do be warned that temperatures regularly reach the high 30s to mid 40s in June/July/August, so be prepared for scorching heat in these months! 🔥

6. The Parties

With such brilliant weather, delicious food and a proud history, Seville has a lot to celebrate – and it certainly knows how to! The Semana Santa (Holy Week) is the city’s foremost religious celebration, where the city’s many cofradías (church brotherhoods) run lavish processions through the whole city, descending upon the magnificent Cathedral in the centre. A fortnight later, the Feria de Abril, opens up over 1,000 festive casetas (huts) where locals dance sevillanas, drink rebujito and eat tapas all day and night. You’ll want to prepare well in advance, but you can’t visit Seville without experiencing it either…

7. The Nightlife

… though if you do happen to miss one of these two major fiestas, you’re never far from a good knees-up any night of the week! The sexiest locations for Seville’s glitterati are on either bank of the Guadalquivir river – Paseo de Cristóbal Colón and Calle Betis (Triana) host a number of trendy bars by the shimmering waters. Though for a more ‘authentic’ experience (featuring botellón drinks and late night salchipapa and kebab), the maze-like Alfalfa district turns into a buzzing, highly student-friendly destination at night. Whatever your preference, Seville is easy on the wallet, so there’s no post night-out blues when you check your bank balance the morning after.

8. The Football

In spite of the heat, there’s no shortage of sport to enjoy in Seville, from rowing on the Guadalquivir to the curious tennis/racketball hybrid known as pádel. But one sport is king here: Football. Both of the city’s teams, Sevilla FC and Real Betis play in La Liga (the top division), and so regularly welcome Spain’s biggest teams, Real Madrid and Barcelona. But the only victory that matters is in the derbi, where masses of fans invade either half of the city with plenty of cañas, firecrackers and chanting all night long. Even if you avoid football like the plague, the atmosphere on derby nights is electric.

Estadio Benito Villamarín

9. The Architecture

Seville is a paradise for history buffs, with an absolutely mind-boggling array of monuments, palaces and ruins. Evidence of ancient Roman settlement of Hispalis can be found at nearby Itálica, whilst the hallmarks of Muslim rule in the Giralda and the Torre del Oro remain iconic skyline features. Of course, Spain’s imperial successes are reflected in stunning buildings such as the Cathedral, the Archivo de Indias, the Maestranza bullring and the opulent Royal Tobacco Factory. And even into the 20th century, the palatial Hotel Alfonso XIII and unmissable Plaza de España prove that Seville wasn’t quite ready to leave the Golden Age behind so soon. All of this, of course, you can explore with us for free!

10. The Oranges!

Sevilla tiene un color especial is the city’s unofficial anthem, but what exactly is this ‘special colour’? Well, we’d hazard a guess at 0range. After all, from the blazing sun overhead to the 40,000-ish orange trees lining many of the city’s principal thoroughfares, the city has a distinctly tangerine hue that belies the city’s warmth and vibrant colour…

If you feel inspired to join us in Seville, we can’t wait to welcome you! But, for goodness sake, don’t eat the oranges unless they’re already in marmalade. They’re bitter, you will regret it, and we will laugh at you – for fun! 🍊

The post 10 Things We Love About Seville first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

1. Amsterdam, Zeedijk

Amsterdam’s Chinatown is by no means the biggest on this list, but it’s an easy and welcome detour for any visitor to the adjacent Red Light District or Nieuwmarkt. Amsterdam’s Chinese community has called Zeedijk its home since the 1910s, despite Sino-Dutch trade going for much longer. Though eclipsed in number by the Indonesian diaspora, the Chinese community has carved out a cosy, central part of Amsterdam for itself – and built the largest Chinese Buddhist temple in all of Europe! The Fo Guang Shan He Hua is the iconic landmark here: it’s the heart and soul of the community, as well as the hub for all New Year’s celebrations, with the Dragon parade starting from its iconic gate. Not content with just one landmark, Amsterdam’s Chinatown offers some alternative retail therapy at the continent’s largest Asian department store, Toko Dun Yong. Here, you can even stick around for cooking classes or an authentic meal on the fifth floor! For something a bit less ostentatious, the Sea Palace restaurant (a three-storey, pagoda-shaped floating restaurant) is as popular with local ‘dammers on a business dinner as it is visitors from afar looking for somewhere memorable to go!

• HIGHLIGHTS: He Hua Temple, Toko Dun Yong department store, Sea Palace Restaurant.
• EVENTS: 25th January – Chinese New Year Parade starting at He Hua Temple, ending at Nieuwmarkt square, as well as a catalogue of cultural activities at the Temple itself, such as Calligraphy and Dharma philosophy classes.

2. Liverpool, Nelson Street/Great George Square

Liverpool’s Chinatown has had mixed fortunes since its heyday in the 1980s. Both the Economist and the Liverpool Echo have cast aspersions over its future, and a major regeneration project tipped for 2015 remains on hold. Still, the grand arch: the largest paifang of its kind outside of China (and a gift from Liverpool’s sister city, Shanghai) is an impressive attraction in its own right. Beyond the gate, the district’s local restaurants and supermarkets sell imported goods to serve the community rather than to draw in the tourists. As such, it’s a humbler existence than what you might expect for what is perhaps the oldest Chinatown in Europe: this area has maintained a consistent Chinese population since the 1860s, initially housing sailors and labourers serving the silk and cotton trade that boomed in this former Imperial port city. Nevertheless, the now-sleepier quarter bursts into life around Chinese New Year, with a massive parade at Great George Square, which is punctuated by a range of delightful cultural activities, such as Tai Chi classes, Martial Arts demonstrations, art installations and traditional music performances. You’ll also want to look out for the red lights – to symbolise prosperity and good fortune – illuminating many of Liverpool’s most iconic monuments (such as the Liver building, and our free tour start point at St. George’s Hall!).

• HIGHLIGHTS: Nelson Street Paifang (Arch), Illuminations (around Liverpool), Late-night Karaoke at ChinaCity Bar and Restaurant.
• EVENTS: Sunday 26th January – Dragon and Unicorn parades start at Great George Square, with a variety of cultural activities from local Chinese associations taking place here as well.

3. London, Wardour Street/South of Soho

The bright lights and buzzing multitudes of London’s Chinatown are nearly impossible to avoid: not that you’d want to – it’s as necessary a sight to see as Leicester Square or Trafalgar Square (which it conveniently neighbours). Walking its densely-packed streets, you wouldn’t guess that this bustling and exceptionally vibrant quarter is actually the youngest Chinatown of all! Only since the 1970s has this part of the West End served as the cultural heart of London’s Chinese community: the original homes of Chinese Londoners in Limehouse were bombed out during World War II. That being said, it’s not just Chinese in Chinatown – with everything from Malaysian laksa houses, Filipino ice cream parlours, Japanese ramen bars, and Cantonese dim-sum eateries, it would seem as if all East Asia has made these few streets home. It’s no surprise, then, that Chinese New Year here is a tasty affair, with the over-the-top ceremonies in Trafalgar Square being fuelled by food stalls aplenty. And if you pop into the neighbouring National Gallery, you might learn enough in a special workshop to become a professional dumpling artist!

• HIGHLIGHTS: Wardour Street Arch, eating your way through the continent, and putting your sweet tooth through its paces with a Macaron ice-cream sandwich at Yolkin.
• EVENTS: 26 January – A parade starts at Shaftesbury Avenue, snakes through Chinatown and ends at Trafalgar Square, where a large stage hosts a programme of musical and cultural performances. Cultural workshops can be found at the National Gallery, whilst demonstrations and classes can be found in community areas in Shaftesbury Avenue, Leicester Square and Charing Cross Road.

4. New York, Canal Street

It’s amazing that with an estimated population of 100,000 Chinese – the largest concentration of Chinese people in the Western Hemisphere – Manhattan’s Chinatown is still in the shadow of its west coast cousin in San Francisco. Nevertheless, this is the most famous of the nine Chinatowns in the Big Apple, and not without reason: from Gangs of New York to Grand Theft Auto, the gritty image of Chinatown of old – and indeed the whole Five Points neighbourhood – has been deeply explored in pop culture. But of course, it’s a lot safer now, and today it serves as a living, breathing cultural showcase to visitors. There’s more than enough to do in a day, from visiting Canal Street market – where astute hagglers and Time Out foodies rub shoulders to engage in their craft – to stopping in Columbus Park (a favourite haunt of elderly folks practising Tai Chi and playing Xiangqi). For those more historically-minded, the intriguing Museum of Chinese in America charts the fascinating, whirlwind journey of the significant Chinese diaspora in the United States.

There’s no question that Chinatown, Little Italy and Brooklyn are some of NYC’s most iconic neighbourhoods! From the thrilling stories of the once-feared gangs of New York to inspiring views from the Brooklyn Bridge (and insider tips for the tastiest bites in each neighbourhood), we’d love to show you it all!

• HIGHLIGHTS: Canal Street Market, Museum of the Chinese in America, Columbus Park, SANDEMANs Chinatown, Little Italy and Brooklyn Bridge Tour.
• EVENTS: January 25th – Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony (Sara D. Roosevelt Park), as well as Parades at the Botanical Garden and St. George’s Church (both Queens borough). The Manhattan Parade takes place on February 9th on Canal Street.

新年快乐! – Happy New Year!

The post Chinatown Rundown – 4 Chinese New Year Hotspots Across Our Network first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

1. The Monument

Tucked in amongst the skyscrapers is the Monument to the Great Fire of London of 1666. We won’t get swamped in the history here but it was built in the 1670’s and is still well worth a visit today. It isn’t the tallest building in London but it is one of the oldest and certainly one of the most charming. It’ll cost you less than £5 to climb the 311 steps to the top and you’ll receive a certificate as you leave to prove you did it. What more could you want?

2. Trafalgar Square?

Trafalgar Square, a hidden gem? No, of course not! There are more tourists than you can shake a selfie stick at. BUT Situated on the southeast corner of the square is a hollowed out pillar with a lamp on the top. This is often described as London’s smallest police station, constructed in the 1920’s so that a maximum of 2 officers could take shelter inside and monitor demonstrations and potential troublemakers. Technically it was never more than an outpost for the police but it did apparently have a direct phone line to Scotland Yard if trouble began to brew. So while everyone else is wielding their selfie stick you can go hunting for this mini monument to law and order.

3. York House Watergate

Tucked away on a backstreet behind Charing Cross Station is a monument to a bygone era, York House Watergate. In the 1860’s the river Thames was completely reinvented after the Great stink of 1858 (a real thing and as nasty as it sounds). This Venetian style gate marks where the river used to reach, 150 metres from where the riverbank is now. It’s a beautiful example of baroque architecture built in 1626 by Inigo Jones and as a little bonus it is just next to Gordon’s Wine Bar, a famous underground cavern with a fantastic wine and cheese selection.

4. A different kind of theatre

Up a winding narrow wooden staircase on a side street in London Bridge you will find a rather grim looking old theatre. If you were expecting jazz hands and big musical numbers then you’re in the wrong place, expect blunt knives and rusty saws. This is the oldest surviving operating theatre in Europe. The Old Operating Theatre is now a museum dealing with the early days of medical science and the grizzly act of surgery. It’s very small, so you should book in advance if this is something you have the stomach for. Gulp.

5. Time for tea

The English are famous for liking a drink or six (no, not beer), a lovely cup of tea. In the 21st century most of us just grab some teabags in the supermarket for a few quid but tea was traditionally an expensive luxury and the tea trade was hugely significant to London’s wealth and culture.

The Twinings tea shop and museum located on the Strand first opened its doors in 1706, you can buy tea, taste some samples at the tea bar and learn a bit about the history.

6. Cabmen’s Shelters

These small green buildings are dotted around some of the fancier parts of London. Between 1875 and 1914 there were 61 of them (no larger than a horse and cart), so that cab drivers were able to stop and get something to eat and drink. 13 of these shelters still survive today, and admittance is still strictly for cab drivers only but if you do fancy a cup of tea and a bacon sandwich, you can order to go. Be warned, they still have a strict code of behaviour, no gambling, swearing or drinking will be tolerated, so mind your manners!

7. The Garden of St Dunstan in the East

The Garden of St Dunstan in the East is a true gem, an unknown hideaway. This secret, overgrown little green space tucked between modern buildings has a magical, filmic quality that is hard to describe. There has been a church on this site since around 1100, severely damaged in the Great fire of London and then partly destroyed by a bomb in 1941. This little public park would be a great place to hide for an hour and take a break from your fellow tourists.

8. London Wall

People talk about the history of London, the Roman beginnings, where it all started, but it isn’t that easy to find, you have to go looking for it. Next to the Museum of London on several sites are some incredible examples of the defensive wall built by the Romans almost 2000 years ago. What is strange is that they aren’t locked away or covered up but sitting, almost ignored on the side of the road. If you are struggling to find the area in question we have helpfully named the road “London Wall”. You’re welcome.

Side note: The Museum of London is well worth a visit and tells the tale of London through the ages.

9. Greenwich

Greenwich is undeniably a very popular tourist spot, hardly a hidden gem. It’s situated on the river, it can be reached by train or boat and offers the Maritime museum, the Cutty Sark and the Royal Observatory to name but a few. However, Greenwich does have a different vibe to the rest of London, a little gentler, more like a seaside resort. Here are a couple of things you might not have heard about:

Next to the Observatory there is a stunning view of the city skyline and behind that a statue of General James Wolfe, if you look closely you can clearly see large bullet holes apparently made by a German fighter plane during World War II.

Down by the river near the Cutty Sark there is a glass-domed structure, this is the entranceway to the Greenwich foot tunnel, a 120-year-old passageway that takes you under the river to the other side.

10. Cell service

It would be rude to end without a pub recommendation. The Southwark Tavern is a stone’s throw from London Bridge station and Borough Market, it’s a beautiful old pub with a nice selection of beers to choose from. Take the stairs to the lower level and you will find yourself sitting in what were originally the cells of a debtor’s prison. It’s a cosy spot for a pint with friends now but 200 years ago a nasty place to have been locked away.

These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg, London is full of glorious little secrets. By all means get in line for the top London attractions, that is part of the reason you decided to make the trip in the first place, but perhaps have this list in your back pocket when you want a change of scenery and a change of pace.

The post London’s Hidden Gems – 10 Spots Worth Hunting For first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

What if this is all a figment of your imagination? What if you’re missing out on all of this. Say, because you have a cold?

Don’t let this be you. If you’re seeing one of Europe’s enchanting cities (or New York!) on a walking tour with us this Winter, you need to take a look at these top tips!

1. Pick your destination (or pick your tour)

If you (a) haven’t locked in a destination, (b) have an unshakeable aversion to the cold, do bear in mind that some of our destinations remain pleasantly mild throughout winter! Tel Aviv wins the prize for warmest winter destination with highs of 20°C expected on Christmas Day! And Jerusalem, Seville and Barcelona are also expected to maintain double digit highs throughout the season!

If you’re committed to a Free Tour in a cooler destination then you’ll definitely need the next few tips. But do bear in mind that plenty of our select tours in our chilliest cities visit some very warm and cosy indoor venues – how does an award-winning beer or soul-warming food tour sound?

2. Wrap up

Did you know that 8 of the 20 destinations in our network average freezing temperatures (0°C/32°F) or below during the winter months? Well, now you do. So you’ll want to dress for the occasion, since even a warm welcome from us can’t make some of our cities less frosty! Courtesy of yours truly, here’s a quick checklist for what to pack – you have finite space in that suitcase, after all:

• Light, windproof jacket/down jacket – if you can beat the wind, you can take a lot of the sting out of the cold, whilst still leaving space for souvenirs in your bag!
• Mittens – they may look silly, but you’ll be the one laughing when your hands feel like you’re sat by a warming fireplace. Alternatively…
• Touchscreen gloves – we visit some pretty insta-worthy locales, so if you want to get a cool few likes, don’t let frozen fingers stop you from using your phone on the go!
• Wooly hat – pair a wooly hat with a white pom-pom on top with mittens, and you have the foundations of the ultimate winter-chic getup. Your ears will thank you, too.
• Winter boots – not snow boots or hiking boots, but thick, soft shoes that go above the ankle to keep the feet nice and dry. Warmth first, fashion second, folks. Frozen toes are never ‘in’.

3. Drink up

Let’s not beat around the (holly) bush. You didn’t just book your trip to see the sights. You came to try the grub! Whether it’s a gingery German lebkuchen, a hearty Spanish buñuelo, there’s nothing quite so festive as trying a wintery treat from the market. But if priority number 1 is to warm up, you’ll need to be tactical about what you choose, too. So here’s our top 3 picks:

• Glühwein (Germany)/Glögg (Copenhagen)/Mulled Wine: spiced, hot wine that warms from the inside. Plus, you can usually stumble upon a Christmas market just by following its divine aroma.
• Chocolat Chaud (Paris)/Chocolate con churros (Spain): this isn’t your everyday hot chocolate: this is a luscious, impossibly viscous delight. Submerge a churro into your mug, and consume all together for a meal that might just send you to sleep.
• Warm Eggnog (New York): A thoroughly American drink, it’s hit and miss for its (can you guess?) egg base, but with a dash of spiced brandy, it’s an essential stateside Christmas treat… well, try it, at least.

4. Bring a good camera

If you’re all wrapped up and fed, then you can turn your focus from the chilly air to spicing up your Instagram account with some amazing festive shots! Regent Street in London hosts the city’s most stunning display of Christmas lights, whilst Lisbon will have new opportunities for unexpectedly seasonal shots at its new ‘Mundo do Natal’ winter wonderland! If you’re willing to venture out of the city, a shot of Salzburg or Neuschwanstein castle in the snow will be a valuable like-gathering commodity. But remember that there’s a time and a place for photos – so when you come across a sight to behold, let your eyes do the recording before whipping out the camera!

(Oh, and by the way, if you want to tag us @sandemansneweurope or #sandemanstours, we’d love to feature your best shots on our account!)

5. Don’t get frozen out on New Year’s eve

If you just so happen to be in one of our favourite cities for New Year’s Eve and looking for an activity that’ll warm you from head to toe, then we’d love to invite you along to one of our New Year’s Eve Parties & Pub Crawls! We’re visiting some of the best bars and clubs in 12 cities across our network, and with special drinks deals, free drinks and so much more on offer, you’ll be dancing into the new year with party-happy people from all over the world (we’ll leave how you choose to get warm up to you). Plus, with VIP entry and queue jump to these amazing venues, there’s no chance of collecting frost in a miserable queue!

We wish you a wonderfully warm Winter!

The post 5 Thermal Tips for Walking in a Winter Wonderland first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.

You might assume that tipping was an American custom that has spread to the rest of the world but tipping has been around in London since the 1600’s and one theory is that the term “tip” was originally an acronym meaning “To Improve Promptitude”. Despite it being an age-old tradition there isn’t a clear set of rules to follow in the UK so here are a few guidelines that might help:

1. Wining & Dining

If you are eating in a restaurant then leaving a tip is entirely expected and often relied upon. In 2019 the average tip is 10-15%. If you are a large group some venues will automatically add a service charge so keep an eye out for that when the bill arrives.

Exceptions to this rule: If you had a great experience and you want to tip more then go right ahead! Your waiter is NEVER going to be offended by a big tip; it will most likely make their day. Want to leave a Rolex on that little silver tray? That’s up to you.

On the other hand, if you had an awful experience, if the food was horrendous or they growled at you when you asked for a glass of water then you’re entirely within your rights to raise this with the staff and reflect this in the tip you leave. However, most British people will just leave the tip anyway and then spend the rest of the evening seething about the injustice of it all.

2. Tipping in Pubs and Bars

If you are propping up the bar, ordering a couple of drinks then there is no expectation to tip your barman, but that’s not to say that you can’t.

Traditionally if you’re feeling generous you can just say “and one for yourself” which generally means they’ll charge a couple of pounds on top for themselves. In the old days the barman might literally pour themselves a half pint of beer and drink it whilst they work but as you might imagine this often resulted in the barman being blind drunk by the end of the evening and considerably less effective at their job.

3. Cocktails

If you order an elaborate cocktail and watch a mixologist chucking bottles in the air, wafting the ingredients with flower petals like a mad scientist then most likely serving it up in a hollowed-out grapefruit then arguably this is a service and a performance worthy of a bonus. Tip away!

4. Tipping in a Taxi

Tipping a cabby isn’t expected in London but is appreciated. Don’t get tied up trying to calculate 10% of the fare as you bundle your family onto a busy London street. Most Londoners just add a pound to the total or round up to an easy amount. If the cab fare was £8.90 then it’s a lot easier to hand over a £10 note rather than standing around waiting for your change. But again, if you built a great rapport with the driver, if you had an experience you enjoyed and you want to show your appreciation then go right ahead, they aren’t going to chase you down the road in a rage at the extra income.

5. Tipping in a Coffee Shop

In central London there are coffee shops as far as the eye can see. Most of these will have a jar or bowl on the counter where you can leave a gratuity and these are always welcome but again it isn’t expected. The earliest examples of tipping occurred in coffee houses around 400 years ago so why not keep the tradition alive by dropping a little change into a jar as a thank you.

6. Tipping Tour Guides

Whilst you are in London you will probably be planning to visit some of the incredible historic sites on offer and one of the best ways to do this is on a walking tour. If so, you’ve come to the right place, SANDEMANs has you covered. If you are doing a walking tour in London there are two factors to look out for when it comes to tips.

• Paid tours

If you are paying up front then there isn’t an expectation that the guide should receive a tip for their services but if the guide did a great job and you want to show them it was appreciated then by all means tip them at the end. The guide will always be grateful for the extra income.

• Tips-based free tours

If you are going on a “tip-based” tour then the guide will be entirely dependent on the money they receive at the end and would otherwise be working for free. If you had a wonderful time, if the guide captured your imagination and told you some great stories in an enthusiastic way then tip them accordingly, as much as you like. The sky is the limit.

7. Hotels

Tipping can really vary depending on the star rating of the hotel but in general if a porter has taken your bags the suggested amount is £2 per item of luggage or if it’s a really fancy 5 star glitz and glamour place then as much as £5 a bag can be expected (in which case perhaps consider packing light!).

Once again there is no expectation to tip housekeeping at a hotel but its quite common to leave a little cash in the room when you leave as a thank you.

So to sum up, if you are feeling generous and you are happy with the service you are getting then don’t hold back, hand out cash like its monopoly money but remember its not a tax, it’s an opportunity to show your appreciation for a job well done.

The post Gratuity – Top Tips on Tipping in London first appeared on SANDEMANs NEW Europe.