5 Places for a Dream UEFA Champions League Holiday in Europe

Summer is that perfect time for a special European holiday with family and/or friends. Not only is the weather absolutely gorgeous at this time in that part of the world, the pleasant, bright and long days ensure that you get maximum time for exploration followed by action packed nightlife. Add to this the ongoing UEFA Champions League and you have what I think is a dream holiday in Europe.



If you are a football lover or even a sports lover, this could be a lip smacking holiday proposition for you. Watching your favorite players play in iconic football stadiums amidst colorful and noisy fans and then rejoicing that experience over some freshly brewed beer and exploring these amazing European destinations during non football time is kind of like a perfect sports holiday. These days, sports holidays seem to be the in thing in the world of travel. Whether it is the Olympics, the recently completed Gold Coast Commonwealth games, a pan Europe Champions League in this case or the upcoming football world cup in Russia, they offer the best of two fantastic worlds – sports and travel. I would opt for such perfect combo trips in a heart beat.



If you are a die-hard football fan and money is not an issue, I would say plan a Champions League Europe road trip where you travel between the various UEFA Champions League locations. This way, you get to enjoy the semi finals and finals up close and live, you get to live that European road trip, you get to explore some of the best cities of Europe and you get a taste of the amazing European countryside and its various attractions. If the road trip sounds a bit too much for you, you could opt for a specific UEFA Champions League match location (Kyiv, Rome, Madrid, Munich or Liverpool) and plan your entire holiday around it. Either ways, the below tips and ideas will help you make the best of your dream sports holiday to Europe. Before you read any further, make sure you plan properly to get a solid travel insurance plan and a good multi-currency forex card like the ones offered by Axis Bank to ensure that are fully equipped to handle crowds, safety issues, finance issues and any possible medical contingencies.



Here is the handy UEFA Champions League Schedule to help you plan your trip:

Date: 25-April-2018 | Location: Liverpool, England

Semi final 1st Leg | Liverpool vs Roma | Liverpool won 5-2

Date: 26-April-2018 | Location: Munich, Germany

Semi final 1st Leg | Bayern vs Real Madrid | Real Madrid won 2-1   
   
Date: 2-May-2018 | Location: Madrid, Spain

Semi final 2nd Leg | Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich

Date: 3-May-2018 | Location: Rome, Italy

Semi Final 2nd Leg | Roma vs Liverpool

Date: 27-May-2018 | Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Final | TBD vs TBD
And here is the dope on all the five locations where the semi finals and the finals of the Champions League will be held.

Kyiv, Ukraine



The location of the UEFA Champions League final and the capital of Ukraine is one of the lesser explored hotspots of Europe. I call it as one of the top unlikely holiday destinations in Europe. This inexpensive destination, which happens to be one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe dating back to the 5th century, is a treasure trove when it comes to cave monasteries, churches, cathedrals, palaces, monuments and historic buildings.



I would start my Kyiv exploration with the gorgeous St. Sophia’s cathedral, a UNESCO World heritage site and one that houses the world’s largest ensemble of frescoes and mosaics. And once I have climbed its bell tower and soaked in the city’s spectacular aerial view, I would head to Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, one of the oldest and most important monasteries in Ukraine. After visiting this 11th century cave monastery that has immense religious significance, I would make my way to the beautiful St. Michael’s gold domed cathedral. This working monastery dates back to the 12th century. Other interesting places worth exploring are the Open-Air Museum of folk architecture and rural life, Andrew’s descent, Mariyinsky palace, Museum of the toilet’s history and last, but not the least, FC Dynamo Kyiv, Kyiv’s local football club and stadium. For souvenir shopping, old communist stuff and matrioshka dolls, visit the market at Andrew’s descent.

Rome, Italy



The eternal city and the home of the gladiators, Rome offers an eclectic mix of culture, history, fashion, shopping, food and nightlife. With a UNESCO world heritage site in its historic center, you are never too far away from grand ruins, ornate statues and fountains, ancient churches and beautiful palaces. One of my favorite cities in Europe, this is the land of the pizza and gelato, it is home to the mighty Colosseum, Vatican, the catacombs and about 900 churches and it also hosts some of the best musical theatres in the world.



Like everyone, I would recommend the underground Colosseum and gladiator tours. Once you get through these two, explore the old Rome city by foot and get lost in its medieval atmosphere that is full of uneven cobblestones, roof gardens, fountains, sculptures, paintings, old houses, baroque buildings, churches, narrow streets, squares and viewponts. Key highlights of this walking trip would be Trevi fountain, St. Peter’s Square, Piazza Navona, Tiber riverside, Piazza della Rotonda and the piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere. If you are into viewpoints, I would heavily recommend climbing to the top of the Vittoriano or to the top of the Janiculum hill.



Catholic Rome is a treat to the eye. There are so many churches to explore that you might need a few months to cover all of them. But, for a quick, yet great experience, I would recommend visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, St Paul Outside the Walls, Santa Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni.



For Rome’s top haute couture, via Condotti and via Cola di Rienzo are the places to go to. If you feel like a flea market, head to the one at Porta Portese, but do be warned that this place gets quite crowded.

Madrid, Spain



This capital city of Spain packs so much cultural and artistic heritage that you can see it almost everywhere, right from its landmarks and architecture to its museums and art galleries. This city also lives and breathes football, so a trip to Santiago Bernabeu, the home of local club Real Madrid is not to be missed. It’s food scene and nightlife is also top notch, so you have pretty much a lot to see and do both during the day and night.



Madrid feels like a young and high energy city, so as a traveler, you are bound to have a spring in your step as you explore its key landmarks such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, Palacio Real, Plaza de Oriente, Museo del Prado among many others. For something more action packed, catch a flamenco show or a bullfight at the Las Ventas Bullring and if you are into music, head to the nearest opera theatre. For a gastronomic experience, opt for a old Madrid Tapas and Wine tour and for nightlife, the iconic joints are La Esquina de Eusebio Tapas Bar, the El Rincon de Fogg bar and the Joy club.

Munich, Germany



The birthplace of the Oktoberfest and the home of Bayern Munich, Germany’s most famous football club, football and beer is an integral of this capital of Bavaria. While you might not be able to indulge in the Oktoberfest during the UEFA Champions league, you can certainly soak in the culture, shopping, fine dining, nightlife and Bavarian beer hall atmosphere. Munich’s baroque architecture is a treat to the eye. Whether you are at the four grand royal avenues (Briennerstrabe, Ludwigstrabe, Maximilianstrabe, Prinzregentenstrabe) that run through Munich’s inner city, Schloss Nymphenburg or at the churches of Frauuenkirche and Theatinerkirche, the bavarian architecture of this South German city is bound to dazzle you.



Munich as a city is all about appreciating art, football and beer. It is home to many theaters and music venues showing different plays and performances. So, do catch a show when you find time. And typically, there are summer festivals. Do keep an eye and ear open for dates and locations so that you can experience the true Bavarian festival where beer never stops. If you are a hardcore beer lover, spend a lot of time in its many beer halls and beer gardens and get the best experience of Bavarian beer culture.

Liverpool, United Kingdom



Liverpool, the city that lies within the historic county boundaries of Lancashire is famous for its cultural heritage, football teams, music and nightlife. The birthplace of ‘The Beatles’ and the home to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, every music lover is bound to want to visit this uber friendly city. And that's not it. There is the UNESCO World Heritage Pier Head Waterfront that is living testament to Liverpool’s successul seaside trade and maritime history. Then there is Europe’s oldest Chinatown and Liverpool and Everton, two of England’s most successful football clubs. Then, there is the World Capital City of Pop. There is the European Capital of Culture. As you can see, Liverpool wears many different hats.



As a sports lover, we are bound to visit the Liverpool and Everton Football clubs and then I would recommend taking a walk through the streets of Chinatown, Canning and Ropewalks to see Liverpool as it was hundreds of years ago and then winding it up with a trip to the Beatles museum on Albert Dock. For shopping, there is Bold street, Lord street and MetQuarter and for an interesting shopping and dining combo, immerse yourself in the place called Liverpool One.

So, what have you decided? Are you embarking on that Champions League road trip across Europe or do you prefer to spend your time in one city or country? Whatever is your decision, this trip is bound to be a dream European holiday with plenty of top class sporting action. All you need to remember is to get yourself a good travel insurance coverage (for all medical and logistical contingencies) and a solid forex card to get the best of both safety and great exchange rates. Axis Bank with Mastercard is currently running an offer on their forex card where they are offering a fully sponsored trip to the UEFA Champions League finals in Ukraine along with other branded merchandise. Do give them a look. Who knows? May be, you might be the lucky winner! Go on and have a fabulous sporting holiday in Europe this summer.

Photo Courtesy: All photographs have been borrowed from wikimedia commons. Each photo has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.org.

Continue Reading...

Doors Open - Exploring Culture in Madrid

Boasting a total of fifteen cities graded as UNESCO World Heritage sites, and third in total number of national properties behind only Italy and China, the depth and breadth of Spain’s cultural wealth is astonishing. And across the country you’ll find over forty-four separate cultural, natural or “mixed” properties inscribed on UNESCO’s list.

So whether you’re into architecture, history or art, the issue is not where to find it all but where to start on your city breaks. Madrid, Spain’s majestic capital, is a treasure trove of cultural wonders.

Modern art


There’s nowhere better to start than a visit to one of Spain’s most famous works of art. Guernica, at the Museo de Arte Reina Sofia, takes its name from the Basque Country town in northern Spain bombed during the Spanish Civil War at the behest of Franco’s nationalists by Italian and German forces. It is Pablo Picasso’s best known canvas and is not only a potent reminder of the destruction of war — its vast size, at 3.5 meters high and almost 8 meters wide, forms only a part of its striking impression — but it’s also an insightful window into the psyche of modern-day Spain.

Renaissance architecture
Just a short hop north of the city is Madrid’s best known UNESCO World Heritage site, the El Escorial complex. Commissioned by King Philip IIand built in the 1500s, it comprises a royal palace, library, church, monastery, college and royal burial site, and is perhaps the single most important treasure of Spanish Renaissance architecture and construction.

Medieval to 19th century treasures
Within the city centre itself, and in striking distance of Atocha station, you’ll find the Museo Nacional del Prado. The museum has a world-beating collection of 12 to 19^thcentury European art, including important works by Goya, Velazquez and Bosch.

Medieval architecture and modern literature
The neo-classical Puerta De Alcalá represents a gateway to the city and sits at the start of the old path from the city center to the largely medieval town of Alcalá de Henares, another UNESCO World Heritage site and birthplace of Spain’s most famous writer, Miguel de Cervantes. It hosts the annual award of the Cervantes Prize, the most important, prestigious and valuable gong for Spanish language literature. The list of previous winners reads like a Who’s Whoof world literature and includes luminaries such as Peruvian author Mario Vargas Llosa, Spain’s own Miguel Delibes and Argentine poet and essayist Jorge Luis Borges.

Green tranquil space at the end of the day


Just a step away from the Puerta de Alcalá you’ll discover the tranquil formal gardens of the Buen Retiro park. There you can enjoy some much-needed time to digest this cultural wealth. You’ll need it, but don’t linger for long — your next treasure is only just around the corner. 

Images by jazzlah and miamism, used under Creative Commons license

About the Author: Janey Berry is an art aficionado and cultural traveller. Her favourite artist is Rembrandt.

Continue Reading...

Best shopping streets in Europe

During a visit to Europe, you'll want to be sure to check out some of the city's very best shopping streets. Spend a few hours, a few days or your entire stay browsing through the wide variety of stores found here, carrying everything from the latest apparel to hit the fashion industry to fun souvenirs to take home for friends and loved ones. The best way to shop within Europe is to use credit cards from American Express. Travelling with credit is much safer than carrying around large sums of cash with you on the streets. In addition to all of the amazing safety features that credit cards offer, you may even be able to take advantage of special discounts and receive points just for doing what you love best, shopping!

Oxford Street in London Oxford Street is known around the world as one of the best shopping streets out there. This world renowned street is one of the largest and busiest destinations for shopping in the entire world. Here you will find a wide selection of flagship stores, larger shops, department stores and locally owned businesses offering merchandise at all price ranges. From upscale boutiques to affordable chain stores, Oxford Street has it all. Some of the most popular stores that visitors will find here include none other than Selfridges, Topshop, House of Fraser and HMV.

Grand Vía in Madrid Grand Vía is known as one of the most upscale shopping streets in all of Madrid, Spain. Starting out at Calle de Alcalá, the Grand Vía shopping district stretches all the way to Plaza de España. In addition to shopping, this street is also home to a variety of entertainment venues, restaurants and hotels. Local shops and commercial stores can be found while walking around this tall-building lined street.

Avenue Montaigne in Paris Located in Paris, France is the famous Avenue Montaigne. Because Paris is known as one of the fashion capitals of the world, Avenue Montaigne features many luxurious boutiques and high-end stores for your shopping pleasure. Splurge on fine jewellery and apparel from shops such as Moët Hennessey Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel and Ralph Lauren. While this street was once known for women who would gather to mourn here in the early 18th century, it has now transformed into one of the most popular high fashion shopping streets in all of Europe as well as in the world.

Continue Reading...

Study abroad in a Spanish way, come to Madrid

Studying abroad broadens your horizon and is certainly a valuable experience that will help you to grow as an individual and allow you to gain further knowledge and understanding about the world we live in. Learning abroad in Madrid gives you even more! It is one of the liveliest, hottest, socially active and attractive cities in the world where there is always something going on and fiestas are restless.

The capital of Spain is a truly exciting and cosmopolitan metropolis with a young spirit and a dynamic lifestyle but yet, keeping the authentic Spanish reality. This is a city where you will have the most fulfilling experience of the Spanish culture and way of living and will allow you to see the traditional and the modern faces of Spain. Students and adults often choose to study abroad in Madrid not only because of its absolutely captivating appearance, but also because it hosts some of the best academic institutions and schools in Europe with countless possibilities for programs to improve your education in an international environment. If you are willing to develop your skills in the fields of Business, Communication, Arts, Media, Law and Fashion, you will make the right choice if you join some of the courses in the universities, available for the summer break or for a whole academic year.

The language programs for learning Spanish in Madrid are extremely effective because of the modern methods included in the teaching and the great enthusiasm of tutors, students, and Spaniards themselves to encourage you to speak freely the language. With each day in Madrid you will understand that the city is full of surprises and new experiences that will outrun your expectations. The language trips give a lot more than the ordinary excursions, not only because of the longer time you spend in Madrid but also because of the extraordinary way you enrich your education and skills. Students live, learn and even eat in Spanish, and immerse completely with the reality of the city. The hot capital of Spain has a lot to offer for its visitors. The sightseeing tours are a must see when you first arrive in the city. The Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and the Puerta Del Sol, Santa Ana Square and Gran Via are among the most fabulous landmarks of Madrid that will take your breath away. Madrid is the major bullfighting centre and each summer hosts the biggest bullfighting festival, San Isidro.

People are the biggest treasure of Madrid. The passionate Spaniards with smiling faces, a festive mood and hospitability will allow you to feel comfortable and welcomed in their outstanding culture. They know how to celebrate fiestas like there is no tomorrow.

This guest post was written by Teodora.

Continue Reading...

Wonderful accommodation in wonderful destinations

When you are planning your holiday, the choice of a marvellous destination is the first step you should make, having your own budget in mind. A significant part of the expenses while travelling is the cost for accommodation. Therefore the good research helps the practical choice for a better holiday. Spain is one of the most attractive countries in Europe, blessed with a great diversity of outstanding destinations.

Madrid is the capital of Spain and its major business, cultural, educational and tourist centre. It is one of the most thriving and exciting cities in Europe where you will not have time to feel bored. Visitors from all over the world find different reasons to come to Madrid. If you are planning a fulfilling vacation through the Spanish reality there is no better place than Madrid for a starting point. The city is the major bullfighting centre in Spain and keeps alive everything symbolic for the Spanish folklore, from the fantastic bullfights to the exquisite local cuisine. Everyone who admires the rich historical and cultural background will fall in love with Madrid. Among the most remarkable highlights is the Royal Palace, the Santa Ana Square, the Plaza Mayor and many more. The city is one of the cultural centres of Europe with a wide range of cultural events happening almost every week and the incredible collection of museums, galleries and exhibitions. Madrid is also among the greenest places in the country and on the continent, with wonderful parks, gardens and green areas. Finding the perfect accommodation for your stay in the city is not a challenge because of the wide variety of choices. Madrid hostels are a common choice of visitors to the city who want to be flexible during their stay and seek for affordable lodging with excellent conditions for living. They provide high quality services and facilities, as well as a Madrid information desk with tips and information for everything topical in the city.

A holiday in Ibiza is a dream comes true! This fascinating summer resort on the Mediterranean is endowed with irresistible beaches, beautiful natural landscapes and great people who will welcome you to spend the best holiday in your life. Santa Eulalia is one of the most charismatic and stunning resorts on the island that will give you complete rejuvenation and inspiration. The hotel Santa Eulalia beach lies just next to the strip and has everything you need for a perfect holiday. The fabulous view to the Mediterranean and the elegant fully equipped rooms are just to start with of the benefits of the hotel. You will feel great and fully relaxed regardless if you are a business traveller or you enjoy a family holiday. Santa Eulalia is a famous resort for vacations with children, because of the especially created facilities that assure the safety and the amusement of the little ones.

Continue Reading...