Germany

Ever wondered what the world of the ancient Romans was really like? In Berlin this autumn visitors can finally get a taste.On September 21st the German capital stages some thoroughly ancient entertainment at Berlin-Karlshorst, combining live action history lessons with plenty of family fun.As well as spear throwing, live music, costumed parades, pony rides and hundreds of gladiators, one of the highlights of the day is the great chariot race.It features 30 vehicles pulled by 120 horses in teams of four and takes place in the mock-Roman arena in front of thousands of exhilarated onlookers.So popular has the race become that Rome's historical society Vadis Al Maximo hopes to recreate the event in the sport's birthplace with a large gathering next year.According to ItalyMag.co.uk, plans are currently being studied by various municipal departments but, if given the go-ahead, it is likely to be staged as a city-wide event in October 2009.

Once you are in the Grunewald Forest, it is hard to imagine that you are only a short train (or car) ride away from the heart of Berlin. This massive forest was originally a popular stomping ground for the German elite looking to get out of Berlin for a while and if you spend enough time in Grunewald Forest, it is easy to see evidence of its regal past.

There are a few key sights worth visiting in Grunewald if you are looking for something beyond a pleasant stroll in the woods. The landmark building in the Grunewald Forest is the Grunewald Turm (Grunewald Tower). This 55 meter structure provides for a stunning panorama view if you feel like climbing all the way to the top. If you plunge deeper into the forest, you will come to the Jagdschloss Grunewald, an old civic hall built in 1542 and rebuilt (Baroque of course) in 1700. The Renaissance Hall here has some paintings by Van Dyke and Rubens but the real draw to the Jagdschloss Grunewald is just to see the impressive structure buried deep in the woods. If you are looking for a bite to eat while in the Grunewald Forest, head to the southwest corner of the forest to Forsthaus Paulsborn, an old hunting lodge turned delicious restaurant.

While you can reach the Grunewald Forest via a short S-Bahn ride from central Berlin, a car and a whole day to stomp in the woods is my vote for the best way to take in this lovely forest.

Click here for more information about hotels near Grunewald Forest: Dorint Novotel Berlin Potsdam hotel, and the Best Western Parkhotel Potsdam.

Travel News brought to you by Eurobookings, the experts in cheap hotel bookings for all major European cities including Hamburg.There's fun for all the family in Hamburg this September at the annual Dragonboat Festival – with the rest of the activities on dry land.Dragonboats date back 2,500 years to ancient China. Although races have become increasingly popular as inhabitants have resettled over the years.Participants push through the water in teams of up to 22, often rhythmically to the beat of a drummer who sits on board. Not all Hamburg's races will push competitors hard, however, as distances range from 250 to 1,500 metres.More than 100 teams are expected to attend this year's festival, which takes place on September 13th and 14th.Be sure to check out the programme of events. The entertainment, shows, video screenings, food and drink stalls and Asian ceremonies are expected to keep both adults and children busy on dry land for the duration.But the best place to watch around Hamburg's Binnenalster lake is the Neuer Jungfernstieg promenade.It is free to watch the Dragonboat Festival.©CopyrightTreat yourself to one of the best hotels in Hamburg. Because you deserve a break.

Berlin is a city I would want to live in. While the sightseeing is great and the food is eclectic, it is the intangible energy of Berlin that captivates me. Since I can’t move to Berlin anytime soon, I settle quite happily for a stay at the Schoenhouse Apartments whenever I am in Berlin, instead. What’s more, the hotel is only 3 years old so it feels like a moving into a brand new Berlin apartment whenever I stay. The deluxe apartment at the Schoenhouse is a spacious place with a nice, cozy bedroom (and comfy bed), a clean bathroom (shower only), and a nice seating area. The seating area has a good TV and DVD player (DVDs available for free from the front desk) to watch after a long day out in the city. The kitchen is equipped with the most important appliances: microwave, oven and dishwasher. With a supermarket nearby (the front desk gives excellent directions) we were always able to stay well-stocked and equally well-fed.

The Schoenhouse Apartments are quite close to the shops and restaurants of Hackinscher Hof quite near the subway lines. It is not far from the up-and-coming neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg as well as the Mitte (central) part of Berlin.    

The Quentin Design Hotel Berlin is a modern, well-designed hotel that does not skimp on aesthetic or comfort. Shoppers can delight in the Quentin Design Hotel Berlin’s proximity to the Kurfurstendamm shopping district and the massive KaDeWe department store (Europe’s largest). Socialites can enjoy the nightlife of Shoneberg in the Fuggerstrabe area. This is Berlin’s “gay district” that extends an equally welcoming arm to straight couples.  Despite the Quentin Design Hotel Berlin’s location to these busy parts of a busy city, the hotel itself sits on a quiet residential side street making for short walks back for a peaceful night’s sleep. There are also several U-Bahn stations in the area to whisk you away to all the must-see destinations in Berlin.

On the inside, the Quentin Design Hotel Berlin manages to pack in little tasteful details everywhere you look. Well-chosen photography hangs in the lobby and in the rooms and small statues and sculptures sit alongside dry flower displays on many of the hotel’s flat surfaces. Our room felt clean and stylish with an LCD TV, a large bed (with great pillows—a rare hotel treat), free internet, and a fantastic, cool shower and bath area. We did not eat at the hotel as we found plenty of food choices in the area but the dining space looked very comfortable and the food looked good.
Pictures of the Quentin Design Hotel Berlin accurately show what is in store. We were not disappointed.