Germany

Vacationing Veggies: Top Meat-Free Eats in Germany

Germany is well known among travellers for its delicious meaty dishes such as bockwurst, bratwurst and schnitzel, but what is available for vacationing veggies in this meat-loving country? You may be surprised to learn that there are plenty of delicious local meals for you to try, so read on and discover the meat-free foodie scene. Top Tip: For the tastiest treats, I recommend that you visit Berlin or Hamburg as there are plenty of restaurants serving vegan cuisine.  Kartoffelpuffer As

Tasty Warming Dishes from Around the World

Nothing beats a hearty, warming dish, even if you’re travelling to a warm-weather country. Many holiday destinations have their own traditional meals as well as the usual tourist offerings, so here are a few delicacies you can look out for while you’re away. Cocido Madrileño Though you may be tempted by tapas while holidaying in Spain, I recommend that you look out for cocido madrileño, the country’s national dish. This family favourite is a chickpea-based stew, often cooked in a

Break Bread in Berlin: The Best Restaurants to Try

The German capital Berlin truly does have something for everyone when it comes to food. You’ll find Michelin-star eateries, gourmet kebab outlets as well as some of Europe’s most up-and-coming vegan and vegetarian restaurants. After a day out exploring the city’s best attractions, you’ll be ready for a delicious evening meal at one of these tempting eateries. Marjellchen Looking for a traditional, authentic experience? Then look no further than Marjellchen, where you can enjoy delicious and filling portions of dumplings

Sun, Sea and Spa: Our Route from Munich to Salzburg

Soaking up the sights of Salzburg on your next getaway? Sehr gut! If you fly into Munich Airport, Shuttle Direct’s transfer service will whisk you off to Mozart’s birthplace in no time. But while you may think that your holiday adventures only begin once you’ve reached your accommodation, this is a big mistake: our scenic airport transfer route from Munich to Salzburg passes by several natural and cultural troves that you may want to ask your driver about – and return to if you want to spice up your city break!  Although our route is peppered with more picturesque places

Willy Wonka Wonderland: the Best European Cities for Chocolate Lovers

When it comes to chocolate, Switzerland is often revered as the cream of the crop. While there’s no denying its merit, I think it’s time for the Swiss to step aside – these European countries have something sweet to say. Throughout Germany, Italy and Belgium you will find some of the most delicious and interesting towns, all famous for the same thing: chocolate. With a fountain straight out of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, as well as opportunities to bathe

Berlin in a Day: A Guide to the City

Berlin has always been one of Europe’s most remarkable cities. A renowned centre of culture in the early modern period, it gained a reputation for militarism and fascism in the early twentieth century, and stood as a symbol of Cold War division from the end of the war until the 1990s. Today the city again enjoys a reputation for the arts, but its complex history has not been forgotten. In fact, Berlin is a perfect example of the tensions and

Springtime Sensations, Part II: White Asparagus

White gold. The king of vegetables. Edible ivory. These superlatives describe the springtime sensation that floods Europe’s supermarkets between April and June every year: white asparagus. While the green variety is more common in the UK, other European nations, such as Switzerland, France and Italy, have bought into the hype surrounding this vegetable wonder. The leader of the pack, however, is Germany: no nation takes the cultivation and consumption of the vegetable as seriously as the Germans, who eat around

Berlín

Experience the Buzz of Berlin: The Best Offbeat Attractions

Berlin is a city like no other. Blending an edgy, underground vibe with art, culture and a chilled out ambience, this city pulsates with an energy that you just have to experience to understand. If, like me, you’re passionate about travel (and when I say travel I mean the kind of travel that avoids the regular tourist trails), then Berlin is a fabulous place to explore. Are you forever searching for the hidden highlights that are less tourist-trodden than most?

Sensational Swizzles, Part II: Germany

Germany is a popular travel destination for many reasons, but for beer lovers it is the holy land. To visit without sampling some of the country’s finest brews would be a shame, but navigating the multitude of tasty options on the spur of the moment can also be daunting. So here is a brief beginner’s guide to take you through the world of hops, malt and beverages with serious names such as Doppelbock and Hefeweißbier! 1. Pale Beer With its

European Christmas Cuisines, Part 1: Germany

Opting for a winter holiday in Germany this year? Whether you’re taking the ski pistes or the famous Christmas markets by storm, you’ll find that Germany is nothing short of wunderbar in the winter months… so wunderbar, in fact, that it’s worth staying for the holidays! While you’re surely looking forward to zooming down snowy pistes and strolling through festive markets, there’s one thing you probably haven’t thought about: Germany’s cuisine, which is frequently overshadowed by its cultural and natural attractions. During the holiday season, however, trying the locals’ favourite drinks, main courses and desserts should be at the top

Natural Nonpareils between Munich and Innsbruck

Whether you’re a fervent skier, foodie or culture enthusiast, a winter holiday in Innsbruck – the famed capital of Tyrol, Austria – caters to every traveller’s wildest dreams. While it may seem silly to plan half- or full-day trips to the surrounding area when you’ve got some of the world’s finest pistes, restaurants and landmarks right in front of your doorstep, Shuttle Direct’s popular airport transfer from Munich to Innsbruck is certain to change your mind. This two-hour drive is not only convenient and comfortable, but also takes you past some of the region’s most worthwhile attractions, which transform any

Coffee and Cake on a City Break: Munich’s Coolest Cafes

Munich is a fabulous city to explore, with a host of iconic attractions and a cosmopolitan street vibe that feels almost Mediterranean at times. The central district is extremely walkable and, in fact, for the adventurous traveller, that’s really the very best way to see some of its quirkiest attractions. But part of really getting to know a city is being able to slide beneath its skin and blend in with the local life whenever possible. In Munich, one of the most delicious and fun ways to “make like a local” is by enjoying the social atmosphere of some of