Castel Pietraio, Monteriggioni

Advantages: something very special
Disadvantages: a bit far away

.... You might have heard or read about this stretch of the Adriatic coast in the news, because it is there that the refugees from Albania, Kurdish territories and even Asian countries land or are set ashore by smugglers. The history and culture of Apulia bear profound marks of the Greeks, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, Franks, Spanish and other populations which left indelible traces of their presence. Tourists who are interested in archeological finds, like castles, towers, cathedrals and monuments which the different ethnic groups have left through the millenia can visit and study them in the ever present sunshine, and when they’ve seen enough, dive into the limpid sea and afterwards relax with the excellent local cuisine and exquisite wines. FOGGIA AND PROVINCE We’re going to visit the Castel del Monte today. We’ve... Read review

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Advantages: Lots to see and cheap entrance fee
Disadvantages: Not suitable for all disabled people and pushchairs

...During March 2003, my wife and I went to stay at a town on mainland Spain called Oliva. This is approximately halfway between Alicante and Valencia, about two miles inland. Whilst we were there, we did a lot of touring, but the highlight of the week was a day trip to Xativa El Castell. This is a magnificent castle overlooking the small town of Xativa. To get there you have to drive up a winding road and park just outside the castle walls. A tip though: get there early as there are not that many parking spaces. If you are later, you either have to park on the narrow winding road, or in the town of Xativa itself. The walk back up the road can be difficult, as there are no pathways up the steep roadway. It is not suitable for disabled people, or people pushing prams or pushchairs. Opening Times: During winter:10:00am to 18:00pm... Read review

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Advantages: Lose yourself in the fantasy
Disadvantages: Having to come back to reality

...Castell Coach, or the 'Red Castle' on the outskirts of Cardiff (M4, jct 32, A470, then signpost), has been described as the "ultimate fairytale castle". In a vision more akin to the Bavarian countryside, or "sleeping beauty", its conical towers and needle-sharp turrets peek above the trees on a heavily wooded hillside. Castell Coch is a late 19th Century creation of the famous architect, William Burges, built for his patron, the then richest man in the world, The Marquis of Bute. The castle was to act as a companion to Bute's main Cardiff home, Cardiff Castle. Sadly, Burges died suddenly in 1881, although his colleagues remained faithful to his unique vision and completed the project with all its splendid, romantic fantasy. The exterior, complete with working portcullis and drawbridge, echoes a Medieval castle. While inside... Read review

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