So nice to be so close to all of Europe (and especially living in the Cotswolds!) I think that aga in the middle of summer would give me agita.
We didn't travel as much this year as I would have liked. Hoping to make up for that this year.
July, 2013 - Germany, 4 days
We flew into Munich and spent our first four days there. We enjoyed this city very much - it has a hopping, fun vibe, with a beautifully gentrified city center, and tons of history. Good food, shopping, beautiful parks, fabulous open air market, and beer gartens everywhere. Public transportation is excellent, easy to access. Everyone speaks a little English, which as a non-German speaker, was very helpful. We stayed in the
Hotel Acanthus, which was in a good location, comfortable beds, and a morning buffet included; internet extra. We also included a visit to Dachau, only about a half hour by bus from our hotel.
Hofbrau House, along a pedestrian street.
The English Garten, with literally hundreds of people enjoying a hot summer day, many nudists here, too.
July 2013 - Castelrotto, Italy, 1 week
This destination turned out to be one of our favorite trips ever. The little town is situated in the Dolomite mountains, proximal to hiking, skiing, and all sorts of outdoor activities year round. We went for the hiking and the breathtaking scenery all around. We stayed at Haus Silbernagl {link removed, website gone} and the owner couldn't have been more helpful to us. We took daily hikes up on the Seiser Alm plateau (largest in Europe), that afforded outstanding views and walks for all abilities. We were blessed with no rain for our visit. Austrian and Italian cultures have collided here, and in the best way.