What’s new in Germany, Spain and Portugal

There’s plenty going on in GERMANY in 2017.

• The big news is the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation began in 1517 when Martin Luther, a priest and professor of theology, wrote and published his 95 theses, questioning the corrupt ways of the Catholic Church. Throughout Germany, visitors will find events and exhibits honoring this anniversary, highlighted by three special exhibitions running...

Villa Romana del Casale

The Romans weren’t the first to invade, conquer or settle Sicily. Preceding them were tribal groups originally from mainland Italy or other parts of the Mediterranean: the Sicans, Elymians and Sicels. 

The Greeks and the Phoenician-Carthaginians followed, both during the eighth century BC. They thrived, built cities, traded, fought each other and were both ultimately defeated by the Romans, who arrived in Sicily in the mid-third century,...

Stories behind great European art

The “Mona Lisa,” the Colosseum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Michelangelo’s “David” — Europe’s cultural treasures are world-class, including some of the most beautiful and enduring objects humans have created. But, let’s face it, too many museums can ruin a perfectly good vacation. For some, Notre-Dame’s vast interior can be a yawning bore, and the Vatican Museums on a busy day can make anyone a Roman...