Next weekend — March 23-25Genoa, Italy: 72.87 pounds round tripFly Ryanair from London Stansted to Genoa.
Vacationers should start their exploration of Genoa on the Via Garibaldi, lined with 16th- and 17th-century Renaissance palaces. In 2006 this avenue was named a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage site. The palaces were once home to the wealthiest families in Genoa and now house museums, with many collections including Italian and Flemish art. According to the Web site stradanuova.it, tourists can purchase a 7 euro pass that provides entrance for all the museums on the Strada Nuova.
From here you can travel along to the Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Spinola. The palace and its art collection were donated to Genoa by the prominent Spinola family. Visitors can see artwork by local and national artists.
Take a guided tour of the Royal Palace on Via Balbi. Its elaborate interior is left as it was 200 years ago. According to palazzorealegenova.it, the palace Web site, a 45-minute tour is available in English, or a self-guided tour can be taken with English placards available in each room.
Don’t miss the Aquarium of Genoa, which is Europe’s largest aquarium, according to the Italy travel guide at www.gradpula.com. This aquarium, resembling a ship, sits along a pier in the old harbor. The aquarium includes more than 50 aquatic displays re-creating marine ecosystems. Visitors can see re-created coral reefs, dolphins and seals, and pet the small rays every day of the year.
In the evening, visit the small alleys in the medieval quarter to explore unique and fun bars.
Next month — April 20-22Kaunas, Lithuania: 106.25 pounds round tripFly Ryanair from London Stansted to Kaunas.
Exploration of Kaunas should start in Rotuses Square with the old town hall, often referred to as the white swan. This hall now houses a wedding chapel and a ceramics museum with collections of Lithuanian historical ceramics and porcelain.
According to the Kaunas region tourism information center, the M.K. Ciurlionis National Museum of Art is named for Lithuania’s most prominent artist and includes collections of Lithuanian art from the 16th to 19th centuries. The museum also includes a small collection of folk sculptures.
For something a little different, visit the Museum of Devils, set in an authentic 1920s and ’30s interior. The museum houses a collection of thousands of representations of the devil.
From here take the local trolley No. 7 out to the 13th-century brick Kaunas castle. Visitors can explore sections of its wall and moat as well as a reconstructed tower. Inside, visitors can stroll through art exhibitions.
For a mix of history and fresh air, visit the Garden of Military Museum and walk among the busts of famous Lithuanian politicians and writers. According to www.kaunas.lt, the External Fire monument and wooden crosses within the garden commemorate those killed in the fight for Lithuanian independence.
Airfare prices include estimated taxes and are courtesy of the Web site www.skyscanner.net. Prices were verified as of Monday afternoon when Stripes UK went to press. Deals are not guaranteed to be available; restrictions may apply.
