7. Porto
In spring, Portugal’s second city,
Porto, is big news. With more
direct flights into the north of
the country, the birthplace of
Port will step into the limelight.
Dressed in her prettiest pastels,
swathed in faded glory and
stacked up as a jumble of
churches, lanes and steps
tumbling to the banks of the
Douro River, spring 2015 is
the time to discover Porto.
Picturesque hues pervade
al-fresco alleyways. History
aficionados can lose themselves
amidst historic chapels, ancient
museums and timeless markets.
Overlooking the Douro River,
Pousada do Porto is set in the
restored 18th century Baroque
Freixo Palace. Stately furnishings,
aristocratic architecture and an
infinity pool over the river all
enhance the grandeur of a timeless era.
Nip out for an afternoon boat
ride on the river before being
dropped off at one of the wine
cellars for an evening tasting,
flowing into a relaxed meal on
the riverside.
Photo: Anisha Shah
8. Rome
The romance of Rome never
fades but gets etched deeper
with time. Tattooed in the pulse
of the city is the tiny Vatican
State, the totem of religion and
history, and a country within a
city. Rome is the kind of destination that travellers return to over
and over. They come for aweinspiring art and architecture
that has influenced Western
civilization, stunning historical
ruins and some of the world's
best food and wine. The vibrant
city is filled with renowned
museums, restaurants, and shopping in eclectic neighbourhoods
such as Trastevere, the go-to for
boutiques, authentic pizzas and
a fairytale classic Italian setting.
The Eternal City is 25 centuries
old and with each moment that
passes, it only matures further
into distinguished finery. Pomp
and glory fill the air, in the same
way that tourists fill the streets,
vying to unearth and understand the harmony of ancient
and modern. Spring and early
summer are ideal seasons to visit,
with balmy temperatures kissing
the city on both cheeks.
Dominating the top of the
historical Spanish Steps, the
Hassler Hotel is the most privileged address in town. Over a
century old, this property whisks
guests into the traditional
glamour and elegance insisted
upon by Rome, particularly at
the rooftop restaurant Imago,
where men are required to wear
suit jackets. Terraces of the hotel
are a window onto the entire
city and its skyline, pierced by
church spires, cathedral turrets
and rooftop residences. At
www.theaddressmagazine.com
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