Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/456199
32 G O I N G P L A C E S | S P R I N G 2 0 1 5 keukenhof lentepark, bill read, kronenhof.com, istock (5) { VISUAL SPLENDOUR } Italy { MOUNTAIN BLISS } Swiss Alps { COLOURFUL IBERIA } Spain & Portugal { TULIP TIME } The Netherlands EXPLORE // Barcelona The mild winter temps make for pleasant wandering, through the Gothic Quarter's stone-clad alley- ways and to Gaudi's extraordinary Sagrada Família church. ENJOY // Flamenco Seville is a hot- bed for this fiery music and dance, often performed in restaurants or tablaos – clubs dedicated to the genre. SHOP // Murano glass Venice's glass-making tradition dates to the 1200s, and artisans on Murano Island still use the old techniques to make exquisite vases, jewellery and more. GAZE // Sistine Chapel This Vatican City gem is capped by Michelangelo's sublime, painted ceiling – a commission whose scale so intimidated the artist, he nearly declined. We're glad he didn't: The glorious frescoes are considered the pinnacle of Renaissance art. ENJOY // Keukenhof The world's second-largest flower garden, on a dreamy castle estate, dazzles from mid-March to mid-May – when its seven million tulips and other bulbs are at their showy finest. SHOP // Bloemenmarkt Amsterdam's floating flower market is distinctly Dutch, a multicoloured explosion of blooms, bulbs, seeds, even flower-bedecked clogs. (Taking bulbs home? Make sure they bear a customs-cleared stamp.) ENJOY // St. Moritz spas Relax in a hydrojet bath while gazing at the Swiss Alps, or soak in a saltwater grotto. Travellers have enjoyed the therapeutic waters of this mountain town since the Middle Ages, and you can, too: Just book a day pass offered by many chic spas. TRY // Fondue The traditional recipe for this classic winter dish melts Emmental and Gruyere cheese with white wine. (Custom says losing a chunk of bread in the cheese means buying a round of drinks.) bulbs, seeds, even flower-bedecked clogs. (Taking bulbs home? Make sure they bear a customs-cleared stamp.) ENJOY // Flamenco Seville is a hot- SHOP SHOP // SHOP // SHOP Murano glass Venice's glass-making tradition dates to the 1200s, and artisans on Murano Island still use the old techniques to make exquisite vases, jewellery and more. This Vatican City gem is capped by Michelangelo's sublime, painted ceiling – a commission means buying a round of drinks.)