Latest news with #Cicerone
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
A practical guide to exploring Europe's mighty Danube River
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Snaking almost 1,800 miles from its source in Germany's Black Forest to the Black Sea in Romania, the Danube is best explored slowly. Cruises, the most popular option, provide up-close encounters with the river, allowing you to see plenty in just a week or two. They don't have to be obvious, with some cracking off-beat options taking you east and into the wilds of the Lower Danube. For an adventure at your own pace, consider hiking on a network of well-developed, marked trails or cycling the long-distance Danube Cycle Path, which largely shadows the river from source to sea and takes around a month to complete. Even if you've never cruised, the Danube is great for dipping your toes into the water, as the pace is gentle, the cost fairly modest and the start and end points easily accessible. It also allows you to follow the river's course as opposed to roads or rail lines, getting a feel for its scenic diversity. Options range from week-long cruises along the 'Classic Danube', ticking off UNESCO World Heritage Wachau, Vienna and Budapest, to two-week escapades along the lesser-explored Lower Danube and into the wild heart of the Danube Delta. You can cycle the length of the river on the Danube Cycle Path; it would take between a month and six weeks. Cicerone's The Danube Cycleway Volume 1: From the Black Forest to Budapest and Volume 2: From Budapest to the Black Sea are invaluable guides, with 1:150,000 maps for each stage, GPX files to download and information on planning. Difficulty-wise, it's a tale of two paths. The first stage is mostly flat, off-road and well signposted. Bike hire is readily available; expect to pay around £12.50/£25 per day for a road/e-bike respectively. The second stage is more challenging because of sparse tourist infrastructure and unsurfaced sections. With virtually no gradients, the Danube Cycle Path is a terrific choice for a family adventure, especially the first stage, in the Upper Danube. From mid-April to early October, Hooked on Cycling offers an eight-night, self-guided tour from Passau to Vienna geared to families. From £563 per person, including accommodation on a B&B basis and luggage transfers but not international travel. The Danube snakes through 10 countries. Some are members of the European Union (EU) and part of the Schengen area, meaning you can freely travel between them. To cross into non-EU countries (going, say, from Croatia to Serbia), you'll need to go to a designated border crossing point, typically near a settlement, and present your passport. Details on trails and routes in English are more readily available in Germany, Austria and Hungary. The further east you go, the scanter the information and fewer the people who speak English. Discovering these less-developed stretches of the river feels adventurous, and tours are available for direction and support. Official advice warns against travel to Ukraine and a section of Moldova along the Ukranian border, due to military conflict and political unrest. Most Danube tours exclude these countries; the majority of the delta fans across Romania. For more information, visit the FCDO website. Published in the April 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
17-04-2025
- National Geographic
A practical guide to exploring Europe's mighty Danube River
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). Snaking almost 1,800 miles from its source in Germany's Black Forest to the Black Sea in Romania, the Danube is best explored slowly. Cruises, the most popular option, provide up-close encounters with the river, allowing you to see plenty in just a week or two. They don't have to be obvious, with some cracking off-beat options taking you east and into the wilds of the Lower Danube. For an adventure at your own pace, consider hiking on a network of well-developed, marked trails or cycling the long-distance Danube Cycle Path, which largely shadows the river from source to sea and takes around a month to complete. What are the benefits of cruising? Even if you've never cruised, the Danube is great for dipping your toes into the water, as the pace is gentle, the cost fairly modest and the start and end points easily accessible. It also allows you to follow the river's course as opposed to roads or rail lines, getting a feel for its scenic diversity. Options range from week-long cruises along the 'Classic Danube', ticking off UNESCO World Heritage Wachau, Vienna and Budapest, to two-week escapades along the lesser-explored Lower Danube and into the wild heart of the Danube Delta. How easy is it to tackle the Danube Cycle Path? You can cycle the length of the river on the Danube Cycle Path; it would take between a month and six weeks. Cicerone's The Danube Cycleway Volume 1: From the Black Forest to Budapest and Volume 2: From Budapest to the Black Sea are invaluable guides, with 1:150,000 maps for each stage, GPX files to download and information on planning. Difficulty-wise, it's a tale of two paths. The first stage is mostly flat, off-road and well signposted. Bike hire is readily available; expect to pay around £12.50/£25 per day for a road/e-bike respectively. The second stage is more challenging because of sparse tourist infrastructure and unsurfaced sections. Can families cycle it? With virtually no gradients, the Danube Cycle Path is a terrific choice for a family adventure, especially the first stage, in the Upper Danube. From mid-April to early October, Hooked on Cycling offers an eight-night, self-guided tour from Passau to Vienna geared to families. From £563 per person, including accommodation on a B&B basis and luggage transfers but not international travel. How easy is it to cross country borders by foot or bike? The Danube snakes through 10 countries. Some are members of the European Union (EU) and part of the Schengen area, meaning you can freely travel between them. To cross into non-EU countries (going, say, from Croatia to Serbia), you'll need to go to a designated border crossing point, typically near a settlement, and present your passport. What are the language barriers? Details on trails and routes in English are more readily available in Germany, Austria and Hungary. The further east you go, the scanter the information and fewer the people who speak English. Discovering these less-developed stretches of the river feels adventurous, and tours are available for direction and support. Is it safe to travel along the river? Official advice warns against travel to Ukraine and a section of Moldova along the Ukranian border, due to military conflict and political unrest. Most Danube tours exclude these countries; the majority of the delta fans across Romania. For more information, visit the FCDO website. Riviera Travel's Grand Cruise through the Heart of Europe to the Black Sea is a 29-day boat trip through seven countries along the length of the Danube (excluding Moldova and Ukraine). From £10,349 per person, including flights and transfers, full-board dining and a drinks package. Getting there & around: Major gateways to the Danube include Zurich, Munich (for Passau), Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest and Constanta. Direct flights operate from UK hubs with airlines including British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair and Wizzair. When to go: April to October are prime months for exploring the Danube. In spring and autumn, temperatures hover between 10-20C; go prepared for the odd shower. Summers can be hot, with highs of around 30C. In winter, expect cooler weather, with temperatures between 0-8C, but fewer crowds. More info: The Danube: A Journey Upriver from the Black Sea to the Black Forest, £12.99 The Danube by Nick Thorpe, £12.99 Published in the April 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Associated Press
07-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Brewing Industry Icon Joins Fast Friends Beer Company
Sarah Perez to Lead Fast Friends Brewing Team AUSTIN, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / February 7, 2025 / The Fast Friends Family is pleased to announce that Sarah Perez has agreed to oversee their beverage program as Head Perez Joins Fast Friends Beer Company as Head Brewer 'After nearly 17 years in the craft beer industry, I am honored to have this opportunity to showcase my passion for brewing at Fast Friends' said Sarah, 'I'm excited to build upon the vision of crafting beverages with love and crafting a beverage program that has something for every palate. We have a wonderful opportunity to build the Fast Friends brand at local grocery stores and restaurants with our flagship offerings and we will continue to brew unique beers and seltzer cocktails that are only available at our 18,000 square foot facility in South Austin.' Sarah served in leadership roles at Susitna Brewing Company, Rahr and Sons Brewing Company, and Maui Brewing Company before joining Fast Friends. Currently, she serves as a mentor within the Brewers Association, showcasing her dedication to fostering growth and development within the community. Sarah is a certified Cicerone and a graduate of the Siebel Institute of Technology Brewing Program, along with the Hybrid Distillation Certificate Program. Sarah has been awarded Scholarships through the Glenn Hay Falconer Program and The Michael James Jackson Foundation. 'Sarah is an incredible addition to our team, and I couldn't be more excited to collaborate with her to craft unforgettable beer and culinary experiences at Fast Friends,' said Laura Licona, Director of Culinary and Hospitality Operations. 'Her talent and creativity will be instrumental as we grow-not just on our Campus, but in retail locations across Austin. At Fast Friends, we're redefining what a hospitality space can be, merging craft with culture and using beer and food as a means to bring people together in new, meaningful ways. Sarah and I connected right away over our shared vision for creating spaces that feel both innovative and welcoming-where every pint poured and every dish served is part of a bigger story. We can't wait to share what's ahead.' 'I am ready to embark on a journey and unleash my creative potential,' said Sarah, 'now is the perfect moment to transform my passion and my admiration for this industry into tangible vibes in every sip.' Get ready to enjoy more Fast Friends Beer around town and get ready for unique food and beverage experiences at the Fast Friends campus in South Austin! Founder 5126489077
