What you need to know before going to the Venice Carnival

Venice is well-known for its unique beauty and romantic atmosphere that seem to have stood still in time.

One festivity that has become tradition in this beautiful city and has captured the attention of thousands of tourists is the Venice Carnival. This carnival is characterised, among other things, by the majestic, vibrantly coloured costumes and elegant masks worn those taking part in the festivities.

The Venice Carnival dates back to the 13^th century and reached the peak of its splendour in the 18^th century. Although there was a period when it was completely prohibited, since 1979 it has been an official celebration. It lasts for ten days and normally takes place in February or March.

Masks have always been an important feature of the Carnival and in its early days, they allowed nobles to mix with commoners without being noticed and to enjoy pleasures that, due to their social position, were often unavailable to them.

Over the years, these activities became more popular and events began that are now a vital part of the festivities. These include the Best Mask Contest, the Marie Parade (Festa delle Marie) and the Flight of the Angel (Volo dell’Angelo).

If you decide to visit Venice during the celebration of this fabulous Carnival, I recommend that you read this article to make sure you don’t miss out on anything.

Plan your trip:

Although thousands of tourists visit Venice all year round, Carnival time is the most popular time to visit. For this reason, you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to organise your trip.

You also need to bear in mind that, although the Carnival always takes place in the months of February or March, the exact dates are likely to vary from year to year.

It is also important to remember that the Venice Carnival takes place in the winter, so don’t forget to pack suitable clothes!

Masks and costumes:

As I have already mentioned, the Venice Carnival is characterised by its masks and costumes. Even nowadays many of the masks that were popular in the Carnival’s early days can still be seen, especially the “maschera nobile” and the “maschera del galeone”, which are mainly white, gold and silver.

Although many different costumes are available, from the most elaborate to the simplest designs, the most popular are still those similar to the characteristic models from the Carnival’s early years, flamboyantly decorated with feathers, veils and hats.

If you don’t have a mask with you, you can always buy one in the city. There are also street makeup artists who can paint your face with any design you choose.

Traditional events:

Many events have become a traditional part of the festivities. One example is the Best Mask Contest. More than a contest, this event is the perfect opportunity to see true works of art represented in a plethora of masks. Anyone can take part and at the end of the day, the best, most beautiful mask wins a prize.

Another popular event that takes place during the Carnival every year is the ¨Marie Parade¨ (Festa delle Marie). Although today’s celebration is very different from what it was in the Carnival’s early days, this is one of the most popular events. When the Carnival began, it was tradition to choose twelve maidens of marrying age and to give them a dowry to pay for their wedding. Nowadays, the “Marie Parade” is a parade with twelve beautiful Venetian girls wearing traditional costumes. The girl considered to be the most beautiful is chosen to be the “Maria” of the year.

The “Flight of the Angel” (Volo dell’Angelo) is another popular and captivating event of the Carnival. This event consists of the descent of the previous year’s winner of the “Marie Parade” on a zip wire from the top of St. Mark’s Tower to a stage set up in the Doge’s Palace, where the Carnival’s opening ceremony takes place.

Cuisine:

Like all century-old popular celebrations, the Venice Carnival is the perfect opportunity to try out the city’s typical dishes.

Dishes such as “frittelle” (Venetian fritters), ¨galani¨ or ¨castagnole¨, are some of the most popular treats during Carnival time.

The Venice Carnival is one of the best options if you are planning an unforgettable holiday and want to learn more about the culture and traditions of the people of Venice. I hope this information helps you organise the essentials of your trip, so that you can enjoy your stay in the marvellous city of Venice to the full.

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The Sagrada Familia and other monuments you must visit in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city that breathes history, art and culture in every corner. Barcelona is one of Europe’s most popular cities among foreign tourists and this is largely due to the great historical and cultural value of its most emblematic monuments.

If you would like to visit this charming city, without missing the most important monuments, this article talks about 4 places that you can’t miss.

The Expiatory Temple of the Sagrada Familia:

Popularly known as the ¨Sagrada Familia¨, this church is the second most visited in Europe, after the Vatican. It is one of the most popular tourist sites in Spain, together with the Prado Museum in Madrid and the Alhambra in Granada.

Its construction began in 1882 and it is still not finished. According to estimates, it should be finished by 2026.

The Sagrada Familia is the ultimate work of the Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudí, the greatest exponent of Catalan modernist architecture. It is important to mention that, although Gaudí could not finish the work to which he dedicated the last years of his life, the famous architect’s design is being respected.

The temple stands majestically in the centre of Barcelona. One of its most striking characteristics are its three façades, including the main Glory façade, a true work of art representing Death, the Final Judgement, Hell and Glory.

Another distinctive feature of Gaudí’s design for the church are the towers that identify the Sagrada Familia from all over the city. There are 18 in total and, although they are not completely built yet, you should know that apart from the distinction they give the church, they are full of religious meaning. According to its creator’s design, 12 of them are dedicated to the Apostles, 4 to the Evangelists, 1 to Mary and 1 to Jesus. The height of the towers varies depending on the religious hierarchy they represent.

As I have already mentioned, the Sagrada Familia is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Barcelona, so you will probably be greeted by a huge queue to get in when you arrive. You can avoid queuing by buying your entrance ticket in advance online.

The Arc de Triomf:

One place you can’t miss when you go to Barcelona is the Arc de Triomf. This structure was built as the main entrance to the Barcelona International Exposition that took place between the 8^th April and the 9^th December, 1888.

It is 30 metres tall and, unlike other triumphal arches in the world, that are adorned in honour of military affairs, this arch is characterised by allegories of economic, scientific and social matters.

It is interesting that since the arch was built, until today, it has remained in the same place and has maintained a social purpose throughout history acting as the finishing line for many races, as well as being the location of various cultural activities.

Casa Batlló:

Casa Batlló is another masterpiece of the architect, Antoni Gaudí. This building is located on Paseo de Gracia in Barcelona and is currently one of the city’s must-see attractions.

The construction of this marvellous building took place between the years 1904 and 1906. It was initially designed by Gaudí as the home of the Batlló family and, over time, the owners and the use of Casa Batlló changed until, in 2011, it opened to the public so people could enjoy Gaudí’s work first-hand.

Casa Batlló is considered as one of Barcelona’s most emblematic monuments due to its great cultural value as one of the most representative works of Gaudí’s naturalist period, reflecting his artistic plenitude. So much so that in 1964, Casa Batlló was declared a UNESCO National Heritage Site as part of the “Works of Antoni Gaudí”.

Montjuïc Castle:

This old military fort is another popular tourist attraction in Barcelona. Its walls enclose a large part of the city’s history and was the site of many events that marked its evolution.

Its location on top of Montjuïc hill gave the fortress a strategic position for defending the city in times of war. Over time, the castle has been used as a prison and a war museum and it is currently owned by Barcelona Town Council.

You can visit the castle by booking a guided tour that will let you see places that are not normally open to the public, like the dungeons and the lookout tower. Moreover, if you visit, you will be able to enjoy the various exhibitions organised by the centre and to take part in workshops where you will receive a detailed explanation of the centre’s history and evolution.

Without a doubt, all of the places I have mentioned above are great options for any trip to the city. I hope they have encouraged you to make the decision to organise your next holidays to Barcelona!

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The 5 Best Natural Parks in Portugal

Portugal is the perfect destination for those who like to holiday surrounded by nature, since it has many natural parks characterised by their unparalleled beauty.

If you would like to visit one and still don’t know which one to choose, in this article you will find a list that will help you decide.

1. Arrábida Natural Park:

The Arrábida Natural Park is located less than 30 minutes from Lisbon by car. It occupies 110 square kilometres from the east of Setúbal to the west of Cape Espichel.

Founded as a result of the need to preserve the flora of the region it covers, this park has more than 1,450 plant species, including one of the rarest types of Mediterranean maquis. For this reason, in order to duly protect these delicate species of outstanding scientific value, in some areas of the park it is compulsory to be accompanied by an authorised guide.

As well as having a rich variety of plants, this park is also home to a wide diversity of animals that can be observed during the organised tours through the park, including owls, eagles, badgers, butterflies, bats and mountain cats.

Another characteristic that makes this park stand out is that, not only does it include the mountain ranges of São Luís, Gaiteiros, São Francisco, Louro and Arrábida, it is also the location of what are considered to be the best beaches in Portugal: Figueirinha, Galápos and Portinho da Arrábida.

The relationship between the almost wild nature of its mountains and the impressive beauty resulting from the contrast between its beaches and cliffs, make this natural park one of the most beautiful in Portugal.

2. Sintra-Cascais Natural Park:

Thanks to its unique beauty and heritage value, the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a Unesco Cultural Landscape World Heritage Site.

It covers the area from Sintra to the beaches of Guincho and Cabo da Roca, 40 minutes from Lisbon by car.

This park offers an impressive natural environment encompassing high mountains covered with dense forests and beautiful beaches surrounded by high cliffs, with Sierra de Sintra as its focal point. Among the many routes that you can take to hike in the mountains, you will have the chance to visit the Capuchos Convent, dating back to the 16^th century or the Peninha Hermitage with its spectacular views.

Another reason that this park is so popular is that it is home to numerous castles owned by the Portuguese nobility who chose the area to spend their leisure time. One of the most noteworthy castles is the Palacio da Pena. Built under the mandate of Prince Fernando II of Portugal in 1836, this castle stands out as one of the best examples of the romantic style of the 19th century in Portugal.

3. Douro International Natural Park:

Considered a protected area by the Portuguese government since 1998, this park is one of the country’s marvels of nature. Located on the shores of the River Douro (the river that marks the border between Portugal and Spain), it covers an area of more than 120 square kilometres.

Its wide area is populated by dense forests including species such as oaks, junipers, helm oaks and cork oaks that are the habitat of many species of animals among which there is a great diversity of mammals and reptiles. Moreover, it should be noted that it has been turned into a place of refuge for various species of birds that are currently endangered, such as the Egyptian Vulture.

The park organises various activities for those who enjoy being in direct contact with nature. The most popular activities among tourists include bird spotting, mainly in the months of February and March, and the visit to various viewing points in the park that offer magnificent panoramic views.

4. Serra da Estrela Natural Park:

This marvellous scenery spreads over the districts of Guarda and Castelo Blanco, in the middle of Portugal. Its 101,000 hectares are considered to be Portugal’s largest protected area.

It is home to the Sierra da Estrela that gives its name to the park and is distinctive since it is the highest mountain in mainland Portugal. Sierra da Estrela is a leading tourist attraction since the country’s only ski resort is located there, making it the perfect place to enjoy winter sports.

Visitors can surround themselves in a stunning natural environment, among the park’s valuable plant species, some of which are unique in the world, including the juniper tree, heather, black oak and gorse. Among its rich fauna, Sierra da Estrela is the habitat of animals such as Iberian wolves, otters, foxes, boars and musk cats.

Hiking, riding bicycles through the mountains and mountain climbing are popular activities among the tourists who visit the park. The park management also organise educational workshops where they explain, among other things, how to make the best of our visit, always emphasising the importance of caring and preserving the area.

5. Serra de São Mamede Natural Park:

The Sierra de São Mamede Natural Park is located in the district of Portalegre in the region of Alentejo. Thanks to its natural wealth, this park is considered to be one of the country’s most beautiful protected areas.

The park consists of 55,524 hectares of great ecological diversity. If you go for a walk around its paths, you will discover lush vegetation that serves as the habitat for many animal species, especially birds that that choose the park as part of their migratory route between Europe and Africa.

As well as walking in the park, the area is also prepared for cycling and, in Penhas de Portalegre you can find the only walls, within the protected area, where climbing is permitted.

If you want to be in direct contact with nature, enjoy the peace it transmits and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, any of these parks is the perfect choice for you.

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5 reasons you must visit Côte d’Azur in France

Côte d’Azur, as it was named by the author, Stéphen Liégeard, is a popular, world-renowned tourist attraction.

It is located on the Mediterranean coast in southeast France and stands out because of its impressive scenery. It is also the location of many important cultural events, including the famous Cannes Film Festival.

Since the region receives many tourists, the area is well prepared for visitors to make the most out of their visit.

Although the ideal time of the year to visit Côte d’Azur is the summer, since it is the best time to take advantage of the area’s beautiful beaches, bear in mind that the climate in this part of France is pleasant all year around.

Below, I will give you five excellent reasons that you should not put off a trip to the French Riviera any longer.

Visit the best beaches in France:

It is no secret that the most beautiful beaches in France are to be found in Côte d’Azur. These beaches have a privileged geographic location and are bathed by the warm waters of the Mediterranean, allowing both tourists and residents the chance to enjoy them almost all year around.

These beaches are distinguished by their turquoise waters that contrast with the warm golden colour of the cliffs surrounding the majority of them and creating a landscape of unparalleled beauty that captivates everyone that visits. The Côte d’Azur’s most popular beaches include Paloma Beach on the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, Pampelonne Beach to the south of the town of Saint Tropez and Croisette Beach in Cannes. This area is very popular among celebrities so, if you visit one of these beaches it is likely that you’ll see someone famous.

Visit the historic centre of Cannes:

Another reason to visit the Côte d’Azur is to see the place that was the cradle of the luxurious city of Cannes.

According to history, this city’s glamour dates back to when European aristocrats began to settle in in the Le Suquet district, at the end of the 19^th century, living there during the winter months. The city started to gain fame and popularity, especially in 1939 when it became the base for one of the world’s biggest film festivals, bringing together the most important show business stars every year.

Although Cannes is home to some of the most luxurious hotel chains, giving the city a modern and sophisticated feel, the Le Suquet district is still the main heritage area where the main monuments are located. If you walk through the picturesque streets of Cannes “Old Town”, you can visit the religious buildings and museums. However, for many people, the best thing about this district is the bohemian charm that permeates the atmosphere, its numerous colourful houses that conserve the architecture of yesteryear and the many restaurants and local businesses. Moreover, due to the location of Le Suquet, you can get a privileged view of the whole city and there are wonderful photo opportunities.

Visit the Marc-Chagall and Matisse Museums in Nice:

Nice is undoubtedly one of the French Riviera’s most beautiful cities. On admiring its scenery, it is easy to understand the reasons that led the author Stéphen Liégeard to describe this region of France as the Côte d’Azur, because any images you see of this vast coastline are dominated by the intense blue colour of the sea.

However, Nice also offers other gems that attract many visitors to the area. Nice’s museums are overflowing with important cultural heritage that is within reach of those visiting this beautiful city.

Located in the Cimiez district is the Musée Nationale Marc Chagall. This museum has a significant collection of this important avant-garde artist and you can visit his seventeen works dedicated to the biblical message, as well as an extensive collection of other work related to his religious thinking.

Another museum you can’t miss while in the Cimiez district is the Musée Matisse. This museum has an excellent collection of the artist’s work made up of sculptures, paintings, photographs, industrial graphic pieces and sketches. Moreover, the museum also exhibits some personal objects that belonged to Matisse and were even used to create his works.

Take a trip around the world’s perfume capital:

The only place we can be talking about when we mention the world’s perfume capital is the city of Grasse. This medieval city is located less than an hour away from Nice and is well-known for its work in the perfume industry since the 18^th century until the present. It has earned its title thanks to a large flower crop that benefits from the optimum temperatures in the area.

Even nowadays, three of the most important perfumeries still exist: Galimard, Molinard and Fragonard. Each of these companies organises tours where you can see the perfume-making process as well as visiting the exhibition rooms, shops and cafés.

In Grasse, you can also visit the International Perfume Museum, where you can learn about how the industry has evolved, as well as the process of preparing scents and perfecting the perfumes throughout history.

As well as the above, you should know that Grasse’s historic centre is a jewel of medieval architecture, where you can see perfectly maintained old palaces and houses from the same era.

Visit the Principality of Mónaco:

Another place you must see on the French Riviera is the Principality of Monaco. Monaco boasts one of the best Mediterranean landscapes in the whole of the Côte d’Azur, as well as being one of the most elegant cities in the area.

If you visit Monaco, you will find many attractions to help you have some unforgettable moments. The most well-known attractions include the Oceanographic Museum, the Exotic Garden, the New National Museum of Monaco and the Japanese Garden. You can also organise a tour of the Prince’s Palace of Monaco and discover the reasons why Monaco is known as one of the most luxurious and sophisticated areas in this French region.

If you have always wanted to visit this incredible place, but you have not decided to do so yet, I hope that the five reasons above persuade you to spend your next holidays in this marvellous corner of France.

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7 beautiful beaches in Lagos, Portugal

The city of Lagos is located in the Algarve region and is one of Portugal’s most popular tourist destinations.

Its excellent geographic position with regard to the Atlantic Ocean has given it extraordinary beaches that, together with the city’s historic centre, are the most attractive factors for an unforgettable holiday.

This area is the perfect combination of relaxing coastal scenery and pleasant walks through the cobbled streets where every visitor can experience traditional Portuguese culture.

However, Lagos’ most noteworthy feature is its great diversity and incomparable beauty. Without further ado, below I will tell you about seven of the most beautiful beaches that you should visit if you go to this marvellous city.

1. Praia do Camilo:

This magnificent beach is situated at one end of Lagos and is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the area. Its crystal-clear waters and fine sand, surrounded by impressive cliffs, offer one of nature’s most beautiful sights.

It is the perfect place to snorkel and can be accessed by wooden stairs leading down to the sand. Although there are a lot of stairs, the walk up and down them is not unpleasant. From the top of the stairs, there are amazing views of the Lagos coastline.

2. Praia de Dona Ana:

Due to its incomparable beauty, this beach is worthy of a postcard and is a must-see when you visit Lagos.

Its waters are an intense turquoise blue and, like Praia do Camilo, it is surrounded by cliffs that highlight its uniqueness.

If you enjoy diving or just want to sit back and relax while enjoying the scenery, this is the perfect place for you. There are many facilities around the beach including restaurants, shops and showers.

Moreover, it has very easy access from the city of Lagos, since it is only 20 minutes away and a tourist train and local bus cover the route.

3. Praia do Pinhão:

Praia do Pinhão is a peaceful place near the city that can be reached through Praia de Dona Ana.

Although its swathe of sand is not very wide, this beach has a beautiful landscape dominated by a natural arch on the east side and the captivating contrast of the colours of the sea and the surrounding cliffs.

This is the perfect beach for diving and snorkelling since it has lots of rock formations that are perfect for these activities.

4. Praia da Batata:

Situated a few metres from the historic centre of Lagos, Praia da Batata is one of the most popular among both tourists and local residents. Since it has so many visitors, it has all the facilities characteristic of any urban beach, such as restaurants, showers, shops and bars.

Like the other beaches in Lagos, it is also surrounded by cliffs and its waters are calm, crystalline, and ideal for water sports.

Although this beach is one of the most visited, it is very well preserved.

5. Praia dos Estudiantes:

Surrounded by huge cliffs jutting out into the sea and guaranteeing calm waters, Praia dos Estudiantes is an excellent destination for families visiting the city with small children.

Since it is very popular, there are many tourist facilities, making it very convenient for those who visit.

It is not far from the centre and is easily accessible, as well as being connected by tunnels to Praia do Pinhão and Paria do Batata.

6. Praia de Porto de Mos:

This beach has quite a wide swathe of fine, golden sand. Like the other beaches I have mentioned, Porto de Mós is sheltered by tall cliffs with a viewing point offering magnificent views of the coast as far as Sagres.

Praia de Porto de Mos is also close to Lagos, is easily accessible, and has excellent conditions for people with reduced mobility. All the facilities you need for a pleasant visit are available, including bathrooms, showers restaurants.

7. Praia do Canavial:

Praia do Canavial is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve region if you visit, its white sand and intense blue waters will remind you of a Caribbean beach.

Although this beach is difficult to reach, since access is by a narrow stairway, it is worth taking the risk because it is almost virgin and very few people go there.

Bear in mind that you will not find the normal facilities of an urban beach here, but since it is far from civilisation, during your visit you can be sure to disconnect from the rest of the world.

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Serrano ham: Everything you need to know

Spain is the biggest producer of Serrano ham in the world and is also one of its biggest consumers. The Spanish have a rich culture in the manufacturing and consumption of Serrano ham and it is practically a national symbol.

Many people enjoy this product, often without taking into account certain details to do so in the best way. For this reason, in order to enjoy serrano ham to the full, it is important to be aware of its nutritional value, the best ways of storing and eating it and how to cut it correctly.

Serrano ham is called so due to the fact that it is produced in high mountain areas where the low temperatures favour the curing process.

White pigs are used to make serrano ham. The main breeds used are Duroc, Landrace, Large White and Pietrain, which are breeds with a very low percentage of Iberico genetic. These pigs must be fed with pig feed and cereals made from natural products and must have reached a specific weight and breeding time to be ready for production.

• Nutritional value:

During the curing process, this ham becomes lighter, containing proteins and less fat, making it a product with high nutritional value.

Serrano ham is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins B1 and B6, phosphorous, iron, potassium and zinc. It is highly recommended for the diets of high-performance athletes because the high concentration of vitamins and minerals delays the appearance of fatigue.

This ham has nutritional properties very similar to those of olive oil since it has a high level of unsaturated fats and a high percentage of oleic acids.

• Types of serrano ham:

There are currently two denomination types certifying that the whole production and preparation process is controlled by the established standards and protecting consumers from being deceived by false publicity and information: Protected Denomination Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

Hams are classified taking into account the curing period:

• Bodega: between 9 and 12 months.

• Reserve: between 12 and 14 months.

• Grand reserve: more than 14 months. These are considered to be the best serrano hams.

It should be noted that, the longer the curing process, the deeper the nuances of aroma and taste that differentiate the quality of a ham.

Although a huge amount of ham is produced in Spain, we can find the following types of serrano hams on the market that have already been endorsed by the PDO and the PGI, this guaranteeing their quality:

• PGI Jamón de Trevélez: For the production of this ham, the Landrace, Large-White and Duroc-Jersey pig breeds are used. These hams are produced in areas above 1,200 metres in the province of Granada, in the towns of Trevélez, Juviles, Busquístar, Pórtugos, La Tahá, Bubión, Capileira and Bérchules. Smaller hams are cured in a 15-month period and larger hams can take up to 24 months. Due to the low salt levels, it is considered to be the sweetest ham on the market and also stands out due to its deep red colour contrasting with the yellow fat.

• PDO Jamón de Teruel: These hams originate from the province of Teruel and are mainly produced in the Albarracín, Gúdar-Javalambre and Jiloca mountain ranges. For the production of this ham, the Landrace, Large White and Duroc pig breeds are used. These pigs are fed with completely natural cereals from the same region. Jamón de Teruel is characterised by its intense red colour, juicy texture and low salt content.

• PGI Jamón de Serón: The majority of this ham is produced in the province of Almeria and it is made from the meat of white pigs from the Large White, Landrace, Blanco Belga, Pietrain, Chato Murciano and Duroc breeds. Jamón de Serón is not very salty and has a bright red colour when cut. The curing process is favoured by the relatively low humidity levels experienced in Serón during the year.

• Preservation:

To enjoy this delicious food to its full potential, it needs to be kept in the best conditions.

It is important not to cut more slices than will be consumed, since any leftover slices, if kept, will lose the original flavour of this magnificent product.

Many people keep it on the jamonero (ham holder), but the best thing to do is to cover it with a cotton cloth or sheath it in the same material and hang it by the hoof since, if it is not going to be consumed immediately, it is best to hang the ham so that the fat can flow.

The ham should be kept in a cool, dry atmosphere to preserve its flavour and aroma during as much time as possible.

The part where the ham has been cut should not be covered with anything that is not cuts of its own meat, as this can damage the piece, completely changing the original flavour.

• Cutting serrano ham:

To cut serrano ham well, it is important to have good quality utensils. Three types of knives are used to cut ham: for the slices, a knife with an elongated, narrow blade, known as a ham knife, is used; for cutting the hip, a short knife is used and for the preparation and cleaning of the ham a wide blade knife is used.

Another important tool is the cutting board where the ham is placed before starting the task.

The slices of ham must be cut as finely as possible, with a uniform cut from top to bottom, taking in the whole width of the ham. The person slicing the ham must remember to not to hold the knife facing them.

Expert ham carvers say that if ham is sliced with a machine, it loses its flavour and nutrients due to the high temperature of the cutting wheel.

• How to eat ham

Serrano ham should not be eaten cold since it loses its flavour.

It can be used as an ingredient in many everyday recipes in all of our homes. Moreover, it is normally served thinly sliced with bread and tomato and a drink, such as wine.

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The top 10 universities in Europe

For many people, choosing a university to study a degree, master’s degree or PhD, is a complicated matter due to the wide range available and all the details that a student must take into account in order to choose correctly.

Being educated in world-renowned higher education centre adds value to our professional preparation and is a determining factor when entering the employment market.

According to prestigious rankings in this field, where universities all around the world are ranked (like the QS), the European universities are always at the top, endorsing these institutions’ many years of excellence.

This article discusses the top 10 European universities among which you can choose to continue your studies.

Oxford University (United Kingdom):

At the top of our list is Oxford University in the United Kingdom. It is the oldest English-speaking university in the world and one of the most difficult to get into.

Over the years, multitudes of students that have graduated from this emblematic university have gone on to excel in their chosen career. Many of them have won Nobel Prizes or are well-known politicians in both the United Kingdom and abroad.

If you want to get into Oxford, you need to have an excellent academic record and to show great potential as a student. Your references from your previous schools must be the best and you have to pass written exams and interviews.

Although it is complicated to get into Oxford, it must be said that all students are guaranteed a high standard of education.

2. Cambridge University (United Kingdom):

Cambridge University was founded in 1209 and follows Oxford as the second oldest English-speaking university in the world.

Cambridge has produced many well-known personalities who have made their mark on history thanks to their remarkable discoveries. Examples of Cambridge alumni include Isaac Newton, Alan Turing and Rosalind Franklin.

This centre promotes the participation of its students in extracurricular activities, with sports being one of the most popular.

As in most prestigious schools, Cambridge has quite a strict admission system, for which one of the most valued aspects is an impeccable academic record.

The tuition fees, together with the extra expenses for students at Cambridge University are quite high. However, if you really want to study in this prestigious university, bear in mind that it offers a scholarship system that helps many students to reduce their expenses.

3. Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (Zurich):

On many occasions over its more than 160 years of existence, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology or ETH Zurich, as it is also known, has been hailed as one of the best in the world, due to its magnificent academic record and past achievements.

ETH Zurich specialises in degrees related to natural sciences, technology and engineering. From its early days, this centre has been a pioneer in the field of research and innovation. One of the main reasons that it is considered one of the best universities in the world is that it has produced some of the continent’s most brilliant minds. One of the most significant alumni is the physicist Albert Einstein, who both received and gave classes there.

This university’s selection process is slightly simpler than the two I have already mentioned. High school graduates with Swiss secondary education qualifications or a foreign equivalent will have no problem enrolling in this centre. Sometimes, students with international diplomas will need to sit an entrance exam to verify whether they have the knowledge needed to undertake the degree course they have chosen.

4. Imperial College London (England):

Imperial College London was founded in 1907, as part of the University of London. In 2007 it became an independent university, specialising in science, engineering, medicine and business sciences.

This centre is considered one of the best universities in the United Kingdom thanks to the medicine and engineering courses it offers. Its graduates include many Nobel Prize winners and three Fields Medal winners.

Moreover, this famous university has close links with other equally prestigious universities around the world, undertaking many joint research projects with them.

Students must also have an excellent academic record to enrol in Imperial College London since it requires one of the highest levels in order to enter.

5. University College London (England):

After Oxford and Cambridge, this university, also known as UCL, is the third oldest in England.

It is part of the University of London and has been attended by many famous figures including, Mahatma Gandhi and Graham Bell.

Some noteworthy events in this university’s past include it being the first English university to allow students from all races and faiths. It was also one of the first to have chairs for Italian, German and French, for engineering such as chemistry and electronics and for sciences such as zoology and psychology.

UCL has been recognised as one of the best universities in the world, since it is a leader in research related to medicine, sustainable development and transformational technologies.

6. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne – EPFL (Switxerland):

Located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, this university is also considered to be among the best in Europe. EPFL has a close relationship with ETH Zurich, sharing engineering and natural sciences campuses.

This higher education centre has five faculties: computer and communication sciences, engineering sciences and technology, basic sciences, life sciences, architecture, civil and environmental engineering, offering 13 degree programmes and bringing together people from over 120 nationalities.

The facilities include the best laboratories and resources to help achieve the university’s mission: ¨education, research and innovation¨.

7. The University of Manchester (United Kingdom):

This university was founded in 1824 and has an excellent record of accomplishment, especially in industrial development. In 2004, the current University of Manchester was formed binging together the Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology.

It consists of three faculties offering a wide range of graduate and postgraduate studies and holds the record for having the most full-time students in the United Kingdom.

It also holds the record for being the university with most Nobel Prize winners in its halls, either performing research or giving classes.

This prestigious university is undoubtedly a good option since it is set in one of the best environments for university students. .

8. King’s College London (United Kingdom):

King’s College in London was founded in 1829 and is therefore, among the country’s oldest universities. In its early days, it was part of the University of London.

This institute is a leader in the field of research and is recognised as one of the best in the fields of psychiatry and psychology. Its Dentistry Faculty is also considered to be one of the best in the world.

Recently, the Business Faculty in King’s College has been recognised as the best “Business Management¨ degree in London.

Over a third of the students attending the university is made up of people from 140 different countries.

Many students who are considering various universities choose King’s College because its graduates receive better employment offers and therefore, higher salaries.

9. The London School of Economics and Political Science (United Kingdom):

The London School of Economics and Political Science in London is world-renowned in the fields of education and scientific research. This is mainly because their research is performed with a different approach than in other centres, with social sciences playing an important part.

This prestigious institute is considered a “college¨ and offers over 40 degree programmes and over 140 postgraduate programmes, covering a wide variety of different subjects.

One of this university’s most representative features is that it houses the biggest social sciences library in the world.

It is also one of the most selective in terms of student admission. A very low number of British students attend the London School of Economics and Political Science, meaning that there are excellent possibilities for international students to study there.

10. Université de Recherche Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL) (France):

This higher education centre is a university grouping made up of ten institutions, with some of the most noteworthy being École Normale Supérieure and Collège de France.

This centre stands out due to the excellent level of its graduate and postgraduate courses that are characterised for undertaking significant work and research in the fields of art, sciences, engineering, humanities and social sciences. It is worth highlighting the intensive work invested in measures to coordinate research policies, knowledge dissemination and international politics.

PSL has 181 laboratories offering the best conditions for the development of various projects and houses 92 specialised and general libraries.

As you can see, there are many magnificent universities in Europe, offering the best preparation to all of their students. If you are considering the option of studying in Europe, I hope that this article is useful in helping you to reach the correct decision.

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How can I travel to Italy with my dog?

For many people, their pets are so important that they love them as if they were one of the family. We often forget that they are animals and think of them as if they were people. These little animals give us so much love and are so faithful that it is impossible not to love them.

When vacation time arrives, it is very tempting to visit another country, but it can be a real headache trying to decide what to do with our pets, because on most occasions we would like them to travel with us.

Italy is one of the most popular tourist populations in the world and many people probably search for information on how to travel to this wonderful country with their dog. This article should clear up any doubts you might have.

• Before travelling:

As you have probably imagined, the procedures for your trip to Italy with your dog begin in your country of origin.

If you are in a European Union country, the first thing you need to take into account is that your pet will need a “Pet Passport”. In order to obtain this document, your four-legged friend must have been recently vaccinated against rabies and must have a microchip or legible tattoo.

If this is not the case, you need to visit a vet that is officially recognised by the pertinent authorities in both your country of origin and in Italy, to obtain a certificate of good health for your dog. You also need to remember that, as well as the aforementioned certificate and the rabies vaccine, your pet must be identified with a microchip or clearly legible tattoo.

It is important to bear in mind that, to enter this European country, your dog must be vaccinated against rabies at least 21 days before your trip.

It is also important to note that dogs under 3 months old are not allowed into Italy because, at this age, they have still not been vaccinated against rabies.

• During your trip:

Once you have completed the pre-journey procedures, you need to be ready for your flight. At this stage, there are certain aspects that you need to be very clear on, so that your pet’s journey is as comfortable as possible.

The first thing you need to do is to find out whether your airline accepts animals for transport. Once you have checked it out, you need to investigate, well in advance, all the regulations for your dog’s trip.

These are some of the things you need to take into account:

• If your dog weighs less than 10 kilos, it will be allowed in the cabin with you. Of course, there are guidelines to follow, e.g. it must be clean, in an appropriate carrier and cannot be taken out during the flight.
• During the flight, the dog must be placed under the seat in front of you and you need to make sure that it does not disturb the other passengers.
• Dogs that weigh over 10 kilos are transported in the hold, in a pressurised area, inside a cage suitable for transporting the dog, so you can be completely sure that your four-legged friend will not be uncomfortable. In this case, many companies allow the client to bring their own cage or else they will provide you with a suitable one.
• Moreover, you should check whether the airline offers personal assistance for pets and, if so, whether or not they charge for the service.

In Italy:

Once you have arrived at your destination, you need to take into account certain measures that must be fulfilled by everyone who visits the country with their pet. Here are a few rules that you need to remember:

The first thing is that, in Italy, your dog must always be on a lead and wear a muzzle. The lead must be no longer than 1.5 metres long and the use of the muzzle is not always compulsory, although I would recommend that you always carry it with you in case you need to show it or put it on your dog.

If you need to travel on public transport and your pet is with you, your pet must either wear its muzzle or be in its carrier and you must pay for its journey, which will cost you half of the normal fare. Only guide dogs for the blind or visually impaired can travel free of charge.

If you would like to go to a restaurant with your pet, be sure that they are allowed on the premises. To a great extent, this depends on the size of the animal. If the dog is allowed into the restaurant, make sure it doesn’t disturb the other diners.

• Going to the beach:

There is no doubt that Italy has some beautiful beaches that are popular among many tourists. People travelling to Italy with their dog, must remember that on the majority of these beaches, dogs are not allowed. I suggest that you check out which beaches allow dogs. To begin with, I would recommend Bau Beach in Maccarese.

Other places that welcome pets include Ristorante Quinoa in Florence, the National Museum of Cinema in Turin and the HangarBicocca Contemporary Art Museum in Milan.

Moreover, every town in Italy has areas where dogs can run freely without having to be on a lead.

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