GO FORTH AND EXPLORE HUE, THE IMPERIAL CITY OF VIETNAM, THE MYSTERIOUS MAYAN RUINS OF CHICHÉN-ITZÁ OR GERMANY’S FAIRYTALE ROMANTIC ROAD.
One of the most beguiling sights of Vietnam is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hue in Thua Thien Hue province. The capital of Vietnam between 1802 and 1945, the Citadel of Hue was home to the emperors of the Nguyen Dynasty, who created a playground of palaces, temples and pagodas on the banks of Perfume River.
Despite damage during the Vietnam War in 1968, the Citadel still conjures visions of grandeur, with its imposing stone gate, ponds and bridges, palace and courtyards. Here was the Forbidden City, accessed only by emperors, their concubines and the inner circle. Take a cruise on the river and you will pass the 14th-century Thien Mu Pagoda, its octagonal tower one of the most famous buildings in the country. And south of the river you will find the well-preserved tombs of the emperors, each one a large complex of temples, palaces and lakes.
The sacred site of Chichén-Itzá was one of the greatest Mayan centres in the Yucatan Peninsula. Built between the 7th and 10th centuries, this lost city comprised stone buildings of remarkable architectural complexity: pyramid-temples, palaces, stages, markets and ball courts. The stepped temples are Chichén-Itzá’s most iconic sights. Dominating the centre is the nicknamed ‘El Castillo’, a spectacular temple to the god Kukulcan.
If you are lucky to be here on the spring and autumn equinoxes, time your visit for sunrise or sunset when the structure casts the shadow of a plumed serpent. The Great Ball Court, which was used for symbolic religious games, was the largest in ancient Mesoamerica, measuring a vast 166m by 68m with walls 12m high. Prepare to be amazed, and ponder on the great mystery of exactly how the Mayans constructed Chichén-Itzá without metal tools, wheels or beasts of burden.
The 360km-long Romantic Road snakes from the hills of central Germany to the Bavarian Alps in the south, passing mountains and vineyards, rivers and lakes, medieval villages and fairytale palaces. Start at the northernmost town of Würzburg in the Franken wine-growing region. Enjoy some tastings, see the World Heritage Site of the Residenz Palace and art and architecture from the Romanesque to the Rococo periods.
Between Weikersheim and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the scenery is amazing, with the Tauber River on one side and vineyards on the other. Stop at Weikersheim to see its Renaissance palace and Baroque garden. Rothenburg is the best-preserved medieval town in Germany: walk its perimeter walls and take in the views. Then, it’s on to Königswinkel (Kings’ Corner) to see the fantasy confection of Castle Neuschwanstein, presiding over a wooded gorge in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Last stop is the historic lakeside town of Füssen, but not before a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Hopfensee. And if you still have some energy left, for the shopaholics amongst you the shopping in Munich is out of this world...
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