Each year, as a way to showcase the diverse cultures of the continent, the European Union selects two locations to serve as “European Capitals of Culture.” This year, the spotlight is on Guimarães, Portugal, and Maribor, Slovenia.

Guimarães, a historic city in northern Portugal, is considered to be the birthplace of the Portuguese nationality. The most important event in the formation of Portugal, the Battle of Sao Mamede, was fought here in 1128. The city also produced Portugal’s first king, Alfonso I.

An incredible array of projects, performances and events in and around Guimarães will encourage visitors and residents alike to explore and discover the city. Events range from “pop up culture” – finding new uses for old infrastructure, such as a pop-up shop that sells contemporary merchandise in an old storefront – to groundbreaking artistic projects, such as combining digital and traditional music using live audiovisual manipulation.

Like Guimarães, Maribor has a long and eventful history. With a strategic location on the Drava River, the medieval city withstood a number of sieges by would-be invaders. In the first half of the 20th century, the city was caught in ethnic struggles, then was occupied by Nazi Germany until being liberated at the end of World War II. In 1991, Slovenia seceded from Yugoslavia, and Maribor became a center of transit, industry and culture. 
                                                                                  
Under the slogan “Pure Energy!,” Maribor will host exhibitions, street events, concerts, art installations, live performances and more in the historic city center. Events and projects created by Slovenian and international artists will highlight the city’s colorful history. Through a Cultural Embassies program, foreign cultural institutions will participate as well.

Both cities are a little off the usual tourist paths in Europe, yet easy to fly to. Guimarães is about 24 miles from Francisco de Sà Carneiro Airport in Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city; Graz Airport in Austria is just 30 miles from Maribor.

And, if the idea of exploring a European Capital of Culture appeals to you but this year’s vacation schedule is full, talk with one of us today about visiting next year’s capitals: Marseille-Provence, France, and Košice, Slovakia.

Now through mid-October, dozens of events are being held in and around San Francisco to celebrate the 75th birthday of the bridge. Photo exhibits, art contests, musical performances, tours of historic homes and food festivals are just some of the festivities planned. Everything is designed to commemorate the bridge, but also to spread appreciation of its beautiful setting and special place in the hearts of area residents and visitors.

The official celebration on Sunday, May 27 – the Golden Gate Festival – will take place along San Francisco’s waterfront, including the famous locations of Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, with additional exhibits and activities at various landmarks around the city. The festival program is still developing, but will include a display of autos from 1937 to the present, a parade of historic watercraft, live music and dance, art installations and films. The evening will be lit up by a spectacular fireworks display.

If you want a great view of the bridge, visit Baker Beach in San Francisco’s Presidio Park; or, rent a convertible, put the top down, and drive to South Vista Point, on the San Francisco end of the bridge, or North Vista Point, on the Marin County end.

In addition to the famous bridge, San Francisco is full of cultural attractions, gorgeous parks, major league sports and colorful neighborhoods to explore. Just north of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Napa Valley offers an array of wonderful accommodations, along with world-class wineries. Talk with one of our domestic travel professionals about everything you can do in the Bay Area during the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge.