Local News
5 Lesser-Known European Port Cities You Should Have on Your Radar – NBC Los Angeles
The following content is created in partnership with Windstar Cruises. It does not reflect the work or opinions of the NBC Washington editorial staff. Click here to learn more Windstar Cruises.
As travel surges back to pre-pandemic levels, finding under-the-radar locales away from bustling crowds grows ever more appealing. And while Europe’s most visited cities and landmarks have certainly earned their allure, there’s something to be said about the unique qualities and unspoiled beauty of an off-the-beaten-path destination. For those eager to experience the charm and authenticity of Europe without the throngs of tourists, these enchanting cities offer a unique blend of culture, history, and local flavor, promising unforgettable experiences for the discerning traveler. Furthermore, these port-cities limit access to only smaller cruise ships, offering the perfect opportunity to experience the personalized service and relaxed atmosphere of a small-yacht cruise while fostering deeper connections with local cultures and communities in more remote destinations.
Rovinj, Croatia
On the west coast of Croatia situated on the north Adriatic Sea lies the delightful town of Rovinj. Ruled by Venetians for more than five centuries, it offers a distinctive Italian flare evident in its narrow cobblestone streets, pastel-colored houses, and seaside cafes. A tranquil escape from the crowds with a serene atmosphere and stunning views of the Adriatic Sea, Rovinj also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, delicious local cuisine, and high-quality leather goods, making it a worthy stop on the Istrian Peninsula.
Bilbao, Spain
You don’t build a Frank Gehry architectural marvel without attracting a few tourists. But much like the French town of Arles (home of the striking LUMA museum designed by the man himself), Bilbao remains a lesser-known stop on the venerable European tour. Indeed, Bilbao is home to the iconic Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture that draws art enthusiasts from around the world. Often described as one of Spain’s most underrated cities, Bilbao’s revitalized waterfront, vibrant pintxos bars, and charming old quarter provide a welcoming atmosphere and an authentic Spanish experience.
French Polynesia–Papeete, Tahiti, The Tuamotu Islands, and Society Islands
Though France is plainly invoked in the name, most people don’t automatically think of Europe when they think of French Polynesia. The country, in fact, is a French territory associated with European Union. It is also a tropical paradise comprised of several archipelagos boasting pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. The islands’ uniquely unspoiled beauty is largely due to local government regulations which ensure limited development and promote conservation measures. Travelers willing to make the lengthy flight (about 13 hours from New York City or 9 hours from Los Angeles) will be rewarded with more than just breath-taking natural scenery; the rich Polynesian culture is something to behold from the flower lei greetings and the black pearl farming to millennium-old relics of the Maori civilization. Windstar Cruises, a small-yacht cruise line with a long history of sailing the islands has spent decades fostering local relationships from Tahiti to Bora Bora, enabling the cruise line to arrange intimate excursions and authentic local experiences for an unforgettable vacation.
Bordeaux, France
While Bordeaux is not exactly under-the-radar, the city offers all the charm and quality wine of Paris but with a decidedly more tranquil atmosphere than its metropolitan counterpart. Best known as the wine capital of France, Bordeaux has also earned a spot on this list by receiving The European Capital of Smart Tourism award in 2022, a recognition for exemplary achievements in tourism. In other words, while many destinations buckle under tourist traffic and dilute their character to cater to visitors, Bordeaux has proactively implemented practices with regard to accessibility, sustainability, digitalization, and cultural heritage so that it may welcome travelers without compromise to the city’s culture and local people. Renowned for its world-class vineyards, Bordeaux is a paradise for wine enthusiasts, with picturesque chateaus and rolling vineyards offering unforgettable tastings. The 18th-century architecture, dynamic cultural scene, and well-preserved historic center (a UNESCO World Heritage site) make Bordeaux a captivating travel destination and a worthwhile stop on small cruise tours. In addition to having the access to Bordeaux’s ports not available to large cruise ships, small intimate tours like Windstar Cruises have the added flexibility and expertise to tailor excursions from guided countryside tours to wine tastings with local producers. They are also the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation so guests can expect top-notch culinary excursions in addition to delicious and innovative meals on board.
Patmos, Greece
This hidden treasure in the Aegean Sea offers a low-key upmarket alternative to more popular Greek islands and cities like Athens. Admittedly harder to reach, Patmos is the perfect stop on a small-yacht cruise itinerary like Windstar Cruises. Known as the “Island of the Apocalypse,” it is home to the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse where St. John is believed to have written the Book of Revelation, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Visitors will also enjoy fine-sand shores, striking blue waters, elegant Patmian embroidery, and traditional whitewashed villages, altogether creating a picturesque setting with a more relaxed pace.
Exploring these European port cities offers a refreshing alternative to the well-trodden paths of major tourist hubs. And because their ports exclude large cruise ships, travelers can benefit from smaller cruise lines that mirror the smaller scale and authenticity of these enchanting locales. With fewer than 300 guests aboard a small-yacht cruise like Windstar’s, staff have the latitude to offer guests personalized service and intimate excursions for authentic local experiences. A smaller guestlist also means more expertise and resources devoted to innovative and delicious meals with locally sourced ingredients, and lighter crowds at these beautiful cities and towns. As you plan your next adventure, consider venturing off the beaten path with any one of these unforgettable destinations.
If you crave unique experiences and authentic connections with local cultures, Windstar Cruises can help you can escape the crowds with the personalized service that only a small-yacht cruise can offer. To start planning an unforgettable journey and learn more about Windstar Cruises, click here.
Local News
Events set to commemorate first anniversary of Oct. 7 attacks – NBC Los Angeles
Continuing events commemorating the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, the Jewish Federation Los Angeles Monday will host a program at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills billed as a way to “remember victims and honor the resilience of survivors.”
Organized by the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, Israeli-American Council, StandWithUs and Temple of the Arts, doors open at 6:30 p.m. Monday for “L.A. Remembers.” Among those expected to attend are actress Mayim Bialik, Israeli actress Moran Atias, Israeli performer Raviv Kaner, as well as more than 30 elected officials including Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Sherman Oaks.
There will also be a candle-lighting ceremony and speeches from relatives of hostages.
The event will be livestreamed at https://form.jotform.com/JFedLAForms/LARemembers-waitlist.
“Coming together to commemorate October 7th offers all of us an opportunity to gather strength as we share a sense of community that supports Israel and fights to keep the faces of the hostages front and center in everyone’s hearts until they all come home to their families,” Roz Rothstein, founder and CEO of StandWithUs, said in a statement.
Additionally, Beverly Hills community leaders, elected officials, religious leaders and residents will gather at 6 a.m. near the city’s Israel Flag installation to commemorate the one-year anniversary. Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman and council members John Mirisch, Mary Wells and Craig Corman are expected to attend.
Meanwhile, IfNotNow Los Angeles will gather at downtown’s Gloria Molina Grand Park, which they say will be attended by “hundreds of American Jews” to honor the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel, and the ensuing “brutal collective punished by the Israeli government” over the past year. The event slated for 6 p.m. is intended to “remind elected officials and fellow Americans that violence is antithetical to Jewish values and that it will never keep any of us safe.”
On Sunday, the Jewish Federation Los Angeles held a reception and candle-lighting ceremony at the Museum of Tolerance Los Angeles.
“It was not the last chapter of my life,” Andrey Kozlov, who was held hostage for eight months and a day, said at the event that coincided with the exact moment of the Oct. 7 attacks.
“Something better is coming, and here I am with lots of opportunities. I became some kind of voice of hostages, and I am able to speak.”
Mayor Karen Bass said “Today, we must continue our prayers for safety and peace. As conflict rises in the Middle East, we often see a troubling rise in antisemitism around the world, including here in L.A. So let me be unequivocally clear — antisemitism has absolutely no place in L.A.”
Local News
6 arrested in connection with flash-mob style mall robbery in Woodland Hills – NBC Los Angeles
Four adults and two juveniles were arrested in connection with a flash-mob style robbery at the Westfield Topanga Mall, authorities said Sunday.
Around 5:15 p.m. Friday, two stores in the mall, in the 21700 block of Victory Boulevard, were hit by 12 suspects who ran in and stole more than $90,000 worth of merchandise in under a few minutes, the Los Angeles Police Department announced.
Suspects wearing masks and hoodies, caught on video can be seen grabbing and running away with stolen designer handbags and clothes.
The LAPD’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force were able to identify the suspects and vehicles they believed were connected to the crime.
Around 9:40 p.m. Friday, LAPD Southwest area officers located and detained a vehicle with five occupants. They were alleged to be involved in the smash-and-grab.
Three adults and two juveniles were booked on robbery charges. They were identified as
- Joshua Jones, 22, of Los Angeles, whose bail was set at $1,085,000
- Amaya McDonald, 19, of Los Angeles, whose bail was set at $150,000
- Justin Jones, 18, of Los Angeles, whose bail was set at $150,000
About two hours later, officers from the Huntington Beach Police Department located and detained a vehicle, with a female driver.
Officers found allegedly stolen items in the vehicle. Rajene Robinson, 26, of Los Angeles was arrested on suspicion of felony possession of stolen property. She was being held without bail.
The identities of two juvenile suspects were withheld. The case remained under investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the incident was asked to call the Commercial Crimes Division, Organized Retail Crime Section, Detectives at 818- 374-9437 or [email protected], and 877-527-3247 during non-business hours. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
Local News
Nathan Hochman says he rejects Gascón’s ‘extreme policies’ – NBC Los Angeles
Many voters in Los Angeles County, one of the most progressive and steadfastly Democratic counties in the nation, may be considering a former Republican for the Los Angeles County District Attorney in November general election as Nathan Hochman, a former federal prosecutor, is leading by double digits in a poll against the incumbent, George Gascón.
In an effort to reassure Los Angeles voters that he’s no hard-liner, Hochman, who became independent in 2023, said he too is against mass incarceration like Gascón. But the difference, Hochman said, is that if he is elected, he would look at each case individually.
“I reject extreme policies as any prosecutor actually does,” Hochman said, bashing what he called Gascón’s “blanket” policies. “You have to look at each case individually. Look at the defendant, the defendant’s background. Look at the crime committed and the impact on the victim to determine who the true threats are to our public safety and need to be behind bars and quite candidly the ones that aren’t.”
Despite the endorsements from Los Angeles police unions and law enforcement associations, criminal justice reform advocates including Black Live Matter and the American Civil Liberties Union may be concerned Hochman would try to reverse some of the reforms implemented by Gascón.
But the one-time California attorney general candidate assured during an interview with NBC Los Angeles’ NewsConference that he too would free wrongfully convicted people and pursue police accountability – only more efficiently than the incumbent
“I will be the first DA in history that not only has a prosecutorial background, but actually a defense attorney,” Hochman explained “I go into court every single day promoting the presumption of innocence, forcing the government to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury at a unanimous level.”
When it comes to responding to campus unrest led by pro-Palestinian protesters as seen at UCLA and USC, Hochman said he would draw the line.
“A DA needs to say that proactively and say very clearly to the protestors, ‘Here are the lines, I’m going to enforce it, here are the real consequences. And if you cross those lines, yes, you will be held accountable and go to jail.’ Hochman said.
“My fervent goal as being DA is to promote deterrence. I will know I have created an effective criminal justice system if criminals are being deterred from committing crimes in the first place.”
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