Tag: Europe

Reasons Why You Should Plan Your Next Holidays to Puglia

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With a delightful mixture of sightseeing and exciting activities, there are a lot of good reasons for planning your holidays to Puglia.

Puglia – the southern region of Italy has everything you think about the great nation. To start with, it is the sun-bleached heel of Italy’s boot, adorned by the turquoise blue water, sandy beaches and miles of wild coastlines of the Adriatic Sea. The cities are filled with chic bars and cozy eateries, while the countryside produces the ingredients- the olives, the cheese, the wines! People carved houses out of stones in the ancient times, and the architects built the extravagant churches and synagogues. It has seen countless number of conquerors, but also lovingly known as the ‘Florence of the South’.

Therefore, holidays to Puglia is a popular phenomenon. Be it a trip to bond with the special someone, or an occasion to spend with the family; Puglia is the destination for your perfect Italian holiday. Find out the reasons why!

Sandy Beaches

As a region surrounded by the sea, the silky sand beaches are an obvious attraction. The 4km stretch of Torre Lapillo formed an arc between two 16th century watchtower, making it ideal for families. Whereas, Pescoluse – the southernmost point is known as the Maldives of Puglia. The Baia dei Turchi is wild, for its lines of pine trees. Anyways, Puglia is not only about sunbathing. In July every year, the town Polignano al Mare hosts some of the world’s most-skilled divers. Spots like San Gregorio, Grotta della Poesia also offers some nice cliff jumping opportunities. For adventure seekers, there is also the opportunity of scuba diving at Otranto ad Torre Lapillo.

Sneak-a-peek to the Past

Puglia showcases some of the most exquisite ways of living of our predecessors. The Town Matera houses a complex of cave dwelling carved into the mountains during the ancient period. Grotte di Castellana goes back some 90 million years, and is now the most famous caverns in the region. The baroque splendor of Lecce, the 13th century castle ‘Castel del Monte’, the Scolanova Synagogue and other Jewish heritage in Trani, etc. are just a few examples of Puglia’s rich architectural heritage. The Trulli homes of Valle d’Itria sheds a bright light on its traditional ways of living in the countryside, with their fairy-tale like whitewashed stone and cone-shapes roofs. Many of Puglia’s archaeological sites have been recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage committee, and provides a charming sneak-a-peek to the past.

Great Tasting Foods

The highly-regarded Italian culinary arts extend to the Puglia region, albeit, with a twist of local delicacies. Great tasting obvious items like seafood and pastas can be found everywhere. However, it’s their heritage of local cuisines that got declared as an expression of a unique culture by UNESCO. ‘Fave e Cicoria’, ‘Caciocavallo’ cheese from Martina Franca, Biscotto di Ceglie, etc. are some of its local cuisines. The region is also famous for producing extra virgin olive oils, and its locally produced wines.

Travel-friendly Environment

For its popularity, Puglia is well-equipped to deal with a strong surge of tourists every year. There are a lot of great hotels and resorts, some of which are restored medieval farmhouse, or centuries old warehouses. There are also a lot private tour and public tour packages offered all across the year. From a day-long guided walking tour to a long safari across the region – you are sure to find a package suitable for your need. You can also choose to tailor-made your itineraries with the help of a guide.

HOW ABOUT VISITING MYKONOS THIS SUMMER?

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Mykonos is one of the most famous Greek islands worldwide. What? You’ve never heard of it? You must be kidding! However, you don’t have to worry because I’m here to provide you with all the required information and to talk you into paying a visit to this extraordinary island of the Aegean Sea in the next few weeks. Starting off, this place is known to celebrities globally and there are really important reasons for it and we are going to refer to them below. Most of you might be thinking that it would be an excellent idea to visit this earthly paradise during off-season as it would be easier to book a place to spend the nights and that the clubs and the restaurants will be less crowded. But-take my word-you will regret it as the best season to explore this beauty is during summer months.

BEACHES AND CLUBS

Mykonos boasts some of the greatest beaches you could possibly imagine. “Super Paradise”, “Agrari” and “Platys Gialos” are just some of them and only if you visit them and swim in their crystal-clear waters will you get to my point. You aren’t the swimmer kind of guy? Stay cool-neither am I! That’s why there are dozens of sun loungers in every shore for you to relax while having your beverage and reading your favorite book in the shade. Please, don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen though since Greek sun is really hazardous at this time of year and precautions are absolutely vital.

Greek islands, like Mykonos, are rather popular with the youth and celebrities for their clubs. In fact, there are two sorts of them: the usual ones as all around the world and the beach ones. The former don’t need to be advertised as they are pretty known and more or less all of us have been to such a place at least once in our lives. But some guests are not very familiar to the latter. Thus, let me tell you a bit about them. Beach clubs are found only in coastal areas and they do not offer just drinks and snacks. Apart from the expected stuff, special events like weddings, concerts and Dj parties are organized almost on a daily basis and mirth goes on like forever! Music plays really loud unstoppably, day and night, and customers cheer while enjoying their drink or just sunbathing nearby.

RENT A VILLA IN MYKONOS IN ADVANCE

Mykonos villas are said to be of the highest quality and can provide you with unforgettable experiences. To begin with, you can organize in coordination with the owners of the villas your or your best friend’s wedding as you’ve dreamt of it or even better. There are wedding specialists in most Mykonos villas to make this day of your life the most memorable of all! The cost per person for such an exciting event is only 80€/person and it includes both the ceremony and the party to follow. Believe me such postcard-like moments worth every cent you’ll spend or more. Now, if you are the type of person who loves cruising across the seas and being on board is a dream coming true then you should look no further. Just go ahead and book now your own luxurious yacht to spend some hours and why not days in the Aegean Sea letting the air refresh your spirit and regenerate you and your fellow crew members. Prices start from 350€ an individual. And here comes the most fabulous news you had ever expected to hear (or read)..You can book a helicopter flight (!) to take a look of Mykonos just like a bird would. It is for sure that you won’t want to get off the board in the end.  The owners of the mansions will be more than happy to serve you anytime via phone or email or chat.

For more info please visit https://www.clubzak.com/

Why You Should Consider Visiting Liverpool

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The English town of Liverpool is one of the United Kingdom’s best locations for international travellers for several reasons. This port city is known for its rich musical heritage and in the last decade has transformed into a world class destination for tourist attractions.

Find out why you should visit this incredible city with the following top highlights of what Liverpool has to offer.

World Class Shopping

For all you shopaholics out there, you’re going to love Liverpool! The city has a little bit of everything from the biggest brands to independent outlets. The best place to shop in Liverpool is without doubt the Liverpool One shopping complex. Your stores here include Victoria’s Secret, Zara, The Fragrance Shop and the LEGO Store. There are over 35 restaurants and bars for you to grab some refreshments as well as an ODEON cinema. Liverpool One is right by the waterfront and the complex’s Chavasse Park is a gorgeous location for soaking up the sun.

A Famous Musical Heritage

When people from across the world hear the word Liverpool, The Beatles are typically one of the first names to pop in their head. The band’s early history is well known and many landmarks across the city are featured in their iconic records. The Fab Four no doubt inspired Liverpool’s emergence as a musical hotspot, but they aren’t the only famous scousers to make a name for themselves. Other musical acts from the city include The La’s, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, The Zutons and Echo & the Bunnymen.

The Stunning Sights You Can Find in Liverpool

Liverpool is an incredible destination when it comes to catching stunning views and enjoying entertaining activities. The famous Liverpool Waterfront is always bustling with life and the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool should be on every visitor’s must-see list. The Radio City Tower and Anglican Cathedral offer tours which provide incredible views overlooking the city. As for parks, there’s a fantastic selection scattered throughout the city. If you want to catch the best sights of the city while on the go, you may wish to hop on board the City Explorer and LFC City Explorer tour buses.

Choose Accommodation to Suit You

With so much to see and do in Liverpool we recommend staying over for a few nights so that you have enough time to fit everything into your itinerary. Your choices are endless when it comes to choosing accommodation and the options offer an experience in their own right. No matter your preference or budget, you will find something to suit your requirements.

One of the most luxurious hotels in Liverpool is The Richmond Apart Hotel. This apart hotel has a range of luxury rooms and apartments to make your stay a comfortable one. There is even an on-site restaurant where you can dine in style. The Richmond Hotel is based in the heart of the city centre, so you don’t have to worry about travelling far to the best attractions. If you are looking for a budget option, the Sleep Eat Love Hostel is something worth considering. This luxury hostel provides a unique hostel experience which combines sleep, eat and love as one package. If you fancy staying outside of the city, look no further than the beautiful town of Chester. The Chester Townhouse Hotel is a fantastic option where you will receive the best benefits of a boutique hotel.

5 Water Activities to Enjoy in Croatia

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Croatia is blessed with a 2000 km coastline and an incredible 1,246 islands and islets. On top of that, you have some gorgeous lakes and rivers running through the country including the incredible Plitvice Lakes which are some of the most spectacular in the world.

As you can imagine there is no shortage of water activities to do here!

The Beaches are pristine and waters are clear, this country is an absolute dream for water babies!

So let’s take a look at the coolest Water Activities you can enjoy in Croatia.

White-Water Rafting

Adrenaline Junkies will appreciate navigating their way through the rivers, rapids, and canyons in Croatia. Travelers can experience white water rafting throughout the country all the way from Karlovac in the north of the country go down to the south in Dalmatia. Perhaps the most impressive rafting site though is at the River Una.

River Una borders Bosnia & Herzegovina and a White Water Rafting trip certainly makes a cool way to explore another country! There are a number of different routes you can take but while the course is challenging perhaps the most beautiful option is the route that leads from Strbacki Buk Waterfalls to Lahovo passing all the way through The Una National park.

Sailing

Find the perfect sailing holiday in Croatia! This country is indeed one of the best and most popular sailing destinations in Europe! With so many gorgeous islands to explore the country itself is perhaps best explored on a sailing boat. The Southern Dalmatian Islands are the countries hot spot for sailing where you can start off by exploring the Magnificent Unesco World Heritage site, the entire old city of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik’s old town breaks out into the sea and is encircled by enormous stone walls. It is truly a man-made masterpiece as are some of the beautiful orange roofed buildings and churches inside. From Dubrovnik, many people set off on their voyage where popular stops include the likes of Hvar Island a gorgeous high-end party town, the relaxed & foresty Plakeni islands, and the idyllic Kornati islands.

Sea Kayaking

At the most popular beaches in Croatia is very easy to rent a Kayak and head off on your own to explore. This is also a great way to escape the crowds and find your own little coves and beaches which you can enjoy all to yourself!

Diving

Those who like to dive will not be disappointed by what Croatia has to offer. There is no shortage of dives sites in the Adriatic Sea. Divers can enjoy warm summer waters, impressive marine life, and some interesting Wreck Dives. Prices for PADI courses are reasonably priced at around €300 for 5 dives over a two-day course and intro dives are also an option.

Snorkeling

Those who aren’t keen on diving can still enjoy the impressive marine life that Croatia has to offer. Mljet and Korcula islands are both well-respected snorkeling spots that can also be enjoyed as part of a sailing trip. Those visiting Dubrovnik can head to nearby beach dance which features clear waters and an abundance of sea life.

Tips on how to move in Milan

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Have you ever dreamt to move to Italy? This city of over 1.3million people has a lot to offer.

Milan is unique and marvelous, a metropolis at a fast pace where creativity is part of a large market. In no other Italian city does the fashion world have as much importance as in Milan.

1) Very good possibilities to get around

No doubt is that Milan is cheaper for the cost of living than London. If you move to Milan, you will find that public transport costs are fairly low and that you can choose to use trains, trams, buses and subways to get around. The Milan underground map and information brochure can help you. Car insurance can be expensive, but the city offers excellent bike and car sharing services, which also help to reduce environmental pollution.

More and more it is possible to walk and visit Milan in a single day, especially because of the pedestrian islands that are constantly built The dock and the area of the Navigli, on foot are very comfortable and both in winter and summer immerse yourself in the Parco Sempione passing from the Castello Sforzesco to the Arco della Pace, is a spectacle.

More intimate and romantic is a walk in the Brera district, among narrow streets curiously populated by fortune-tellers and fashionable Milanese, while some painters perform their works of painting.

2) Walking through the historic centre of Milan

To explore the historic centre of Milan, which is not so vast, the best way to do so is to walk around the city, sifting through streets and squares without haste, and walking through the most famous touristic spots like the Duomo with its grandiose square; the Palazzo Reale; the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Teatro alla Scala; the Pinacoteca di Brera; the Castello Sforzesco; the Basilicas of Sant’Ambrogio and last but not least: the Santa Maria delle Grazie church where you can visit Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece “The last supper”.

Milan is a city in the process of depollution and therefore personal vehicles are strongly discouraged, if not even penalized in favor of completely environmentally friendly bicycles. In this respect, the municipality makes public bicycles available to all through so-called “bike sharing”. It is possible to subscribe to a monthly or annual subscription at ATMs, allowing access to more than 1500 bicycles to complement the public transport service.

3) High speed ways to move around

High-speed trains, flights and motorways ensure good connections with other countries and other major Italian cities. When you live in Milan you are only 45 minutes from Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. It is also possible to visit the beautiful Ligurian coast or ski in the Alps. The city of Milan is a wonderful place for shopping, visiting museums and parks. You can discover the activities to do during your free time in Milan on turismo.milan.it.

4) A day in Milan: the surroundings

If you arrive in the city to go to visit Milan in a day, or returning home, we want to take a look at its surroundings, there are three fascinating destinations because to happen in Milan without being aware of touching them, it would be a shame.

One is the Abbey of Chiaravalle, always within the city limits, and then there is another Abbey, that of Viboldone, near San Giuliano Milanese, one of the most important medieval complexes in Lombardy. Further away, but if you arrive from that direction, do not miss the Taccani hydroelectric plant in Trezzo sull’Adda, historical and interesting.

For those who are not willing to customize their itineraries and are lazy in their establishment, can take advantage of the modern and colorful buses of Lombardy City Sightseeing, complete with drivers and hostesses in uniform, disposable earphones and commentary in eight languages.

5 Hidden Gems in Sicily

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Whether you are visiting for fascinating sites of historical significance, visiting some of the island’s spectacular golden beaches or are just after some of the country’s best food, the island of Sicily just off the toe of Italy’s boot is one of the country’s most popular destinations – the island has it all.

There is no shortage of attractions or stuff to be doing in Sicily but, sometimes, you need to break off from the tourist trail and experience other lesser-known parts of the island. If you’re going to be spending your vacation exploring, then consider staying in one of the beautiful villas in Sicily which will help you to unwind after a long day on your feet.

With this in mind, we have put together a list of our five favourite hidden gems in Sicily. Whether you are looking for archaeological ruins or dramatic views, there is something for everybody here.

#1: The Norman Castles

Sitting proudly, high in the island’s dramatic mountainous terrain with sweeping views across the coast to Trapani, the Norman Castle of Erice is brimming with history. Perched on top of Eryx Hill, the Castle of Erice provide visitors with a breath-taking view across the coastlines of Sicily.

It’s not just the view, though; history buffs will love it too for its historical significance.

#2: Modica

Although Modica is widely known and is not exactly a ‘hidden gem’, many people choose to visit Modica for its sandy beaches instead of experiencing the beauty of the city. These people are missing out; in Modica, there is lots of remarkable architecture to feast the eyes upon, including both St. Peter’s Church and the St. George Cathedral… oh, and the town is famous for its artisan chocolates.

#3: The Mozia Windmills

Mozia is a small island located just off Sicily’s west coast which, when compared to the island of Sicily itself, is a place less travelled. On Mozia, there are tons of archaeological sites based around the Mediterranean’s most iconic Phoenician settlement, but it is the windmills found on this island which make it worthy of a visit – it is the perfect opportunity for photographers to let their creativity shine!

#4: Caltagirone and its Ceramic Architecture

In this beautiful Sicilian town, the streets, bridges, buildings, and everything else are coated in beautiful ceramic works of art – the town is literally a work of colourful and charming rustic art. The most famous attraction here is the Scala di Santa Maria del Monte, a large stairway which is coated entirely in ceramics, where numerous festivals take place throughout the year.

#5: Panoramic Views at Enna

The town of Enna sits 1,000 above two mountainous peaks, it is an awe-inspiring destination with long, winding cobble-paved streets and historical landmarks as far as the eye can see. If you are looking for beautiful panoramic views as far as the eye can see and rustic Italian architecture, Enna needs to be on your list.

The Island of Sicily attracts tourists in their masses each year, many of whom come solely for the island’s sandy beaches. Although the beaches are fantastic, Sicily’s true character truly shines through its beautiful historical sites, architecture, and old Italian streets.

Mykonos travel tips

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Mykonos travel tips

To enjoy your vacations at Mykonos island you need to get well prepared. Especially if you are planning to visit the island during the peak time (end of June to end of August), you need to plan as many details as possible. Mykonos gets really overcrowded and if you don’t come with a plan, you may miss some places you would like to visit.

Here is a short list of things you should consider while planning your Mykonos vacations.

Choose the places you will visit according to your likes

In Mykonos you will find a big variety of restaurants, bars and beaches. You can’t visit them all – and you don’t want to – so do some research, find out the ones you would mostly like to visit and book well in advance.

If you are a party animal, you shouldn’t miss the party beaches on the south shoreline of Mykonos: Paradise, Super Paradise and Psarou. If you prefer less noisy but organized beaches, some good suggestions are Agios Ioannis, Ornos, Kalafatis, Platys Gialos, Agia Anna, Panormos, and Agios Stefanos. In case you like more secluded and natural environments, pick Agios Sostis, Korfos, Fokos, Kapari or Houlakia beaches.

Eating at Mykonos can be a really pleasant experience and there are many different cuisines available. For a delicious local meal you can go to Kiki’s tavern at Agios Sostis beach or Avli Tou Thodori at Platys Gialos beach or Karavaki Restaurant at Chora Mykonos. For an elegant atmosphere and gourmet dishes, try Nammos, Principote, Scorpios , Interni or M-eating.

Book everything you can in advance

As soon as you decide what places you want to go to, make reservations for as many of them as you can. Good restaurants have a long waiting list and VIP tickets to the best clubs are sold out quickly.

The same goes for accommodation and car hires. Some villas or hotels are booked several months prior to their visitors’ arrival. If you want to make sure you will not miss anything of what you are planning to do, book early. Priority should be given to accommodation, restaurants and car or bike rental. You should also book for tickets to museums, VIP access to clubs and daily trips.

Pick a suitable accommodation

Although Mykonos island isn’t very big and you can easily access most of the places in a short time, it will be much more convenient if you stay near to the sites you plan to visit.

A good base for your trip would be near Chora Mykonos. Remember that the center of the town can be very noisy even during the night so it is better to avoid it. There are some very good hotels around Chora Mykonos like Belvedere, Leto hotels or Semeli.  But the most beautiful and luxurious accommodation can be found away from Mykonos Chora. On the way from Chora to the New Port you will find Cavo Tagoo 5 star hotel.

If you are planning to stay mostly at the southern part of Mykonos, where all the big parties and clubs are, it would be better to choose a villa in Mykonos or hotel suite there. You will find a great number of 5 star hotels and villas with plenty of amenities and amazing views to the Aegean Ocean. Some of the best hotels are Santa Marina near Ornos Beach, Rocabella Hotel and Spa at Agios Stefanos Beach, Palladium Boutique Hotel at Platys Gialos and Grecotel Mykonos Blu Hotel at Psarou Beach.

If you prefer the privacy there are elegant mykonos villas for rent on the island.

Or if you are looking for something more permanent you might want to check out the Mykonos Real Estate, to find your idyllic summer villa.

Check transportation options and work out a plan

It is highly recommended that you rent a car or a bike for your transportation during your visit. There are so many awesome places to visit and you shouldn’t waste time and energy to wait for the public bus or a taxi. Keep in mind that it gets really hot during the day and it would be really uncomfortable if you have to walk under the sun.

Occasionally you can use public transport as taxi boats, bus or taxi but you should check timetables before you decide to use it.

In Mykonos you will find some more luxurious ways to travel within the island, like limousines, helicopters and luxury yachts. If you want to visit Dilos and Rinia islets or some of the secluded beaches, the most convenient way is to rent a yacht with a capltain.

What to take with you

Here is a list of what you should definitely take with you for your Mykonos vacations:

  • Light, convenient clothes
  • Your most elegant beachwear
  • Trendy, chic clothes suitable for the night clubs you want to visit
  • A good 30 or 50 suncream, a hat and sarong
  • A backbag or a beach bag
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Your driving license

Perfect Resorts For French Alps Skiing Holidays

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With Christmas over and winter well and truly set in throughout many parts of the world, now is the time to start looking into those winter getaways that the whole family can enjoy. But where to? Maybe you have just recently had a holiday to a warm climate and you’re looking for something a bit more winter friendly to help wipe away those winter blues. If so, you’ve come to the right place. Winter holidays don’t always have to be jetting off to sunny tropical locations with white sand beaches and instead can involve head out to your favourite snowy destinations to hit the slopes, sip hot cocoa in the cosy atmosphere of your ski chalet and enjoy drinking Gluhwein in front of toasty fires with friends. So what are some of the best ski locations for couples and families? Check out our top picks for cheap ski holidays below and get in on the deals before they’re out the door for the season!

 

La Tania – Courchevel

This alpine resort is a haven for ski lovers who like to be challenged but also for those who like easier more leisurely skiing. A unique feature of this resort is the full pedestrianisation of the resort itself – that is to say, that the resort allows you to ski throughout the whole region – to the shops, to the bars, to the restaurants and the like. What more could you want? For a real dive into the life of skiing this is the place for you and your family and with over six hundred kilometers (yes! Six hundred!) that means you can spend your entire time skiing your little heart out at La Tania and never run over the same piece of trail twice – unless you want to. With mainly north facing slopes, the runs of La Tania will keep their snow in pristine condition until late into the season, making this a perfect resort for those late ski season holidays for both couples and families alike. So for those who want to maximise their ski season, be sure to take advantage with a holiday to La Tania.

Les Arcs

This resort is a combination of all the best bits of the sport of skiing. Ideal for beginners all the way through to experts it boasts over one hundred and thirty runs for beginners, around sixty for intermediate and around forty for advanced level skiers. With over one hundred restaurants and bars to add to the feel of this alpine beauty, Les Arcs is an old favourite amongst hobbyists as well as serious athletes with its Olympic level speed skiing course to add to the huge variety of runs already available. Les Arcs is additionally perfect for families or for those who like a bit of a lower key holiday as even though there are bars and restaurants available en masse, the late night atmosphere is nearly non-existent here. For those who like to get out by night, the neighbouring resorts often have a more hopping nightlife than Les Arcs, but don’t let that put you off this unique, enjoyable and impressive resort. You won’t miss the parties here with so many fantastic runs to check out and other apres ski activities.

Val D’Isere

Three hundred kilometres of piste set in an alpine haven, Val D’Isere boasts impressive advanced runs for those experienced skiers looking for a challenge. Not experienced? No problem! Val D’Isere also hosts a whole range of beginner to intermediate runs too for those who are just starting out on their ski skills. With around one hundred and fifty cafes, bars and restaurants at your disposal, it’s easy to see why Val D’Isere is a favourite amongst not just the expert skiers but also with those of all levels. The activities kick off each afternoon for those to enjoy the apres ski offerings and with a hugely popular cafe culture it’s easy to get stuck right in. For foodies, this is the best resort due to its location – nestled in the southeastern France’s Alps and only a mere five kilometers from the Italian border means that the Italian-French fusion cuisine is rampant in the numerous restaurants at Val D’Isere. Come see for yourself.

La Plagne

The perfect place for those who love to work hard on the slopes and play hard in the village. La Plagne is comprised of several villages which enjoy pristine snow, a plethora of apres ski activities and locations to wind down as well as generally flat topography with numerous runs that range from beginner to experienced. This is a great resort for those who just like to whet their appetite with skiing but don’t necessarily want to really dive in. This is probably the best resort for families or groups of friends due to the amount of activities on offer that don’t necessarily involve skiing as well as the variety in terms of run ratings and other general amenities. Whether you’re an avid skier or not, La Plagne is the best resort for all abilities and preferences so you won’t regret your trip to this bustling and popular resort.

Overview

These are just a few of the resorts in the Alps which offer impeccable skiing and a variety in terms of amenities, activities and more. These are French Alps resorts but there are a number of other countries which feature alpine holiday packages as well. The French Alps arguably have the best in pricing and convenience with a whole host of different resorts to choose from. Many of the package holidays in the French Alps also feature nearly all inclusive (usually half board) catering, flights, hotel, lift passes and more. So if you’re looking for the best in alpine skiing without having to pay the sometimes heavy prices of other skiing holidays, the French Alps are the place to be. Regardless of whether you’re an early riser, a party animal, a night owl or the like, the Alps will have something for everyone – and don’t forget the impeccable wine! Being on the corner of three well known wine countries, the Gluhwein you’re likely to find here might just be some of the world’s best.

So whether you’re an avid skier, a beginner or even an accomplished athlete the Alps are one of the best places on the planet to get your ski on. With so many packages, mountain ranges, ski villages, resorts and runs to choose from you can rest assured that you will stay challenged and enjoy every minute of any ski holiday to the Alps. But don’t just take our word for it – come and see for yourself. You still have a couple of good ski months left in the season, so don’t delay and get your next mountain ski holiday booked now!

Great Reasons Why You Should Rent a Villa in Sicily

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Inspector Montalbano fans will already be familiar with the delights of Sicily, but for those of you who have yet to discover Andrea Camilleri’s wonderful stories of the life of a Sicilian detective, you are in for a real treat. Sicily is a beautiful island with a long and bloody history. Baroque cathedrals, ruined temples, coffee shops, gorgeous beaches, and the most active volcano in Europe, all combine to make Sicily a fascinating destination for your next villa holiday.

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Mainland Italy is a favourite with many tourists looking for the perfect combination of history and great vino, but you will find this – and more – in Sicily, minus the crowds.

An Undiscovered Gem

Sicily has long been an undiscovered gem, lying at the foot of Italy and largely forgotten about by the main tour operators. It’s a sleepy island, but the locals are friendly and the food is to die for. Fresh seafood takes pride of place in most restaurants. Pasta with sardines and Involtini di PesceSpada are both delicious, and with so much delicious pasta dishes, this is not the best time to be on a diet.

Renting a Sicilian Villa

Renting a villa on Sicily is the best way to discover the charms of this beautiful island. Whether you want a beachfront villa with a private pool or a secluded villa nestled in a sleepy olive grove inland, you will be spoilt for choice if you visit the Scent of Sicily villas.

Take your time browsing villas in Sicily for your next Sicilian vacation. The rugged coastline offers numerous photo opportunities and endless sandy beaches that are largely unspoiled and free from the crowds that blight the popular Italian resorts on mainland Italy. Head inland, though, and you may find yourself staying near a local vineyard or farm, where you can buy fresh produce and relax in the hypnotic scent of bougainvillea flowers at dusk.

Sicilian Food and Drink

Sicilian chefs are also famous for their delectable pastries. Sicilian ricotta cannoli is to die for. You will find a pastry shop on every corner of every street. Buy a plate of cannoli and prepare to be in heaven for a few blissful moments.

After all that carb-loading, you will need a few glasses of local wine. The good news is that you have come to the right place. Sicilian grapes flourish on the fertile slopes of Mount Etna and Sicilian wines are some of the best in the world. Take a tour of some local vineyards – this is the birthplace of Marsala wine!

Finally, while we are on the subject of food and drink, we have to mention the wonderful Sicilian coffee. Sicilians love their coffee. It is practically a national institution. Local coffee tends to be hot and very strong. Order a pot of coffee and watch the world go by; that’s what the locals do.

Once you have your villa all sorted, don’t forget to book a rental car so you can explore the Valley of Temples, the Teatro Greco, and other famous Sicilian landmarks.

—This post is being sponsored by Scent of Sicily

Top 6 Cities To Visit in Europe

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Travelling Europe? Want to make your trip full of exciting experiences and great photo shots? Easy! Choose the best places to see and the most fun things to do from the list of the top 6 European cities worth visiting.

#1 London

One of the biggest megapolises in the world welcomes visitors with its historical charm and multicultural spirit. There are many great places to visit in London. Try to spot the Queen at the royal Buckingham Palace, take a spooky tour around the iconic Tower or spend the whole day at Warner Bros. Studio learning curious facts about the filming of the Harry Potter movies. Don’t miss a ride on the Coca-Cola London Eye – the perfect place to observe the city from the above. If you have time, you can try visiting the countryside by train or check the upcoming music events. It could be one of the most fascinating experience you will get when visiting England.

#2 Rome

It is an ideal travel destination for the Italian food lovers! Rome is an exciting city with a free Mediterranean spirit and an impressive number of historical sights every traveler must see. First, make sure to take a look at the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica and Trevi Fountain, imagining the glorious days of Roman Empire and magnificent Renaissance epoch.

#3 Paris

The city of love and romance is full of historical spots, famous museums, churches, and monuments. Must-see spots include the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay and Notre Dame. Take a walk along artistic Montmartre, have a glass of champagne in some famous cabarets, take a boat tour under the bridges of Seine, or simply enjoy the spirit of this ever-young city with a cup of coffee and croissant.

#4 Venice

This beautiful city is slowly sinking, so make sure to visit Venice at least once in your life before it disappears under the waters. Beautiful carnival masks, gondola rides, lots of theaters, churches, and other touristic attractions are waiting for the visitors here. You can take a day tour to colorful Murano island and spend some time on one of the public beaches of the island. Enjoy a special cup of Venetian coffee and get lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets and canals.

#5 Prague

A fairy tale comes true in Prague. This destination is really affordable in comparison to the most of the top European destinations, yet it is one of the truly gorgeous cities in this part of the planet. The capital of Czech republic attracts travelers with its beautiful Charles Bridge and the historic Prague Castle that provide free admission for everyone. Multiple cozy restaurants offer delicious local food and great craft beer, which make it impossible to resist.

#6 Athens

For all the fans of antiquity, Athens must be on top of the list. Ancient Parthenon, dozens of great museums and hospitable Hellenes, offering savory Greek food and decent accommodation at more than affordable prices. Take a ferry-boat and spend a day or two on the nearby island with the crystal turquoise waters and remember to have a drink at a roof bar with a view of night Acropolis.