White Sand And Blue Sea – What To See And Do In The Maldives

The Maldives – just the name conjures up images of white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters that stretch on for as far as the eye can see and decadent coconut drinks, all enjoyed simultaneously as you kick back on the vacation of a lifetime. Sounds pretty fantastic, doesn’t it? But aside from beaches, what else is there to do in the Maldives? A surprising amount you will be excited to know! Here is a roundup of some of the island’s most favourite, famous and enjoyable activities and excursions that will have you beaming from ear to ear as you while away your days in this exotic island locale. We can almost guarantee that after reading this you will be rushing off to book your ultimate Maldives holiday.

Beaches

This one probably goes without saying, but beaches are probably the biggest draw as to why people come from around the world to visit the Maldives. With stretches of white sand beaches that seem to go on for miles coupled with the seclusion that some of the country’s most remote islands provide it’s no wonder that this is one of the most ideal locations for honeymooners looking to get away for some alone time. The beaches all across the Maldives offer both white sand and turquoise seas, almost reminiscent of those images conjured up by such classic tales as ‘Treasure Island’. One of the most popular activities for visitors to any of the islands in the Maldives is to arrange a private picnic on one of these secluded beaches, usually available from your hotel if you ask. Aside from picnics, the beaches in the Maldives are generally ideal for just kicking back with a good book and sunbathing with the occasional dip in the beautiful waters of the Indian Ocean to cool off.

Sunset Cruises and Other Boat Trips

Nothing quite beats the feel and experience of taking a traditional Maldivian boat, known as a Dhoni, on a sunset cruise over the open Indian Ocean. Watch as the turquoise of the waters and the white of the sand give way to twilight shades of oranges purples and deep hues of pink. If you’re lucky, you may catch the sight of a pod of dolphins swimming alongside your boat. Some cruises may come with dinner options, so check ahead to see what suits you and your budget best. This is ultimately one of the most luxurious and enjoyable experiences you can have in the Maldives – just you and the open waters as the day gives way to the shades of night.

If boats are really your thing, you can also get away and out on the water with fishing trips to try your hand at a little deep sea fishing. This enjoyable sport will see you possibly landing some great catches including tuna, wahoo, sailfish and barracudas. Oftentimes you will get to barbecue up your catch with the fishermen once back on shore for a truly enjoyable experience. Nothing quite beats whiling away the hours on the deck of a beautiful boat out on the Indian Ocean with like minded people all hoping for a taste of the fish that call these pristine waters home. Snacks, drinks and the like are normally included in the price of a fishing trip and most can be arranged through your hotel.

Diving and Snorkelling

Beaches mean diving and snorkelling and often the two go hand in hand. Even if you aren’t a diver you can often catch a ride on diving boats to dive sites to snorkel at with a slew of divers looking for adventure. Qualified divers will find that the Maldives have a huge array of underwater delights to see and experience including turtles, moray eels and even shipwrecks. Yes, shipwrecks! There are a number of wrecks that you can dive that are found at a variety of depths so if you want to experience all of the wrecks you should be qualified to descend to around forty to fifty metres for best results, with most wrecks being at a depth of around twenty metres plus. The Maldives Victory and Kuda Giri are two wrecks that are located off the Male atoll and have good coral with decent fish life. For better fish life, check out the wrecks of the Liffey and Utheemu 1 and 2 off the coast of Kudahuvadhoo Island.

Not qualified? No problem. Many dive centres and resorts can take you on fun or introduction dives which means you have a qualified instructor/guide with you the whole time to check up on you and ensure you’re safe, so you just have to sit back, relax and watch the imagery float on by.

Snorkelling on the other hand is an easy activity even the kids can do if you’re travelling with family. All you need is snorkel equipment in the form of a mask and breather and away you go. Some people use fins but they aren’t necessary. In many cases you can rent this equipment from your hotel for a nominal fee for day use (or longer) or some may provide it free of charge on snorkelling trips and the like. Snorkelling is a great way to explore the reefs and marine life without needing to get deeper in the water on a dive or feeling pressured to get qualified just to enjoy the things the sea has to offer.

As a general rule of thumb, the Banana Reef in the North Male Atoll is one of the best reefs for beginner divers as well as snorkelers of all levels. It’s rich with sea life and corals and is just an all around great spot for those who want a lazy snorkel with lots to see.

The Cultural Side

Even if you’re on a luxury holiday at one of the Maldivian prestigious resorts it can be a great opportunity to get off the resort for awhile and explore the real life side of this unique, beautiful and welcoming island chain. There are a number of so-called “home islands” or “local islands”. It’s on these islands you will find the real heart beat of the country, set amid working towns and villages with real people who make this place their home. It’s in these places you will find great dining opportunities to try dishes of all kinds from breakfast to dinner and beyond. Dance the night away to the Boduberu – a traditional local musical experience that can be found in amongst those who live here.

So if you’re looking for the ultimate island experience with lots to take in amid luxury resorts offering everything from boating trips to fishing, beach picnics to spa days, you can rest assured that you will have the experience of a lifetime exploring this gorgeous part of the world for whatever reason brings you here be it a family vacation, a couples getaway or a honeymoon.

 

Fancy Something Different? Flotilla Holidays Are All The Rage

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With 2018 already progressing full steam ahead and February having come up on us in the blink of an eye, it’s easy to see the fact that this year like many before it is going to be over seemingly in a blink of an eye. With that in mind, it’s never too early to start thinking about your holidays for spring and summer break, or even for breaks later in the year. With so many options about for family holidays, holidays for couples and more it can be difficult to choose the perfect combination of something new and wonderful that you haven’t tried before as well as something you have tried and loved. That’s why taking a flotilla holiday is one of the best ideas yet and it’s perfect for everyone from ages eight to eighty, with kids, without kids, swimmers and landlubbers and everyone in between. Here are a couple of great reasons you should consider a flotilla for your next getaway.

Amazing Locations

The Greek Islands have always been considered some of the most ideal in terms of holiday locations for the young and old alike and with a flotilla at your disposal it can make these holidays even better in terms of flexibility as well as style. Depending on your preferences, flotillas are available for rent for two week rotations in locations such as the Ionian, Saronic, Greek and Sporades Islands as well as throughout Croatia. If you have ever dreamt of whiling away the days on the deck of a yacht while island hopping some of the world’s most beautiful locations, then a flotilla holiday just might be for you.

Why Flotilla?

If you think of an RV you conjure up images of tables turned beds and living spaces on wheels, right? Right! Flotillas are essentially the same idea, but just in boat form. This means they’re economical, homey and a great way to still travel in style and class but without needing a road on which to do it. Flotillas come in sizes and sailing experience levels to suit almost anyone and so it’s easy to find the perfect boat for you and your party. If you have ever wanted to experience yacht living, this is the way to do it without needing to devote hundreds of hours or hundreds of euros to learning how to sail and buying your own boat. Flotillas are the perfect option for anyone who wants to get a bit of experience yachting before committing to the purchase of their own vessel.

Options

Flotilla holidays can be combined with other options too in order to make the most out of your holiday. One such option can be doing one week on the water and one week in a villa on a gorgeous island that allows you to explore the back alleys and lively cafes of local neighbourhoods just brimming with exciting experiences and friendly local people. This is the perfect combination for those who both like kicking back and relaxing as well as getting out and hobnobbing with the local community. So what will your choice be?

What’s Included?

The great thing about package flotilla holidays is the fact that a lot of things are included in the price of your overall holiday. Generally speaking the only real things you need to pay for as extras are your own food and drinks as well as insurances and waivers. The overall cost of the packages includes return airfare and all basics on the flotilla itself such as linen and towels, harbour fees and guides. This makes taking your own flotilla around the islands such as Ithaka and Lefkas or Erikoussa something that is not just a great time saver, but also a money saver as well.

Activities

The great thing about your own yachting holiday is that you are ultimately king and in control of what you do and when you do it. If you don’t feel like doing anything, you don’t have to aside from kick back on the deck with a glass or three of bubbly and watch the beautiful sunsets change the colours of the water from teals and blues to oranges and purples as night sets in. For those who like a bit of action though, stand up paddleboards are available to rent with your flotilla, meaning you can get on the water anywhere you want, any time you want without needing to head into town to pick up a rental when you think of it. Not only that, but dinghies are often available as well which means you can head into small coves to explore, and maybe even find your own slice of private beach on which to enjoy a picnic.

Develop A New Interest

Holidays aboard a flotilla aren’t just holidays – they can be entirely great new ways to develop a new interest. With having to navigate and control your own flotilla you get experience and knowledge that can lead to a new hobby. Imagine getting into sailing because you had such an amazing time aboard your own boat on holiday and then become one of the yachting club in your own right after purchasing your own vessel. These days sailing is becoming more and more accessible to those who aren’t part of the millionaires clubs, and many people with families own their own smaller vessels that they take around various locations for family getaways. What better way to spend summer holidays – or holidays all year round?

An Investment In Fun

Flotilla holidays aren’t just a holiday but they’re an investment in a great time doing something a bit different. If you’re tired of the same old thing, try something new aboard one of the great vessels on offer. Not only that, but with many flotillas sleeping as many as eight people this can be a fantastic way to spend your holidays with your parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles or several of your best friends.

So if you’re looking for something different from the typical sandy beach holiday this year, consider setting sail for the Greek or Croatian islands and spend a week or two hopping from island to island, taking in the harbour lifestyle of these unique and ancient lands. With so many options to spend your days from just relaxing on deck or exploring the back streets of tiny island villages, you never know what you will find with a flotilla holiday. So call up some friends, get your buddies on board and rent a flotilla for the holiday of a lifetime. Don’t delay – get in now to make the most of this summer’s sun, sea and sand.

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!

Winter Sun And Fun In Dubai

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With the holiday season fast approaching, perhaps Dubai would be the perfect place to combine Christmas shopping while getting some much needed winter-sun. Indeed, Dubai has evolved in recent years to become much more than just a ‘Shopping-Mecca‘ – although it is still one of the best places to splash your cash – with so much more to see and do. Here is a pick of some of the best activities found outside the glitzy and glamorous shopping malls.

Dhow Cruises

After a long day at the shopping malls, you can unwind and enjoy a night cruise in the cool desert air along Dubai’s rapidly expanding canal system. Most evening and night options are for dhow cruise dinner with a wine tasting extravaganza as you enjoy the slow sailing around Dubai’s spectacular city centre, unwinding from a long day of shopping or perhaps a desert safari. Of course, perhaps these luxurious night cruises on large and glitzy modern-dhows is not to everyone’s liking. Those seeking more of an adventure might be enticed with spending the day on a traditional dhow sailing boat outside of Dubai’s main harbour and seafront, enjoying the views of the spectacular cityscape and the vast sweeping deserts beyond.

Fishing Trips

This probably doesn’t spring to mind when people hear about Dubai and what there is to do there, but fishing is now a well established activity, with numerous packages to suit all types of fishermen, from a complete novice to a hardened veteran. Fishing trips in the UAE are fast becoming a sought after option to wind down and get out on the water after long days in the desert, and for good reason. Groups and solo fishermen are both catered for, and the types of fishing, such as deep sea fishing, are varied and can be customised to your specific tastes. This includes add-on extras such a BBQ, to cook your own catch of the day after a long day trolling the ocean.

Luxury Tours

How about swapping the towering buildings and shopping malls in Dubai for the towering desert dunes that surround Dubai? Generally speaking, safaris just outside Dubai fall into two categories, or often both: Dune bashing, or a more traditional camel riding affair. Not only this, but there is a whole host of various luxury tours in Dubai to choose from, meaning you can find the perfect tour for you. Dune bashing is essentially a high speed dash into the desert dunes in modern 4×4 land cruisers which is guaranteed to get the adrenaline pumping, while camel-riding will be lead by local Bedouin tribes people and will give more an authentic feel of how desert life was until not so long ago.

Either way, the trip into the desert will finish in the same place: a Bedouin camp. But not before half an hour is taken near the sunset for some amazing views and photo opportunities of the sun setting behind the dunes. On arrival at the camp, a delightful BBQ meal will be served up, and afterwards you can enjoy entertainment such as belly dancing, or perhaps more suited to females is the chance to get a traditional henna tattoo. You will then be given a lift back to your hotel where you can enjoy a good night’s rest!

These 3 activities are perfect for those who are feeling a little weary from all the holiday shopping  and want to unwind outside the glitzy shopping malls that Dubai has to offer.

Fun and Frolicks In Florida – Hitting Up The Sunshine State

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Have you been thinking about the ultimate family getaway but you aren’t totally sold on any one destination yet? Perhaps the kids have been bothering you for months (or maybe even years!) to take them to Disneyland in Florida and you’re seriously considering it. Especially now that autumn is nearly here and everyone is back to school, the low season tends to make big, spectacular trips to tourist destinations a bit more affordable, so now’s the perfect time to head to the Sunshine State. Read ahead for other things to do in Florida that will really make your time in the state memorable.

Disneyland Florida

This is the big reason most people visit Florida – to hit up Disneyland! It’s known as a common request amongst children of all ages to go to Disneyland Florida due to its amazing reputation as being one of, if not the best Disney park in the world. Sure, there’s California and France, amongst others, but Florida is touted as the best one there is. Not only do you have Disneyland though, there are a huge number of amazing parks to choose from including Epcot, Universal Studios, Sea World and more. For those planning to go closer to Halloween there are dates for Mickey’s “Not So Scary” Halloween Party as well which gives kids the opportunity to trick or treat in the park as well as dress up in their favourite scary costume!

Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Centre

This is one of the highlights of Florida for anyone who loves hearing about or studying anything to do with space sciences or space travel. Come see the shells of important rockets that took men to the moon in NASA’s Apollo program in the 60s and 70s and even get a glimpse of their space suits – still caked in some spots with moondust. The outside park contains the remnants of the rockets and you can trace mankind’s history of space travel all the way back to when it first begun. If you’re lucky you can catch a rocket launch at Cape Canaveral – NASA’s launch pad for missions into outer space.

The Florida Everglades

Touted as one of the biggest national parks in the United States, the Everglades are known for their large swathes of wetlands and vast expanses of sawgrass combined with rivers and cypress swamps. Known also for their large populations of crocodiles and alligators, the Everglades enjoy a huge array of wildlife throughout which draws visitors every year who come to explore the park which stretches for over a million acres. It continues to be one of the main draws to the region as well as home to some of the indigenous populations of Florida.
So there you have a couple of great options to check out when you’re in the region of Florida. With so many different things to check out and things to do, it’s easy to see why it continues to be one of the most popular holiday destinations in Florida.

A Yacht Week In Croatia

If you have seemingly done everything there is to do in Europe and you’re looking for a new and interesting type of holiday, perhaps one where you don’t have to worry about anything, but you don’t want to be trapped inside an all inclusive, gated resort, why not try a yachting week in Croatia? Set sail on a rented yacht complete with everything you need to enjoy a week at sea, island hopping at your leisure and relaxing on your own yacht in the sun.

What’s Included?

Depending on what you’re looking for, you can either opt for a self guided yacht trip or for a hosted yacht which would give you a hostess as well as a skipper. Both are fantastic options, but for a truly stress free option the skippered/hosted option is best. Overall you would get your yacht for the week, any outboard engines and extras such as a dinghy, all equipment required for successfully operating a yacht, GPS and nautical mapping, stereo and cockpit speakers/equipment, bedding and other textiles and the fee for cleaning the yacht at the end. Additionally you would get any water taxis included for your journey.

What’s Not Included?

Most additional fees such as port fees, skipper/hostess tips and food costs for you and your travelling companions plus for your skipper/hostess. While your skipper and hostess will provide much of the work on board the boat for you, they will need to eat as well and you will be liable for the costs of food. In some cases people find it ideal to have meals with their skipper and hostess, making it a lovely experience to make some new friends and get to know people who have been doing this as a job for some time.

What’s It Like?

Imagine being able to cast off and island hop at will, exploring the rugged and varied coastline of Croatia with all its beautiful coves and interesting caves, go diving, start each day with a dip in the warm Mediterranean waters. All this and more await you on a week long trip through Croatia on a yacht, simply the best way to tour the area for those who want some stability but are keen to adventure as well.

So there you have the details about a yacht week in Croatia. Yachting through the summer months in Croatia is a great way to meet like minded individuals who are also yachting, and to really get to know the area as well as develop new skills and interests. Nothing could be more exciting or enjoyable than sailing around the coastline of the beautiful country that is Croatia.

Must Sees And Do’s In The Dominican Republic

 

If you’re heading to the Dominican Republic for your next holiday, you might be wondering what there is to see and do that you shouldn’t miss while there. Depending what you like to do and your various interests, the Dominican Republic is perfect for both history buffs as well as beach bums, budget travellers and luxury seekers. Read ahead to find out more about the Dominican Republic and the things you should make time for when you’re on the island.

La Aurora Cigar Factory

Cigars have long been a tradition of the Caribbean, from the Dominican Republic to Jamaica and especially Cuba so it stands to reason that the cigar factory in the Dominican Republic at Santiago de los Caballeros is one of the best in the region. Come and experience the history first hand of one of the Dominican Republic’s best cigar brands and learn about all the work that has gone into making it the well known brand it is today. Purchase a sample for yourself to take home from the gift shop and enjoy a bit of the Dominican Republic anytime you want.

Alcazar de Colon

This building, now museum, is the oldest Viceregal building in the Americas and is a shining example of historical Spanish colonial architecture in Santo Domingo. While it’s only around half the size it originally was, it’s still an impressive building nonetheless with numerous rooms, gardens and a colourful history, having been build by Diego Colon, the son of Christopher Columbus.

The Ruins of Monasterio de San Francisco

A keen piece of heritage in the Santo Domingo colonial zone this former monastery was built by the Franciscan monks in or around 1508 and was the first monastery built in the new world following initial colonisation. A few hundred years later, the monastery was used as a mental asylum but when it was damaged by a hurricane it ceased its use for that purpose. These days it’s seen as one of the most historic sites in the city and is used for various events. It’s also protected under law.

Beaches, Seas and Sands

The Dominican Republic is, of course, home to numerous beaches and therefore also home to numerous outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, swimming, water sports, fishing, and just plain old sun bathing. Day trips can be arranged to snorkelling and diving sites from most hotels on the island, and they’re well worth it. Some of the coral gardens and sea life in the area are stunning in their beauty and are definite must sees.

So there you have a couple of great suggestions for things you have to see and do on the island of Dominican Republic. Remember that the national language is Spanish. With so many things of historic significance, paired with water activities and a generally beautiful position in the Caribbean, this makes the Dominican Republic the ideal place for any sunny holiday.

A Weekend In Rio De Janeiro

If you have been giving some thought to heading to South America for your next holiday, you might be wondering where you should stay for at least a weekend and what there is to see or do. Rio de Janeiro is one of the hottest cities to spend a couple of days in, and is well connected by both road and air to allow for easy movement to and from other regions not just in Brazil but also throughout the continent and abroad. Read ahead for a short guide about spending a weekend in this fabulous city.

Copa Cabana, Ipanema and the Beaches

Without doubt, the beaches of Copa Cabana and Ipanema are two of the most famous beaches in the world and this is confirmed by the fact that they are absolutely covered in both locals and tourists enjoying the hot sunshine and luscious waters. For more relaxed, lesser visited beaches, try out the beaches of Barra de Tijuca to the west or Prainha. Most of the beaches have great amenities including refreshing iced teas served from barrels on the sand, and many have beach bars or restaurants, so you could literally spend every moment seaside.

Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Trails

The hills around Rio are understandably ideal for hiking, trekking and general walking. With some truly commanding views around the city and over the beaches, some of these trails take you up to heights with truly awe-inspiring views that allow for great photo opportunities. Perfect for those who like to get a bit of exercise and activity in their holidays as well as relaxation. If you want to see the top of Sugarloaf and can’t make the trails, never fear – there is a frequent cable car that allows you to experience the views without having to dedicate yourself to the trail.

Christ the Redeemer

Perhaps the symbol of Rio after the famed Copa Cabana, Christ the Redeemer stands over the city as its eternal protector and eternal tourist magnet. Like many of the other hills around the city, you will find views from the top to be awe inspiring and well worth the climb. Make sure to get a great selfie with this well known statue – a true mark of Brazil’s faith and background of religious culture.

So there you have a couple of suggested sights to see on any weekend in Rio. As one of Brazil’s most well-connected cities around, you can get in and out with ease from almost anywhere and it’s well placed for trips to other countries, including places in Africa as well as North America. The sky is almost literally the limit in Rio, so come see for yourself!