The Regions of Southern France...

France is a popular holiday destination, not least for its rich culture, fine foods and beautiful landscapes. It’s also very close to Britain and at the same time, a world away in language and culture.  If you’ve never been to France before, choosing a destination can be a headache.  There’s so much variety, where do you start?  Here is a flavour of the southern regions of France.

Gascony and Gironde

The most south western area of France belongs to the regions of Gascony and Gironde.  Gironde is a haven for surfers relishing the crashing Atlantic waves, while Gascony offers a more gentle pace of life. Visit the hot springs at Dax and feel your stress ebb away.  The north of the region is cognac country and many of the larger distilleries offer tours and tastings.  Travel south to Bordeaux and sample the world famous wines amidst the beautiful neoclassical architecture.

Ardeche and Auvergne

The Auvergne is known as the “Green Lung”, thanks to its plethora of hot springs and volcanic craters set amongst emerald green fauna.  It’s home to “Vulcania”, the largest group of volcanoes in Europe.

The Ardèche is famed for the wild river that crashes through the region’s limestone terrain.  White water rafting and canoeing are the main sports here. Below ground, visitors will find magnificent caves such as Aven d’Orgnac.

Riviera and Provence

These are two regions that optimise the playful and the rural aspects of France. The world-famous Riviera offers such playgrounds as Nice, St Tropez and Cannes, while Provence rolls gently with never-ending fields of lavender that give way to plummeting gorges.  Avignon is a must see city with its beautiful Palais de Papes.

Languedoc & Roussillon

These two regions appeal to those with a love of fine wine and are responsible for around half of all the wine production in France.  Inland, the terrain is spectacular while at the coast, the sand slopes gently into calm blue waters, making the beaches popular with families.  The architecture of the region has much in common with Catalonian traditions – Nimes is a must-visit highlight and should be included on any itinerary.

Venice – A Must-See Guide...

The city of Venice, one of Italy’s main attractions, is full to the brim of beautiful things to see and exciting things to do.  This article aims to provide you with a brief overview of the things you must see while you are there.

Doge’s Palace

Doge’s Palace, located along San Marco, is one of Venice’s greatest tourist attractions.  The ground floor is open to the public to wander around, or you can book a tour.  The Palace is steeped in huge amounts of exciting history, and the architecture of the Palace is a sight to behold.  Doge’s Palace is open between 9am and 5pm daily.

Torre Dell’Orologio

The Torre Dell’Orologio is the clock tower located in the heart of the city of Venice.  It was designed by Maurizio Codussi and was built between 1496 and 1506.  The clock tower was restored and reopened to the public in 2007.  Take a tour inside this clock tower, and you will learn about the workings of the clock.  The tour will also take you onto the roof of the clock tower, presenting you with amazing views over San Marco, of the Basilica and the palace.

Basilica di San Marco

The Basilica di San Marco is often considered to be one of Venice’s most important holy relics.  The exterior of the Basilica di San Marco boasts a huge amount of Byzantine architecture.  Additionally there is a huge amount to see inside the Basilica di San Marco, for example the Baptistery and Zen Chapel.

The City Of Copenhagen...

The city of Copenhagen has some of the most stunning, modern architecture and world class restaurants in Denmark.  The city is the capital of Denmark and is one of the most cosmopolitan places in the European continent.  Any visitor to the city will be awed by the majestic buildings and warmth of the city dwellers.  Most of the major attractions in the city are easily accessible by foot and while walking on the streets of Copenhagen, you will notice its majestic architecture that reflects the rich history of the city.

Copenhagen is the largest city in the Scandinavian region and is full of conservative charm alongside modern pieces of amazing architecture. One of the most attractive aspects that visitors find in the city is its cleanliness and the way in which business is conducted in an orderly fashion.  The city has some of the continent’s medieval paved streets alongside the picturesque canals.

The ideal time to take a tour of the Copenhagen is during summer as this time you will be able to make the most of your visit to the city’s famous amusement park, the Tivoli Gardens.  Summer time also provides visitors with a better chance of chilling and relaxing at the numerous pavement cafes located in various parts of the city.  There are also various entertainment spots in the city including art galleries, music centres, theatres as well as museums.

Copenhagen is considered as the most family friendly city in Europe and thus it is perfect for family vacations.

Poland Travel Guide...

Poland is one of those exciting countries in Eastern Europe that is just now beginning to rediscover its vibrant history following long years of Communist domination that sought to eradicate any sense of national awareness, let alone pride.  But no amount of stultifying, unimaginative dictatorship can obliterate centuries of history, and Poland has been surging back with a vengeance to attract increasing numbers of visitors eager to explore the natural and cultural riches on offer there.

Poland has a wealth of attractions, from vast forests and crystal-clear lakes to historic and picturesque cities, fantastic beaches and rolling countryside.  There is truly something here for every taste, whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or a culture vulture.  The forests are populated still by bison and wild boar as well as wolves, and you can go on safari to see them up close and personal in their natural state.  Health spas may be more to your taste, but even if all you are looking for is good shopping and nightlife you will be far from disappointed.

Warsaw, with its stunning architecture, has an old town that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and is packed with historic buildings, and there are nearby parks and gardens to take a stroll in too.

The cuisine on offer varies from region to region, and its quality is famed throughout Europe.  From sumptuous restaurants to cafe-bars and nightclubs towns such as Warsaw and Krakow attract visitors of all ages from across the world.

Although Poland is relatively new in terms of a tourist hot-spot, it looks set to go from strength to strength as its largely unexplored treasures start pulling in the crowds.

Travel Guides – Cordoba...

The Moors occupied the southern half of Spain for nigh on 900 years, and their influence is felt everywhere in the distinctive Arabic architecture.  This is nowhere more the case than in Cordoba, with its winding alleys reminiscent of the Souk, its elegant arches and the numerous little courtyards with fountains that are characteristic of the older houses here.

As this is such an ancient city, without the broad roads and boulevards of others, the ideal way of getting around is either to walk or take a horse-drawn phaeton.  Another idea is to hire a bike for the day, to see the more obscure attractions at a leisurely pace.

The great cathedral and mosque are the highlights of any visit to Cordoba, and you can expect to meet a stream of tourists in the high season, but strangely enough the atmosphere is not overwhelmingly commercial.  The city seems almost deliberately designed to alleviate the oppressive sensations normally associated with crowds, and the overriding memory taken from here is one of shade, fountains and serene spaces rather than sweat and frustration.

There are a number of museums and theatres, and even an aquatic park, but these are best sampled following a visit to the Great Mosque, the largest of its kind and built before the cathedral itself.  The world-famous forest of columns creates an atmosphere of serenity and calm after the heat of the streets.

The fourteenth century Alcazar is also worth a visit, if only because it was the HQ of the Spanish Inquisition for over three hundred years.

Ski France: Les Deux Alpes...

Recently costs in France have been rising and this is of particular concern to British skiers.  However, there are still ski resorts in France where skiers can find good skiing deals.  Resorts such as Morzine, Serre Chevalier and Les Deux Alpes still offer value for money.

One way to find better skiing deals is to look at resorts outside of the Alps as these can offer cheap ski deals.

Les Deux Alpes lies at a high altitude and is reasonably priced.  This is a big lively resort which attracts many young people and snowboarders.  The slopes start at 3,570 metres where the Glacier du Mont de Lans is open in summer and winter.  The off-piste skiing is excellent and can be explored with a guide.

Beginners are also well catered for with seven lifts giving easy access to the nursery slopes. There is less skiing available for intermediate skiers and some pistes can get very busy.  Lift passes include free entry to the ice rink and swimming pool and also covers the nearby resorts such as Alpe d’Huez.

Morzine is another option for cheap ski deals.  This long-established resort has its own large area of tree-lined slopes that it shares with Les Gets. 

Skiers can also easily access the higher Avoriaz on the main Les Portes du Soleil circuit.  The resort has around 650 kilometres of intermediate pistes.  The area has some good rustic mountain restaurants with affordable prices.  The family-orientated village also has good two and three star hotels with reasonable prices as well as chalets and apartments.

Travel Guide to France...

Many people enjoy visiting France, mainly for its food and wine. It is very easy to travel to France by air or by sea or through the Channel Tunnel.  Take your own car or hire one when you get there, the French autoroutes make it very easy to travel from one part of France to another, but remember that with the tolls, using these roads can work out quite expensive.  It could be cheaper to use the train or the bus depending on how many people are travelling.  France also has an excellent and fairly inexpensive domestic airline system which links its major cities.

There are many interesting and exciting places to visit in France.  You can visit the beautiful chateaus of the Loire or the famous vineyards of Bordeaux.  For a beach holiday, La Baule has an 8km stretch of white sandy beach or Nice, which has the best beaches in the Riviera.

A visit to Cannes on the Mediterranean coast allows you to mingle with the rich and famous, whilst enjoying the beautiful beaches and excellent water sports.  If you visit this area during the Cannes Film Festival in May you will find it full of movie stars and film-makers.  Cannes has excellent restaurants, up-market boutiques and hotels.

For those looking for history, you could try the beaches of Normandy or the battlefields of the Somme.  For a more glorious past, visit the palaces at Versailles and Fontainbleu.

For lovers of food, France has something for every palate and pocket – from a little village café that epitomises French culture, to the fanciest restaurants in Paris serving France’s world famous cuisine.

Bourgas: an Artist’s Paradise on the Black Sea C...

For the traveller and tourist looking for art and history, a holiday in Bourgas, Bulgaria, just may foot the bill.  More than just a great place for sun and surf, Bourgas is a city full of artistic spirit, playing host to several festivals throughout the year.

It is true; Bourgas is an excellent holiday spot for the traveller trying to escape the grey wetness that is the British summertime.  Offering summer temperatures in the 30s and 40s, the combination of warmth, sea, and surf is a sea-lover’s dream.  But there is so much more to this city that just sun and sand. Bourgas is also a centre of art and culture.

The citizens themselves provide the artistic feel that permeates the city.  There is a peaceful freedom to be found here; one set far away from the reach of hectic lifestyles and city-centric behaviour. Especially during the spring, Bourgas is full of festival activity, including the International Folklore Festival and the FLORA National Exhibition.

Although incredibly laid-back, Bourgas can never be considered dull.  A thriving student population ensures that Bourgas is always an exciting place to be, especially at night.  Whether an evening at a restaurant, a trip to the neighbourhood bar, or dancing the night away at a local nightclub, the variety of offerings are guaranteed to ensure everyone is able to finding something to suit.

Accommodation in Bourgas is as diverse as its population; whether you prefer a luxury hotel or fancy a bit of camping, it’s available in Bourgas.

Skiing in Greece...

Greece may not be the first place most people would think of for a skiing holiday but there is plenty of skiing to be had there. It is also a good chance to see some of the country when it is quieter and not as hot.

There are ski resorts in Peloponnese and although the facilities are not as impressive as those in other European resorts, there are interesting places close by that you can visit – Athens is only about 2 hours away.

Central Greece also has several resorts and again they are more basic but there is always somewhere close at hand that you can visit. For example Mount Parnassos is very close to Delphi, a place that should not be missed especially when you are so close. Many of the Greek ski resorts only cater for a small number of people which gives them a cosy, friendly feeling and also gives you a chance you get to know people better.

To ski on Mount Olympus any non-Greek has to get permission as the facility there is run by the army.

Macedonia has several ski resorts although like most Greek resorts it only has accommodation for a few people.  However it is also close to larger resorts. The same also applies to Epirus where there are two resorts. The resorts in Greece are covered in soft white snow with softly lit slopes for night time skiing; ideal for novices and expert skiers alike.

Apartments and Villas in Italy...

Italy offers a wide range of luxurious apartments suited to all tastes and budgets. With a rich history and plenty of culture, Italy is the perfect holiday destination. There are apartments and villas available in most areas of the country, all equipped with a fully fitted kitchen, bathroom and a spacious living room. The majority of holiday apartments and villas in the country are located near to all local amenities, including shops and restaurants.

Italy’s apartments and villas are ideal for large families looking for self-catering accommodation. An ideal location for apartment and villa rentals is Rome. Rome is the perfect location for those wishing to explore Italy’s rich history and some of its apartments are set in historic buildings and located near to many fascinating ruins and monuments, as well as plenty of pizzerias.

Italy’s apartments and villas are equipped with everything you need to make your stay comfortable. All essential items, such as towels, hair dryer, linens and soap are provided and each villa and apartment is equipped with central heating and air conditioning to provide you with a comfortable environment during your stay.

Home to many fascinating attractions such the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy is the perfect destination for those looking for an interesting holiday location that provides excellent, affordable accommodation. Those visiting Rome may wish to stop by Travestere, which is home to a selection of medieval buildings and cobbled streets and is known for its romantic atmosphere, making it an ideal holiday destination for couples.