The Italian capital can be called a past, present and future city. When you stroll through the streets of Rome, you’ll realize the magnificence and historic richness of the city. In fact, it is a mixture of the old Roman Empire, the Middle Ages, Christianity, Baroque, Mussolini’s fascist era and the contemporary Rome we know today. But it has always preserved it eternal beauty and magic!

Rome is a suitable city for all kinds of people: for adults, for children, for teenagers, for straight people, for gays, for single people, for married people, for Italians and foreigners… Rome enjoys a perfect climate; therefore, it is the perfect city for walking around and for eating outdoors. You can enjoy a delicious pizza, pasta or some delicious cheeses and exquisite wines.

When you see for the first time the Flavian amphitheatre, better known as the Coliseum, you will be left speechless. The amphitheatre was built by Vespasian, on top of the remains of the palace of Nero. The building was not completed until 80AD, under the rule of Emperor Domitian, the last emperor of the Flavian Dynasty. The amphitheatre was used to entertain people and therefore, it was one of the most remarkable monuments of the time. You wouldn’t need too much imagination to remember the fights between gladiators and the exalted screams of the Roman public!

Going on a few steps you’ll find the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where Romans used to go about their daily lives: trade, business, prostitution, justice, philosophy… From a distance you can see the Campidoglio and the Circus Maximus.
Then get ready to enjoy the spirituality and the greatness of the Holy See in the State of the Vatican City. In front of Piazza San Pietro, designed by Bernini, there is a huge dome by Michelangelo. It has a few arches and statues that will leave you impressed. The Basilica is a must: inside it, you feel like you were immersed in another world. Do not forget to visit the Vatican museums: Raphael’s rooms, The Sistine Chapel or the maps gallery.

In Rome there are plenty of tourist and non-tourist trips to join. The historic centre is the most beautiful part: from the Piazza Spagna to the Piazza Navona or the Agrippa Panthenon. The Jewish Quarter is interesting too, and it is considered a very alternative neighbourhood.

The Via del Corso is the most important street in Rome; there you can buy anything you want in the most famous stores of Italy: Prada, Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Roberto Cavalli and Christian Dior to name but a few. Of course, there are shops with lower prices! Via di Ripetta is also a highly regarded street by the Romans. If you still have time, have a long walk through Villa Borghese, one of the most beautiful parks in Italy.

As you see, Rome is still a wonderful city. Its greatest charm is that you will always find something new and amazing to see. Rent Rome Apartments to have a rest and enjoy your stay there!

Author: Diana Roig. Related Articles and Stories can be found at the author’s blog Rome apartments.

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The small Canary Island of Lanzarote is big on attractions. As this volcanic speck of Spain boasts a whole host of natural wonders as well as plenty of unique man made attractions. Ensuring that holidays in Lanzarote * offer much more than just sunshine and sun loungers alone.

Timanfaya National Park

Lanzarote´s best known and most popular attraction boasts scenery so dramatic that it is often used as the backdrop for major motion pictures. Over the years science fiction classics such as One Million Years BC have been filmed here. Whilst more recently the Fire Mountains as they are known locally have provided the backdrop for key scenes in the soon to be released Warner’s blockbuster Clash of the Titans 3. Starring Liam Neeson and released in April.

The 300 odd volcanoes here were created by a massive six year eruption in the 1730´s which transformed the interior of the island and which today stands testimony to the awesome destructive powers of Mother Nature. If you’re visiting Lanzarote this is an absolute must see.

Valley of 1000 Palms

Lanzarote is a very dry, arid island with little in the way of rainfall. The north however provides a very verdant contrast to the volcanic vistas of the south. Especially in and around the aptly named Valley of 1000 Palms. Where locals have been following a tradition for centuries of planting a Canarian palm for every new born baby.

Jardin de Cactus

If these prickly plant species are your thing then you’ll love Lanzarote´s cactus garden. This is one of seven similar tourist centres crated by César Manrique and is home to over 10,000 examples of the plant world’s spiniest species.

César Manrique Foundation

César Manrique was a locally born artist who fought against over development on Lanzarote – and won. Securing a ban on all high rise buildings and advertising hoardings. He was sadly killed in a car crash in 1992. But his work is continued by the César Manrique Foundation. Which today occupies his former home and studio in Tahiche.

The Foundation is housed in what has to be the most unusual property in Lanzarote – as it has been built over five bubbles in the surrounding lava flow. It is open to the public daily and exhibits the artist’s canvasses along with he works of contemporise such as Picasso.

Author: Nick Ball. He is a long term resident of Lanzarote and edits Lanzarote Guidebook - the in-depth island information guide. Visit their website to download your free copy. LanzaroteGuideBook.
Image courtesy of LanzaroteGuidebook.com.

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For packing a lot of attractions into a small area, the isle of Ischia, only 47 square kilometers in size, is hard to beat. This attractive island destination should be a part of any serious culture seeker’s travel itinerary. This splendidly beautiful island, located in the Gulf of Naples in the Tyrrhenian Sea, has been known since at least ancient Roman times for its therapeutic, thermal water and its pleasant, mild climate. In ancient times the naturalist Plinio and the geographer Strambone both wrote of its wonders. One of the earliest known examples of Greek writing can be found on an artifact unearthed on Ischia, known as Nestor’s Cup. The 2,700-year-old clay drinking vessel bears the cryptic inscription: “I am Nestor’s cup, good to drink from. Whoever drinks this cup empty, straightaway the desire of beautiful-crowned Aphrodite will seize”

Today Ischia is divided up into six municipalities, and the entire island is accessible to visitors by car, bus, or scooter. Ischia’s 34-kilometer coastline consists of every type of setting from small bays to volcanic lava cliffs to huge beaches. The largest beach is the Maronti, which runs for 2 kilometers on Ischia’s southern side. Cava dell’isola and Citara are two of the more popular beaches at Fioro on the island’s western side, which also features many small, rocky bays where it is easy to find privacy, while the beaches of Cartaromana and Mandra offer a spectacular view of the Castello Aragonese. These are only a sample of the beaches and coastlines waiting to be explored.

As a visitor to Ischia, the largest challenge you are likely to face is choosing which attractions to enjoy. If you are one for excursions, you can explore on your own or take tours on foot, by mountain bike, or by boat. You might also enjoy exploring the “La Mortella” botanical gardens, which are home to a brilliant collection of Mediterranean flora. If the sea draws you in, you can enjoy diving or fishing at any time. If you are seeking the experience of a celebration, there are a number of times throughout the summer months that these can be enjoyed. May 16th through 18th is a three-day long celebration in honor of St. Restituta, while June 24th is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, who is the patron saint of the village of Buonopane. Then, on the 26th of July, Saint Anne’s day is celebrated with a boat procession and the setting on fire of an allegoric castle, and on August 26th Saint Alexander is honored with a 2-kilometer procession in traditional costume.

If you seek the pleasures of the senses, Ischia will not disappoint you. Its luxuriant landscapes and thermal basins have attracted participants of the European Grand Tour for centuries, including Truman Capote and W. H. Auden, to name a few. Its music will charm and delight you. The cuisine of Ischia contains many flavors common to the Mediterranean region, including tomatoes, lemons, and basil, as well as distinctive elements such as rocket, aubergines, and fish freshly caught from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Also highlighting Ischia’s cuisine is its liquers, such as Limoncello and Rucolino.

Whatever pleasures you fancy, in Ischia you can enjoy them and live the ” dolce vita” for as long as you’d like. Imagine enjoying live music every night in a different piano bar, experiencing every type of dancing, from disco to ballroom to Latin-American in your choice of clubs, then sipping cappuccino with a partner before catching a romantic walk on the beach until sunrise. This is the experience of Ischia.

Author: Elena Bernardi. Elena Bernardi is a native Italian and yoga instructor. Her company, Cultural Italy, specializes in travel to Italy’s most appealing locations.

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Spring makes it entrance as early as in the end of March and you can definitely enjoy some basking in the sun and strawling in parks that early in the year. Here follow some simple advice on how to maximize the fun and minimize the costs for your spring weekend in any European major city:

• Book early, don’t rely on last minute flights, or last minute hotel reservations for that matter. Yes, this will be slightly more expensive than cashing in on the last minute offers. However, if you reserve and pay for your trip before spring, you can take advantage of the prices that have yet to be adjusted to the demand. So, shop around for flights, train connections, hotels to find a really enjoyable place to live and fun things to do. This way you can save money and avoid the trouble of finding the trip you want by doing everything in the last minute.
• Try to decide on a theme for your spring weekend? Do you want to party, or go sightseeing? Perhaps you simply want to experience the atmosphere in a certain atmosphere, away from the touristic attractions? Pick one theme for your weekend. Remember that a weekend trip is short, and it is much more enjoyable to know that you have experienced something thoroughly, than to have short glimpses of several weekend trip attractions.
• Wind down before you go on your weekend trip. You don’t want to spend one or two days trying to let go of work related thoughts. So, try to get a few more days off from work and spend those relaxing with your travel partner. This way, you will be ready to enjoy from day one of your trip!

Enjoy your weekend trip!

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The sun kissed destination of Alicante is positioned on the sunny Costa Blanca to the eastern coast of Spain. The city is known for its fine quality of beaches and lots of sunshine hours and as such, is a very popular destination for holidaymakers. Read on for more about our guide to Alicante…

Alicante is the capital of the Alicante province, located to the south of the community of Valencia. It is immersed in history as an important port of the Mediterranean coastline. The city’s population as of 2009 is just under 350,000 and is the second largest city in Valencia. The early years of the 20th century were tough for the region, but since the latter half of the century the city has been transformed due to the growth of tourism. Tourist development has created plenty of employment in the city. The Port of Alicante has been redeveloped since the decline of the 1980’s - it is now one of the most important ports in Spain for cruise traffic.

The city is well served by motorways and Alicante Airport is one of the busiest airports in Spain, and there are further plans for its expansion. The city is well connected to Madrid and Barcelona through local Spanish airlines and with many cities in Western Europe.

Things to Do and See in Alicante

There is plenty to see and do in Alicante, and the following are some of the key attractions in the city:
The Santa Barbara Castle is located on Mount Benacantil and overlooks the skyline of the city - indeed it is the landmark of Alicante. The castle was constructed by the Moors in the 10th century and offers so much for the visitor. In particular, the views from the Lookout Tower are just magnificent.
The Explanada de España promenade is lined by exotic palm trees and it consists of over 6 million marble stones. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful promenades in Spain, it is a meeting point in the evenings for the people and tourists who flock to Alicante. Many concerts take place here, particularly during the summer. The promenade features a monument for Mark Hersch the artist who resides in Alicante.
The main church of the city is the Concatedral de San Nicolás de Bari, which originates from the 17th Century and is a wonderful display of Valencia architecture. Other religious sights include the Basilica of Santa Maria, which is built in Gothic style at the location of the old mosque.
The Baroque style Casa de La Asegurada, which was built in the latter 17th century is the oldest civil structure in the city, and is now home to the Museum of Contemporary Art of Alicante. The Archaeological Museum of Alicante is also well worth exploring. Another sight worth seeing is the Huerta de Alicante Towers, which were built to defend Alicante from the Barbary Pirates. Playa del Postiguet is the urban beach in Alicante and well worth checking out.

There are plenty of parks and family activities to be enjoyed in Alicante - El Palmeral Park is one of the most popular parks in Alicante. It has walking trails, playgrounds, lakes, picnic facilities and much more. Another park worth exploring is El Ereta Park, which is located on Mount Benacantil.

Festivals in Alicante

Some of the most prominent festivals in Spain take place in Alicante, and these are:

Las Hogueras de San Juan - St John’s Bonfires festival

The most popular festival in Alicante takes place around the Summer Solstice. The main part of the festival is the street procession, with the floats festooned with effigies, which are sacrificed by burning on the final night of the festival at midnight. This fun filled festival places a major emphasis on partying, eating, drinking and dancing.

Alicante Summer Festival (Festival de Verano de Alicante)

Runs for a month from the end of July to the end of August usually. This festival is a celebration of local and international music, brilliant dance and theatre. It offers a great day out for couples and families. The Alicante Summer Festival is not based on Religon, and as such there are no street parades. It usually takes place at the one location at Alicante Port.

Moors and Christian Festival

The Moors and Christian Festival takes place at different locations at different times throughout the summer in Alicante. It offers a unique mix of street entertainment, together with historic and religious celebration!

Shopping In Alicante

The Rambla de Méndez Núñez is the traditional shopping area of Alicante. This is a vibrant street to browse through that will afford the visitor a terrific choice of shops as well as a proper glimpse into city life of Alicante. There are plenty of arts and craft shops dotted around the city where you can pick up some local handicrafts. Jewellery and leather goods are the things to watch out for when grabbing a bargain!

Eating Out In Alicante

Alicante offers great choice when deciding where to eat out - Calle San Francisco is a great area to look for some good value restaurants. Tapas bars have their origin in Alicante and there are plenty of bars in the city that serve tapas. The area around Town Hall Square and the Plaza de Montaceta area has plenty of tapas bars and restaurants.

Author: John Downes. John writes for Novacarhire.com - an independent car hire reservation website where you can book low cost car hire at over 5,000 locations worldwide. Heading to Alicante on holidays? Visit Novacarhire.com’s Car hire Alicante page and get an instant quote which will offer you the best deals from top car rental providers.

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Are you considering a shopping weekend somewhere in Europe? Then you have probably at least thought of cities such as Barcelona, Milan and Paris. These three cities are renowned for their shopping, which for many offers more than the purchases, more specifically the culture and atmosphere that surrounds the shopping districts. Let us take a closer look at what each city has to offer for a shopping weekend trip!

Barcelona

Barcelona has a 5 km long street of shops, which will ensure that you are kept busy for at least a couple of days. The shopping stretches from Ramblas onward through Placa de Gracia further up to Avenue Diagonal. Along this line you will encounter famous names such as Armani, Cartier and Versace, to name a few.

Don’t miss out on the huge department stores that can be found throughout the city. One of these is El Corte Ingles, which can be found in several locations around Placa Catalunya.

Milan

Milan offers some of the most prestigious shops you can hope to visit. The route to some serious luxury shopping is on the streets Via Montenapoleone, Via Sant’Andrea and Via della Spiga. These streets are part of the Fashion Quadrilatero, an area which stands out with the most exclusive shops.

Paris

Paris has evolved with it’s former grand Champs-Elysées as the best boulevard for shopping, now not nearly as popular as the boulevard Montaigne with stores such as Yves Saint-Laurent and Christian Dior. In general you should look further away from central Paris to find the golden nuggets when it comes to shopping. The Forum des Halles is one good example, which is nearby Centre Pompidou and has plenty of fashion merchandise.

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Paris has 3,000 hectares of green space and no fewer than 455 parks and gardens. It is at the top of the tree as the greenest capital city in Europe. From large forests to the smallest local public squares with countless parks and gardens in between, green geography is perfectly woven throughout the urban landscape.

Parisian gardens

In Paris, the tradition of the garden lies at the heart of historical and contemporary environmental planning. Major buildings, be they official (the Senate, Palais-Royal), cultural (the Louvre) or scientific (the Natural History Museum), present their verdant extensions for a perfect interaction between nature and culture. Jardin du Palais-Royal, Paris 1st. Jardin des Plantes, Paris 5th. Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris 6th. Jardin d’Acclimatation, Paris 16th.

Parks

For those who appreciate greenery on a grand scale, the French capital boasts some splendid parks which stretch over several hectares and punctuate the urban landscape with vast splashes of green. Each district sports its own particular space with a wide variety of layouts and installations. There is something for everyone. Parc André-Citroën, Paris 15th. Parc Monceau, Paris 17th. Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Paris 19th. Parc de la Villette, Paris 19th. Parc de Belleville, Paris 20th.

The woods of Paris

The Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes are two unconditional favorites, where city-dwellers reconcile themselves with nature. Families find plenty of activities for children on playgrounds nestled among the trees. Cyclists have ever wider itineraries to follow. Horse riders and joggers in search of fresh air, get a vast network of riding and hiking trails. Bois de Vincennes, Paris 12th. Bois de Boulogne, Paris 16th.

Paris vines

At the foot of Sacré-Coeur, nestled in the magical neighborhood of Montmartre, the Paris vineyards constitute a rural detour out of time. 1,500m² of vines are harvested here each year at the Clos Montmartre festival, on the second weekend in October. Parisians and visitors alike are welcome to join in the festivities, including the picking of the grapes and tasting workshops, and to admire the fireworks, finally taking home a bottle of the latest vintage at the end of the evening. A wine grower’s life in the heart of Paris!

Art in the park

There are gardens as art… and art in the gardens. In Paris, city parks are often associated with art works, either as permanent fixtures or during temporary exhibitions. The gardens of the Musée Rodin form a natural setting for works by the sculptor. In the Tuileries gardens, statues from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries are dotted along the pathways. In the gardens at Palais-Royal, the contemporary Colonnes de Buren (Buren’s columns) contrast with the classical architecture of the surrounding buildings. Jardin des Tuileries, Paris 1st. Jardin du Palais-Royal pl du Palais-Royal, Paris 1st. Jardin du musée Rodin 79 rue de Varenne, Paris 7th.

Family squares

A local spot for families, these little neighborhood parks are pure representations of local Paris life for visitors to the city. The best known ones have a story to tell: For example, the Arènes de Lutèce contains one of the rare and well preserved remains of Roman times in the French capital. The square Sarah-Bernhardt pays tribute to the celebrated tragic actress. Les arènes de Lutèce rue des Arènes, rue de Navarre, rue Monge, Paris 5th. Square Sarah-Bernhardt rue de Lagny, rue de Buzenval, rue Mounet-Sully, Paris 20th.

A green trail in the Marais

While the Marais is best known as a hub for fashion designers and art galleries, a recent initiative makes it possible to discover the natural treasures of this neighborhood. Two itineraries lasting one and a half hours and two hours respectively explore the plant and animal species of the Marais: Starling nests, fig groves and families of spotted flycatchers provide a real change of scene.

Nature goes wild

While Paris is reputed for its carefully laid out parks and gardens, the city also has some green hideaways where everything grows wild. Mother Nature goes her own way at the Jardin Saint-Vincent on the butte Montmartre and the Jardin naturel in the 20th Arrondissement. Jardin sauvage Saint-Vincent rue Saint-Vincent, Paris 18th. Jardin naturel 120 rue de la Réunion, Paris 20th.

Evergreens

Champ-de-Mars, probably the most famous lawns in Paris! The Champ-de-Mars Park extends from the Eiffel Tower and is accessible both day and night. It offers the finest view of the city’s leading landmark and all year round passers-by pause there to enjoy a picnic, play some music or meet friends, and when night falls, all admire the tower’s sparkling silhouette. Parc du Champ-de-Mars, Paris 8th.

The biggest green space in Paris

The Parc de la Villette has become a favorite haunt for lovers of greenery on a grand scale. Spread over 55 hectares including 35 hectares out in the open, this vast area is a haven for cyclists and walkers and provides plenty of leisure and play activities around its two huge lawns and twenty six “folies”, the red buildings in contemporary style dotted around the park. Parc de la Villette, Paris 19th.

Hothouses

Beneath soaring glass architecture, the hothouses constitute splendid covered gardens overflowing with an amazing variety of botanical species including perfectly preserved tropical plants. Les serres du parc André-Citroën, Paris 15th. Les serres d’Auteuil 3 av de la Porte-d’Auteuil, Paris 16th.

Walking tours

Strolling through the streets of Paris is surely the smartest and cheapest way to experience all the energy and atmosphere of the parks and squares in the French capital. For seasoned walkers, two way-marked hiking paths lead you across Paris from north to south and east to west. Whether they are historical, on a specific theme or simply tailor-made to satisfy your curiosity, these walking tours are a unique opportunity for authentic encounters with the city’s inhabitants.

Author: John Benedict. John Benedict is a Paris passionate. He writes and reviews about Paris tourism industry to share his enthusiasm about the French capital city. www.where-to-stay-in-paris.blogspot.com.

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The Elbe River is a major river in Central Europe and starts in the Czech Republic and ends in the North Sea. The river has several major tributaries that include the Ohre, Schwarze elster, Mulde, Havel, Saale and Vltava. The river basin of the Elbe is one of the largest in the world and in covers four different countries; Germany, Austria, Poland and the Czech republic.
The Elbe has been used for commercial vessels and is an important trade route to travel as far as Prague. You can reach the main industrial areas in Berlin and other areas of Germany through canals. The Elbe-Lubeck canal and the kiel canal goes to the Baltic Sea.

The Elbe-Seitenkanal was very important for transportation as before this was built transport was made difficult as a section of the river passed through the German Democratic republic. With the restorations of the Magdeburg water bridge it is possible for large barges to cross the river as the low water levels did make transport a difficulty at one time.

There are many ferries that can be used to cross the Elbe. These ferries can carry passengers and cars. Many ferries leave from Rathen, Dresden, Belgern, Mauken, Elster, Coswig, Barby, Westerhusen, Ferchland, Sandau, Carchau, Kirchwerder, Hamburg and Gluckstadt to name a few.

The Elbe is an important delineator of geography in Europe. The Romans at one time attempted to move the border though this attempt failed. During the Second World War the Nazis became cornered on the Elbe by the Russians and the Allied forces. This momentous day was commemorated by Elbe day. After this war the Elbe became a border between Eastern and Western Germany.
There are many cruises that you can take along the Elbe. You will travel past beautiful sandstone mountains, gorgeous architecture and many Gothic castles. This is a great way to see the Czech republic and Germany. Many people stop at Wittenberg castle and Castle church. Castle church was very important for the start of the Protestant Reformation.

Author: Jason W. Myers. Preparing for European river cruises is not an easy task. If you’d like to read advices from experts and also travelers who speak from experience, you should visit our website that specializes in these trips. I’d personally recommend Seine cruise for everyone who wants to see beautiful places in Europe.

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The second largest city in Spain, both in size and population, Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, one of the seventeen autonomous communities that make up the country. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean, on the north-eastern coast of the Iberian peninsular, Barcelona’s ‘Mediterranean-ess’ is not only due to its location but also because of its history, tradition and cultural influences.

The history of Barcelona dates back to the second century BC when a Roman colony was established in the city. With its rich history and the onset of industrialization during the 19th century Barcelona has experienced spectacular growth. Having a multi-faceted and diverse blend, this very modern city preserves its historic Gothic centre almost intact within the new urbanized city and therefore provides visitors with a host of old and new attractions.

Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, is one of Barcelona’s most popular tourist attractions. The finished structure is expected to accommodate 13,000 people and will boast 18 towers each to reach a height of 90 to 120 metres. This remarkable structure, although yet to be completed, also features a museum which tells the story of the church and a trip to the top of one of the towers offer magnificent views over Barcelona.

La Rambla or Les Rambles is the famous and crowded street that is popular amongst locals as well as tourists. A wide boulevard that connects the Placa de Cataluniya, a square, and the Monument a Colom, a column devoted to Christoffel Columbus, was originally a small stream flowing just out side the city. The middle part of the Ramble is dedicated to pedestrians and boasts various stalls, kiosks and artists.

Located on a hill near the centre of Barcelona is the famous Montjuic. An Iberis Celts settlement several thousands of years ago, today it features various attractions. The Palau Nacional or the National Palace, is a majestic neo-baroque style building which is home to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. At the centre of the plaza right in front of the Palau Nacional is the Magic Fountain offering a great view of the palace. Montjuic also features a large 18th century fortress built by the Bourbons. Originally built to defend the city of Barcelona it now functions as a museum.

For an intriguing and unusual experience try the Parc Guell. Started out as a development project the park was supposed to represent a residential garden village based on English models. When the garden village became a commercial failure the city acquired it and established a park. Its main features, the Staircase and Pavilions designed by Antoni Gaudi, adds a fairytale touch with its curved roofs, bright mosaic designs, ornamental spires and a dragon-like lizard as the centre of the Trencadis-ceramic staircase.

This just summarises some of the most popular attractions in a city filled with interesting places to visit and see. And depending on individual’s interest and time available the popularity of attractions may differ but Barcelona most certainly caters to all.

Author: Larry Austin. Larry Austin is a freelance journalist who writes on travel related topics such as hotel and destination reviews etc. He is currently working for roomsnet.com which offers visitors the option of world wide hotel bookings. roomsnet.com offers many last minute Barcelona deals for holidaymakers.

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With a grand total of 28,000 kilometres of cycle routes, France is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for cycling. Dedicated paths meander through both town and countryside, and vary in terms of difficulty. You don’t have to be of Tour de France standard to enjoy cycling while you’re camping in France. Whether you are looking to push yourself in an endurance ride through the mountains, or to take the whole family for a jaunt through the countryside, there is a bike ride in France made for you.

The Loire Valley

A loop of the Loire Valley is one of the most popular cycling choices in France. Taking between four to six days, this well-travelled route covers approximately sixty miles of the Loire Valley, and explores the renowned Chateaux of the region. There are few routes that include so many worthwhile sights in such a concentrated area. Steeped in the history of conflicts, these feudal fortifications have seen many battles between Kings, powerful nobles, and even religions. Take a break from your bike ride to wander through a castle on foot, and explore the grounds; with many of the fortifications kept well preserved, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time. Back in the saddle, you can enjoy both peace and some gentle exercise as you cycle on the banks of the River Loire itself. Roads in this region are not only incredibly picturesque, but also relatively empty. Any cycling that you do whilst camping in France’s Loire Valley will be relatively safe and stress-free.

Vendee

The Vendee is one of France’s most well-organised regions in terms of cycling. A network of 765 kilometres of cycle track has been designed not only to ensure safety for cyclists, but to take bike riders past the best natural attractions that France has on offer. Cycle tracks have been well-signposted and are lined with picnic areas and scenic viewpoints.

Where ever in the Vendee you choose to stay whilst camping in France, you are likely to find yourself close to one of the 23 marked cycling routes.

The first main route, ‘The Sentiers of the Haute Bocage’, is a 280 kilometre track that takes you into the countryside and uses mainly agricultural roads. You will cycle deep into the rural areas of the Vendee and along 27 kilometres of now unused railway track. This route is relatively easy going and suitable for the whole family.

The second route, ‘The Coastal Sentiers’, spans 285 kilometres of coastline. As you make your way along the coast, you will find the routes provide easy access to many impressive beaches and seaside towns, where you can enjoy an ice cream and a paddle before getting back on your bike. During this ride, you will pass all manner of fascinating coastal scenery, from sand dunes, to rocky outcrops, and even marshlands, but be prepared for some uphill climbs.

Finally, the third route in the Vendee, ‘The Sentiers of the Marais Poitevin’, consists of 200 kilometres of track, which eventually merges with ‘The Sentiers of the Haut Bocage.’ This track starts at the coastal town of l’Aiguillon-sur-mer, and continues all the way to Reaumur, but with many detours along the way it is essential to take a map with you. Incorporating canals, marshlands and several very quaint little towns, this route allows you to observe the subtlest of changes in the French landscape.

Les Grandes Alpes

For those who enjoy a more strenuous bike ride, a trip into the Grande Alpes is essential while camping in France. If you’re a keen cyclist and an avid spectator of the Tour de France, you will no doubt harbour ambitions to cycle through the mountains, taking in the spectacular scenery as you go. However, for a slightly less ambitious ride, you may wish to take the route of the Etape, the amateur stage of the Tour de France. A 187 kilometre ride, this track begins in the picturesque town of Gap, and ends on a high note at the summit of Alpe d’Huez. With three peaks to be scaled along the way, this may be an amateur route but it is not for the faint-hearted. However, the stunning mountain scenery along this route makes it a ride to be remembered.

Whether you are a cyclist seeking a challenge, or a family looking for some light-hearted fun, cycling is a fantastic way to see the country while you are camping in France. With well-maintained cycle tracks, that include spectacular landscapes, and friendly towns and villages, there is nothing like a good bike ride in France.

Author: Lorraine Waddell. Lorraine Waddell is the brand and advertising manager of Canvas Holidays, a leading European camping operator that provides the best selection of sites for camping in France. With over 40 years of experience, Canvas offer superb camping holidays to France, Spain and a total of 9 European countries.

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It is time to consider the location for your skiing holiday in Europe! Here follow a description of three immensely popular skiing resorts in Europe, where snowboarders also are welcome! Bear in mind that you should reserve your hotel or buy your travel package early to ensure a place in one of the skiing paradises!

Bad Gastein

This is the most prominent skiing location in the Gastein valley in Austria. At a height of 1,000 meters and with 48 lifts, it welcomes thousands of travellers during winter season. Bad Gastein also has plenty of spas to relax in after long days of rushing down the slopes of the mountain. Bad Gastein is also popular in the snowboarding community.

Chamonix

There are three areas of skiing interest in Chamonix, France. There is a multitude of different slopes for beginners and professional skiiers alike, distributed betweenBrévent/Flégère , the grand Montets and the Balme area. Brévent/Flégère has southward slopes while the Grand Montets slopes face northward. The Balme area, finally, lies close to the border to Switzerland and has predominantly open slopes.

St. Moritz

St. Moritz is the largest attraction for winter sports in Switzerland. Here you will be served with 56 lifts, taking you up the mountain to enjoy the pists. This is one of the most famous ski resorts throughout the world, and it has earned itself the nickname “Paris of the Alps”. This is no double much thanks to its vivid night life that entertains people well into the early morning.
Snowboarders also find this ski resort welcoming with its favourable pists. St. Moritz is merely four hour away with car from the airport in Zürich.

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Lanzarote is one of the famous Canary islands, which attracts numerous tourists every year. This winter the new edition of the Lanzarote guide book is available online. Nick at LanzaroteGuidebook.com explains the large addition to the guide book.

“The main highlight of the new guide is our new and improved beaches section. Which gives information about all of the best beaches on the island along with some great visuals.”

On top of being a location for sunbathing and relaxing at the beach, Lanzarote has also earned itself a reputation as a popular location for surfing. Surfing events as the European surf seasons finale and WQS Santa Surf Pro were held in Lanzarote last year.

For those looking for more than a sun vacation, the island offers some amazing scuba diving in locations such as Costa Teguise or Puerto del Carmen. Also don’t forget to try some of the local food, such as the red hot chili sauce Mojo Picón or why not papas arrugadas, baked potatoes first cooked in salt water.

No need to wait, go get the new edition of the Lanzarote guide book!

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Situated in the Cyclades group of Greek islands, Mykonos is among the most popular destinations among visitors to this popular part of Europe - no surprise, since the island is well known for its historical attractions, its scenic highlights and its fine quality beaches.

Among the young crowds, perhaps the great attraction of Mykonos is its very active nightlife, probably the most vibrant in the Cyclades islands. There are numerous bars and clubs to be found and explored making Mykonos almost a 24 hour party destination - if you are looking for the ‘party all day’ type holiday, Mykonos should be high on your shortlist!

To rest awhile from the partying, visit one of the beautiful beaches that Mykonos has to offer. These include the listed Blue flag beach of Kalafatis, and many other popular beaches such as Paradise, Super Paradise, Lia and Agios Stefanos. Beaches are pretty much accessible from anywhere that you choose to stay on Mykonos - some of the other beaches include Agios Ioannois, Agrari, Elia, Platis Gialos and Paranga.

The Paradise beach mentioned above is especially well known for its non-stop parties, while Psarou beach is more of a jet-set destination - situated close to Platis Gialos, you may catch a glimpse of one of your favorite celebrities on Psarou Beach, that has a reputation for attracting the rich and the famous to its sands.

When you manage to escape the beaches and the parties you will perhaps explore some of the history of the island - there is a great deal to discover with parts listed as a UNESCO World heritage site.

Just a few of the most popular landmarks of Mykonos with tourists include the Mykonos windmills; the famous Church of Panagia Paraportiani and the district known as Little Venice. Some of the other attractions here include a couple of museums - the fascinating Archaeological Museum and the Aegean Maritime Museum.

See also the most important archaeological site of the island at Delos, which has now been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The nation of Greece has declared the whole island of Mykonos as a museum, so whether you are a history enthusiast or a party animal it is likely that Mykonos has just what you are looking for.

Author: Marcus Smith. Learn more about the attractions that await you when you Visit Mykonos or learn about the hundreds of popular historical and scenic highlights of the country in the in our detailed guide to Greece travel guide.

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With dark mornings and dreary weather, many Europeans escape the doom and gloom in the winter by flying off to one of the Canary Islands for a golf holiday.

The Canaries are comprised of seven major islands, and five of them provide golfers a unique golfing experience. The volcanic landscape of the Canaries was formed by the Canary hotspot and decades of volcanic activity. This unusual landscape lends an air of off-world adventure in some areas of the islands.

Golfing on Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is centrally located and home to the largest city of the Canary Islands: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria is also home to at least five beautiful golf courses. Most of the golf courses on Gran Canaria include shops for rentals or purchases, driving ranges, instructors for those who wish to improve their game, restaurants and snack bars. The golf clubs of Gran Canaria are:

• Real Club de Golf Las Palmas: Inaugurated on December 17, 1891, Real Club de Golf Las Palmas is the oldest golf course in Spain. This par 71, 18-hole golf course includes one normal putting green and one floodlit putting green.
• El Cortijo Club de Campo: Designed by Blake Stirling and Marco Martin, this par 72, 18-hole course has quick greens and six lakes.
• Campo de Golf Maspalomas: Nature and beauty had everything to do with this par 73, 18-hole golf course designed by Mackenzie Ross.
• Salobre Golf & Resort: As one of the newest golf courses on the island, Salobre offers a par 71, 18-hole course.
• Anfi Tauro Golf: This par 3, 9-hole course offers a more relaxed atmosphere than its larger counterparts.

Golfing on Tenerife

Tenerife is the largest of the seven islands and situated to the west of Gran Canaria. It is home to the second largest city of the Canaries: Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Golf is one of Tenerife’s most popular sports, second only to water sports. Winter golfing is a growing sport in all of Tenerife’s golf courses. Mt. Teide, the tallest point in Spain, is located on Tenerife. Mt. Teide can be seen from all of Tenerife’s golf courses, providing magnificent scenic opportunities.

Tenerife’s golf courses include:

• Amarilla Golf and Country Club: stunning par 72, 18-hole golf course designed by Donald Steel is a great combination of residential real estate and international-standard golfing.
• Golf Las Americas: This par 72, 18-hole golf course provides great views of Playa de Las Americas or the ocean from nearly every hole.
• Golf Costa Adeje: A natural ravine and three tee-off levels of varying heights provide a very unique golfing experience at Golf Costa Adeje.
• Golf Del Sur: The infamous golf battle between Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson during the Shell Wonderful World of Golf tournament took place at Golf Del Sur. Two golf driving distance records have also been set at this famous golf course.
• La Rosaleda Golf Club: La Rosaleda offers a relaxing atmosphere for beginners or those who simply wish to improve their short play. Experienced trainers are available to help golfers improve their swing.
• Golf Los Palos: Golf Los Palos is a par 27, 9-hole course that provides numerous water hazards. Although a relatively small course, it’s perfect for family outings and beginner golfers.
• Real Club de Golf Tenerife: The second oldest golf course in Spain is home to clearly visible hazards that help golfers learn to develop great golfing strategies.

Golfing on Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is the second largest of the Canary Islands. Aside from the oldest history and longest beaches of the Canaries, Fuerteventura has one large 18-hole golf course. Fuerteventura Golf Club was designed by Juan Catarimeau. Catarimeau took great care in creating this course with an awareness of how the wind affects the outcome of every swing.

Golfing on Lanzarote

Although more golf courses are currently being planned, the primary course on Lanzarote is Golf Costa Teguise. This 18-hole golf course designed by John Harris and built in 1978 challenges beginners as well as expert golfers. The course is located at the base of an inactive volcano and surrounded by all natural flora.

Golfing on La Gomera

La Gomera is an adventure in itself. The island’s landscape is one of deep ravines and high cliffs. Islanders have developed a special way to communicate across the ravines by whistling. Tecina Golf course, designed by Donald Steel, is the island’s only golf course. Views of the sea and mountains are never obstructed by buildings, because there are no buildings on the golf course itself.

So if you fancy a break in the sun and you like golf, why not try one of the Canary Islands this winter?

Author: Henry Ashworth. Visit Gran Canaria travel resource yourgrancanaria.net for more information about holidays in Gran Canaria and to see what the weather is like they have a Gran Canaria weather forecast. Airlines also promote their cheap flight to Gran Canaria deals.

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It is known for its celebrity visitors, but Saint Tropez has much more to offer than just its famous guests.

Visitors to the destination in southern France, on the French Riviera, can choose from a range of different entertainment options from lounging on the golden sands to learning more about the area’s culture and history.

Saint Tropez is named after a saint who was beheaded in Pisa. According to legend, his body, which was put in a rotten boat with a dog and a rooster, washed up on the shore where Saint Tropez now lies. Over the years the area has been transformed into a popular tourist destination and people return each year for the famous regatta and the beautiful beaches.

Each October scores of yachts descend on Saint Tropez for the annual regatta. But for visitors who want to have a go on the water themselves there are plenty of water sports that can be tried, including snorkelling, water skiing, diving, windsurfing and sailing.
Saint Tropez is famous for its range of beaches and whether visitors are after trendy sun spots, nudist areas, secluded hideouts or family-friendly fun, there is something for everyone.

The Pampelonne is a trendy beach lined with cafes, whereas La Briande, which is a pleasant walk along the coastline, is quiet and ideal for relaxing in the sun. Tahiti, with its golden sands and clear waters, is famous for being a celebrity haunt and has a number of bars, restaurants and cafes along the beach.
Each Saturday the village market draws crowds to the town centre, and visitors can pick up traditional French gifts and food products.

Saint Tropez has a number of other attractions in the centre including the 16th century citadelle, which houses the naval museum and the 17th century chapel in the old town with its famous roof made up of tiles in blues, golds and greens. The cobbled streets in the old town are also worth a visit and contain hidden shops and cafes, which are great for afternoon coffees and socialising.

For those people who are interested in sport there are some great tennis courts and a golf course close to Saint Tropez.

Author: Dipika Patel. If you’re looking for French rental accommodation then look no further than QualityVillas.com. Quality Villas offer a wide range of rental properties in France. Check out Quality Villas, the holiday rental specialist for the ideal St Tropez villa.

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Europe boasts some of the world’s most impressive scenery. Train journeys through Europe provide travellers with the opportunity to witness this beauty from the comfort of a luxury carriage, eliminating the stresses associated with holiday planning. Take advantage of the variety of offers available and book a top European rail journey today. Here are the top 5 European Rail Journeys.

1. Glacier Express, Switzerland On the Glacier Express you travel on the famous Swiss mountain railways from St.Moritz to Zermatt - a 7-hour railway journey across 291 bridges, through 91 tunnels and across the Oberalp. This is essentially a panoramic trip through the Alps into the heart of Switzerland.

The Glacier Express takes a stunning route between the sights of the Graubunden holiday region, the sunny Valais region with its glacier landscape, and the beautiful regions of the South. Travel in comfort through the unspoilt natural beauty of a landscape rich in fragrant forests, peaceful Alpine meadows, rushing mountain streams, soaked in tradition and centuries of culture.

2. Semmering Railroad, Austria The Semmering Railroad, running between Gloggnitz and the winter resort town of Semmering, passes through some extraordinary Austrian mountain scenery. Built between 1848 and 1854, the Semmering is considered to be one of the greatest feats of civil engineering, and was acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Centre in 1998.

The Semmering railway line is part of the Sudbahn railway that runs between Vienna and Graz, continuing on to Maribor, Ljubljana and eventually to Trieste. Built by Carl Ritter von Ghega between 1848 and 1854, the scenic Semmering route was quite daring for its time; it had a maximum gradient five times that of previous railways.

The Semmering Scenic Route features 16 viaducts supported by several arches, 15 tunnels and a main tunnel.

3. Myrdal to Flam, Norway Discover the Flam Railway - an incredible train journey from the mountain station at Myrdal on the Bergen Railway, down to Flam station nestled in the innermost corner of the Aurlandfjord. Each year, this exciting stretch of railway attracts people from all corners of the world, making the Flam Railway one of Norway’s most spectacular tourist attractions.

The journey provides some of Norway’s wildest and most magnificent scenery. On the 20 km-long train ride you can witness rivers cutting through deep ravines, waterfalls cascading down the side of steep, snow-capped mountains and mountain farms clinging dizzily to sheer slopes.

The Flam Railway is one of the world’s steepest railway lines. At the foot of the mountains you can enjoy the natural beauty of the Flam Valley and admire the majestic Aurlandfjord, a branch of the world’s longest fjord, the Sognefjord.

4. Sardinia, Italy Sardinia is a truly magical place. This Italian island offers spectacular scenery, ancient roots, friendly locals and amazing railways. A mountainous place about the size of Wales, Sardinia has a beguiling coastline and, inland, narrow gauge railways run for more than 450 miles through beautiful countryside. This tour uses privately chartered trains, with steam locomotives available wherever possible. Coaches used date back to the early 1900s; carriages with polished teak bodies, open balconies and stunning views.

5. Transylvania, Central Europe This is an incredible sweep of a rail journey aboard the Danube Express train from Europe’s eastern edge to its centre. The journey begins in exotic Istanbul, and traverses seven countries in Eastern and Central Europe. Journey through Transylvania, in Romania, with its mountain forests, castle, and villages - the land of Count Dracula. Then passengers visit Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic and Germany - the very best of Eastern Europe, all in one easy journey.

Author: Sue Johnson. Travel Associates is an Australia-based travel agency specialising in train holidays travel and other luxury holiday options. For more holiday ideas and information visit their luxury holiday website.

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