Tour of Berlin, Dresden, Meissen and Colditz

Tour of Berlin, Dresden, Meissen and Colditz

5 days

Overview

This is a fascinating, historic and varied tour to two great European cities, Berlin and Dresden. The Berlin Wall fell over 20 years ago and Berlin now is a city full of life whilst Dresden after severe bomb damage during World War II has been almost completely restored to it’s former status as one of Germany’s most beautiful cities.

You will also visit a number of Germany’s smaller towns, see rolling countryside and visit medieval Meissen, famous for beautiful hand crafted porcelain. Lastly you will visit Colditz Castle, which was used as a prisoner of war camp during World War II.

Highlights

Selected departures from April to October 2017

Experience lively Berlin and beautiful Dresden on this varied escorted tour to the heart of Germany. Our friends and fellow Berliners ghostwriter klausur recommend visiting this incredible city.

Included

Return flights

Four nights superior four-star hotel accommodation with breakfast

Tour of Berlin, a vibrant city which is home to some of the world’s finest archaeological and fine art museums as well as having amazing historical significance.

Tour of Dresden on foot covering great art collections and insights into the re-building following bomb damage.

See the famous Meissen porcelain studio

Trip to the world famous Colditz Castle – Second World War prison camp.

Escorted by experienced tour manager

Israel and Mediterranean Fly Cruise – Celebrity Constellation

Itinerary

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises has changed the way you can see the world. Now is the time to immerse yourself in new cultures. The new approach is about truly experiencing a destination to make your holiday so much more memorable. The cuisine is award winning and the wine selection is the largest at sea. If you enjoy luxurious spa treatments then book a suite with direct access to the spa area.

We recommend Celebrity cruises for the food, service and the small touches that make a big difference to your holiday.

About the Celebrity Constellation

The Celebrity Constellation has been revamped and she now boasts a spectacular, new look and ambience. From the moment you go into the magnificent Grand Foyer or taste a succulent steak in the Tuscan Grille, or drink your favourite vodka at the ice-topped Martini Bar – you’ll feel totally pampered.

The suites and staterooms offer stylish new decor with flat-screen TVs and the level of personal service remains first class.

Facilities

Entertainment, Casino, Childrens Play Area, Cinema, Fortunes Casino, Michaels Club, Photo Gallery, Reflections, Theatre, Video Arcade, Youth & Teen Centres, Fitness, Aerobics/Yoga, Basketball, Fitness Equipment, Gym, Jogging Track, Food and Drink Bar, Bistro, Cafe al Bacio, Cellar Masters, Cova Cafe, Dining Room, Martini Bar Restaurant, The Conservatory, Tuscan Grill, Other Art Gallery, Conference Facilities, Elevator, Photo Gallery, Recreational, Aqua Spa, Card Room, Indoor Pool, Library, Outdoor Pool, Relaxation, Aqua Spa, Beauty Salon, Sauna, Spa, Steam Room, Swimming Pool, Whirlpool, Technology, Interactive TV, Internet Access Lounge, Internet Cafe

Scandinavia and Russia Celebrity Cruise

The cruise visits some amazing Baltic destinations:-

Bruges, Warnemunde, Tallin, Helsinki, Copenhagen and includes an overnight stay in St Petersburg where you can visit:-

– Church of the Savior on Blood
– The Grand Palace
– St. Isaac’s Cathedral State Museum-Memorial

In addition you will have a day in the beautiful city of Stockholm where you can visit the Vasa Museum (the only preserved seventeenth-century ship in the world), the Royal Palace and Abba the Museum and many more attractions.

All this aboard the incredible Celebrity Eclipse®.

Sailing Itinerary

Date Ports of Call Arrival Departure Activity
Sun 22 May 2016 Southampton, England – 1630 Boarding
Mon 23 May 2016 Bruges, Belgium (Zeebrugge) 0700 1500 Docked
Tue 24 May 2016 At Sea – – –
Wed 25 May 2016 Warnemunde, Germany 0930 2359 Docked
Thu 26 May 2016 At Sea – – –
Fri 27 May 2016 Muuga (Tallinn), Estonia 1000 1700 Docked
Sat 28 May 2016 St.Petersburg, Russia 0700 – Docked
Sun 29 May 2016 St.Petersburg, Russia – 1800 Docked
Mon 30 May 2016 Helsinki, Finland 0800 1700 Docked
Tue 31 May 2016 Stockholm, Sweden 0900 1700 Docked
Wed 01 Jun 2016 At Sea – – –
Thu 02 Jun 2016 Copenhagen, Denmark 1100 2359 Docked
Fri 03 Jun 2016 At Sea – – –
Sat 04 Jun 2016 At Sea – – –
Sun 05 Jun 2016 Southampton, England 0530 – Departure

The Spectacular Hotel Danieli in Venice

The spectacular Hotel Danieli overlooks the lagoon and San Giorgio Island, moments from St Mark’s Square and just around the corner from the melée of canal activity and a cluster of beautiful churches and palaces. Approx. 45 minutes by private boat transfer from Venice airport.

Eagles Palace Resort and Spa, Halkidiki, Greece

Oh what a gem!   I’ve been very lucky to visit and stay at the 5* Eagles Palace resort and Spa for a few days in May.

A small luxury hotel approximately 2 hour drive from Thessaloniki airport.  A tranquil and picturesque area perfect for those looking total relaxation and excellent food.  The flight was at 6 am and we landed in Thessaloniki mid morning (2 hrs 50 mins) and the transfer is very straight forward, hardly any traffic and easy.

On arrival at the hotel, we freshened up in our lovely seaview rooms and were immediately whisked in the garden for a light lunch and very good greek wine. We were then taken to see all the rooms in the hotel,  most with seaview and some with plunge pool, they are so beautiful and fresh.  In the evening, we had another 3 course A la carte dinner with more and lovely greek wine overlooking the sea.

The next day, after the vast array of buffet breakfast ranging from fresh fruits, their homemade muesli (must try, it’s so good), nice breads, cooked breakfast, hams, we were taken to their small pretty neighbourhood town of Ouranoupolis, also a small fishing village now with plenty of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.  The hotel offers complimentary shuttle bus to to/from Ouranoupolis several times a day.  On our return at lunchtime, Eagles Palace laid a beautiful and plentiful meze in their beachfront restaurant. It was such a wonderful treat.

Our trip was just full of excellent food and wine, most fantastic scenery and beautiful sea. Oh the spa is so nice, lovely Elemis products, a brilliant massage.  A must try place, you will fall in love with Eagles Palace.

Discover Italy

Fresh pasta, pizzas and good wine are the first things that come to mind when someone says Italy but, then again, I’m partial to really nice food. To others, Italy will be about heritage, culture and customs that date back to before the Romans…I think neither is wrong.
In a nutshell, everyone could find a reason to go to Italy as it has so many things to offer, and for every budget as well.

Getting there

The easiest way from the UK is by air and numerous scheduled and charter services offer a multitude of flights into a wide selection of Italian airports.For most of the holiday options I have explored, flights to Italy are the least part of the price whereas accommodation and transfers are quite expensive.

For those with more time on their hands, train travel may be an option but will be more expensive than flights. A coach trip, as with rail, would give you a lot more sight-seeing opportunities but, once again, takes substantially longer and wouldn’t save any money. One last option may appeal to a lot of people…what about a cruise? There are many cruise options from various ports and this can get you in to see other countries as well.

What to see

A huge draw to Italy is the architecture; fantastic Roman ruins and amazing basilicas abound from Milan in the North to Sicily in the South. The cities of Naples and Venice, on the West and East coasts provide a great opportunity for a twin centre break to see the ruins of Pompeii and then the amazing architecture of the Venetians. Flights are available between most Italian cities but I would suggest a train to get the most out of the landscape.

Italy also has some amazing beach resorts but you won’t find your typical all-inclusive holidays…they just don’t do them. Getting out and about seems to be the Italian way and local dining options always abound, and for all budgets as well. Keep an eye out for where the locals congregate in the evenings…this is usually a good way to get the best food at the best value.

Where to go

Italy isn’t just about beautiful cities and beaches; the fashion outlets of Milan, Lake Garda near Verona or Mount Etna in Sicily are other attractions to be considered. Villa holidays are quite popular and a self catering option gives you the opportunity to get the most from the local produce and to meet the locals at the markets.

A weekend in Berlin

Berlin is a very interesting city but you need to arrive in the right mindset.  The starkness of the city itself and, of course, its history make for a bleak background. The good part is that once you get past Berlin’s grey past there is a plethora of things to do 24 hours a day. The public transportation runs, as expected, like German clockwork and getting around is easy and economical.

These main draws are historical but must be seen as this is what old Berlin is about:

-The remaining sector of the Berlin Wall
-The Jewish Museum
-The Brandenburg Gate
-Checkpoint Charlie

These four locations will take up a full day at least and if you are in Berlin for more than a weekend you may wish to devote more time to them. We spent two nights in Berlin but were able to get a very good grasp of these and I don’t feel I missed anything.

Other main attractions are the Alexanderplatz, which is the main transportation hub, and the fantastic museums and galleries. Photo opportunities are as abundant as the beer and bratwurst. Shopping is a popular pastime in Berlin and the shops range from everyday market stalls to the designers on the Jägerstraße. Another sight for me was the fact that there is a Volkwagen/Bugatti dealership in the centre of the city…a haven for petrol heads in the midst of the shopping.

After a day of sightseeing, I don’t think we were prepared for the fact that many of the bars never close. We discovered that the cleaners arrive in the morning to tidy up around the survivers but the party keeps going on. Berlin has an amazing night life which offers something for all walks of life. The ravers can dance all night but there are, also, bars that are more akin to coffee houses where friends can chat the night away and nobody shouts last call.

Before our night on the town we filled ourselves on traditional German fare and I was pleasantly surprised to find cabbage rolls on the menu. I grew up in a household with a strong German influence and the food was a warm reminder of meals long past. While all the normal fast food joints are available, quick snacks can be had from the bratwurst vendors or great restaurants are abundant wherever you are downtown.

We stayed in the old, Eastern, part of Berlin and found that the food options were fewer and definitely not as good as downtown. While the hotels are cheaper outside the centre I’d suggest dining before you get the train back. I also found that the people were much more reserved in the old town and that English was less spoken but the ambience was more traditional…central Berlin is very flash.

A trip to Berlin is, I believe, a must if just to reflect on the past but the new city has so much more to offer.  Flights are available to Berlin Schoenefeld from various UK airports and the train is easy to get into the centre. English is widely spoken and getting around shouldn’t be an issue for even the most reserved traveller. I recommend Berlin for a 2-3 night break but it can also be incorporated into a more comprehensive rail or coach trip.

5* Holland America Line

For more than 139 years, Holland America Line has been a recognized leader in cruising, taking our guests to exotic destinations around the world. If you are looking for some of the most spacious and comfortable ships at sea, award-winning service, five star dining, extensive activities and enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries, you’ve come to the right place. We are committed to our mission: through excellence, we create once-in-a-lifetime experiences, every time.

Today, Holland America Line’s fleet of 15 elegant, mid-size ships offers more than 500 sailings a year visiting all seven continents.

Always at the heart of the Holland America cruise experience is our warm and award-winning style of service that is never in the way and never out of reach. We sail with nearly one crew member for every two guests, providing the intuitive, gracious service that has long defined classic cruising. Our extensive onboard services, from special dining requests to full service laundry and dry cleaning services, are designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. Our specially trained crew takes pride in anticipating and fulfilling your every wish. From our waiters and bartenders to our chefs and wine experts, our spa technicians and fitness instructors to our officers and housekeeping staff, everyone is dedicated to providing you with the gracious and personalized service that will make your cruise vacation memorable. On board the ships of Holland America Line you’ll discover a cruise experience that is modern, fresh and appealing — in an ambiance that is timeless and refined.

SIGNATURE TOUCHES IN EVERY STATEROOM
Spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms, many with private verandahs
Luxurious Mariner’s Dream™ beds and premium linens
Daily housekeeping to tidy belongings and keep staterooms immaculate
Large, extra-fluffy Egyptian cotton towels
Lighted magnifying mirrors; massage showerheads; salon-quality hair dryers
Luxurious terry cloth bathrobes
Elemis Aromapure “Time to Spa” bath amenities
Televisions with DVD players
Generous storage
Safes for your valuables
Complimentary fresh fruit
Complimentary 24-hour in-room dining
Nightly turndown service
Complimentary shoeshine service
Complimentary ice service

To Book Call 0114 3273436 Now

New York City

New York City has so much to offer and is an amazing place to visit. A very good friend of mine lives in Williamsburg, just across the bridge from Manhattan, and loves it. There is just so much to do and see that even a week is not enough time to get totally stuck in but, I believe, any time in New York is better than no time in New York. The trip across the Atlantic is only about 7 hours and New York and New Jersey airports host up to 25 flights a day from London alone. The most popular time to go is from September to mid-December for shopping trips but be prepared to pay a higher price for hotels and expect some snow. All in all, this is part of the experience.

Things to do

There are so many things to see and do but if you just want to chill out and watch the world go by then there’s always Central Park. A day could easily be spent here just lazing around in the summer or, in winter, why not have a go at some ice skating. If you’re thinking of a short stroll from end to end, best keep in mind that this park is 2.5 miles long and you’ll quite likely get sidetracked so leave yourself a good few hours to explore.

Shopping, of course, is a huge draw to New York, and it seems that everybody ends up in Macy’s to get some deals but, once again, leave yourself some time. This department store is massive, and even the most rushed of shoppers can spend hours in here. Make sure you take advantage of the tourist discount cards they offer, as well. The other shopping hotspot is 5th Avenue where, due to prices, you’ll find more window shoppers than spenders but it’s a must see.

There are many other must-sees in Manhattan, such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Centre, Madison Square Garden and Grand Central Station to name just a few. Grand Central is an amazing building, is beautiful, and hosts numerous high-end food shops that are great for a browse. If you need inspiration for things to do, just give me a ring.

Getting away

While Midtown is the hub of everything in New York City, there are loads of wonderful neighbourhoods to explore; Little Italy and Chinatown are fun but getting out to Brooklyn or the Bronx can be a lot of fun as well. Get yourself a good top up for the subway and go exploring but take a good look around the stations as well…there are some interesting sights to see underground.

New York is a fabulous city to visit and explore and has something for all ages. This is not one of those places that you can only enjoy without kids, and I’d venture so far as to say it would be more fun with them.

Discover Morocco

I found Morocco to be fascinating and wish we would have been able to see more. Fes, Agadir and the Atlas mountains were, unfortunately, missed, but our two weeks was well spent in other locations. I don’t like just to pass through a place without getting the local feel so we started off with 4 nights in Marrakech and, really, could have stayed longer as the heat made it difficult to do anything in the afternoon. Mornings were spent wandering the maze of streets and exploring the souks and Djemaa El-Fna in the evenings were perfect for the spectacle of Africa’s largest square.

I think my favourite part of Marrakech was the food and, in particular, the tajines. These Moroccan wonders seem to pop up everywhere and I had no apprehension concerning eating ‘street food’. The souks are amazing places to stock up on all the spices required to make these tajines at home but be careful of the street hawkers who have a ‘cousin’ or ‘brother’ that will give you a good deal. Afternoon snacks are abundant from the many fruit carts in the square and dinner can be had from any one of the dozens of stalls that seem to pop up out of nowhere. Djemaa El Fna truly has to be experienced to be appreciated.

On the road

We went to Morocco without a firm plan but knowing the basics of where we would like to go. Errachidia and Fes were on the list but we realised that these would need to wait for another trip as the coast was a higher priority. Thus, we opted for a coach instead of a train and set off for Casablanca. This port city was both amazing and disappointing at the same time. The art deco buildings and 1930’s influence is worth seeing and the Hassan II mosque is a must. On the other hand, Casablanca seemed to have a seedy side that may be the reason the very name conjures images of bandits and badly lit streets…worth a visit, though.

On the road again

We decided that our next stop would be Oulidia and we enjoyed two nights in a shabby motel ( the budget was an issue), relaxed on the beach and, once again, enjoyed some foodie delights. There was a tiny coffee and sandwich shop that made tuna paninis with freshly caught fish, and we had an amazing seafood dinner in one of the waterfront restaurants. A Moroccan man approached us on the beach and very politely enquired if we’d like to but some cinnamon coffee. My thoughts don’t usually turn to hot drinks when the temperature is hovering around 40 degrees but we thought we’d have a go…it was amazing. There’s not much to do in Oulidia as it’s mainly a fishing village and seems to be a getaway spot for Moroccans. There are no attractions other than the beach, and the water is cold but if you want to get away and relax, this is the place.

Essaouira

Getting to Essaouira from Oulidia was an issue as the buses only run a couple of times a week and not at great times. We struck a deal with a taxi driver and made our may down a mostly, gravel track through desolate towns and bleak terrain that was very interesting. How people manage to make a living when there is nothing but sand and rock to be seen is something amazing. Essaouira was our favourite of the trip and we found a hotel with self-catering apartments in the middle of town.

A trip to the market was in order and we purchased some fresh lamb and veg and had a go at a tajine (we didn’t have a tajine so we used, and I still do now, an old pot with a lid) and, while I’m better at them now, this one was great. Essaouira has some beautiful beaches and lovely Moroccan architecture but one of the biggest attractions is the fishermen and the fish and I found that I could spend hours there just watching the world go by.

Shopping in Canada

I’ve just mentioned that I was going to write about Canada and my wife’s comment was, “Mooses, pumpkin pie and Mounties”…charming!  While these are familiar bits of Canada and its history, there is so much more to consider and see.  From the French history and mystique of Quebec,  to the mountains and forests of British Columbia, there is something to offer all travellers.

Getting to Canada is easy as there are several flights into Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and Calgary, as well as daily services into other locations such as Edmonton and Halifax.  Onward arrangements to locations such as Niagara Falls can be made via train, coach or car hire but onward flights may be an option for cities such as Victoria on Vancouver Island.
There are so many reasons to go to Canada but a very popular one is shopping as Toronto and Montreal are but a few hours away and offer some of the world’s best shops, along with a few that are classicly Canadian; where else can you get a Hudson’s Bay blanket or Montreal corned beef?

If you’re after a longer trip then Vancouver’s Robson Street , Gastown and the Granville Street market may appeal but I think you’ll want to make it a bit more than a weekend…it’s an 11 hour flight.  As I’ve mentioned markets (I love them), I’d have to say that my favourite is Lawrence Street Market in Toronto;  not huge but really great food to go and amazing fish and meat venders.

If you’d like more information or advice on a shopping trip to Canada, please feel free to contact me at any time.

Holidays in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of my favourite cities.  It is the capital of Catalonia, a city of art, culture and beauty. Museums, Gaudis works, FC Barcelona’s football team, a beautiful marina and what other cities also offer a fantastic beach?

Walk along the Ramblas to experience street musicians, living statues, hustlers and people from all walks of life.  Use the Hop On Hop Off open top bus to experience all the sights Barcelona offers.  Also a tram trip up to the top of Tibidabo and take in the magnificent sights of the city below you. Shop along the Passeig de Gracia, at the most well known boutiques in Barcelona. There are too many fantastic tapas bars and restaurants to name but the pace of life in them is relaxed with the emphasis on fun. The evening often starts late for the locals and don’t be surprised to see children dining with ther families late in to the night.  Join the locals for pub crawling at the Barri Gotic for a huge selection of tapas bars, wine bars, cocktail lounges and even Irish pubs!

Accommodation varies from top notch hotels to excellent bed & breakfasts.  The latest one I stayed in was Marinaview and I can get some excellent rates there.  I have had clients experience varied accommodation but one I always get excellent feedback on is Villa Emilia…with a beautiful roof top terrace offering views over the city.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam holidays are one of the most popular types of holidays worldwide. It is one of the world’s most famous cities and there are so many reasons why. From the famous red light district to the fascinating museums and relaxed drug policy; Amsterdam has many alluring attractions. While it does have a somewhat seedy reputation, what many people don’t realize is that this is one of the most beautiful and romantic cities within the world.

You’ll find many different cultures on Amsterdam holidays. You’d expect it to be quite a bustling city, but in fact it is pretty quiet. There’s fantastic transport links, an excellent nightlife scene and if you want to really fit in with the locals then hire a bike to explore this beautiful city.

Main Amsterdam Attractions

When booking holidays to Amsterdam, you’ll want to have a good idea of what attractions are available. This is because there is so much to do that you definitely won’t have time to do it all throughout your stay.

So you’ll need to pick the most important attractions that you’re interested in and head to them first.

You’ll find that holidays to Amsterdam mainly focus on Museum attractions. There are three famous museums that the country is famous for including the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. However, there are many lesser known museums that you may want to check out while you’re there. Did you know that there are more than 50 different museums in the city?

Coffee shops play a large part in Amsterdam culture. Therefore make sure that you spend plenty of time on your holidays to Amsterdam sipping coffee in a local coffee bar. The one thing you’ll notice about the coffee bars in Amsterdam is that they can sell a little cannabis. Despite popular believe, hard drugs are prohibited in the country. There’s also a limit of how much cannabis a coffee shop can sell. So it’s worth knowing these rules before you go.

The canals of Amsterdam are another sight that shouldn’t be missed. Thanks to the canals, the roads aren’t as busy as they are in many other cities. It is thanks to the canal system that Amsterdam has been termed the ‘Venice of the North’. If you’re looking for something romantic to do then why not take a canal boat ride one night?

Rembrandtplein is a famous square in Amsterdam which is packed full of restaurants, shops, bars and hotels. This makes it incredibly popular with tourists.

If you’re new to the city then Amsterdam holidays based near this square would be a good choice.  It can get quite busy though so this is something that you should keep in mind.

It’s the nightlife in the city which makes many people opt for Amsterdam holidays. As well as lively bars and clubs, there’s also a wide selection of cinemas and theatres too. The Red Light District comes alive at night, as does the Dam Square and Rembrandtplein.

Overall this is a fantastic city that everybody should experience once in their lifetime. Take a look online and you’ll always find at least one fantastic offer on holidays to Amsterdam.

Zurich

The biggest city in Switzerland, Zurich has a fantastic reputation. When choosing Zurich holidays, you’ll find so much more than a finance capital on your arrival. Many people mistakenly think that holidays to Zurich are mainly suited to the business traveller. This may have once been the case but it certainly isn’t true anymore!

One of the main things you’ll notice about this great city is its trendy atmosphere. It’s a cosmopolitan city and it boasts amazing scenic views. It features a lake with water so clean that you could drink from it. You’ll find it easy to get around the city and no matter who you are, there’s always something to keep you entertained.

Main Zurich Attractions

Augustinergasse is one of Zurich’s main tourist attractions. No Zurich holidays would be complete without a visit to these colourful narrow streets.

Or if it’s shopping you’re looking for you’ll want to head to the Bahnhofstrasse Zurich. This is the main shopping precinct and it features department stores, boutiques and jewellery stores which heavily utilize shelving systems such as those from shop supplies.

If you like green areas and places to relax then you’ll enjoy the Lakeside Promenade. In the summer it’s particularly busy; especially with inline skaters and local street artists. It features grassy park areas where you can lay down and relax on a hot sunny day.

For more cultured holidays to Zurich, the Fraumunster is a great attraction to visit. It was founded by German King Louis in 853 and it used to be inhabited by female members of aristocracy. It features beautiful stained glass windows and it’s a truly impressive attraction not to be missed.

When you’re travelling with the family on Zurich holidays, you’ll want to pay a visit to the Zoo Zurich & Masoala Rainforest.

There’s more than 20 different species of monkey in this great little zoo along with rhinos, penguins, elephants and many more wild animals. You’ll get to enjoy the dense rainforest environment. It’s a fantastic attraction for the family and you can even enjoy a bite to eat in the restaurant on the site.

Finally if you’re looking for a cosmopolitan experience then you should book holidays to Zurich in the Zurich West region. This part of the city is packed full of art galleries, great architecture and upscale shopping experiences. It will provide you with a sophisticated experience.

Dining Out in Zurich

There’s a diverse collection of restaurants in Zurich. From excellent Italian style restaurants to Asian style delicacies and pretty little cafes. Many people start their Zurich holidays with a bite to eat in a local café before enjoying a slightly more sophisticated lunch in one of the many eateries around the city. Then at night the trendy, swanky restaurants come to life before people make their way out for a night on the town. Zurich is known to have one of the liveliest nightlife scenes in the whole of Switzerland.

Overall Zurich holidays are popular thanks to the culture and cosmopolitan atmosphere. There’s a lot to experience so make sure you book at least a week away in this great city.

Tallinn

The biggest city within Estonia, Tallinn is located to the east of Stockholm, the south of Helsinki and to the west of Saint Petersburg. The capital of Estonia, this global city is known to be one of the 10 best digital cities within the world. In 2011 it was also known to be the European Capital of Culture with Turku, in Finland. This truly is an enchanting city and you’ll find holidays to Tallinn offer you a mixture of modern and medieval attractions.

Main Attractions in the Area

The great thing about Tallinn holidays is that there’s something to suit all ages, preferences and budgets. There are loads of historic areas in the city thanks to the 800 year old history.

The Medieval old town is by far one of the city’s best highlights. There are beautiful cobbled lanes and streets lined with iron lamps. This adds to the delightful character of the area. As well as seeing historic features, you’ll also get to experience modern luxuries such as Wi-Fi and cappuccinos.

If you’re looking for holidays to Tallinn which offer a sophisticated ambience then Kadriorg is the place to head to. The Japanese Garden is one of the best attractions to visit while in the area, it’s a peaceful location where you can take in the natural beauty and enjoy a nice cup of tea. Many people who take Tallinn holidays to Kadriorg go there for the museums available in the area.

If it’s natural beauty you’re looking for, choose holidays to Tallinn in the Pirita area. With pristine coastline and pine forest parks, this is where many locals enjoy spending their free time.

It’s one of the most beautiful parts of the city and it is famous for its St Bridget Convent. This is a fairly new nunnery which has been built on top of the ruins of the old convent.

Shopping and Nightlife

Many tourists love Tallinn holidays for the shopping experience it offers. Most shops are open 7 days a week and all major credit cards are widely accepted around the city. Old Town offers some of the best fashion and boutique stores.

There are several souvenirs that you can bring back from Estonia. These include hand-knitted items, original art and dark Estonian chocolates. There are also a number of malls to enjoy around the city. No matter what you’re looking for you’ll find it in this city.

If you’re mainly focusing on nightlife on your holidays to Tallinn then you’ll be able to choose from live music venues, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. There’s even a good selection of gay clubs and cigar lounges to hang around in. Old town is definitely the place to head to with its range of hip lounges and lively sports bars. You’ll never be too far away from the next drinking spot so it’s a great area to enjoy a night out.

Overall holidays to Tallinn are enjoyed by the old and the young. There really is something to suit all budgets and tastes.