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.

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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.

Stockholm

With an impressive 700 year history, Stockholm is one of Sweden’s most beautiful cities. If you’re planning holidays to Stockholm then you won’t be disappointed. There’s plenty to keep you occupied and the views over the Baltic Sea are magnificent. One of the best places to head to when planning your Stockholm holidays is Old Town. There you’ll find a wide selection of bars, cafes, shops and impressive buildings.

Main Attractions in the City

You’ll be spoilt for choice when trying to choose which attractions to visit on your Stockholm holidays.

The Gamla Stan is just one of the major attractions in the city you won’t want to miss. It is one of the biggest and well preserved medieval city centres within the whole of Europe. You’ll find many stores offering souvenirs and local handicrafts. You’ll find many fascinating medieval signs around the city and this just adds to its charm.

The Royal Palace is definitely an attraction not to be missed on holidays to Stockholm. It is one of the biggest palaces within Europe and it is the residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden. It boasts an impressive 600 rooms and it contains 5 museums within its grounds. The palace is open to the public and soldiers wearing parade uniforms around the palace several times each day.

SkyView on Top of the Globe is a fairly new attraction in the city but it’s quickly gaining in popularity. Taking you to the top of the world’s biggest spherical building, you’ll get to witness Stockholm and all its beauty in a unique and fascinating way. No Stockholm holidays would be complete without a trip to this attraction.

If you’re on holidays with the kids then you may want to check out the Grona Lund’s Amusement Park. There are 32 different attractions in this park and fun for the entire family.

As you can see, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to experience a relaxing day taking in the sights of the beautiful city, or whether you’re looking to enjoy an action packed holiday; Stockholm has something to suit you.

Dining Out in Stockholm

From budget eateries to five star dining experiences, there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets in the city. If you’re looking for restaurants with a view on you holidays to Stockholm, you’ll be impressed with the Gondolen. Serving up delicious Swedish and International cuisine, this restaurant is located high above the entrance of Stockholm’s port.

Frantzen/Lindeberg is another great restaurant to check out. This is a particularly great place to eat if you are looking for entertainment as well as a delicious meal. You’ll have an evening full of surprises and humour when you dine out at this hip restaurant.

Overall there’s something to suit everyone in this bustling, popular city. It doesn’t matter who you are or who you will be travelling with, there’s at least one attraction to suit your preferences. Stockholm holidays can often be found at bargain prices and you’re bound to be left wanting to return year after year. 

Reykjavik

As the capital and the largest city of Iceland, Reykjavik holidays are really popular. It’s thought that the first real permanent settlement in the country was located in the city. Today you’ll find a lively nightlife scene, plenty of colourful and fascinating buildings, a variety of quirky people and a certain charm that will leave you wanting to return for holidays to Reykjavik year after year.

Must See Attractions in the City

One of the must see attractions to head to on your Reykjavik holidays is the Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool. This tends to be where many locals as well as tourists gather. There’s an Olympic sized swimming pool as well as a steam bath, whirlpool and four hot pots. It’s thanks to volcanic water that the temperatures are constantly kept to 29 degrees Celsius.

If you’d prefer to explore on dry land and you’re looking for a cultured experience then head to the Reykjavik Art Museum. It is spread out over 3 different sites and you’ll see all kinds of fascinating exhibits. The National Museum is another great place to head to. There you’ll learn more about the interesting history of Iceland and its culture.

If you’re travelling with the family then you’ll love the Family Fun Park and Zoo. This is one of the only attractions in the city aimed at younger children. Reykjavik holidays are definitely mainly designed with adults in mind. You’ll find tanks full of different coloured cold water fish. This is more a farm animal type of zoo than an exotic zoo. You’ll see foxes, farm animals and seals mainly.

If you love nature then you’ll also be interested in Elding Whale Watching. These trips run all year around and you can even choose to enjoy a spot of midnight whale watching. All passengers on the tour will gain free access into the whale watching centre, café, shop and multimedia showroom. This is one of the most relaxing activities to take part in on your holidays to Reykjavik.

Dining Out and Shopping

From fast food restaurants to top notch sushi houses; you’ll find a range of food to suit all tastes in this great city. There are even great food markets on offer where you can buy fresh local produce. So if you prefer to create your own food while you’re there then visiting these local markets is a must.

In terms of shopping there’s also plenty of choice on offer. There are three main shopping centres to enjoy including the Fjordurinn which is located in the Hafnarfjordur town. It’s a fairly small shopping centre but still worth stopping by on your Reykjavik holidays.

All in all, holidays to Reykjavik will leave you feeling relaxed and wanting more. Be prepared to fall in love with this glorious city and all that it has to offer. With so much to see and do, it’s recommended that you stay for at least a week. Don’t delay, book your Reykjavik holidays now and start planning your trip of a lifetime.

Morrocco

The main thing you’ll notice about Marrakech holidays is the fact that there’s so much going on. It’s easy to get distracted as you wander around this cultured and interesting city. The alleyways are beautiful and mysterious. You’ll be taken past snake charmers and even donkeys carts that appear to be out of control. It’s a bustling, unique city and that is why so many tourists decide to come back to holidays to Marrakech year after year.

Things to See and Do in the City

Forget planning your Marrakech holidays in advance, you’ll struggle to stick to a plan once you arrive! With so many diversions you’ll be taken on an unforgettable journey and by the end of your trip your mind really will be exhausted!

It’s a good idea to start your holidays to Marrakesh at the Djemaa el-Fna. There you’ll see water sellers and potion sellers complete with turbans. From there you can venture out into the covered market streets. You could well get lost if you’re not careful in these maze of streets. Carpets and fabrics are popular goods to buy while you’re there. If you’re prepared to venture outside the old city, you will find a range of art galleries, restaurants and museums.

One top tourist attraction in the area is the Koutoubia Mosque. This impressive structure has been built with an Almohad design and it is one of the city’s most famous symbols. If you aren’t a Muslim then you won’t be able to go into the building. However it’s still worth a look from the outside. Don’t forget to take your camera!

Another impressive attraction that is worth a look on Marrakech holidays is the ancient Saadian Tombs. Located to the south of the Kasbah Mosque, this is one of the city’s most visited monuments. You’ll discover early mosaic graves as well as three interesting pavilions.

If you love the thought of dancing the night away then head to Pacha. This place is huge and as well as hosting a large bar and dancefloor, there’s also two restaurants inside too. It’s capable of holding 3000 people. If you fancy trying something a little different then you could always try your hand (and feet) at belly dancing. There really is so much on offer in Marrakesh.

Dining Out in the City

You’ll find a wide range of delicacies on your holidays to Marrakesh. There are two particularly great places to eat that stand out. The first is known as the Pavilion and it has a superb setting. With clusters of tables under a huge magnificent tree, you’ll be taken aback by the beauty of this restaurant.

Narwama is the second restaurant you should check out while you’re there. It’s the city’s first Thai restaurant and it features relaxing lounge music as well as an incredibly spacious interior. You’ll fall in love with this laid back eatery.

No matter who you are, you’ll be blown away by the atmosphere of this busy city. Holidays to Marrakesh are certainly something you’ll remember for many years to come!

Istanbul

When looking for your next holiday destination, you may want to seriously consider holidays to Istanbul. It’s been dubbed the world’s hippest city. These days you’ll find more hip restaurants, clubs, galleries, and bars in the city than you will Ottoman mosques. As the largest city in Turkey, Istanbul is one of the country’s main tourist spots. Find out more about its rich history, vibrant culture, and must-visit attractions before planning your trip! For those interested in meeting new people while traveling, a milf dating site can offer a fun and engaging way to connect with like-minded companions.

Top Attractions in the City

Istanbul holidays have a lot to offer. This is a particularly great city to visit if you enjoy cultured holidays. There are many different historical sights on offer.

During the day there’s plenty to do, but it’s definitely at night-time when it comes alive. There are two types of tourists who mainly visit Istanbul. Firstly you have those who are interested in sightseeing and cultured activities. Then there’s the tourist who comes purely for the hip nightlife.

If it’s culture you’re looking for on your holidays to Istanbul then you won’t be disappointed. The Yerebatan Sarnici is just one of the beautiful sights to see in this great city. It was constructed by the Emperor Justinian and was forgotten about for centuries. It was Peter Gyllius, a Frenchman, who rediscovered it in 1545. Occasionally there’s traditional Turkish music played. There’s two medusa heads located at the very far end of the entrance to the attraction. This is one of the most fascinating cultured attractions and shouldn’t be missed on your Istanbul holidays.

The Haghia Sophia is definitely one of the ‘must see’ attractions for any holidays to Istanbul. This cathedral has one of the most beautiful interiors you’ll ever see. It features gorgeous mosaics and its unique large dome shape gives it a beautiful appearance.

If you love shopping then you need to head to the Grand Bazaar. There are more than 5,500 vendors selling everything you could possibly imagine.

If you’re looking to buy traditional local goods then this is definitely the place to head to. Many tourists never forget their visit to the Grand Bazaar on their holidays to Istanbul.

Dining Out in the City

You’ll be amazed by the large selection of delicious, fresh foods in Istanbul. If you love your seafood and you have money to burn, then head to the Poseidon. You’ll struggle to find nicer seafood with a more amazing view.

If you want to see as much of the city as possible when you are dining out on your Istanbul holidays then head to 360. This fantastic restaurant has 360 degree views over the entire city. It also features quite a spacious dining area.

Asitane is one of the main restaurants in the area that critics recommend. Located in Edirnekapi, it isn’t the easiest restaurant to get to. However, it’s certainly worth it! One of its specialities is authentic Ottoman dishes. So if you’re searching for a place which serves up traditional local foods on your holidays to Istanbul, you’ll love Asitane.

Overall Istanbul is a beautiful, cultured city to visit. It should be on everyone’s must visit destination list. Istanbul holidays are something you definitely won’t forget in a hurry!

Geneva

Holidays to Geneva are particularly popular amongst the cosmopolitan crowd. It’s known to be one of the most expensive destinations in Europe. Often mistaken as Switzerland’s capital city due to its large size and high population, this beautiful city is known to have one of the highest standards of living in the world. You’ll feel at home in this bustling city no matter where you’re from. Throughout your stay you’ll hear people chatting in all kinds of different languages. So if you’re looking to enjoy a city break with a difference then Geneva holidays can help.

Main Attractions in Geneva

There’s so much to see during holidays to Geneva. From fantastic nightlife to exclusive restaurants and cultured attractions; no matter who you are you’ll find something to suit your preferences.

The Jet d’Eau is a great sight to take in. The water shoots up into the air with quite a lot of force. A 140m high plume is created as people stand in awe, taking in this beautiful sight. It can also be entertaining seeing the water fall on unsuspecting spectators! This is definitely a sight not to be missed.

If you want to make the most of Geneva holidays then a day trip could be a great idea. There are day trips from Geneva to Chamonix and Mont Blanc. This is one of the most famous villages located within the French Alps.

A drive through the magnificent mountains and then a journey on the famous red train along to Montenvers are just two of the highlights of this trip. If you’ve got the time and the money available then this is an attraction not to be missed.

Of course no Geneva holidays would be complete without a tour around the city. There’s a 2 hour tour which provides you with a great introduction to the city. If you’re new to the city you’ll appreciate this tour.

Dining Out in the City

One thing that you’ll look forward to on your holidays to Geneva is the gorgeous food. If you’re looking for a relaxing, hip, urban retreat then head to the L’Adresse. This restaurant has a beautiful rooftop terrace and a fantastic contemporary atmosphere.

If you’re looking for a place where you can eat quickly and casually then the Manora is a great place to head to. The extensive range of buffet food will wet any appetite. It also serves some of the nicest desserts you’ll ever taste.

The u bobba is where all the contemporary crowd hang out on their holidays to Geneva. It has a red and gold interior and it’s known to have one of the best rooftop terraces in the whole of Geneva.

The range of food on offer with Geneva holidays is fantastic. There’s something to suit all tastes and budgets. So if you’re looking for a destination which offers plenty to see and do, lots of delicious cuisine and a great standard of living then this is the city for you. No matter what your nationality, you’ll feel welcome the minute you step off the plane.