Advice and Information for the World Traveller on Many Destinations

Archive for the ‘Travel Destinations’ Category

Berlin is a city with an interesting history; it is well worth a visit either for a short break or for a longer holiday. Flights to Berlin are easily booked online or through a travel agent. Cheap flights to Berlin can be found via a quick search of the internet. Online bookings often have added discounts, which can make an already cheap flight even kinder to the wallet.

Of all the things to do in Berlin, some are very touristy and some are slightly off the beaten track.  When you do visit the city there are several sites that are not to be missed. The Berlin Wall was famously demolished in 1990, a symbol of the end of the Cold War. The wall itself separated East from West Berlin, the East side being under communist control. A small portion of the wall still exists and there are various segments that have been restored for historical purposes. There is now a museum where the infamous Checkpoint Charlie once stood.

Panoramic views of the city can be found in several places, including Panoramapunkt in Potsdamer Platz where Europe’s fastest elevator will whisk you to the viewing platform above. Cross Hill in Victoriapark will also reveal the city sights and the architecture of both East and West Berlin, and is worth a leisurely stroll.

Make time for coffee and cake at one of Berlin’s many cafes, as this is one of the best-loved traditions in the city. Fresh pastries can be enjoyed on terraces and at street tables that allow you to watch the world go by in a lovely relaxing environment.

In the green heart of central Italy lies Umbria, the emerald jewel in Italy’s crown. This is a land of saints and painters; with 70% of Umbria still wooded and three quarters of the landscape classed as hills or mountains it is the perfect landscape for explorers. Villa rental in the area offers the ideal way to discover this magical part of Italy.

Developments and the property boom have led to a rediscovery of rural Umbria, a quiet tourist destination not over populated with the commercialism of other tourist centres around Italy. Many old farmhouses, tobacco towers, monasteries and barns have been converted for villa rental use. Travellers will discover an array of old stone buildings with exposed oak beams that look out across vast vineyards, olive groves and the Apennine Mountains available.

Umbria boosts some of Christianity’s big names when it comes to saints; Frances, Clare, Benedict and Rita were all born and lived here. Towns like Assisi and Perugia are synonymous with these preachers as are the artists who came to paint them.  The Renaissance is very much a part of Umbria; Raphael, Perugino, Giotto and della Francesco all worked in the cities and hill towns of the region and many of their frescoes are still evident.

Even around the small towns of Orvieto, Terni and Spolleto you will find plenty of villas to rent, lovely properties that make excellent bases from which to see the sights, sample the cuisine and taste the local wine. Natural wonders like Marmore Waterfall and Lake Trasimeno are excellent destinations and Umbria’s national parks are well laid out, protected areas of perfect beauty.

Tignes and Val d’Isère share a huge area of slopes known as L’espace Killy. Locally, Tignes’ biggest asset is the Grande Motte – and the runs from, as well as on, the glacier. The underground funicular from Val Claret whizzes you up to over 3000m in seven minutes. Fast chairs and gondolas get you up the mountain from most parts of the ski resort. Recent investment has added more fast chairs higher up too, but a few key slow ones remain that could do with being upgraded.

The main lifts towards Val d’Isère are efficient: a high-capacity gondola from Le Lac to Tovière, and a fast chair with covers from Val Claret to Col de Fresse. You can head back to Tignes from either: the return from Tovière to Tignes-le-Lac is via a steep black run but there are easier blue runs to Val Claret.

There are some serious challenges for the expert skier, Tignes has converted six of its black runs into ‘naturides’, which means they are never groomed, but they are marked, patrolled and avalanche protected. The intermediate skier is well catered for and for keen intermediate piste-bashers the Espace Killy is one of the top three or four areas in the world. For the inexperienced skier there are suitable areas, but for a beginner you would be better off in the Val d’Isere resort.

Occasionally there are rumours in the travel industry of fantastic cruise deals, but online searches fail to reveal any details. 

Sometimes cruise lines have a number of cabins left unsold before a sailing, which will be sold at heavily discounted prices. However, they will not publicly advertise these deals. The only way to find them is to join the e-mail list of a travel agency specialising in cruises.

Look for agencies that are preferred sellers for particular cruise lines, and if you receive an e-mail about low rates, do respond. Sometimes this will simply be a gimmick, but at other times you may get a very good deal on a cruise.

These deals are for last-minute cruises and only available for a limited time, so you will need to book quickly and be able to make travel arrangements at short notice. Also, be prepared to accept that the cabin you get may be the one that other passengers have complained about.

Travel agencies buy group space on cruises well in advance of the cruise date. The travel agency often pay a deposit, and as they work hard to establish a good relationship with the cruise line. They are often given a lower price, typically 10 to 40 percent less than the standard price. These savings are passed on to their customers. These deals are available to those who can book early, preferably more than 90 days prior to sailing. To take advantage of these cruise deals, you need to know your travel agent, so they can tell you if it is a good price, or if the price is likely to go lower closer to sailing. However, you can cancel or change your booking at a later date without incurring high penalties.

Holiday travel to Syria requires a few more steps in obtaining proper visas and paperwork. If you have a flight to Damascus in your itinerary, here is what you need to know to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

Flights to Damascus land at the Damascus International Airport, which is located 35 km south east of the capital city. The airports are served by Syrian Arab Airlines, with British Airways and bmi being the two major airlines from European countries.

Citizens of Arab countries are not required to have visas; however, almost every other traveller must have an entry visa. The process of obtaining a visa can be expensive and time-consuming. The most efficient way is to visit the Syrian embassy in your home country. Some individuals may wait and hope that they can get a valid visa by travelling first to Turkey and applying for one there.

To enter Syria, you will need a letter from your consulate stating that your home country has no objection to your travel to Syria. This correspondence is referred to as a “letter of recommendation”. Your visa must have a signature and two stamps, or else it will be declared invalid and the traveller will not be allowed to disembark.  It must also be in its original blue arrival form.

There can be no evidence of travel to Israel, whether it is a passport stamp, packaging with Hebrew labelling, or if the flight to Damascus comes from any country bordering Israel. These travellers are denied entry into Syria.

Prague’s airport, Ruzyne, is situated about 17 km north-west of Prague (about a 30-minute car journey), and is the Czech Republic’s only international airport, serving 11 million passengers every year.

The centre of Prague is relatively easy navigate, and most sight-seeing can be done in a day, either by foot or using the trams. There is also a funicular railway, and river cruises are available, as many of the sights are located along the banks of the Vlatva River. The city has become increasingly and consistently popular over recent years, and is the perfect destination for a weekend break. In 1992, the centre of Prague (which totals over 2,000 acres) was listed in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Register. Charles Bridge (Karluv Most) connects the two opposite banks of Vltava River, and the city centre is spread over five areas on both sides. On one side is the Stare Mesto and Old Town Square and the Nove Mesto (New Town, known as Wenceslas Square). Across the bridge is the Mala Strana and Castle District, where you will find the famous Prague Castle (Prazsky Hrad). Prague has a selection of low-cost holiday apartments and reasonably-priced hotels situated on both sides of the river. Staying in local accommodation means you only need a weekend to take in all the major sights that the Prague experience has to offer. Although the charm of the region, the delectable local beer and the welcoming atmosphere may make you want to stay much longer!

Apart from the stunning castle, situated on top of a hill overlooking the city below, there are numerous other attractions, including the two impressive Bridge Towers, the Old Town Hall Tower and the magnificent Klementinum with its astronomical clock tower. Art-noveau-style Municipal House is the largest concert hall in Prague – and this unique Eastern European country certainly loves its music concerts and theatre performances.

Offering visitors a unique insight in to Eastern European life and its history, with quirky architecture (Baroque, Gothic and Rococo), quaint churches, winding cobblestone streets and a friendly ambience, Prague is justifiably one of Europe’s top city destinations with couples and families alike.

When looking for ski holidays France is an ideal choice. It is located within easy reach of most European destinations which also makes it easy to access from worldwide. Chamonix ski resort is the largest and the oldest ski resort in the country. It is one of the most popular places for skiers to enjoy their ski holiday. France has many such resorts catering for this market.
Located in the Chamonix Valley, overlooked by the highest mountain in the Alps mountain range, Mont Blanc, Chamonix ski resort offers excellent ski conditions for all levels of experience from intermediate to off-piste. 

Skiing in France, especially in a resort such as Chamonix used to be regarded just for the elite, but with the introduction of low cost airlines, there are many bargain ski deals to be found, and a quick search of the internet brings so much choice there is bound to be something to suit everyone.

Although Chamonix has plenty of slopes for strong skiers and those that enjoy extreme sports such as snowboarding, there are also slopes for the beginners and families too. Chamonix is also an ideal place for groups of holiday makers, even if some of the party do not like to ski. The resort offers so many activities for the non skier that everyone will love their ski holiday; France has much to offer for all age groups.

Non skier activities include swimming and tennis, and for the more adventurous there is mountaineering, ice climbing and even dog sledding. Chamonix truly is the ideal ski holiday destination, and if looking for a ski holiday, France is a top choice.

The Mediterranean is an area which is steeped in history. Wander through cobblestone streets, admire historic castles and majestic cathedrals, or be inspired by its art and literature, the Mediterranean has something for everyone.

The warm waters of the Mediterranean surround some of the world’s greatest holiday destinations. Chic harbours, historic cities and beautiful beaches can all be enjoyed on a Mediterranean cruise. Western Mediterranean cruises visit ports in Portugal, France, Italy and Spain. The fascinating antiquities of Cairo, Marrakech and Tunis in North Africa may also be included. Visit the smart seaside resorts of St. Tropez or Monte Carlo, marvel at the ancient wonders of Rome, or enjoy the flamboyant, spirited Barcelona with its quirky architecture designed by Antoni Gaudi.

Central Mediterranean cruises visit the Adriatic, which has some of the most beautiful coastline in the Mediterranean. Visit the historic cities of Slovenia, Montenegro and Croatia. Many cruises include the Greek Islands of Cephalonia and Corfu, as well as the wonders of Venice. Visit the beautiful walled city of Dubrovnik or the incredible Diocletian’s Palace in Split. Wander through the maze of passages and canals that make Venice unique. Unwind on the beautiful beaches of Corfu and Cephalonia, enjoy a drink at a local taverna, or wander through the winding streets of Greek villages.

Eastern Mediterranean cruises travel around the stunning Greek coastline visiting its many islands. Sun-drenched beaches, ancient treasures and dramatic shorelines make for a memorable holiday. Other cruises visit Malta, Turkey, Cyprus and the Black Sea coastal resorts. Visit the wonders of Athens, or Malta, with its fascinating World War II sites, and churches. Explore Istanbul, and cruise through the Dardanelles on route to the Black Sea port of Yalta. Synagogues, minarets, mosques, and the golden domes of the Orthodox churches slip by as cultures converge.

All of the major cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean Cruises, P&O Cruises, Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises, Thomson Cruises and Carnival Cruises offer Mediterranean cruises.

The ski resorts of Italy are perhaps not as famous as those in Austria, Switzerland or Germany but Alpine skiing in Italy definitely has a charm all its own. Should you choose the South Tyrol region, there is a definite German flavour to the resorts, while over in Aosta Valley the slopes have a French feel to them. The skiing meanwhile still remains very Italian.

There are apartments to rent that offer the option of summer skiing, all year round snowboarding and border free, snowshoe trails into duty free zones high in the mountains. The one thing you are always assured of at northern Italian apartment resorts is the usual high quality food, full-bodied wines and a friendly welcome.

Turin, the host for the 2006 Winter Olympics, is an excellent starting point; it is in close proximity to the mountains, the Italian-French border, and the Susa Valley which has resorts like Bardonecchia and the very popular Sestiere skiing destinations. At 2035 metres Sistiere has an ice rink, cross-country skiing and slopes supported by ski lifts.

Further north and into the Aosta Valley you are heading into traditional mountain ski terrain; here you will find the breathtaking splendour of the Monte Rosa, the Gran Paradiso and the Matterhorn all towering above you. Nestling in to the foothills of Monte Blanc is the elegant Courmayeur resort with its ice rink, cable cars and ski lifts to the slopes.

The Dolomites in the northeast also offer excellent slopes for the winter sport enthusiast and the resorts of Madonna di Campiglio and Cortona d’Amprezzo are superb locations worth considering.

When you take advantage of the many flights to Berlin you’ll be letting yourself in for a real treat. Berlin is one of Europe’s premier cultural capitals, and has a fascinating past, infamous in the 20th century for being divided down the middle by the notorious Berlin Wall between the East and West parts of the city.

Nowadays, Berlin has left all that behind, and is a world-class city that offers a great deal to the most demanding visitor. The population is multicultural and cosmopolitan, and the city is full of international eateries serving up not only German but also Vietnamese, Turkish and Russian cuisines amongst many others.

Berlin also features many acres of parkland in addition to its multitude of museums, theatres, art galleries and vibrant nightlife, so there really is, as the cliché goes, something for everyone here. 

Berlin is a modern city with a youthful and positive outlook, whilst at the same time refusing to ignore the old and troubling wartime memories that it has to live with. So as well as the socialising and fun of the Berlin Bike Tour and the day-trips to Potsdam and Sanssouci Palace you can take the more sombre Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Walking Tour.

To really get into the spirit of Berlin you could not do better than to visit Charlottenburg Palace, where you can take a tour of this magnificent Hohenzollern residence and listen to the Berlin Residence Orchestra playing exquisite baroque and other music.