The city became the primary destination of the entire population of Millerton in 1872. The entire population of Millerton moved to the railroad line and built the town of Fresno.  Located in the heart of San Joaquin Valley, Fresno is also called the “Garden of the Sun” because of its rich agricultural industry. Some of the largest wineries in the United States can be found in Fresno
 
Ash Tree

The name Fresno originates from the Spanish word for ash tree.  When the people of Millerton transferred to Fresno, there were many ash trees in the valley. Today, sprawling farms and expansive orchards dominate Fresno’s landscape.

Fresno serves as the entry point to three popular natural parks.  A mountain range to the east is called the Sierra Nevada. To the northeast is the Sierra National Forest, 1.3 million acres of rugged mountain terrain.  At the upper edge of the Sierra National Forest is the famous Yosemite National Park. Such a pivotal location has made Fresno a frequent destination among hikers and mountaineers. Fresno also has many cultural sites and a unique location that appeals to nature lovers.

There are plenty of activities that both parties can enjoy in locations such as Edinburgh. Ladies like to be pampered, and if you want to spoil yourselves spend an afternoon at a day spa.  Enjoy a relaxing massage and get your nails done.  The girls can indulge in a facial and have a professional make-up application to prepare them for the big night out. 

If the guys want to spend their afternoon doing something more manly check out some of the outdoor activities that are available.  The stag and his bestman can go paintballing or spend the day target shooting.  If you really want to test your skills you can compete in the Mini-Highland games.  Of course the outdoor activities are not just reserved for the boys, girls can also participate in white water rafting, and sphereing.

When the big night arrives have a three course dinner at a local restaurant and head out to a comedy club. Take a party bus and avoid the queues.  Go on a pub crawl, or dance the night away to a live band.  You can even show off your voice and participate in karaoke.

Keep your promise and spend your stag or hens’ weekend having good clean fun.  There are plenty of packages that include your hotel or apartment accommodation, meals, and activities.

There are a broad range of tours on offer, but generally tourists can expect an educational tour of the estate, the cellar and, of course, a taste of the wine itself.

There are daily tours to a number of smaller estates, giving tourists a glimpse into the more exclusive elements of the South African wine industry.

The Wine Bus Tour is an off-road experience visiting a number of the larger estates, including The Stellenbosch Tour. A treat for any wine lover, The Stellenbosch Tour starts at the Beau Joubert Winery, a 350 year old estate with a worldwide reputation for organic wine. Then it moves on to De Morgenzon which boasts some of the most beautiful photographic opportunities on the Cape.

For those who love the outdoors there are wine tours by bike. Starting with a first class train ride from Cape Town station to Vlottenberg train station, guests will be kitted out with equipment and given their bikes before choosing one of three trails: Relaxed – 9km; Platinum – 15km (a moderate ride) and Adventure – 22km. Private trails lead guests through tree lined routes and past stunning vistas.  Make sure you don’t forget your camera as the scenery around here is truly unforgettable.

At the estates themselves, visitors will taste 15 different South African wines, learn about the different grape varieties and blends and the appropriate pairings, such as chocolate and cheese.

The best time of year to visit the Winelands is between November and May. It’s the cheaper period and temperatures reach the mid 20s.

The ancient port of Dubrovnik lies on the Adriatic Sea, at the southern tip of Croatia.  Referred to as ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’, it is a place of Mediterranean charm and history.

Getting There

Dubrovnik airport is situated 20km south of the city and receives flights from several different UK airlines. Dubrovnik is also a popular stopping place for cruise ships.  The Old Town is pedestrianised and therefore easy to explore on foot.

Things To Do

Explore the architecture and history of the Old Town.  Visit the Gothic Renaissance Sponza Palace or the imposing Fort Lovrijenac, which stands guard over the city.  If you have the energy, take a walk around the city walls that historically protected Dubrovnik from invaders and enjoy a great view of the Old Town by taking a cable care directly to the city heights.

For shopping, cafes, and nightlife the Stradun is an excellent location.  This is the central thoroughfare through old Dubrovnik where you will find plenty of entertainment.

Lapad Beach is a short trip from the Old Town.  This popular pebble beach is a good place to swim and enjoy the sun. Served by a strip of cafés and bars, it has everything you need for a day at the beach.  Boat trips are also available to explore the nearby waters.  The tranquil island of Lokrum can be reached by a short ferry trip.

Where To Stay

Reflecting its status as a high quality resort, Dubrovnik boasts a number of luxury hotels.  Budget accommodation is also available, with apartment and private villa rentals being very popular.

Island Living

Mykonos is a small island near the centre of the Aegean Sea.  Only 85 square kilometres, the island is home to 9,000 year-round residents.  Most of them are located in the island’s two largest towns, Chora and Ano Mera.  Transport to Mykonos is available by ferry from Piraeus or Rafina, or by air from Athens.

Fun in the Sun

Most visitors come to Mykonos for two things: sun and sand.  The inviting beaches of the island are plentiful, and most of them offer tavernas and restaurants for refreshments as well as facilities for renting umbrellas, chairs, surfboards, and kite boards.  To the north, the beaches are windy and best for windsurfing and kite boarding.  The south and west sides of the island are well protected from the winds and popular with families and those looking for excellent surfing and snorkelling.  Beaches on the east coast are quieter and provide more privacy, but fewer amenities.  Do be aware that some beaches on Mykonos allow nudity.

Historic Sites

While most people venture to Mykonos for the beaches, there are also some worthwhile sights to see including Little Venice in Mykonos Town.  Nearby there are windmills dating back to the 16th century, formerly used for grain production.  Also in Mykonos Town visitors will find the impressive Panagia Paraportiani, a Byzantine church.
The Greek island of Mykonos offers tourists sand, surf, and a bit of history as well.

The ships differ a lot as well. While all ships will have enough amenities to keep all family members reasonably satisfied, each ship is specifically designed with a certain target demographic in mind. For example, if you’re a fun and adventure loving young couple or a group with a lot of teenagers, you will love the Royal Caribbean cruises with ships that include surf machines, rock climbing walls, basketball courts, and so much more. But if you prefer to take it easy and just watch the scenery, a Holland America ship with wide decks may be better for you. 

All cruise holidays are fantastic but it’s a matter of choosing one that fits your personality, what you want to do and see, what kind of occasion the cruise is for, and what level of service and amenities you require.

Tourist accommodation is a vital source of revenue for the organisation, and they offer a wide range of alternatives to suit most tastes and budgets.  The trust has 370 cottages available for weekends, short breaks and holiday lets across the country.  They also offer activity holidays for those looking for more than a relaxing break in the country, while working holidays provide the opportunity to do everything from dry stone walling or herding goats to surveying mountain flowers.

The trust has a large selection of camping and caravanning facilities in some of the most picturesque locations in the UK, while many of their sites offer bed and breakfast accommodation.  Coastal cruises provide the opportunity to look at the country from a different angle, and the trust have spread their wings further afield offering self-catering accommodation in France, Corsica and Italy.

Those craving a hotel and spa break are also in luck with Historic House Hotels in York, Llandudno and the Vale of Aylesbury.  Meanwhile, a partnership with Pride of Britain Hotels provides access to a selection small, privately owned luxury hotels. In other words, the National Trust is an excellent source of holidays for just about everyone.

The history of Ghent dates back to 630 AD and was founded where two rivers, the Lys and the Scheldt, meet.  It now boasts some of the finest medieval architecture in northern Europe including a moat, castle, cathedral, belfry and picturesque cobbled streets, most of which are still in good condition and have been thoroughly restored.  It’s also a bustling, social area with numerous cafés and market stalls in the surrounding streets.  The centre is Belgium’s largest car-free area which enhances the friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

Ghent is well known for its cultural festivals including the Gent Festival van Vlaanderen celebrating classical music, the Flanders International Film Festival and the I Love Techno dance music festival.  The most famous, however, is the ten-day Gentse Feesten (Ghent Festival in English) of music and theatre.  Known as 10 Days Off, it attracts around two million visitors every year and is one of the biggest cultural events in Europe.

With so much going on, Ghent is well equipped with numerous hotels, apartments, guest houses and budget accommodation as well as excellent camping facilities.  House boats are also available to rent.  It’s hardly surprising, therefore, that tourism in Ghent has thrived in recent years.

There is little that compares to a firsthand sighting of a mother polar bear and her cubs, or hearing the thundering crack of an ancient glacier as it crashes into the sea below, or visiting a coastal port sprung from an early frontier boomtown.  Alaska is America’s last great frontier with millions of hectares filled with frozen tundra, exotic wildlife, national parklands, lush forests and snow-capped mountains.

The best way to experience Alaska is through one of two types of cruises. Take an Inside Passage tour, passing through Vancouver, Canada with its mountainous glaciers into southeast Alaskan ports, combining the pleasures of a cruise holiday with land interior expeditions into Denali National Park, the Canadian Rockies or the Yukon gold rush country. Land travel is part of the cruise deals and guests are ferried to the interior in glass-domed railcars or deluxe motor coaches.

The other option is the Gulf of Alaska cruise, also offering a hybrid tour of land and water. Princess Cruises offers a Voyage of the Glaciers tour.  Southbound sailings spotlight Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier while northbound passages cruise past Sawyer Glacier and College Fjord.  Cruise lines offer land tours of Juneau, Skagway Gateway to the Klondikes or Glacier Bay National Park.

For greater value, plan the land tour before embarking on the cruise portion of the holiday for major savings. These are also the most popular packages, so plan to book early.

Many people decide to use a tour to see what Belfast has to offer. The Belfast Welcome Centre is a good place to visit, as they have information on current tours available. There are several places to see that are important to experience either as part of a guided tour or individually. City Hall has beautiful British architecture, and the square outside is a popular gathering place.

There are a number of fine museums and galleries to visit as well, including Ormeau Baths Gallery, Belfast Print Workshop and Gallery, and the Ulster Museum. Many visitors choose to visit the Irish Language Cultural Centre, which is a good place to meet local people.

Belfast has several excellent places to shop in that are also favoured by locals. Dublin Road and College Street both have a variety of interesting, independent shops. Travellers interested in markets can visit St. George’s Market or Smithfield Market. Book enthusiasts will want to visit No Alibis before leaving.

There are also several restaurants in a variety of price ranges worth visiting. The Loaf Cafe serves all three meals, and helps support the local community. Visit Maggie May’s for truly authentic Irish food.