Porto: 20 Things to Do in 2 Days

February 22nd, 2012

Best known as the centre of Portugal’s port wine production, Porto, on the northwest coast is a charming city with plenty on offer, whether you are a wine lover or not. Here are 20 things to do in 2 days in this city nestled among the hills.

Day 1
Get to grips with Porto and visit some historic sights.

1. The double decker Ponte de Dom Luis I Bridge spans the River Douro. Take a leisurely morning stroll across the top deck and allow the views to awaken your excitement for the city.

2. Ramos Pinto winery on the river front is grand in its exterior. Visit the historic offices and extensive cellars and be sure to sample some of its port of course.

3. The interior of the 19th century Neoclassical Palacio da Bolsa is full of delight and exceptionally decorated; the Arab Room is particularly impressive.

4. Just west of downtown Porto and found in beautiful gardens, the Museu de Arte Contemporanea is regarded as probably the most influential art museum in the country. Get a healthy dose of culture with a visit here.

5. Overlooking the river, The Jardim Do Palácio de Cristal, or Crystal Palace Gardens are a hub of beauty and fabulous views. Walk amongst the gardens and lakes and spot the peacocks.

6. Tuck into a Francesinha at lunchtime, the Portuguese version of a Croque Monsieur. Don’t worry, it won’t be hard to track one down, they are one of the most popular foods and found all over the city.

7. Casa Do Infante, the historic Prince’s House, dates back to the 14th century originally. Recognised a World Heritage Site, you will find this gem in the historical part of Porto.

8. Visit the Baroque style Se Cathedral on a weekend and you might be lucky enough to catch one of the many masses and weddings or maybe even hear the tube organ.

9. Take a wander down the grand and sloping Avenida dos Aliados and stop at one of the many cafes for a drink and a break.

10. Spend your evening at the creative Plano B bar. Start first in the art gallery in the front before moving on to enjoy either the performance art or live music on offer that evening.

Day 2
Explore a bit further afield and enjoy great wine and great views.

1. Start your day with a visit to the local Mercado do Bolhao. A great way to mix with the locals and get a dose of Porto’s living culture, plus you might bag a bargain. Be sure to pick up some local produce for breakfast.

2. Take a trip out to the fishing village of Afurada just the other side of the river near to the mouth. With a strong traditional vibe, this tiny picturesque village makes for a lovely short excursion.

3. Climb the 225 steps in the characteristic bell tower of the Clerigos Church. Once at the top you will be rewarded with wondrous bird’s eye views of the city below.

4. Found on the upstairs floor of the grand and stately exiled King of Sardinia’s home, Museu Romantico displays his belongings. Solar do Vinho do Porto is found downstairs for some more port sampling.

5. Head for the bustling Ribeira Square in the late morning for a drink and a spot of people watching in the historic, UNESCO listed portion of the city.

6. Book lover or not, Livraria Lello is well worth a stop. Dating back to 1906 and packed to the rafters with all manner of books plus there is a café to be found atop the curved staircase.

7. Visit the cheery Gourmet da Bolsa at the right time and you will be treated to a tasting of some of their finest fair, from port, to olives, truffles and more.

8. Take a free tour at the English run Taylor’s Winery, enjoy some free tastings in the Library and buy your favourite port wines from the on-site wine shop.

9. A relaxing river cruise on the Douro river won’t be hard to find and will make for a wonderful lazy few hours late afternoon, taking in the views of the city from a different perspective.

10. A show at the iconic Casa da Música concert hall could well be the best way to end your evening.

Tailor your itinerary to suit your personal preferences but hopefully this pick of 20 things to do will give you a good base from which to decide and really get the best from your visit to Porto.

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Lisbon: 20 Things to Do in 2 Days

February 20th, 2012

With a charming and contemporary culture that is unmatched elsewhere in the country coupled with plenty to see and do, Lisbon is a winning city to visit. Here are 20 things to do in 2 days, so you can be sure you’ve seen some of the best it has to offer in a short time.

Day 1
Start your day on the outskirts of the city and work your way in.

1. Make a beeline for Pasteis de Belem to pick up breakfast. The Café serves some of the best custard tarts that Lisbon has to offer. Enjoy the view of Belem Palace; the official residence of the Portuguese President.

2. The 16th century Belem Tower is one of the most photographed monuments in Lisbon so check it out whilst you are in the area.

3. Visit the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, another visibly impressive building located in the Belem district and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4. Back in the city, be sure to take a ride on vintage Tram 28. The iconic tram rattles around the cities narrow streets day and night and provides a great overview of the city.

5. Travel up high in the Elevador de Santa Justa. Reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, the Neo-Gothic tower stands at 147ft and a climb to the top of the winding staircase will deliver wonderful views of the red roofs of Lisbon.

6. Embark on an Inside Lisbon Gourmet Walk around lunchtime and get inside tips on wine and food and where to find the best in the city, plus enjoy some free tastings!

7. Take a moment to relax at Miradouro de Santa Catarina whilst enjoying the views.

8. Head to Rua do Carmo for window shopping galore and sample what is said to be the best gelato in Lisbon and on a more daring scale, the best chocolate cake in the world.

9. Explore the historic Alfama on foot and enjoy the wonderful architecture and rich culture.

10. Spend your evening in Rossio Square, the heart of the city. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a few drinks at one of the cafes with outdoor seating.

Day 2
Head out to explore some nearby sights before travelling back in to enjoy the rest of Lisbon itself.

1. Located in the beautiful municipality of Sintra, Palacio Nacional da Pena is one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal. Just a glimpse of this fairytale Palace will convince you to venture inside.

2. Another building to see is of course Castelo dos Mouros. This hilltop medieval castle dates back to the 8th century and provides great views as well as a historically interesting visit.

3. Palacio Nacional de Sintra also features on the list of Sintra sights. The coloured glazed tiles in some of the halls and the Royal Chapel are really something special.

4. Stop at the town of Cascais en route back to Lisbon. With glorious beaches and a more than charming appeal, it always proves popular with both visitors and locals.

5. Known for its theatres, shops, bookstores and cafes, Largo do Chiado is an artsy part of the city where you can easily spend some time. With old churches and several impressive statues to be seen too, it appeals to almost everyone.

6. A ride on the Elevador da Bica will deliver a postcard snapshot that really captures the essence of Lisbon.

7. Take a stroll down the pretty Avenida da Liberdade. Built in the style of the Champs-Elysees in Paris, it is the main avenue of the city. You will find everything here from shops to theatres.

8. Resembling the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, the Cristo Rei statue stands tall at 28m high and is easily spotted from all over the city. Head to the south bank of the river if you wish to visit it.

9. The fascinating Castelo de Sao Jorge looks proudly over Lisbon and makes for a fascinating visit. Climb the towers, walk around the reconstructed castle walls and drink in great views over the city and Tagus River.

10. Visit the Berardo Museum where you will find one of the greatest collections of Modern Art in Europe featuring the big names of Andy Warhol, Picasso, and Dali among others.

The order in which you tackle these lists is really up to you; switch and change as you please but rest assured that you won’t tire of things to do during your visit to the alluring city of Lisbon.

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An Introduction to Macedonia

February 15th, 2012

Bordered by Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece and Albania, The Republic of Macedonia is somewhat overshadowed by its neighbours, and people generally don’t know very much about Macedonia. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if most people have only heard of it because of their participation in the Eurovision song contest. That’s a shame though; Macedonia, with its stunning landscapes and ancient ruins littered throughout is vastly underappreciated. Here is an introduction to Macedonia and some of the highlights that visitors can enjoy.

The capital city here is Skopje. With much historic architecture, plenty of sights and its looming mountainous backdrop, you won’t be disappointed. Interestingly, Skopje was the birthplace of the Mother Teresa and as such, visitors are able to go and see her house and the monument dedicated to her. St Panteleimon’s Church and the 15th century Stone Bridge add further culture to the city.

Towards the outskirts of the city, well under a one hour drive away, lays Vodno Mountain at the top of which you can see the Millennium Cross; the largest Christian cross in the world. Travel a little further and you will find Matka Lake and canyon. Shrouded by high, rocky mountain faces covered in green foliage and bursting with bluey green waters, the canyon and the lake look almost tropical. With the ability to hire a boat and opportunity aplenty to explore the mountain trails, the area is described as a natural paradise. If you do decide to head for the trails, you will find a wealth of historic sites around the lake such as the 17th Century St. Nikola Monastery, 15th Century Matka Monastery, and the 16th Century Church of St. Atanasie, the appeal of which is heightened due to their location.

There are three national parks to visit in Macedonia, each as impressive as the last. Mavrovo is found in the north west of the country and the ski centre at Bistra Mountain is the most popular in the country, offering affordable skiing opportunities. During the summer months, the national park still holds a great deal of appeal, particularly around Lake Mavrovo which offers plenty of activities. With a huge variety of fish to be found in the lake, fishing is a particularly popular pastime. The lake is not natural; it was formed after a damn was built in the 1950s. This caused a Church in the area to be flooded as the water accumulated and parts of it can still be seen emerging from the lake today which certainly makes for some interesting photos! The Monastery of St John the Baptist can be found in Bistra, and despite still being a working monastery, visitors can still enter both the church and monastery which despite the cultural experience in itself, also offers fabulous views over the national park.

Pelister National Park, overlooking the city of Bitola, also has a popular ski resort and is filled with exquisite flora and fauna. One of the highlights here are the two mountain lakes, known locally as Pelister’s Eyes. Galicica National Park is quite close by and its imposing peaks are sandwiched between Lake Ohrid and Lake Prepsa. This ideal positioning means there is a wealth of outdoor activities to be enjoyed, from hiking to boating and in warmer weather, no lack of swimming and bathing. What Macedonia lacks in typical beaches, it more than makes up for with its huge selection of beautiful lakes dotted across the country. Again, there are a spattering of historic monasteries and churches to be found in the surrounding villages of all three national parks.

For a country that has so much to offer, this is a very brief introduction to Macedonia. Essentially however, anyone interested in culture, history and nature will find their ideal holiday destination in Macedonia.

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Top 3 Ski Resorts in Bulgaria

February 13th, 2012

With snow continuing to pummel most of Europe, there is no better time to head off to some ski resorts for some downhill fun. Bulgaria is one of the top picks at this time of the year; with cheap flights, accommodation and ski passes in comparison to France and Austria and some excellent stockpiled powder, you can’t go wrong! There are really three main resorts; all you need to decide is which one to head to!

Pamporovo

Pamporovo resort, located in the heart of the Rhodopi Mountain, benefits from an exclusive climate boasting around 120 days of sunshine per season. With the greatest level of snow forecast here in the coming weeks, conditions are near on perfect at the Pamporovo resort at the moment. There are over 100 ski instructors on hand meaning that this resort is perfect for complete beginners or those looking to improve their slope skills. Both skiing and snowboarding equipment is available to rent and there is a great choice of accommodation and après ski entertainment in close proximity so you can continue the fun well after your time on the slopes.

Its great location also means that if you fancy a few days away from the pistes, there is plenty of alternative activities to keep you occupied. Why not take a day trip to the nearby town of Plovdiv or Smolyan. If you are flying home from Sofia Airport, the capital city is a worthy excursion if you have a few days to spare at the end of your trip.

Bansko

Bansko is undoubtedly the most popular of Bulgaria’s resorts. Utilising the Pirin Mountains with the highest lifted altitude of 2,600m and the highest altitude of 900m, the pistes here are a firm favourite amongst skiers and snowboarders. The selection of ski lifts, accommodation and facilities are second to none and when you pair this with cheap ski passes and flights to get there, plus the longest ski season in Bulgaria, Bansko is a great best bet for a last minute ski holiday. There’s a great selection of runs to suit all abilities set amongst the two ski centres; Chalin Valog and Shiligarnika.

When it comes to après ski entertainment, the recent resort developments mixed with the historical town create an excellent environment for entertainment. The traditional Bansko taverns, known as “Mehana” are great fun and offer great food, wine and traditional Bulgarian entertainment. Night clubs are plentiful and usually stay open until the wee hours!

Borovets

Borovets is the oldest resort in Bulgaria, with a history that dates back to the late 1800’s! Despite that, it’s the most modern and also the largest resort in the country. It’s located around 10km from the town of Samokov, on the northern slopes of the Mousala ridge. The slopes enjoy snow cover from December through until April but the resort also enjoys a fairly mild climate, even during the coldest month of January. With a thriving ski school in operation and three different ski centres, plus cross country skiing available, most abilities and preferences are well catered for here.

Night life is second to none here and Borovets is ablaze with bars, restaurants, clubs and discos. There is also a good selection of taverns with a more traditional feel, plus folk dancing and music if you yearn for a bit of Bulgarian culture. For something different to do, consider a visit to the famous Rila Monastery or the Carska Bistrica Palace.

There are other resorts to consider in Bulgaria, these are just the main three. With such good snow conditions at the moment, it really is worth considering a cheap, last minute ski break before the 2011/12 season ends in a few months’ time!

Are you already booked to go skiing, or tempted? Or have you ever been to any of these resorts? Let us know and share your thoughts in the comments below!

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A Guide to Visiting Split, Croatia

February 10th, 2012

Perfectly positioned midway along the stunning Dalmatian Coast, the Croatian city of Split is growing in popularity as the well-kept secret gradually gets out. With a distinct Mediterranean feel, exciting city centre, great beaches and strong historic associations, Split is a winning holiday destination.

When it comes to somewhere to stay, Split has every option covered. A quick search will reveal everything from hostels to 5* hotels, with large apartments, villas and campsites thrown in for good measure. Whatever your budget, you should be able to find the perfect holiday accommodation.

Moving on to things to do, you will be hard pressed to find yourself bored in Split. Centred around the attractive bay and port area and of course the Roman Palace, the city enjoys a bustling atmosphere combined with an affluent historical flavour. Diocletian’s Palace will capture your attention straight away and is one of the focal points of the city. Now a World Heritage Site, the ruins date back to the late 3rd to the early 4th century A.D. and should definitely be visited during your time here, not only for the historical aspect, but for the wealth of entertainment to be found within. Enjoy everything from museums to galleries and a range of shops.

With great beaches right on your doorstep, a visit here will undoubtedly mean some time spent on the sand and in the water. Good thing too as the water is crystal clear and you can find everything from busy Bacvice Beach to the more secluded Kasuni beach located a little further away.

Split’s Cathedral, Katedral Sveti Duje, is another eye catching attraction and having viewed the impressive pulpit you can climb to the very top of the bell tower to admire the views over the sea of red roofs below. For an alternative panoramic view over the city, why not take a climb up Marjan Hill which is blanketed in forest. At the top you will find Split Zoo and on the other side, at the bottom of the hill you will find an attractive beach, complete with bar and restaurant. All of this makes a climb up Marjan Hill a great thing to do on a nice day.

Riva Promenade is one of the best places to head when you’re ready for a good meal. Seafood and meat, pizza and pasta are frequently found on menus but Croatians appreciate good food and therefore the quality is usually pretty high. Nostromo restaurant, next to the fish market, is one of the best for a sea food dish and Sperun is the preferred choice for delicious pasta! For evening entertainment, head back to Diocletian’s Palace and hit the numerous bars in the area.

For an enjoyable day trip, hop aboard the ferry and travel to Hvar Island. Popular amongst locals and tourists, Hvar is a little dose of heaven; enjoy the fabulous beaches, visit Hvar fortress and explore the historic town. The UNESCO protected Stari Grad located on the north side should also be visited whilst you are on the island. Another excursion not to be missed is the stunning Krka National Park. Located approximately one hour away with Split car hire, the park is easily reached and well worth the journey. With rich flora and fauna, natural pools and waterfalls to be found here, it really is a nature lover’s delight.

During the summer months, Split is renowned for its summer festival which takes the city by storm and therefore this is regarded as one of the best times to visit. Lasting from July to August, the city sees Concerts, plays, ballets and operas performed on open-air stages. A variety of other events take place year round however so you’re sure to catch some activity whatever time you choose to visit.

Split is a great area of Croatia to visit with plenty on offer for all ages. Why not head here for your summer holiday and experience it all for yourself!

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5 Things to See and Do in Malta

February 8th, 2012

The Mediterranean island of Malta features highly on many of our bucket lists; the appeal of the azure sea and year round sunshine is hard to abate. Aside from fantastic outdoor activities and wonderful beaches, there is also an abundance of history to be found on the island. To help you choose how to spend your time in Malta, in no particular order, here’s our pick of 6 things to see and do.

Walk Along Dingli Cliffs

The Dingli Cliffs are an impressive sight, especially from the water on a boat cruise. One of the best ways to experience them however is a walk along the top of the cliffs; enjoy the view of the village of Dingli on the left hand side and views over the uninhabited island of Filfla. Come here in the evening for the charming atmosphere and stunning sunsets.

Fort Rinella

Dating back to 1878, Fort Rinella is one of the top historical sites in Malta. Regarded as the largest Victorian Fort in the world and also home to the largest cannon in the world, the fort is quite famous. With period dressed volunteers on hand to answer all of your questions, a visit here will take you back in history, more so if you join one of the guided tours. The tour will begin with the firing of the cannon (which you can do too if you want!) plus a live demonstration of how the fort would have been defended during an attack. With plenty more displays and hands on activities in this interesting and informative environment, everyone will enjoy this activity.

The Three Cities

Across the Grand Harbour from Valletta you will find Cottonera where the Three Cities; Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua, lay. Here you can gain an intriguing insight into the island and its history and each has a unique charm and character that you will struggle to find elsewhere in Malta. There is plenty to see and do during your visit; why not first stop by at Bishop’s Palace built in 1542 and then visit the Maritime Museum. The Safe Haven Gardens are nice to see as well.

Visit Mdina

Mdina is the old capital of Malta and a visit should feature within your ‘To Do’ list. The medieval walled town sits atop a hill in the centre of the island and houses a population of just 300 residents within the walls. It is however attached to the village of Rabat which has a population of 11,000. Regardless of the number of residents, a visit here is a must. Come to see the fantastic buildings from St Paul’s Cathedral to Vilhenna Palace, not forgetting the Mdina Dungeons and the Benedictine Monastery.

Visit the Island of Gozo

No visit to Malta is complete without hopping aboard a ferry and visiting the neighbouring island of Gozo. Untouched and unique, Gozo is a little slice of heaven and is varied enough for a day trip or a longer stay. There is a selection of picturesque towns and villages dotted across the island each offering something a little different. You won’t tire of things to do on the island with activities ranging from diving and snorkelling in the surrounding waters to shopping or cycling. Be sure to find the Azure Window whilst you’re here; the natural arch makes for a wonderful view and the area is one of the most popular diving spots.

These are just a selection of the wealth of things to see and do in Malta. Visit the island in 2012 and discover your own list of must see and dos. If you have already been, what would feature in your top 5?

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Spotlight on the Channel Islands

February 6th, 2012

With longer days and chilly temperatures the norm at present, many of us are beginning to book our long awaited summer holidays. With so much choice however, it can be difficult to choose and then there’s the matter of deciding whether to travel abroad or enjoy a staycation? Well, the answer you’ve been searching for could be right under your nose!

Have you considered the Channel Islands? A short distance from the UK and speckled with a French twist plus a nice dose of sunshine, you might find that these wonderful little islands offer the perfect holiday blend for you. All that you really have to decide is whether to visit Jersey or Guernsey so we have shone the spotlight on both…

Jersey

Officially known as the Balliwick of Jersey, it is the largest of the Channel Islands. The capital of the island, Saint Hellier, is found on the southern shores and boasts a bustling marina and a great atmosphere. The magnificent Elizabeth Castle will allow you to step back in history; the award winning maritime museum is definitely worth a visit whilst the range of interesting shops and boutiques will easily keep you entertained.

When it comes to food and drink, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from here so you’ll be somewhat spoilt for choice; enjoy a traditionally British fish and chip dinner or step it up a notch and sample some delicious French cuisine. From Michelin starred dining to seafood feasts, there’s something to whet your appetite. With evening entertainment in mind, there are plenty of bars and music venues to visit.

The weather also adds significantly to the appeal of this quaint Channel Island; although similar to the south of the UK, the temperatures are generally a few degrees warmer and over all, Jersey enjoys a mild climate with the most annual sunshine in the whole of the British Isles.

There is plenty to see and do and the island has over 350 miles of paved roads to help you explore with Jersey car hire. Travel around and discover crowd free sandy beaches and the likes of tiny, picturesque St John’s village and St Mary’s village. With fantastic scenery on offer, the island is perfect for walking, hiking and bike riding so if you like to keep active on holiday you won’t go wrong here. When it comes to attractions there is a wealth of museums, galleries and historical buildings to choose from as well as family friendly places to visit.

Despite its compact size, Jersey combines something to suit everyone, making it a great holiday spot within spitting distance from home. Set about exploring it!

Guernsey

Found off the coast of Normandy, the island of Guernsey is slightly smaller than Jersey. With a bustling harbour and a strong architectural display, the island’s capital, St Peter’s Port is a welcome introduction to Guernsey. The harbour is frequented with ferries and is lively a hub of activity while the restaurants, shops and boutiques vie for your attention in the background.

Just 6 miles long and 3 miles wide, Guernsey is pretty and petite with lovely landscapes and a wonderful coastline. It doesn’t compromise on things to do either; explore Castle Cornet, Hauteville House and the German Occupation Museum for an interesting start. Embark on a walking tour and discover the Fort Grey Shipwreck Museum and the Underground Hospital. For other active adventures, sea kayaking tours off the coast prove very popular. For a more relaxing way to enjoy the water in the summer months, enjoy a swim or give surfing a go; there are around 27 beaches to choose from ranging from rocky coves to sandy inlets.

Seafood features prominently on menus across Guernsey but there is also a delicious mix of other international cuisine to choose from. Similarly to Jersey, you can find all manner of food on offer from fine dining right through to fish and chips with a cider, sitting on the wall watching the sunset over the harbour. When it comes to lunchtime, picnics are perfect; pack some French bread, pate and cheese plus some local tomatoes and wine and have a delicious lunch with great views from the cliffs. What could be better? An indulgent Guernsey cream tea should also be sampled during a visit here; enjoy a cream tea basket on the beach or head to one of the cafes to sample in style!

This special island will leave a lasting impression so why not settle on Guernsey for your 2012 summer holiday.

Have you ever been to Jersey or Guernsey or plan to go? Share your thoughts!

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A Taster Itinerary for a Fly-Drive Holiday in USA: Las Vegas and the Canyon Loop

February 3rd, 2012

The city of lights is awesome, there’s no denying it but there’s a lot more to Nevada than just the fabulous Las Vegas and its many casinos. This fly drive encompasses the very best of both worlds and allows you to get out into the Nevada desert and into Utah. Embrace the opportunity to see some of Mother Nature’s most impressive creations first hand, and at your own pace.

2 Nights – Las Vegas

Two nights in this crazy cosmopolitan city will be gone in a flash of lights, sounds and gambling! You’ll have time to fully explore the Strip and its casinos, enjoy delicious food, visit Caesars Palace and check out the fake famous landmarks of cities around the world. On your third day it’s time to leave the lights and collect your Las Vegas car hire, ready for your expedition into the desert.

1 Night – Bryce Canyon

The first leg of the journey will have you headed for Bryce Canyon, 250 miles away. The journey will be relatively slow going and will take over 4 hours with no stops, but the beauty of a fly drive is the freedom to stop as and when you wish to soak up the brilliant scenery. A worthy spot to stop is Zion National Park. Head for the visitor centre and choose the most appealing route, then go for a walk around to see Weeping Rock, Emerald Pools, Angels Landing, or The Narrows. Keep your eyes peeled for sighting of a great range of mammals from skunks right through to ring tailed cats. Continue on your journey until you arrive at the final destination; Bryce Canyon. Filled with towering spires, fins, arches and mazes, Bryce Canyon is inspiring and the range of colours among the rocks are fantastic.

1 Night – Moab

From Bryce Canyon, the next stop will be Moab. Follow the route into Kodachrome Basin State Park and continue past the fascinating Anasazi Indian Village. It’s worthwhile stopping here for a quick visit to the museum. The site is believed to have been occupied since 1050 AD and although still largely unexcavated, there are many artefacts on display in the museum. The journey will then take you through Capitol Reef National Park where you can see the beautiful Hickman Bridge, before arriving in the Moab Valley for your one night stay. There are plenty of other activities to enjoy in Moab from horseback riding to white water rapids rafting trips! It’s worth mentioning that the Arches National Park is right on your doorstep and there are several short ten minute walks that take you right up several of the arches allowing you to enjoy fabulous views. A visit here will see you appreciate the power of erosion.

1 Night – Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde is the location for your fifth night and it is located approximately 140 miles away although it’s great to split the journey up with a stop at Canyonlands National Park en route! The canyons here took over 300 million years to form and are nothing short of wonderful to explore. When you reach Mesa Verde, you will have the opportunity to see some of the world’s best preserved, and certainly impressive, Native American cliff dwellings. Neither will disappoint!

1 Night – Grand Canyon

At this stage of the trip you are approaching the big finale; the Grand Canyon. At a staggering 1 mile deep, the Grand Canyon attracts millions of visits every year who travel to awe this natural beauty. The South Rim is easier to access and a much more popular choice for viewing the canyon but if you go at the right time of the year, the North Rim is also an option. The Park Rangers offer free guided tours and with their knowledge, this is a great way to experience the park. Book a smooth water raft trip at Glen Canyon Dam on the Colorado River and hike the fantastic terrain to really experience the Grand Canyon.

1 Night – Las Vegas

Having spent your last night in the Grand Canyon National Park, wake up early to watch the sun rise and snap some fantastic shots over the Canyon. After one last hike, it’s time to travel back to Las Vegas via the huge Hoover Dam for one final night of city fun.

This part of America is wonderful to explore and what better way to do it than with your own itinerary? You could alter the route to suit your taste and maybe even feature Los Angeles or San Diego in your fly drive holiday plan.

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A Taster Itinerary for a Fly-Drive Holiday in Australia – Melbourne to Adelaide & Kangaroo Island

February 1st, 2012

Australia is a diverse and stunning country and there is so much to see and do. To really get an insight into the country, you would have to spend at least a month here. If such a long trip isn’t feasible but you still want to explore some of this fantastic country, a fly drive holiday could be the ideal solution. Travel from Melbourne to Adelaide and take in some fantastic sights along the way.

1 Night – Apollo Bay

Having explored the culture filled city of Melbourne, collect your Melbourne car hire and hit the road. The first stop of the route is the beautiful Apollo Bay, approximately 2.5hours drive away. The route sweeps around Geelong and once you reach Torquay, it becomes the Great Ocean Road. As the title suggests, the road tightly hugs the coast traversing rainforests as well as fantastic beaches and cliffs. Just relax and enjoy the ride. Once you arrive in the picturesque Apollo Bay found at the foothills of the Otways, there is plenty to enjoy. Explore the curious selection of shops, cool off with a swim in the clear waters or hire a kayak and paddle with the seals that live in the bay. Give surfing a go or head off for a hike into the hills to find Australia’s oldest lighthouse. The choices are pretty much endless so take your pick.

1 Night – Port Fairy

The next stop of the itinerary is Port Fairy and the journey there is unarguably one of the most spectacular stretches of the Great Ocean Road. Passing Port Campbell National Park you will enjoy fantastic views of the 12 Apostles as well as London Bridge, The Bay of Island and Loch Arch Gorge. Be sure to stop at some of the many vantage points and beaches en route. When you get hungry, there are plenty of free self-use barbeques sites that you can stop at along the way too; keep your eyes peeled for wild parrots and koalas! Continue past the city of Warrnambool to Port Fairy, one of the oldest Ports in Victoria. There are often festivals and events going on here but if there isn’t don’t worry, as there are many permanent activities to enjoy.

1 Night – Halls Gap

The next leg of the journey will take you away from the coastline heading inland, northbound to Halls Gap where you can explore the Grampians National Park. The Grampians are a haven for hiking, rock climbing and abseiling and having enjoyed an active day discovering all that the park has to offer, Halls Gap is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the evening. Be sure to buy an ice cream from Coolas Ice Cream parlour!

1 Night – Coonawarra

Departing Halls Gap, the next stop will be Coonawarra just over 3 hour’s drive away. The route will take you north-west before curving back down towards the coastline. The region surrounding Coonawarra boasts rich red soil which produces some of the best wines in the world. Perfect then, I hear you say, for some winery tours. There is no shortage of vineyards to choose from so take a detour and get the most from this famous area.

1 Night – Naracoorte

Having treated your taste buds to some exceptional wine tasting, Narracorte is the next destination of the route. This is the shortest journey of the fly drive so far and it’s a good thing too as there is much to be seen and enjoyed upon arrival. Soak up some South Australian culture at the Art Gallery and step back in history at the fascinating Naracoorte Caves National Park where you will be able to see the rich deposits of fossilised mammals. This is only natural World Heritage Site in South Australia and it’s highly regarded. It’s a very worthwhile experience.

2 Nights – Kangaroo Island

Get up bright and early the following morning and make your way to Cape Jervis; the gateway to Kangaroo Island. You will then have two nights to explore this large and fascinating island home to much Australian wildlife and captivating natural beauty. Spend time at the Seal Bay Conservation Park, Flinders Chase National Park and go caving amongst much more. You may find you don’t want to leave. Once you tear yourself away however, the last leg of the journey will be just over an hour to Adelaide where you can return your hire car and spend a few days exploring the city before it’s time to go home.

Australia is a wonderful country and best explored by car to really get a feel for it, no matter which part of the country you choose to discover.

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Driving Tour of the Andalucian Region of Spain

January 31st, 2012

If you are exploring your first driving tour, then the Andalucian region of southern Spain is a great option. This trip has become well known for many reasons, but mostly because it can be a laid back route that has much to offer. Here, we will look at some of the highlights in more detail.

Getting to Andalucia

To get to the start of the driving tour you should fly into Malaga Airport. The trip starts from Malaga, which is right on the southern coast. The great thing about getting to the area is that you will find an abundance of low cost flights to Spain with the many budget carriers that operate holiday flights. If you cannot find something suitable at Malaga Airport, then you can also look for flights to Seville.

Andalucia Driving Route

This route has many variations but the main one runs from Malaga, Ronda, Seville, Carmona, Cordoba, Jaen, Granada, through the Sierra Nevada mountain range and back into Malaga. This is why it is a good idea to get flights into Malaga and hire a car from this airport.

Driving Distances and Times

If you choose to use the conventional route, then here are the driving distances and a rough estimate of the amount of time it should take you to get from one city to another.

• Malaga – Ronda – this journey will take roughly one hour and forty minutes at just under 65 miles. To get to Ronda use the A357 and A367.

• Ronda – Seville – this journey takes roughly two hours at just under 80 miles. This journey can be done on the A-375.

• Seville – Carmona – this is a short journey at just under 20 miles, which will take no longer than half an hour.

• Carmona – Cordoba – this is another short journey at 54 miles, which will take you just over an hour.

• Cordoba – Jaen – this journey will see you hit the north-most section at Andujar. At just over 72 miles and taking less than one hour and three quarters this journey uses the A4 and A311.

• Jaen – Granada – this southern journey uses the A44 for 59 miles. This should take no more than one hour and ten minutes.

• Granada – Sierra Nevada – this is a short journey of just 12 miles taking no more than 10 minutes to get to the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

• Sierra Nevada – Malaga – this journey is roughly 62 miles and should not take any longer than one hour and a half.

Accommodation in Andalucia

If you choose to do a five day driving trip through the Andalucian Region of Spain, you should stay in the following places; Malaga for one night either at the start or end of your trip, Ronda, Seville, Granada and the Sierra Nevada. If you intend to do this journey for a week, add Jaen and Cordoba as the two other destinations.

If you are driving around on a decent budget, here are some great three star hotels (or better) that you can stay in for one night:

• Malaga – Hotel Silken Puerta Malaga is a four-star hotel with some great reviews and year round deals. A double room for one night should not cost any more than £55.

• Ronda – the Hotel Parador de Ronda is a four-star hotel with some great ratings. A double room will set you back no more than £75 per night.

• Seville – the Hotel Sevilla Center should set you back no more than £50 a night for a double. This modern four-star hotel is less than a mile from the city centre.

• Granada – the Hotel Macia Real de la Alhambra is a fantastic four-star destination. At less than £50 per double per night this hotel is a bargain.

• Sierra Nevada – as expected, rooms up in the Sierra Nevada are more expensive. At £90 per double per night the Hotel La Almunia Del Valle is a great three star option.

Hopefully, this guide has given you some great ideas about how to take on your driving tour of the Andalucian Region. Remember, the best thing about a tour is you are in control of every move.

About the Author:
Martin Petersen is a travel blogger and writes for Go Travel Spain, a great source of information when planning your holiday to one of the most popular destinations in Europe.

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