Category: Travel

Hot World destinations and vacation car booking finder with UnseenDiscounts: Thailand’s famous beach resort town of Pattaya has developed a colorful reputation over the years. Located less than 200 kilometers from Thailand’s capital city of Bangkok, it’s a convenient place to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Pattaya has drawn tourists and expats from all over the world ever since US soldiers “discovered” the once-sleepy getaway destination during the Vietnam War. Since then, Pattaya’s profile has steadily increased, and it is now one of the most popular beach destinations in Southeast Asia. See extra information at hotel copthorne dubai airport on this travel blog.

Priceline is a big deal in the online travel site world for a good reason. It’s effortless to use with options available for flights, cars, hotels, or any combination of the three. It’s mildly annoying that Priceline’s super cheap Pricebreaker deals don’t extend to bundles, so you won’t get an incredible bargain like you would if you booked separately. However, combining the set is still a worthwhile deal with discounts offered for the more you bundle together. One thing we really appreciated is that every hotel we looked at had dozens of reviews, and they’re all from verified customers. It takes seconds to gain a reasonably accurate picture of what to expect from wherever you’re considering booking. That’s the perfect peace of mind when you’re booking online, and you can’t be sure of what you’re getting without user reviews backing hotel statements up. Clearly laid out, you can focus on enjoying rather than worrying. Finally, Priceline is keen to make its VIP scheme easily accessible with straightforward discounts offered to you over time — something that not all sites so clearly highlight.

Located north of Greater Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels provide a more interactive historical experience for all ages (although claustrophobics should perhaps miss this one). Stretching for 100-plus miles towards former Saigon, this immense network of connecting underground tunnels was the secret HQ for the Viet Cong’s military operations during the Vietnam and Indochina wars. Of immense strategic value, the Cu Chi Tunnels played a major role in the Northern Vietnamese victory, regarded as one of their proudest wartime achievements. These historic tunnels have now been preserved and transformed into a war memorial park and hugely popular attraction. Visitors can enter two short sections of the original tunnel network, at either Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc villages, which have been restored, slightly widened and cemented. Led by guides, crawl along the deep tunnels and get a rough idea of what conditions were like and see former subterranean facilities, like the conference rooms.

The scenic Ourika Valley is popular with both locals and tourists. There are several walking routes through the valley, along the river, and in the mountains, though for many, the seven-level waterfalls are the highlight of a trip. Climbing the lower levels requires a bit of a scramble up rocks, but the track to the upper levels is less challenging. In addition to lovely views, visitors can also experience Berber life, go rafting, and take a dip in the refreshing water. Within the Middle Atlas Mountains, Ifrane is often referred to as the Switzerland of Morocco. The charming city, with its Swiss-style chalets, is a prime gateway to the nearby Ifrane National Park. Hiking opportunities through cedar forests abound, and you may spot Barbary macaques.

In Table Bay, World-Heritage-listed Robben Island is a haunting reminder of the horrors of apartheid. Nelson Mandela spent 18 years imprisoned in a tiny cell here along with other political dissidents and social misfits. Perhaps the best part about this experience is that ex-prisoners are usually the guides, sharing poignant first-hand accounts of the atrocities they endured. Tours to the island begin with multimedia exhibits in the museum at the Nelson Mandela Gateway in the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Sightseers then board boats to Robben Island, often braving rough swells on the 30- to 45-minute ride. Be sure to book early, as the tours can fill up fast. The sweeping waterfront promenade called the Golden Mile is a legendary Durban tourist attraction and a great starting point for a tour of the city. Long blond beaches lure swimmers, surfers, and anglers, while the bustling promenade feels like Miami Beach with its high-rise hotels, shops, restaurants, and flashy entertainment complexes.

Being North Africa’s highest mountain range, High Atlas is popularly known as the mountain of mountains. This place is a paradise for trekkers, especially from spring to autumn. It runs diagonally across Morocco for approximately 1000 km, and its saw-toothed Jurassic peaks act as a weather barrier. Out of all the best places to visit in Morocco, this one is so beautiful that it will take your breath away! Get your hiking shoes out and set off on a journey you’ll remember for life!

Under French rule, the Con Dao Islands were known as the Devil’s Island of Indochina, a place where thousands of prisoners of war were kept. Today, this group of 16 islands off the southern coast of Vietnam has a completely different purpose. Visitors come for the beautiful beaches and the abundance of scuba diving and snorkeling spots. However, the history of Con Dao can still be explored at some of the prison buildings that still stand. See additional info on unseendiscounts.com.

For whale watching tours in Walker Bay (Hermanus) you have 3 options, tours departing from Hermanus, Gansbaai or Cape Town. Whale watching from Gansbaai or Hermanus? – Whale watching tours from Hermanus harbor are excellent for seeing Southern Right whales. Other than whales you can also see dolphins, seals, penguins, and marine birds on these trips. To see a bigger variety of marine animals going on a Marine Big 5 safari from Gansbaai is a better option. There are only 5 boat licenses for whale interactions in Walker Bay to ensure minimal impact on the whales. These tours are all well-rated, with many reviews, go and take a look at the activities and read a couple of reviews from different people before booking.

In the fishing village of Naklua sits a rather delightful restaurant called Mum Aroi, the restaurant itself sits right beside the sea and serves up a fantastic variety of seafood. As you eat your dinner in this busy restaurant you can gaze out over the water and watch the old fishing boats bob up and down on the waves. Popular with expats and locals the restaurant is quite large and normally very full in the evenings. For a relaxing evening with a glass of wine and a gentle sea breeze few places can live up to Mum Aroi.

Morocco vacation tours and Agadir paragliding packages right now: Take your adventure to new heights with Paragliding Agadir. Soar over the breathtaking landscapes of Agadir and experience the thrill of flying like a bird. Our experienced pilots will ensure that you have a safe and unforgettable experience. Book your flight today and create memories that will last a lifetime! Paragliding is a recreational and competitive adventure sport that involves flying a lightweight, free-flying glider aircraft without a fixed-wing structure. Paragliders launch themselves from a slope, mountain or by being towed by a vehicle, and then ride thermals or wind currents to stay in the air and steer themselves through the sky. See extra information on What to do in Agadir.

This magnificent peacock of a palace was built in the late 19th century as the residence of the Grand Vizier Bou Ahmed, who served Sultan Moulay al-Hassan I. The interior decoration is a dazzling display of zellige tiles, painted ceilings, and ornate wrought-iron features showcasing the opulent lives of those high up in the sultan’s favor at that time. The massive marble grand courtyard and opulent salons of the haram area are the two main attractions, while the lush internal courtyard of the grand riad, with its banana-leaf plants and citrus trees, is a tranquil respite from the city.

Chefchaouen (or Chaouen) is a gorgeous mountain city in northeastern Morocco. The picturesque medina, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Rif Mountains, is filled with white-washed homes with distinctive, powder-blue accents. It is a popular shopping destination offering many native handicrafts that are not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool garments and woven blankets. The goat cheese native to the area is also popular with tourists. The region around Chefchaouen is one of the main producers of cannabis in Morocco. Hashish is subsequently sold all over town, but is mostly the domain of native Chaouenis.

Inland, in Morocco’s eastern Sahara region, are the grand and rippling sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi, where would-be explorers and adventure-seekers head to get a dose of desert action. This is prime territory for dune-surfing, four-wheel-drive dune-bashing, and the (much more authentic) camel trekking. For those with less of an active nature, just sitting amid the sand dune splendor is worthy enough of the long journey out here. For most travelers who make it this far, the highlight is spending the evening at a desert camp amid the dunes themselves.

After much of it was destroyed in the earthquake in 1960, including various of its heritage sites, Agadir has finally managed to rise from the ashes. It is now a thriving seaside resort town with a beautiful waterfront and a chilled out vibe whichever direction you head in, which is why this beautiful town can be called the best place in Morocco for couples. This is surely among the best places to visit in Morocco. Showing off its battle scars with pride, this busy and bustling port city has turned into one of the top places to visit in Morocco. From strolling in its beautiful streets, basking under the sun on its beaches, to gorging on Moroccan delicacies at the various food stalls, there’s a lot one can do during their trip to Agadir in Morocco.

One of Morocco’s most charming destinations, Chefchaouen is unusual because of the blue tones that grace the walls of buildings in the old medina. As well as being picturesque and photogenic, the medina also lets visitors see the local way of life. Head to the river and watch locals beating and washing carpets, step inside the high walls of the old kasbah, and see the Grand Mosque with its octagonal minaret. Situated close to the village of Tanaghmeilt in the High Atlas Mountains, Ouzoud Waterfalls is a large series of cascades that are surrounded by reddish-coloured cliffs and green valleys. Visitors can walk along paths lined by olive trees to reach the bottom of the 600-metre falls. Keep an eye out for mischievous monkeys that swing through the trees. Read more details on https://paraglidingagadir.com/.

Premium Colombia, Argentina and Cuba vacation attractions using travel VPN: You should think about cyber security when staying in an Airbnb. There’s not just a risk of nosy hosts or creepy former guests leaving hidden cameras in the rental. There’s also a risk from the wifi itself. Nosy hosts and creepy former guests could track your online activities through an Airbnb’s wifi connection. You have no way of knowing if the last guest was a cyber criminal who put harmful malware or viruses on the wifi network. You don’t know who has previously had access to that Airbnb’s wifi network and who still does have access. And you certainly have no way of knowing if the host is spying on you through the wifi. That is, unless you use a VPN. Use a VPN on all unknown or unsecured wifi networks to stop others from watching you online. Discover more details at Cuba Travel.

As the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere, Aconcagua is certainly impressive. The peak has a summit elevation of 6,961 meters and is part of the Andes, close to the border with Chile. For climbers, Aconcagua has special meaning, as it’s one of the Seven Summits, the ultimate climbing list that includes the highest mountains in each continent. The mountain falls within the limits of the Aconcagua Provincial Park, a protected area that offers a number of activities for outdoor lovers, including hiking and skiing. For those who are up for something a bit more challenging, the Horcones-Confluencia trail takes hikers up to the basecamp on the route up to the summit. It’s a 14-kilometer-long trail with an elevation of 538 meters. Laguna Horcones, a stunning blue lake fed by glaciers, is another popular attraction within the park.

Lovers of magic realism and the writings of Gabriel García Márquez will fall for the sleepy charms of Mompox. It features prominently in the Nobel laureate’s book The General in His Labyrinth and is thought to be the inspiration for the fictional town of Macondo in his most famous novel, One Hundred Years of Solitude. Mompox was once a prosperous cog in the trading route between the Caribbean coast and the Andes, famed as the spot where “El Libertador” Simón Bolívar recruited his army to gain independence for neighboring Venezuela. Now, this colonial relic along the muddy shores of the Magdalena River is truly a town that time forgot. Though it lacks a wealth of things to do, many visitors find themselves spending far longer than planned strolling through the cobbled streets; soaking in the ambience of the colonial architecture; or taking boat trips through the Pijiño Swamp, a popular attraction for birders.

When beach towns and resorts all start to seem the same and you’re looking for unique things to do in Cuba, Santa Clara will add some depth to your Cuban itinerary. This is the famous site of the last guerrilla battle led by Che Guevara in 1958. Che’s body was laid to rest here, and his mausoleum (Mausoleo del Che Guevara) and monument, the Memorial Comandante Ernesto “Che” Guevara, are the town’s big attractions. Etched on the bronze statue of Che Guevara in Plaza de la Revolucion is his final letter to Fidel Castro, while the mausoleum lies beneath. Adjacent to the monument, the Museo Historico de la Revolucion exhibits some of Che’s personal items. Che fans should also see the poignant Monumento a la Toma del Tren Blindado, a small boxcar museum and the site of the final battle between Che Guevara and the Batista troops.

Cast all of your outdated ideas aside, like drug wars and gangsters, and you’ll find that Colombia is a nation brimming with confidence and rushing headfirst into a more peaceful and prosperous future. In this land of contrasts, you’ll encounter snowcapped Andean peaks, tropical Amazonian jungles, turquoise Caribbean coasts, and two sun-kissed deserts. You’ll also find a host of spectacular attractions at the places in between, from the magic of Cartagena and the buzz of Medellin to the quiet colonial villages of Salento and Mompox. Above all else, the famous Colombian hospitality will undoubtedly find you coming back for more. Find the best places to visit with our list of the top attractions in Colombia.

My first day seeing sunshine in a couple of weeks, without hesitation I booked the first Airbnb I could find. And of course, I went out drinking. That night I wandered out onto my stoop to get wifi and noticed all the police had retreated from my area at about 10pm. Then the knives came out. Still unable to freely travel into and out of Cuba the tourists had all left. And the average Cuban relies on tourists to make ends meet. As you’d imagine by mid 2021, having been without tourists for 18 months things were starting to boil over among the less affluent populations in Cuba. So when I stepped out of my front door to get wifi and noticed all the police had taken off, I learnt that a running gang battle involving large knives, broken bottles and bricks had erupted. Right on my door step. Fantastic. Discover extra info on https://inlovelyblue.com/.

Argentina’s diverse geography is one of the country’s main attractions. It encompasses everything from harsh deserts to humid jungles, and long ocean beaches to the soaring Andes. Stretching from the subtropical north to the subantarctic regions of beautiful Patagonia in the south, Argentina’s cultural, artistic, and architectural heritage is just as diverse, drawing upon influences from around the world. With its wonderful barrios, including colorful arts neighborhoods such as La Boca, old-world Recoleta, and trendy districts like Palermo, Buenos Aires sometimes feels more like Europe than Latin America. This lively capital city is the best place to begin sightseeing (it’s also the best place to learn to tango, the most iconic of Argentinian dances). In addition to its many cultural attractions, the other big draws – and for some tourists, its greatest appeal – are the country’s natural wonders, including the breathtaking Iguazú Falls, the world’s largest group of waterfalls. To make sure you find all the best places to visit and things to do, use this handy list of the top tourist attractions in Argentina.

Rimmed by glittering beaches, Guardalavaca, in the Holguin province, is quieter and more remote than Varadero. Lush foliage fringes the sweeping strand of beach here, providing plenty of shady patches for those seeking respite from the tropical sun. Divers and snorkelers can explore a plethora of sea life along the coral reefs. Day trips from Guardalavaca include jungle adventures, sailing trips, and sightseeing tours of Santiago de Cuba. West of Guardalavaca, Bahia de Naranjo encompasses a large slice of coast and three islands, including Cayo Naranjo with the popular Dolphinarium, which offers close-up encounters with these gregarious creatures. Chorro de Maita is another side trip option from Guardalavaca, with its native Indian burial area and a recreated Taino Indian village.

Premium Dubai desert safari right now? The time you visit Dubai is an essential factor that everyone harboring the ambition of enjoying the Dubai adventure must consider. The reason behind this factor is the weather of Dubai. As a desert, there are times when Dubai experiences extreme temperatures that can be dangerous to your skin. With such severe weather, it will be disastrous to visit as you might find yourself spending your time indoors to avoid the hot weather. The best time to visit Dubai is between November and March. Read more info at evening desert safari. You haven’t lived in Dubai if you’ve not tasted the delightful Arab delicacies. We will serve you with variety of Veg & Non Veg dishes which are already there for you to have for your dinner. We are also sensitive to our customer’s preferences, so you don’t have to worry.

Dubai’s excellent museum is housed in the Al-Fahidi Fort, built in 1787 to defend Dubai Creek. The fort’s walls are built out of traditional coral-blocks and held together with lime. The upper floor is supported by wooden poles, and the ceiling is constructed from palm fronds, mud, and plaster. In its history, the fort has served as a residence for the ruling family, a seat of government, garrison, and prison. Restored in 1971 (and again extensively in 1995), it is now the city’s premier museum. The entrance has a fascinating exhibition of old maps of the Emirates and Dubai, showing the mammoth expansion that hit the region after the oil boom. The courtyard is home to several traditional boats and a palm-leaf house with an Emirati wind-tower. The right-hand hall features weaponry, and the left-hand hall showcases Emirati musical instruments. Below the ground floor are display halls with exhibits and dioramas covering various aspects of traditional Emirati life (including pearl fishing and Bedouin desert life), as well as artifacts from the 3,000- to 4,000-year-old graves at Al Qusais archaeological site.

Dubai may be famous for the glitz and glamour of its sky-high towers, but the real heart of the city is, and always will be, the Creek. The saltwater estuary is the original site where the Bani Yas tribe settled, and its waters were vital for what used to be Dubai’s main forms of economy: pearl diving and fishing. Today, the area is awash with the history of the emirate, as it’s home to the Dubai Museum as well as the labyrinthine alleyways of the gold, spice and textile souks. While at the Creek, a ride across the water on a traditional abra is a must, and at an unbelievable AED1 per ticket, it’s easily the best value tourist attraction in the city.

Dubai Parks and Resorts are a hub for theme parks and resorts, which give entertainment opportunities for all age groups. There are three theme parks and one water park that features more than 100 spectacular indoor and outdoor rides. The parks such as Motiongate, Bollywood Park, and Legoland theme and waterpark are exclusively made for the young crowd, whereas Riverland Boulevard, which is home to restaurants and exciting entertainment programs, is purely for adults. The travelers will find delicious options in Riverland entertainment and dining boulevard. You can access this area for free, which has four vibrant districts- The Peninsula, India Gate, The Boardwalk, and The French Village. Enjoy the delicious international food from more than 50 outlets while you take in the views of marvelous architecture, bridges, and other landmarks. Moreover, you can have a unique staycation at Lapita Hotel, Polynesian-themed family resort inside the park. You can relax among the palm trees and alluring lagoons to experience an authentic pacific feel. See extra information at https://www.excursionpoint.com/.

Traveling is the charm of life & especially Dubai tour is an astonishing experience. Although Dubai Is famous for its incredible attractions in the World, the most enjoyable tour is of desert safari adventures like dune bashing, Hatta Oman safari, quad biking, camel riding, and extreme adventure sports in Dubai. Most people get attracted to morning desert safari Dubai and evening desert safari. However, keep in mind: your operator makes your tour outstanding or poor, so choose your operator carefully.

Best Dubai desert safari 2023? The activity includes a Desert professional Stunt Driver, who will introduce all the members taking part in the activity, after a meet and greet sessions, with briefing of the Do’s and Don’ts, giving you a moment to fresh up before we start the engines to hit the dunes. The Four in One activity will include 30mins of Dune Bashing in a 4×4 Land Cruiser with a Professional Desert stunt driver followed by a stop for 15mins Skiing down the dunes from the highest dune via a Sand Board and then the last activity of 30mins Self Driving Quad Bike in the desert of Al Badayer allowing you to click photos and videos saving the moment of memory to share with others. Post the adventure activities, Our Guide drives you to the Desert Camp, where you take the feel of history, how Bedouin live their lives with a mouthwatering Continental BBQ Dinner and Live Entertainment Shows at the Camp. Read more details at arabian adventures desert safari. You haven’t lived in Dubai if you’ve not tasted the delightful Arab delicacies. We will serve you with variety of Veg & Non Veg dishes which are already there for you to have for your dinner. We are also sensitive to our customer’s preferences, so you don’t have to worry.

Jumeirah Mosque is considered by many to be the most beautiful of Dubai’s mosques. An exact copy of Cairo’s Al-Azhar Mosque, which is eight times its size, the Jumeirah Mosque is a fine example of Islamic architecture. This stone structure is built in the medieval Fatimid tradition, with two minarets that display the subtle details in the stonework. It is particularly attractive in the evening when lit with floodlights. The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding (which also runs a program of tours, lectures, Arabic classes, and cultural meals) organizes guided tours of the mosque designed to try to foster a better understanding of the Muslim faith. Tours begin at 10am daily, except Fridays.

Dubai Water Canal is a 3.2km long waterway extending from the Creek in Old Dubai through Business Bay before finding its way to the Arabian Gulf. Since opening in 2016, it’s created 80,000sqm for public space and facilities, and a 12km cycling path. The Canal has become a popular visitor attraction with five pedestrian bridges that snake its way across the iconic waterway. Nearby is the Habtoor City development that’s home to the exciting La Perle by Dragone show, five-star hotels, and an array of restaurants.

Jumeirah Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The picturesque skyline and the white sandy beach will offer a perfect setting for a relaxed evening. The kite beach in Jumeirah is for the people who are serious about water sport activities. Kitesurfing, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding are some of the best activities to do here. However, if you would like to stay in the land, we recommend you play beach volleyball or grab some quick bites from food trucks or shops lining the beach. Or you can have an evening jog in the 14 km track. How cool is to see the fascinating animal creatures dance, juggle, play ball, jump through hoops? Dubai Dolphinarium is the UAE’s unique indoor activity stadium that features illusions and aquatic acrobats. On certain occasions, the guests can swim with dolphins, feed them, or train them to be your best friend. This Indoor Dubai Dolphinarium is not limited to mammals. There are 20 other species, including birds, cockatoos from Australia, and macaws from South America. Discover many more info on excursionpoint.com.

Never take plenty of water before starting your journey in the desert, especially before dune bashing’s exciting to experience because dune bashing is a bouncy expedition. So if you want to get a real experience of the desert, never stock water or other food items before starting the exhilarating journey. Always costume proper hat, wear sunglasses & HD camera to capture all exciting memories. During the desert tour drones are not allowed, so it’s better not to bring drones along with you during the tour. Your dress code must be according to the weather conditions and environment, like loose dress suits that do not annoy you during the adventurous journey.

Top cruise booking advices and cruise destinations in the Pacific Ocean by CruiseBooking: Make sure to always read the fine print so you know exactly what you’re getting, and you don’t run into any issues when you arrive for embarkation or once you’re onboard. (Important fine print could include whether or not you can cruise with a baby or while pregnant — which is a much earlier cut off date than on planes.) You should be doubly diligent when it comes to any fees that might be charged in addition to your cruise fare such as taxes, fuel charges and gratuities, as well as to change, cancellation and refund policies. Even if you don’t make any changes, cruises are often subject to last-minute itinerary changes due to weather and sea conditions. There’s no friendly travel agent standing by waiting to spell the terms and conditions out for you, so it’s important that you read every last detail yourself.

Beyond the obvious natural scenery, Greece has an incredible history and culture. A sailing holiday here could involve visits to ancient ruins and world-famous landmarks. The country is also known for its delicious food and excellent produce – something that makes docking at a port a whole lot more enjoyable. Greece covers a massive 6000 islands! For anyone planning an extensive sailing holiday – this offers an enormous number of places to visit and cruise between. Whatever kind of destination you may be after, there should be an island in Greece that will suit you. As Greece covers a fairly extensive area to cruise, here are two top parts of the country for a yacht holiday. Discover less-known coves of famous Capri. Rent a yacht in Sicily and visit the volcanic Aeolian Islands with active volcanoes, enchanting bays, and cobalt sea. Sail through the glistening Mediterranean around Spain’s coast and explore some of its 8000 km long shores. Spain will capture all your senses with its historic cities, the scent of citrus orchards, towering stone castles, sapphire sea, and diverse landscapes. Find additional info on cruise booking.

2021 will still have to wait a bit longer to see the island at its best. The re-opening after a year of restrictions will be more paused and controlled so as to secure the stable situation Balearic Islands have reached. But no worries! We are sure there are many ways to discover Ibiza for those first-time visitors, in a more tranquil pace but, at the same time, genuine. Experts will find also their way to best attractions and best hotels and, we are quite sure, to a renewed way to enjoy Mediterranean nights. The Spanish island of Ibiza boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whether you’re into snorkelling in isolated coves, bathing in waters that redefine the word turquoise, or hanging out with celebrities in famous beach bars, there’s something here for everyone. Read on for the ten best beaches on the White Island. Why the Mediterranean? The Mediterranean Sea separates Europe from Africa, and it is almost entirely surrounded by the land of the Mediterranean Basin. The Mediterranean is known as one of the world’s finest travel destinations, that invites you to set on an unforgettable journey and sail the coastlines of some of the twenty-one Mediterranean countries. The Mediterranean is home to some of the world’s most popular summer destinations and hot spots for sailing due to its pleasant climate, turquoise sea, ancient ruins, famous Mediterranean food, and stunning architecture.

Especially popular is the sea area between the northern coast of Sicily, Calabria and the Aeolian Islands. Sicily has an area of 25,426 km² and is the largest island belonging to Italy. It is separated from the Italian mainland by the Strait of Messina. In the north it is bordered by the Tyrrhenian Sea, in the east by the Ionian Sea and in the east and southwest by the Strait of Sicily. Sicily has a largely mountainous landscape, and is the home of Mount Etna – the tallest, largest and most active volcano in Europe. The north and east coasts are made up of high cliffs with numerous bays and sandy beaches. Going south the land is flatter and the beaches become longer. The coastline measures a total length of 1152 km. The capital city of Sicily is Palermo, which lies on a bay on the north coast. The city has many historic attractions, important church buildings, palaces, squares and museums. Other major cities are Catania, Messina and Syracuse.

A sailing trip here will offer you some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe. The World Heritage-listed fjords were formed by glaciers (during the last ice age) and today they are a dramatic sight where tranquil blue waters gently lap at lush green shores which rise to majestic granite peaks. Gaze at picturesque villages, isolated farms and gushing waterfalls on your journey through the deep dark waters.

Drop the diet. Sicily sits at the culinary crossroads of the most gluttonous nations on earth. Arabs, Spanish, Normans and Greeks deposited a foodie fusion. Like pasta con le sarde, an Italo-Arabian blend of fennel, almonds, sardines and saffron. Then there’s sfincione, from the Latin word for sponge, which is half pizza, half bun, with an anchovy-cheese-tomato flavour. In Palermo, posh nosh means A’Cumcuma. Here street food and fisherman’s catches are raised into photogenic bites like red shrimps with oyster emulsion. For Sicilian cuisine as it used to be near Portorosa, try Agavos Agriturismo. Stuffed anchovies and chargrilled swordfish rolls served with a sea view. Find extra details on https://www.cruisebooking.com/.

Iceland is the perfect playground for those who love nature and wildlife. This island country is famed for its dramatic natural landscapes with towering mountains, magnificent fjords, geothermal springs, and volcanoes to discover. There’s also a wonderful array of wildlife to be found here. Humpback whales can often be spotted breaching in icy waters, and native birds soar in the skies overhead. An adventure cruise is a great way to see the mesmerising landscapes of Iceland, and a wonderful two-week trip in September 2023 will take you to many highlights of this magical country. Making the trip extra special is the chance to meet weather presenter Carol Kirkwood, who will join you on an excursion and give an insightful talk and Q&A in Reykjavik.