<p>One of the many international cuisines to sample when holidaying in Greece has
to be traditional Greek food. From home-made hearty dishes to sweet dessert, you
will be sure to find a dish that tickles your tastebuds!</p>
<h2>Honey &#x26; baklava</h2>
<p>As the Greeks are renowned for having a sweet tooth, I thought we would
start off with a potential winner of the Greek dishes to try. Although,
you have been warned, these small pieces of heaven aren't for everyone,
but those who have a love of sugar will definitely want to try them! The
classic baklava is a start-layering of honey, filo pastry and ground
nuts or the galaktoboureko, a sinful custard-filled pastry. Simply pour
a big dollop of local thyme honey all over some fresh Green yoghurt and
just like that....... Ready for consumption!</p>
<h2>Grilled meat</h2>
<p>So yes, you are right. Meat is very easy to get hold of in the UK so
why do I need to try it in Greece?</p>
<p>Well let me tell you that the Greeks are masters of charcoal-grilled and
spit-roasted meats with truly succulent meat. Local Greek dishes
definitely worth trying is Souvlaki, the Greek's favourite fast food and
the gyros and skewered meat versions. You can also find local free-range
lamb and port dominating the taverns, although, kid goat is amongst one
of the favourites.</p>
<p><img src="https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1370746615.jpg" alt="Grilled meat"></p>
<h2>Dolmades</h2>
<p>At the first sight, I have to say I believed these were from the
Japanese cuisine, but after trying them, the vine leaves incorporated
with mincemeat certainly made these treats notably Greek.</p>
<p>In fact, each household and each region in Greece has its own variation
on the classic grape leaf-wrapped parcel.</p>
<p>Eaten as finger food, some have stuffed vine leaves incorporate
mincemeat with long-grain rice whilst others simply head a combination
of dill, fennel, oregano and pine nuts. Dolmades are certainly a very
fascinating treat and handy if you fancy just a small snack or a mini
starter before your main course!</p>
<h2>Moussaka</h2>
<p>You may have heard about it or seen it on a menu in the UK, but as
everyone knows, dishes always taste better in the countries they
originate from and Moussaka is no exception. Variations on moussaka are
found throughout the Mediterranean and the Balkans, but the iconic Greek
dish is based on layering sautéed aubergine, minced meat fried with
pureed tomato, onion, garlic, spices such as cinnamon and all spice,
potato and then a final fluffy topping of cheese and béchamel sauce.
Moussaka may look similar to lasagne, but in our opinion, it is way
better!</p>
<h2>Feta &#x26; other cheeses</h2>
<p>The most widely exported Greece cheese, Feta, is frequently used in a
Greek salad, but don't forget to sample all the other cheeses when in
Greece. Although you can buy feta in most of the supermarkets in the UK,
its all about the experience of sampling some in the country where it
all began in. You will also be able to find similar cheeses that are
definitely worth trying. Ask behind the market counters for feta kept in
big barrels, creamy and delicious and nothing in comparison to the one
in plastic tubs found in markets outside of Greece. Try sampling
graviera, a hard golden-white cheese, perfectly eaten either cubed or
fried as saganaki. In Greek bakeries, you will find tyropita cheese pie.
When visiting a traditional taverna, try salads such as Cretan dakos,
topped with a crumbling of mizithra, a soft, white cheese.</p>
<p>To sum up, get your Greek on and get sampling these exquisitely tasting
dishes!</p>

5 tasty dishes to try in Greece

<div><p>With the festive season over, days are&nbsp;dark,&nbsp;and the weather is drawing in, January is notoriously the dreariest month of the&nbsp;whole year. Knowing that spring and summer are still out of our grasps, booking that summer holiday early will&nbsp;definitely give&nbsp;you something to look forward to as well as many other advantages. Let us share some of them with you&hellip;&hellip;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>GET THE BEST VALUE </h2></div><div><p>For the retail industry, January is the month of mega sales and&nbsp;a great time&nbsp;to bag yourself a fantastic deal for your holiday. In January you will&nbsp;likely find&nbsp;more holiday deals, lower deposits, free night stays, straight-up discounts or added value such as a free meal upgrade and free transfers than any other month of the year. As there is a lot of competition&nbsp;out&nbsp;there, you will&nbsp;definitely be&nbsp;spoilt for choice.<div><h2>LOW DEPOSITS AND MORE TIME TO PAY IT OFF &nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Straight after the festive period, the last thing you are going to want to do is splash the case on an expensive holiday. Booking in January means you are booking well in advance and can often benefit from securing your holiday with a low deposit&nbsp;to&nbsp;ensure&nbsp;you guarantee the holiday you want and pay the share of the cost later down the line. Knowing summer is still a while away, it makes saving for temporary payments more manageable over a longer period of time.&nbsp;</p><div><h2>NO COMPROMISES</h2></div><div><p>If you have an idea on visiting a particular destination or resort, booking early will ensure you secure your spot, get ahead of everyone else and enjoy the pick of the bunch. May be there is a particular room category on a cruise ship you would like to reserve, or a part of&nbsp;a&nbsp;hotel you would like to stay in. Booking early also allows you to have more options regarding the preferred dates of travel.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With airline seats selling fast, generally speaking the later you leave to&nbsp;book, the more expensive the flight component on your holiday will be. The best chance of securing the best price for your chosen holiday and having the exact holiday you desire is by booking earlier rather than later.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Booking in advance can also mean you are more likely to gran additional value offers including free child places, room upgrades or discounts on the meal plans</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1436256989.jpg'></p><div><h2>MORE TIME TO GET EXCITED</h2></div><div><p>Isn&rsquo;t it always nicer to have something to look forward to, especially where holidays are concerned? Booking earlier in the year enables you to have more time to get excited, plan your excursions and boast you your friends and family!<div><h2>&nbsp;THE PRESSURE IS OFF&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Granted, sometimes&nbsp;you can bag yourself a bargain when booking last minute, but booking your summer holiday in January means you can simply sit back and relax, knowing that you are happy with the deal you have booked and most importantly, the pressure is well and truly off! Rather than thinking about where you might want to go on your holiday, you can instead look forward to knowing where you are going and you can start focusing on the more important things such as updating your summer wardrobe!<div><h2>WE CAN DO ALL OF THE HARD WORK FOR YOU! </h2></div><div><p>We know it can be a minefield out there with so many destinations, hotels and travel options to choose from. We as travel experts know where, when and how to find the best deals on offer and can help you tailor your holiday to you. Book in January and secure your dream holiday for the best possible price. To book your next holiday, give us a call and we will do all the hard work for you so you don&rsquo;t have to!&nbsp;</p></div>

Benefits for booking your summer holiday in January

<div><p>If a holiday along the coast with golden sands, blue waters, friendly hospitality, combined with succulent cuisine appeals to you, Portugal and Spain are sure to have exactly what you are looking for in your next summer holiday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With a short flying time, affordable prices and suitable destinations for families, couples, lovers of nature and cultural enthusiasts, these countries have always been two of the top favourite beach holidays in Europe.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Take a read of our experts pick of the top destinations in Portugal and Spain that are sure to be exactly what you are looking for in your next beach break.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/177260263.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'><h2>A selection of the best places to go for a beach holiday in Spain </h2></div><div><p>Spain, Europe&rsquo;s sunniest country, has hot and dry summers and mild winters and an obvious choice for a beach holiday. Ibiza, Lanzarote and Majorca are amongst the top three favourite destinations in Spain to visit and the Mediterranean Sea will never disappoint. If you are searching for long, relaxing days at the beach, attractions right on your doorstep and a selection of bars and clubs that are open until sunrise, destinations such as Barcelona, Ibiza and Marbella are ideal for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>As Tenerife is the largest and most developed of the Canary Islands, it has always been picked as a destination for those wanting a mixture of peace and tranquillity and a vibrant nightlife. Home to one of the most significant harbours in the Atlantic Ocean, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the vibrant capital of the island. Spending a summer holiday in Tenerife&nbsp;will&nbsp;not only give you the opportunity to enjoy the perfect beach holiday, but to also spend time exploring quirky shops, museums, impressive architecture, botanical gardens, superb restaurants and unspoilt palm-lined beaches dotted around with extensive golden sands.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>As many of the beaches in Spain are jam-packed with tourists, if you prefer to escape to a more secluded haven, typically only known by the locals, there are still many places to visit to escape the crowds and should be part of any enthusiastic&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;bucket list. Just a few miles from Malaga,&nbsp;Nerja&nbsp;is one of the best kept secrets of the Costa del Sol. With exceptionally clean waters and enhanced with tropical fish, ideal for snorkelling. Featuring a natural landscape of hills and cliffs characterising the beach,&nbsp;Nerja&nbsp;is the ideal setting to spend a relaxing day enjoying the sunshine.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>A good alternative to the crowded island of Majorca is&nbsp;Cala&nbsp;Llombards, a stunning beach destination, surrounded by pine&nbsp;tress&nbsp;and bushes. With the waters clear and shallow, it is suitable for younger visitors&nbsp;as well as several water sports opportunities available.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Es Grau, located in the northeast coast of Menorca, is a charming fishing village situated within a protected nature reserve rich in marine life. With a beautifully unspoilt natural beach, it is perfect for those looking for a hidden gem, also ideal for families with young children.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>One of the more exclusive parts of the Costa Brava is&nbsp;Llafranc, relatively unknown to tourists, making it the ideal destination for those wanting to catch some&nbsp;much needed&nbsp;peace and quiet away from some of the more chaotic Spanish beaches. This particular beach is part of a larger urban area, meaning you will have many amenities available include bars, restaurants and hotels to choose from.&nbsp;</p></div><div></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1298012675.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'><h2>Where to go in Portugal for a beach holiday</h2></div><div><p>Portugal is an incredibly fascinating country, recognised for its rich marine life, cultural monuments, extensive sandy beaches, magnificent views along the coast, charming villages, historical buildings and a very friendly hospitality.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Known for its popular resorts and the lowest prices in Europe, the Algarve is one of the top beach locations with its beautiful coastline, golden sandy beaches, stylish hotels and a range of bars and restaurants, making it the ideal choice for those who want to enjoy a lovely relaxing break and only a short&nbsp;three hour&nbsp;flight from the UK. Albufeira,&nbsp;Portimao&nbsp;and&nbsp;Vilamoura&nbsp;are amongst some of the popular resorts, offering a wide range of amenities and attractions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Along the eastern coast of the Algarve are impressive islands including Armona and&nbsp;Tavira, with miles of sand,&nbsp;ideal for anyone wanting a break in the sun and tucked away from the crowds. Both islands can be accessed by boat and are surrounded by spectacular beaches with warm waters.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Western Algarve, stretching from Lagos to&nbsp;Sagres&nbsp;is an excellent choice for lovers of nature as it remains one of the least spoiled parts of the Algarve. The main characteristics of Lagos include striking cliffs, breath-taking sea views and caves, leaving you truly amazed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Sagres, a tranquil fishing village, is home to many glorious beaches protected by soaring cliffs, a picturesque harbour at&nbsp;Baleeira, impressive hotels and a favourite destination amongst surfers, hikers and cyclists. In comparison to the east side, this area of the Algarve is cooler, providing a refreshing break from the scorching summer heat.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Whilst the Algarve is extremely busy during the summer months, a few miles along the coast is Costa&nbsp;Vicentina, an emerging and affordable beach resort, the smaller towns&nbsp;of&nbsp;Zambujeira&nbsp;do Mar,&nbsp;Aljezur, Vila Nova de&nbsp;Milfontes&nbsp;and Porto&nbsp;Covo&nbsp;are coastal towns,&nbsp;boasting an overwhelming selection of beaches, gorgeous seaside villages with a traditional atmosphere and white picturesque buildings.&nbsp;Simply a perfect getaway to incredible walks along the coast, enjoying breath-taking views or relax and unwind on one of many hidden and secluded beaches.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>You many also fancy taking a visit to&nbsp;Alentejo, Portugal&rsquo;s finest wine and food producing region with unspoilt villages, an area sometimes compared with Tuscany and the perfect destination for food and wine lovers.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>The Serra da&nbsp;Arr&aacute;bida&nbsp;Natural Park, north just a few miles of Lisbon, is an area boasting beautiful coastal scenery and secluded havens such as&nbsp;Portinho&nbsp;da&nbsp;Arr&aacute;bida&nbsp;and&nbsp;Galapos&nbsp;beaches, both very much still a hidden secret for many visitors.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With deserted sand dunes and fantastic views,&nbsp;Comporta&nbsp;Beach, further down in the south, is a holiday destination preferred by wealthy Portuguese families and famous names including Monica&nbsp;Belluci, Christian Louboutin and Madonna, all have been long seduced by the charms of Portugal.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>For those wanting a bit more to see and do and not too much relaxing will find plenty of things to do and see in Portugal as its relatively easy to combine a relaxing beach holiday with cultural activities. Why not visit the capital Lisbon, home to impressive monuments, exquisite cuisine and cultural attractions. You could also dip your toes in the charming nearby village of Cascais, a coastal town with sea front hotels, buzzing beaches, fascinating historical forts and a wide selection of restaurants. A visit to Portugal has to be on any traveller&rsquo;s list.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>If you feel inspired by these beach holiday destinations and want to know more, please speak with our travel experts to help you choose your perfect holiday in the sun.&nbsp;<p></div>

Best beach holiday destinations in Spain and Portugal

<div><p>Otherwise known as a &ldquo;Continent in miniature&rdquo;, the beautiful island of Gran Canaria is well worth exploring. With plenty to do, taking a luxury beach holiday in the south of the island, soaking up the&nbsp;Canarian&nbsp;sun at the renowned Maspalomas dunes or even spending a few days in the vibrant capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>A city with a fascinating&nbsp;history, charming&nbsp;old quarter,&nbsp;mouth-watering&nbsp;gastronomy&nbsp;and an array of shops, will certainly keep you occupied. The picturesque island is&nbsp;blessed&nbsp;with warm weather all year round. Head to the north of the island and you will be spoilt for choice with gorgeous scenic walks and the chance of sitting under the starlit sky at night.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Sound ideal to you? Let us explain a little more on why Gran Canaria should be on the top of your holiday list.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>&nbsp;LAGOON, BEACHES AND BOUTIQUE SHOPS&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>With a gorgeous white sandy beach, a natural lagoon, a&nbsp;thousand-year-old&nbsp;palm grove along with the renowned sand dunes, this all helps to making Maspalomas one of the island&rsquo;s most stylish and sophisticated destinations in the whole of Europe.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Another resort with the complete wow factor is&nbsp;Meloneras. With its lengthy oceanfront promenade, bursting with bars and restaurants, a selection of boutique shops, casino and a golf course, it is evidently clear you will be sure to be kept busy morning, noon and night.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Another must-visit is&nbsp;Amadores. With its not to be missed beach club and picturesque&nbsp;Puerto&nbsp;Mog&aacute;n,&nbsp;also known as&nbsp;Little Venice &ndash; it&rsquo;s&nbsp;definitely&nbsp;worth spending an afternoon or evening relaxing here&nbsp;and taking it all in.&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>&nbsp;A GOLF LOVER&apos;S PARADISE &nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Gran Canaria is the perfect holiday destination for those lovers of golf! Home to excellent playing conditions all year round and a golfing tradition, Gran Canaria offers a whole host of 18-hole golf courses and all within a 50-kilometre radius of each other! One of our favourites is the Real Club de Las Palmas, the first golf course in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe! A few other favourites include&nbsp;Meloneras&nbsp;Golf Course, perfect for spectacular sea views,&nbsp;Salobre&nbsp;Golf Resort, the only one of the Canary Islands to have two courses and finally&nbsp;Anfi&nbsp;Golf Course, perfectly balances a challenging game and unique volcanic landscapes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><br></p><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1326282699.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>A PLACE FOR CITY BREAKERS&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Home to the largest city in the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria has an array of things of things to do, particularly in the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Not only will you come across stunning beaches with golden sands, bustling bars, top-notch restaurants and a range of hotels and apartments nearby,&nbsp;but there&nbsp;is also a phenomenal historical quarter that we highly recommend you&nbsp;get&nbsp;stuck in to. You will find&nbsp;gorgeous, cobbled&nbsp;streets and a variety of architectural styles, ranging from late Gothic to Renaissance. It&nbsp;doesn&rsquo;t&nbsp;stop there! For those with an interest in culture should pay a visit to Casa de Colon Mansion, Santa Ana&nbsp;Cathedral&nbsp;and the Museo&nbsp;Canario, all three will make it worth your while.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>A GREAT FOODIE SCENE&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>The cuisine in Gran Canaria is truly sensational. With a wide range of gastronomical delights, there is something to suite everyone. The&nbsp;great thing&nbsp;about&nbsp;Canarian&nbsp;cuisine is many of their traditional recipes are&nbsp;locally sourced&nbsp;with beautifully fresh and natural ingredients, but with a twist. It will be sure to awaken your taste buds! From markets with fresh food and restaurants&nbsp;that have been converted from traditional stalls to top-end brasseries, it really does have it all.&nbsp;What&rsquo;s&nbsp;more, the island joined the&nbsp;Saborea&nbsp;Espa&ntilde;a&nbsp;Association. This allowed talented, young chefs to get creative with the local cuisine and experiment so watch out for that in the coming months and years!&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>&nbsp;INCREDIBLE ACCOMMODATION&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>And we haven&rsquo;t even touched on accommodation in Gran Canaria yet! One thing is for sure, you are certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing accommodation. Every year, we see more and more boutique hotels with high-tech facilities, resorts with a unique focus on wellbeing and healthy living as well as larger luxury hotels and resorts opening up.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>&nbsp;INSPIRED?&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>We hope you have been inspired! If hearing about Gran Canaria has inspired you, give us a call and we will be sure to help you find the perfect holiday for you.&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2> FIND OUT MORE&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>To find out more about excursions, accommodation and the holidays available, please give us a call. &nbsp;</p></div>

Gran Canaria: The ultimate winter sun destination

<div><p>A destination with all&nbsp;year-round&nbsp;sunshine, stunning natural scenery and gorgeous beaches, Madeira has a lot to offer for those&nbsp;seeking, well,&nbsp;just about anything!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Perhaps Madeira&nbsp;is better known for its summer holidays, and rightly so, but Madeira&nbsp;isn&rsquo;t&nbsp;always considered as a winter getaway in the same&nbsp;way,&nbsp;and it should be as it can offer something&nbsp;pretty special&nbsp;leading up to Christmas and New Year. Want to know more? If so and you are looking for a winter getaway with a difference, read on&hellip;&hellip;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>&nbsp;MARKETS, SUN AND CELEBRATIONS &nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Many say Madeira has the perfect climate, never too hot or never too cold, especially for those who love exploring the beauty of Madeira and those keen walkers and hikers will certainly be in for a treat, so visiting in the milder winter months could well be worth it. With average temperatures reaching around 20 degrees during the winter, you can still enjoy relaxing on the black sandy and pebble beaches or even on the seashore as&nbsp;you&nbsp;will definitely notice a welcomed&nbsp;rise in temperature compared to back home! In actual fact, Madeira was declared the &ldquo;Best Winter Sun Destination in Europe&rdquo; in 2020 by Word Travel, the &ldquo;World&rsquo;s Best Island Destination&rdquo; for five years running and &ldquo;Europe&rsquo;s Best Island Destination&rdquo; for a staggering seven consecutive years, both awarded by World Travel Awards and a number of other worthy commendations. That has certainly put Madeira at the top of our worthy destinations to explore.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>What&rsquo;s more,&nbsp;why not pay a visit to Madeira leading up to Christmas where you will experience one of Europe&rsquo;s sunniest Christmas markets. Held in the heart of Funchal, its main capital, you will find an array of traditional souvenirs,&nbsp;local delicacies, drinks of the season as well as a festive and upbeat atmosphere, giving you an insight into their local culture.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>If that isn&rsquo;t enough, there are also plenty of entertainment shows, Christmas carols and performances to enjoy which will truly get you into the Christmas spirit. The market runs from 01 December to 07 January so be sure not to miss out!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Moving swiftly on to the New Year, for those who like to experience a phenomenal fireworks display, Madeira certainly won&rsquo;t disappoint. It has even won the Guinness World Records in the past for having the world&rsquo;s largest firework display! Whether it be from the port of Funchal or on a cruise ship deck, you will be guaranteed front row seats. The magnificent display lights up the entire sky with colour, and in Funchal, you will find an impressive stage in the amphitheatre filled with thousands of multi-coloured lamps &ndash; something quite phenomenal. To top it off, Madeira is in the same time zone as the UK, meaning you can see the New Year in at the same time as your loved ones back home.&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>AN ADVENTURE LOVER&apos;S PARADISE&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>There is plenty more to see on the island of Madeira other than the Christmas and New Year festivities. With heaps of epic day excursions to get&nbsp;out and about&nbsp;and explore all year round, from snorkelling, kayaking,&nbsp;whale&nbsp;and dolphin watching and paddle boarding to the next level of paragliding and diving excursions, giving you the&nbsp;much-needed&nbsp;adrenalin rush you were hoping for!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>There is also a lot to do on land from day hikes, horse riding, bike tours and even canyoning, for the more adventurous travellers. Whatever you decide, we are sure you will be impressed with the scenery of impressive cliffs looking out onto the ocean, lush green forests and tumbling waterfalls. See if you can listen out for the rare birds too, you might even be lucky enough to spot them. Make sure you take your camera wherever you can as you find some Instagram worthy photo&rsquo;s to be had!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Without a doubt, a day of exploring works up an appetite for a well-deserved meal in the evening. In Madeira it&apos;s so easy to indulge in fresh food wherever you choose to do due to its yearlong climate. Funchal, the island&rsquo;s capital is renowned for its authentic restaurants, or if you have a kitchen in your accommodation, take a visit to Mercado dos Lavradores, the local farmers market, where you can pick up a huge selection of fresh fish, meat and vegetables to cook up your own feast.&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1124548749.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>FEWER CROWDS AND BETTER VALUE FOR MONEY&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Whilst we appreciate that summer holidays are an essential, holidays in the winter months often means you will have more space to take in the scenery, attractions, lively bars and restaurants. Pre-booking restaurants and excursions during the winter won&rsquo;t always be needed, therefore giving you an option for a little spontaneity should you feel adventurous and even having a wander around the local streets will feel very relaxed and laid back, but still with a warm and friendly atmosphere.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>A holiday outside of the summer season also often means you will bag more for your money too. There are certainly deals to be had, especially if you would like to stay in luxury accommodation on a&nbsp;3-star&nbsp;budget, the winter months will give you everything you are looking for.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>If we have managed to inspire you and you&rsquo;d like to find out more about what Madeira has to offer, contact us today and we will be happy to help.&nbsp;</p></div>

Madeira: A Winter Sun Paradise

<div><p>Offering an abundance of coastlines, cuisine, sights and culture, Morocco is the destination to&nbsp;provide&nbsp;a diverse range of activities, guaranteed to keep your holiday an exciting and memorable one from start to finish. Whether you want to relax and soak up the sun, learn about its culture and fascinating history,&nbsp;participate&nbsp;in sports&nbsp;activities&nbsp;or explore its vibrant cities, we have highlighted the top things to do when in Morocco and believe us, it will get you wanting to jet off there as soon as you can!&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>BUSTLING MARKETS, COLOURFUL CULTURES AND A MOUTH-WATERING CUISINE&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>If Morocco is lucky enough to already be on your list, it is no doubt that you have already been&nbsp;daydreaming&nbsp;of the sights, smell and&nbsp;truly unique&nbsp;atmosphere found in their markets and souks. Personally, we believe they are the perfect place to get to know the traditional Moroccan culture. But which ones should you visit? You&nbsp;will be&nbsp;happy to know there is so much choice and we are here to give&nbsp;you helping&nbsp;hand by listing a couple of our favourites&hellip;&hellip;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Starting with the big one, Marrakech is infused in history and culture. Many travellers will either stay or pass through Marrakech at some point during their time in Morocco and its evidently clear why that would be.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Marrakech at first can feel a tad overwhelming as its packed to the rafters with stalls and people flocking together, but once you get to grips with it, the sounds,&nbsp;smells&nbsp;and sights will be sure to transport you into a whole new world that you will find&nbsp;pretty amazing. As Marrakech is home to many different souks, you can be certain of finding&nbsp;almost everything&nbsp;here and no doubt everything you are after. If you a&nbsp;first-time visitor, we recommended taking a long wander around and simply taking it all in at first before&nbsp;indulging in shopping!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>If sampling local cuisine is right up your street, then head to Jemaa el-Fna as the night starts to fall where you will find a street food market selling just about all the traditional Moroccan dishes you could possibly imagine including its famous tagine, or perhaps they&apos;re not-so famous snail soup. All the tables are communal so pull up a chair and take it the atmosphere with those around you. Once you have indulged in delicious Morocco cuisine, stick around for another highlight &ndash; the storytellers. A traditional Moroccan practice that combines comedy, topical subjects and music into long tales. A unique entertainment feature to Morocco and certainly worth a visit!&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/601033214.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>A HUGE STRETCH OF COASTLINE&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>When Morocco comes to mind, many&nbsp;thing&nbsp;of the bustling souks and markets filled with culture, all of which is true, but if you venture a bit further, you will find no less than 1,200 miles of stunning coastline, hosting a number of beach resorts where you can enjoy some down-time for all-year round sunshine.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>A personal favourite of ours is Essaouira. The laid-back, relaxed hippy vibe here helps it stands out for its rivalling resorts. Its coastal winds have also helped it&nbsp;retain&nbsp;its traditional character and culture, so if&nbsp;you&apos;re&nbsp;looking&nbsp;for an authentic and traditional beach escape, then look no further.&nbsp;Alongside&nbsp;its gorgeous stretch of beach, visitors&nbsp;can&rsquo;t&nbsp;miss the atmospheric port, lanes scented with spices, art galleries and boutiques.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Popularly known as the &ldquo;Wind City of Africa&rdquo;, lovers of sports flock here during the summer and autumn months for a spot of windsurfing, which we have been told is second to none. It isn&rsquo;t called the Wind City of Africa for nothing!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>For those searching for something a bit&nbsp;livelier, the popular hotspot of Agadir could be exactly what you are looking for. With its&nbsp;six-mile&nbsp;stretch of beach, backed by a wide selection of hotels from budget to high-end luxury, no matter what you decide on, you will be impressed by the beach view in front of you. Along the bustling promenade, you will find stacks of souvenir stalls, street performers, restaurants and bars, the perfect place to watch the spectacular sunset.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Another hotspot for those looking for a fun-filled getaway is Casablanca or Tamuda Bay for a more family-friendly break on the less explored eastern coast. There is plenty to keep all ages happy from morning until night with its own waterpark, family-friendly beaches and water sports activities. &nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1284197828.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>NATIONAL PARKS, SAND DUNES AND MOUNTAINS&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Yes, you read right! You will find 11 national parks in the Saharan Desert and mountains in Morocco. That makes a pretty diverse landscape don&rsquo;t you think?&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>We highly recommend a trip to&nbsp;Tazzeka&nbsp;National Park in the Middle Atlas Mountains, not too far from Fez. Here you will find open valleys, walking trails, dense oak forests to explore, wildflowers, deep canyons, gushing waterfalls and hidden cave networks, a complete contrast from the vibrant and bustling cities and beach resorts. Here is the perfect spot for lovers of nature where you can also keep an eye out for rare birds and come across brightly coloured lizards and frogs, so don&rsquo;t forget your camera!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>The Sahara Desert on the other hand is on the opposite side of the scale. Spread out over nine million square kilometres across North Africa, it is the largest sand desert in the world. Many think a visit to Morocco&nbsp;wouldn&rsquo;t&nbsp;be complete without a trip to the Sahara Desert. The sand dunes are spectacular at any time of the&nbsp;day;&nbsp;however, they are particularly impressive during the sunrise or sunset as the sands change colour with the reflections. To have a real insight into a real desert experience, opt for a desert camp overnight stay, giving you the opportunity to appreciate everything it has to offer, including camel rides and meeting locals who will happily share a tale or two. Overnight stays can vary from luxurious camps to the more basic standard with various&nbsp;pick-up&nbsp;points available along the way.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>WANT TO KNOW MORE?&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Morocco is a diverse destination offering just about everything from bustling markets and stunning beaches to a spectacular scenic landscape and a truly unique culture. So, whether to want to explore it one bit at a time or head on an all-surrounding tour and see it all, it is all possible. Contact us today and we will be more than happy to help you plan your trip.</p></div>

Morocco: A Destination of Diversity

<div><p>Whether you&nbsp;didn&rsquo;t&nbsp;quite manage to get around to booking your summer holiday, or you&nbsp;can&rsquo;t&nbsp;get enough of jetting off somewhere new, a winter holiday is the ideal time to get away, whether&nbsp;it&apos;s&nbsp;to soak up the Christmas festivities or that extra dose of vitamin D.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>But where to go? We are on hand to&nbsp;help,&nbsp;and we have listed our favourite winter breaks, ranging from winter sun, skiing and Christmas markets, there is plenty to choose from.&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>DUBAI </h2></div><div><p>As Dubai only experiences two seasons, hot and hotter, take a visit during the winter where you can enjoy the most comfortable temperatures in this&nbsp;all-year-round&nbsp;destination, with late afternoons still reaching a wonderful 25 degrees. Surely it&nbsp;has to&nbsp;be the perfect beach weather?&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>It doesn&rsquo;t matter what type of traveller you are, there is something for everyone in Dubai, from luxury beach resorts for couples or honeymooners, family-friendly hotels and apartments to central accommodation for those who are craving more of a city experience. We are almost certain that you will struggle to make your choice and that&rsquo;s before we even start on excursions and activities!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>If flopping and dropping is more your style, you have certainly come to the right place. Dubai hotels and resorts are purely made for those seeking much needed relaxation, exquisite cuisine and succulent cocktails by the pool. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, take a trip to one of the many phenomenal waterparks in Dubai, great fun for the entire family.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>For more of a cultural experience, we recommend taking a day trip to the desert for&nbsp;a true insight into the rural surroundings. Oh, and&nbsp;don&rsquo;t&nbsp;forget to visit Dubai Mall, the world&rsquo;s largest shopping malls! But be sure to leave plenty of space in your suitcase!&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/543219958.jpg' style=height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>EUROPE&apos;S CHRISTMAS MARKETS&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>If wrapping up warm and making the most of the winter is right up your street, why not try a European Christmas market getaway? As we all know, it is never too early to plan for Christmas and will soon put some sparkle into your festive season. Best of all, you can be sure to bag some real bargains, enjoy succulent mulled wine, winter warming food and ice skating, you name it, you will be sure to find it!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>If you just cannot decide on where to do, why not opt for something a little different, a festive river cruise? Encircling various cities across Europe, it will be sure to get you into the Christmas spirit in no time at all! Our favourite Christmas River cruise has to be the AMA Waterway&rsquo;s &ldquo;Magical Christmas Market&rdquo;, an eight-day cruise from Nuremberg to Vienna. Not only will it show you four magnificent Christmas markets, but you will also be very well looked after on-board too. It will be sure to make those cold winter nights far more enjoyable as you simply drift on by, soaking up the sensational city views</p></div>

Our recommended winter breaks

<div><p>Looking for a luxurious all-inclusive getaway? We know that sometimes, just jetting off and indulging in a&nbsp;5-star&nbsp;resort is just what the doctor ordered, so we have listed some of our favourite resorts, offering complete relaxion, sun, sea and unlimited food and drink. What more could you want?&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Whether you are looking for an adults-only getaway or a trip for the whole family, Mexico has it all. Take a look below for inspiration on destination and resorts and we will have you away in no time at all!&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>MEXICO&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Mexico,&nbsp;located&nbsp;in the southern part of North America, is renowned for its exquisite food and drinks and the buzzing festivals taking place throughout the year, including&nbsp;D&iacute;a de Muertos&nbsp;(Day of the Dead) and the&nbsp;must-see&nbsp;Carnival, taking place late February/early March. For those who love music,&nbsp;dancing&nbsp;and fireworks, this is the festival for you!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Did we also mention that Mexico is an&nbsp;all&nbsp;year-round&nbsp;country too? If you are experiencing the winter blues, look no further. Boasting long stretches of white, sandy beaches and stunning coastal resorts, we know that its Mexico you are really craving!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Here are our top three choices:&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>DREAMS RIVIERA CANCUN RESORT AND SPA&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa truly offers it all. From&nbsp;shimmering pools and tropical lush gardens to a palm-studded beach. With a staggering 486 rooms, nine gourmet restaurants and six bars, you could literally eat and drink somewhere different every single day. And what&rsquo;s more, a majority of the ground floor suites have their own private plunge pools.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With three swimming pools, a separate kids pool, two outdoor whirlpools, cookery classes and a kids club, there is plenty to do morning, noon and night&nbsp;at the Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1461092304.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>NOW SAPPHIRE RIVIERA CANCUN&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun, recently renovated, is home to 62 new suites in five new room categories, there is so much choice to be had&nbsp;now more than ever. Awarded a Traveller&rsquo;s Choice Award as being in the top 25 all-inclusive resorts in Mexico in 2018, this resort truly is world-class!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Sapphire Riviera offers gorgeous scenery with views to die for as well as every amenity under the sun including 24-hour room service, unlimited access to gourmet a la carte dining without the need to reserve, unlimited top-branded spirits, fruit juices and soft drinks, beach and pool waiter service with all taxes and gratuities free of charge &ndash; can&rsquo;t get much more impressive than that!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>As part of the renovation project, you will find the new waterpark for both children and adults where you can enjoy the three soaring slides or take the kids to the splash park. A visit here will provide you all with endless hours of fun!&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>SECRETS THE VINE CANCUN&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>For something a bit&nbsp;livelier&nbsp;and fun, we recommended Secrets the Vine, an ultra-chic and stylish resort offering top luxury from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave. With three pools and&nbsp;first-class&nbsp;spa treatments available, your days there are primarily for some&nbsp;much-needed&nbsp;pampering. Of course, no holiday is a holiday without food and&nbsp;drink,&nbsp;and you will&nbsp;definitely not&nbsp;be disappointed here. At Secrets the Vine, you can eat and drink until your hearts content with unlimited access to eight gourmet restaurants and six upmarket bars and lounges, serving premium spirits.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Perhaps your more of a wine connoisseur? If so, we recommended booking a wine tasting session. You will be a wine expert in no time if you aren&rsquo;t already!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>It&nbsp;doesn&rsquo;t&nbsp;stop there&hellip;&hellip;...&nbsp;you can also take part in dance lessons, yoga classes, water aerobics and scuba diving in the resort, giving you something new and exciting every day to experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>FIND OUT MORE&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Inspired? If so, we are on hand to create the perfect getaway for you, so get in touch with us today and we will package together your favourite Mexican resort with flights and transfers.</p></div>

Our top picks in Mexico!

<div><p>In the midst of larger countries sits a real gem, Malta, a small archipelago that lies between Sicily and the North African coast, with the&nbsp;Mediterranean Sea rippling at its gorgeous shores. Malta truly is the undiscovered treasure of the Mediterranean.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Although Malta is less explored compared to its neighbours, Malta is a destination definitely on the rise thanks to its enchanting coastline,&nbsp;stunning bays, beautiful beaches, warm weather and fascinating cultural sights. Whether you fancy relaxing on one of its pristine beaches, take part in water or land sports, indulge in delicious cuisine or simply explore the monuments and sights, you will&nbsp;certainly be spoilt for choice when holidaying in Malta.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Excited to learn more on why you should visit Malta on your next trip? We have put together information that will hopefully inspire you to make Malta your next holiday destination.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2> Embrace Malta&rsquo;s culture and history&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>The cultural sights in Malta are simply extraordinary. From the vibrant capital Valletta, filled with cathedrals and harbours and the timeless ambiance of the medieval city of&nbsp;Mdina, characterised by yellow-stoned architecture to the&nbsp;Arabic influenced neighbouring island of Gozo.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>A journey through the historical streets of the bustling capital is certainly guaranteed to draw your attention. Built between two harbours, Valletta is rich in history, where visitors can travel back in time and explore the city by foot down quaint, cobbled streets and fortified walls, appreciate the city&rsquo;s medieval and baroque architecture as well as admiring the surrounding natural beauty. Valletta in fact was awarded a UNESCO World Heritage City status as&nbsp;well as named the European Capital of Culture in 2018. Throughout the year, this is celebrated with several exhibitions and festivals.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>The medieval city of&nbsp;Mdina, located in the northern region of Malta, is a true delight worth exploring.&nbsp;Mdina&nbsp;is the&nbsp;quieter part of the island, filled with narrow cobbled streets, ancient buildings and charming restaurants. Did you know that not even cars are allowed in the medieval city, expect for those of the locals!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Malta has several churches, chapels and cathedrals&nbsp;that decorate the island with spectacular baroque architecture. An integral part of the landscape is the variety of red and silver painted domes, Malta&rsquo;s most impressive architecture treasures.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>The magnificent St John&rsquo;s Co-Cathedral, the Rotunda of Mosta&nbsp;or the Mosta Dome, a roman catholic parish church are amongst some of the top architectural highlights on the island.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Gozo, just 20 minutes away by boat is notably more relaxed and laidback than Malta as its filled with scenic hills, some of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as a calmer atmosphere.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/545800038.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>Escape to Malta&apos;s most beautiful beaches &nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Attracting tourists from all over the world, Malta is popular for those wanting to get a closer view of the islands clear and&nbsp;turquoise waters.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Paradise Bay in Malta&rsquo;s northern hammerhead peninsula is a popular choice due to its close proximity to the ferry terminal. This beach is set in a natural environment of rocky secluded surrounded and unobstructed views of both Gozo and the Comino Islands.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Ghajn&nbsp;Tuffieha, the red sandy beach is one of the top favourites on the island, especially as it is part of a Special Area of Conservation due to its unique geological features. Located just next to the famous beach is Golden Bay, a pleasant getaway location with a superb selection of bars, restaurants, sunbeams and water sports activities. With that said, if you want to avoid the disappointment of potential overcrowding, it might be worth avoided visiting this beach on the weekends.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>The&nbsp;smallest and unspoilt island of the Maltese archipelago of Comino lies the Blue Lagoon. Complete paradise with turquoise waters, making it the ideal sport for a phenomenal swimming or snorkelling experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>The chic and stylish St Julians Bay and neighbouring resort of Sliema are other top choices for those seeking an unforgettable holiday in the sun, with rocky shores, stylish marinas and a fantastic nightlife. Both of these resorts are also situated right on the doorstep of Valletta.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Mellieha Bay, Malta&rsquo;s longest sandy beach, boasts shallow and clear blue waters, making it one of the most fantastic beaches on the whole island. For those on a family holiday should take a visit to the Popeye Village, located right next to Mellieha Bay. This makes a good&nbsp;choice to take your children to as you can see where the original Popeye film was recorded as well as even the possibility of taking part in the daily filming and becoming an actor in a live action movie!&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>A different way to explore Malta&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Malta&rsquo;s coastal&nbsp;features makes it a popular destination for boat trips and diving opportunities. Why not take one of the many boat trips and tours offered around the island to the stunning caves and lagoons or even hop on a boat journey where you can explore the neighbouring islands in style.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Other popular activities on the island include diving, snorkelling and swimming. Whilst exploring the underwater life in the heart of the Mediterranean, you can also see the exceptional scenery with many species of fish such as scorpion fish, octopus, groupers, parrot fish and morays. Why not take advantage of a PADI course with one of many diving centres scattered around the island?&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>A pleasant way to explore miles of Malta&rsquo;s unspoilt coastline is by trekking on the northwest of the island where the scenery is breath-taking. This also makes an enjoyable way to explore Malta&rsquo;s idyllic landscape at your own leisure.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Maybe take a walk to upper and lower&nbsp;Barrakka&nbsp;gardens for the opportunity to absorb the truly breath-taking panoramic views as they both boast stunning open sea views, making the best place to watch a sunrise or sunset in Malta.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>For those looking for a bit more adventure whilst enjoying unique views, the main cycle route is around 22 miles in length and suitable for cyclists&nbsp;of all abilities. You will find several bike rental shops where you can rent bicycles and seek advice on the best cycle routes on the island.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/521429594.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2> What to eat&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Dotted across the island are many restaurants and snack bars offering typical Maltese cuisine. Dishes in Malta are a diverse mixture of Mediterranean, Sicilian and English influences that reflects the country&rsquo;s heritage. For a true taste of Malta, why not indulge in the popular dishes of&nbsp;Stuffat&nbsp;tal-fenek,&nbsp;Kapunata&nbsp;and Minestra. With an abundance of fish, octopus and squid are often used to make beautifully rich stews and delicious pasta sauces.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>If you want to experience superb food, ask some of the proud locals who will take pleasure in guiding you to the right places. Without a doubt, one culinary port of call is the Marsaxlokk fish markets, particularly Sunday mornings as you can see just how varied the catch is in the Maltese waters.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Renowned for its excellent wine production, the right wine is essential to accompany the superb cuisine. The primary&nbsp;wineries do in fact organise guided tours and sampling sessions, something not to be missed! Also included are wine history museums and the opportunity to sample and buy a full variety of vintages.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1337622249.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2> When to go&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Much like the rest of Europe, the&nbsp;months of June, July and August can be very hot and humid and a lot busier as it&rsquo;s the peak tourist season in Malta. The cooler periods tend to be between December and April with average temperatures around 13 degrees. Some of the benefits of visiting Malta during this time is it will certainly be a lot less crowded and it&rsquo;s the time when flights and hotels are generally at their cheapest.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Other warm months include May, September, October and November, providing an excellent climate for you to discover the&nbsp;beauty of this island.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Malta is a top holiday destination for people from all walks of life. It still remains one of the most popular holiday destinations with UK travellers. As we have a great range of all-inclusive holidays available to Malta, call us and we will be able to assist you in finding the best holiday package for you and get Malta booked today!&nbsp;</p></div>

The essential holiday guide to Malta

<div><p>It goes without saying that the island of Tenerife is a popular destination for sun, sea and sand. Home to fantastic resorts, buzzing nightlife, beachfront restaurants and sunset views to die for, Tenerife makes a pretty special holiday. Although we know that is what Tenerife is best for, we are here to tell you all about undiscovered Tenerife with its beautiful scenery, friendly culture, fine dining gastronomy scene and high levels of sustainability. Tenerife really has a lot to boast about and certainly shouldn&rsquo;t go unmissed. For those who fancy doing something a little different on your next holiday, Tenerife could possibly be your answer&hellip;.&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>EXPLORE AND ADVENTURE&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>When it comes to exploring&nbsp;Tenerife, you&nbsp;are&nbsp;spoilt for choice.&nbsp;If you can get off-the-beaten-track,&nbsp;you&rsquo;re in for a real treat&nbsp;with&nbsp;a whole array of hikes and treks on offer.&nbsp;As there is so much to choose from, we have selected just a couple of our favourite routes that will offer magnificent views.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>For starters, there are lots of easy walking trails that will show you forests, canyons, volcanic&nbsp;landscapes&nbsp;and the gorgeous coastline. One of our top favourites is the Santiago del Teide to&nbsp;Masca&nbsp;hike in the&nbsp;Teno&nbsp;Mountains, ideal for those looking to spent time appreciating the lush and rugged landscapes of the island. This point-to-point trail&nbsp;showcases&nbsp;the phenomenal&nbsp;Teno&nbsp;Mountains, a walking route that some revisit&nbsp;over and over again&nbsp;as it is also classed as an &ldquo;easy&rdquo; hike.&nbsp;Some of the&nbsp;hike&apos;s&nbsp;highlights include the unbeatable views through the mountains to the small town of&nbsp;Masca&nbsp;and the lookout point at Mirador de Cruz de Hilda with panoramic views of the surrounding areas as well as gorgeous palm trees and shrubbery. You will also find a caf&eacute; here too where you can take some&nbsp;much-needed&nbsp;time to sit back and relax whilst surrounding yourself with impressive views.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Or&nbsp;perhaps you&rsquo;re&nbsp;a keen hiker and looking for more of&nbsp;a real challenge? If so, Route 040 could be the one for you. Route 040 is a landmark hike beginning and ending on ground level at the sandy shores of Socorro beach and taking you to the highest point in Spain, peaking at a staggering 3,718 metres high! Once you reach the top, you will be amazed as you look down onto the clouds. Whilst this trek&nbsp;isn&rsquo;t&nbsp;for the faint hearted, you will be rewarded for those&nbsp;hard-earned&nbsp;steps by the sheer beauty of the trail.&nbsp;It&apos;s&nbsp;actually the&nbsp;beauty of this challenging trails that attracts so many every year. As you go, make sure you&nbsp;don&rsquo;t&nbsp;miss the protected landscape of Los&nbsp;Campeches,&nbsp;Tigaiga, Ruiz in Los&nbsp;Realejos&nbsp;and the Natural Park of Corona&nbsp;Forestal. The ideal places for a pit stop!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>By the way, when&nbsp;we say&nbsp;it&apos;s&nbsp;not for the faint hearted, we truly mean it! The entire trek covers a total of 27.7 kilometres with an average completion time of around 12 hours. If you are feeling super brave and up to the challenge, you could even run the route, taking around 4 to 6 hours.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1017714180.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>SUSTAINABLE TENERIFE&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Tenerife is a place where sustainability comes high on the list of priorities. From a dedicated walking festival to demonstrate the variety and richness of the nature and landscapes, initiatives to release turtles back into the sea&nbsp;and to &ldquo;Respect the Mountains&rdquo;, a conservation for natural spaces such as path cleaning and removing debris from the surface of the sea. Did you know Tenerife is also one of the very few destinations in the world to certify the boats who offer whale watching and carry the &ldquo;Blue Boat&rdquo; flag? The &ldquo;Blue Boat&rdquo; symbol certified their professional authorisation to carry out the activity and to ensure the staff on board know all about these fascinating mammals to help visitors in understanding their behaviour. A lot of effort goes in to making sure Tenerife is a destination that does its bit for the planet.&nbsp;So much so, that Tenerife has also been recognised as a Biosphere Sustainable Destination for its contribution and efforts to sustainability, joining 32 other destinations in achieving a Biosphere Certification as well as a Whale Heritage destination for its sustainable whale watching operations and protection of its oceans and marine life. Whilst on holiday here, there are plenty of sustainable activities&nbsp;on offer, including these mentioned above and many more so you can add your own contribution to this great cause.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1264675861.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2> TENERIFE&rsquo;S FOOD SCENE&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>For most of us, we all enjoy dining out on&nbsp;holiday,&nbsp;right?&nbsp;Well,&nbsp;if&nbsp;that&rsquo;s&nbsp;a yes, you will be in for a real treat in Tenerife as its not short of a restaurant or two. Whether you choose to head to&nbsp;well-known&nbsp;hotspots or prefer to discover somewhere new, there are a couple of things that you simply must try!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>A popular dish with locals is Papas&nbsp;Arrugadas&nbsp;(otherwise known as wrinkled potatoes). Potatoes boiled in lots of sea salt water for around 30 minutes before being roasted so the skin wrinkles and creates a crusting of salt. This dish may be simple, but potatoes grown in Tenerife are packed full of flavour thanks to its rich volcanic soil. These tasty appetisers can be found in many restaurants in Tenerife so make sure you give them a try. Fish is a staple dish on many small islands and Tenerife is no exception. With fisherman delivering all manners of fresh fish to restaurants on a daily basis, you will have the latest catch that very same evening. From sardines, pollock and grouper. If you are looking for something super authentic and traditional,&nbsp;try&nbsp;At&uacute;n&nbsp;en&nbsp;adobo,&nbsp;marinated tuna&nbsp;with herbs and spices overnight before frying &ndash; simply divine! You certainly won&rsquo;t struggle to find wonderful fish dishes in Tenerife from seafront spots with&nbsp;a&nbsp;relaxing atmosphere to those right in the hustle and bustle of it all. Now&nbsp;let&rsquo;s&nbsp;not forget the wine! Some say that Tenerife&rsquo;s best kept secret is its wine. You will find a few incredible wineries to choose from including Bodegas&nbsp;Monje&nbsp;and Bodega&nbsp;Reveron&nbsp;where you will be able to sample some of the island&rsquo;s gorgeous dry whites and smoothy reds.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/547038636.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>ALL YEAR-ROUND SUN&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>And finally, another thing we love about Tenerife is its climate. With mild winters and hot summers,&nbsp;whether you are looking to escape the dark winter months or prefer a summer holiday, Tenerife is the ideal destination for all year round.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>CONTACT US TO FIND OUT MORE&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>We are on hand to help package together the perfect Tenerife holiday for you&ndash; so whether you would like to find out more, seek some expert advice, or you&rsquo;re ready to book your next holiday, get in touch with us and we&rsquo;ll do all of the hard work for you</p></div>

Undiscovered Tenerife

<div><p>As you may already know, there has been a growing trend of people booking their holidays later and later over the last few years. What is most&nbsp;surprising is actually how late many people are leaving it. Holiday searches tend to peak around two to three weeks prior to the school summer holidays, particularly early July, but also just before Easter. If you fall into this category, are you actually&nbsp;looking for the &ldquo;best&rdquo; deals?&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>Spain&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>One of the good old favourites for a last-minute deal is the Costa del Sol as you will be sure to find something that suits everyone in the family. For many years now, Costa del Sol has been welcoming thousands of visitors to its shores and it&apos;s not difficult to try and understand why as its famously known for its white sandy beaches for pure relaxation and a majority of the resorts offer top class kids clubs.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/545274714.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>Turkey&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>With so much to offer from vibrant bazaars, exhilarating waterparks and rare loggerhead turtles, Turkey has become a widely popular destination, especially over the last few years. Tour operators are really selling Turkey, with two specific places that seem to offer fantastic deals; the Dalaman region and Marmaris.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>The Dalaman region in particular really does offer something for everyone with miles of stunning sandy beaches, gorgeous scenery, cities bursting with culture and ancient ruins. Some may prefer the sound of Marmaris, a superb place to visit with&nbsp;its magical turquoise trails and mud bath beaches. Although the number of visitors is rising significantly, Marmaris has remained relatively untouched.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>Greece&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>From the rugged inland mountains where bikers and hikers enjoy the slow pace to secluded sandy beaches where you will only hear the sea lapping gently against the shore. Holidays to Corfu will thrill almost every type of traveller. Although it is commonly known as one of Greece&rsquo;s famous party islands, lush green Corfu has so much more to offer than its buzzing party scene. Before you set off on your holiday to Corfu, be sure to find out what will be on as you can experience traditional Corfu by getting involved with the locals or even attending a special event or festival.</p></div>

Where to find a great deal if you are a late booker

<div><p>You simply can&rsquo;t beat a beach holiday in the Mediterranean as they have something for everyone. Ranging from beaches, villas, the opportunity to explore their local culture, indulge in delicious local cuisine and getting active with a whole array of water sports. Most would assume that Greece, Portugal and Spain are the destinations to book for Mediterranean sunshine, however, it&apos;s certainly worth venturing further afield with Turkey making a welcoming return and Croatia growing in popularity every year. &nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>Turkey makes a welcome return</h2></div><div><p>In 2018 Mark Warner returned to Turkey with the new Phokaia Beach Resort, situated 60 miles north of Izmir airport in the northern part of the Aegean region, near to the quaint local town of Foca.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Foca&rsquo;s harbour and narrow cobbled streets boast lovely old restores stone buildings and enticing restaurants. In total, there are six small islands facing Foca. Amongst these are Orak and Incir, also known as the Siren&rsquo;s Rocks, mentioned in Homer&rsquo;s Odyssey.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Two must see historical sites include the iconic Pergamon and Ephesus, around 60 miles south and 90 miles north from Foca, both of which are listed on Mark Warner&rsquo;s excursion programme. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Fronted by a beach curving around a secluded bay, Phokaia is the ideal spot, sheltered by an offshore island. The nearby offshore breeze is perfect for water sports from windsurfing and sailing to wakeboarding and water skiing. Other popular activities include a cycling programme with both mountain and road bikes, tennis, kayaking, paddle-boarding, a full programme of classes from yoga to the lighthearted Zumba Bollywood and exciting events such as social tennis and beach volleyball, played whilst holiday a beer!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>For those looking for more of a relaxation experience, unwind and pamper yourself in the wellness area where you will find a sauna, sky gym, Turkish hammam, indoor heated pool and a spa with five separate treatment rooms. Please note, any massages and treatments are not included in the packages and will be at a separate cost. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Childcare is a pillar of the Mark Warner brand, backed by qualified British nannies and families will certainly be well looked after. Ranging from four months old to 17 years of age, everyone is catered for. Childcare is complimentary for those aged between 2 and 17 and chargeable for babies aged four months to two years. Ranging from Baby Club and Toddler Club to Indy Club for the older ones, activity-focused day clubs provide free evening care and entertainment for the older ones and a supervised evening listening service for the younger ones. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With two restaurants and adjacent bars, dining options here are good or you could even head into nearby Foca for those wishing to indulge in delicious traditional cuisine. The reflection of the presence of ethnic communities in Izmir is reflected in the superb seafood they have to offer, with mezes of prawns, scallops, crab and squid, accompanied with the most significant condiments such as garlic and olive oil. One of Izmir&rsquo;s charming features is the tradition of a flower for every season; artichoke for spring, zucchini blossoms for summer and figs for the autumn, all incorporated into their seasonal dishes. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Why not take a look at the Phokaia beach resort to find out more?&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1408889595.jpg'></p></div><div><h2>Or how about Croatia</h2></div><div><p>For almost a decade, Croatia was all but forgotten following the war in the 90s, that saw the break-up of Yugoslavia, but today, it is now firmly back on the summer destination map. With its gorgeous coastline and unspoilt nature, Croatia is home to eight national parks and beautifully preserved centuries-old harbour towns, offering a less commercial take on a sun, sea and sand holiday, one that would expect that in Greece or Spain. So where exactly should you head to?&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Croatia&rsquo;s main attraction has to be its stunning coastline, measuring 3,600 miles in total, if you also count the gorgeous islands, which are said to be more than a thousand. Unlike many other seaside destinations, Croatia has very little sand. With that said, its greyish-white rocks and pebbles means that the waters are exceptionally clear and great visibility for snorkelling. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With its warm Mediterranean climate, the coastal region also benefits from an ever-changing selection of fresh seasonal produce, particularly an abundance of flavoursome tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and courgettes throughout the summer. Truffles are in fact the local delicacy in inland Istria with truffle hunting taking place during the autumn. Famed for their fresh Adriatic seafood, Istria and Dalmatia is where you will find a host of dishes based on shellfish as well as barbecued fresh fish, traditionally gilthead bream or sea bass. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Some of Croatia&rsquo;s best-preserved and most valuable architectural monuments and urban complexes are actually UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Dubrovnik Old Town featuring magnificent medieval walls, Split Old Town, focusing on Diocletian&rsquo;s Palace built by the retired Roman Emperor, Trogir Old Town filled with medieval houses and a Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, the 6th century Euphrasian Basilica with spectacular Byzantine mosaics in Porec and the 15th century Gothic-Renaissance Cathedral in Sibenik. &nbsp;</p><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/629801448.jpg'></p></div><div><p>For those wanting something a bit more active and adventurous, some of Croatia&rsquo;s most striking mountain ranges have been designated as a National Park, including Risnjak, Paklenica National Park and North Velebit, of which are all criss-crossed by a network of hiking paths. Other added attractions include mountain biking, rock climbing and caving as well as rafting and canyoning notable down the River Cetina and River Zrmanja, both located in Dalmatia. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With Prestige Holidays you can stay nearby Trogir, an old town that is a completely pedestrianised historical walled city and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. With beautiful, cobbled streets suddenly leading onto glorious piazzas and squares, of which you hadn&rsquo;t noticed before. The original stone gates are still standing alongside many Venetian palaces and the renowned cathedral and bell tower. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Across the bridge on Ciovo island, there are also some lovely pebbly beaches. Split is also just a short 30-minute journey by bus or a relaxing hour by boat, both offering a regular and reliable service. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>As always if you are inspired to take a trip to either Turkey or Croatia or even anywhere else for that matter, please do get in touch.&nbsp;</p></div>

Beach holidays in the Med, something for everyone

<p>Having visited the island of Cyprus at least twenty times and throughout different seasons, I can honestly testify that Cyprus is a &ldquo;year-round island&rdquo; as many others have claimed. There is so much to do throughout the year, whether that is mountain walks, visiting historical sites, eating local cuisine or swimming in crystal clear waters.&nbsp;</p><p>I have had the privilege of staying in numerous parts of Cyprus over the years and in my opinion, Protaras has the best beaches, particularly as it is famous for its protected nature park at Cape Greco. Here you will often see both tourists and locals leaping off the cliffs and into the sea.&nbsp;</p><p>As a child, we used to travel on a local fisherman&rsquo;s boat to Cape Greco where he would always stop to serve us halloumi cheese and watermelon. Then he would give us bread and tell us to put the bread in our mouth and get into the sea. Within seconds it was evidently clear why, as all the fish swarmed around us and even eating the bread from our mouths!&nbsp;</p><p>Larnaca is a great option for those who want to stay near the airport. However, the sea here is not as clear as it is in Protaras. The sea in Larnaca is still incredible though and Cyprus as a whole has been voted to have some of the cleanest beaches in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>One of the most famous beaches in the area is Mackenzie Beach. As it is in such close proximity to Larnacs Airport, you are even able to watch the planes flying really low as they come into land&hellip;. It may not be quite like Maho Beach in St.Maarten, but it is still thrilling and exciting! Finikoudes is also another popular beach running along the main promenade. Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque is also in the Larnaca region, and it stands out from the surrounding landscape like a mirage against the renowned Salt Lake, where during the winter, you can see flamingos as they come here to breed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>If you are holidaying in Cyprus to escape your daily chores, then Paphos is the perfect choice. Served by Paphos Airport, it is relatively easy to reach and here in Paphos you will be able to visit the birthplace of Aphrodite, known locally as Petra tou Romiou. There is a myth that says if you swim around the rock three times, you will meet the love of your life, however, I do not recommend it as the sea is not as calm here in comparison to other places. Paphos is also home to exquisite hotels, striking scenery and several ancient historical sites such as the Tomb of the Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, the whole city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. If you are staying in Paphos, this iconic feature is certainly one not to be missed!&nbsp;</p><p>Throughout the summer season, Limassol is extremely popular and filled with tourists. With its long main strip lined with chic and stylish beach bars, restaurants, hotels and newly build marina and shopping mall, it is almost impossible to get bored here! Just a short distance from Limassol is the world-famous ancient site of the Kourion, a large open-air amphitheatre situated on a hill and offering outstanding scenic views and incredibly well-preserved mosaics. The amphitheatre is still in use today to put on plays during the warmer summer months.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Cyprus is stereotypically seen as a summer holiday destination however; the Cyprus Tourism Organisation suggests that Cyprus is a &ldquo;year-round island&rdquo; and not just for a summer break. It is recommended to visit the capital city in the cooler months where it is filled with both an ancient and modern history. The old city of Nicosia is a very charming place filled with many family-run restaurants and small bars, offering a great atmosphere whether you are a local or just visiting.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Another popular place to visit during the winter months is the mountainous region of Troodos, where you can ski here during the middle of winter. In fact, the snow has even come up to my waist in higher parts of the mountain in the past.&nbsp;</p><p>The small village of Kakopetria, located further down the mountains, is the perfect place to go if you want to experience the true Cypriot way of life. With local women sat outside their house selling everything from handwoven lace to jars of homemade jam, it&rsquo;s a scene that could have easily been lifted straight off a postcard. With its stone buildings, cobbled streets and streams running through its lush greenery, it&rsquo;s a very charming place that will really make you feel like you are experiencing the villages traditional way of life.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>From the hospitality of the local people, the world-famous cuisine, the unique heritage and the sheer diversity of this island, it would be difficult to come away feeling underwhelmed. With such an array of activities, the whole family will enjoy a holiday to Cyprus, whether they just want to chill and relax on the beach, delve into the islands rich and profound history at ancient sites or indulge in world-class cuisine.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Cyprus the year-round island

<div><p>Finding the ideal recipe for a family holiday can be challenging at times as both adults and children&rsquo;s needs are often at the opposite ends of the ladder. A perfect family holiday has to have something for all members of the family to enjoy, lots of moments together and memories guaranteed to outlive those blissful days in the sun. We are here with all the help and advice you need to plan that perfect and much-needed time away with your loved ones.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With an array of fantastic destinations with first-class resorts, you are well and truly spoilt for choice on where is good for everyone to enjoy. Providing much needed relaxation for adults along with activities to benefit children in a safe and secure environment,&nbsp;we know all the best spots as we have been&nbsp;very&nbsp;fortunate to try a few of them ourselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>If over the last few years, you have exhausted many options available within the UK, it is exciting to know that this summer you can venture further out and discover something new altogether. Whether that be re-acquainting yourself with your favourite European destination, indulge in al fresco dining, getting active in the fresh air or water or even perhaps a long-haul destination may be on the agenda? With the return stress-free travel, here are a number of our favourite destinations providing you with a truly memorable family escape in the sun this summer.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>GREECE&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Stretching into the Aegean and Ionian paradise waters, Greece and its stunning islands are the perfect place for your next family holiday. Whilst the Greek coastline offers endless mind-blowing views, inland is filled with olive groves and rustic architecture, making the ideal setting for a family adventure. Whether you decide to rent a private villa or staying at an all-inclusive to manage your spending, you will be guaranteed fun for the entire family.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With many child-friendly resorts with kid&rsquo;s clubs, sports centres, eco playgrounds and climbing walls, Greece promises to keep children both young and old fully occupied whilst you sit back and relax. With many fantastic beach-front hotels in Crete, Corfu and Zakynthos, you have the option to move between the pool, area and the beach without any difficulty. Why not take a day off the beach and join a yacht trip, snorkelling tour or even go on a day trip, encouraging young learners to see just how impressive the ancient Greeks were for themselves.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Besides excellent accommodation options and resort facilities, Greece never fails to entice visitors with its traditional and authentic charm and summer sun from May all the way through to September, or even sometimes in October! Explore quaint fishing harbours, town squares&nbsp;and farmland or even take a stroll around the shops whilst the kids devour an ice cream and try out local tavernas. With so many Greek islands, you could certainly go back again and again and always find somewhere new to explore!&nbsp;</p></div><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/920998664.jpg'style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>SPAIN&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Welcoming millions of visitors every year,&nbsp;mainland Spain and its island havens including the Balearics and the Canary Islands certainly spoilt you for choice with&nbsp;an&nbsp;array of family-friendly hotels, apartments and villas packed with wonderful amenities for both children and adults. Why not spend time at the pool area with a book whilst the children have fun playing in the water, making friends or even check in for a day in the spa whilst they are having a fantastic time in the&nbsp;kid&apos;s&nbsp;club.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>For those who are&nbsp;keener&nbsp;on hiring a private villa, you will certainly be able to find both traditional and modern family villas in idyllic settings, boasting private pools and shady outside space for al fresco dining,&nbsp;reading&nbsp;and even playing games. Private villas are usually equipped with air-conditioning and all the mod-cons necessary to&nbsp;keep in touch&nbsp;with loved ones or surf the net when you need a break from the heat.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>If you are a family who&nbsp;might struggle to get your children away from the pool,&nbsp;you will be delighted to know that&nbsp;there are some superb water parks for a family filled fun day out along with many other activities that you can enjoy as a family, from paddle boarding and cycling tours to historical places of interest including Roman ruins, medieval churches, museums and art galleries.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>If you do a bit of research beforehand, you may have the benefit of experiencing a local fiesta during your visit. These street parties see all generations coming together, so don&rsquo;t worry about taking your children as they will love it just as much as you!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>For those who can&rsquo;t fit in a fiesta will notice that the Spanish are very family-focused, making it possible to dine out with children of all ages and a fun experience. Fresh and tasty food in Greece in Spain is surprisingly low in cost so make sure you sample local, traditional dishes, even if you do opt for an all-inclusive stay.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/186595256.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>THE CARIBBEAN&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Family holidays in the Caribbean can be anything you want them to be whether that&rsquo;s spending quality time together on a blissful, palm-fringed beach, hiking in the jungle on one of many trails or visiting colonial and pre-Colombian places of interest.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>For those with a love of Nature should consider islands such as Tobago and Dominica where the marine life and lush tropical forests will inspire young explorers. Families who prefer resorts will find Jamaica and the Dominican Republic both have fantastic options for them with facilities for both adults and children.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>The Caribbean calm waters, sensational snorkelling and diving spots and reliable winds, make the Caribbean a paradise haven for kite surfers and scuba divers in particular. The clear, shallow waters mixed with regular, gentle winds make conditions safe and the ideal way for children to be introduced to these activities. Whilst the British Virgin Islands and the Caymans are world-known for peace, tranquillity and relaxation, there is plenty of adventure to be had here with the British Virgin Islands perfect for sailing and the Caymans have phenomenal diving opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>If you want to experience a more authentic and local touch, stay in family-run beachfront hotels or guest houses and hit one of the local spice markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Hiring a car allows you to explore the coast and uncover&nbsp;a variety of beaches from pebbly, volcanic black sand to white powdered sand, with plenty of things to do on and away from the coast. There is so much that you will find it hard fitting everything into one holiday! It goes without saying, the Caribbean really does know how to put on all-inclusive. If you would like to rock up and be served morning, noon and night, then you have certainly come to the right place.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>WANT TO FIND OUT MORE?&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Hopefully we have managed to inspire you to start thinking about your next family holidays in the sunshine. Get in touch as we will be happy to share our own top tips and recommendations on these destinations in help of finding the perfect summer break for you and your family!&nbsp;</p></div>

Sunny days are just a booking away!

<div><p>When it comes to summer holidays, we are spoilt for choice! Only a few hours flight away, and you will reach the turquoise blue waters, gorgeous white sands and a variety of culture that differs to our own. Two destinations that stand out from the crowd as Corfu and Croatia. You may ask yourself why so let us tell you&hellip;&hellip;&nbsp;</p><h2>CORFU, GREECE&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>It is no surprise that an old time favourite, Corfu, is one of our top recommendations for a summer getaway. Surely with their delicious cuisine, incomparable sandy beaches, quaint picturesque villages and warm climate is enough to inspire anyone? We believe so but there is more to the Greek island than what you can see in front of you and that is what we are about to tell you!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><b>Ancient ruins you need to see</b>&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With over 3,000 years of history to get to grips&nbsp;within&nbsp;Corfu, the Temple of Artemis in the ancient city of&nbsp;Korkyra, the Monument of&nbsp;Menekratis&nbsp;in&nbsp;Garitsa&nbsp;and the ancient site of&nbsp;Palaopolis, all very much revealing the islands unique history. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>What&rsquo;s more, take a visit to these iconic monuments and you will have the chance to get to know the local cities and towns too. Be sure to stop over at some of the local restaurants where you will be given the true flavour for authentic life in Corfu, a million miles away from your holiday resort.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><b>The greenest of the Greek islands</b>&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>One of the things we love about Corfu is it&rsquo;s the greenest of the Greek islands (and there are thousands of them!). Corfu, commonly known as the &ldquo;Emerald Island&rdquo; for its mesmerising vineyards, gorgeous mountain peaks&nbsp;and simply for having the prettiest shades of green, turning the island into an emerald heaven. Although, Corfu is not to be confused with Ireland.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><b>Rural villages</b>&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>You will not be short of rural villages on the island and all of them are gorgeous and beautifully authentic in their own traditional way. As much as you would love to visit them all, if you only get time to visit one,&nbsp;Paleokastritsa&nbsp;should be at the very top of your list. Here you will find everything you need from charming tavernas, gorgeous blue bay and six beaches, where you can sit back, relax and soak it all in. You will also come across the 13th&nbsp;century&nbsp;Theot&oacute;kou&nbsp;monastery here,&nbsp;with many considering it to be the main focal point of cultural interest. With culture and scenery blended in together, what more could you ask for?&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/609917794.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>CROATIA&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Over the last couple of years, Croatia has seen a soar in visitors and its evidently clear why&nbsp;as&nbsp;it has recently been named as one of the top three most beautiful and affordable travel destinations. We believe Croatia has everything you are looking for in a holiday; beaches, national parks and historical cities, as well as many opportunities for island hopping. As Croatia is still a destination that is increasing its tourism, we highly recommended you travel sooner rather than later. We are happy to share with you our tips on the best places to visit.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><b>Plitvice Lakes National Park</b>&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Not only is Plitvice Lakes National Park&nbsp;the most&nbsp;popular national park&nbsp;in Croatia,&nbsp;but some&nbsp;also consider it as Europe&rsquo;s most breath-taking natural wonder. Imagine magnificent waterfalls, sixteen electric blue lakes and a forested canyon. Sounds phenomenal right? With boardwalks,&nbsp;trails&nbsp;and shuttles for the less active, it is certainly set up for tourists too. You also&nbsp;have the opportunity to&nbsp;row across the stunning calm waters! Whichever&nbsp;option&nbsp;you go for, we have no doubt that it will be a memory to last a lifetime.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><b>Historical Dubrovnik</b>&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>The historical city on the sea really does have it all. Filled with century-old forts, an Old Town home to a collection of baroque style buildings, enticing cliff views and even a beach, Dubrovnik is considered as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Do we need to say anymore?&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>To see this beautiful city as its best, take a cable car ride to the peak of Mount&nbsp;Srd&nbsp;where you can fully appreciate your surroundings. You may even see some of the Game of Thrones filming locations too! Located near to many of the islands of Croatia, Dubrovnik is the perfect place to begin your Croatian adventure. We highly recommend you begin and end your trip here, with some visits to your favourite&nbsp;islands&nbsp;on the way.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><b>Bustling Split</b>&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>From the outside, you will be faced with an imposing walled fortress, but inside, its bursting with a vibrant atmosphere no matter what time of the day it is. Life simply doesn&rsquo;t stop buzzing in Split! Here you will find chic and stylish bars, restaurants and shops in tiny narrow streets, ones that you could wander around for hours on end, some even get lost, but that&rsquo;s more of an opportunity to sample their local wine, we say!&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>CORFU AND GREECE WITH ADVANTAGE HOLIDAYS          &nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>You will find some truly incredible holidays to Corfu and Greece, anything from a 3-star break on the beach to a 5-star luxury holiday, or even combining excursions, cities and beaches together as anything is possible! &nbsp;Whenever and wherever you want to go, contact us today and we will create a holiday with memories lasting a lifetime!&nbsp;</p></div>

Sunshine and cultural delights await you in Corfu and Croatia

<p>So, are we all in agreement? We&rsquo;d all prefer to be on the beach in January? Averaging a positively balmy 24c, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada will definitely warm you up this winter. January is a great time to visit the Red Sea resorts with the warm weather and cooler evenings attracting us freezing northern Europeans like bees to honey.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Not quite sure whether to head to Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh? Would one suit you more than the other? The truth is both of these stunning Red Sea destinations feature amazing qualities. Visit Hurghada if you&rsquo;re in need of a pause, simply unplug and chill&hellip;it&rsquo;s time to relax.&nbsp; Hurghada is crammed full of luxury resorts and tips it&rsquo;s hat to the discerning. Whereas Sharm El Sheikh seeks out the thrill seekers and partygoers as well as the couples and families. If you&rsquo;re happiest in the water then both destinations offer a plethora of water activities in the warm crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea - swim, snorkel, scuba dive, jet ski, water ski, boat trip, speed boats, doughnuts and paragliding are all available in these destinations. Did we mention the water parks? Release your inner child on the slides.&nbsp;</p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1004769420.jpg' style='height:827px; width:1241px'><p>If you&rsquo;re a night-owl or looking for a lively night out, then head over to Sharm El Sheikh&rsquo;s Soho Square. You&rsquo;ll find a great range of clubs and bars with sets often headed up by some of the world&rsquo;s best DJ&rsquo;s. It&rsquo;s not all about chilling in Hurghada, there is some great nightlife to be found if you&rsquo;re looking to liven things up a bit.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Like a sunset? Head over to Farsha caf&eacute; as the views are sensational, luxuriate in this beautiful venue and settle in for the sunset&hellip;maybe a little Instagram post too.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br />Temp your taste buds, a holiday in Egypt means diving into the local dishes, both destinations have some great local restaurants serving up some real favourites - Konafa (a traditional desert usually taken during Ramadan), Hamam Mahsh (stuffed pigeon), Tarb (Grilled Kofta Wrapped in Lamb Fat) and Mahshy (Stuffed Veggies).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/iStock-147258087.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'><p>So, which to choose? Chill and unplug then Hurghada. Family fun and a livelier evening then head off to Sharm El Sheikh.&nbsp;</p>

Egypt, Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada ?

<div><p>With plenty of sunshine all year round, Cyprus is a great place to visit during the winter months, with the added benefit of no crowds! The ideal time in winter to travel to Cyprus is&nbsp;between&nbsp;October and November, although the heart of the summer sun gone, there are still plenty of sunbathing opportunities to be had. The overall climate is very pleasant for getting out and about and exploring the island.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Many of the island&rsquo;s hotels are dotted around&nbsp;Paphos&nbsp;and Limassol. These resorts are certainly where you will find the action. With that said, there are also quieter resorts as well as a well worth visit to the hidden gem,&nbsp;Pissouri&nbsp;Beach. The beach area has in fact developed considerably since the beginning of the 1980s from a jetty with one small taverna, into what it is today.&nbsp;The resort has managed to retain a Cypriot atmosphere and here is where the local Cypriots visit on Sundays to mingle with visitors who are enjoying the beach and the bay. The beach here is clean, safe, partly sandy and partly shingle, calm waters, excellent for swimming as well as a number of water sports activities available throughout the summer. Around three miles west of&nbsp;Pissouri&nbsp;sits the world-famous Aphrodite&rsquo;s Rock.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>For those with a passion to explore ancient ruins, will be spoilt for choice in Cyprus. One of the most significant archaeological sites of the island are the renowned &ldquo;Tombs of the Kings&rdquo;, forming part of the Archaeological Park of Kato&nbsp;Pafos. Since 1980, it has also been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. The monumental underground tombs are carved out of solid rock, dating back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Rather than the kings, it is actually&nbsp;high-ranking&nbsp;officials and&nbsp;royalty who were buried here. The phenomenal size and richness of the tombs gave the locality its grand name. With some elaborately decorated with Doric pillars, it is well worth a visit. To really do it justice, we recommended you all a morning or an afternoon to ensure you&nbsp;don&rsquo;t&nbsp;miss anything vital! During the summer peak, it will be incredibly hot so definitely one to may be save for a visit to Cyprus during the spring or autumn.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>The&nbsp;Kourion, an archaeological site not too far from&nbsp;Paphos, includes very impressive mosaic floors. The &ldquo;House of&nbsp;Eustolios&rdquo; is a modest sized private villa and its remains consist of four panels of stunning 5th&nbsp;century mosaic floors in the central room and a bathing complex, situated on the higher level. A roof structure also allows visitors to enjoy the site all year round and to explore its remains. Besides the &ldquo;House of&nbsp;Eustolios&rdquo;, there are additionally impressive mosaic floors found in the &ldquo;House of Achilles&rdquo; and the &ldquo;House of the Gladiators&rdquo;. The villas are in fact named after the scenes that are illustrated on the mosaics.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>How many of you know that Cyprus is famous for its wine? One of the best ways to enjoy this gorgeous rural countryside is by exploring a&nbsp;selection&nbsp;of wine routes. Driving is&nbsp;relatively easy&nbsp;on the island as they also drive on the&nbsp;left-hand&nbsp;side. Such routes include&nbsp;Kolossi&nbsp;Castle, originally built during the 13th&nbsp;century and rebuilt in the 15th&nbsp;century in its present form.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Following the fall of Acre in 1291,&nbsp;Kolossi&nbsp;Castle served as the Grand Commandery of Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. During the 14th&nbsp;century, it then came under the domain of the Knights Templar.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>The knights produced and exported a sweet wine&nbsp;during their stay in Cyprus, now known as the &ldquo;vin de&nbsp;Commanderie&rdquo;.&nbsp;Commandaria&nbsp;wine today is one of the island&rsquo;s traditional wines and one of the oldest named wines in the world, having had the same name for eight centuries.&nbsp;Commandaria&nbsp;wine is similar to a dessert wine and often best served chilled.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>It is also worth venturing into the Troodos Mountains, particularly during the summer as they are an escape into the cool heart of the island. Resembling an amphitheatre, the high village of&nbsp;Platres&nbsp;is exceptionally unique with the lower part of the village having one altitude and the upper part having another, separating it into&nbsp;Pano&nbsp;(upper) and Kato (lower)&nbsp;Platres. It is an unusually popular holiday destination, offering accommodation in quaint hotels. Besides its nature trails,&nbsp;Platres&nbsp;is also home to Caledonia, one of the highest waterfalls in Cyprus. Believed to be named by English or Scottish visitors in 1878, the village is also filled with charming old buildings as well as a winery in Kato&nbsp;Platres.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Scattered all over the Troodos Mountains are beautifully painted churches with many of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Although they are not especially striking from the outside and nothing like the domed cathedrals you will find on the coast or in Greece, they actually look more like a barn than a church or chapel. The true wonder only becomes evident once you get inside. Every inch is covered with paintings such as icons of haloed saints and saintly kings, tales of Jesus, illustrated as a kind of pious comic book for the&nbsp;illiterate and scenes from the lives and deaths of impassive martyrs. Make sure you can try and take a look at a few whilst you are driving around.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With so much to see and do, it is well worth considering visiting Cyprus outside of the summer season where you can truly discover all this Mediterranean island has to offer.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1391080242.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>Here are some more winter sun options for consideration: </h2></div><div><p>For those wanting a more&nbsp;of a&nbsp;chilled-out&nbsp;kind of&nbsp;break, take a visit to the beaches in&nbsp;the Cape Verde&nbsp;islands as these islands are the idyllic place to be.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>How about a wander around&nbsp;La Palma? It is&nbsp;pretty hard&nbsp;to beat the National Park of Caldera de&nbsp;Taburiente&nbsp;with its dramatic volcanic landscape, pine woods and banana groves,&nbsp;located&nbsp;in the lesser-known&nbsp;Canary Island&nbsp;of La Palma.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With an expanding network of quiet roads, it&nbsp;means cycling in the Atlas Mountains&nbsp;is&nbsp;becoming increasingly easy&nbsp;where you can&nbsp;explore this sensational region of Morocco by bike.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>During the winter months, there are very few destinations that can match Lanzarote. With reliably warm weather, plenty of good quality family accommodations and private villas, Lanzarote is a top winter sun destination.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>How about Antiguan hillside hideaway? The peak season in the Caribbean is&nbsp;February so&nbsp;make sure you book your flights sooner rather than later. Easter prices are&nbsp;similar,&nbsp;and airfares might be slightly cheaper.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>There are few European cities that enough a winter climate as warm as sunny in Seville. Have you thought about a boutique hotel stay in Seville where you can explore fascinating historical sights, exquisite cuisine and a lively contemporary culture?&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Whatever takes your fancy for a winter sun getaway, contact us today and we can get you booked in!&nbsp;</p></div>

Cyprus - the ideal place for a spot of winter sun!

<div><p>When it comes to choosing Greece as a holiday destination, many will be automatically drawn to the iconic Greek islands, however, Greece also offers lovers of nature, countless, all&nbsp;year-round&nbsp;activities in some outstandingly beautiful outdoor locations. Besides its status as a top destination for sun and sea holidays, visitors to Greece can certainly opt for alternative experiences&nbsp;for&nbsp;active adventures across both the mainland and the idyllic islands. For those&nbsp;who&nbsp;love being outdoors,&nbsp;you&nbsp;can pick&nbsp;your&nbsp;favourite activity or&nbsp;maybe&nbsp;try&nbsp;something new and immerse yourself in truly breath-taking scenery, unique gastronomic&nbsp;traditions&nbsp;and the country&rsquo;s rich cultural heritage.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>&nbsp;CYCLING IN KOS &amp; KALAMATA&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Exploring Kos maybe the idea of heaven, particularly with cyclists as this island is a bicycle friendly destination, even earning itself the nickname &ldquo;the cycling island&rdquo; as a result of its exceptional conditions for cyclists of all skill levels. Another gem of a destination for road cyclists of all ages and abilities is Kalamata. So much so, that Kalamata hosted the &ldquo;Jeroboam Kalamata Gravel Challenge&rdquo; in 2020, sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism. This cycling challenge is all about discovering new places, having fun along the journey and meeting new people. Kalamata is the perfect place to explore on two wheels whether its participating in the challenge, or simply enjoying the roads at your own leisure. &nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>CLIMBING METEORA & KALYMNOS</h2></div><div><p>Malymnos has become something of a mecca over the last few decades, particularly with climbers as its home to thousands of routes for everyone to enjoy, providing sensational Aegean views. On the Greek mainland, the unmissable stunning form formation, Meterora, can be found, one of the largest and most hastily constructed Eastern Orthodox monasteries. Not only is Meteora classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it is also a world-class destination for rock climbing enthusiasts. For those visiting Meteora and want to participate in lesser-known activities, can take part in a unique experience &ndash; truffle hunting! &nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1389134802.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>MUSHROOM HUNTING IN ZAGORI &amp; GREVENA&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>For those who want to search for something slightly different, should visit&nbsp;Zagori&nbsp;and&nbsp;Grevena, two of the best places to visit for mushroom hunting!&nbsp;Zagori&nbsp;is a remarkably unspoilt area in Greece, boasting prolific landscapes and excellent architecture. The finest&nbsp;season&nbsp;for mushroom hunting is either&nbsp;autumn or spring as the rain and mild temperatures favour their growth. As a result of this, you will be treated to an abundance of mushroom varieties of excellent quality, thanks to&nbsp;Zagori&rsquo;s&nbsp;large natural forest and its diversity of its vegetation. Considered by many as not only the &ldquo;mushroom capital of Greece&rdquo;,&nbsp;but also a hotspot for mushroom lovers from all over the world is&nbsp;Grevena. Home to mushrooms foraging in the rich and wild nature of&nbsp;Grevena&nbsp;is&nbsp;a truly unique&nbsp;experience, combining use of knowledge,&nbsp;recreation&nbsp;and physical activity in the great outdoors.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/670079452.jpg'></p><div><h2>&nbsp;MOUNT PELION &amp; SAMARIA GORGE&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Hikers won&rsquo;t be able to resist the exceptional views and fantastic trails up Mount Pelion, the mountain of mythical centaurs in Thessaly, northern Greece. With its soft slopes and easily accessible peaks, Mount Pelion is a popular destination for both climbers and hikers as well as plenty of other routes and trails, ideal for horseback riding and mountain biking. The incredible network of hiking trails at Mount Pelion can only be compared to the sensational Samaria Gorge in Crete, undoubtedly one of the longest and most epic hikes in all of Europe. The Samaria Gorge has a spectacular and unique ecology due to its isolated mountainous terrain, surrounded by the Samaria National Park. The park itself was created in 1962 in order to protect endangered species such as the Cretan Mountain goat, also known as Kri-Kri as well as their sustaining ecosystems. &nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>WATER SPORTS&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>It is no surprising that Greece offers exceptional opportunities for water sports, particularly with its miles of spectacular coastline. Visitors to both the islands and the mainland can indulge in excellent diving in the pristine Aegean waters. When it comes to unmissable Greek diving spots, Alonissos and Amorgos are guaranteed to be at the top of the list. Alonissos, in the northern Sporades, is home to the largest natural marine park in the Mediterranean, providing first-class diving experiences and a trip to Greece&rsquo;s first underwater museum on the island of Peristera. A visit here may also give you the possibility of spotting resident monk seals amongst plenty of other fascinating marine life! As Greece is renowned for its tradition of sponge divers, Amorgos became the ideal backdrop for the movie &ldquo;The Big Blue&rdquo; by director Luc Besson. Since then, its enchanting waters have been a major attraction. Saying that, it doesn&rsquo;t stop at diving. Arachthos and Voidomatis have fantastic river rafting routes, accessible to both beginners and practised rafters, where you will find plenty of challenging and exhilarating white-knuckle rides. Nestor river and the calm coastal waters around Samos are perfect for kayaking and Lefkada has excellent conditions for surfing and windsurfing. Seasoned windsurfers especially will love Vasiliki beach, the ultimate windsurfing playground. You can also find a windsurfing club on the beach offering tuition and kit hire. &nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1155738932.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>SPAS AND THERMAL BATHS&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>A stroll through Chios Islands world-famous citrus orchards and medieval villages makes for a dream break away from the water, particularly during the spring. With such a serene setting, like a majority of Greece, it is not surprising that the country has a long tradition in health and well-being practises. Home to hundreds of medicinal spas, Aidipsos and Pozar are amongst some of the top favourite. Aidipsos, situated in northern Evia, is perhaps the best-known spa town in Greece and blessed with 81 thermal springs. Thermal baths of Loutra Pozar are unusual since they have a cold stream and waterfall running adjacent to the hot springs. &nbsp;</p></div><div><h2> FIND OUT MORE&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>We hope we have shown there is so much more to Greece, particularly for outdoor activities and all year-round adventures. Contact us today to discuss further and start planning your trip to see and experience the hidden side of Greece.&nbsp;</p></div>

Experience the other side of Greece

<p>Eco-travelling has certainly become a growing demand and now it&#39;s never been easier to make more sustainable choices. At the centre of many travel and hospitality companies, sustainability is at the core centre with many implementing eco-friendly measures within the offering of their products. Here you will find some &ldquo;Going Green&rdquo; methods for you to consider when travelling.&nbsp;</p><p>Visit an eco-friendly destination that encourages you to use their public transport, walking or even cycling. You may find they have local food markets or volunteer programmes for you to get involved. Many destinations promote &ldquo;living like a local&rdquo;, introducing tighter measures to reduce their use of plastic materials.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Either fly with an eco-conscious airline or even fly direct where possible. A number of airlines now provide the option to offset your CO2 emissions, reducing plastic on-board and making more conscious decisions on the fuel they use. We could also help by packing lighter and using re-usable bottles.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/487222335.jpg' style='height:827px; width:1241px'><p>Stay in either a sustainable hotel or an eco-lodge, who have been certified and reduce their impact on the environment through green best-practises including reducing waste, preserving energy and reducing their water usage.&nbsp;</p><p>Greener cruises: Many cruise lines are now introducing more environmentally friendly vessels to their fleet by combining diesel and electric motors, providing much less noise and lower emissions and being powered by Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). Another way or reducing their plastic usage is by using water purification systems that use solar panels to heat water.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Greener food options: Worldwide travel companies and hotels are continuing to research how they can reduce emissions from food. Several key areas include using local produce, reducing food waste and promoting more of a variety on vegetarian and vegan options, of which typically have a lower carbon footprint.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Where its big or small, we can all do our bit to keep travel as green as possible and we are on-hand to offer recommendations. Please speak to us to find out more.  </p>

Helping You Go Green

<div><p>When it comes to European cities, Italy has a lot to boast about. The Italian capital Rome and the romantic city of Venice usually springs to mind first and rightly so. Filled with architecture to marvel at&nbsp;and&nbsp;ancient heritage and waterways, ideal for any romanticist, these cities sell themselves, so we are going to take you to two cities that deserve some&nbsp;much-needed&nbsp;attention instead &ndash; Bologna and Florence.&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>Bologna&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Bologna is&nbsp;arguably the&nbsp;culinary capital of Italy&nbsp;so&nbsp;foodies&nbsp;in&nbsp;particular&nbsp;will&nbsp;certainly not be disappointed with&nbsp;Bologna. Although&nbsp;be&nbsp;prepared to pace yourself as there are so many dishes to try,&nbsp;we&nbsp;wouldn&rsquo;t&nbsp;want you&nbsp;missing out on&nbsp;anything! If you think of traditional and authentic Italian recipes and then step it up a notch, that is&nbsp;the type of cuisine you will&nbsp;find here. From the famous Ragu Bolognaise and Lasagne to lesser-known dishes such as&nbsp;Tigelle&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tortellacci, they are all cooked with the finest ingredients and a love of food and&nbsp;that&rsquo;s&nbsp;before we even start on the desserts! Be sure to try Zuppa Inglese, a divinely sweet treat,&nbsp;similar to&nbsp;an English trifle.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>In between meals, there are plenty of things to see and do as well. Why not take a wander to the Basilica of San&nbsp;Petronio, believed to be the 10th&nbsp;largest church in the world with some pretty incredible architecture at that.&nbsp;Make sure not to miss Piazza Maggiore either, it&rsquo;s the perfect place to wander around on foot and appreciate the stunning Renaissance architecture.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Top tip: be sure to wear comfy shoes as it is highly likely that you will be on your feet for hours!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Plus, if you&nbsp;can&rsquo;t get&nbsp;enough of Italy, Bologna&nbsp;is a&nbsp;great place to&nbsp;either&nbsp;begin&nbsp;or end your trip as it&nbsp;is somewhat considered the &ldquo;gateway&rdquo; to Italy as it&nbsp;is&nbsp;well connected and located between the north and the south of the country, opening up to other cities, beach breaks or even a trip to the lakes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1190755285.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>Florence&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>With a fascinating history and lots of Tuscan wine waiting, Florence offers the perfect combination of relaxing and soaking up the surroundings&nbsp;and sightseeing. No visit to Florence would be complete without a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio. In fact, this ancient bridge is&nbsp;possibly the&nbsp;most recognisable bridge in the whole of Italy. Filled to the brim with little boutiques and stalls, the market is a buzzing place that will give you a real flavour for the&nbsp;local&apos;s&nbsp;life here. Do expect big crowds though &ndash; trust us when we say&nbsp;it&apos;s&nbsp;very popular! Also make sure you take a stroll along the&nbsp;river&nbsp;Arno where you will be able to get some fantastic photo opportunities of Ponte Vecchio.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>For those seeking a bit more adventure, we recommend climbing Giotto&rsquo;s Campanile. With around 450 steps and sadly no lift, make sure you&rsquo;re feeling fit&nbsp;and ready&nbsp;before you set off. It&rsquo;s definitely worth it even just for the views of the city and you will have certainly earned that glass of wine or succulent gelato for afterwards. For those who don&rsquo;t fancy the climb can take a wander around and explore inside it with hundreds of years&rsquo; worth of history, another must-see. Next door to Giotto&rsquo;s Campanile is the Florence Cathedral and the bustling Piazza&nbsp;della&nbsp;Signoria waiting to be explored where you can then sit back and soak up the atmosphere.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>The city of Florence is somewhere we could&nbsp;literally talk&nbsp;about all day with so much to see and do with winding, cobbled streets, elegant&nbsp;cafes&nbsp;and bars to an array of&nbsp;piazzas&nbsp;and a fascinating history.&nbsp;Florence is a city that be visited many times over as one visit just&nbsp;isn&rsquo;t&nbsp;enough!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1128515668.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>Why not combine beach and city?&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>The&nbsp;great thing&nbsp;about Italy is that its well-connected, meaning it is&nbsp;relatively easy&nbsp;to combine multiple cities or even a beach and a city break together, so if you simply&nbsp;can&rsquo;t&nbsp;decide, no problem, visit them all!&nbsp;Also,&nbsp;as we are experts in travel, we are here to provide you with&nbsp;all of&nbsp;the advice you need and even book your transport for you. All we would need is your travel dates and we will do the rest.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>After reading this, if you have been inspired to take a trip to Italy, get in touch with us today and we will be on hand to tell you a whole lot more about our favourite destinations. &nbsp;</p></div>

Italian Cities Worth Paying a Visit

<div><p><div><p>A country filled with historical sites, vibrant cities, stunning lakes and mountains, gorgeous beaches and exquisite cuisine, Italy has&nbsp;just about everything&nbsp;that makes a wonderful holiday or city break so&nbsp;it&apos;s&nbsp;no wonder thousands of Brits head there every year. There really is so much to explore and enjoy!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Also,&nbsp;home to an impressive 4,723 miles of coastline, you can be rest assured there is a lot worth checking out. But with so much on offer, we have decided to focus on a couple of phenomenal summer destinations,&nbsp;definitely worthy&nbsp;of a mention&hellip;&hellip;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>The Amalfi Coast&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Most likely one&nbsp;of Italy&rsquo;s most famous coasts, the Amalfi Coast, stretches a whole 40 kilometres and its plunging cliffs and lush landscape is what makes the Amalfi Coast so appealing. However, this does mean there is little room for long, wide beaches. They may be compact but there is no compromise on their appeal. Some of the smaller beaches are only accessible by boat, making them beautifully secluded and tranquil, perfect for some quality time with your loved ones. If you&nbsp;are looking&nbsp;for a bit more of a buzz, head to Marina Grande in Positano, one of the larger beaches on the Amalfi Coast. Here is where you will find the trendy and chic restaurants, bars and even a disco, popular with both holiday makers and locals.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>For those looking to explore on a day trip, our top recommendation is to do a full day tour of the Amalfi Coast and the gorgeous towns its home to. They are all so unique with their own charm, giving you a real flavour for this southern region of Italy. You could even end your day in Sorrento where you can soak up the vibrant atmosphere in the busy square or surrounding cobbled streets, with restaurants and bars galore!&nbsp;For anyone wanting to know more on its history, take a half day trip to Pompeii, the ancient preserved Roman city, victim to a huge eruption of Mount Vesuvius all those years ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Top tip: Try and visit early on in the day to avoid the afternoon heat.&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/584209898.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>Tuscany&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Tuscany is a region where rolling fields, olive groves and castles join to meet golden sands and dreamy seaside towns. A holiday to Tuscany can be one of the more stylish Italian breaks where jam-paced days or utter relaxation are both on offer.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Home to one of&nbsp;Italy&rsquo;s most renowned wine&nbsp;regions, you can expect decadent wine tasting tours whilst on holiday here and food that simply&nbsp;won&rsquo;t&nbsp;disappoint as the likes of Gordon Ramsey has in fact overseen menus here. You will be utterly spoilt for choice when it comes to traditional Italian cuisine in Tuscany.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>For something a bit extra special, Maremma in the south has an extraordinary charm. With unspoilt and secluded beaches, isolated Medieval hilltop towns, an artistic atmosphere plus some of the best seafood in Tuscany, Maremma shows you a side that many will never get to experience. Whilst you&rsquo;re here, don&rsquo;t miss the&nbsp;Uccellina&nbsp;Nature Park. With 25 kilometres of stunning coastline, it boasts sandy beaches, soaring cliffs and pine forests, all of which can be explored on foot, bicycle, canoe or even by a donkey &ndash; an extra special treat for the kids!&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>READY TO JET OFF?&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>If we have managed to inspire you to head to us of Italy&rsquo;s best summer destinations, then you know what to do! Call us today and we will get straight to work in creating the ideal break you have been waiting for. Or perhaps you might prefer a city break or a combination of the two? No problem&hellip;&hellip;. We are here to help!&nbsp;</p></div>

Italy's Summer Hotspots

<div><p>Are you&nbsp;dreaming of a holiday to&nbsp;one&nbsp;of the world&rsquo;s most exciting countries, staying&nbsp;in&nbsp;a lavish&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;personalised&nbsp;butler&nbsp;service&nbsp;and&nbsp;encountering&nbsp;once-in-a-lifetime&nbsp;experiences? In order to help you decide, we have hand-picked some of the world&rsquo;s most luxurious holidays, hopefully to inspire you for your next holiday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>A luxurious spa retreat in the Maldives&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Are you looking to escape from the rest of the world whilst enjoying views of the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean? If so, Maldives is the perfect destination for you. With a selection of high-quality resorts and facilities including indulgent spas and gourmet restaurants, Maldives is the perfect choice for an unforgettable luxury holiday and a blissful paradise where you can relish in turquoise blue waters, pure white sandy beaches and pampering with top-notch spa facilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>If you are in need of rejuvenating your mind and body, take advantage of the several spa treatments on offer in any of the phenomenal resorts on the island. From Ayurveda, Indian treatments, Thai and herbal massages to yoga, nutritional therapy and meditation, these luxurious spa treatments will leave you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and revitalised.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>The Maldives main attraction are their well-being journeys, but they are also the perfect destination to indulge in fine-dining culinary experiences such as savouring Creole cuisine on the beach or even take advantage of the many water sports activities that are on offer.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/480927090.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>Seychelles: A mind-blowing secluded paradise&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>A holiday to the Seychelles is the essence of peace and tranquillity. &nbsp;With an idyllic archipelago of more than 100 islands in the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles boasts truly stunning stretching beaches, some of the most unspoilt and pristine beaches in the world and glistening blue waters, the perfect haven for your next holiday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>You will find many hotel brands on the island such as Banyan Tree, Four Seasons and Six Senses, all of which have stunning luxury resorts with incredible cutting-edge design,&nbsp;excellent facilities, phenomenal views and rooms with either beachfront access or their own private plunge pools.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>There is plenty of things to do on the island. Some of the popular options include island-hopping in a catamaran, snorkelling with parrotfish by your private cabin,&nbsp;participate&nbsp;in&nbsp;stand-up&nbsp;paddle or kayaking, take a cultural trip to Victoria&rsquo;s Natural History Museum or take a wander around the vibrant and bustling markets. You can guarantee you&nbsp;won&rsquo;t&nbsp;be counting down the days to leave.&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1394241114.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>Dubai for the ultimate family holiday</h2><p>With only a six-hour flight and a three-hour time difference from the UK, Dubai is an energetic destination for a family holiday. Offering magnificent beaches, iconic attractions and entertainment combined with lavish hotels, Dubai is one of our favourite destinations for the ultimate luxury experience that you can share with the whole family. Your children will be thoroughly entertained through camel trekking, wildlife safaris, dune drives or nature walks, all of which will surely create memories that will last a lifetime. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Home to outstanding attractions, Dubai will provide endless excitement when visiting the Dubai Aquarium, the&nbsp;Aquaventure&nbsp;or Wild Wadi, Dubai&rsquo;s outstanding waterparks and a huge hit with children. For those wanting a break from the scorching heat, cool down in one of the largest shopping centres in the world, where you can enjoy luxury fashion brands, head to KidZania, a day filled with learning and excitement or visit the slopes at Ski Dubai, one of the coolest family attractions.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/iStock-1306186311.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>Enjoy La Doce Vita of Lake Como&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>The prestigious Lake Como is home to some of the finest hotels in Italy. Dotted with lush, green mountains and charming villas, Lake Como has attracted the famous and wealthy for many centuries. Lake Como provides a true postcard scenery with impressive luxury hotels and chic and stylish restaurants along the waterfront, a place where you can indulge in exquisite Italian dishes and accompanied with the finest of wines. Just for a moment, picture yourself sipping on a cocktail in one of the many swimming pools overlooking the lake, sailing down the lake or even unwinding in one of many spa retreats.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>As the weather in Lake Como is pleasant all year round, this Italian destination makes the perfect luxury holiday choice at any time of the year. &nbsp;</p></div>

Our selection of the world's most impressive luxury holidays

<div><p>Stuck on deciding whether to go on a city or beach break? Well, why not combine the two? Go ahead and truly spoil yourself with these amazing &ldquo;two-for-one&rdquo; destinations where you can simply combine the two, making it the ideal choice! There are so many destinations to choose from, but to give you an idea, we have shared our top three&hellip;..&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>Barcelona&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Privileged with arguably the most phenomenal architecture in the world around every corner you turn, succulent tapas and fruity wines, what better destination than the stunning Barcelona. For those who appreciate architecture will certainly be familiar with the name Antoni Gaudi as well as his exquisite and unique work, combining elements of Art Nouveau, Catalan Modernism and the Spanish Late Gothic design. Barcelona is by far the best place to see his finest work from Park G&uuml;ell and Casa Batll&oacute; to the magnificent La Sagrada Familia. With construction beginning in 1882 and still yet to be completed, there is a lot of ground to cover!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Complete with quaint cobbled streets, spectacular cathedrals and elegant restaurants, the charming Gothic Quarter has so much to offer. The Gothic Quarter is also home to the Picasso Museum with traditional live flamenco shows just opposite at Palau Dalmases, the 17th century stately palace, creating the perfect atmospheric setting. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Barcelona is also home to several beaches within easy reach from the city where you can wind down from all the exploring, you&rsquo;ll do. The closest being Barceloneta Beach, one of Barcelona&rsquo;s oldest, closest and most loved beaches. It is worth getting there early to get a good spot as it can be extremely busy, particularly during the summer months. If you are looking for something a bit more remote and secluded, the beautiful Bogatell Beach attracts an older crowd or Sant Sebasti&agrave;, very popular with the locals.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Top Tip: The world-famous Sagrada Familia can get quite busy and is often fully booked. To ensure you don&rsquo;t miss out on this incredible experience, make sure you book plenty of time in advance!&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>Athens</h2></div><div><p>With Athens being one of the oldest cities in the world, it is blessed with a truly fascinating history, naturally at the top of the bucket list, especially for many culture enthusiasts. Filled with neoclassical buildings, excellent art galleries and endearing cafes, there is so much to see and do. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Just a short 40-minute drive away from the hustle and bustle, you will find Astir Beach, the local&rsquo;s favourite sandy beach with crystal clear waters and surrounded by pine trees. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>You can expect a five-star experience with access to spa treatments, lavish restaurants, a concierge and chic and stylish boutiques, adjacent to the Four Seasons Hotel Astir Palace. Alternatively, there are fantastic hotels with lush pools and spectacular views of the Acropolis and the city of Athens to suit all budgets, offering the best combination of a city and beach getaway. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p> Top tip: As it is the highest point in Athens, Lycabettus Hill offers magnificent views over the city, making the ideal spot to sit back and take in the stunning sunset views. &nbsp;</p></div></p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1028749718.jpg' style='height:827px; width:1241px'><div><h2>Porto </h2></div><div><p>Porto is an ideal location for so many reasons, especially for those wine lovers and Harry Potter fans!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Without stating the obvious, Porto offers an abundance of wine tasting tours. Porto has also been rumoured to be one of J.K Rowling&rsquo;s influences for the first Harry Potter novel, whilst living there for two years. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With striking similarities of the Hogwarts school uniform, it was perhaps adapted from the cloaked, college students of Porto, or the Lello bookshop&apos;s resemblances in Flourish and Blotts as well as the Grand Hogwarts staircase. You will see exactly what we are talking about. Also known as the culinary capital and port haven, you can be sure to expect mouth-watering Portuguese dishes and laid back, relaxing cruises along the Douro River. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Just a short 15-minute drive away, you will be able to chill out and relax on the sandy, blue flag beach Praia dos Ingleses, lined with popular cafes, bars and restaurants.  If you are looking for a bit more fun in the sun, take a trip to Praia de Matosinhos where you will find a selection of surf skills if you fancy learning a new skill! What we love about Porto is that it isn&rsquo;t often considered a beach destination, however, it will certainly surprise you with its rugged coastline and striking natural scenery. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Top tip: If you haven&rsquo;t hired a car, it&apos;s just as easy to reach Porto&rsquo;s beaches by public transport. Both Praia do Senhor da Pedra and Praia da Aguda can be easily accessible via train from Sao Bento train station. &nbsp;</p></div><div></div><div><p>Combining both a beach and city can make the perfect holiday! To find out more on Barcelona, Athens and Porto, or even other city and beach destinations, contact us today. &nbsp;</p></div>

City Breaks with Beaches

<div><p>Once a quaint fishing village in the Arabian Gulf, Dubai is now famously known as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world. With an average of 300 days of sunshine every day, it can offer the perfect getaway for families. With the range of accommodation in Dubai so vast, there is a huge choice of luxury hotels as well as the world&rsquo;s only 7-star hotel! We know that not everyone has that kind of budget, so you will be happy to know there are many affordable options as well, even budget hotels popping up, meaning a trip to Dubai doesn&rsquo;t have to pull on the finances quite as much as you first thought. Considering the sun is almost constantly shining, we expect that you will fancy a couple of days by the pool, I mean who wouldn&rsquo;t? however, there is much more to Dubai than meets the eye with enough to keep even the most active of families entertained for a week or two!&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1154761064.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>Here are our top picks for families heading to Dubai&hellip;</h2></div><div><p>Visit a waterpark: Dubai is home to many amazing waterparks, including Aquaventure, the world&rsquo;s largest waterpark, based at the Atlantis the Palm hotel. With a staggering 79 slides and attractions, it provides a fun and hectic family day out. From splash zones for the little ones to exhilarating adrenalin rushing rides for teenagers, a visit to Aquaventure is sure to be a huge hit. To end the fantastic day with an extra treat, stop by the Cold Stone Creamery on your way out for a delicious ice cream or milkshake whilst watching the team throwing ice cream around cocktail style!&nbsp;</p><div><div><p><h2>Visit the Mall</h2><p> The iconic Dubai Mall is a separate destination in itself. Featuring an ice rink, aquarium, soft play, a haunted attraction, trampoline area and a VR Park. You will also be able to catch an impressive dancing fountain show every 30 minutes between 6pm and 11pm. For a sensational view of the dancing fountains from above, go to the Observation Deck as the Burj Khalifa. Certainly not something to miss out on!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><h2>Kite Beach</h2><p> Kite Beach is a fantastic spot for the whole family with its open stretches of soft white sand and warm, sloping waters. You will find an array of activities sure to keep everyone entertained including inflatable water park, volleyball area and kitesurfing. You will be spoilt for choice at lunchtime from trendy beachside cafes to quirky vans, also known as the Kite Beach Kiosks, that sell just about everything, and you certainly won&rsquo;t go hungry!&nbsp;</p><div><div><p><h2>Head to the desert</h2><p>A trip to Dubai would not be complete without experiencing their sand dunes and the vast desert. For the once-in-a-lifetime experience, daily day trips are available to take you are the whole family out in a 4x4. Just seeing the desert with your eyes will amaze you let along the opportunity to ride a camel and experience a traditional, authentic meal whilst watching an impressive dance show. &nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Dubai is the destination for all seasons with the weather often described as &ldquo;hot&rdquo; and &ldquo;hotter&rdquo;! Although Dubai has warm winters and scorching hot summers, many consider Dubai as a destination during the winter months but head here in the summer and you will be entertained with several indoor activities and attractions with the much-needed air con, ensuring you still have a fabulous time (it will also be kinder to the budget too)!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With just about everything to know about Dubai, if you would like to take your family there, get in touch today and we will be able to provide you with our top recommendations and package your holiday together. </div></div</div></div>

Dubai For the Whole Family

<div><p>Also known as the continent in miniature, Gran Canaria is where Mother Nature celebrates diversity in the most exquisite way. Visitors to this extraordinary Canary Island will be welcomed to ever-changing landscapes from the rugged northern coast to accolade forests, followed by extinct volcanoes and mountainous peaks right in the centre of the island. Further south, there are pine woodlands before deep canyons and desert dunes leading into the golden southern beaches. The island of Gran Canaria really is an explorer&rsquo;s playground with an extensive historical background and local flavour to experience along the way. Another added benefit is Gran Canaria is one of the warmest European destinations during winter, making a great winter-sun getaway! Below, we share some of our favourite places to visit and how to make the most of them!&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>LAS PALMAS DE GRAN CANARIA </h2></div><div><p>The vibrant and colourful capital city Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the largest city in the Canary Islands,&nbsp;located&nbsp;on the northeast coast.&nbsp;With its stunning beaches and charming old town, it is certainly worth exploring this stylish capital. A trip through the streets of the old quarter,&nbsp;Vegueta, is&nbsp;very high&nbsp;on the&nbsp;must-see&nbsp;list for many visitors. Why not take a guided walking tour around the city where you will truly be able to fully appreciate the city&rsquo;s history and a mixture of late Gothic to Renaissance traditional Spanish architecture, making excellent photo opportunities. For those with an interest in history can immerse themselves in several museums and galleries along with making a stop to see the museum Casa de Colon, believed to be the place where Columbus historically stayed on his way to the Americas.&nbsp;You can then refuel at a variety of excellent tapas bars and restaurants before hitting the shops or heading to one of the best city beaches in Europe, Las&nbsp;Canteras. The city&rsquo;s extensive sandy beach is a hub of local activity filled with fishing boats down one end and surfers at the other. A visit here is a local experience&nbsp;in itself and&nbsp;the ideal place to cool off following from exploring the city centre. Plus, its beachfront terraces fill up at sunset and the cafes,&nbsp;bars&nbsp;and restaurants along the promenade, come alive at night.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Top Tip: We recommended dining at Casa Montesdeoca, a family-run restaurant tucked away in a quaint little courtyard. This hidden gem serves the most mouth-watering steak and phenomenal seafood, also highly recommended on TripAdvisor. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/505915811.jpg'></p><div><h2>THE NORTH, AGAETE AND LAS SALINAS </h2></div><div><p>Before heading to the popular southern resorts and beaches, why not explore the rugged yet beautiful northern coast of Gran Canaria, home to unspoilt beaches and natural swimming pools such as El Puertillo, Charco de San Lorenzo and Las Salinas in Agaete. El Puertillo is a fantastic place to stop for local, freshly caught seafood, but be warned, Puerto de Las Nieves, Agaete and the natural pools of Las Salinas will certainly tempt you to an even stay longer. This delightful fishing village is home to a colourful and bright harbour, a gorgeous cluster of blue and white Canarian houses and a chain of craft shops and galleries lining Paseo de los Poetas. Before they became the ideal bathing spot that they are today, the natural pools in Las Salinas were used to harvest salt for many centuries. Here rocks form a natural barrier from the waves, also allowing fresh seawater to rush in, making it mesmerise and exhilarating to watch. The three pools are connected together by volcanic tubes and have flat areas ideal for sunbathing. Pine forests cover the mountains that lead inland, making a dramatic backdrop for bathers and a truly beautiful scene for pool-side photos. Gran Canaria&rsquo;s northern towns and villages away from Agaete and the coast are a true delight. From Firgas&rsquo; 30-meter terraced waterfall to Terors stunning, wooden balconied streets, it is certainly worth getting to know a few of the towns in between the great outdoor activities that the island has to offer. Not to mention Santa Maria de Guia, the town famed for its local flower cheeses made from curdling cow, goat or sheep&rsquo;s milk with the head of an artichoke thistle. &nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>EXPLORE THE ANCIENT SIDE OF GRAN CANARIA&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Did you know&nbsp;the&nbsp;Canary Islands&nbsp;were previously&nbsp;inhabited by the Guanches,&nbsp;native&nbsp;people with links to the Berbers of North Africa?&nbsp;A visit to the centre of Gran Canaria is the perfect place to explore pre-Hispanic sights such as Roque&nbsp;Nublo&nbsp;and Roque&nbsp;Bentayga&nbsp;as they&nbsp;combine incredible natural experiences with a fascinating glimpse into the island&rsquo;s heritage. Roque&nbsp;Nublo, a&nbsp;70-metre&nbsp;giant crag,&nbsp;is one of the world&rsquo;s largest free-standing&nbsp;crags and an ancient place of worship by the&nbsp;Gaunches, standing proudly at 1,813 metres above sea level. It&nbsp;isn&rsquo;t&nbsp;hard to see why it was so respected&nbsp;as&nbsp;the panoramic views across the island are truly mesmerising.&nbsp;You can even sometimes&nbsp;see the peak of Teide Volcano from the island&rsquo;s neighbour Tenerife. Dependent on weather conditions, you could also be looking out over the island above the clouds so make sure you&nbsp;don&rsquo;t&nbsp;forget your camera! For those who want to absorb&nbsp;Nublo&nbsp;Rural Park&rsquo;s landscape and picturesque views will find several hiking trails &ndash; the shortest trail is just under an hour round-trip.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Top&nbsp;Tip:&nbsp;Make sure you incorporate a visit to Tejeda village, perched under Roque&nbsp;Nublo, where you will find a local ethnography museum for those who want to delve further into the island&rsquo;s ancient cultures.&nbsp;The nearby&nbsp;natural fortress,&nbsp;Roque&nbsp;Bentayga&nbsp;is where generations of Guanches lived, built community granaries and memorial caves, lined with paintings and inscriptions. A short but steep path leads to their&nbsp;almogar&eacute;n, a spiritual ceremonial&nbsp;place&nbsp;where the rocky landscape is a theatre of light and shadow.&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>&nbsp;TAMADABA NATURAL PARK&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>With many incredible hiking routes through volcanic landscapes, mountains, canyons and forests, it is not surprising that Gran Canaria attracts thousands of hikers throughout the year. Why not explore the trails of Tamadaba National Park, part of the island&rsquo;s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, where you will be able to summit either the Tamadaba volcano or the Pico de la Banders, the highest peak in the park where you can enjoy bird watching in the forest of primitive Canary pines along the way. Tamadaba is the undisputed climbing and hiking hotspot, although some trails can be challenging in parts. Hikers will be fully rewarded with spectacular views from the top. &nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/516511219.jpg'></p><div><h2>PUERTO DE MOG&Aacute;N </h2></div><div><p>The picturesque resort of Puerto&nbsp;Mogan&nbsp;has been an excellent family resort for some time. Located on the southwest coast, the resort is home to a fishing point, yacht marina and a well-protected sandy beach. The village itself sits at the mouth of a steep-sided valley with white-washed buildings contradictory with the mountainous landscapes behind. Take a wander down the narrow alleyways&nbsp;and admire houses that are bursting with colour from floral window boxes to bougainvillea adoring walls. &nbsp;Often described as &ldquo;the Venice of the Canaries&rdquo;, Puerto&nbsp;Mogan&nbsp;has a network of seawater&nbsp;canals that connects the marina to the port, making it a beautiful town and the perfect place to take an evening stroll.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1291564523.jpg'></p><div><h2>&nbsp;MASPALOMAS DUNES&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>In the south of Gran Canaria, you will find the beautiful desert-like Maspalomas dunes, a contrast to the pine and prestige forests of the&nbsp;island&apos;s&nbsp;interior. The breath-taking ripples of Maspalomas inspire the Sahara and with Playa Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles on either side, they are an enjoyable addition to relaxing beach days. Even locals find the dunes mesmerising&nbsp;due to the fact that&nbsp;they are&nbsp;similar to&nbsp;living sculptors, constantly&nbsp;changing&nbsp;and evolving, adjustable with the wind.&nbsp;Comprising of three distinct eco-systems, the sweeping, powdery sands have been protected since 1987, along with the oasis palm grove and the lagoon. The eco-systems&nbsp;provide&nbsp;a habitat for African fauna on the island including the giant lizard and several migratory bird species.&nbsp;Take a look&nbsp;over the dunes for the Mirador Maspalomas or even join one of the trails leading to Maspalomas beach. The best time to visit the dunes are either at dawn or dusk, when the light levels accentuate the texture in the sand, ideal for photo opportunities.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>If you are feeling ready to explore Gran Canaria from tip-to-toe, contact us today to start planning your trip to this diverse and beautiful island!&nbsp;</p></div>

Diverse nature experiences and surprising history in Gran Canaria

<div><p>When people hear the word Mallorca, lively&nbsp;Magaluf&nbsp;and Palma springs to mind with teenagers going wild on their first holiday without their parents, but there is&nbsp;so much more to the island that nightlife and non-stop partying. Mallorca is home to stunning picturesque beaches with crystal clear waters and soaring cliffs combined with lush mountains, creating the perfect holiday hotspot for all travellers.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Palma de&nbsp;Mallorca, the island&rsquo;s capital has in fact an Arab quarter, of which adds an incredible sense of heritage and style of architecture to the city. Le Seu, the town&rsquo;s cathedral is the first stop for many, with its Gothic style and unfinished works by Gaudi. The cathedral completely dominates the area as its spire can be seen from almost anywhere in Palma. Alongside its fascinating historical element, Palma is also buzzing with bars, inventive restaurants, art galleries and shops.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Once you are relaxing on the&nbsp;picturesque beach, if the lack of hordes of tourists that you will find in other parts of the island finally takes its toll, you could then go by boat to the nearby island of Cabrera, an inhabited national park filled with wildlife.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Whilst many tend to search for hidden and secluded beaches or alternative activities away from the crowds, some adventures are still an absolute must do. One such example is a trip on the antique wooden train from Palma to Soller, taking you though the gorgeous olive groves and&nbsp;soaring mountains, all the way to the charming port of Soller.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>For those looking for more of an activity holiday, Mallorca is the ideal choice. With incredible mountain biking and cycling trails, including the World Heritage Site of the Serra de&nbsp;Tramuntana&nbsp;mountain range, often used by world-class cyclists for training before any major tournaments. As a reward to yourself for all of your hard work cycling, why not treat yourself to visit one of the many traditional wineries on the island.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p> One of Mallorca&rsquo;s main attractions though has to be its climate, allowing it to be an all-year round tourist destination. From the almonds trees blossoming in February, the perfect mountain biking or golfing conditions during the spring and autumn or even the intense sunshine throughout the summer, Mallorca truly is the idyllic place for lounging on a beach. &nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1059948258.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>Here we have some top tips to help you make the most of your holiday to Mallorca:&nbsp;</h2></div><div><div><ol start='1'><li><p>1. You will find it cheaper to enjoy drinks or tapas whilst sitting at the bar as opposed to sitting at the table. &nbsp;</p></li></ol></div><div><ol start='2'><li><p>2. Locals usually have their dinner between 9pm &ndash; 10pm and although in resorts you can have dinner at any time, if you wish to dine out, the restaurants may be quieter until these times&nbsp;</p></li></ol></div></div><div><div><ol start='3'><li><p>3. As a general guide, locals will usually tip between 5-10% on the total bill. If it happens to be a more upmarket restaurant, then international standards should always be applied. &nbsp;</p></li></ol></div></div>

Mallorca - an island of hidden gems

<div><p>It&rsquo;s without&nbsp;a shadow of a doubt that we are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing our summer holiday with so many incredible and picturesque European destinations right on our doorstep, so how do we choose?&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>We have four top favourite beach hotspots; Sardinia, Crete, Cyprus and Mallorca. All traditional destinations with their own unique characteristics and plenty for you to discover. You will definitely not be disappointed!&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/840449198.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>SARDINIA&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>One of the biggest attractions to the island of Sardinia is the miles upon miles of white sandy beaches. Even some of the stretches of beaches could be mistaken for the idyllic island of the Seychelles with their granite boulders and turquoise glistening waters.&nbsp;Plus,&nbsp;there are several isolated and secluded little beaches and coves if you prefer having space and time to yourself, even during the peak summer season.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>A trip to Italy would not be complete with sampling their most popular cuisine &ndash; pizza of course! The buzzing city of Cagliari in particular is worth a visit in its own right. The cities famously known for a specific type of pizza, Pizzetta&nbsp;Sfoglia, a round snack combining a flaky pastry crust with a savoury filled, often the classic but tasty tomato sauce and cheese!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Away from the summer months, Sardinia is home to a number of festivals to enjoy, particularly late February and the spring where you will still feel the warmth&nbsp;of the&nbsp;sunshine on your face. Local villages in fact host the festivals filled with elaborate d&eacute;cor, traditional costumes and horse racing. Before you can even blink, you will begin to feel like a true Sardinian yourself!&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>YOUR SARDINIA HOLIDAY&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>With&nbsp;plenty of boutique hotels and&nbsp;charming&nbsp;resorts to choose from in, Sardinia is also home to a classic collection, including the stunning family run&nbsp;Gabbiano&nbsp;Azzurro Hotel and Suites. What to find out more? Give us a call and we will be delighted to help in any way we can.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1084756228.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>CYPRUS&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>As Cyprus is the third largest island on the Mediterranean, there is plenty to see and do with beaches being its main attraction.&nbsp;Ranging from secluded hidden gems to large beaches featuring ample bars and restaurants, you will be guaranteed to find it here. What&rsquo;s more, the stunning beaches and meticulously clean with clear waters, what more could you want?&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Seeking local culture and exploring sights is something many of us look for in a summer holiday and Cyprus&nbsp;definitely isn&rsquo;t&nbsp;short of either of those! With a staggering&nbsp;10,000-year&nbsp;history, if&nbsp;you&apos;re&nbsp;into history then you will be in the right place with museums and ruins keeping you busy for days upon days.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>A real visit to Cyprus&nbsp;wouldn&rsquo;t&nbsp;be complete without sampling their delicious cuisine, especially in Northern Cyprus. Yes,&nbsp;it&apos;s&nbsp;even better over there than here in the UK with an abundance of places to eat from international restaurants to the more traditional North Cypriot dishes cooked using the freshest of ingredients.&nbsp;Don&rsquo;t&nbsp;forget to try one of their most traditional dishes, lamb Kleftiko as you&nbsp;definitely&nbsp;won&rsquo;t&nbsp;be disappointed. Hospitality in Northern Cyprus is almost guaranteed to impress you to with&nbsp;each and every&nbsp;restaurant&nbsp;providing&nbsp;the&nbsp;very best&nbsp;service to keep you enticed and coming back&nbsp;again and again.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Also, did we mention that Cyprus has the perfect climate for 365 days of the year? Unlike other destinations on the Mediterranean, Cyprus has mild winters and scorching hot summers. Whenever you decide to visit, you will be guaranteed that much needed vitamin D. Just be sure to pick the right time of year that is best for you!&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/468906786.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2> MALLORCA&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>As the largest of the three&nbsp;Balearic Islands, Mallorca has plenty of sun,&nbsp;sea&nbsp;and sand, so believe us when we say you will never get bored! Catering for&nbsp;just about anyone, Mallorca is ideal for families, couples, friends. You name it, you will find it but why Mallorca? Besides the many beaches on the island with glistening blue waters, there are also hidden gems waiting to be explored.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Unknown to many, Mallorca is in fact a&nbsp;diver&apos;s&nbsp;paradise! With a variety of marine life here&nbsp;and a rocky nature of the seabed, this is why Mallorca is so unique in comparison to other nearby destinations. The&nbsp;southwest&nbsp;of Mallorca is particularly good, home to caves,&nbsp;tunnels&nbsp;and shipwrecks, all surrounding the stunning coastline. With plenty of scuba diving centres offering both courses and excursions for all levels, whether you a newbie, somewhere in between or a pro, make sure to check them out.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>If you are more of an exploring type, why not take a day trip to the medieval Alcudia Old Town for a dose of history. This town genuinely looks like something from a fairy tale, with mazes of tiny streets to wander through and ancient walls to gaze at, the town was in actual fact built to protect the island against pirates! The sheer beauty of Alcudia will keep you gripped for hours on end, so do make a stop off at a local bar or restaurant and watch the world go by.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>For something seriously spectacular,&nbsp;take&nbsp;a visit to Cap de&nbsp;Formentor.&nbsp;In our eyes, it&rsquo;s a definite must see with visitors raving about it more than anywhere else on the entire island. Located on the most northernly point on the island and also the highest point, Cap de&nbsp;Formentor&nbsp;sits around 384m above sea level. With its limestone peaks and sharp cliff edges, its commonly described as looking &ldquo;otherworldly&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1442669890.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>YOUR MALLORCA HOLIDAY&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>We&nbsp;have&nbsp;an incredible range of Mallorca getaways available &ndash; and we can&nbsp;certainly&nbsp;help you&nbsp;in&nbsp;choosing&nbsp;the perfect one. So, do get in touch, as we&rsquo;ll be happy to help!&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>CRETE&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Crete, the largest of the many Greek islands, has a wide selection of resorts, picturesque scenery and a whole lot of history to get stuck into.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Crete&rsquo;s diverse&nbsp;scenery in particular, is&nbsp;what makes Crete stand out from the crowd&nbsp;alongside&nbsp;plenty of beautiful beaches, all with their own character and charm. If you venture a little further inland, the scenery will seriously continue to wow you. With gorgeous gorges, wild&nbsp;nature&nbsp;and a mountainous&nbsp;landscape, the &ldquo;White Mountains&rdquo; in fact dominate western Crete and offers simply spectacular views. You will also find plenty of opportunities to hike through the gorges too. Did you know that Europe&rsquo;s longest gorge is in fact in Crete?&nbsp;The hike is a long one (16km to be precise), but well worth it, especially if you are an explorer. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With all the main benefits of an island, Crete features pristine beaches, a laid-back and relaxed lifestyle and all the amenities that comes with it, although the island is big enough to easily get off the beaten track where you can truly explore your surroundings. For anyone looking for adventure and escapism,&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;the place to be! Another&nbsp;great way&nbsp;to explore the island is on a boat trip, enabling you to soak up the scenery as well as towns and villages that you might not&nbsp;have&nbsp;been able to appreciate.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>The vibrant and colourful Cretans themselves are what brings the island to life, well known for their strong spirits and honour and pride in their culture. Whether you are sipping a drink or soaking up the warm sunshine and bustling atmosphere, they will be enthusiastic to share with you.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>LET US HELP YOU DECIDE&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>If you are still unsure where to go to next, we have plenty of great value offers that could help make your decision a little easier. Give us a call and we will share our latest offers with you</p></div>

Our favourite beach destinations this summer

<div><p>For so many of us, summer is the most exciting time of the year with long days, warm sunshine and most importantly&hellip;&hellip;. summer holidays! We have included holiday inspiration from some of our preferred partners to get you excited and help you decide where to go for your much needed getaway&rdquo;!&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>ITALY, AUSTRIA, SLOVENIA AND SWITZERLAND SUMMER HOLIDAYS&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>We&nbsp;couldn&rsquo;t&nbsp;just pick one as we love&nbsp;all&nbsp;of&nbsp;these destinations. Choose Italy and your spoilt for choice with its rich heritage, culture, art, natural beauty, and of course incredible food! Sicily&nbsp;is&nbsp;a particular favourite of ours with its astonishing volcanic landscape and ancient ruins, not to forget stunning beaches for some&nbsp;much-needed&nbsp;downtime.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Or&nbsp;perhaps you&nbsp;are into&nbsp;walking and nature? If so,&nbsp;you&rsquo;ll&nbsp;appreciate&nbsp;the staggering mountains of&nbsp;Austria&nbsp;and&nbsp;its&nbsp;beautiful rural countryside that&nbsp;is&nbsp;very much off-the-beaten-track.&nbsp;This country may be relatively&nbsp;small in size, but one&nbsp;thing&rsquo;s&nbsp;for sure is its huge in beauty and culture. Whether&nbsp;it&apos;s&nbsp;exploring the deeply carved valleys, alpine peaks or visiting quaint chocolate-box villages and lakeside towns, you will be sure to find an&nbsp;endless&nbsp;list of sights to see and things to do.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>In Slovenia,&nbsp;you can explore&nbsp;lakes, castles and historical&nbsp;cities. Its unique blend of folk culture and spectacular Alpine scenery will almost certainly capture&nbsp;both&nbsp;your heart and imagination!&nbsp;For many that don&rsquo;t know, Slovenia is the land of caves so plenty to explore as well as&nbsp;plenty of festivals to enjoy during the summer months. Be sure to delight your tastebuds with the regional exquisite cuisine.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>And finally, Switzerland &ndash;&nbsp;famous&nbsp;for&nbsp;their&nbsp;snow-capped mountains, cuckoo clocks and&nbsp;delightful&nbsp;chocolate.&nbsp;It may not be the first destination that comes to mind when looking for summer holidays, however, it has so much to offer &ndash; stunning scenery that won&rsquo;t disappoint and a country filled with a mixture of culture, food and traditions, finding surprises in almost every corner.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Inghams provides&nbsp;amazing holidays to Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland and more&nbsp;so why not&nbsp;contact us for more information today!&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1046543492.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>BULGARIA HAS ALL YOU NEED FOR A BEACH HOLIDAY&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>What is it you look for when choosing your summer holiday? If your list includes gorgeous sunny weather, golden sandy beaches, high-quality&nbsp;hotels&nbsp;and low prices, then Bulgaria is the place for you! Located in south-east Europe, Bulgaria has a&nbsp;200-mile&nbsp;coastline bordering with Greece and Turkey and enjoys glorious sunny weather. Only sandy beaches are found in Bulgaria,&nbsp;of which&nbsp;all of them are gentle lapped by the Black Sea. We understand now more than ever that value for money is a significant factor&nbsp;and Bulgaria will offer you just that. With lunch and wine costing just a few pounds, bottles of beer around &pound;1 and an evening meal costing&nbsp;approximately &pound;10&nbsp;- &pound;15 &ndash; Bulgaria is&nbsp;a truly great&nbsp;value destination. In fact, the post office runs a regular survey for the best value beach resorts, and Sunny beach in Bulgaria wins&nbsp;almost every&nbsp;time. When it comes to beach resorts, you will find plenty of variety with Bulgaria&rsquo;s Black Sea coast to suit all tastes and budgets. Sunny&nbsp;Beach is the largest resort and certainly has something for everyone, including&nbsp;two water parks and the UNESCO World Heritage Site,&nbsp;Nessebar, just across the bay with cobbled streets and gabled houses.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>If all that&nbsp;wasn&rsquo;t&nbsp;enough, we can also share our knowledge to&nbsp;assist&nbsp;you in choosing the right resort for you.&nbsp;As there&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;huge&nbsp;variety&nbsp;of hotels&nbsp;to choose from,&nbsp;ranging&nbsp;from great value two- and three-star hotels&nbsp;to luxury&nbsp;four- and five-star&nbsp;hotels,&nbsp;many newly built, you can be assured the standard will be high.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Balkan Holiday, the&nbsp;Bulgarian&nbsp;experts, offers a wide range of summer holidays to Bulgaria,&nbsp;which&nbsp;we can share with you. Simply let us know if you&rsquo;re interested in a holiday to Bulgaria and we&nbsp;will&nbsp;be able to tell you more.&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1388250875.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>ESCORTED TOURS IN IRELAND&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p><strong>Why is an escorted tour in Ireland one of the tops to do&rsquo;s this summer?</strong><p>If you have the urge to explore somewhere this summer but don&rsquo;t want to travel too far, Ireland is the perfect option for you during the summer when it boasts long days and plenty of sunshine, ideal for exploring.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><b>What to expect on an escorted tour around Ireland?</b></p></div><div><p>One of the greatest ways to visit this&nbsp;relatively small&nbsp;but fascinating country is by a fully escorted tour of Ireland as it allows you to see many iconic locations in just the one trip as well as a&nbsp;hassle-free&nbsp;experience with travel, accommodation and excursions all packaged together at a great price. A tour of Ireland is so much more than an &ldquo;on your left&rdquo; and &ldquo;on your right&rdquo; experience. Both Cosmos&nbsp;and&nbsp;Globus escorted tours allow you to explore as much as you can whilst still having leisure time to explore your own added interests. You will&nbsp;largely benefit&nbsp;from the knowledge and experience of the&nbsp;tour&nbsp;director and&nbsp;local&nbsp;guide as they will be able to provide you with information on the places you are visiting as well as tips on the best things to do. Another added benefit to a fully escorted tour is that they include pre-purchased and&nbsp;pre-arranged excursions to many of the iconic&nbsp;must-see&nbsp;sights.&nbsp;After all, who&nbsp;wants to spend their precious time queuing in a line.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><strong>Why Ireland this summer? </strong></p></div><div><p>The stunning island of Ireland provides some&nbsp;truly amazing&nbsp;scenery including the Cliffs&nbsp;of&nbsp;Moher at a staggering 668 feet, the Ring of Kerry with its sea views, winding lanes and mountains dotted with brightly coloured farmhouses as well as the world-famous Giant&rsquo;s Causeway in Northern Ireland.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><b>Also known as the Emerald Isle, Ireland is certainly unique, so what makes it so special?</b>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Ireland offers truly&nbsp;magnificent coastlines, mind-blowing&nbsp;national&nbsp;parks, small quaint villages drenched in history and contemporary cities with modern, up-to-date attractions. When visiting&nbsp;here&nbsp;during the summer, you will be greeted with warm weather and a buzzing atmosphere. Ireland is home to many popular destinations along the West Coast such as Dublin, Killarney, the Dingle Peninsula, the Wild Atlantic Way and Waterford as well as the historical city of Belfast and the spectacular Giant&rsquo;s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Besides these, there are many other places to be explored on a Cosmos or Globus Tour, of which we can book on your behalf. Why not contact us today to find out more.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1177844155.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>HIRING A CAR ON YOUR SUMMER HOLIDAY &nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>As we have now&nbsp;taken you through some of our&nbsp;top&nbsp;summer destinations and holiday styles,&nbsp;now is the&nbsp;time we spoke about those added extras,&nbsp;such as&nbsp;car hire.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With the freedom to explore in your own time, a popular way to make the most of your holiday&nbsp;is by hiring a car.&nbsp;Although the process of hiring a car prior to travelling can be overwhelming to some with so many companies and services to choose from, a few top tips from Holiday Extras, one of our preferred partners can certainly make hiring a car a smooth ride!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><strong>How to avoid fuel charges</strong>&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>When it is time to book your car hire, make sure you select the &ldquo;Full to Full&rdquo; refuelling option. Selecting the &ldquo;Full to Empty&rdquo; option means leaving the resort with a full tank of fuel and returning the car without any. You can indeed be charged an additional fee by the provider for the refuelling service.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><strong>Purchase excess insuranc</strong><strong>e </strong></p></div><div><p>When booking your car hire, make sure you take out sufficient insurance cover for your entire journey well in advance. As standard, all hire cars automatically include a certain level of insurance, however, this may not necessarily cover you in the way you would like.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><strong>Be aware of mileage caps and one-way fees</strong>&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>For those who are&nbsp;planning on driving long distances or&nbsp;even&nbsp;one-way,&nbsp;be&nbsp;sure&nbsp;to look out for any mileage caps and drop off charges before travelling in order to avoid any&nbsp;nasty surprises at the end of your holiday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><strong>Make sure you book the right vehicle</strong>&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>It is advisory to complete your research before booking a hire car to avoid any disappointment on arrival or having to pay extra to upgrade the vehicle. Things you need to ask before is if the car carries five people, will there be enough room for all of your luggage?&nbsp;</p></div><div><p><strong>Get snap happy</strong>&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Be sure to check the hire car before you set off and take photos of the car from all angles to avoid any existing damage potentially being wrongly attributed to you when it comes to dropping the car off. The simple, quick action will provide you will peace of mind so you can thoroughly enjoy your holiday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>So,&nbsp;the next time your off on your holidays, be sure to pick the car that suits you best and you will be well on your way to cruising in stye. To find out more information on car hire with Holiday Extras, contact us today.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/898687414.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>SO&hellip;WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Hopefully our round up of favourite summer holiday inspirations has helped you decide where to head to for your summer holiday. Whether your all set, or need further recommendations and top tips, contact us today and we will be happy to help you further</p></div>

Summer holiday inspiration - where will you go?

<div><p>Have you ever dreamed about a holiday destination that almost seems impossible to reach?&nbsp;The earlier you book, the longer you will have to pay it off, making those intimidating payments far more manageable and a holiday that you have always wanted almost within your grasp. And that is just one of the benefits, there are plenty of others too! If you are already thinking ahead to your summer holiday or perhaps prefer to book something last-minute, take a look at our reasons for booking early. Always a winner in our eyes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>YOU WON&rsquo;T HAVE TO SETTLE FOR SECOND BEST&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>One great thing about booking early is that you get the pick of it all. Whether there is a specific villa or sea-view room you have your eye on, you will have a better chance than most of getting what you want. Don&rsquo;t you find there is nothing worse than turning up late to a party to find out the buffet is almost finished? The same applies with your holiday. The earlier you book, the more choice of hotels and rooms to choose from. You can also have a pick of the flights too, enabling you to travel on your preferred dates.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>NO LAST-MINUTE RUSHING&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>With holidays often being the most exciting time of our entire year, we want to make sure the&nbsp;build-up&nbsp;is just as exciting as the holiday itself. Booking in advance means you can avoid last minute pressures, no one likes rushing around last-minute in search of that perfect beach outfit, we can certainly vouch for that! You also&nbsp;won&rsquo;t&nbsp;find any pressure into booking a holiday that is just &ldquo;okay&rdquo; in your eyes. That simply&nbsp;won&rsquo;t&nbsp;be a problem when you book early enough.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>SMALLER DEPOSITS AND FREE KIDS&apos; PLACES&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>As the full holiday cost is usually due 12 weeks prior to travel, booking with plenty of time to share means you can pay off a little each month and the final balance&nbsp;won&rsquo;t&nbsp;break the bank. Knowing your holiday is in your sights will make it a lot easier to save those pennies away too. Just imagine those candle-lit dinners at sunset, cocktails by the pool or the exhilarating theme parks you will soon be enjoying. Not only that,&nbsp;but it is also&nbsp;quite often the case that you can bag a free kids place when booking early enough. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for deals as it means you will have even more spare cash to spend elsewhere!&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/868604586.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2> PRE-BOOK EXCURSIONS&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Once you have booked your holiday, the fun doesn&rsquo;t stop there! Its then time to start researching all the activities offered at your hotel, local restaurants and must-see sightseeing attractions so you can fully absorb the atmosphere and culture of your chosen destination. Anything from cookery classes, waterparks and boat trips to once-in-a-lifetime safaris and city tours can be booked prior to your arrival so you can sit back and relax knowing you will be guaranteed to see and do everything you wished for. It will also save you precious time when your away too as you can relax from the minute you arrive.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>BUILD THE ANTICIPATION&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Let&apos;s&nbsp;be honest, we all love bragging about our upcoming&nbsp;holidays,&nbsp;don&rsquo;t we? The earlier you book, the more time you will have to share your upcoming plans with your friends,&nbsp;family&nbsp;and colleagues.&nbsp;Plus,&nbsp;you will have even more time to get excited about&nbsp;what&rsquo;s&nbsp;to come!&nbsp;</p</div><div><h2>READY TO BOOK?&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Let&apos;s&nbsp;Whether you know where you’re heading to or you need further inspiration, call us today for a chat and to find out the very best holiday deals. about&nbsp;what&rsquo;s&nbsp;to come!&nbsp;</p</div>

The benefits of booking early

<div><p>When it comes to warm weather and relaxing days by the pool, Malta is a dream and a well-known destination for its summer holidays. With that said, the more adventurous travellers also head here for the fantastic diving spots with historical shipwrecks to explore. But what about Malta&rsquo;s wonderful cities as they have so many stories to tell!&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>From the artistic 16th&nbsp;century UNESCO capital city of Valletta,&nbsp;Mdina, Malta&rsquo;s medieval capital and sleepy Victoria over in&nbsp;Gozo, these three fascinating cities offer charm, beautiful&nbsp;scenery&nbsp;and history. There is&nbsp;a reason why&nbsp;Malta is one of the world&rsquo;s most popular filming destinations! We believe Malta is a city break destination it its own right and here are the reasons why&hellip;&hellip;...&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/iStock-1413221362.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2> VALLETTA &nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Commonly referred to as the &ldquo;Island of Honey&rdquo;, its evidently clear that there are many reasons as to why.&nbsp;With a majority of Malta being built from the local honey-coloured limestone&nbsp;and&nbsp;combined with the impressive 300 days of guaranteed sunshine, it makes quite a sight to observe as the cities appear to radiate with a majestic golden glow. This is no exception in Valetta, the capital city as it boasts an awe-inspiring &ldquo;golden stone fortress&rdquo; with such ancient characteristics that it in fact gives off a real essence of being transported back in time through pages of a history book.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>With over 320 historical sites, to say there is a lot to do in Valletta would be an understatement. It goes without saying that Valletta&rsquo;s architecture is impressive, particularly the Grandmaster Palace Courtyard and the beautiful St John&rsquo;s Co-Cathedral, both extra special sites to witness and infused with historical significance. Sit back and absorb the true beauty from the Upper&nbsp;Barrakka&nbsp;Gardens, where you will be able to see magnificent panoramic views of the Grand Harbour, large enough to dock thousands of boats, making it one of the largest marinas in the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Following from&nbsp;a jam-packed&nbsp;day of sightseeing, you can wind down by taking a relaxing stroll in the romantic Lower&nbsp;Barrakka&nbsp;Gardens dotted with monuments,&nbsp;plaques&nbsp;and&nbsp;a 10-ton bronze bell of commemoration for those who died in the&nbsp;two-year&nbsp;siege of Malta.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>And we&nbsp;haven&rsquo;t&nbsp;even&nbsp;got to the food scene yet! With its&nbsp;selection&nbsp;of cool cafes and lavish restaurants, Valletta will make those essential stops a people watchers dream and the perfect opportunity to soak up the&nbsp;city&apos;s&nbsp;vibrant atmosphere.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Top Tip: If Valletta leave you wanting to see more then you are definitely in luck!&nbsp;&ldquo;Three Cities&rdquo; is the collective name of three other protected cities in Malta;&nbsp;Birgu,&nbsp;Senglea&nbsp;and&nbsp;Cospicua, of which all three can be explored in a fun and exciting way by hiring an electric-powered car from the Rolling Greeks.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1212382905.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>MDINA&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Let&apos;s&nbsp;not forget about the one that has come to be known as the &ldquo;Silent City&rdquo;,&nbsp;Mdina. Malta&rsquo;s old capital, once home to Malta&rsquo;s past royalty, dating back an incredible 4,000 years! Surrounded by protected bastion walls, its tranquil atmosphere and collection of preserved buildings brings a timeless feel to it with lots to appreciate such as&nbsp;beautiful, cobbled&nbsp;streets lined with baroque and medieval architecture, an array of museums and a&nbsp;selection&nbsp;of laid-back wine bars.&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>As the city is perched on top of a hill, roughly 250 metres above sea level, the views most certainly pack a punch where you can sit back and fully appreciate the views of the rest of the island. Other attractions not to be missed include the filming location for Kings Landing in the Game of Thrones, Palazzo De&nbsp;Piro, an arts and culture centre with ongoing programmes such as art exhibitions and artisan markets and the stunning Baroque Cathedral.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>If you budget&nbsp;allows it,&nbsp;visit&nbsp;De&nbsp;Mondion,&nbsp;a&nbsp;Michelin star restaurant,&nbsp;definitely worth a visit and splashing out on.&nbsp;Set inside the 16th&nbsp;century building of the lavish Xara Palace Hotel on the top floor, you will be spoiled with sensational views whilst dining in flavoursome Mediterranean dishes of the best produce the island has to offer.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/1323009643.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>VICTORIA (RABAT) &nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Previously known as Rabat to the local Maltese, the city of Victoria is over on the smaller, sleepier island of&nbsp;Gozo. The city&nbsp;actually changed&nbsp;it&nbsp;name in 1887 in dedication of Queen Victoria in her Jubilee year. Right in the centre of&nbsp;Gozo, the small walled city of Victoria is something that&nbsp;can&rsquo;t&nbsp;be missed as&nbsp;almost&nbsp;all&nbsp;of&nbsp;the roads on the island lead to here! When in Victoria, why not take a stroll around the museums, cathedrals, and most importantly, the&nbsp;Cittadella. Commonly known as Castello, this is Victoria&rsquo;s most popular attraction and impressively&nbsp;dates back to&nbsp;1500 BC! Another iconic attraction not to miss is St George&rsquo;s Basilica, situated right in the centre of Victoria. As the most important church in&nbsp;Gozo&nbsp;both architecturally and artistically, be sure to have your camera at the ready!&nbsp;Although&nbsp;Victoria is on the neighbouring island of&nbsp;Gozo, it&nbsp;is&nbsp;relatively easy&nbsp;to travel between Malta and&nbsp;Gozo, with ferries&nbsp;departing&nbsp;every 30 minutes during the peak&nbsp;summertime&nbsp;and an approximate journey time of 25 minutes, makes an easy day trip.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><p><img src='https://neckermann-dev.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blogs/544484018.jpg' style='height: 827px; width: 1241px;'></p><div><h2>SOMETHING DIFFERENT&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Once you have had your fill of protected, historical cities,&nbsp;fancy&nbsp;trying&nbsp;something a little different?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p></div><div><p>Just a few miles from the village of&nbsp;Mellieha&nbsp;is the picturesque film set of the 1980s Popeye Village. Now converted into a fun park, it&rsquo;s a great spot when travelling with little ones.&nbsp;</p></div><div><h2>A DESTINATION FOR ALL SEASONS&nbsp;</h2></div><div><p>Malta is the perfect city break for all seasons with mild winters and scorching hot throughout the summer and just a three-hour flight away. As a relatively small island, you can explore somewhere new each day, turning into an adventurous holiday filled with excursions, of which can be combined with some seriously overdue relaxation by the pool. As nothing is too far away on the island, it is quite possible to get to know all of its cities in just one trip. To find out more, contact us today and we can start helping you plan your break to Malta</p></div>

The Fairytale Cities of Malta

Bulgaria

<p>Bulgarian culinary traditions are extremely rich, both in their unique flavours and the centuries of history they carry. The list of must-try dishes is impossibly long, but some of our favourites include the cheese pastry banitsa for a satisfying breakfast, slow-cooked meat stew kavarma for a hearty dish and cold cucumber soup tarator to cool off during the summer heat.</p><ul><li>Try the restaurants in Sofia where you can find authentic Bulgarian meals with local ingredients, or visit Mehana for a more rustic experience of the rich cuisine along with some local spirits.</li><li>Don’t forget to go wine tasting where you can sample indigenous grape varietals unique to the region.</li></ul>

Food & Drinks

<p>Bulgaria&#x27;s stunning coastline offers long stretches of soft, silky sand and clear waters where you can enjoy the sun and get your tan on, or choose the adventurous route and try your hand at windsurfing along the Black Sea. The beaches are so unique in what they offer that the towns are named after them, with locations like Sunny Beach and Golden Sands calling for anyone who wishes to spend long days lounging by the sea.</p><ul><li>The clue&#x27;s in the name when it comes to Sunny Beach, where you&#x27;ll find warm waters sheltered from the waves of the Black Sea by the curving bay, making it perfect for enjoying the calm. If you&#x27;re looking for something more on the adventurous side, some jetskiing and paragliding is also possible - or remain on the shore and enjoy some beach volleybal and mini golf courses with the whole family.</li><li>Golden Sands is another such go-to destination, especially for those who are seeking a bit more excitement at the beach. The sandy beach is wide and long, with plenty of space for lounging, playing games or just going for a relaxing walk after a lively day. The stunning location makes it possible to enjoy a number of activities from scuba diving to parasailing, while the long stretch of beach offers plenty of space for volleyball and tennis games. You could even try your hand at driving quad bikes or archery!</li></ul>

Beaches

<p>The unique natural scenery in Bulgaria is vast and massive, making the country an ideal destination for nature lovers and families wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities. With a wide range of national parks and tranquil lakes, you can go birdwatching and take some stunning photographs while the verdant forests and the serene Black Sea coast will offer you a rejuvenating retreat amidst nature’s embrace.</p><p>The country’s history is as lively as its natural beauties, often existing side by side along the cliffs and mountains. A visit to the ancient city of Nessebar will be an unforgettable experience that could only be rivalled by the stunning Roman Amphitheatre in Plovdiv. Bulgaria’s highest peak houses the ancient Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th Century, while the charming village of Dryanovo at the base of the Balkan Mountains boasts a stunning cliff-backed monastery dedicated to St Michael.</p>

We Love

<p>The average flight time from the UK to Bulgaria is 3 and a half hours.</p><p>There are flights from a majority of UK Airports to Bulgaria.</p><p>Bulgaria boasts a continental climate in the north and a Mediterranean climate in the south, where it tends to get hotter and drier during the summers.</p>

At a Glance

Guests can enjoy the pleasant ambience of one of the 7 apartments and 98 double rooms. A cash machine, a TV room, 24-hour room service, a conference room and a coin-operated laundry are available. Wireless internet access (no extra charge) allows guests to surf the internet and catch up on email. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available. A fireplace creates a cosy atmosphere. The grounds of the hotel feature a playground and a lovely garden. A garage is available for parking. A bicycle hire service provides all the necessary equipment for exploring the surrounding area.

The hotel is located at 1600 m altitude, in the centre of the resort, near the Municipal Hall and opposite the emblematic Perelik Hotel.

Various dining options are available, including a restaurant, a café and a lobby bar.

Guests can enjoy the mountain view from a balcony or terrace. A safe and a minibar are also available. Guests will also find a tea/coffee station included among the standard features. A telephone, a flatscreen television and WiFi (no extra charge) are provided as well. A hairdryer and a vanity mirror are provided in the bathrooms, which include a bathtub. For extra comfort in the bathrooms, guests are offered cosmetic products. Wheelchair-friendly rooms can be booked.

Excellent swimming awaits guests at the indoor pool. Refreshing drinks at the pool bar and a relaxing soak in the hot tub offer the perfect way to unwind. Sun loungers are ready and waiting on the terrace. For guests who wish to keep active, cycling/mountain biking and tennis are available. Sport and leisure facilities at the hotel include a gym and table tennis. The wellness area features various facilities, such as a spa, a sauna, a steam bath, massage treatments, spa treatments and a solarium. Children are well looked after in the kids' club.

Hotel Orlovetz

The hotel has a lift and features 67 rooms. The friendly staff at the reception desk in the lobby are happy to answer any questions. Amenities include a baggage storage service, safe, currency exchange service and cash machine. Wireless internet access is provided in public areas. The tour desk offers assistance with booking excursions. The hotel has a range of facilities for guests with disabilities. Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available. A garden provides extra space for rest and relaxation in the open air. Additional facilities include a playroom. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage or in the car park. Other services include a 24-hour security service, a babysitting service, a childcare service, a car hire service, a transfer service, room service, a laundry service, a hairdresser, a coin-operated laundry and a hotel shuttle bus. Active guests can make use of the bicycle hire service to explore the surrounding area. Daily newspapers are available for purchase. The business centre is on hand for guests' business requirements and provides a fax machine.

This ski hotel warmly welcomes guests in Borovets. The region offers visitors plenty of fun in the snow. Ski lovers in particular are guaranteed an exceptional experience.

Dining facilities include a restaurant, a dining room, a café and a bar. Half board is offered as a catering option. Breakfast, lunch and dinner offer many delicious options.

Rooms feature a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. Air conditioning and central heating ensure comfortable indoor temperatures. A balcony is included as standard in some rooms. Rooms have a double bed or a king-size bed. Separate bedrooms are available. Extra beds can be requested. A safe, a minibar and a desk are also available. Additional features include a refrigerator and a tea/coffee station. An ironing set is provided for guests' convenience. A telephone, a TV and WiFi (no extra charge) are provided as well. Bathrooms are equipped with a shower and a bathtub. As a special feature, guests are provided with cosmetic products. Guests can also book wheelchair-friendly rooms with wheelchair-accessible bathrooms. The hotel has family rooms, non-smoking rooms and smoking rooms.

The pleasantly heated water of the indoor and outdoor pools guarantees comfortable swimming. Comfortable sun loungers are available on the terrace. The hot tub in the pool area promises pure relaxation. For guests who wish to keep active, golf and horse riding are available. The hotel's location is particularly ideal for skiers. Sports enthusiasts are also offered a wide range of indoor activities, including a gym, table tennis, billiards and aerobics. There is a wellness area with a spa, a sauna, a steam bath, a hammam, a beauty salon, massage treatments and hydrotherapy treatments. Subject to charge: a solarium. Leisure facilities include an entertainment programme, a kids' club, a dance club and a nightclub.

Festa Winter Palace

Egypt

<p>Egyptian food is unique in the Middle East due to its rich and diversified ingredients, with history and location both having played a role in its evolution. Few cuisines better represent the confluence of Africa and the Middle East.</p><ul><li>Egyptians will willingly queue for the best street food carts that serve <em>kushari </em>(a mix of noodles, rice, black lentils, fried onions, and tomato sauce) and <em>ta&#x27;amiyya</em> (Egyptian falafel prepared with fava beans).</li><li>Locals enjoy lamb kebabs, grilled chicken, pigeon, and <em>kofta </em>(spiced ground meat patties barbecued on a skewer) as well as seafood from nearby seas like the Mediterranean and the River Nile. <em>Molokhiyya </em>(garlicky, bitter soup made with jute mallow leaves), <em>hamam </em>(pigeon), and <em>mahshi </em>(stuffed vegetables) are further delicacies.</li><li>Egyptians also have an insatiable sweet tooth, and no meal is complete without dessert. The most popular are <em>muhallabiyeh </em>(milk custard with pine nuts and almonds) and <em>ruz bi laban</em> (rice custard).</li></ul>

<p>Egypt has much more to offer beachgoers than sunny, leisurely days on the beaches. Many of the resort beach towns that dot Egypt&#x27;s Red Sea coastline are within day-trip distance of Luxor&#x27;s temples and tombs, making them ideal for combining some of Egypt&#x27;s most famous tourist attractions and historical tours with days at the beach.</p><ul><li>Mainly a resort town, Sharm El Sheikh is the most famous beach in Egypt for tourists. Cornered between the sandy desert of the Sinai Peninsula and the blue waters of the Red Sea, it is a perfect place to live Arabian-Mediterranean realm.</li><li>Naama Bay&#x27;s scoop of white-sand beach is located at the hub of Egypt&#x27;s premier beach resort, Sharm el-Sheikh, on the Sinai Peninsula. During the winter months, sunbathers from Northern and Eastern Europe travel here to laze on sand lapped by the tranquil, aqua-blue waves of the Gulf of Aqaba and stare out at the dusky jagged silhouette of Saudi Arabia&#x27;s hilly coastline in the distance.</li><li>Residents of Sharm El Sheikh claim that the charming Sharks Bay still captures the essence of Sharm before the entrance of mass tourism: It is a laid-back, welcoming place with breathtaking views of Tiran Island and the marina.</li></ul>

<p>Egypt is a land of natural marvels. Follow the footsteps of legends on the endless sands, dip your toes in the clear waters or bask in the wondrous natural scenery that is around each corner of the country.</p><ul><li>Just to the south of Baharia Oasis lies the black and white deserts, a monochrome landscape that looks straight out of a movie. Owing its beauty entirely to its natural geography, each desert is a different wonder: White Desert offers a snowscape of limestone rocks while Black Desert is a sea of orange sand dotted all over with black volcanic stones.</li><li>Or you could swim along dolphins among the coral reefs and witness sea turtles in the beautiful Marsa Alam, a top spot for scuba diving and underwater activities in Egypt. It’s home to unique spots like Elphinstone Reef and Abu Dabbab, one of the world’s top beaches for snorkelling. If you rather stay on solid ground, an exciting safari along Wadi el Gemal National Park or a camel-back stroll in Sharm el Luli Beach will be only a couple of your options.</li></ul>

<ul><li>The average flight time from the UK to Egypt is 5 and a half hours.</li><li>There are flights from a majority of UK Airports to Egypt but the main airport to Cairo International Airport would be London Heathrow.</li><li>Egypt has mild winters and hot summers.</li></ul>

Cyprus

<p>Cyprus may be a mixture of cultures and languages, but its unique cuisine has one thing in common: It is made to be shared. There is much to enjoy in the local food of Cyprus, with every bite made even better when it’s shared with a friend, partner or family. The local communities are always friendly and accepting for a quick conversation over some tea or food as well, so even if you’re a solo traveller, you won’t ever feel lonely!</p><ul><li>There is much to choose from when it comes to local cuisine, but some of our favourites include hummus and tzatziki, beetroot dips and hellim (halloumi) cheese, locally harvested olives and seasonal okra. Don’t forget to try the rice-stuffed dolmades, roasted eggplants, wild asparagus and creamy mushrooms.</li><li>To top these hearty dishes off with something sweet try the local lokma or the heavier pekmez; for something chewier, you can opt for turunc macunu or the crunchier ceviz macunu. If you rather something with a punch, the local Cypriot beer called keo is the perfect drink as you enjoy the lively nightlife of the island.</li></ul>

<p>Cyprus may have over 200 beaches, 64 of which are Blue Flag-certified beauties, but this doesn’t take away from the magic in every one of them. A land full of history and legends, Cyprus will sweep you off your feet with its stunning beaches.</p><ul><li>On the coastal highway that connects Pafos to Limassol, you will find what is known as Petra tou Romiou or the Rock of the Roman. According to the legends, this rock and its nearby beach is where Aphrodite was born. With such stunning sights, you will feel the magic in the place as you stroll along the legendary sands.</li><li>Another popular among beach-goers is Nissi Beach, with a stretch of 0.3 miles of powdery sand and calm waters. The beach gets its name from the small island a short swim away, with waters so tranquil that children of all ages can swim easily. Even then, the beach scene speaks more to the adults with beach parties and loud music a staple across the sands.</li><li>Lara Beach is the quieter alternative, free of the sun lounges and water sports that can be seen across the rest of the island. As a designated protected area, Lara Beach is home to an abundance of green and loggerhead turtle nesting sites which means the waters and the sands are strictly regulated, allowing every resident and visitor a tranquil time.</li></ul>

<p>A mishmash of cultures, Cyprus is as rich in history and legends as it is in the local delicacies and turquoise beaches. When you’re taking some time off of the silky sands, Cyprus offers you its incredible past wherever you turn.</p><ul><li>A stunning archaeological site, Choirokoitia has a firm spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list with its significant Neolithic site and digs that unearthed histories from the 7th to the 4th Millennia BCE. The dig is only partially completed, but with the reconstructions of prehistoric dwellings full of Neolithic household items, you will witness Cyprus as it was centuries ago.</li><li>Another resident of the UNESCO World Heritage list, the painted churches of the Troodos mountains have remained incredibly untouched, so much so that the printed walls have hardly changed since the Byzantine times. The murals of saints, archangels and Bible scenes between the 11th and 16th centuries decorate the crude stone and timber chapels. It is a one-of-a-lifetime sight to see.</li><li>The brainchild of locals Lois and Ismail Cemal, the ecotourism project nicknamed “a rural get-away” where local traditions thrive in the Besparmak mountain range is another must-see for those who wish to help preserve the natural beauties and unique cultures in Cyprus. </li></ul>

<ul><li>Average flight time to Cyprus from the UK is 4 hours and 45 minutes. You can fly from all UK airports depending on the final destination.</li><li>The official currency used across the entire island is Euro.</li><li>Cyprus is two hours ahead of the UK.</li><li>Cyprus has a pleasant weather all year round, with an average of five to seven hours of sunshine per day during winter and eleven hours during summer.</li></ul>

United Arab Emirates

<p>From traditional restaurants serving indigenous Emirati dishes to culinary dining, foodies will be sure not to be left hungry when dining out in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Middle Eastern, Indian and Chinese cuisine are a big hit in Abu Dhabi, although there are plenty of Asian and Western options too. Be sure to indulge in local Emirati and Gulf dishes; rich, full of flavour and aromatic.</p><ul><li>Sample the UAE&#x27;s national dish, <em>khuzi</em>, which is roasted lamb on a bed of spicy rice and topped with raisins, nuts and vegetables. Although this dish is typically reserved for special occasions, you will often find it on the menu at a majority of restaurants.</li><li>For those craving something a bit sweeter, indulge in <em>luqaimat</em>, delicious fried dough balls, infused with cardamom and saffron and then covered in date syrup. <em>Luqaimat </em>is also a popular treat during Ramadan.</li><li>Sit back and relax whilst enjoying <em>gahwa</em>, Arabic coffee, the UAE&#x27;s welcome drink. Brewed in a beautiful coffee pot and served with dates, <em>gahwa </em>is a favourite amongst coffee lovers of Abu Dhabi and served in every Emirati household.</li></ul>

<p>The Emirates are blessed with long stretches of glistening white sands with the clear waters of the Persian Gulf. Emirate beaches are one of their main attractions, although many are unspoken when it comes to defining their unique beauty. The lively atmosphere and the buzzing hubs of these captivating beaches are the perfect place to play, relax and really discover the United Arab Emirates.</p><ul><li>For a taste of glamour, music and gourmet food, take a trip to Cove Beach in Abu Dhabi. Filled with Mediterranean décor and three magnificent pools, Cove Beach is a renowned beach club, particularly with jetsetters and celebrities. Why not finish the day by dining at the Rose Lounge, providing sensational views of the Arabian Sea?</li><li>Barasti Beach Bar, Dubai&#x27;s oldest and most iconic beach club, is located on a large private beach. Chilled out vibe by day and transforming into a nightlife hotspot when the sun goes down, is certainly worth a visit when holidaying in Dubai.</li></ul>

<p>Pristine beaches, buzzing nightlife, some of the world&#x27;s most luxurious resorts and spas, the world&#x27;s first seven-star hotel, indoor skiing, the world&#x27;s largest indoor theme park, and one of the largest shopping malls in the world… These are only a few of UAE’s unrivalled offerings to travellers.</p><ul><li>Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world&#x27;s tallest building stands at over 160 stories high and provides astounding views across the desert to the Persian Gulf, particularly at sunrise or sunset.</li><li>The Rub&#x27;al Khali Desert in Abu Dhabi the world&#x27;s second largest desert after the Sahara. With endless sand dunes stretching for over 255,000 sq. miles, there are many ways to visit the spectacular desert from relaxing sunset tours and camel rides to adrenalin filled 4x4 rides or sandboarding.</li></ul>

<ul><li>The average flying time from the UK to the United Arab Emirates is approximately 7 hours.</li><li>The main airline to serve the UAE is Emirates offering direct flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester and Glasgow.</li><li>The UAE offers all year round climate with scorching summers and toasty warm winters.</li></ul>

Canary Islands

<p>The diversity of the Canary Islands has seeped into their cuisine as well, with each island having its style of traditions and unique dishes that come with it. Made of local and fresh ingredients, they all tell a story of the island’s past fused with its present.</p><p></p><ul><li>Gran Canaria is the best spot to experience the eco-fusion of the unique cuisine, a mixture of the island air and a Spanish mainland-style city. Farmers’ and fish markets line the streets, and the local ingredients are used to create combinations that you will keep coming back for.</li><li>La Palma’s two distinctive natural sights can be seen in its cuisine as well. With a variety of international and local dishes side by side, your options range from tapas restaurants against the backdrop of the volcanic hills and fresh seafood overlooking the clearest waters of the sapphire sea.</li><li>Lanzarote is a painting made of ever-changing colours across the island, the shades reflected onto its cuisine in unique ways. One unique dish, papas arrugadas or “wrinkled potatoes” is paired with the colourful mojo, a sauce that is either spicy red (mojo rojo) or forest green (mojo verde).</li></ul>

<p>Home to 500 beaches, the Canary Islands boasts beautiful weather all year, allowing you to dip into warm water under the bright sun no matter the season. Each island has amazing waters and sandy beaches for you to relax and enjoy the scenery, or go for a dive under the sapphire waters.</p><ul><li>Fuerteventura, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2009, is the second largest Canary Island with honey-coloured sand dunes against the clear sea. It is best for sunbathing as well as surfing, sailing and diving, indulging in the best comforts of the beach side. Playa Dorada beach is the go-to for a relaxing day at the beach, especially with its accessible location with wheelchair access and plenty of sunbeds perfect for getting some of that tan back.</li><li>Tenerife is filled with popular beaches thanks to its windy nature, especially at Playa de la Tejita. As Tenerife’s largest sand beach, it’s the perfect mixture of quiet and adventurous, giving you the perfect opportunity to go for windsurfing whether you’re a beginner or an expert.</li></ul>

<p>The history and art of the islands are the ever-beating heart of the Canaries, making each trip a surreal visit full of its unique culture. The most prominent of all islands is Lanzarote, where you can see the influence of Cesar Manrique, a 20th-century artist and environmental campaigner, in every corner you turn. The whitewashed homes with windows as blue as the sky fill the coastal villages of La Caleta de Famara, Arrieta and El Golfo. The lava-field house at the Fundacion Cesar Manrique is another unique sight to see.</p><ul><li>Gran Canaria is full of history, where such sights as Galdar’s pre-Hispanic Cueva Pintada transport you right into the past to the islands’ original inhabitants, the Guanches. Another incredible man-made sight to see is the cave village Artenara, tucked away on top of a mountain with incredible views and the Tamadaba Pine Forest Natural Park is right around the corner.</li><li>Home to Spain’s tallest peak the UNESCO-listed Parque Nacional del Teide, with its amazing volcanic moonscape, Tenerife offers amazing hiking routes for everyone. There is a limit to how many walkers can go up the route, but it’s worth booking online for stunning views up the mountains. For views way down, a visit to the plunging valley Barranco del Infierno will give you unforgettable natural scenery and numerous endemic species to see such as the booted eagle, the kestrel and Scopoli’s shearwater.</li></ul>

<p>The average flight time from the UK to the Canary Islands is approximately 4 and a half hours.</p><p>You can fly from a majority of UK Airports to almost all islands.</p><p>Canary Islands offer a pleasant climate all year.</p>

Greece

<p>Whether you&#x27;re eating seafood at a seaside table or enjoying modern Greek cuisine beneath the floodlit Acropolis, dining out in Greece is much more than simply the food. Follow the locals&#x27; lead and go right to the source, to beach fishing communities for fresh seafood or mountain villages for local meat.</p><p></p><p>Look out for tavernas growing their vegetables, wine, and oil, and where the fried potatoes are hand-cut, and recipes are handed down from generation to generation. When it comes to traditional food taramasalata, dolmades, mousakka and kolokythokeftedes would be excellent choices for an authentic Greek experience.</p>

<p>A country filled with wonders, ancient landmarks, and delicious food; Greece&#x27;s best characteristic is unquestionably its beaches. With the Mediterranean boasting hundreds of beaches and secret hideaways scattered across many of the Greek islands to discover, you certainly can&#x27;t go wrong with any of the Greek beaches. With that said, there are a couple that shine a little brighter than the others.</p><ul><li>The island of Zakynthos is noted for its calmer atmosphere, ideal for admiring magnificent locations like Navagio Beach. Navagio Beach (also known as Shipwreck Beach) is a stunning tiny cove bordered by limestone cliffs and filled with white sand. Furthermore, as the name suggests, it comes with the skeletal remnants of an old shipwreck that is still strewn across the shore.</li><li>Do you want to add some colour to your life? On the Greek island of Crete, make sure you take a visit to Elafonissi Beach. Filled with soft, pastel-pink sands against clear blue waters, it provides the most picturesque setting. As it is part of a designated natural reserve, there are minimal amenities on site, however, you are truly here for the breathtaking views.</li></ul>

<p>Greece has always been people&#x27;s favourite and it is not difficult to understand why. Boasting a staggering 18 UNESCO World Heritage sites, several of which are archaeological structures, Greece is the perfect spot for history lovers and myth-seekers. In the land of gods and legends, you’ll get to visit the Acropolis or the open-air museums of Dolos, Parthenon and the Temple of Olympian.</p><ul><li>Along with its vast history, Greece is full of stunning beaches and islands with crystal blue waters, silky sands and tavernas. The Greek islands are simply breathtaking, with each island being unique. You will also find a variety of activities such as diving, surfing, and hiring boats/yachts to enhance your experience.</li><li>Apart from the beaches and the Greek islands for which Greece is famous, other sites in Greece offer breathtaking scenery. Greece boasts the longest coastline in Europe with many mountains, forests, and lovely villages that add to the country&#x27;s beauty. If hiking and trekking are your preferred modes of transportation, these mountain settlements will undoubtedly be a lot of fun.</li></ul>

<ul><li>The average flight time from the UK to Greece is 4 and a half hours.</li><li>You can fly from Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted directly to Athens.</li><li>Greece offers warm weather all year.</li></ul>

Turkey

<p>Known as the country where East meets West, Turkish cuisine is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions. The best part is that it speaks to everyone, whether you’re looking for a hearty dish made of meat or a fresh vegetarian option.</p><p></p><ul><li>Turkey’s food culture revolves around sharing, and this is best experienced with a mezze platter. Usually consisting of lighter food such as feta cheese, olives, sour yoghurt and a variety of dips, some also include meat and fish that serve as starters. Another selection of rice dishes made of pilau can be served either plain, with chicken or with beans as a side dish.</li><li>A hearty meal usually includes meat-based food in a great variety, except for pork. You could try the Turkish roasted lamb tandoori or kebab cooked in a sealed clay pot for a filling dinner, or try stew with meat and aubergine. For a more vegetarian dinner, make sure to give dolma a try; these are baked peppers or courgettes stuffed with bulgur wheat and tomatoes, a fresh and filling alternative to their meat-filled counterparts.</li><li>If you’re looking for a more social outing, visit a local meyhane where you’ll be served the traditional Turkish drink rakı along with a selection of mezze and fish dishes. Usually live music and livelier conversation accompany such dinners, and are an amazing way to glimpse into the local communities.</li><li>Turkish people are fond of their sweets, which means there are plenty of options to choose from. Lokum or Turkish delight might be the most well-known dessert, but if you prefer something more local, try kabak tatlısı made of fresh pumpkin and spices. Another refreshing dessert is sütlaç, a rice pudding made with milk and sugar.</li><li>For a more traditional experience, try aşure – also known as Noah’s Pudding, this dessert usually signifies spring and harvest times with its abundance of boiled whole grains and fresh seasonal fruit and is usually made on special dates such as religious holidays or a baby’s first tooth.</li></ul>

<p>Turkey is a haven of crystal waters, clear skies and sandy beaches, but some of them stand out amongst the rest as holiday favourites. Each beach comes with its own unique colours and experiences, where you can go from swimming next to seaside cliffs to lounging on tranquil sand.</p><ul><li>Alaçatı is a beautiful Turkish beach found in a town full of old stone houses and chic restaurants. A relatively sheltered bay, Alaçatı offers good and steady winds that make the waters perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The town is also full of surf clubs where you can get kitted out or visit the friendly surf schools for lessons to help you safely enjoy the waters.</li><li>The best place to bring your kids when on a Turkey family holiday is Lara Beach. Close to the Antalya airport and city centre, you’ll have plenty of transport links and exploring to do, when you’re not enjoying the nine-mile-long beach. The resorts also offer many family-friendly activities and kids’ club entertainment, allowing you to enjoy the calm as your kids build sand castles or take a banana boat ride on the shallow waters.</li><li>For those who prefer something a bit livelier, the beaches of Çeşme are much sought after by locals and visitors alike. Ayayorgi Bay is an especially popular spot with its abundance of beach clubs that fill the calm turquoise cove, where live music and DJs keep the crowd dancing late into the night.</li></ul>

<p>Turkey is a land full of ancient mysteries and modernity, a true adventure that allows you to experience both oriental and European elements. Whatever you are looking for, you’ll find something that speaks to you on a Turkey holiday.</p><ul><li>Lose yourself in the many bazaars that Turkey offers, filled with unique spices and handcrafted traditional arts, all lined up in bustling alleys. Why not watch an artisan craft stunning glass vases, or witness the process of a handwoven kilim coming into being? You’ll have plenty of souvenirs to bring back home to remember your visit.</li><li>When you’re not relaxing by the beach, you could visit one of the many hammams where all your worries will be washed away. As a traditional bathhouse, the natural soaps and cold tiled floors in the hammam will be an unforgettable experience.</li></ul>

<p>The average flight time from the UK to Turkey is around 4 hours.</p><p></p><p>You can fly from all UK airports depending on the final Turkish destination.</p><p></p><p>Most Turkish destinations offer a pleasant climate.</p><p></p><p>The time difference between the UK and Turkey between April and October (BST) is 2 hours. During November to March it is 3 hours (GMT).</p>

Spain

<p>Spain&#x27;s food and drinking culture makes it one of Spain&#x27;s greatest attractions and it is renowned for its sizzling culinary scene. You will be sure to find a restaurant to suit every taste and budget, whether you are on a budget holiday or a lavish getaway.</p><ul><li>A taste that changes its flavours depending on the locals&#x27; tastes, <em>carajillo </em>is a popular coffee drink with added liquor. Tested by time, <em>carajillo </em>stems from the word courage, the strong taste of which will certainly make you feel plenty. Why not go on a jourey to taste the varieties of <em>carajillo </em>- starting from Catalonia where you&#x27;ll find its simplest form in a comnination of coffee and brandy, and go all the way to Majorca where the local island rum is added for some extra courage.</li><li>Enjoy a hearty breakfast with a Spanish omelet, a mix of fried potatoes, eggs and onion. Follow up with a popular seafood dish, the Galician-style octopus - cooked in a pot, it is served on a wooden board along with boiled potatoes, salt, paprika and the tasty Spanish olive oil. Make sure to try paella, a classic Spanish rice dish, which you can optimise for your taste by adding ingredients like saffron, vegetables, meat, or seafood.</li><li>Top these off with something sweet by trying the Catalan cream, a pastry with crunchy crust made of caramalised sugar. For something that can go with any meal of the day, opt for some freshly made hot churros - these fried dough sprinkled with powdered sugar can be eaten as either a snack or even as part of your breakfast.</li><li>Don&#x27;t forget to taste the local spanish wines. Ranging in taste and ingredients in each province, it&#x27;s easy to go on a journey of wine tasting from Catalonia to Mallorca.</li></ul>

<p>With more than 600 blue flag beaches, Spain certainly offers some of the best beaches in the world with crystal clear waters, coves, and 4,900km of gorgeous coastline. Whether you are looking for all-night parties, family fun beach days or to escape the hustle and bustle, there is always a stretch of sand ideal for you.</p><ul><li>Bring your family for a relaxing time at Calo es Caragol in Mallorca. Set against the picturesque background of Serra Tramuntana&#x27;s vineyards and orchards, these clear turquoise waters are full of life. Thanks to its remote location, this beach is a favourite amongst families, with plenty of space for beach games and calming trips - you&#x27;ll get to see the marine life upclose as well!</li><li>Experience a one-of-a-kind beach with its own 11th-century castle overlooking the waters at Tarragona&#x27;s Playa Tamarit. Don&#x27;t let the impressive castle fool you though - this is a calm spot that remains free of the crowds while still offering all the beauties of a Spanish beach.</li><li>Or visit a famous beach at Almeria and enjoy the scenery that made its way to the big screen with films like Indiana Jones. Playa de Monsul&#x27;s lava-form rocks give a unique shape and beauty to the beach, giving a unique look to your beach photos.</li></ul>

<p>It is so easy to understand why millions of tourists visit Spain every year. It certainly has something to offer everyone, despite age or personal interests. With more than 300 days of sunshine in southern Spain, it makes an ideal destination all year round.</p><ul><li>Spanish beaches, as they are renowned for having some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe, with millions of tourists visiting every year for the sun and sand. Accompanying the beautiful clear waters, sampling tapas is a must in Spain and a long-time favourite amongst both locals and visitors.</li><li>Spain offers truly mesmerising iconic attractions, rich in heritage as well as a diverse selection in nature. Picos de Europa is one of the most famous national parks in the whole of Spain, where you will find stunning lakes and majestic mountains. The Spanish architecture is also reflected by an abundant of old towns that date back to the Medieval Times as well as some of the most beautiful religious buildings in the world.</li></ul>

<ul><li>The average flying time from the UK to Mainland Spain is approximately 2 hrs 30 minutes</li><li>You can fly from all UK Airports depending on the final Spanish destination.</li><li>Spain offers pleasant climate all year.</li></ul>

Portugal

<p>Dining in Portugal can be a truly great pleasure and experience, evident by the number of dishes and specialities that the Portuguese have to offer. Treat yourself to world-class wine and local dishes around every street corner and you&#x27;ll realise you&#x27;re in a true gourmet heaven.</p><ul><li>Portugal&#x27;s national drink, <em>port</em>, is a fortified wine that can be found in any bar or restaurant. Varieties range from dusty 100-year-old bottles to more affordable vintages.</li><li><em>Pastéis de nata are </em>Portugal&#x27;s famous custard tarts, served fresh from the oven with cinnamon and icing sugar sprinkled on top.</li><li><em>Bacalhau à brás </em>is a national dish that is said to have a different variety for each day of the year. The base meal consists of salted cod and onions mixed with scrambled eggs. It may be served with cream and potatoes, with olive oil, with corn bread among other countless toppings.</li></ul>

<p>Visitors from all over the world have flocked to the beaches in the Algarve for many decades. From breathtaking rocky coves to endless stretches of golden sands, they are picture-perfect. You will even come across beaches that should belong in the Caribbean, with clear blue waters and white sands.</p><ul><li>Take a trip to Praia da Marinha, one of Portugal&#x27;s star beaches. This hidden gem is known for its pristine sands, striking cliffs and the perfect spot for sunbathers.</li><li>Praia da Ilha de Tavira is a truly dreamy beach, filled with powdery white sands. Accessible by ferry, the paradise beach also features chill-out bars and idyllic seafood spots. One of the best off-the-beaten-track beaches in Portugal.</li><li>In Setubal Peninsula, located to the south of Lisbon, you will find Praia do Portinho da Arrabida. Renowned for its greenery in the backdrop and the beautiful beach houses, it is a small paradise where you can enjoy the calm on your own or with your loved ones.</li></ul>

<p>Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is like a Latin fairytale of traditions and manners. Be sure to check out the century-old wooden trams that rumble their way through the city and explore the city&#x27;s rich heritage by strolling through the Baiza district.</p><ul><li>Óbidos is more than an enchanting hilltop village with historical buildings and entangled streets. In July, it hosts Portugal&#x27;s biggest Medieval Festival. Crowds roam the village in Medieval-era costumes, indulge in traditional food and drinks, as well as attend concerts and shows all day long, including a mock-up jousting match. In mid-October, you can also attend Folio, Portugal&#x27;s biggest international literature festival, boasting exhibitions, concerts, masterclasses, book presentations, conferences, seminars.</li><li>Just outside of Porto, you will find Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark. Popular among families with children, this park houses the world&#x27;s longest pedestrian suspension bridge, Arouca 516, over the Paiva River, the idyllic wooden walkway Passadiços do Paiva providing a scenic walk along the river, and guided tours.</li></ul>

<ul><li>    The average flight time from the UK to the Algarve is approximately 2 and a half hours.</li><li>    Several airlines provide routes from most UK Airports to Faro, the Azores, Porto and Lisbon.</li><li>    Portugal offers pleasant climate all year round.</li></ul>

Balearic Islands

<p>Often of Catalan descent, the traditional Balearic Islands dishes follow a slow-food philosophy. Using local ingredients and traditional recipes, Balearic cuisine has something for every palate.</p><ul><li>Try the steaming seafood stews or freshly grilled fish for a taste of the Mediterranean, or enjoy the paprika-spiced sobrassada and the smokey Mahon cheese. Find a variety of arrossos in one of the local restaurants or experience the buzzy tapas bars in Palma’s Mercat de l’Olivar.</li><li>Top the delicious food off with the Majorcan red wine Binissalem. If you need something sweeter, give the sugar-dusted ensaimades a chance, and you won’t regret it.</li></ul>

<p>The Balearic Islands have some of the best white beaches and clearest turquoise waters in the Mediterranean, offering you many choices when it comes to your holidays. Whether you want to sunbathe on the soft sands and enjoy the calm waters, go diving to discover the rich biosphere or try the action-packed resorts with a range of water sports, the Balearics will deliver the best locations to you.</p><ul><li>Enjoy the peace at the secluded beach of Sa Calobra, tucked away at the end of a gorge, deep in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains in Majorca.</li><li>For a little more scenery as you enjoy the waters, visit the twin bays of Macarella and Macarelleta between the cliffs in Menorca.</li><li>Or enjoy the wild Ibiza during the day, with its unique geography, dramatic rock formations and shallow waters where you can watch the beautiful sunset</li></ul>

<p>The centuries-old history of the Balearic Islands can be seen anywhere you look in the islands. Each of the major cities in the archipelago has a unique architecture and history, filled to the brim with art galleries, a clutch of museums, fresh-produce markets and old towns where the influence of the island’s British influence can still be felt.</p><ul><li>See the Gothic beauty of La Seu, visit the Balearic Islands’ greatest contemporary art collection at Es Baluard and stroll along the creative seaside Santa Catalina. Spare some time to visit the world’s oldest settlement at Ibiza Town’s UNESCO-listed Dalt Vila, founded by the Phoenicians in 654 BCE, where you can still see the salt flats that have still in use since its foundation.</li><li>Go for a ride on the narrow gauge train between Palma and Sóller, going through plains and winding through mountains and tunnels of the Serra de Tramuntana. If you want to experience the islands on foot, opt for the historical hiking routes winding between centuries-old watchtowers such as the 16th-century Torre de Ses Portes, or follow one of Formentera’s 30 official Rutes Verdes to go through villages, sea flats, fortified churches and beautiful beaches.</li><li>Experience the sustainable tourism of the Balearics where the unique environment and biosphere of the islands are heavily protected by the locals. See the Neptune grass meadows in the shallow seas between Ibiza and Formentera, or go bird-watching in Parc Natural de Ses Salines. Help the communities keep the islands alive by joining the beach cleanups and supporting the local markets with their fresh produce and handmade crafts.</li></ul>

<p>The average flight time from the UK to the Balearic Islands is approximately 2 and a half hours.</p><p>You can fly from a majority of UK Airports to Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza.</p><p>The Balearic Islands offer a pleasant climate all throughout the summer with 11 hours of sunshine every day and beach-friendly temperatures soaring up to 30°C.</p>

Maldives

<p>The cuisine in Maldives is a delightful mix of South Indian, Sri Lankan and Arabic influences in the seafood-focused dishes where you can taste the salt of the sea that surrounds the islands. With local vegetables and fresh-from-the-sea fish, the food in Maldives is unique to each island.</p><p></p><ul><li>Make sure to try <em>garudhiya</em>, a fish soup that is usually cooked using fish, water and salt; served with lime, rice, chilli and onions, it is a fragrant and filling local dish that is a staple among the locals. Or enjoy a plate of <em>mas huni</em>, a popular food composed of shredded smoked tuna served with grated coconuts, lemon and onions, making it a popular Maldivian breakfast accompanied by <em>chapatti </em>bread called <em>Roshi</em>.</li><li>Similar to samosa and a spring roll, <em>bis keemiya</em> is a good snack for when you’re visiting the islands; a pastry filled with tuna or hardboiled egg, sliced onions and gently sautéed and shredded cabbage, it’s an authentic food that should not go missed. To top it off, there is also <em>boshi mashuni</em>, a mixture of salsa and salad that is made of crunchy, shredded banana flowers and fresh coconut.</li><li>While the public beaches and areas outside of the resorts are very strict in the alcohol restrictions, make sure to try the traditional toddy Raa. With a slight percentage of alcohol, it is a lightly fermented drink made from the juice of the palm tree trunk.</li></ul>

<p>The Maldives not only have some of the best beaches you can find, but they also offer the most variety of options. Whether you’re in for a relaxing getaway where you can get a tan and enjoy the crystal clear waters, or you’re in for an underwater adventure along the reefs, the Maldives have got you covered.</p><p></p><ul><li>A visit to the North Malé Atoll as well as the Huvadhoo Atoll from March to November will allow you to enjoy the amazing surfing community of the Maldives. Some of the most loved swells can be found along the outer reefs of the North Malé Atoll, with a friendly crowd of surfers gathering at the Thulusdhoo island. Intermediate and advanced surfers can enjoy some of the biggest waves such as Cokes, Chickens or Sultans along the coastline.</li><li>You can also dive deep and explore the beauties of the underwater world of the Maldives in Lhaviyani Atoll. With sites where you can explore shipwrecks or have a chance to encounter manta rays, the northern tip of the atoll is the best for unique diving experiences. If you’re looking for something more novel, the unexplored Komandoo is still full of mysteries that are waiting to be discovered, with new dive sites being uncovered and over fifteen species of shark found in these waters.</li><li>To fully immerse yourself in the unique environment of the Maldives, make sure to visit Baa Atoll. This UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve is home to the largest gathering of manta rays found anywhere in the world. Hanifaru Bay is perfect for some manta ray sightings, especially between June and November when zooplankton is abundant.</li></ul>

<p>The Maldives have incredible experiences for you to discover all over the island, including under the crystal clear waters around the land. Not only is it one of the only places you can experience things such as underwater dining, but it also offers a wide range of choices and opportunities for you to explore the culture of Maldives in this unique setting.</p><p></p><ul><li>Your adventures don’t need to be limited to one island either. The ease of transport between the islands makes it possible for you to explore many little islands during one trip, allowing you to experience different sides of the Maldives while helping the local communities and preserving the local biosphere by opting for more traditional, sustainable transport options.</li><li>While you’re helping the local communities thrive and preserve the island biosphere, you can also take yourself to a well-deserved spa day with the high-quality, professional spa and wellness specialists in the Maldives. The world-class treatment will surely help your body relax, while the stunning ocean views and the tranquil air all around you will feel like a holiday for your mind and soul.</li></ul>

<ul><li>The average flight time from the UK to Maldives is 10 hours.</li></ul><p></p><ul><li>You can fly from Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted directly to Malé.</li></ul><p></p><ul><li>Maldives offer a tropical weather that is warm all year round.</li></ul>

Dominican Republic

<p>A visit to the Dominican Republic is never complete without trying the unique tastes of the Dominican cuisine. With a great variety of food reflecting the colourful culture and history of the Dominican Republic, you’ll get to sample some of the most delicious food the Carribeans have to offer and get a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals in the meantime.</p><ul><li>Start off your mornings with a delicious mangú (green plantains, boiled and mashed) with eggs, fried cheese and fried salami, with sliced avocado on the side, for a traditional Dominican breakfast experience. Opt for a typical Dominican lunch called bandera dominicana – a plateful of rice, red kidney beans, meat stew and tostones or mashed and double-fried green plantains.</li><li>After a colourful lunch, you have plenty of options to choose from for a traditional dinner. Some of the most popular dishes are chicharrón or pork rinds, locrio de pollo or fried rice with chicken, mofongo or a plantain mound with either deep-fried pork or shrimp, or the seven-meat stew sancocho accompanied by avocado. </li><li>Top these hearty meals off with some of the staple Dominican desserts – the grated coconut in cream, sweet beans, sour milk desserts, orange sweets, milk sweets, papaya and pineapple desserts, and guava and cashew paste soaked in soup are some of the most popular sweet options. If you’re looking for something more natural, you’ll have an abundance of tropical fruit juices in the form of milkshakes or batidas.</li><li>Remember to try coconut water straight from the groves and forests, and sample the fresh sugar cane juice from the local fields.</li></ul>

<p>The Dominican Republic has some of the most exquisite beaches in the Caribbean, along with a picturesque coastline with powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. The beaches have something for everyone as well, from visits to tranquil and shallow waters with your family to enjoying the ever-awake party life along the coast, the Dominican Republic has you covered.</p><ul><li>Some of the best beaches are found along the coastline of Punta Cana all the way to Uvero Alto. The soft sand along the beaches, combined with the aquamarine waters, make for great idyllic escapes into the Caribbean. While it tends to get crowded, there’s a good reason for its popularity – the natural scenery is unrivalled and the experience is therapeutic. Public access is protected by law, making it possible for everyone to enjoy the coastline as they wish.<br/></li><li>For something a bit more secluded from the public, you could take the boat to Playa Rincon where you’ll be greeted with the softest white sand beach and vibrant waters for a good 3m stretch. At the western end of the beach lies a small freshwater stream for a quick dip against the backdrop of a lush, green forest. When you’re craving some Dominican cuisine, the seafood restaurants along the coastline serve local dishes as well as renting beach chairs.<br/></li><li>If you’re looking for more activity, music and entertainment during your visit to the beach, you shouldn’t miss Playa Boca Chica. Don’t let the white sandy beach and calm waters trick you – there isn’t much peace to be found here. Instead, you’ll be surrounded by tourists and locals alike looking to enjoy the music and the dancing, and the beach comes alive with street vendors selling anything from local snacks to paintings.</li></ul>

<p>The Dominican Republic is an unmatched haven of delicious cuisine, marvellous natural beauties and welcoming people – but this isn’t all when it comes to the unforgettable experiences that await you on a holiday trip to the island. Dominican culture is the perfect blend of Hispanic heritage and African traditions, and this colourful combination leads to unique artistry that spills onto the streets wherever you turn.</p><ul><li>Music remains one of the most popular and socially significant forms of art in the Dominican Republic. Centuries of culture and history meet in the folk songs and tunes, ranging from sounds with clear African antecedents to rhythms born of Spanish and Middle Eastern traditions. You’ll have endless opportunities to hear these sounds, as it’s typical to expect music and dancing to happen just about anywhere – be it the local convenience store, the club or the car wash. Even the most mundane of places can turn into a fun experience, where even an old colonial monastery can be a place to dance the night away.</li><li>The most popular means of making this one-of-a-kind music is the Dominican merengue, which is considered a national legacy. Originating from the countryside as merengue típico, it was created by using three different traditional instruments to reach a decidedly Dominican sound. Its younger cousin bachata also enjoys a growing popularity, crossing the boundaries and taking Latin America by storm.</li><li>The best way to experience this to the fullest is Festival de Merengue. Started back in 1967, Santo Domingo’s annual Merengue and Carribean Rhythms Festival is a celebration of colours, music, dancing and companionship, embracing the country’s vast history and traditions. While the party itself takes place against the backdrop of the Carribean sea on the city’s malecón, it easily spills onto the neighbouring streets and nearby bars. For two weeks each summer, you’ll get to watch the national dance in person.</li></ul>

<p>The average flight time from the UK to the Dominican Republic is approximately 9 and a half hours.</p><p><br/>You can fly from a majority of UK Airports to Punta Cana.</p><p><br/>The Dominican Republic has a pleasant climate all year round.</p>

Thailand

<p>Thailand is where all the cuisines of Southeastern Asia come to meet and the variety speaks for itself. Accommodating<br/>all dietery preferences, Thailand will leave no visitor hungry or asking for more!  </p><ul><li>Pad Thai is a legendary dish that has made its way to all the corners of the globe in one way or the other. It consists of rice noodles and a bunch of additional, yet optional ingredients stir fried in a wok. </li><li>Alternatively, you could treat yourself with khao pad.Prepared with Thai jasmine rice, a meat option, and usually soy sauce, Khao pad is served with fresh vegetables like cucumber, lime, and tomatoes. </li><li>Make sure to try khao soi while you&#x27;re in Bangkok. Indigenous to Northern Thailand with Chinese and Burmese roots, khao soi consists of egg noodles served in coconut milk curry broth and is commonly served with chicken or beef.  </li></ul>

<p> Thailand is a paradise thanks to its beaches of platinum-white sand and crystal azure waters. Among the most liked are  </p><ul><li>Karon Beach is the best option for families. It attracts just the right amount of people needed to liven up the place. What is more, the shallow water is ideal for those with children, and the beach is wide and long enough for walks along the shore. </li><li>Patong Beach is arguably Phuket’s liveliest beach thanks to numerous beach vendors offering you local snacks and drinks, restaurants, and souvenir shops. </li><li>Located on Phi Phi Islands in Andaman Sea, Tonsai Beach is one-of-a-kind as it offers climbing and hiking opportunities on the side, and small reggae bars that keep the fun going after the sunset. </li><li>A special one: Mai Khao Beach deserves a special mention for its popularity among plane spotters. Here you can enjoy all the pleasantries of a Thai beach while watching airplanes glide over you and land at Phuket Airport.  </li></ul>

<p> In Thailand, unique cultural landmarks and unadulterated natural wonders co-exist as they embellish each other. All the way from the Bay of Bangkok in the North to Andaman Sea in the South, the scale of city life and nature leans one way or the other without depriving you of the beauties of either.  </p><ul><li>Khao Lak is a series of tourist-oriented villages about 100 kilometres to the North of Patong. It is the best option for those that wish to have easy access to dozens of quiet yet well-regulated beaches all around Phuket. Here, you can enjoy  tranquility on your own, with your partner or your family, and try out a new beach every day. </li><li>Patong Carnival in Phuket, held on November 1 each year for three days, is a mixture of colorful parades, sports events, and beauty competitions. It attracts significant participation from both foreign tourists and Thai nationals. Taking place alongside of Patong Seafood Festival, you will witness Phuket at its finest while enjoying dishes from all over Eastern Asia.  </li></ul>

<p> The average flying time from the UK to Thailand is around 12 hours. You can fly from all UK airports depending on the final  destination in Thailand. The transfer time is between 30-120 minutes depending on the resort. Time zone is GMT+7.  </p>

Tunisia

<p>Tunisian cuisine is a vibrant blend of Mediterranean, Arabic, and Berber influences, marked by bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a rich use of spices. At its core, the cuisine features olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of herbs, with spices like cumin, coriander, and saffron adding depth and complexity to many dishes. Tunisian food is a celebration of the region’s history, geography, and culture, offering a unique and satisfying culinary experience for adventurous palates.</p><ul><li>Couscous (Couscous) is a comforting and flavorful staple that reflects the country’s rich culinary heritage. Served with lamb, chicken, or vegetables, it offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors. For tourists, it&#x27;s an ideal dish to experience the heart of Tunisian culture and enjoy a communal dining experience, making it a must-try for anyone looking to taste authentic North African flavors.</li><li>Brik is a delicious Tunisian snack or appetizer that consists of a thin, crispy pastry filled with egg, tuna, and capers, then deep-fried to perfection. It’s a beloved street food that&#x27;s light yet satisfying—perfect for tourists who want to try something unique yet portable while exploring the country. The crunchy exterior and savory filling make it a crowd-pleaser, ideal for both quick bites and as a part of a larger meal.</li><li>Make sure you don&#x27;t miss out on Lablabi either! This hearty chickpea soup, often served with bread and topped with olive oil, garlic, cumin, and harissa, is perfect for cooler days. It offers an authentic taste of Tunisia&#x27;s everyday comfort food and is great for food lovers seeking a warm, spicy, and filling meal. Lablabi is also customizable with toppings like eggs or sausages, making it a versatile dish that allows tourists to engage with the local food scene in a cozy and flavorful way.</li></ul>

<p>Tunisian beaches are renowned for their stunning beauty, crystal-clear waters, and diverse coastal landscapes. Stretching along the Mediterranean Sea, Tunisia offers a variety of beach experiences, from tranquil, secluded coves to bustling resorts with vibrant nightlife. The golden sands and warm, shallow waters make it a perfect destination for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports. Whether you&#x27;re seeking relaxation by the sea or adventure on the water, Tunisia&#x27;s beaches offer an ideal escape for every type of traveler.</p><ul><li>La Marsa Beach is one of the best urban beaches to visit during your travels to Tunisia. Loved by locals and visitors both, this Tunis beach offers a beautiful respite from the city life. By day you&#x27;ll see fisherman milling about as sports enthusiasts enjoy the warm sands; as the sun sets, the beach welcomes romantic strolls and those wanting to quietly enjoy the views of Gammarth.</li><li>Known for its calm waters and palm-fringed shores, Aghir Beach on Djerba Island is a paradise for those looking to escape to a tranquil, less crowded beach. The shallow, warm waters are perfect for families and those who enjoy watersports like kayaking or windsurfing. Djerba’s unique blend of Mediterranean and North African culture, with its charming villages and vibrant markets, also makes it an enticing destination for those who want to explore both nature and local traditions.</li><li>Boujaffar Beach, located in the bustling coastal city of Sousse, offers a lively atmosphere for tourists looking for both beach relaxation and excitement. The beach’s golden sands are ideal for sunbathing, while its proximity to the city’s historic medina and vibrant nightlife makes it a prime destination for travelers who want to experience Tunisia’s rich history, culture, and entertainment all in one place. With plenty of beachfront resorts, restaurants, and activities, it’s the perfect spot for those who want to combine a beach getaway with a dose of local flavor.</li></ul>

<p>Tunisia offers tremendous experiences for those looking to find out more about the country&#x27;s history, or just hoping to see the historical monuments up close. Choosing from eight different UNESCO cultural sites might be a bit of a challenge, but the unforgettable sights and the stunning pictures will be worth cramming the visits into one holiday. If you can&#x27;t make them all, there&#x27;s always next time!</p><ul><li>The archeological site of Carthage is undoubtedly one of the best locations to visit during your holidays to Tunisia. This 3km long area has ruins from 5 different cultures and eras, from Phoenician and Roman times to Paleochristian and Arabian relics. It&#x27;s definitely a perfect meeting of cultures, and their blending is a shocking sight that you shouldn&#x27;t miss out on. Make sure to visit the Roman amphitheatre, Antonine Baths and the reconstructed Villa of the Aviary while you&#x27;re there.</li><li>For the film buffs, you do not want to miss the sets of Star Wars located in the southern deserts of Tunisia. Enjoy a camel ride into the deepest desert landscapes, get to know the Berber culture, experience a night spent in a cave or camp out in the desert - and don&#x27;t forget to bring a screenshot or two, or five, of your favourite locations.</li></ul>

<p>You can fly from all UK airports depending on the final destination in Tunisia.</p><p>Tunisia has a warm and enjoyable climate throughout the year, with summers seeing a peak in heat.</p><p>Time zone is GMT+1</p>

Bulgaria

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Thailand

Cyprus

Turkey

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Thailand

Cyprus

Turkey

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