Europe Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Short Holiday Breaks

French Wines – Some Of The Best Available

May 28, 2017 by admin

France is always one of the primary thought of countries when it comes to wine and wine-related things such as vineyards, pairings and vineyard tours. Almost hailed as the father of winemaking, France is home to numerous wine regions, all of which have their own styles and types of wine along with their own suggestions for pairings. Here we look at the top three wine regions and what they suggest in terms of wine and snacks for the ultimate wining and dining experience on your travels.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux has always been one of the most famous wine regions of France and its delicious wines are known around the world for their taste, texture and elegance. With its close proximity to the south west coast of France, Bordeaux wines have throughout the ages been widely exported with these wines reaching many far flung areas of the world well in advance of any others from the region. Bordeaux wines are among some of the most popular in the world today, with over 900 million bottles produced in this region of France every year. It’s estimated that with around 13 bottles being purchased every second across the world, wine from the Bordeaux region is still one of the most popular wines on the planet. With an elegant and vast vintage collection of wines on offer throughout the areas well, you can find the perfect bottle to pair with some of your more exquisite French foods, such as Foie Gras.

Provence

The south of France is home to the Provence region which boasts some of the most lovely images of rolling hills and great swathes of vineyards prime for explo ring. Nestled against a backdrop of the Alps, wine isn’t the only thing on offer here and Provence is known for its production of lavender as well. Both wine and lavender are popular crops here with the sunnier and warmer days and the cooler winds off the mountains providing the perfect atmosphere for growing. An area of pristine beauty, tourists flock here to enjoy some of the more major tourist ports of Nice and Marseilles. With so many options around for enjoying a holiday in the region it’s equally as easy to find the perfect culinary matches for some of Provence’s most elegant of wines, such as the Cassoulet – a casserole well-loved in Toulouse that combines the rich textures of pork with local herbs and spices cooked slowly over several hours to achieve perfection.

Champagne

The Champagne region is northern France’s most well-known vineyards, producing delicious bubbly wines which are blended by master blenders to create the perfect wine. Champagne producers can create either vintage or non-vintage champagnes depending on producer. Non-vintage champagnes are blended with grapes from several years while vintage champagnes are made with grapes from one singular year. Champagne is the ultimate in French wine experiences and shouldn’t be confused with sparkling wine from France, of which there are many fantastic brands, producers and types. While most champagnes are white, rosé champagnes do exist. Try champagne with a regional delicacy like Macaroons, a sweet treat that was brought to France from Italy for a perfect afternoon tea (without the tea!)

So there you have a couple of great suggestions on regional dishes to try when pairing your wines on your vineyard tours throughout the French countryside – home of some of the world’s most robust and delicious varieties of wine.

Explore and Experience New Places by Train Travel

May 26, 2017 by admin

If being humble, kind and calm is on your ‘to-do’ list then travel more. As French novelist Gustave Flaubert said, “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

International Rail is at your service to help you leave the tiny corner that you have occupied and explore the abundance of beauty that Mother Earth has to offer. Besides being affordable, flexible, comfortable and convenient, your train travel journey with International Rail would be fascinating as well.

Here are the top 3 places that deserve your undivided attention:

Turkey

Turkey is a unique country that offers the best of Asia and Europe. Be it the capital city Ankara, cultural & financial hub Istanbul, ski-town Bursa, beautiful ruins in Canakkale, or the Sufi town Konya, the Eurasian transcontinental country is an explosion of colorful culture. Train travel in Turkey is far more economical and faster than even bus travel! With InterRail Turkey Pass that starts from just £55, train tickets would end up being even more reasonable and affordable. Some of the rail journeys that you must set on are Istanbul to Ankara (5-9 hours), Ankara to Lake Van (30 hours), Ankara to Izmir (12-15 hours) and Eskisehir to Adana (14 hours).

Spain

Famous for siesta, football, paella, flamenco, bull-fighting and tapas, Spaniards know how to have a good time, no matter what. The top three places that you must visit when you are in Spain are Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Plaza de Espana in Seville, and the Prado National Museum in Madrid. To enjoy unlimited train travel within this European Iberian Peninsula country, invest in a Renfe Spain Pass or an Interrail Spain Pass. Both the rail passes are under £200 and come with additional benefits, such as discount on ferries, crossings, accommodations, museums, restaurants and a lot more. Spain’s most scenic, fast and luxurious train journeys include Barcelona to Catalonia, Seville to Granada, Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train) to Aranjuez and Madrid to Lisbon.

Bulgaria

Be prepared to feast your eyes on Bulgaria’s breathtaking landscapes when you travel from city to city by train. Plan a scenic trip from Sofia to Mezdra that offers the mesmerizing view of the Iskâr Gorge or from Septemvri and Bansko with mountain views of the Rila and Rhodope ranges. With International Rail’s InterRail Bulgaria Pass, you get to soak up the natural beauty of the country in just £55! During your stay, you could also visit Srebarna Nature Reserve, Sunny Beach on the coast of Black Sea, Belogradchik Fortress, Seven Lakes and Rila Monastery.

A Trip To Malta For Every Season

January 4, 2017 by admin

While most tourists flock to Spain in the summer and central Europe for the festive season, the little archipelago of Malta offers excitement all year round.

No matter if you’re looking for tropical heat, cultural spectacles or natural beauty, Malta has it all. If you haven’t considered taking a trip to this wonderful little paradise, then read on and decide when is the perfect time for you to visit!

Summer

Summertime in Malta is the most popular time of the year – and for good reason. In Malta, average temperatures hover around 30°C and each day is filled with glorious sunshine. Traveler’s looking for the epitome of the perfect beach holiday should definitely opt to visit Malta during the hotter months.

The tiny archipelago is awash with beautiful strands and bays all along its coastline. Popular tourist friendly spots, such as the Golden bay, hold Blue Flag status and the surrounding amenities make it the ideal place to soak up the rays in style. For swimmers, the Blue Lagoon offers a vast pool of clear waters and there are many other secluded alcoves to uncover.

Autumn

As Autumn arrives and the Maltese weather cools slightly, the country becomes the ideal destination for adventure sports lovers and those who enjoy being out in nature. The islands boast endless picturesque hikes, which showcase some of Malta’s best geographical features. These trips are best enjoyed on the run-up to winter, as the coolness makes hiking much less exhausting. There are also many new flowers in bloom after the arid summer weather.

Autumn is also a great time to try out some water sports, as the wind begins to pick up during September onwards. However, there’s still enough warmth in the sun to enjoy being in the sea. So, why not try your hand at kite surfing or wind surfing?!

Winter

As a predominantly Catholic country, Malta is a truly spectacular affair around Christmas. The streets of Valletta are awash with lights and entertainment. Christmas Eve sees a spectacular carol ceremony held at the world famous St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and the pantomime at Manoel theatre is an annual treat.

More than this, visiting Malta in winter provides the invaluable opportunity to see some of the country’s most significant attractions, without the crowds of peak season. Don’t miss the spectacular fortified cities and UNESCO heritage sites. The atmospheric winter sun and lack of crowds make it the perfect time for photographers to get the perfect shot.

Spring

Much like Autumn, Spring is a great period to visit Malta if you’re looking for the best of both worlds. Temperatures are slowly on the rise but the country isn’t yet overflowing with tourists. This is the time of year to considering venturing out to the lesser-known islands of Gozo and Comino. You can visit the legendary Azure Window – a stunning geological feature – and wander around the nearby cliffs. At this time of year, the wildlife is beginning to return so it’s a great time for nature lovers.

Spring also hosts some of Malta’s more unique festivals. Marksman will be intrigued to witness the annual bird-shooting hunt that takes place around this time. Although, if you’d like to visit the birds in more humane circumstances, the many country paths will allow you to see all the Spring’s new hatchlings.

This is a guest post sponsored by The Radisson Malta and written by Steve Ewins; an Avid Traveller and Blogger who has visited more than 80 countries.

All Photos released under the creative commons license.

5 Things to Do Before You Hit the Slopes in Morzine

December 27, 2016 by admin

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Morzine is a quaint ski town situated in the Portes du Soleil region of the Alps. Portes du Soleil is quite possibly the largest international ski area in Europe, and with Morzine connected to futuristic Avoriaz by easy to access ski lifts, it’s the perfect location for skiing enthusiasts who don’t want to stay in the middle of a busy resort.

But whether you’re an enthusiast or not, Morzine has so much more to offer than just its slopes. For those who don’t want to ski, or for those who fancy getting acquainted with the town first, here are 5 things to do before you put on your skis in Morzine.

Fill up on fine dining

There are nearly 150 restaurants, bars and cafes in Morzine itself that are ready to wow you with their culinary delights. After a long journey from your home to Morzine, you’ll probably be starving and will be hoping to refuel. If you haven’t got a meal package included in your accommodation (or perhaps even if you have) you’ll want to head somewhere delicious, but that offers good value food as restaurants in this region are renowned for being overpriced.

Somewhere such as Mamas or Changabang offer burgers, pizza and wraps that are excellent value for money, and are hearty too. Perfect for filling up your stomach after a long day of travel or before a long day out on the slopes!

For a more refined option, La Paika is a welcoming place with a comforting open fire, and the high quality meats it offers are cooked outside on a grill. This is high-end BBQ at its best.

If you really want to push the boat out and treat yourself and your travel party, head to L’Atelier inside Hotel Le Samoyède. It has a Michelin star, so you know you’re getting a top class meal at a price that isn’t ridiculous- around 80 euroes for the seven course set menu.

Enjoy a well-deserved rest

Let’s be honest: you’ve probably come to Morzine for a good, much needed rest. So it’s unlikely you’ll be heading to the slopes as soon as you’ve arrived in town. First things first, you’re going to find your choice of the many stunning Morzine chalets available to rent and put down your belongings.

As Morzine is so close to the Swiss border, you’ll find lots of alpine influences in your chalet. Think wooden finishes, cosy, checked fabrics, a toasty log fire and even a sauna! If your chalet has a meal plan included, there’s no reason why you’d need to venture outside straight away. Just enjoy the warm and comfort of your own space, take a breather from life, and relax.

Heading out into town doesn’t necessarily mean a strenuous trip either. There are plenty of things to do in Morzine that serve the whole purpose of helping you to relax. There are many spas dotted around town that provide various treatments for tired skiers: consider a deep tissue massage to ease the aches and pains gained from the slopes, or a thorough facial to help ease the effects of snow, wind and cold on your skin. Take some time to unwind in a warm swimming pool, bubbling hot tub or detoxifying sauna and steam room in a spa such as Pure Altitude Spa or Hotel Champs Fleuris Spa, which are both conveniently located right near the food of the slopes for easy access whether you’ve spent the day skiing or not.

Alternatively, combine both treatments and your chalet by having a massage therapist come to your door. Companies such as Mobile Mountain Massage or Morzine Massage will visit you at whichever chalet you happen to be renting and help you to relax and restore your wellbeing with a massage. You can unwind without having to step out into the cold.

Get acquainted with nature

Being situated in the middle of the Portes du Soleil region of the Alps, Morzine is the perfect place to get a better understanding and experience of nature.

There are several walks and hikes you can do with varying difficulties, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling. There are over 200km of signposted walking routes around the region, and they are even more easily accessed during the summer months.

For something the whole family can enjoy, take a stroll up from Col de L’Encrenaz and reach the Col de la Basse. You’ll do a circle and end up back where you started, taking in epic views of Mont Blanc and Point Percy. There’s not much of an incline to worry about, so it’s suitable for most levels of walker.

For something more strenuous, try an advanced route that will take you all the way around the Les Chavannes bowl. It’s an all day hike, but the superb views over the mountains and Les Gets are certainly worth it.

View the slopes from above

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Before you stand on the slopes, perhaps you’d like to see them from above and size up the circuits? It’s possible to take helicopter rides over the French and Swiss Alps, and even combine a view from the sky with a ski tour.

The helicopter will take you on a ride over the breath-taking mountains, and then drop you and your group at a point from which you can head back down the mountain. This is an excellent way to experience the delights of Morzine from both above and below.

Another option for those that enjoy thrill seeking is to try a sky dive or paragliding. Not only will you have unrivalled views of the Alps, but you’ll get a real buzz that you’ll never forget.

Learn a new sport

Okay, so technically this one involves the slopes, but not in the way you would expect. There are many different snow sports available for adventurous visitors to try their hand at. Consider hopping on a snowmobile and taking on a course with your friends, or heading to places almost no one has gone before by slipping on a pair of snow shoes and heading up the mountain. You could find an even more beautiful winter wonderland hidden amongst the trees, and not have to share it with anyone.

Fancy going up the hills instead of down? You can hire a skidoo and see how far up the mountain you can get.

For night time fun, consider night sledging in Morzine. It’s suitable for all ages, and speeding down the slopes in the dark gives you a whole new perspective on the scenery.

You could opt to take lessons in snowboarding or try your hand at tobogganing. There’s no limit on the winter sports you can get involved with in Morzine- you may even discover a new talent!

With the many things to do in Morzine, it would be a surprise if you manage to make it out onto the slopes! Tempting as it may be to forget about skiing altogether, make sure you take the time to feel the wind in your hair as you speed down the mountain on a pair of skis- there’s nothing quite like it! Regardless of who you are, and how you prefer to spend your time, you can have an amazing ski holiday in Morzine with your loved ones, and you’ll probably never want to leave.

Clever Budget Planning For a Fun Short Family Ski Break In Flaine

October 26, 2016 by admin

Flaine is a resort that is great for families with children or for beginners. It is also a relaxed French Alps resort where everyone can relax and have fun in a setting that is unbelievably pretty.

If this sounds like the perfect sort of ski destination for your family then the good news is that there are some clever ideas for making a trip here fantastic value. Why not try a few of the following ways of saving money and keeping the cost of this ski break as low as possible?

Choose the Cheapest Time

As with most holiday destinations around the world, the price you pay depends in part upon the dates that you choose to travel. As this is such a suitable place for families then it is no surprise to see that demand typically goes up when the school holidays come along.

Christmas and New Year also tend to be times of year when a lot of people are tempted by the thought of spending time in Flaine. It is easy to see why, as it is a wonderful place to pass the festive season with a family group.

Whenever there is snow on the ground people will want to come here to ski. However,

there are times when demand is a little bit lower, such as the start and end of the ski season.

If you have a degree of flexibility over your travel dates then it definitely pays to get quotes for a few different dates. It could work out that you save a decent amount of money just by doing this.

Stay in a Good Value Hotel

The difference made to your budget by a good value hotel could be enormous. Instead of blowing most of your budget on accommodation you can save some cash while still enjoying yourself in and around the town.

The good news is that there are some very good value hotel options scattered around the resort. By taking your time and looking for the best value option you could make your holiday cash stretch a whole lot further than would otherwise be the case.

Paying less for your accommodation doesn’t necessarily mean staying in a nasty hotel in Flaine. There are some excellent good value options around town that are worth taking a look at.

Try Life in a Chalet

Another option worth considering for a family break is to rent a chalet. This is a classic type of accommodation in the French Alps and can work out cheaper than staying in a hotel if you choose well.

There are some other benefits to staying in a family chalet as well as the possible cash saving. For a start, you can feel right at home in a way that simply isn’t usually possible in a hotel.

Overall, this can be a smart way of making your family trip a lot more memorable while hopefully saving some money at the same time. The best chalets come with excellent facilities such as hot tubs and catering, although you may be able to find a cheaper option with less impressive facilities if you are lucky.

Rent an Apartment

Perhaps an even better idea than renting a chalet is to rent an apartment. This is going to be an excellent value option and it is also an interesting way of spending a family break in Flaine.

It will feel like being at home in some ways, but when you look out the window at the pretty snowy scenery you will feel a world away for the usual routine and places. This is a fine choice for families as you can feel a lot more comfortable than you might feel in a hotel room.

If there are quite a few of you in the group then this will also mean that you aren’t going to need to worry about being split out into different hotel rooms. Instead, you can all have a brilliant time staying together in a roomy apartment.

This is an especially good choice if you have all been busy at home and haven’t been able to spend as much time together as you would have liked. Well, you can choose this break to have lots of relaxed leisure time together in your comfortable apartment.

Eat in Good Value Restaurants

Eating out is one of the massive pleasures for anyone who visits Flaine on a short ski break with the likes of igoski.co.uk. Taking a few days to go skiing in the French Alps becomes even more appealing when you consider the amazing food that you can enjoy while you are here.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that the town has a wide selection of eating places, with the prices varying widely. This means that your choice of restaurant will make a big difference to the amount that you spend on food.

Among the best value options you will find the welcoming Le Sucré Salé, which has a very nice set menu for a decent price. Brasserie Les Cimes is another place where you can eat well without spending a fortune.

You may fancy splashing out on a quality meal somewhere like Le Michet one night but if you eat in this sort of restaurant regularly with your family then it will cost a lot of money.

Cook in Your Chalet or Apartment

While we just looked at some good value options for eating out in Flaine, it is also a good idea to cook in your apartment or chalet while you are here. Indeed, this is one of the biggest advantages to staying in this kind of accommodation, really.

As well as potentially saving you a lot of money this could also be pretty fun to do as well, as you need to go out and buy some ingredients locally. Getting the kids involved in preparing your meals could also give them something interesting to do with their spare time.

You probably won’t want to cook in your accommodation all the time, of course. By mixing it up and sometimes eating out you can add some variety while also being careful how much you spend on food.

Look for Last Minute Bargains

As with any family trip you organise, there is a lot to be said for hunting out last minute bargains. In this way, you can look to find a deal that makes the whole trip a lot cheaper to book.

This is a clever way of spending less on a holiday without compromising on quality. Of course, it requires you to be bold and wait until just before your proposed travel dates before booking anything.

Once you are close to the dates when you want to travel it is a good idea to get the whole family looking online for deals. If you already know that Flaine is where you want to go to then this is going to make it a lot easier to find a deal that suits you.

There is every reason to believe that you can enjoy a magnificent family break here in Flaine. By thinking ahead about how you will plan your budget you can make sure that you keep a tight control on your finances while enjoying a wonderful time.