The Best Breakfasts, Part 1: Turkey

In Turkey, the love affair with good food is embodied in the way that locals start their day. Breakfast is not merely a meal – it is a family gathering; a sit-down event intended to be savoured and enjoyed mindfully and decadently. The typical line-up for a Turkish breakfast usually includes a variety of breads, cheeses, butter, honey, jam, eggs, meats, olives, tomatoes and cucumbers, which are all washed down with copious amounts of strongly brewed tea. If you’re travelling

A Taste of Torremolinos

Those seeking to escape the British winter and find some warmth should seriously consider a holiday to the Mediterranean resort town of Torremolinos. Located on Spain’s sunny Costa del Sol, this is one of the oldest resorts in the area and one with a welcoming charm. It is known for its vast and inviting sandy beaches, excellent shopping opportunities, busy nightlife and tantalising cuisine. Torremolinos is also a great base for cultural day trips with plenty of nearby attractions. Read

Bask in the Sun and Sophistication of Puerto Pollensa

The winter can be a gloomy place in the UK, which is why I always recommend jetting off for a relaxing winter sun holiday to get the year off to a great start. This year, I think that the beautiful and tranquil small town of Puerto Pollensa in sunny Majorca is a great choice for sun and culture. Puerto Pollensa is famous for its laid-back atmosphere, long beaches, oyster-shaped bay and stunning Serra de Tramuntana mountains in the background. This

Say “Formidable!” to the French Riviera: From Cannes to Nice

The word Cannes conjures up images of dazzling film stars, ultra-modern yachts and clinking glasses of champagne. But it’s important to remember how much there is to do beyond the glamour of the city. Our transfer between Cannes and Nice Airport brilliantly showcases the highlights of this region, helping to uncover the riveting secrets of the Riviera. Keep your eyes peeled for these three historic cities, whose historic landmarks you may want to discover during your holiday. 1. Le Cannet

Venecia

Venice Shore Excursions

Today’s visitor to the former Republic of Venice is met with the decaying grandeur of what was once one of the world’s wealthiest city states. The proceeds from its involvement in the lucrative world of commerce and shipping helped finance the construction of many grand palaces, churches and piazzas mainly between the 9th and 13th centuries. Such a wealth of attractions has contributed to Venice becoming a victim of its own success as a tourist destination as 30 million visitors per year threaten the fragile ecosystem of the city and its lagoon. Such is this threat that UNESCO are considering

Bari

Bari Shore Excursions

The city of Bari in south-eastern Italy has long played an important strategic role in the Adriatic Sea. Today it is the capital of the Italian region of Puglia (Apulia) which is well known for its historic hill towns, beautiful coastline and exquisite regional cuisine. For many cruise ship passengers this relatively unknown destination proves to be a pleasantly surprising port of call. Within a short walk of the cruise terminal visitors can wander into the city’s historic centre where life goes on as it has done for centuries. A number of key sights reside in this old town otherwise

Detox Destinations, Part 4: The Netherlands

The Netherlands is frequently acknowledged as one of the healthiest countries in the world. Their understated acceptance of these accolades leads you to believe that they truly do have the secret to good health and that it might indeed be worth some investigating! In the months following the holidays, the Dutch rarely seem to be bogged down by the cobwebs of seasonal indulgence and bounce right back into embracing the new year. The secret to their success surely lies in numerous factors, but one of the most important elements is definitely their unique diet. Here are a few of the

A Nature Lover’s Guide to Corralejo

Is there anything more rejuvenating than a sun-filled break in the Canaries? If there is, we want to know! For anyone visiting the beautiful Canary island of Fuerteventura, the region around Corralejo achieves the seemingly impossible task of being all things to all people. Along with its raft of stunning beaches, water sports and fabulous weather, the area is truly a nature lover’s paradise, with a host of fascinating sites that allow you to explore the abundance of natural beauty in peace and isolation. So, once you’ve had your fill of sun, sea and sand, and you’ve explored some of

A Hipster’s Guide to Prague

In anyone’s book, the overt beauty of Prague cannot be disputed. Centuries of history decorate the ancient streets in the maze of cobbled lanes, magnificent architecture and inimitable character of neighbourhoods like Vinohrady and Bubeneč. But for those who enjoy their history with a bit of mystery and their culture with an urban edge, there’s even more to get excited about. Home of the original bohemian literary giant Franz Kafka, Prague has always had the tick of approval from the arty, cutting edge crowd. A subtle creative undertow defines a host of fashionably highbrow districts tucked in and around the

Messina

Messina (Taormina) Shore Excursions

For many centuries the north-east coast of Sicily has been considered of major strategic importance to the many civilisations who have settled here. Messina is the region’s busy ferry port which serves as a major transport hub for the high volume of traffic and passengers arriving from the mainland. Not the most beautiful of places it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1908 then was again reduced to rubble during the Second World War. Most cruise ships visiting Messina do so to allow passengers to visit the beautiful town of Taormina which lies just down the coast or Mount Etna

Get Surfing in Playa de las Américas

It can seem a long, hard slog through the cold, grey days of winter into spring, so breaking the season up with a sunshine getaway can be a much-needed tonic for the entire family. If you’re looking for somewhere in the sun but want more than just lying on a beach, then a surfing holiday to Tenerife’s Playa de las Américas could be just what you’re looking for. The great thing about surfing on the south coast of Tenerife, particularly

playa Jardin,Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain

An Island Adventure: Tenerife North Airport to Puerto de la Cruz

Who could help but fall under the spell of Tenerife? The largest of the Canary Islands is a favourite with sun seekers from all over the world, who come for the beaches and come back time and time again for the warm Spanish hospitality and relaxed island lifestyle. But anyone looking to explore the island’s authentic culture and stunning natural attractions will not be disappointed either. If you’re coming to spend a few lazy days exploring the beautiful north coast region, Shuttle Direct can get you from Tenerife North Airport to Puerto de la Cruz in comfort and style, without

Detox Destinations, Part 3: Spain

If the holidays have left you feeling lethargic and mentally stagnant, then Spain is the place to go to reboot. Regional dishes that are full of flavour are created with simple ingredients, and can be an excellent way to embark on a new lifestyle of ‘clean eating’. A detox tour of Spain’s culinary delights will introduce you to the benefits of heart-healthy olive oils, the freshest seafood and vegetables, as well as rich red wines – in moderation, of course! 1. Paella This traditional Valencian rice dish combines an array of stunning flavours in a one-dish meal that feels like

Search

Categories