Tel Aviv

Top Up Your Tan in Style on Tel Aviv’s Beautiful Beaches

Tel Aviv, on the Mediterranean Coast of Israel, is the country’s most up-and-coming holiday destination. There is a range of fabulous beaches to choose from, each with its own personality and crowd. Thanks to its growing gay community, Tel Aviv is also known for having one of the best gay beaches in the world, which offers a vibrant and fun atmosphere (and of course you get to appreciate the eye candy!). In the evening, a good pampering session in your hotel Spa and Wellness Centre will wash away any stress, so you can return from your holidays fully recharged.

Travel from London to Tel Aviv and visit every sun worshipper’s dream destination. It offers lively and dynamic beaches, perfect for a few hours of sporting fun, as well as more chilled beaches ideal for an afternoon spent reading a book. So not matter what mood you’re in, you’re guaranteed to find a place to top up your tan.

Barcelona

Barcelona Shore Excursions

Located on the coast of Catalonia in northern Spain, Barcelona is the busiest cruise port in the Mediterranean. The country’s 2nd largest city is best known as being home to the magnificent architecture of Antoni Gaudì with the unfinished Sagrada Familia perhaps the most famous of his works. The city also boasts the presence of numerous world-class art galleries and museums and is renowned on the sporting stage for its football team, FC Barcelona. Cruise ship passengers visiting the city cannot do it justice in a single day which explains why so many take the opportunity to spend additional time in the Catalan capital either at the beginning or at the end of their cruise.

Playa del Inglés

Escape to the Quieter Beaches Around Playa del Inglés

When you live in a busy and overcrowded city, sometimes all you crave is the serenity of a luxury holiday where you can pamper yourself and recharge…

Let’s be honest though, this relaxation can sometimes be interrupted by other noisy holiday goers! Fortunately, though the Gran Canaria is famous for its boisterous atmosphere, it’s also home to a few hidden gems which let you escape the crowds. Tucked away from Playa del Inglès and other touristy areas, there are many quieter beaches where you can relieve your stress – you just need to know where to look!

For more tips on how to make the most of your relaxing getaway, read our luxury holiday guide to Gran Canaria.

Cannes

Cannes in a Day – Yes You Can!

Cruises have become a popular way of exploring a variety of places in one go. With just a short stopover in every city though, you’ll want to be well-informed to make the most of each day.

Many Mediterranean cruises stop in Cannes. This beautiful city on the French Riviera boasts picturesque Provençale houses and stunning Baroque architecture, as well as great restaurants, quirky shops and beautiful sandy beaches. If your cruise stops in Cannes, follow our itinerary to make sure you get the full experience without wearing yourself out.

Business Travel: A Guide to Hannover

Hannover is renowned the world over as global force in technology, insurance and the manufacturing of everything from cosmetics to cars. Many of the major brands have a presence in the city and, as one of Europe’s most significant economic regions, it’s a popular destination for international conferences, trade fairs and exhibitions.

I frequently visit the city on business so I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know it beyond a superficial level: allow me to share some of my “honorary insider” tips.

Nizza

It’s So Nice in One Day: A Short Cruise Stopover in Nice

Cruise trips usually stopover in a different place every day, so it’s best to make sure you’re well-informed so you can make the most of each city stop!

Most Mediterranean cruises stop or start in Nice. Sat on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges, this beautiful French city blends the historical with the modern. Nice’s stunning buildings, churches and museums offer a well-rounded cultural experience, just as its beaches, restaurants and shops provide a delightful ambiance.

Cádiz

Cádiz Shore Excursions

Located on Spain’s Atlantic south-west coast, Cádiz is one of Europe’s oldest cities. Founded around 1104 BC by the Phoenicians it has always had a close relationship with the sea serving as a crucial port to the Carthaginians and Romans. Christopher Columbus sailed out of Cádiz on two of his expeditions to the Americas and the city was designated as home for the Spanish treasure fleet. Not only did this attract the attention of Barbary pirates but also of Spain’s enemies, most notably the English, whose naval fleet under Sir Francis Drake (amongst others) attacked the harbour on numerous occasions. In later years the port would play an important role in the Napoleonic Wars, most famously at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Birmingham

Business Travel: A Guide to Birmingham

As the largest city in the UK after London, Birmingham has a long history as a centre of manufacturing, technology and economic development, dating back to the Industrial Revolution. Today it’s a vibrant, cutting edge city that’s home to a host of multi-national corporations, with its finger firmly on the global financial pulse.

I’ve lost count of the number times I’ve travelled to Birmingham for business, so you can take it as read that these tips come from a source that, while not quite a genuine Brummie, is nonetheless pretty experienced.

Zante

Zakynthos Shore Excursions

Zakynthos (or Zante) lies 20km off the south-west coast of Greece amongst the Ionian Islands, a group which also includes Corfu, Kefalonia, Paxos, Lefkas and Ithaca. The devastating earthquakes which hit the southern Ionian Islands in 1953 caused the death of around 600 residents and destroyed most of the infrastructure on Zakynthos and neighbouring Kefalonia. The majority of those who survived emigrated to the Greek mainland or to other countries leaving a small population to rebuild their islands.

Puerto de la Cruz

Taste Tenerife in Puerto de la Cruz’s Fishing District

If you’re looking for traditional fishing village charm and authentic Canarian cuisine then the Ranilla District of Puerto de la Cruz on the Spanish island of Tenerife is the ideal place to head to. While much of Tenerife has bowed under the pressure of modern tourism demands, Puerto de la Cruz has held its head high and retained much of its traditional appeal.

One of the first tourist hot spots in Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz became fashionable internationally in the nineteenth century as a spa town. It may just be this longevity as a centre for tourism which has led it to understand, and hold on to, the charm and authenticity which made it so popular in the first place.

The Ranilla District is very much at the heart of this act of conservation, having been declared a Centre of Historic and Cultural Interest back in 1985.

Formerly the town’s fishing district and home to many of its fishermen, it has, in recent years, become the town’s culinary heart with over 300 restaurants with their terraces spilling out on to its pedestrianised streets. The district has never forgotten its connection with the island’s fishing heritage though and today celebrates it with a fantastic range of seafood served nightly in its bustling restaurants.

Courmayeur

Let the Cable Car Take the Strain: Courmayeur & the Skyway Monte Bianco

Nestled at the foot of Mount Blanc, thousands of elegant Italians visit the picturesque Alpine resort of Courmayeur in Italy every year. Their intention is not to ski but to enjoy the fresh air, luxury boutiques, excellent eateries and vibrant mountain atmosphere. For some reason, however, the British seem reluctant to visit ‘ski’ resorts, unless they intend to ski.

The truth is, at a resort like Courmayeur, we’re missing out. You need only spend an afternoon sitting on the terrace of one of the resort’s pretty restaurants or cafés to see a parade of smartly-dressed Italians enjoying all the shopping and culture that Courmayeur has to offer, without the slightest intention of ever putting on skis.

From taking the Skyway to the highest point reachable on Mont Blanc and enjoying the views (not to mention the engineering!), to eating at one of its three Michelin-starred restaurants, or just exploring the pretty Alpine town – there is plenty to do here for those not wishing to ski.

Cannes

From Bargain Bistros to Budget Busters: Eating out in Cannes

Think of the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera and you’ll probably imagine the world famous Croissette in Cannes. The long stretch of five star hotels, beautiful beaches and swaying palm trees which make up one of France’s most iconic promenades belies the fact that there is actually plenty on offer in this town for those with a slightly more modest budget.

The truth about Cannes is that while it exudes a millionaire lifestyle with its luxury shops and elegant eateries, it also caters very well for the average holidaymaker. For those of us who like to blow the budget on a Michelin-starred treat one night but will be happy with well-cooked, rustic Mediterranean fare the next, there are a range of great restaurants here. For this reason, eating out in Cannes never means compromising on quality, even when you want to give your credit card a much-needed rest.

Here is my selection of the best dining options, from the best local bistros to the ultimate gourmet experiences.

Mailand

Business Travel: A Guide to Milan

Home to Italy’s Stock Exchange and the heart of the country’s design and fashion industries, when it comes to doing business all roads might well lead to Milan, not Rome. The city’s gaze is focused firmly on the future and, with an excellent infrastructure and healthy economy, there are suggestions that post-Brexit it may rival London as a European centre of business.

larly travel to Milan so I’ve compiled a few tips for corporate travellers. And I have to say, even though it’s usually work, I’m always a little bit sorry to leave…

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