Month: January 2021

Now this is bucket list territory. Everyone should visit the incredible Amalfi Coast at least once in their lives! This world-famous region sits on Italy’s south west coast and is home to some of the country’s most spectacular beaches and towns.

And the easy bit? The Amalfi Coast is a ready-made road trip destination thanks to its self-titled highway which links all 13 of its enchanting clifftop villages. It’s also only an hour away from Naples if you fancy a taste of a cosmopolitan Italian city (and of course a slice from the home of pizza), too!

Whether you’re holidaying with friends or planning your annual family getaway, you’ll find so much to keep you busy along this beautiful stretch of coastline. Only in the area for a long weekend? It’s totally possible to explore key spots along the Amalfi Coast in just a few days. Start planning your balmy Italian road trip with the following pitstops…

Head to Sorrento to stuff your suitcase full of souvenirs 

Sorrento is a natural starting point of an Amalfi Coast road trip and the beginning of the SS163 highway which runs for 50km all the way to Vietri sul Mare. Seen the pictures? Of course you have. Like many Amalfi towns, Sorrento is built precariously into the side of a cliff and made up of narrow lanes lined with candy-coloured buildings. It’s picture-perfect and always Insta-ready.

Consider yourself a shopaholic? You’ve seen the marina, caught a boat along the coast, enjoyed the epic vistas of the Bay of Naples, and finally it’s time to hit the shops! Start by picking up souvenirs on Piazza Tasso, including some local Limoncello, before browsing the high-end clothes shops on Corso Italia. On the lookout for hidden treasures? As you delve deeper into Sorrento’s maze of cobbled alleys, look out for tiny specialty and antique shops and who knows what you might find.

Visit Capri if you’re obsessed with myths and legends

The entire Amalfi region has a heritage that’s caught up in numerous ancient legends, but Capri is a great place to satisfy your curiosity. Why not park your car up in Sorrento and take a water taxi or organised tour across to the island? Known as the island of the sirens and linked to the legend of Odysseus, it was also a favourite holiday spot of many mighty Roman emperors!

Sounds like it’s time to check out Capri’s many treasures for yourself, whether that’s its charming coves, colourful towns or natural wonders such as the magical Blue Grotto.

Show Positano some love if you want more hits on your Insta page 

Sorrento may be stunning, but Positano – the next major town along the Amalfi Coast – is in a league of its own! The town is perched on cliffs which plunge straight down into the aquamarine Mediterranean and it’s littered with pastel-coloured houses which make perfect backdrops for all your candid Instagram posts and stories.

There is heaps to keep you busy in Positano, too, from sunning yourself on pretty Spiaggia Grande to exploring historic monuments like the recently excavated Roman Villa which was buried during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

Love a bit of people watching? The endlessly attractive town is also a favourite holiday spot of the rich and famous, so don’t be surprised if you spot a celeb while you’re there!

Put Amalfi top of your list if you’ve got a few history buffs in your group

Want to learn a little while you travel? The Amalfi Coast has a history that goes back millennia and there are few places better to get to grips with it than Amalfi itself. The region’s namesake town is the halfway point of any road trip and it’s bursting with brilliant heritage attractions.

There’s the Museo Arsenale Amalfi, the medieval Amalfi Cathedral, and the Moorish Villa Rufolo and its landscaped gardens which overlook the ocean, in Ravello just north of Amalfi.

Safe to say, 2020 has not been the best year. While you might have perfected your downward facing dog and banana bread recipe, the year of coronavirus has lacked in lots of ways. Career aspirations? Cancelled. Festivals? Forget it. Travel plans? You must be joking. Sigh.

Still, we can dream. And what’s more, we can plan! This is all bound to end sooner or later, and when it does, you can be sure we’re hopping on the first flight out of here to enjoy a much-needed change of scenery.

If you’ve spent most of the pandemic scrolling through social, you might have some ideas about where to head to first. Still not sure? Check out our 2021 bucket list for inspiration. Then pull your plans together while you have time to spare and book your next trip without the fuss, whenever normality rolls back around.

See some classic and unheard of hotspots in Europe

Europe is a treasure trove of bucket-list destinations. Depending on where you choose, you can hit up a few hot spots in one trip and get working on that bucket list in double quick time. Fitting a year of missed holidays into one trip is looking more and more doable!

1. Experience Midnight in Paris for yourself for a night to remember

Can it really get better than visiting the Eiffel tower at night for a sparkling show? The bulb-encrusted monument is the jewel in the crown of Paris. And there’s nothing like Paris for a little romance either! Tourist hotspots aren’t always worth it, but it’s hard to argue with this one.

2. To see flying squirrels (yes you read that right), head to Finland’s Nuuksio National Park

Nature lover? Have we got the bucket list adventure for you! You’ll find the Nuuksio National Park just outside Helsinki. It’s truly spectacular and is packed with mile after mile of mountain biking and hiking trails as well as picture-perfect forest-fringed lakes. It’s also home to plenty of rare flying squirrels – you have to see them to believe it! Don’t forget to look to the sky, you don’t want to miss them.

3. Channel Russell Crowe in Rome

If you haven’t seen Gladiator, what have you been doing? We recommend watching the film, then visiting Rome’s Colosseum to channel your inner champion. We love Rome and it really doesn’t get more classic Rome than this – the giant ruined open-air theatre is one of the most impressive landmarks in Europe, with a centuries-old history that you can learn all about on your tour.

4. Float around Puglia’s Polignano a Mare

You’ll find Puglia right at the heel of Italy’s boot. Not heard of it? You’re not alone. It’s actually one of the country’s lesser-known regions – which means you can often get to enjoy it just with the locals. And when you’re in Puglia, there’s nothing like heading straight for Polignano a Mare to join the locals in crystal-clear waters, followed by handmade pasta and Aperol nearby. Best day ever?

5. Head to Iceland to explore the Land of Fire and Ice (not Westeros)

There’s more to Iceland than Reykjavík (but add that to your wish list too). For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, for us it’s all about Vík. So, what’s Vík we hear you ask? Well it’s a seafront village in the shadow of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. And why should it be on your bucket list? The black sand and dramatic rock formations at Reynisfjara beach are sure to leave you speechless. You can thank us later for this one.

6. Pretend you’re a celeb and drive the French Riviera in style

There are few things better than a road trip. Throw in the glistening Med, rolling vineyards, and glamorous port cities to stop along the way, and you’ve got yourself a bucket list holiday. So, when’s the best time to go? Anytime really if you ask us – but if you visit in June or August you’ll see the area’s famous lavender in bloom.

7. Get your fix of secret (and not-so-secret) beaches in Albania

Stick with us on this one! Yes Albania might not be the first place you think of when you’re planning your next beach holiday, but what you might not know is that Albania is home to a Caribbean-ish coastline, complete with turquoise waters and white sand beaches. So, where should you go first? Our favourite spots include Drymades, Ksamil, and Gijpe.

8. Break out your hipster threads and dive into underground Berlin

The German capital is known for its underground culture. See the landmarks, sure – you are in Berlin after all! But a visit here wouldn’t be complete without a trip into the underbelly of the city. Don’t worry it’s not as scary as it sounds! It’s pretty fun actually. The city is packed with hidden gems, like tiny clubs, cult galleries, and independent eateries. So, where are the best hangouts found? Make sure you head out of central Mitte into Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, and beyond.

9. Celebrate diversity at Amsterdam Pride

Ever been to Pride before? Pride weekends offer some of the most memorable parties around. And Amsterdam’s offering is (shock) one of the best in the world. We’re thinking watching the canal boat parade with a drink in-hand, then weaving between spontaneous street parties and clubs long into the night. Sounds fun, right?

10. Take your new most-liked photo at Lake Bled

Never heard of Lake Bled? This is a classic spot for those looking to discover the best of Europe. And for lots of good reasons. From shocking blue waters and the medieval Bled Castle to the hiking, biking, and water-sports possibilities the area offers, this is a trip you’ll remember forever.

Cultural tourism in Saint Petersburg

Today cultural tourism is one of the major types of tourism, combining guided tours with visiting historical, architectural, nature and cultural sights.Depending on the tourists’ priorities and travel goals, there are some main subcategories of culture tourism to be distinguished.

Excursion tourism

Diverse and entertaining guided tours around Russia’s Northern Capital and its marvelous suburbs are a great way to get acquainted with a destination.

Opera Tourism

Tourists from all parts of Russia and from all over the world are happy to visit Saint Petersburg not only to enjoy beautiful walks around the city and see the popular sights and museums, but also to attend unique opera shows, often starring world’s most famous artists.

Ballet Tourism

Impeccable adherence to the canons, strict observance of the principles of movement, expressiveness and spirituality, creating a unique charm of the dance – these are qualities Saint Petersburg ballet can be recognized.