Travel & Hospitality Awards | Europe 2021 | www.thawards.com

FEATURING
Hotel of the Year
Istanbul, Turkey
Luxury Chalets of the Year
Austria
Villas of the Year
Portugal
Europe
2021

PORTUGAL | ALGARVE

TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY
AWARD WINNER
2021

The UK’s leading hospitality event dedicated to increasing
hotel profitability, The Hotel360 Expo, is back and opening
its door to over 4 - 5,000 hotel professionals. Taking place at
the ExCeL, London on the 28th & 29th of September 2021,
Hotel360 promises a surplus of solutions and information,
ensuring hotel decision-makers are at the forefront of the
latest hospitality advancements.
The Hotel360 Expo is a rare opportunity to meet the big names
of the industry, as well as the up-and-comers. Moreover, a
chance to rethink one’s hotel business’s marketing strategy,
to source solutions to optimise operational efficiency, take
home the latest hospitality tech trends and sustainability
solutions. The show also provides the tools to not only get
hotel businesses to boost their bookings, but to grow, ensure
customer satisfaction and increase their profits.
The line-up for Hotel360 will boast over 300 cuttingedge
suppliers, 150 inspirational seminars, and expertled
panel debates. Not to mention, unlimited networking
opportunities, unmissable innovation awards and much
more to keep attendees captivated.

As one of our previous endorsers, Tom Lord, the
Former Head of Global Support, InterContinental
Hotels Group, has said:
“We saw some great new solutions
using AI and the event is great for small
businesses and big ones alike, as well as
putting everyone under one roof and letting
people across the breadth of the hospitality
industry see all the latest technologies
available.”
Running directly alongside
Hotel360, is the
Hospitality Design Show.
This show will exhibit the
latest design trends, ideas,
and innovations behind
business growth. It also
grants a unique opportunity
to let the leading creatives
guide hotel businesses
to success with 1-2-1
advice. All under one roof,
the events will provide a
one stop shop for hotel
professionals. Plus it is
FREE to attend.
Visit hotel360expo.co.uk to
secure your free ticket to
both shows and discover
the tools to maximise your
margins!

Sponsor and
Partners

Team
CEO
Rob Bruce
Editor-In-Chief
Katherine Lozell
Art Director
Marcs Bacera
Director Of Sales
Stanley Lucas
Awards Director
Brian Anson
Editorial Liaison Manager
David Hyde
Director Of Marketing
Azim Aftab
Social Media Manager
Apple Gatus
Senior Writers
Tasmai Dave, Jacqui Irvine, & Joseph Wilton
Senior Designers
Antoine Jackson & Hafiz Arslan
Awards Managers
Adam Cole, Joseph Malabanan, Zach Ford,
Peter Clement, & Joyce Lee
Research Managers
Jerald Jaime & Mukul
Contributing Writers
Tracy Morgan, Joseph Malabanan, & Aisha Ahmed
Contents
10
Criteria
Include articles on Alpine Ski School, Vienna
City of Culture Old Masters – Young Experts,
Luxury Mountain Getaways, Kaprun Edition,
and Susanne Fischer amongst others.
68
Greece
42
Turkey
Include articles on
Istanbul Europe’s Most
Beautiful City, Fatih etc.
Include articles on The Greek Islands Waiting
to be explored, Ikaria The Quirky Island etc.
14
Winter
Holiday
Guide 84
Bulgaria
Include articles on The Summer Capital of
Bulgaria and Graffit Gallery Hotel

90
Italy
Include articles on Rome Or Venice? Which
City is Better to Visit, The Perfect Weekend in
the Tuscan Countryside etc.
124
France
Include articles
on Sailing
Holiday in France
and Filovent
106
Germany
Include articles
on Istanbul
Europe’s Most
Beautiful City,
Fatih etc.
130
Spain
Include articles on Ibiza Welcome to
Our Island, Barcelona City of Splendour,
Lugaris Beach Apartments etc.
144
Portugal
Include articles
on Getting
Around Portugal,
Avenidas - Here
for you, etc.
180
United
Kingdom
Include articles
on Scotland, The
Mountain Men etc.
198
Iceland
Include articles on
Rekjavik Top 5 and
Salt Eldhus

Criteria
Service
Excellence in Service is an important
category, as customer service can often
be responsible for having guests return
year after year. We look for the hotels
and tour operators that go out of their
way to please their guests, those that
provide a personal level of service and
take the time to get to know each visitor
so that they might anticipate their every
need. This can be something as simple
as a 24-hour concierge desk, a hotel
manager who offers a personal greeting
or a tour guide who is happy to create
bespoke private tours – but whatever
it is, we are always pleased when we
encounter staff that have been trained
in the art of customer satisfaction.
Style & Design
It is no question that style and design
plays a big part in selecting our awards
shortlist. A guest will form an opinion
about a hotel as soon as they arrive
so it is important to us that all our
winners make those first impressions
count. We’re certainly not partial to a
particular period of architecture – but
whether we’re judging a gothic castle or
an environmentally friendly lodge, the
criteria remains the same. We consider
factors such as architectural features,
use of materials, creation of spaces,
décor and the overall feel. We love it
when we find a hotel that tells a story
though its design and construction, or
offers a design that is sympathetic to
the natural surroundings of its location.

Local Knowledge
Knowledge of the local area is essential
for any organization, be it a hotel or a
tour operator. The quality of services
takes a great hit when the quality of this
element is not up to the mark. Quite a
few of our winners in this category are
because they have displayed excellent
knowledge about the surrounding
areas. The criteria for a hotel is slightly
lenient compared to a tour operator, as
the latter is expected to have thorough
knowledge of the area in order to
provide good services.
Facilities
Award-winning guest rooms come in all
shapes and sizes, but they all have one
thing in common – a home-away-fromhome
feel. The comfort of the facilities
on offer are of vital importance; we look
for luxurious linens, stylish bathrooms
and a coordinated colour scheme that
work together to create a cohesive
sense of relaxation. Additional touches,
such as complimentary toiletries, free
wi-fi or tea and coffee making facilities
are always a bonus in making us feel
welcome. We’re always impressed to find
hotel rooms that embrace technology
and offer amenities like tablets or smart
thermostat systems, but this does not
always necessarily trump the traditional
– four poster beds, ornate fireplaces or
antique furniture can add a touch of
decadence to a hotel stay.
Marketing
In today’s modern age, a hotel or tour
operator cannot rely on word of mouth
to get their message out into the world.
As social media has become a vital
part of everyday life, we like to see
companies that go the extra mile to
engage with their guests, both past
and future. Attractive and informative
websites and engaging and honest
content are what we look for when
judging a company’s use of marketing;
how well they display their services, how
up-to-date their content is, how well
they get their brand message across,
and, most importantly, how well their
marketing can tempt us to go and see
what they have to offer for ourselves.

Criteria
Diversity
Diversity is one important aspect that
needs to be taken into consideration
when in the travel and hospitality
industry. It is essential to have staff
that has varying diversity to ensure that
the organization can properly connect
with their guests. Diversity is taken into
account in terms of gender, nationality
as well as languages spoken among
other factors. Not only do we take the
diversity of the staff into account but
even that of the facilities and services
offered; a hotel or tour operator
providing a better range of services is
preferred over those that do not.
Customer Reviews
What better way is there to know about
an organization than by getting first
hand reviews? Customers are the best
judges of any service as they are the
ones who experience them and can
assess whether they were up to the
mark or not. Considering reviews from
hundreds of customers gives us a fair
idea about the general pros and cons
of any organization and also gives us
valuable inputs for the other criteria
as well.

Industry Knowledge
It is of prime importance that an
organization has thorough industry
knowledge. Without knowing the nit-bits
of the industry, it is difficult to flourish
and provide services which are a class
apart. Before any organization ventures
into the industry, it is essential that
they know how the industry is moving
and how they should make changes to
their methodologies in order to remain
relevant and also be a top-performing
organization.
Location
Location is one of the most important factors, but also one of the most subjective,
as the ‘ideal’ is very much determined by the type of visitor and the type of
hotel itself. However, there are a few factors we take into consideration when
determining the winners of location-based awards. The first is convenience; that
is, hotels that are easy to travel to. Many of our winners in this category are in
convenient locations, such as adjacent to airports, close to beaches or found in
the heart of easy-to-navigate cities. We are always impressed when hotels go the
extra mile to take the hassle out of traveling and offer such additional services as
airport shuttles or car hire services. However, we’re always excited to come across
a hotel that is, to use a familiar phrase, off-the-beaten-track. A hotel that can
offer something a little different, in terms of natural surroundings, can make the
difference between a good holiday and an incredible one.

Winter
Holiday Guide

Zermatt in Switzerland

Winter Holidays
in Europe
The travel and hospitality industry, like many others,
is still reeling from the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite
signs of growth and enthusiasm, the industry isn’t set
to have a stellar summer like some anticipated. Instead,
an extensive European winter tourist season is expected
with many planning to swap out the beaches of the
Mediterranean for the snowy landscapes of the Alps and
Scandinavia. For those people we have put together the
perfect winter holiday guide.
16

Snowsports
If there is any type of activity that is
synonymous with a winter holiday it’s skiing,
with snowboarding as a remarkably close
second. When most of us think of going on
holiday in the winter we instantly think of a
snowy ski resort where we can enjoy hours
on the slopes and then relax by a warm fire
with a lovely hot drink.
Ofcourse skiing and snowboarding aren’t
the only two winter activities you can
appreciate at a mountain resort. Ice karting,
fat snow biking, tobogganing, snowmobiling,
sledding, ice climbing, and hiking, are all
popular activities that can be enjoyed at
most ski resorts throughout Europe.
For your first time on this type of holiday
we recommend getting some practice in
your home country first. You can do this
on artificial slopes, although not the same
as real snow these surfaces still offer an
opportunity to familiarise yourself with basic
movement techniques, build stamina, and
improve balance. Ultimately by doing this
you’ll be much better equipped to handle the
real thing.
17

Europe is home to some of the best
ski resorts in the world. Courcheval
in France, one of the largest and
most famous resorts in world. Cortina
d’Ampezzo in Italy has remained hugely
popular over the last 50 years. St. Anton
am Arlberg in Austria is well known for
its challenging runs, especially its offpiste
options. An alternative is Jasna in
Slovakia, the resort boasts almost 50km
of slopes and is much more affordable
than any of the options in the Alps.
Our personal favourite is Zermatt in
Switzerland. Set at the foot of the
majestic Matterhorn, this resort is
renowned for its lively atmosphere,
excellent restaurants, incredible history,
and is the ideal place for any level of
skier. The resort is home to Alpine Ski
School, a Travel and Hospitality award
winner and home to some of the best
snow sport instructors in Europe. You
can find out more on page 20.
18

19

Alpine Ski School
Switzerland | The Award for Excellence in Service
20
Skiing and snowboarding in the Swiss Alps makes for a perfect winter break.
Many people however are put off by the mere inability to ski or snowboard
and wouldn’t know where to start should they decide to begin. We
however have the answer, and it is the Alpine Ski School!!
Based in Zermatt, the excellently rated Alpine Ski School is
headed up by pals Maxime Riviera and David “Dido” Erba, both
experienced, multilingual, and knowledgeable in the art of
skiing, snowboarding and even mono-skiing.
Maxime and David along with their professional team
are ready to welcome all regardless of your experience
or skill level. Lessons are made to fit with individual
requirements, so you are ensured the best
education to improve your ability while at the
same time having fun. Instructors available
can speak English, German, Italian, French,
Spanish, Portuguese and Russian.
There are 3 distinct services on offer,
these are private lesson, a VIP day
and Off-Piste guiding and touring.

Private Lessons
As you’d expect these are ski and snowboarding classes
tailored to an individual’s skill level and offer excellent
value for money in Zermatt. Lessons are delivered by
passionate and dedicated instructors
VIP Day
An exciting and unforgettable experience. The day
starts with a hotel pick up following by skiing down
some of the most sensational runs in the area and the
chance to stop at several viewpoints. In the afternoon
you can stop at a few attractions and explore the
sunny Italian side of the resort. For lunch, a gourmet
restaurant chose specially for you. To top it off you also
get the opportunity to go on a helicopter tour around
the Matterhorn.
Off Piste
Half or full day of Off Piste instruction and guiding.
Instructors know the area well, so you’re guaranteed
the amazing freeride runs of the resort.
Metzggasse 9, 3920,
Zermatt, Switzerland
Tel +41 79 136 05 54
GET IN TOUCH
21

Vienna City of
Culture Old Masters –
Young Experts
in partnership with
22
The world’s largest Bruegel collection and the prettiest kiss
immortalized by Jugendstil genius Gustav Klimt in his worldfamous
painting can only be found in Vienna. The cultural capital
is also a place where you can discover a rich diversity of styles and
eras. Baroque opulence and cool avant-garde coexist in an exciting
creative environment. Pieces by talented young designers now hang
in the ornate staterooms and are just as impressive as the old masters
found in Vienna’s modern museums.
The Albertina, a former Habsburg palace, houses one of the most
important art collections in the world. Important exhibitions take place
here, and the museum’s own collection is spectacular, with names
such as Matisse, Renoir and Miro. The Kunsthistorisches Museum
Vienna on the Ringstrasse is devoted to Old Masters. Art treasures
from all the key eras are on display here, in particular examples from
the Renaissance and Baroque periods by Rubens, Titian, Rembrandt
and Raphael. The museum also holds the world’s largest collection
of works by Bruegel. The Kunstkammer is one of the most important
in the world: More than 2,100 objects, collected over centuries by the
Habsburgs, are on show.

The Baroque Belvedere
Palace is home to the
biggest collection of Klimts
in the world, including
The Kiss. The Secession
Building, which was used
as an exhibition space
by Klimt‘s secessionist
group of artists, awaits
at Karlsplatz. While
Klimt’s world-famous
“Beethoven Frieze” can be
marveled at on the ground
floor, contemporary art
is presented in the main
exhibition room.
23

Renowned 20th century artists are represented at
the MuseumsQuartier. Built by Baroque architect
Fischer von Erlach, the former court stables now host
a whole new district. The courtyard is once again
brimming with life thanks to the Leopold Museum
— the Schiele collection is world-renowned — the
Museum Moderner Kunst (mumok), Kunsthalle Wien,
Architekturzentrum, Designforum, and various shops,
cafés and restaurants. The Belvedere 21 near the
Upper Belvedere, built in 1958 for the World Expo, has
been renovated and shows Austrian art of the 20th
and 21st centuries. Numerous galleries, especially in
the 1st and 4th districts, also offer contemporary art
and impress with small, but mighty exhibitions on
their premises. And a historic bread factory in the 10th
district is now home to more than ten institutions of
contemporary art, including Galerie OstLicht, which
together with WestLicht has dedicated itself entirely
to photography.
Photographic art can also be marveled at in the Kunst
Haus Wien, which was designed by the Viennese artist
Friedensreich Hundertwasser – together with the
nearby Hundertwasserhaus – in his very own style.
24

Young artists also create a buzz about themselves every year in the autumn
at the viennacontemporary art fair Parallel Vienna, at the gallery festival
curated by, and in November at Vienna Art Week. New from 2019 is the festival
Foto Wien, which organizes photographic exhibitions throughout the city for
a whole month. Local creative types also show their works during Vienna
Design Week. However, this special photo show only takes place every two
years. Stars on the Austrian and international art scene can always be found
at the mumok and the Museum of Applied Arts/Contemporary Arts, or MAK
for short.
A rest in one of the city’s traditional
coffee houses is highly recommended
following a visit to one of the museums.
Take a seat — with any luck it will be a
Thonet — and treat yourself. This too is
very much a part of Viennese culture.
www.vienna.info
25

Luxury
Mountain
Getaways
For anyone disappointed in missing out on
a summer beach holiday we propose going
on a luxury mountain getaway instead. These
sorts of trips can be just as soothing as a beach
holiday with an added touch of elegance. You
can find plenty of luxury hotels and resorts like
you would on a beach break, there are breathtaking
mountain views to replace sea views, and
the restaurant & bar scene will surprise you.
26

What to do?
Of course, on a mountain trip you won’t get the sun like you’re used to on a beach holiday or the opportunity to take a
dip in the warm sea but there are plenty of leisurely pursuits on offer that can more than make up for this.
Hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and paragliding are all popular mountain getaway
activities. Although much is on offer by way outdoor activities, you don’t have to take part in any of these to make the
most out of a mountain holiday.
Mountain getaways offer the perfect opportunity to relax and switch off, a warm drink overlooking spectacular mountain
views is more than enough to melt any stress away. Many destinations tend to be home to world class spa’s, thermal
springs, and heated pools, so you get that added dimension to unwind.
Where to Go?
Any of the major ski resorts in Europe such as
Courcheval, Chamonix, Zermatt, St Moritz, St Anton
am Arlberg, Kitzbuhel, and Cortina d’Ampezzo, are
excellent options. At these resorts you’ll find plenty
to do, fantastic restaurants, loads of good bars,
cultural attractions, and great places to stay.
We recommend Kaprun home of Travel and
Hospitality award winner the Kaprun Edition,
profiled on page 28. Here you’ll find excellent
accommodation set amongst the backdrop of the
majestic Austrian Alps.
27

Kaprun Edition
Austria | Luxury Chalets
Where Holiday Dreams Come True!
Nestled away at the foothills of the Austrian alps in Salzburg lies the
Kaprun Edition Lodges. considered as some of the finest in Europe.
Whether you are travelling in the winter or summer, alone or in a
large group you’ll find that the Kaprun Edition lodges, apartments
and chalets are all welcoming, spacious, beautifully decorated,
efficiently run and the epitome of luxury.
Accommodation
Currently there are six distinct property types
available to accommodate a variety of guests.
What you will find consistent amongst all the
accommodation is the range of high-quality
amenities, services, and stunning décor.
The setting is one of traditional rustic
design combined with all the trapping
of modern luxury and vividness.
28

The Kaprun Edition – Signature Luxury Chalets
These four wooden chalets are the signature offering
by the Kaprun Edition. World class luxury chalets that
can accommodate anywhere from 12 to 24 people.
You can expect absolute privacy combined with
personal hospitality and an authentic experience.
Along with the lush amenities you’ll have your own
private sauna, hot tub, terrace, and lovely river view.
Adventure Lodge by Kaprun Edition
If you’re after something different and somewhat
unusual then look no further for the adventure lodge at
Kaprun allows you the unique experience of sleeping
in a barrel. This exceptional wooden chalet comes
with three bedrooms and on the private terrace two
utterly unique sleeping barrels, each with their own
bathroom barrel and sauna barrel. The adventure
lodge will leave you with a truly memorable sleeping
experience.
Schulstrasse 15, 5710
Kaprun, Austria
Tel +43 664 9416950
GET IN TOUCH
29

Flying Lodge by Kaprun Edition
For panoramic views check out the flying
lodge. Built on stilts these lodges look like
they’re almost floating. There are currently
two on offer that can accommodate up to 12
people each. Expect alpine charm, modern
ambience, and amazing views.
Country House Lodge
Also known as Landhous lodge and has
a unique classic charm feel about it. The
property is home to eight lovely, fully
furnished and homely apartments plus a
large sauna. Apartments are a perfect fit for a
couple or small group.
Style Lodge
The newest addition to the Kaprun family,
the style lodge is equipped with four chic
apartments including a stunning penthouse
suite that comes complete with a private
glass sauna and whirlpool that offer
panoramic views of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.
30

Mara Lodge
An excellent value for money option. These
nine apartments offer the same brilliant quality
services as all the properties listed above but
without the extra’s. The perfect spot for those
looking for a solid base in Kaprun,
Activities
The team at Kaprun are more than happy to
arrange activities, excursions, and transfers.
The dedicated staff are knowledgeable and well
connected so you’re ensured the absolute best
in any leisure activity you decide to partake in.
Zell am see, where Kaprun is located, isn’t
short on winter and summer activities for you
to do. The big one in winter of course is hitting
the slopes for a bit of skiing or snowboarding.
Private ski instructor and ski rental can be
booked before arrival. Snowshoe hikes and
cross-country ski trails make for a great day
out and for something a little less taxing check
out the toboggan runs. Both can be booked at
the property.
31

32

It is in the summer where the beauty of the
region really comes to life. Mountain lakes,
deep valleys, alpine pastures, and stunning
waterfalls await those who venture out. There
are hundreds of kilometres of hiking, cycling
and mountain biking trails leading through the
heart of the region.
You may decide to pamper yourself and for
this you have the wonderfully rated Tauern Spa
located only a few minutes away.
All these activities, the spa and much more
can be arranged by the team at Kaprun who
are more than happy to help.
Location
The Kaprun Edition chalets are easily
accessible. Transfers can be arranged from
nearby airports in Innsbruck and Salzburg.
There are also several train options from major
Austrian, German and Italian cities. These take
you in to Zell am see station which is only a 10
minute to Kaprun.
33

Susanne Fischer
Manager | The Kaprun Edition
The Kaprun Edition is of the finest Chalet resorts
in all of Europe, this award-winning complex,
located in the heartland of Austria, is home to
several stunning well-maintained chalets and
suites run by a world class team. The individual
behind all this is none other than our Manager of
the year for Austria, Mrs Susanne Fischer.
Susanne’s journey in the tourism industry began
at an incredibly young age. Being born into the
Fischer family, a well-known local family working
primarily in the hospitality industry, allowed for a
unique insight and experience, much of which
formed the early ideas of what Susanne wanted
for her own company. To match this experience
Susanne enrolled in a tourism and management
degree finishing with top honours.
34

This combination of early experience,
through family, and technical understanding,
through education, gave Susanne the perfect
foundation to realise her dream to build the
finest wooden Chalet houses in the Austrian
alps with the ultimate guest experience as
it’s core value.
Before this was possible Susanne undertook
a decade of experience working across the
hospitality industry in various roles, teams,
and management structures. Then in 2010
Susanne took the plunge, after scouting
several locations she found the perfect spot
next to the river of Kaprun in the quaint town
of Kaprun. Over the years, bit by bit, the
Kaprun edition has become a sort of “town
within a town” with the continued focus on
guest experience.
Today Susanne oversees the Kaprun Edition
ensuring guests are happy and setting the
standard for all her staff. Although her dreams
have been realised Susanne is not one to sit
on her laurels and is dedicated to continually
improve guest experience.
35

Getting Lost in German’s
Christmas Markets
Germany’s Christmas markets are illustrious, so much so
that many places across the world have their own. City’s
such as Prague, Birmingham, Vienna, Toronto, and Chicago,
are all famed for their annual German Christmas markets. The
markets are like a special event, taking over a large part of a
city centre for a few weeks, a place where visitors are treated
to authentic German beer, a jovial atmosphere, a whole host
of sweet treats, delicious snacks, and unique souvenir shops.
Dresden’s Strietzelmark held in 1434 is generally considered the
first Christmas market, although winter markets had already
been established in Vienna, Munich, Bautzen, and Frankfurt.
Since then, Christmas markets have grown exponentially to the
point that every city and small town in the country has its own.
German immigrants bought this tradition to new settlements
leading to markets being established all over North America.
The markets in the UK were actually opened in the late 1990’s
backed by support from the city of Frankfurt.
36

For a genuine experience we suggest you visit a Christmas market in Germany. We’ve picked out five of the best.
Berlin’s Christmas Markets
Berlin
Weihnachtsmarkt Am Kölner Dom
Cologne
Nuremberg Christkindlesmark
Nuremberg
Dresden Striezelmarkt
Dresden
Leipziger Weihnachtsmarkt
Leipzig
37

The Magic
of Lapland
So far, this chapter has covered winter holidays centred
around mainland Europe with a focus on countries
surrounding the alps. These are an obvious choice for most
in terms of accessibility and infrastructure. The alternative
winter holiday destination to the Alps, however, is of course
the Nordic countries.
Made up of Norway, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and
Sweden, the Nordic countries are a great choice for a
winter break. Our preferred destination nevertheless is the
province of Lapland in Finland.
Located in the arctic north of Finland, Lapland is considered
one of the best winter holiday destinations in the world
especially during the Christmas period as the area is home
Santa Claus’s village.
38

The best way to reach Lapland is through
flying with Finnair to one of four commercial
airports in the region. To get around there are
bus services in operation, although these are
sparse, they are effective in reaching even
the smallest of spaces. Another more costly
but convenient method is self-drive or hire a
private driver.
When it comes to things to do, you’ll find plenty
of options. As mentioned above Santa Claus’s
village is an extremely popular attraction
in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The
village is home to Santa’s workshop where
you can meet him in person, see his reindeer,
peruse the gift shop, and revel in the joyous
atmosphere.
Lapland offers up a fantastic opportunity to
see the Northern lights. During winter from
December to February you have the best
chance when its much darker for longer. Be
prepared to go out to remote areas to do this,
many companies arrange special tours. Or
better yet you can stay in resorts purposefully
built-in rural areas to spot the aurora.
Snowmobiling, cross country skiing, dog sledding, reindeer
sleighing, fishing, and hunting are all other amazing activities
on offer.
In terms of lodging, we advise you check into the excellent
Star Arctic Hotel, where you’ll find unique accommodation,
and spectacular views in the heart of Lapland. Turn over to the
next page to find out more.
39

Star Arctic Hotel
Finland | Resort
The Star Arctic Hotel is an architectural marvel, this stunning establishment is
beautifully designed, fully serviced and perfectly located for a truly magical
Finnish experience.
Accommodation comes in the form of elegant suites and cabins, all of
which offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape during the day
and the aurora at night. You can choose from the standard suite or for
a more traditional Finnish experience you do have option of suite
with a private in-room sauna. The cabins are perhaps the most
exquisite of all the accommodation options as these come with
a glass roof. This innovative approach means guests can gaze
upon the glistening night sky while lying in bed waiting for
the Aurora. All rooms come with free wi-fi, mini-fridge, flat
screen TV and geothermal heating.
A sauna is an essential ingredient in any Finnish
hospitality experience, so it’ll come as no surprise
to hear that the Star Arctic Hotel is home to not
one but two stylish saunas. Both are privately
bookable, offer panoramic views and are
connected to a landscaped terrace with an
outdoor hot tub.
40

For a good meal at Star Arctic you don’t have
to go too far, in fact most guests choose
to dine at the on-site restaurant, Kaunis.
Kaunis restaurant is well known in the region
for its modern spin on traditional Lappish
dishes, fresh local produce, excellent bar and
beautiful views.
When you are in this unique part of the world
it’s always best to take advantage of the local
and seasonal. With the Star Arctic hotel, you
can rent bikes, go snowmobiling, go on an
authentic husky experience, reindeer sleigh
riding, ice fishing and aurora hunting.
Ylämajantie 1, 99830
Saariselkä, Finland
Tel +358 (0) 444194000
GET IN TOUCH
41

Turkey
42

Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
43

Istanbul
Europe’s Most
Beautiful City
The ancient city of Istanbul is without a doubt one of
the most beautiful cities in the world. It’s home to
several stunning attractions such as the Hagia Sophia,
Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace and Grand
Bazaar, to name but a few. Separated by the Bosphorus
straits the city is the largest transcontinental city in the
world with European side located on the West of the
Bosphorus and the Asian side on the East.
The city is home to a thriving culinary scene, a diverse
shopping culture, friendly locals, a well-connected
transport hub, and thousands of restaurants & bars. A
stroll through any of the old neighbourhoods will make you
feel like you’ve travelled back in time, the sounds, smells
and feel in the air is in some ways no different than what it
would have been centuries ago.
44

When you consider all that Istanbul
has to offer it comes as no surprise
that the city consistently ranks as one
of the top 10 most visited cities in the
world. Once you’re in Istanbul it can
be a daunting place to explore with so
many neighbourhoods, attractions, and
shopping hubs, sparsely spread out.
Most visitors focus on the old town of
Fatih and for good reason, it’s home to
a wide variety of landmarks, museums,
restaurants, and it’s always bustling.
Past this there are other areas worth
exploring; some of these such Beyoglu
or Taksim Square get more tourists
then other lesser known but equally
fascinating locales like Kadikoy or Balat.
To assist you on your Istanbul
adventure, we’ve assembled a handy
guide highlighting our expert tour guide
in the city and detailing five of the most
popular neighbourhoods. This includes
information on what to do, where to eat,
and where to stay.
45

46
My Local Guide
Salih Batkin
Meet our Istanbul Expert and Award Winner Salih Batkin!
Navigating such a large city as Istanbul can be a
challenge, it can exciting discovering all that the little back
streets, small vendors, and many charms of the city. However,
this can take its toll and is time consuming so not ideal if
you’re only in the city for a few days. This is where our expert,
Salih Batkin, of My Local Guide comes in. Salih is a friendly,
knowledgeable, and experience tour guide who knows the city
like the back of his hand.
Tours are affordable, exciting, and well planned. On offer are
numerous daily tours that anyone can join. The highlights
of Istanbul tour cover’s all the top sites plus the bonus of
traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant. Past this the
Istanbul Heritage tour dives deeper into the lesser-known
historic attractions of the city. For a truly off the beaten path
experience, we recommend the delightful Secrets of Istanbul
tour, a fantastic opportunity to discover hidden gems of old
Constantinople, visit places that are not easy to find on their
own, and hear stories of Istanbul legends.

Istanbul is one of the culinary capitals of
the world and a tour to match is a must.
The Tast of Istanbul on Two Continents
tour is wonderful and delves deep into
the city’s culinary scene. Enjoy dinner
in Asia and dessert in Europe all while
discovering the flavours of Turkey.
All daily tours are available as private
tours and can even be tailored to suit
specific needs and requirements. Maybe
you have your own idea of what you want
to see, or are in the city for a layover, or
would simply like to combine elements
of the different public tours, for this and
so much more Salih and his team are
more than happy to accommodate.
GET IN TOUCH
47

Fatih
The beating heart and centre of
the old city, Fatih is on every firsttime
visitors’ itinerary. It was once
the political centre of the Roman,
Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and
today serves as the home of several
heritage sites. The area is always
vibrant and busy, wandering the
streets will give you a real sense for
the rich history of Istanbul.
48

Why Visit?
An easy one to answer, Fatih boasts some
of Istanbul’s most famous attractions.
The beautiful Blue Mosque and Hagia
Sophia sitting opposite each other are
both iconic, easily recognisable and are
beautifully decorated inside and out.
Another famous attraction is the Topkapi
Palace which was once home to the
Ottoman sultans in the 15th and 16th
Centuries. Today the palace serves as
a museum housing several important
Islamic artefacts.
The Basilica Cistern will allow for a
unique experience. The Cistern is one of
many built under Istanbul, this one is the
largest.
The Grand Bazaar combines shopping
and history. This centuries old and mazy
bazaar is chock-full of over vendors ready
to haggle with tourists over a whole host
of items such as clothes, souvenirs,
jewellery, artwork, and spices.
Places to Eat
You’ll find plenty of street vendors serving fresh doner, sandwiches, ice
cream, Turkish pizzas, and Simit. The food is normally fresh, popular with
the locals, and cheap.
For a sit-down restaurant, we recommend Divella Bistro serving traditional
Turkish and Ottoman cuisine. Hanzade Terrace Restaurant offers a tranquil
rooftop dining experience with beautiful views of the city.
Accommodation
Our preferred choice in Fatih is the Sura Design Hotel & Suites, an
elegant hotel in the perfect location to explore the area. Find out more
on the next page.
49

Sura Design
Hotel and Suites
Turkey | Hotel
Located in the heart of the old town of Istanbul, Sura Design Hotel & Suites
is a magnificent property ready to welcome even the most discerning
of guests. The unique interior is designed with elegance and traditional
Ottoman motifs in mind with the lighting perfectly complimenting an
overall graceful tone.
The property boasts 60 rooms and suites, all finished to a
high quality and elegant standard. Options include a deluxe
double, family, and triple room as well as a Deluxe double
with a balcony. Our favourite however is the gorgeous
and roomy loft suite, located on the top floor that
comes with a balcony which can only mean one
thing, spectacular views of the city. All rooms
feature air conditioning, an LCD TV with
satellite, fully stocked minibar, espresso
machine and de-luxe toiletries. All stays
come with a delicious complimentary
breakfast serving both local and
international delicacies.
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If you are a foodie then you’re in luck the Sura Design
Hotel & Suites is home to three of the best restaurants
in the city. The first is the Galeyan restaurant famed for
serving traditional cuisine made using organic ingredients
sourced from the hotel’s own farm. The second is the
Deraliye Ottoman Cuisine Restaurant known locally for
serving a wide range of authentic Ottoman cuisine with
dishes from Central Asia, Iran, Anatolia, and the Balkans.
The third one is the Deraliye Terrace Restaurant.
The hotel is more than ready to accommodate all your
wellness needs and as you’d expect provides a traditional
Turkish bath and SPA as well as several massage options
along with a fitness centre and an outdoor pool.
With the Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, Sultanahmet
Square, the Blue mosque and the majestic Hagia Sophia
located minutes away on foot you’d be hard pressed to
find a better suited location for your stay. The nearest
tram stop is easy to reach and provides easy access to all
of Istanbul.
Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mh.,
Ticarethane Sk. No:10,
Sultanahmet, Istanbul
Tel +90 212 522 32 00
GET IN TOUCH
51

Eyüpsultan
This one may surprise some people because the
district as whole stretches all the way up to the
black sea. For the purposes of this piece, we will focus
on the bit of Eyupsultan located by the Northern
shores of the Golden Horn. The area in general has
grown in popularity as a desirable place to live and as
an alternative to the main touristy districts.
52

Why Visit?
There are two main visitor attractions in
Eyüpsultan, the first is the Eyüpsultan mosque
and the second the Pierre Loti Hill.
The Eyüpsultan mosque holds a lot of value for
many Islamic travellers. The area as a whole
and the mosque are named after the Prophet
Muhammeds warrior companion who was said
to have been slain in battle on a hill nearby, the
mosque was in fact built after his tomb was
found in the 15th century. Eyupsultan, known
more commonly as Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, is
considered one of the holiest figures in Islam
and the mosque is now a point of pilgrimage.
The second famous attraction in the area is the
Pierre Loti Hill, named after a French writer who
fell in love with the city, for a time lived in Eyup,
and was eventually given the title of honorary
citizen of Istanbul. Today the hill is a famous
viewpoint site that is best reached via a cable
car. The journey to the up the hill is pleasant and
at the top there a café, a perfect spot to enjoy
some Turkish tea and take in the panoramic
views.
Places to Eat
An obvious chose here is the Pierre Loti Café located on Pierre
Loti hill, reviews are good, the menu is simple and the views are
amazing. Nearby you’ll also fine one the cities best Pide spots
called Kuzine Pide.
Accommodation
We recommend the Mövenpick Hotel istanbul Golden Horn, as the
name suggests it’s located on the shores of the Golden Horn, in
the Eyupsultan area.
53

Beyoglu
A
large district districted famed
for its cosmopolitan vibe, night
life, architecture, restaurants, chic
apartments, and of course Istiklal
Avenue.
Why Visit?
The main reason to visit Beyoglu is
to take in the city, enjoy the boutique
shops, edgy bars, hipster coffee
shops, and the beautiful centuries
old architecture. Even the two
most iconic attractions the Galata
tower and Taksim square, serve this
purpose.
The Galata towers has a restaurant
and café operating on the upper
floors, that also serve as a night
club. Taksim Square, Istanbul’s
answer to Times Square in New York,
is renowned as a point of leisure
offering great shopping, places to
eat, bars and clubs.
Istiklal Avenue is a long
pedestrianised street and the centre
of shopping in the city. Here you’ll
find plenty of big brand outlets and
small boutiques. The avenue alone
isn’t the only place to shop and there
are plenty of streets leading off it
that are worth exploring.
For a night out check out the Asmali
Mescit district located south-east
of Istiklal avenue. The area boasts
several bars, clubs, and taverns, all
bustling almost every night of the
week.
54

Places to Eat
The biggest benefit of Beyoglu is the
thriving culinary scene, you won’t
have too much difficulty finding a nice
restaurant or street food vendor. For
something, a bit more unique check out
the 1924 eatery, an iconic spot to pick up
classic Russian dishes and homemade
vodka. Duble Meze Bar combines
the humble meze with a fine dining
experience, expect a modern take on
Meze classics all in a rooftop setting that
offers breath-taking views of the city.
Accommodation
We have two distinct suggestions for
Beyoglu. The first a modern luxury hotel,
the Sheraton Istanbul City centre and
the second a self-catering apartment
called No 8 Galate. Both Travel and
Hospitality Award winners profile over
the next four pages.
55

No 8 Galata
Istanbul, Turkey | Apartments
56
Feel the real Istanbul with Galata Suites!!
Located in the trendy district of Beyoglu this property is the perfect
place to stay to get a taste of the real soul of Istanbul. You’ll find yourself
only a few minutes away from the famous Kamondo Stairs, Galata
tower, a whole host of restaurants, bars and coffee shops. You’ll
find this is perfect location to base yourself to explore the rest of
the city, with easy access to the trams and ferry ports.
As far as rooms go you have the choice of a few different suites
these are the classic, deluxe, design and modern. Each suite
has its own style and individuality but in all of them you
will find a kitchen, dishwasher, flat sceen TV, ironing
facilities, a desk and seating area. Laundry service,
car rental and further business facilities can be
provided, all you need to do is ask. Staff are more
than happy to oblige and will strive look after
you during your stay.
Should you decide to go with the modern
or deluxe suites you’ll be able to enjoy
your own private balcony.

GET IN TOUCH
Bereketzade Mah. Banker
Sk., No:8 D:1, Beyoğlu,
İstanbul, Turkey
Tel +90 212 245 66 60
57

Sheraton Istanbul
City Center
Istanbul, Turkey | Family Friendly Hotel
Where the world Comes Together!!
Beyoglu is the trendy centre of Istanbul and as such is home to some
great hotels. None more so popular than the delightful Sheraton Istanbul City
Center. As with any Sheraton you can expect a world class service, friendly
staff, tastefully decorated rooms, a range of facilities and most of all a
satisfying experience.
You are more than welcome to stay in one of the 254 comfortable
and spacious guest rooms. King and twin-size bed selections are
available in any one of the guest, deluxe and executive rooms,
as well as in the junior and executive suites. All rooms are air
conditioned, well stocked, include free wi-fi, and Nespresso
machines. Along with the extra space the further bonus
of the executive room, junior suite and executive suite
is access to the exclusive Sheraton Club Lounge.
Sheraton Club Lounge is a great place to work,
connect with friends and enjoy a few drinks.
58

Istanbul is a city brimming with attractions, landmarks,
restaurants, and shopping centre but if you’d prefer to stay
in, then the Sheraton Istanbul City Center has more than
enough to stave off any boredom. On-site there is a fitness
centre, indoor pool, paddle tennis court and a spa. For food
you’ve got all day dining at the Nev’i Lokma restaurant
where you will find the buffet breakfast, a la carte menu and
traditional Anatolian dishes. If you’d like a drink and some
snacks check out the Legends bar. The popular Istanbul
Baking Company has a cafe on site, it is the perfect place
for a coffee and high-quality baked goods.
The Sheraton Istanbul City Center is more than ready to
handle your business needs along with the Sheraton Club
Lounge there are seven modern meeting rooms to choose
from as well as the grand ballroom for larger conferences.
Finally coming soon is the Souq Istanbul. a unique concept
space combining a Souq, local dining options and shisha
with an authentic indoor and outdoor event space.
GET IN TOUCH
Haci Ahmet Mah, Kurtulus Deresi Cad.
No:23, Beyoglu, Istanbul, 34440, Turkey
Tel +90 212 806 10 10
59

Besiktas
A
chilled out and historic
neighbourhood, Besiktas has a
reputation of being one of the city’s
commercial, artistic, and residential
centres. The shores of the Bosphorus
in Besiktas are noteworthy for its high
value real estate. Ottoman rulers built
their palaces here and a fair few luxury
hotel brands can be found such as the
Les Ottoman, Four Seasons, and the
Shangri-La.
60

Places to Eat
The Besiktas Saturday market is a great place to pick up
street food especially fresh fish sandwiches. For artisan
coffee check out the Black Owl coffee shop, it has a relaxed
vibe and an enticing selection of sweet treats.
For something, a little different we propose you visit
Chalet, a restaurant specialising in swiss cuisine. A friendly
atmosphere and delicious dishes await.
Why Visit?
A visit to the Dolmabahce Palace is a must, this is one
of the largest Palaces in Europe and consists of almost
300 rooms. It’s well-known for its stunning interior and
neo-classical exterior, decorated with gold and crystal.
Another impressive structure is the Yildiz palace which is
actually complex of buildings that includes apartments,
pavilions, villas, a theatre, and extensive garden that are
open to the public.
Besiktas is one of Istanbul’s sea hubs making it an ideal
place to begin a boat tour. There are several available
from a relaxing dinner cruise to a longer trip all the way
to the Black Sea. An inexpensive option is to simply take
the ferry to the Asian side, the views of the city along
the way will not disappoint.
Accommodation
The area boasts several world class hotels but none better
than the stunning Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, featured
on the next page.
61

Shangri-La Bosphorus
Istanbul, Turkey | Luxury Hotel
Once an abandoned tobacco warehouse dating back to the
twenties, today one of the finest hotels in the world. The
Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, is luxury personified, a hotel very
few in Europe can compete with.
Ideally located on the Bosphorus next to the prestigious
Dolmabahce Palace on the European side this enchanting
retreat draws on influences of the East and West. Guests
can expect an elegantly designed hotel with all the
trapping of timeless luxury inspired by palatial
Ottoman glamour and Asian design elements.
A total of 186 modern rooms and suites are
housed in the property looking out to either
the hotels inner atrium, the city or the
spectacular Bosphorus Strait.
62

In a city famed for its wellness, Chi, The Spa at the Shangri-La
certainly stands out. Chi, The Spa is inspired by traditional Asian
healing philosophies, with a focus on holistic principles such
as restoring balance and harmony to both the mind and body.
Chi, The Spa contains a range of private spa suites, customised
massages and uses primarily organic products. Chi, The Spa
is complimented by a state-of-the-art fitness centre, indoor
swimming pool, a separate children’s pool, and hot whirlpool bath.
Dining in at the Shangri-La is truly a treat for taste buds. The
hotel is home to 2 fabulous restaurants the IST TOO and the
Shang Palace. IST TOO offers beautiful scenic views to go along
with the exceptional international dishes on offer that includes
noodles, sushi, pasta, and seafood as well as a colourful and
diverse selection of Turkish delicacies. The Shang Palace on the
other hand is an award-winning signature restaurant that brings
the heart of Shangri La’s Asian heritage to life with authentic
Chinese-Cantonese dishes.
Overall, it’s not difficult to see why the Shangri-La Bosphorus,
Istanbul, is considered one of the best in the world, if you still have
any doubts why not spend a night. You’ll never want to leave!!
GET IN TOUCH
Sinanpaşa, Hayrettin İskelesi Sk.
D:No.1, 34353, Istanbul, Turkey
Tel +90 212 275 88 88
63

Kadikoy
The lively portside of Kadikoy is
a great place for a day trip from
the European side and is oftentimes
missed off many itineraries. This area
is the best way to experience the city
through the eyes of a local.
Why Visit?
Kadikoy doesn’t offer much in
the way of historic landmarks
or engaging museums, instead
expect more local pursuits.
Shopping in Kadikoy is a treat as
you’re getting less of the touristy
outlets and more of the local
boutiques. Head on over to Bağdat
Avenue, seen as the Asian and
more authentic counterpart of
Istiklal Avenue.
The Bostanci Lunapark is a popular
urban amusement park and a lovely
place to spend a few hours. The
Caddebostan Plajı beach is popular
with locals and a pleasant family
friendly attraction.
Fans of football will be pleased to
hear that Kadikoy is home to the
mighty Fenerbahce, the stadium is
modern and matchday atmosphere
in and around the area is electric.
64

Places to Eat
There are hundreds of restaurants and cafes
here offering a more relaxed vibe than on the
European side. Ciya Sofrasi is a great choice
if you’re looking for a diverse Anatolian menu,
the Basta Street Food Bar offers up a unique
spin on the traditional doner wrap, and finally
the Sakar Zeybek is the ideal place to enjoy
fresh seafood and consume some local Raki.
Accommodation
Should you decide you want to spend a couple of nights in Kadikoy
to fully explore then the Marmara Suadiye Residences are ready to
welcome you. Turn over to the next page for a full in-depth showcase
of the property.
65

The Marmara Suadiye
Residence
Istanbul, Turkey | Business Apartments
Istanbul’s Eastern side is often overlooked, after all the Western
or European side is home to the famous old town, Golden horn,
Istiklal avenue and a whole host of great restaurants. However,
should you have the need to stay on the the lesser travelled
Eastern or Asian side then we have just the place for you - the
Marmara Suadiye Residence.
This aparthotel is perfectly situated in the cosmopolitan
district of Kadikoy. The property is easy to reach, it’s
only a few minutes from the ferry port and the
Suadiye railway station, should you have the
need to get around. The area is home to some
popular cafes, boutiques, shopping centres,
restaurants, bars and even an amusement
park, the Bostanci Lunapark.
66

The Marmara Suadiye Residence can
accommodate short and long stays. The
apartments are modern, roomy and finished
with light colours. Comfort and convenience
are clearly important. You can expect
stunning sea views or a look down at lively
Badgat Boulevard.
The residence has 1, 2 and 3-bedroom fully
furnished apartments on offer. With only 32
apartments within the complex you can be
guaranteed of a relaxed private experience.
Each apartment includes a living area,
a well-resourced kitchen, either one or
two bathrooms, a dressing room, ironing
equipment, satellite TV, free wi-fi, phone
line, air conditioning, safety deposit box, a
washing machine, hair dryer and dishwasher.
All in all, the Marmara Suadiye Residence will
be your home away from home.
GET IN TOUCH
Bağdat Caddesi (Bağdat
Boulevard), No:435, Suadiye,
34740, İstanbul, Turkey
Tel +90 216 362 10 10
67

Greece
68

Santorini, Greece
69

The Greek Islands
Waiting to be explored
Greece is one of the worlds ultimate Island getaway destinations, the
country is home to an estimated 6000 islands of which 227 are inhabited.
All the islands are in the gorgeous Mediterranean and Ionian Seas meaning
sunny weather for large parts of the year. Most islands have a rich history
dating back to ancient Greece, are home to friendly locals, have an excellent
culinary scene, and offer up a whole host of things to do.
Considering this, it’s no surprise that Greek island holidays are some of the
most popular in Europe. Islands like Santorini, Corfu and Crete hold stellar
global reputations as premier holiday destinations. Santorini’s white houses
and blue domed churches are iconic, the island is home to several luxury
boutique hotels and has a surprisingly accomplished wine industry. Corfu is
famed for its beautiful sandy beaches, nightlife, and historically significant
attractions. Crete is the largest Greek Island and simply has it all, you can
find beautiful beaches, snow-capped mountains, luxury resorts, affordable
apartments, several heritage landmarks, diverse architecture, good food,
amazing nightlife, plenty of leisure activities, traditional villages, and is easily
accessible all year round.
70

Several other islands like
Mykonos, Zakynthos, Rhodes,
and Nixos, are also extremely
popular and receive their fair
share of tourists. But what if you
wanted to visit a less touristy
Island? Or maybe you’ve visited
some of the Islands mentioned
above and you want something
different, where could you go?
To answer these questions,
we’ve searched long and hard
to select three lesser visited
islands that are considered
hidden gems. Although with
increasing visitor numbers pre-
Covid some of these won’t stay
under the radar for long. Our
three gems are Ikaria, Kythnos
and Milos, profiled throughout
the rest of this chapter.
71

Ikaria
The Quirky Island
Ikaria is named after Icarus for it’s said that he fell in the sea nearby
when the wax from his wings melted. Unique history has followed
the island ever since, during the civil war it was a place of exile for leftwingers
and today it’s known as one of the blue zones where people
reach an extremely old age in relatively good health. The locals take pride
in their distinctive history and tourism to the island is built on the notion
of “Ikarian balance” between nature, freedom, time and development.
Getting in and Getting Around
Ikaria can be reached all year round via plane. There are regular flights
from Athens and Crete. The island can be reached via ferry from the
island of Samos which in turn can be reach via ferry from Piraeus in
Athens.
To fully explore the island a car is necessary this can be though a local
rental company, or you can bring your own via the ferry. There is a bus
services but is deemed inefficient. Hitchhiking is another possibility.
72

Things to do
Ikaria is a great place for
adventure, there are several
great cycling and hiking
spots on the island as well
as waterfall tours, jeep safari
and watersports like diving,
kayaking, snorkelling, and
surfing. Ikaria is a one of
Europe’s top dark sky spots
so stargazing with overnight
camping is a must.
Keeping in line with the
islands quirks why not bathe
in radioactive hot springs?
It has been said this maybe
a contributing factor to the
islanders’ long lives.
Like with a lot of Greek islands
the beaches on Ikaria are not
to be missed, Faros beach is
popular and lined with bars,
cafes and tavernas.
Food
Proper Greek Tavernas are scattered all over Ikaria.
A Taverna is the place to try local food and drink.
Annes Fish Taverna in Nas is one of the best, food
is sourced from local farms, the seafood is fresh
and the wine homemade.
Accommodation
Located on the north coast of Ikaria, the Cavos
Bay Hotel & Studios is the best place to stay for
beautiful views, elegant interiors, friendly service,
and all-round brilliant experience. https://www.
cavosbay.com.gr/
73

Kythnos
The Local
Getaway
74
To the outside world Kythnos is relatively
unknown but to the Greeks it makes for a
great Island getaway. Its proximity to Athens
means the tends to attract mainly Greek visitors
local for a quick break. Kythnos is naturally
beautiful, home to some elegant architecture,
and welcoming locals.
Getting in and Getting Around
There is no airport on Kythnos so the only way in
is via ferry from Piraeus or Lavrion (southwest
of Athens), the journey takes less than three
hours.
The easiest way to get around Kythnos is by
renting a car however the buses can take you
to all the main places.

Food
If you love small and welcoming
restaurants with a family feel, then
you’re in luck because in Kythnos
you’ll find plenty. Panochori Café in
Chora has a warm atmosphere and
is a great place for all day coffee and
nibbles. For Mediterranean cuisine
check out Chartino Karavi, set under
an old Bougainville tree on a beautiful,
whitewashed street, where the owners
always greet guests as their friends.
For a classic Greek meze, be sure to
pay visit to Cavo D’oro in Loutra.
Things to do
Tourism on the island isn’t overly developed making it ideal for an authentic and
peaceful getaway. Kythnos has numerous beaches, we recommend Kolona
beach which connects Kythnos to the islet of Agios Loukas.
Kythnos boasts the only thermal springs in the Cyclades, these are in the small
village of Loutra and are certainly worth a visit.
For cultural attractions you should check out the beautiful Church of Panagia
Kanala, the quaint Church of Agios Ioannis, the Byzantine Museum, and
Folklore Museum.
Accommodation
Canal Suites, a Travel and Hospitality
award winner, is the place to stay for
tranquility and panoramic sea views.
Turn over to the next page to find out
more.
75

Canal Suites Kythnos
Greece | Stylish Hotel
Perfectly situated on the magical island of Kythnos, the stylish
Canal Suites is Cycladic luxury personified. The property
boasts panoramic sea views, superior rooms and suites, luxury
amenities, an outdoor pool, a high-quality Cycladic aesthetic,
an adults only policy and best of all it’s newly opened.
Designed in collaboration with distinguished Greek
interior designer Martik Manikian, the property
boasts his exquisite and unique artistic taste such
as the seamless matching of stone with wood,
smart details of white and strong presence of
rope as a decorative element. All of which
beautifully compliment the deep blue
sea and the Greek island landscape.
76

Canal suites is home to nine chic rooms that create a
pleasant and soothing ambience. Of the nine rooms there
are two options to choose from. On the ground floor you
can expect to find four quaint deluxe double rooms while
the first floor houses five slightly larger superior suites.
All rooms include gorgeous sea views, luxury “Apivita”
toiletries, flat screen TV’s, fine bedding, free WIFI, a private
terrace (only in the deluxe double rooms) and a private
balcony (only in the superior suites). The terraces and
balconies provide the ideal setting for breakfast which
is served a la carte in room using only the best locally
sourced produce and ingredients.
To get the most out of your stay on the mountainous island
of Kythnos the Canal Suites team are on hand 24/7 ready
to organise a whole host of activities and experiences.
Yoga, meditation, massage, stand up paddle boarding,
diving, hiking, tours, ticketing for events and car rental
can all be arranged.
Kanala 84006 Kythnos
Cyclades, Greece
Tel +30 21 5215 9919
GET IN TOUCH
77

Milos
Natural Beauty
A
volcanic island that was once home of the Venus
de Milo statue, Milos is photogenic, home to several
beautiful beaches, a diverse coastline, and picturesque
villages.
Getting in and Getting Around
There two ways onto Milos, first by plane, there are a couple
of flights a day from Athens airport. This is the most efficient
way, and the journey takes less than an hour. The second
way onto the island is via ferry usually departing from
Piraeus on the mainland to Adamas on Milos. The journey
can take between 3-7 hours depending on operator and
stops along the way.
The easiest way to get around the smaller towns is on foot
between towns you can use the bus, rent a car, or hire
a taxi.
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Things to do
When it comes to beaches you’re
spoilt for choice on Milos, given
the relatively toned-down tourist
numbers you can expect clean,
open, and quiet beaches, perfect
for relaxation or to partake in
watersports such as windsurfing,
stand up paddle boarding,
kayaking, and snorkelling. The
most famous of the beaches is
Sarakiniko known for its moonlike
white rocks, swimming hole, and
clear blue waters.
Plaka is an idyllic traditional
village, perched on outcrop
above Adamantas. The village
is perfect for a leisurely stroll,
historical attractions, and
the opportunity to hone your
photography skills. Nearby you
have a Venetian castle and the
Church of Panagia Skiniotissa.
Both are fun to explore and offer
stunning sunset views.
Food
Seafood is a must and
is always served fresh,
we recommend Gialos
restaurant in Polonia.
Milos island delicacies
include Pitarakia (a cheese
pie) and Karpouzopita
(watermelon cake), for
these we recommend
Enalion Restaurant also
in Polonia.
Accommodation
For beautiful sea views,
luxury, and local flavours
there is nowhere better on
the island than Travel and
Hospitality Award winner
Artemis Deluxe Rooms,
profiled in full on the next
page.
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Artemis Deluxe Rooms
Greece | Elegant Hotel
A
Unique Hotel – A Wonderful Holiday
Stunning architecture, Cycladic interiors, modern amenities and
warm Greek hospitality await you at the newly renovated Artemis Deluxe
Rooms located on the quaint island of Milos. This amazing beach front
property perfectly encapsulates what many of us expect from a
luxurious Greek island hideaway. The minimalist aesthetic, sunlit
spaces, sea view balconies, pool with a bar, attentive staff,
and excellent local cuisine, combined perfectly for a hugely
enjoyable stay.
There are several deluxe rooms to choose from, all bright,
spacious, and designed with the signature Artemis
touch. As standard all rooms come with a private
balcony or veranda offering a spectacular view
across the breath-taking blue of the Aegean
Sea. You can also expect a flat screen TV,
luxurious toiletries, air-conditioning, free
WIFi, a fridge, microwave and to match
high-quality kitchen equipment.
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At Artemis you can expect a wonderful holiday
experience. To go along with the perfect beach front
location and deluxe rooms you can expect a plethora
of facilities and services. This includes a 24 hour front
desk, outdoor furniture, beach sun beds, free parking,
summer beach bar, a delicious daily breakfast and a pool
bar, famed locally for it’s exciting cocktails. On our poolside
restaurant, we have a fine menu with delicious
dishes (modern Greek cuisine) and an exceptional
wine-list.
No trip to Milos is complete without an opportunity to
explore and experience the islands. The team at Artemis
are on hand to ensure you get the most out of your
stay. Trekking, diving, water sports, sightseeing tours,
restaurant trips and spa treatments can all be arranged.
So the next time you’re in search of a luxurious trip to
Greece look no further that the unique and delightful
Artemis Deluxe Rooms on the gorgeous Island of Milos.
Paliochori, Cyclades,
848 00, Greece
Tel +30 21 5215 4780
GET IN TOUCH
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82
Alternative
Greece
Epirus
Greece is a well-established travel destination
and is consistently one of the most visited
countries in the world. The primary focus of
tourism is on Greece’s major cities and beautiful
islands, however the mountainous interior of
Greece, especially within the region of Epirus
receives little to no attention.
While Epirus does rake in its fair share of tourists
through it beautiful beaches, that are developed
for tourism, the more central and western area
has remained untouched. It’s in these areas
where Epirus truly shines, here you’ll find unique
monasteries, castles, sleepy villages, beautiful
mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and even thermal
baths.

Key to getting around is having your own transportation or
at very least joining up with a tour company. Given the lack
of development getting around on bus isn’t feasible. The
best place to base yourself in the region is the wonderful
town of Ioannina, the town, set upon a cliff overlooking a
hill, is relatively easy to reach via bus, and small enough to
travel within on foot. The town is the capital of the Epirus
region and was once the seat of an independent state
that rebelled against Ottoman rule. Much of that Ottoman
history is on display with several buildings and a mosque
still standing.
In terms of places to visit we recommend spending a
couple of days in the Pindos mountains, where stunning
landscapes, amazing hiking trails, and traditional guest
houses await. Another location to visit to take in the natural
beauty is the Tzoumerka National Park, a rustic mountainous
area home to several waterfalls, old stone bridges, romantic
villages, wildlife, and numerous rare species of plants.
A visit to this area of Greece offers a chance to not only
experience a side of the country that very few do but do so
before any sort of extensive tourism structure is developed.
83

Bulgaria
84

Ribaritsa, Bulgaria
85

Varna
The Summer Capital
of Bulgaria
86
Varna is Bulgaria’s third biggest city and commonly referred to as the
summer capital. It’s the most exciting city on the Black Sea coast and
growing in popularity. The city offers a nice blend of history and modernity,
you’ll find several heritage attractions, museums, fancy restaurants,
contemporary resorts, a sandy beach, and much to do.
Getting in & Getting Around
Varna Airport is small but well connected to the rest of Europe, although
this is seasonal. The city can be reached from most major destination in
Europe and to help there is a free shuttle into the city centre from the
airport. There are daily trains to Varna from Sofia, Plovdiv in Bulgaria, and
Kiev in Ukraine. Ferry is another option, there are two service ones from
Odessa in Ukraine and the other Batumi in Georgia.
Varna is easy enough to navigate on foot, on a bicycle or via the public
transport system, the are bus and trolley services available.

Food
Foodwise you’ll find a whole host
of restaurants in the city such as
Italian, Sushi, Pizza, Kebabs, Meat
Grills, and of course traditional
Bulgarian eateries. Seafood is
a must and local dishes worth
trying are deep fried sprats,
Black Sea fish, and Rapa Whelks
(Sea Snails).
Things To Do
Varna is a full to the brim with things to do. Being a
seasonal seaside destination means watersports are
popular, kayaking, windsurfing, traditional surfing,
diving, and sailing are all on the menu. Other activities
you can do are hiking, cycling, jeep touring, and
bungee jumping.
In terms of historical and cultural attractions we
implore you to visit the Varna Archaeological Museum,
the Sea Garden (which is also home to Varna Zoo), the
Assumption of Mary Cathedral, and the Monument of
Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship.
Accommodation
When it comes to hotels there is
only one place for us, the Graffit
Gallery Hotel. The property
effortlessly combines art and
hospitality to enhance your stay.
Turn over to the next page to
see an in-depth profile.
Find out more
https://visit.varna.bg/en/index.
html
87

Graffit Gallery Hotel
Bulgaria | Boutique Hotel
On your next visit to Bulgaria you’ll be hard pressed to find anything better
than the spectacular Graffit Gallery Hotel. This modern and stylish urban
hotel is expertly designed so that the aesthetic nuances, the ambience
and use of new technologies combine to create extreme comfort and
harmony. Perfectly located in the heart of Varna, the hotel is easy to
reach and ideally placed to explore the city and its attractions.
The hotel boasts 49 elegantly decorated guest rooms and 6
luxurious suites, spread out across four floors with rooms
on each floor having their own individual design style. You
have the Chester floor, where the rooms utilise the design
excellence of an elegant Chesterfield sofa complemented
with wood and steel accessories. Then the Caracci
floor, as you’d expect an eclectic design inspired
by the three Caraccis of Italy; Baroque furniture,
surreal elements with bright red and turquoise
blue reign supreme.
88

Third you have “The other floor” that pays homage to the
sophisticated English check pattern and the minimalist
notion of black and white. Finally, the Four Elements
floor where earth, air, water, and light are expertly
applied to interior design culminating in a special room
embraced by nature.
If the thrill of the four unique floors isn’t enough then
worry not as the hotel boasts an on-site café and a la
carte restaurant, one of the finest in Varna, named the
Red Canape. There is state-of-the-art modern gym
available to all guests along with a stunning rooftop
pool.
As the name suggest there is an art gallery in the
property that is Varnas contemporary cultural centre
for a modern audience. Built on the foundations of the
centre for contemporary art, the gallery is the perfect
place to enjoy a variety of paintings, prints, sculptures,
photography, and memorabilia.
65 Knyaz Boris I Blvd,
9002 Varna, Bulgaria
Tel +359 52 989 900
GET IN TOUCH
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Italy
90

Venice, Italy
91

Rome Or Venice?
Which City is
Better to Visit
Rome or Venice? This is a common dilemma for many
travellers planning to visit Italy, although the two cities
aren’t too far apart for a lot of people with limited time and
resources the two aren’t feasible during a single trip.
Rome is the capital of Italy, an iconic ancient city that is
one of the most visited in Europe, so you won’t be mistaken
for thinking this is the obvious choice. Venice itself packs a
punch, the canals are renowned the world over and the city
has a unique elegance to it. Choosing between the two isn’t
easy but we’ve put together a little guide that may help you
decide.
92

Getting in and Getting Around
Both cities are accessible through their
respective international airports in Rome
you have two whereas in Venice there is
only one. The cities can be reached via
train, although Rome has more arrivals
getting into either shouldn’t be an issue.
Getting around on the other hand is
much simpler in Venice, for the most
part it’s small and a pedestrianised city
with water taxis as the only option for
moving around on the canals. These
can be expensive but make it easy to
get around. Rome on the other hand is a
huge sprawling city and as such moving
around especially with taxi can be issue,
the traffic is horrendous and driving
conditions aren’t ideal. You do have
the subway and bus options which are
efficient but can get very crowded.
While getting into each city is easy
enough for getting around Venice comes
out on top. It’s easier and much less
stressful to navigate.
Winner | Venice
93

Attractions
Rome is over 2000 years old, for centuries
it was the cultural capital of the Roman
empire and one of the wealthiest cities in
the world. It should come as no surprise
that when it comes to attractions,
particularly historical & cultural sites,
Rome is the smart choice. It’s home
to the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the
Roman Forum, the Vatican City, the Trevi
Fountain and so much more.
Venice does have its fair share of
attractions such as Doge’s Palace,
Saint Mark’s Basilica and Railto Bridge.
The city’s canal network itself is a huge
draw, making Venice ideal for an exciting
exploration of its side streets and hidden
gems.
Overall if taking in the sites and seeing
as many attractions as possible is the
purpose of your trip then Rome is the
clear winner.
Winner | Rome
94

Cost Effectiveness
Both Venice and Rome
can be costly cities. Venice
is considered a more
expensive city by Italian
standards and is infamous
for hidden bill charges at
restaurants. Venice also
comes with the added caveat
of fines for acts deemed
“inappropriate”. Rome on the
other hand while expensive
in some parts it does have
a lot of budget options in
terms of food, shopping,
accommodation, and free
things to do.
Rome is the most costeffective
option, and you’ll
find your money goes a lot
further there.
Winner | Rome
95

Accommodation
Rome has a wide variety of hotel
options; you can stay in anything
from a bed in a hostel right through
to a luxury suite at some of the
finest hotels in the world. However,
a lot of hotels in Rome suffer from
maintenance and upkeep complaints.
As it’s a year-round visited city a lot of
hotels tend to fall behind on upkeep.
With Venice options are maybe a
little bit more limited given its size
compared to Rome. They are more
expensive but are much better run
than in Rome and more intimate.
Both cities fare well when it comes
to accommodation however our
favourite from the two would have to
be San Clemente Palace Kempinski
in Venice located on its own island,
operated as a complete luxury resort
with a shuttle to St. Mark’s Square.
Winner | Tie
96

Food
Italian cuisine is immensely admired all over the world
and many visitors want to sample popular dishes such
as pizza and pasta. Ofcourse Rome has its own Roman
pizza which is delicious and pasta dishes in both cities
are exquisite, providing you seek out well reviewed and
busy restaurants. While cuisine in Rome tends to cater
to classic Italian dishes in Venice you can find a distinct
local flavour. Specialties in Venice include fish, rice, and
polenta.
So, if you’re food lover and want the most variety then
Venice is the ideal destination. Here you’ll find classic
Italian staples as well as unique local dishes.
Winner | Venice
Shopping
Italy’s is one of the worlds premier fashion destinations
so shopping in the country is a must. Rome stands out
as the clear favourite here; the city centre is full of wellknown
brand outlets and small design boutiques. Via
dei Condotti is perfect for anyone interested in styles
straight from the runway.
Venice does have its own small shopping boutiques that
are just prestigious as those found in Rome. However,
these are few and far between. A popular item for many
in Venice is shopping for Carnival masks.
Winner | Rome
97

The Perfect Weekend in
the Tuscan Countryside
Weekend getaways are a perfect mini holiday. You basically
get the chance to do everything you would do on a
bigger and longer break. You can use the time to explore a new
area, educate yourself, indulge in a hobby, maybe try some new
activities, or just lounge by the pool. Either way this sort of break
is perfect for recharging your batteries and getting away from the
hustle & bustle of everyday life.
Tuscany in Italy is in our opinion one of the absolute ideal
weekend getaway locations in the world. There is a lot to do in
the region, weather is good throughout the year, the culinary
scene is exciting, the history is long & varied, you have excellent
accommodation on offer, and most important of all it’s easily
accessible through land, sea, and air. So without further ado, here
is our guide to a weekend getaway in the Tuscan countryside.
98

First step is finding somewhere to stay for your long weekend. We have the perfect place
the ARLI Hotel Hideaway Punta Ala an adult only retreat nestled in the beautiful province of
Grosseto. This property is a multi-award winning and highly rated boutique hotel perfect for a
long weekend. The location means its easily accessible from Rome, Florence, and Pisa, it’s ideal
for exploring the Tuscan countryside, coastline, and typically authentic Italian villages. The
customer service is first class and there are enough on-site facilities to keep you entertained
should you decide for a relaxing day in. You can find out more on page 104.
99

100
Now that we’ve settled on a hotel its time to
plan what you’ll do on your weekend getaway.
Most people visit the Tuscan countryside for
its spectacular national parks. We recommend
the Maremma Regional Park, a huge park
that offers many types of landscapes for
visitors to explore. It stretches to the coast
so you can spend a few hours at the beach,
visit the idyllic hills of Uccellina, discover
vast lush forests, or maybe check out some
farmhouses for authentic produce. Popular
activities include horseback riding, hiking,
canoeing, birdwatching, and even bathing in
the thermal springs. Another fantastic option
is the Montioni Interprovincial Park, this offers
more in the way of history, the area is rich in
remains from pre-historic settlements, the
Etruscan civilisation, the Roman empire, and
medieval Italy. The Park is covered in dense
native forestation and is teeming wildlife. We
also recommend checking out the National
Park of the Tuscan Archipelago, the Livorno
Hills Park, and the Park of Migliarino. The
parks are a great way to spend a half or full
day of your weekend getaway and provide the
perfect balance between seeing the natural
beauty of Tuscany and relaxing.

Wine tasting is another weekend getaway activity, ideal for a sunny afternoon. Tuscan wine is famous and known for
being a dry, Sangiovese-based red wine. Nearby the ARLI Hotel Hideaway Punta Ala you can visit the home of Maremma
Toscana Wine and Montecucco Wine both rated DOC, which is the second highest tier, meaning you know you are getting
good quality traditional wine. If you’re willing to travel a little further you can try Suvereto Wine which is DOCG rated, the
highest rating that can be attained. However, if you don’t want to travel you can find a good local selection at any decent
restaurant or bar.
101

No weekend getaway is complete without
a spot of pampering and in Tuscany there
are several superb options. The ARLi
Hotel Hideaway are more than happy to
take care of your beauty and wellness
needs, they even offer an early bird
discount so you can plan it all in advance.
An Additional choice is the thermal hot
springs in the town of Saturnia, the pools
are run as a complete spa with a whole
host of innovative treatments on offer.
Getting around Tuscany for your weekend
break can be a little tricky, although the
public transport system is decent it
won’t allow you to access all those rural
gems, especially if you’ve limited time in
the area. It’s best you rent a car or even
better a driver who knows all the best
spots. There is no one better for this
than Tuscany Sweet Dreams, specialist
operator on travelling in Tuscany that
offer a limousine transfer service and
classic car rentals, the best of both. Find
out more on page 106.
102

After all this sightseeing and adventure,
you’ll build up an appetite, and as you’re
only in Tuscany for a couple of nights it’s
important that you get your meals right.
During short trips, the dining experience
and be make or break as a lot of people
use this as a reason to take a time off from
their diet or fit in a couple of cheat days.
For some people trying out the cuisine
may well be the main reason of the
visit. The team at ARLI Hotel Hideaway
will ensure you start the day with a
delicious breakfast. For lunch why not
head on down to the coast to try some
fresh seafood? Coastal towns such as
Piombino, Cecina, and Livorno are home
to excellent sea food restaurants. For the
evening there are whole host of options
a few of our favourites are the La terra
di nello in Castiglione Della Pescaia, Da
Caino in Manciano, and Castello Banfi La
Taverna in Poggio alle Mura.
103

Arli Hotel
Italy | The Award for Excellence in Service
104
No trip to Italy is complete without a visit to Tuscany but not trip to Tuscany is
complete with out a stay at the superb Arli Hotel Hideaway in Punta Ala. This
amazing 4-star boutique hotel is famed for its excellent location, adult’s only concept,
elegant design, plethora of activities and most of all outstanding guest service.
Guest rooms are varied in design and style however retain an elegance and
charm that is visible throughout the property. Option include a single room,
double with garden view and a double with terrace. Our favourite is the
master suite, a tastefully decorated spacious room that sleeps four. All
rooms come with a fully furnished patio or balcony, luxury amenities,
Frigobar, free WIFI, flat screen TV, air conditioning, and tea & coffee
makers.
On-site facilities and services include a year-round swimming
pool, relaxing hot tub, well equipped gym, sauna, cocktail bar
and beautiful gardens fully furnished with table, chairs and
deck chairs. A treat for all guests is the complimentary
breakfast buffer, consisting of a wide selection made
with only the best local produce and ingredients.
We don’t have rooms with kitchenette.
but we have two portion of villas, with
all amenities and residence service.

The outstanding location allows for
guest to indulge in several activities.
Golf club Punta Ala is only one
kilometre away. Beach lovers are
in for a treat, the nearest beach is
a couple of miles away and is the
perfect place for a spot of sailing
or water sports. Cycling, hiking and
walking tours can all be arranged at
the property as well as any wellness
activities such as massages and
yoga classes.
The next you’re looking for a perfect
Italian getaway then look no further
we have the answer, the Arli Hotel in
Punta Ala!!
GET IN TOUCH
Via del Pozzino 2,
58043, Punta Ala
Tel +39 0564 923184
Mob +39 3926852530
105

Tuscany Sweet Dreams
Italy | Rental Company
Tuscany Sweet Dreams is owned and operated by two locals with a passion for
cars, a love for their country and a belief in providing a superior experience.
This approach has led to the company going on to be considered one of the
absolute best in all of Tuscany despite only being open since 2019.
Services come in three forms the first is an exceptional limo chauffeur
service, the second a unique classic car rental and the third is a
coach and minibus rental for larger groups.
Limo Service
For the limo service you can expect maximum comfort
combined with excellent service, and a luxurious
experience. Whether it be a holiday transfer or business
trip you can rest easy knowing you’re in the hands
of knowledgeable professionals who are happy
to customise the trips to suit your needs. Car
options on offer are the Mercedes E-Class,
S-Class, V-Class and Sprinter.
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Classic Car Rental
A Tuscan road trip in an iconic
car is a bucket list item and with
Tuscany Sweet Dreams you have
a fantastic opportunity to do this.
Popular options on offer are the Fiat
Bianchina and Alfa Romeo Spider
however the company’s private
collections include several cars, so
we recommend getting in touch to
find out more.
Tuscan Italy
Tel +39 329-2779001
GET IN TOUCH
107

Germany
108

Hamburg, Germany
109

8 Must See
Attraction
in Berlin
Berlin is a capital city brimming with attractions. The city is one
of the cultural capitals of Europe, it has a long and interesting
history, Berliners are a proud and welcoming people, and it’s
Germany’s media, political and scientific centre. Berlin can boast over
100 attractions, and almost every street carries its own unique feel.
Picking out must see attractions for this piece was no easy feat but
we’ve managed to select eight that will leave any visitor satisfied.
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
A place to reflect and ponder the horrendous events of the holocaust.
The space was designed to make visitors feel uneasy, anxious, and
confused. A symbolic attempt to capture the horrors of Nazi death
camps.
Entry is free and there is a centre on site for those looking for further
information.
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Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie was the most
famous crossing point between the
West and East of Berlin back when
the Berlin Wall was still standing.
The point has been re-enacted
to show how it once stood and is
today a touristy centre for Berlin,
here you’ll find souvenir stalls,
tourist buses and actors dressed
as US & Soviet Guards.
The Reichstag Building
The home of German parliament, the Reichstag building has had somewhat
of a difficult history. Built in 1894 it served as the headquarters of imperial
Germany until it was burned down in 1933 after which it sat in in the militarised
zone between East and West. It was only when Germany was reunified in 1989
did it become useful and after 10 years of renovation it finally became the
centre of German parliament like it is now.
The building is architecturally magnificent and houses an impressive glass
dome at the top that offers great views of the city. It’s best to pre-book if
you’re planning a visit.
111

Brandenburg Gate
Probably Berlins most famous landmark, the Brandenburg Gate is iconic and
today symbolically captures the unity and peace of a once divided nation. Built
in 1791 the gate stands at 26 metres tall and provided the backdrop for much
of the euphoria when the Berlin wall finally came down in 1989.
At the top of the gate lies the statue of Quadriga depicting the goddess of
victory driving a chariot pulled by four horses. For a short period, the statue
was in hands of Napolean in Paris until the city was captured by Prussian
solders who returned it to Berlin.
Berlin Zoological Gardens
The oldest zoo in Germany
that remains a popular tourist
attraction. It was rebuilt after the
second world war and has since
been famed for its successful
breeding programs as well as
authentic environments. Visitors
can expect Arctic Wolves, Zebras,
Pandas, Giraffes and so much
more, over 20,000 species in fact.
112

Berlin Television Tower
The Berlin Television
Tower is one of the
tallest building in Europe
and attracts millions
of visitors a year, no
doubt interested in the
spectacular views of
Berlin that are awaiting
at the top. Many would
be surprised to hear
the tower was originally
constructed to mark the
prowess of communism,
it’s located in former East
Berlin, however today
the tower is one of many
symbols of reunification
and peace.
Along with a viewing deck
there is also a revolving
restaurant at the top that
is certainly worth a visit in
the evening.
113

Charlottenburg Palace
The Charlottenburg Palace is a magnificent attraction
perfectly nestled amongst the idyllic palace gardens and
the majestic river Spree. The Palace was for a long time
the primary residence of German royalty. It was severely
damaged during the second world war but has since been
restored to its former glory. Lovers of design can expect
lavish Baroque and Rococo décor throughout its interior,
a wonderful 50-metre-high central dome, and verdant
gardens inspired by those at Versailles.
Museum Island
Museum island is a UNESCO world heritage site and a
treat for any visitor to Berlin. On the island you can expect
the Altes Museum (Old Museum), the Neues Museum
(New Museum), the Bode Museum, the Pergamon
Museum, and the Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National
Gallery). It’s best to allow for a couple of days to really
explore each museum, you can expect to see thousands
of artefacts and art pieces, as well as learn about 5000
years of history.
Also located on museum island is the magnificent Berlin
Cathedral, although a separate attraction, this is one you
can include during your visit to Museum island.
114

Charlottenburg Palace
Reichstag Building
Museum Island
Brandenburg Gate
Berlin Television Tower
Berlin Zoological Gardens
Memorial to the Murdered
Jews of Europe
Checkpoint Charlie
115

Osnabrück
On the face of it Osnabrück may come across as a typical
German city but scratch the surface and you’ll quickly
realise that it’s a peach of metropolis that effortlessly weaves
between its historical roots and contemporary student culture.
Getting in and Getting Around
Münster Osnabrück International Airport is an option but
tends to be used mainly for summer Mediterranean holiday
destinations and some domestic cities. A better option is to
use the nearby airports of Bremen, Dortmund, Dusseldorf,
and Cologne. The city is a key railway junction between the
Amsterdam-Berlin route and the Hamburg-Cologne route
meaning travelling from any of these cities is simple. Being
in Germany means the city is well connected to the rest of
Europe via bus or car.
Because of its compact size Osnabrück is uncomplicated
to navigate via the efficient public bus system or by cycling.
There are taxi’s available as well several ride hailing apps.
116

Things to Do
There is much to do in Osnabrück, you have St Peters
Cathedral, the Osnabrück Castle & its gardens, the
Rathaus, and the museum quarter made up of Felix
Nussbaum House, Kulturgeschichtliches Museum,
Villa Schlikker, and the Arkzishaus all fairly close to
each other.
Alternatively, if you prefer something more modern
why not stop in for a spot of shopping at Lengermann
and Trieschmann, a Travel and Hospitality award
winner profiled on the next page. Here you’ll find an
extensive shopping outlet with a unique indoor surf
school on the bottom floor.
Food
Given its higher-than-normal student population Osnabrück
is a great place to pick up good food at great prices. There
is an array of international restaurants, traditional German
eateries, and local pubs. Rampendahl is a fantastic place
to try out local German dishes and to sample the local beer,
brewed on site.
Accommodation
For a good night’s sleep, international restaurant, and
stylish bar we implore you to check in to the Vienna House
Remarque, a Travel and Hospitality Award winner.
Find out more
https://www.osnabrueck.de/tourismus/
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L&T Hasewelle
Germany | Unique Experience
Adventures await at L&T in Germany
Osnabrück is a quintessential German city. Located in the region of
Osnabrück, the city is bordered by two majestic mountain ranges and
shaped by picturesque rolling green hills.
In the center of the city lies the renowned fashion and sports house,
L&T Lengermann & Trieschmann. With more than 100 years of
history, it has now become a historical and iconic part of the city
known for its special experience factor.
The focus of the family-run company is to bring the finest
fashion items and sportswear direct from international
catwalks to Osnabrück. L&T has continually impressed
and excited costumers’ season after season with
offerings of in style clothing for all the family, chic
home accessories, performance sportswear and
so much more spread over three floors in an
exceptional atmosphere.
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After increased calls and customer requests in 2020 L&T expanded
to open a specialized sports house in a brand new and awardwinning
building. For ease of customer access, the new sports
centered building is connected directly to the fashion house leading
to an extension in the space for sports clothing and equipment to
over 5000m².
The central highlight of this building is without a doubt the Hasewelle.
This unique indoor surf wave affords customers an opportunity to
learn to surf, practice or simply have fun like no other. If you would
rather stay dry, then you are more than welcome to simply stand on
the side lines and check out the pros. The sports house is filled with
sneaker outlets, sporty street wear brands, functional sports apparel,
and high-quality equipment for a variety of sports. To add to this the
sports house is also home to the City Gym. The gym is fully kitted
out with high-tech equipment, experienced professionals and a
modern aesthetic, the perfect place hit training goals effectively.
Put simply, put if you want to enjoy the very best in the latest
fashion trends and an extensive range of outstanding sportwear in
a vibrant and colorful location look no further than L&T in the heart
of Osnabrück.
Grosse Strasse 27 - 32, 49074
Osnabrück, Germany
Tel +49 0541 33 11 30
GET IN TOUCH
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Baden-Württemberg Home of
Germany’s Famous Black Forest
Despite the menacing name, the Black Forest is actually one of Germany’s more beautiful areas.
This sprawling forested mountain region is popular for its natural beauty, outdoor activities,
spa towns, history, the black forest dessert, and as the setting for some of the Brothers Grimm’s fairy
tales. Expect expansive hills, stunning lakes, long and winding roads, and rocky mountains, waiting
to be conquered.
The Black Forest region is huge and spreads over 160km from top near the town of Pforzheim to
bottom close to the Swiss border. This makes the region effortlessly reachable from cities such as
Munich & Stuttgart in Germany, Zurich in Switzerland, and Strasbourg in France. Within the region
navigation is fairly straightforward there are several buses and trains moving between many towns
and villages.
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One of the most famous towns in the region
is Baden-Baden, a renowned spa town. The
town is home to 12 hot springs and two thermal
bathhouses both originally built by the Romans.
Offenberg is another commonly visited town,
it’s the capital of the wine region of Ortenau.
Freiburg is considered the “jewel of the black
forest”, it’s the major city of the region and is
surrounded by picturesque green hills. Finally,
there is Baiersbronn nestled deep in the forest,
a commonly used base for hiking and famed for
having many Michelin starred restaurants.
Outdoor activities are one of the main reasons
to venture into the Black Forest. There are
numerous hiking trails in the area, mountain
biking paths, lakes for kayaking & diving, resorts
for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, hills
for paragliding, and even a medieval mine.
Accommodation-wise small guesthouses are
best, these are reasonably priced and well
run. We recommend Haus Aissa, a Travel and
Hospitality Award winner profiled on the next
page.
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Haus Aissa
Germany | Country Apartments
With an excellent location near the French and Swiss borders Haus Aissa
is the country accommodation to explore Western Germany, Eastern
France, and Northern Switzerland.
The property is a spacious, clean, welcoming, and open ground floor
apartment that can easily accommodate up to six adults. There are
two bedrooms on offer, one with a double bed and the other with
two singles while the living room contains a snug sofa bed.
The apartment features a garden, a terrace, table tennis,
fireplace, complimentary wi-fi, flat screen TV, family
friendly seating, board games, and on-site private
parking. The kitchen is fully equipped, and you have
the option of an outdoor or indoor dining area. The
one bathroom comes complete with all the usual
amenities and a shower.
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The town of Kandern, where the property is
situated, is a small quaint German town in
black-forest with rich history, attractions,
restaurants, and shops, so you never have to
venture to far out to get a hold of any basics.
However, venture outside of Kandern and
you have the heartland of Western Europe on
your doorstep. The German wellness town of
Badenweiler is only eight miles away, to the
west just over the French border you have
the famed town of Mulhouse and sixteen
miles to the south lies the Beautiful swiss city
of Basel.
Klostergasse 2, 79400
Kandern, Germany
Tel +49 1520 1945145
GET IN TOUCH
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France
124

Paris, France
125

Sailing Holiday
in France
France is one of Europe’s premier destinations
for a sailing holiday. There is a lot on offer in
terms of the type of sailing trip, group size, location,
and price. You don’t have to be a millionaire to take
advantage of France’s beautiful waters. To help we’ve
put together a handy guide profiling three of France’s
best destinations for a sailing holiday.
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The French Riviera
This is the place that comes to mind
when you think of luxury sailing in
France, the French Riviera runs
about 560 miles from the Italian
border in the east to St Tropez in
the west. The riviera boasts several
glamorous sailing resorts such as
Cannes, Nice, and Monaco, as well
as stunning beaches, secluded
bays, fantastic weather, and
exciting aquatic wildlife.
Corsica
Corsica is the fourth largest Island
in the Mediterranean and makes
for an excellent summer sailing
destination. Expect stunning
natural landscapes, quaint seaside
towns, sea caves, and fantastic
wildlife, the island boasts a whale
and dolphin sanctuary. Corsica isn’t
like the mainland and the way of life
on the island is a little more relaxed
so when you dock at a harbour
expect warm locals, excellent
cuisine, and loads to do.
Canal du Midi
A cruise down the spectacular Canal
du Midi is the epitome of a romantic
South of France holiday. Once on
board all you need to do is sit back
with a nice glass of local wine and
watch the world go by. Enjoy the
beautiful scenery of small valleys,
fields of flowers, grassy meadows,
lush forests, arched bridges, and the
Pyrenees mountains in the distance.
For a reliable and experience partner
in France that can take care of all
your sailing needs we recommend
Filovent, profiled in depth on the
following page.
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Filovent
France | Cruise Company
H eadquartered in Paris, Filovent is without doubt one of France’s
leading yacht charter operators. Working primarily as an intermediary
between shipowners and clients Filovent currently operates in 80
locations worldwide with an extensive portfolio of 18,000 boats.
With the largest boat catalogue in Europe you can guarantee
Filovent will find something to suit your needs. 20,000
happy sailors can’t be wrong!
Founded in 1994 by the charismatic Philippe
Burnet, Filovent is primarily focus on the French,
Italian, German and UK markets. Through
a tried and tested selection criteria of
partners Filovent can meet the needs of
the most demanding of clients. This is
further enhanced using regular client
satisfactions surveys that ensure
the highest quality standards are
being met by shipowners.
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Filovent are without question experts in
this field backed up by over 25 years of
Experience. A 100% French company the are
trustworthy and fully transparent when it
comes to feedback. Customers can expect
a high-quality service, with a diversity of
options and a fully personalised experience.
The need to innovate and continually
challenges means Filovent won’t be knocked
off the top spot anytime soon.
What ever you need whether it be a skippered
journey, river sailing, large group, themed
trip or a long-term excursion Filovent is the
company for you!
Or if you’re shipowner and you feel you have
what it takes to meet the Filovent standards
then why not register your boat or fleet. Take
advantage of a Filovents visibility, reliability
and experience to find new customers.
Boulogne-Billancourt,
France
Tel +33 1 70 80 97 52
GET IN TOUCH
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Spain
130

Barcelona, Spain
131

Ibiza Welcome
to Our Island
in partnership with
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Where We Are
Ibiza is located east of the Iberian Peninsula, in the Mediterranean
Sea, in the autonomous region of Illes Balears. Ibiza is made up
of five towns: Ibiza, which is the capital, Santa Eulària des Riu,
Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, Sant Antoni de Portmany, and Sant
Joan de Labritja. Each of them offers its visitors both different
and supplementary possibilities. According to the register’s latest
data, the island has a population of over 140,000 inhabitants,
although the number of residents grows considerably during
summer season.

Our World Heritage Site
The capital of Ibiza is home to an impressive fortress
was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. This
international award acknowledges its historical, cultural,
and architectural value. It is the best-preserved coastal
fortress in the Mediterranean. Dalt Vila’s acropolis is
filled with alleys and monuments such as a castle and a
cathedral. It has been a cultural crossover for centuries, and
this fortress’ environment is the stage for concerts, poetic
cycles, exhibitions, and cultural activities all year round.
The Phoenician remains of Sa Caleta, in San Josep, and
the Phoenician-Punic necropolis of Puig des Molins, in
Ibiza, are also part of this World Heritage Site, as UNESCO
considers them an exceptional evidence of urbanization
and social life in the Phoenician colonies of the western
Mediterranean. They constitute a unique resource, in terms
of volume and importance, of material from the Phoenician
and Carthaginian tombs.
The UNESCO committee defined Ibiza as a privileged
environment due to its diversity and natural values,
considering the richness of the prairies of oceanic posidonia,
seabed plants, the best preserved in the Mediterranean
and located within a Natural Reserve. These prairies hold
220 different species, including three that are globally
threatened, one of them being the monk seal. They are
responsible for the purity and transparency of the water
that surrounds the island.
Both for its cultural criteria and for its natural values,
UNESCO chose Ibiza as one of the places to be preserved
for future generations.
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Our History
A FASCINATING PAST
Ibiza is one of the oldest urban
environments in Western
Mediterranean, and the first in the
Balearic archipelago. The islands
past is stunning and fundamental
to understanding its present, its
cultural and social reality, through
the mosaic of cultures that have
steadily occupied it since 2700 AC.
Our Beaches
Without a doubt, Ibizan beaches represents the most prominent appeal of
the island.
The beaches on the island are known for their singular beauty and turquoise
transparent water thanks to the oceanic posidonia on the seabed. It has
been UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
There are magical bays, like Cala d´Hort, overlooked by Es Vedrà islet; other
singular beauties, such as Platges de Comte; rarely visited corners, as Es
Pou des Lleó; and big and familiar beaches, such as Platja d’en Bossa and Es
Figueral. The beaches of Ses Salines and Es Cavallet are within a protected
natural environment. They have a dune system of great ecological value.
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Our Towns
Ibiza’s towns are the island’s heart and
soul; their centuries-old homes and
traditions are familiar the world over.
Ibiza’s landscape, and the fifteen towns
it comprises, is punctuated by fiestas,
historical water wells, authenticity,
stories, and life.
La Cala de Sant Vicent, Sant Joan de
Labritja, Sant Llorenç de Balàfia, Sant
Miquel de Balansat, Santa Gertrudis
de Fruitera, Santa Agnès de Corona,
Sant Carles de Peralta, Sant Rafel de
sa Creu, Santa Eulària des Riu, Sant
Josep de Sa Talaia, Sant Jordi de ses
Salines, Es Cubells, Jesús, Sant Antoni
de Portmany and Sant Agustí des
Vedrà. Each possesses an indisputably
Mediterranean character. Although to
get the real, authentic Ibiza, one must
delve into the nitty gritty. Discover
the weekly markets, the patron saint
celebrations, hundred-year-old taverns,
or deeply original customs.
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Our Wine & Gastronomy
Ibiza lures you with its landscape, climate, people, and
because if offers the finest gastronomy beside the beach,
in historical places, in the middle of the countryside, or
beneath the starry sky.
Have the luxury of eating natural products in their perfect
point of ripeness and remember your childhood flavours.
Enjoy the peace and freedom atmosphere on the island,
just as you are being served a dish of shellfish and rice
by the sea, or just tasting the freshest of fish as such as
grouper, tuna, San Pedro megrim, or wrasse.
Ibiza is a trip of sensations. The excellent quality of its
prime material mixes with the tradition of recipes that
come to us with the same uniqueness: the “sofrit pages”,
slaughter rice, the “guisat de peix”, the “greixonera”, and
the “flaó” are some of the classical recipes. This traditional
cuisine passes on the culture and way of life where the
focus is on gathering amongst friends and family.
Get carried away by Ibiza’s local wine, its virgin olive oil,
and its peasant bread, delicacies that can be found on
every table. They accompany the magical moment in
which eating is the equivalent of taking care of yourself,
learning new things, sharing, and smiling.
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Our Music and Nighlife
Ibiza is a great music temple, a trend laboratory, an
experimentation platform, and a meeting point for
professionals in the music industry to get together
every summer to offer the best nightlife in the world.
The best discos, the most glamorous beach clubs,
live music with first class international bands, the
well-known hippy parties, the local celebrations of
each town, and great DJs under the umbrella of
the best prepared sponsors. All of these element’s
merge with staging, performances, audio-visual
effects, and unique concepts that are renewed
season after season.
Electronic music invaded Ibiza in the 90s and took
over the best parties. In the 20th century, the
island expanded its offering to create activities
fit for all tastes and pockets. From taking a walkthrough
Ibiza’s port while enjoying the disco
passacaglia, to reserving a VIP space in one of the
best discos in the word, or having a good time in
the most exclusive beach clubs, restaurants, and
theme hotels.
Ibiza is a party!!
137

Barcelona City
of Splendour
The capital of the autonomous community of Catalonia,
Barcelona is a vibrant, multicultural, and exciting. The city
is jam-packed with cultural treasures, beautiful art, superb
restaurants, friendly locals, and loads to do.
Getting in & Getting Around
Barcelona’s location means the city is easily accessible
whether it be via plane, train, car, or boat. Barcelona
international airport is a major transport hub with
flights arriving from all over the world. The train network
between Barcelona, the rest of Spain and neighbouring
France is extensive. The city’s port tends to be quite
busy throughout the year with several connections from
cities in Spain and Italy, as well as Tangiers in Morocco.
The public transport system in Barcelona is well run and
efficient. You have the option of commuter trains, trams, and
buses as well as regular taxis. However, for a service like Uber
you need to book one hour in advance. Another popular way
to get around the city is via electric scooter of bicycle.
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Things To Do
For a relatively small city Barcelona offers a lot for travellers.
The most popular attractions are the works of legendary
architect Antoni Gaudi, you have his famous Park Guell,
Casa Battlo, Torre Bellesguard and the icing on the cake
the Sagrada Familia.
If your goal is to relax then be sure to spend the day at
Barceloneta beach, this is an artificial beach created for the
1992 Olympics and has since become a popular attraction.
Lovers of football must of course pilgrimage to the
Cathedral of football, Barcelona’s home stadium the
Camp Nou.
Food
Barcelona is a food lovers delight. Dishes from all over
Spain can be found across the city, however if you’re
looking for something distinctly Catalan try the seafood,
in particular the Paella, which is a local speciality.
We propose joining a food tour to get the most out of the
gastronomic pleasures of the city and to learn of all the
best places to eat & drink.
Accommodation
Lugaris Beach Apartments, a Travel and Hospitality
award winner, is our recommendation when it comes to
accommodation. See the winner profile on the next page.
Find out more https://www.barcelonaturisme.com/
wv3/en/
139

Lugaris Beach Apartments
Catalonia, Spain | Luxury Apartments
Barcelona is a city that has come into its own in recent times and here
is one of its most impressive holiday apartment complexes. Lugaris
apartments are contemporary, spacious, fully equipped, accessible and
come with a whole host of services. Whether you’re in town for business
or pleasure Lugaris will leave you more than satisfied.
The Lugaris apartments complex offers several varied options with
small apartments for up to 3 people to much bigger family friendly
apartments able to house 6. Each apartment comes with a flat
screen TV, Nespresso machine, a well-resourced kitchen, free
wi-fi, living area, washer-dryer, toiletries, hand-sanitizer, air
conditioning, dining area and either a city or sea View.
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Building facilities and services include optional
parking, an amazing swimming pool, grocery
shopping, babysitting, car rental, bike rental
and a staff reception, should you need anything
else. Staff are friendly, welcoming and will
always go that one step further to make sure
your stay is as comfortable as possible.
The best thing about staying at Lugaris is
without doubt the great location in the quite
neighbourhood of Poble Nou. The property
is only a few minutes away from Barcelona’s
stunning coastline. Nearby Bogatell beach is
perfect to cool off during the summer months,
enjoy ice-cream or some water sports. With the
Poble Nou metro station only a few minutes
away you will find you can reach Barcelona’s
best attractions with ease. The area itself is
home to some great bars and restaurants so
you’ll never be short of somewhere to go.
Lugaris will not just be your apartment for your
stay it will be your home!!
GET IN TOUCH
Passeig de Calvell 45, 08005,
Barcelona, Spain
Tel +34 932 219 159
141

Andalucia
Beautiful Cities
142
Andalucia is the soul of Spain, the region is famed
for its magnificent architecture, interesting history,
Moorish heritage, breath-taking natural wonders, stunning
coastline, authentic villages, and terrific food. When it
comes to deciding where to go there are so many cities
to choose from and with limited time its not always
straightforward deciding where to go. To help decide here
is our pick of the four finest cities in the region.
Seville
The capital and largest city of Andalucia. Seville has a
stellar reputation for its architecture, culture, and thriving
tourism scene. Seville was a key city during Roman times,
under Arab rule and during the Age of Discovery. You’ll find
all these influences throughout the city and so much more.

Cordoba
The city has been declared a World
Heritage Site making it a must visit
destination in Andalucia. Within the
city you’ll find a beautiful labyrinth
of small streets, squares, and
whitewashed courtyards. The city’s
unique layout, diverse cultural
scene, and artistic reputation
reflects its prominent place in
the Islamic world during medieval
times.
Malaga
The largest city on the worldfamous
Costa del Sol, Malaga is
often flooded with tourists in the
summer. This is for good reason as
its an amazing city for a myriad of
activities such as hiking, heritage
sites, museums, restaurants,
shopping hubs, and beaches. While
it may be busy with tourists the city
still has a much more laid-back vibe
than other major Spanish cities.
Cadiz
One of the oldest continually
inhabited cities in western Europe,
Cadiz is typically Andalusian. It
has laidback vibe and is home
to numerous architectural gems
that reflect its long history. The
old town is an absolute pleasure
with its narrow streets, connecting
squares, and beautiful buildings.
The Carnaval of Cadiz is not one to
be missed, it’s considered one of
the biggest in the world.
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Portugal
144

Cabo da roca, Portugal
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Getting Around
Portugal
Getting into Portugal is pretty simple, there are several
international airports in the country that are well
connected globally, and should you need to, you can travel
on road or rail from neighbouring Spain.
Once in Portugal there are several ways to get around, it’s
a relatively small country with a sparsely spread population
so moving between different cities, towns, and villages is
not always so clear. We’ve put together a little guide on
getting around using the three main methods, train, bus,
and car. Keep in mind however that air travel between the
major cities is an option but not the most popular one and
services are limited.
Portugal
Lisbon
146

Train
The train network in Portugal is
solid without being spectacular.
Between the main regions and
cities such as Lisbon, Porto, Faro,
Braga, Coimbra and Aveiro you’ll
find good connections. This is faster
than using the buses, but it does
cost more. Rural areas and towns
are also serviced by trains but
those are less frequent. Some of
the routes run through picturesque
landscapes so travelling on trains
can be a real treat.
It is recommended that you book
in advance and if you do so 5 days
before you’re due to travel then you
may receive a discount.
Find out more - https://www.cp.pt//
passageiros/en
Bus
Buses are the cheapest option and
don’t take much longer than the
trains. The bus system in Portugal
is highly efficient and represents
the best option for getting to rural
areas and small villages. Rede
Express is the largest bus company
serving most major destination and
regional companies fill the gaps
to reach smaller communities. It’s
worth noting that some of these
services may be limited to only
a couple of journeys a day so it’s
worth planning ahead.
Bus stations normally have a
service counter or booth where
you can purchase tickets for travel.
To book ahead of time check out -
https://www.rede-expressos.pt/en
Car
Self-driving in Portugal can be
a challenge to say the least.
While major motorways are well
maintained some secondary roads
are not. On top of this driving in the
country can seem erratic and even
scary to the uninitiated. For this
reason, we advise hiring a private
driver to get around, someone that
knows the roads and customs. This
is also the best way to get to those
out of reach destinations and allow
the freedom to go as you please.
Avenidas Tours and Transfers profile
in depth on the following happy
to take care of any transfer and
private driver needs. Find out more
at https://www.avenidas.pt/
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Avenidas - Here for you
Portugal | Transfer Company
For a lot of travellers, the idea of exploring Portugal is exciting but most
wouldn’t know where to begin or how to get around to all the amazing
sights, off the beaten path attractions and hidden gems. We do however
have the solutions for all your transportation and touristic needs and that
is Avenidas.
From its humble beginnings as a single car focused on Uber
rides Avenidas has now grown to become one of the big
transportation players in Portugal with over 20 cars owned
and operated daily for tours, transfers, private rides
and platforms such as Uber and Bolt. The growth of
Avenidas comes down to the focus on providing an
open, committed, and friendly service with family
values, efficiency, and reliability as key tenets.
Avenidas services include private and shared
tours, transfers, private drivers, event
transportation and an innovative product
called Resolv.
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Private and Shared Tours
The high quality of service, fun experiences
and friendliness of tours guides has meant that
Avenidas private tours have risen to the famed
number one position on TripAdvisor for Lisbon
tours. Popular sightseeing tours options are to
Sintra, Nazare, Lisbon, Porto, Berlengas and
Sesimbra.
Shared tours while similar in content and routes
offer a pleasant alternative to private tours
especially for solo travellers and those who love
to meet new people.
Transfers and Private Drivers
Getting from point A to point B needn’t be a
bother or strain with Avenidas. Making the
journey in an efficient, reliable, and professional
manner take centre stage with drivers being
made available on WhatsApp before and after
the journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Why not take this one step further but hiring
a private driver for the duration of your stay?
Have a car and driver on your command 24/7
giving you complete freedom and control to
customise any journey.
149

Events
Organising safe and
reliable transportation
during a festival, wedding,
company event or any
large gathering can be
a logistical nightmare
but not when you’ve got
Avenidas on hand. With
several cars in various
sizes Avenidas are ready
to organise all transport
for any event.
Resolv Service
Resolv is a unique
problem solver service
offered by Avenidas.
Whether you find yourself
in an emergency, difficult
logistical situation or are
unsure how to approach a
transport related problem,
Resolv is ideal for finding a
win-win solution.
Avenidas - 1200-302 Lisboa
c/o Manuel Reis
Tel +351 917 208 885
Tel +351 916 361 635
GET IN TOUCH
150

Cristo Rei and 25 April Bridge,
Lisbon, Portugal
151

152
The Algarve’s 3
Best Walking Tours
and Where to Stay
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favourite walking tours.

Portugal 4U & Quinta Bonita
Country House and Gardens
Portugal 4U offers a brilliant tour called ‘Portuguese
discoveries and lighthouse’ that begins with a
stunning walk along the coastline passing beaches
which were voted the most beautiful in the world
(Dona Ana and Ponta da Piedade). The walk is very
accessible and is only 7 km, with plenty of Instagramable
photo ops! The walk ends at Ponta da Piedade a
beach famous for its unique rock formations where
you will sit down to a delicious traditional lunch. A
1-hour boat ride will then return you to the start point,
exploring sites such as the Cave of Love and the Arch
of Triumph, among others.
The tour starts and ends in Lagos making Quinta Bonita country
house the ideal base to stay. This boutique hotel has exquisite
gardens to roam, a swimming pool and a yoga and wellness studio
for guests to unwind in - perfect after an action-packed day. Their
food philosophy is ‘simple, tasty and local’, catering for all diets and
sourcing a variety of locally grown and seasonal produce to curate
healthy mouth-watering dishes. If the Portugal 4U tour whet your
appetite for exploring the Algarve by foot, Quinta Bonita has an
album of walking notes and suggestions for guests to peruse.
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Morgan’s Nature Walks and
Dunas Douradas Beach Club
Based in central rural Algarve,
Morgan’s Nature Walks whisks you
away from the crowds to explore
hidden gems. One of their walks
will guide you through Fonte
Benémola, a protected area, which
is a luscious green valley full of
animal and plant life. It is not only
home to over 100 different species
of bird that can be seen throughout
the whole trail but also more than
300 diverse species of plants. It is
also possible to see many species
of water snakes swimming in the
creek in search of small fish and
turtles sunning themselves on
the banks. Morgan’s nature walks
offer walks for all different abilities
and enthusiasms including three
photography specific walks and
even a bird ringing walking tour.
Located just a 30-minute drive from these stunning walks is Dunas Douradas
Beach Club . The hotel is an award-winning five-star resort in the heart of the
Algarve’s Golden Triangle. Situated in a privileged setting away from the crowds,
overlooking the ocean and endless golden beaches of the Atlantic coastline, the
luxury resort welcomes guests to a relaxed and elegant atmosphere and offers
exclusivity and recreation for every member of the family.
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A2Z & Memmo Baleeira Hotel
A 2 Z organises multiple day hiking trips
for the more experienced walkers. Their
Western Algarve tour covers 107km of
breath-taking terrain in 7 days. It is selfguided,
and includes 6 nights of 3-Star
accommodation, luggage transfers,
guidebooks, maps, insurance, and a GPS
devise with accurate routes. A2Z invites
clients to explore Rota Vicentina’s network
of walking trails, including the Historical
Way, the Fishermen’s Trail, and several
Circular Routes. The tours allow clients to
experience authentic rural Algarve and the
rugged wild Atlantic coastline with prices
starting at €649 for the week.
155

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After a week’s walking some R&R
may be in order and Memmo Baleeira
Hotel will not disappoint. It is a 4-star
hotel with views across the ocean
and Baleeira harbour near Sagres
on the most westerly point of the
region. This contemporary hotel has
its own restaurant, bar, pool, and
spa to help guests unwind after an
exciting day. The Hotel is well suited
for people seeking outdoor, active
holidays with its own surf centre
and capacity to organise activities
such as: bike tours, Jeep trips, water
sports and golf.

GET IN TOUCH
For further information on The Algarve, please visit:
www.visitalgarve.pt or http://www.algarvepromotion.pt/en/
Social Media Channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
157

Shantivillas Algarve
Portugal, Algarve | Luxury Villas
The Algarve has long been considered one of the luxury capitals of
Europe, it’s a popular destination for professional footballers,
celebrities and affluents individuals. This is mainly because
there is nothing quite as unique as the Algarve with its rich
culinary heritage, stunning coastline, friendly inhabitants,
and contrasting locales. If you find yourself planning a
trip to the region and are wondering where to stay
then we have the answer for you, Shantivillas.
Founded back in 2016, Shantivillas has grown to
become one of the premier Villa brokers in all
of Portugal. The company was borne out of
a common issue for many travellers which
was difficulty in finding a reputable and
professional Villa provider who could
source high quality, private and
luxurious villas.
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Located only 20 minutes from Vilamoura, the Shantivillas
portfolio includes 10 spectacular properties dotted around
the region, all finished to an elegant and modern standard.
The smallest of which is perfect for a small group of four
and the largest able to accommodate a staggering 16
individuals. As a standard all villas come with a private
swimming pool, state of the art kitchen, en Suite bedrooms,
free WIFI and some even a with children’s pool. All properties
are located only 40 minutes or so from Faro International
airport with golf courses, the beach and shopping outlets
all nearby.
To top this Shantivillas provide a whole host of services
such as transfers, car rentals, a private chef, sightseeing
tours, arrival orientation, grocery shopper, maid service and
expert advice on the local area.
Aldeamento do Malhão,
8200-484 , Albufeira, Portugal
Tel +351 289 362 131
Tel +351 968984269
GET IN TOUCH
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We have been lucky enough to sit down
with the Operations Manager, Rui Manuel
Grou, to talk a bit more about the company,
himself and the challenges faced by the
Covid pandemic.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I consider myself a very professional and
dedicated person that does not stop
until he gets what he wants. My friends
usually say I am a loyal friend and that I
have my ideals well defined. I see myself
as detailed orientated with exceptional
follow-through and the ability to plan and
oversee a broad range of responsibilities
from concept to successful execution.
I am a visible and personally involved
leader with excellent interpersonal and
communication skills.
I have worked in the Hospitality business
for more than 17 years, in hotel operations
as reception manager, spa manager, hotel
assistant manager and as operations
director in several 5-star environments.
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When was Shantivillas
founded and what was
the thinking behind it?
Shantivillas was born at
the beginning of 2016 to
respond to those looking
to enjoy quality holidays in
the countryside, near the
beach. We bet on prestigious
tourism allied to a region
known for its natural charms.
Located in the Algarve just
30 minutes west of Faro, the
gateway to the Algarve.
Our villas are located in the
tranquil southern region
of Portugal and we offer a
collection of hand-picked
properties ideal for families
or groups of friends travelling
together, each of the 10 villas
is individually designed and
would make a stylish home
from home for the holidays.
What makes Shantivillas unique?
We have a handpicked collection of luxury villas are
dotted around the region in the most rural, peaceful
spots, each one offering sweeping countryside views,
a heated outdoor pool and the utmost privacy as
standard.
Whether the guest is looking for a grand property with
spacious landscaped gardens or a comfortable yet
elegant hideaway with a panoramic coastal backdrop,
ShantiVillas’ unique portfolio is bound to have a villa to
match your needs – ensuring the dreamiest Algarve
escape.
Do you provide any
extra services?
In addition to a standard
villa rental, we offer a
number of additional
services allowing you to
add those all-important
extras to your stay, whether
it’s a friendly welcome and
orientation on your arrival,
or a private chef to cook a
delicious dinner for you and
your family. Shantivillas are
ideal for family stays and
a perfect complement to
Luxury Tailor Made Travel;
ask us to create a journey
customized around the
properties of your choice,
complete with sightseeing,
insider access and expert
local guides.
161

How many people can your largest villa
accommodate?
Shantivillas presents an impeccable portfolio of luxury villas
in the Portuguese village of Malhão, a destination famed
for its authentic way of life. In particular, multigenerational
families and groups will find the hand-picked properties – the
largest of which accommodate up to 16 guests – perfectly
suited to travel needs.
Discover here the holiday home that you have always
dreamed of having.
What challenges did the Covid-19 pandemic present and how
did you overcome these?
The outbreak of Coronavirus COVID-19 represents an important
and evolving challenge to the tourism sector. Containment of the
pandemic is the top priority and the tourism sector is committed to
supporting all measures taken to contain the epidemic.
Our true goal during this difficult time is to give value to our visitors
and look for other tourism markets. The current ban on travels might
contribute in the long run to the discovery of our World Heritage
gems by the people living in our part of Europe. We are hoping for
a quick ending to this situation, and that tourism will once again
commence.
162

Where are most of your guests from? Do you have
a target market?
In the last couple of years, we had guests mainly from
the United Kingdom and a small number of national
guests, but we have been working other markets such
Germany, France, Spain. Last year for example with the
Covid-19 pandemic we had more Portuguese guests
looking for our product since the other guests had travel
restrictions.
Your favourite holiday destination and why?
Travelling is one of the best ways to get away from the
daily hustle-bustle. It gives me time and space to enjoy
my passions and lets me spend some time with my
family as well. Here are a few places in the world, that
are simply my favourite places for holiday. However, I do
enjoy travelling to new places, meeting new people and
trying new cuisines.
Cape Verde;
Dominican Republic;
Formentera
163

Lisbon’s
Hidden Gems
Lisbon is one of Europe leading holiday capitals.
It’s a vibrant coastal city with loads to do, a whole
host of attractions, a unique history, meaningful
architecture, an exceptional culinary heritage, a lively
nightlife scene, sociable locals, and great weather
for most of the year. Iconic sites include the Belem
Tower, Jeronminos Monastery, the Praca do Comercio
(Commerce Square), and Lisbon Cathedral. Like any
other major European city Lisbon has its own set of
hidden gems and we’ve chosen a few worth visiting.
164

The National Tile Museum
On the face of it the Tile Museum
may not sound like much of a hidden
gem but once you step inside, you’ll
be awed very quickly. Housed in an
elegant 16th century convent, the
museum setting is dramatic as it is
impressive. Inside you’ll find hundreds
of azulejo’s (Portuguese tiles)
covering every inch of the interior.
They are arranged chronologically
from the 16th century right up to the
abstract styles of the 20th.
Find out more
http://www.museudoazulejo.gov.pt/
The Graca Neighbourhood
This one is a true hidden gem simply
because it’s so quintessentially
Portuguese. For anyone looking
for a typical and local Portuguese
setting then Graca is the ideal
place. There’s no flood of tourism,
no major attractions, no attempt to
regenerate, and no influx of wealth.
The bustling main street is lined
with restaurants, bars, and cafes
filled with locals. For an authentic
experience Graca can’t be beat.
Basilica da Estrela &
Jardim da Estrela
Sitting upon a hill the Basilica
da Estrela is an impressive
neoclassical landmark. It’s a
wonderful hidden gem set away
from the main centre and is not
too busy with tourists. The rooftop
offers stunning views of Lisbon,
and the interior is made up of an
impressive pristine white, pink,
grey, yellow and black marble.
165

Portugal
Setubal
Only a day trip away from Lisbon, Setubal is considered
something of an out of the way alternative. This vibrant
seaside town sitting along a beautiful stretch of the Portuguese
coast is oftentimes a getaway town for locals of Lisbon or an
alternative for those travellers who have done the rounds in
Lisbon and want something new. Setubal is an ideal base to
explore the natural beauty of the region, the wildlife, enjoy
delicious seafood, and to relax on pristine beaches.
Getting in and Getting Around
The nearest airport is Lisbon Portela Airport, it’s well connected
internationally all year round. It’s still about half an hour dive
away from Setubal so you’ll need to arrange transport, either a
bus or private taxi. The train is another option from the airport
but would require you to go into Lisbon, in fact the only way
into Setubal via train from anywhere in Portugal is by first
getting a train that goes into Lisbon.
166

Using the bus is the most
direct route as the bus station
is more centrally located than
the train station. Ofcourse
driving in is an option, the
roads in Portugal are well
maintained, safe and easy to
navigate.
Getting around Setubal is
simple enough, it’s a small
town so navigating on foot
should be fine. There is also a
bus service for the town with
an effective schedule and
good quality buses.
Things to Do
The big attraction with Setubal is not so
much in the town itself but the beauty
of the surrounding area. With that being
said there are a few gems within the
town such Travel and Hospitality Award
winner Casa da Baia, a brilliant spot to
get more information on the area, pick
up a few souvenirs, and just take in its
architectural beauty.
Given the coastal location of Setubal a
boat tour to see the dolphins is a must,
you can also take part in water sports
such as stand-up paddle boarding,
surfing, and fishing.
Outside of the city there are two stunning
sites, the first is the Arrabida National Park,
famous for its varied wildlife, beautiful
coast, historic fortress, the Arrabida
mountain range, and hiking routes. The
other site is the Castle of Palmela, located
as part of the village with the same name.
It’s a national monument and built on a
hill, the views at the top are spectacular.
If you just want to relax, you’ll find several
idyllic beaches in and around Setubal
such as the Praia dos Galapos, Praia dos
Galapinhos, Praia do Creiro, and Praia dos
Coelhos. The beaches never get too busy
so remain pristine all year round.
167

Food
Like much of Portugal the cuisine in Setubal is
centred on seafood, the town is a busy fishing port,
so the fish tends to be fresh and number seafood
restaurants plentiful. Sardines are a favourite among
locals along with Chocos Fritos (fried cuttlefish).
Setubal is a well-known wine region so be sure
to sample the local Moscatel de Setúbal, a sweet
fortified white wine. You can also find it souvenir
shops to take back with you.
Accommodation
We’ve got the perfect place for you to stay in Setubal,
the multi-award-winning RM Guest House. It’s a unique
combination of elegance, artistry, and luxury, to find out more
please see page 170.
Find out more - https://visitsetubal.com/en/front-page_en/
168

169

Casa da Baia
Portugal | The Award for Excellence in Branding
Located in the heart of Setubal, the Casa da Baia is so much more than a
typical historic building it appears to be, in fact this elegant structure
serves as the business card for the whole city and surrounding area.
The 18th century building is the home of the official tourist
centre and information hub of the region, on hand and ready
to provide an abundance of knowledge for anyone who is
interested exploring the city. There is a vast wealth of
materials on offer for tourists such as details related to
tours, points of interest, workshops, general leaflets,
and area maps. Should you not find what you need,
the team on hand and are more than happy to
go the extra mile to make sure your query
is resolved. Whether it be advice on local
places to eat, attraction, transport tips
or general information on the area, the
staff are highly trained, resourceful
and most of all passionate.
170

As well as acting as a tourist centre the
building is also a specialist wine area with a
wine cellar housing and promoting bottles of
all the producers in the region. You of course
have an option to buy from the on-site shop
or simply enjoy a glass from the cafeteria,
the ideal place to sample some of the local
delicacies.
On top of this the space inside the building is
used for regular cultural and artistic exhibits
thus providing the perfect opportunity to take
in a bit Setubal without going too far. This is
indeed true when it comes to the building
itself which was built upon roman ruins of
which remnants remain.
To get the most out of your journey to Setubal
we recommend starting at the Casa Da Baia!
GET IN TOUCH
Avenida Luisa Todi, 468, Setubal,
Setubal 2900-456, Portugal
Tel +351 265 545 010
171

RM Guest House
Portugal | Guest House
The RM Guest House, located in the elegant city of Setubal, is the realisation
of a wish to create a unique, distinctive, and somewhat sophisticated
place to set about the redefinition of the accommodation experience in
Portugal. Custom made furniture, characteristic design pieces and even
a cute yellow pig make this house your home. A place where you can
leave your troubles at the door, feel welcome and at peace.
The seven beautifully decorated suites are a reflection and a
tribute to a definitive fashion icon or style that influences every
little detail and aspect of the room while at the same time
ensuring a comfortable experience. Our personal favourite
is without a doubt suite no. 5, a subtle and touching
tribute to Coco Chanel who famously favoured the
number 5 as lucky and so should every guest lucky
enough to stay here. The restored wooden floors,
Portuguese sheets, handmade towels, Molton
Brown amenities, air conditioning, cotton
robes, flat screen TV and powerful espresso
machines create a relaxed environment
that no one would ever want to leave.
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Every guest is welcomed in person by warm
and friendly hosts along with a glass of
Moscatel de Setúbal, a sweet, delicious,
and locally sourced fortified wine. Excellent
service is part of DNA at RM guest house
and the team is dedicated to going above
and beyond to ensure guests have a joyful
experience. This includes free bicycle hire so
you can explore the locale and if you wish to
do more staff are more than happy to arrange
a plethora of activities like helicopter tours,
dolphin watching, yacht tour, oceanarium
tickets, sightseeing tours, horseback riding,
bird watching, canoeing and restaurant
reservations.
A stay at the RM Guest house is one you will
never forget!
Avenida Luisa
Todi 59, 2900-424
Setúbal, Portugal
Tel +351 265 400 119
GET IN TOUCH
173

Portugal
3 New Experiences
to Try
New experiences should always be a requirement
on any trip abroad. After all what is travelling if
not an opportunity to learn, grow as a person, and
make fond memories. All of these are possible when
you try something unique, visit somewhere special,
or go out of your comfort zone. In Portugal there are
ample opportunities to do this that are exclusive to
the country, and we’ve picked out three of the best.
174

Spend an evening in a Fado Club
Fado is a form of traditional music
that is unique, meaningful, and
symbolic to Portugal much like
Samba is to Brazil, Ranchera is to
Mexico, or like jazz to Louisiana in
the USA. Fado can be traced back to
Lisbon in the 1820’s and is popular
today as it ever has been.
An evening at a Fado club is the
ultimate authentic experience in
Portugal. Normally Fado is performed
with three people one on vocals, a
second on a classical guitar and a
third on a Portuguese guitar, songs
are traditionally melancholic.
We recommend paying a visit to
the beautiful Casa de Linhares to
experience Fado.
http://www.casadelinhares.com/
Feast on Pastel de Nata
Chances you’ve probably had a
dessert similar to Portugal’s Pastel
de Nata, after all it’s just a pastry
crust filled with egg custard that’s
available all over. However, when
you try the Portuguese version,
you’ll quickly realise there isn’t an
egg custard tart in the world that
can quite compete.
In Portugal, these pastels are
available on every street corner,
great pride is taken in preparation,
different places will have their own
secret ingredient but as a rule they’re
generally topped off with cinnamon.
For an in-depth Pastel De Nata
experience check out a dedicated
cooking class available -https://
lisboncookingacademy.com/en/
courses/pastel-nata/
Dark Sky Viewing
This one is a different, it will require
you to venture out into rural Portugal
and possibly stay out all night, but
it’ll be worth it as the experience
itself is breath taking. Dark Sky
viewing in Alqueva is unparalleled,
so much so in fact that this was
the first destination in the world to
be certified as a “starlight tourism
destination” meaning light pollution
is extremely low, visibility excellent,
and perfect climate to view the
stars.
Check out the next page for our
extensive profile on Dark Sky
Alqueva.
175

Dark Sky
Portugal | Learning Experience
A
perfect beautiful starry night is a rare thing so much so in fact that there
are only a handful of certified destinations in Europe that can offer the,
the first to be certified and probably the most exquisite is Dark Sky Alqueva.
Located in the Alentejo region of Portugal Alqueva is a wonderful and
accessible place to see the stars, constellations, the Milky Way, and
distant galaxies. Conditions in Alqueva are ideal, light pollution is at a
minimum and the climate is warm.
So, should you decide that your next trip to Portugal will
include a spot of night viewing then who better to guide you
than the president of the Dark Sky Association, Apolónia
Rodrigues. Apolónia is an experienced and awardwinning
professional with an excellent background in
sustainable tourism.
176

Tell us a little bit about yourself. And what led you to founding Dark
Sky?
My professional career began in 1998, before I completed my university studies
in Tourism Management and Planning. I started with a public entity that was
linked to tourism, and soon after I had an international project, which made
me understand which path I would like to follow. In 2007 I chose a different
path from working in public authorities and requested unpaid leave in order
to develop what I loved most, development of sustainable and integrated
destinations combined with future tourism trends in demand. To follow my
passion I develop my own model and in that same year I begin creating Dark
Sky® Alqueva. Opposition arose when choosing the night sky as a resource
for tourism, as locally it was considered a negative point of the region, the loss
of population. An area with little population and widely dispersed urban zones
provided a restraint in the growth of public lighting, and as such it provided a
low level of light pollution. A destination needs a strong element that is capable
of driving towards sustainable development, but that at the same time allows
it to differentiate itself in the global market. Thus, in the Alqueva the night sky
appeared. And with it, the creation of the concept and destination brand Dark
Sky®, the first one being Dark Sky® Alqueva.
GET IN TOUCH
Dark Sky® Alqueva
Official Dark Sky® Alqueva Observatory
Rua de Nossa Senhora da Conceição S/N, Cumeada
7200-071 Campo Rmz
Tel + 351 91 310 35 40
177

What is it about Alqueva that makes it such
a perfect destination?
Dark Sky® Alqueva combines a night sky of
exceptional quality with diversified and excellent
tourism offer, together with natural beauty and
rich material and intangible Heritage. At just
over 1H30 away from an international airport it is
possible to find a destination with an impressive
night sky where one can observe the Milky Way,
our great cosmic home, with the unaided eye.
With cutting-edge telescopes for solar and
astronomical observations, one can embark
on a unique visual experience from observing
planets, the craters of the Moon, passing
through the deep sky on a cosmic journey
through nebulae, galaxies and star clusters
which rise above in one of the best skies in the
world. In addition to the activities developed
by Dark Sky®, a Network of Official Partners
was created. Within the Network, the Official
Partners include accommodation, restaurants,
handicrafts and regional products, guided tours
and night and daytime entertainment activities,
who are all prepared to meet the needs of
astrotourists. It is without a doubt a complete
destination between the sky and Earth.
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What advice would you give to anyone thinking of visiting?
My advice is to stay among us at least four days to be able to enjoy the night and day
of Dark Sky® Alqueva calmly. I propose a combination of stargazing in the Official
Dark Sky® Alqueva Observatory, astrophotography with Miguel Claro, night canoeing
and a night walk or a run with a day boat trip, long meals, visiting our castles,
monuments and beautiful villages or just resting in the vast fields, near the Great
Alqueva Lake, or close to the pool with a nice glass of Alentejo wine or a gin which is
also produced locally.
Are there any activities you’d recommend?
Dark Sky® Alqueva offers a range of astronomical observation activities with the
unaided eye or with telescopes, which can be held at the Official Dark Sky® Alqueva
Observatory in Cumeada, or in any part of the certified territory, always with a Dark
Sky® Guide. In addition to these activities, other complimentary activities were
created and developed which can be carried out both at night and during the day,
such as walking tours that mix heritage and nature, canoeing, Solar System Yoga,
horse riding, photographic tours and workshops, wine tours and normal and blind
wine tasting, team building, orientation, bird watching, wildlife watching, among
many others upon request. Among the activities that can be carried out at night, we
emphasize the astrophotography workshops, which can be in a private 1-to-1 format
or in group, held by the international astrophotographer Miguel Claro.
From daytime experiences, we emphasize the boat trips on the Alqueva Lake, fishing,
the Sunset Dark Sky® which comprises of a solar observation with a solar telescope
accompanied with Sharish Gin, wine or a non-alcoholic cocktail, and the hot air
balloon trip at sunrise or sunset. These are a few of the most sought after activities
but our team and our partners are always available and open to new ideas and to
tailor made programs.
179

United Kingdom
180

Birminghan, United Kingdom
181

Scotland
Water is the life-blood that flows through
and around Scotland. It’s what makes its
beloved landscape so special, its whisky so tasty
and its water sports so much fun.
2021 continues Scotland’s Year of Coasts and
Waters, celebrating the country’s diverse coastal
scenery and waterways, from dramatic cliffs, sea
stacks and gleaming white beaches, to lochs
steeped in history and rivers and canals that have
contributed so much to Scotland’s culture and
heritage.
Scotland’s magnificent coastline runs to around
10,000 km and there are over 30,000 lochs and
lochans with miles of winding rivers to discover.
And while Scotland waits to welcome visitors from
all over the world, all this will be here for visitors
when the time is right…
182

Natural environment and Wildlife
Sculpted by volcanoes, glaciers and the
weather, some of Scotland’s landscape
is over 3 billion years old - you really have
to see it to believe it. Glaciers have carved
out beautiful lochs in Scotland, some
deeper than our inshore seas, which are
home to welcoming communities and
the odd monster!
Along Scotland’s coastline, you’ll find
some of the world’s best beaches with
sweeping pristine white sands against
clear azure blue waters. Embrace the
beauty of the Outer Hebrides or the
Highlands, or venture east to Angus,
Fife or East Lothian and dip a toe in!
And don’t forget the beautiful nature
reserves across the country, home to a
tremendous variety of flora, fauna and
wildlife.
Whatever the season, Scotland’s coasts
and waters are the ideal place for a natural
high and a wildlife experience should be
part of any trip here, no matter where
you go! In spring marvel at thousands of
seabirds, including guillemots, fulmars,
kittiwakes and razorbills, as they return
to their craggy sea-cliff ‘cities’ to nest
and raise young after a winter at sea.
As the days lengthen in summer, osprey
fly thousands of miles from west Africa
to raise their chicks, while resident
bottlenose dolphin pods and whales rise
from the deep to frolic in the crashing
waves.
The vivid golds and coppers of autumn
signal the arrival of thousands of
migrant geese in their familiar ‘v’ shaped
squadrons, while powerful Atlantic
Salmon can be spotted leaping as they
return to their original spawning rivers.
And between late September and late
November, seals pull up along our shores
to give birth to adorable and furry pups.
183

Historic Environment and
Cultural Heritage
Scots have deep-rooted links with
coasts and waters. They were an
important means of travel and helped
provide an abundant larder for early
settlers. You’ll find many important
Neolithic, Iron Age and Bronze Age
sites near the coasts of Orkney and
Shetland, with mysteries of Orkney’s
early loch-side dwellers still being
uncovered at the Ness of Brodgar
excavations today.
Between the 8th and 15th centuries,
the formidable Vikings and the
mighty Lords of the Isles used the sea
and their grand fleets to control the
islands of Orkney and Shetland and
the Inner and Outer Hebrides. Norse
heritage and culture are plain to see
today around Orkney and Shetland in
particular, but also along the Firth of
Clyde.
In the Middle Ages, nobles were quick
to realise the importance of siting
castles on the coast or on loch
islands, to improve their fortification.
Scotland has a wide array of
impressive coastal fortresses
to explore. From Dunnottar by
Stonehaven, and Tantallon in East
Lothian, to Sinclair-Girnigoe near
Wick. Dunnottar withstood several
assaults by Vikings and an eightmonth
siege by Oliver Cromwell’s
forces.
In more recent times, coasts and
waters have played an important
role during the Napoleonic and
World Wars. The vast, natural
harbour of Scapa Flow in Orkney
was an important deep-water
wartime anchorage for the Royal
Navy throughout these conflicts as
well as, surprisingly, the American
War of Independence.
Loch Striven, a long sea-loch on the
Cowal Peninsula was important for
training midget submarine crews
and testing bouncing bombs in
WWII. Whilst Holy Loch near Dunoon,
also on the Cowal Peninsula, was
and remains an important naval
base today.
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Activities and Adventure
Our seas, shores, lochs and rivers are an
amazing playground for those that thrive in
the great outdoors. Whether you’re surfing
Atlantic swells, fishing some of Europe’s finest
rivers, sea-kayaking along the west coast,
or enjoying a refreshing coastal walk, there’s
plenty to take your breath away!
Scotland’s gorges, rivers and lochs are perfect
for a huge range of thrilling watersports. With
a wetsuit, and ‘can-do’ attitude, try canyoning
in Highland Perthshire, Lochaber or Dumfries
& Galloway, or go whitewater rafting on
the rivers Findhorn, Moriston, Orchy, Tay or
Tummel. Try stand-up paddle boarding, the
trendiest watersport of the moment or go
‘old school’ and find some of Europe’s finest
surfing spots in Scotland. Sea-kayaking is an
amazing way to see our coast in a new way.
If you’re starting out, join a group paddling
amongst the Arisaig Skerries. The sea there is
often calm and you might see basking seals
pulled up on the white sandy beaches - an
incredibe experience. Skilled paddlers can
choose a section of the 500 km Scottish Sea
Kayak Trail, which runs from the Isle of Gigha
to the Summer Isles.
If you’ve ever dreamed of navigating a yacht around idyllic islands
or gliding gracefully across a misty loch, there can be no better time
than Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters to plan a sailing trip for
next year. Whether you’re a landlubber keen to learn the secrets of
the sea, or an experienced skipper looking for a ‘bareboat’ charter -
Scotland offers some of the finest sailing experiences in the world.
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Food and Drink
When it comes to feeding the nation and
many of our European and global friends,
Scotland’s coasts and waters are vitally
important.
Scotland lands over two-thirds of the
world’s langoustines and is the largest fish
producer in Europe. Thankfully however,
much of this delicious seafood, regarded
by many as amongst the best in the world,
stays in Scotland. You’ll find it in fine
seafood shacks and fish and chip shops
around the coast as well as on restaurant
menus across the country.
The quality of our water is also important
when it comes to our other major export
- whisky - uisge beatha - the water of
life. Water from natural springs, rivers and
lochs, combined with malted barley and
aged in oak casks, have a clear influence
on the taste - this can differ between
whisky regions and the 120, and growing,
whisky distilleries that you’ll find here.
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A message from VisitScotland
Whilst some travel restrictions remain in
place around the world, we want to send a
message of support and hope to our friends
around the world. We want to assure them
that, whilst they can’t visit just now, we will
still be here with a warm welcome for them
when the time is right.
Dream now and visit VisitScotland.com
Scotland’s water and other local botanicals are
also important in the production of Scottish gin.
Over 70% of the juniper berry-based spirit is
produced in Scotland and it’s the quality of the
water and natural ingredients that makes it so
special.
The Scottish craft beer sector continues to
grow each year and the range of brews on offer
is intriguing and satisfying. Many of our whisky
and gin distilleries and breweries offer visitor
experiences and it’s well worth calling in for a
wee dram, a refreshing G & T or some amber ale.
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The Mountain Men
Scotland - UK |
The Award for Excellence in Service
From humble beginnings as a small group raising money for charity, T.M.M.
Experiences (formally The Mountain Men) has quickly become Scotland’s
Premier Wild Camp Specialist. Currently they offer several experiences, all
developed and built upon by the work of a knowledgeable and dedicated
team led by former soldier and outdoorsman Ritchie Nash. Their all
inclusive wild camping experiences allow you to travel light as T.M.M.
supply the equipment you need.
The Scottish Experience
Scotland is a beautiful country and with the Scottish
Experience you get to see so much more of it than you would
on a standard run of the mill tour. With this Experience
you get a fantastic opportunity to get up close and
personal with the rugged landscape while camping in
comfortable and modern tents. All the equipment is
supplied and carried by the T.M.M. team allowing
you the freedom to take in the sights. You can
choose between the Skye Experience, the
Arran Experience, the North Coast 500
Experience or even tailor an experience
to suit your preferences.
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The Backpacker Experience
As the name suggests this experience is all centred around
backpacking and differs from the Scottish Experience in that
you are carrying your backpack for a short spell, this allows us
to access some of the more remote and wonderful locations
hidden to most tourists. A typical backpack weighs only 12kg
and contains everything you need. This Experience will involve
a short hike to a camp location and once there the freedom to
explore your surroundings or just relax around the campfire
whichever you prefer. Currently on offer there is the West
Highland Way Experience, the Lochs and Islands Experience
and the Mystery Experience for which your destination always
remains a pleasant surprise. A member of the T.M.M. team will
be on hand at all times.
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The Outlander Experience
This is a movie tour with a difference. Spend four days
submerged in the land of the Jacobite’s, whilst visiting
several locations from the hit TV show Outlander. Sleep out
in the wild like the warriors of yesterday, immerse yourself in
the passion that is Scotland. This Experience includes entry
to four main attractions from the series including Culloden
Visitor Centre and Battlefield.
Hill Navigation Training
When not operating their Experiences and under their
original name of The Mountain Men, two excellent courses
are available. The low cost but highly effective courses
are designed to give back and build both the skills and the
confidence of walkers. The main course is The Hill Navigation
& Safety Course which covers all aspects of safety on the
hills including what kit to carry, how to deal with emergency
situations and how to navigate in any conditions. The second
course is the Winter Navigation Course and is more of a
confidence booster to show candidates that the skills they
have learned really do work in all conditions. The Mountain
Men travel all over Scotland providing these courses.
GET IN TOUCH
2nd Floor, Clyde Offices, 48 West George
Street, Glasgow, G2 1BP
Tel +44 0141 482 7005
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Old Man of Storr, Isle of Skye, United Kingdom
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The Beauty of the
Lake District
There are very few places in the United Kingdom that
can compete with the Lake District when it comes to
natural beauty and heritage. The Lake District is a national
park located in the north-west of England and covers an
area of over 2000 square kilometres.
The district is known as the home of several beautiful
lakes, but you’ll also find rugged fell mountains, traditional
market towns, enchanting forests, a variety of wildlife,
hiking paths, mountain biking trails, steam railways, and
cruises.
Windermere remains the most popular town and tends
to be used as a base for a lot of visitors, here you’ll find
restaurants, café’s, shops, heritage attraction, and the
starting point for a lot of activities such as the lake cruises
or hiking trails.
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Lovers of literature are in for a treat, the
village of Hawkshead, a few miles west of
Windermere, has important connections
to both Beatrix Potter and William
Wordsworth. The serene setting of the
Lake District inspired much of Beatrix
Potters work and William Wordsworth was
schooled in Hawkshead. You can now visit
the homes of both these literary geniuses.
The further you head away from the main
town the wilder and more dramatic the
landscape becomes. Mountain passes,
scurrying rivers, lush hills, and much
more await on the many hiking trails. We
recommend the Buttermere walk, a flat
and fairly comfortable circular route that
is about four miles long.
Although you will find several restaurants
in the bigger towns, we suggest you visit a
traditional pub for a more a local meal and
experience. Sheep farming is common in
the hills of the Lake District and in keeping
with that Roast lamb is a local favourite.
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Birmingham
Our One to Watch
Birmingham, the second city, has seen a tourism
resurgence in recent years, the city is seen as a
good alternative to London, it’s much cheaper in terms of
housing & living expenses, it has a thriving gastronomic
scene, a pulsating city centre, brilliant nightlife, numerous
shopping hubs, several attractions, fine boutique hotels,
and its central location means its easy to get around the
rest of the country. The imminent arrival of the highspeed
HS2 train will make it much easier to live in Birmingham
and commute to London.
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Getting in and Getting Around
Birmingham has its own international
airport that is well connected via
several major airlines. The city’s
central location in the UK means it’s
efficiently linked to the rest of the
country via train (there are two main
stations), bus, and driving in. A unique
option is entering the city through
its extensive canal network, visitors
travelling by narrowboat can choose
from several tourist moorings.
There is a newly built tram system to
get around the centre the city but if
you’re venturing out both the bus
and train systems within the city are
decent. The train network is limited
compared to other major cities so it’s
worth planning ahead as you may
need to use a combination of the
two. Ofcourse several ride-sharing
services are available such as Uber,
Gett, and Bolt.
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Things To Do
For a city that’s over a thousand year’s old Birmingham
has a somewhat muted history. It was only really during
the Victorian era that Birmingham became a big city.
The city became an industrial centre and was dubbed
“the workshop of the world”, to this end there are a few
attractions focused on its industrial past. We recommend
visiting the Jewellery quarter, home to several jewellery
shops that have been there for over a hundred years plus
a museum. Soho house is another industrial era attraction,
it was once the home of Matthew Boulton, who pioneered
the industrial age in the city. For industrial architecture
you should heading over to Digbeth and Deritend, the area
is now a hub for creativity in the city.
One of the most popular things to do in the city is to go
on a tour of the Cadbury’s Chocolate factory, known as
Cadbury world. The tour includes learning about the
history of chocolate, the Cadbury company, and a brief
look at the factory floor.
The global popularity of the BBC television drama Peaky
Blinders has led to interest in the city. Parts of the series
is filmed in the city and there are several spots in the city
that were once frequented by the Peaky Blinders. We
recommend going on a specialised tour with - https://
www.peakytours.com/
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Food
When it comes to food Birmingham is a melting pot of
different cuisines from around the world. You can find
Bangladeshi, Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern, Chinese,
Japanese, Polish, and Italian restaurants all over the city.
However, there is one dish you ought to try and that is
the Birmingham Balti. The Balti is a curry dish invented
in the city in 1977 and is best enjoyed in a restaurant
or Balti house located in the “Balti Triangle”. The name
given to a cluster of restaurants along Ladypool Road,
Stoney Lane, and Stratford Road. A taxi to the area will
cost about £5.
Accommodation
We recommend the Hyatt Regency, a modern hotel that
has stood the test of the time in the city. It’s centrally
located, fully equipped with a gym, pool, and restaurant.
It’s often the default choice for celebrities and world
leaders.
Find out more - https://visitbirmingham.com/
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Iceland
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Skógafoss, iceland
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Rekjavik Top 5
Tourism to Iceland is focused mainly its exciting capital Reykjavik, after all this
is the only major city on the Island and is home to more than two thirds of
the population. It is the perfect base to learn about the culture of Iceland, take
part in activities, sample local cuisine, visit attractions, and to explore the rest of
the country. There is a lot to do in and around Reykjavik and we’ve put together
a list of 5 must do activities.
Spend a Morning at the Blue Lagoon
In a country well known for its geothermal pools the Blue Lagoon stands out as
the most popular. This pristine pool is part of a centre that includes a modern
hotel, vibrant on-site restaurants, and a complete spa. The pool itself remains a
balmy 40 °C all year round despite freezing conditions.
Located only 45 minutes outside of Reykjavik and about 10 minutes from the
airport, the Blue Lagoon can get extremely busy so its worth booking ahead.
Therefore, we recommend spending a morning there when its quieter and much
more pleasant.
Find out more - https://www.bluelagoon.com/
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Visit the Icelandic
Phallological Museum
A weird attraction and a unique one
for sure, this is the only museum in
the world dedicated to penesis and
Phallalogy. The museum is home to
over 250 penesis from over 90 different
species of animals including humans,
bulls, a blue whale (the largest), hamster
(the smallest) and even penesis of
mythological creatures such as elves,
trolls, and kelpies.
There is a store on site selling all sorts
of souvenirs, everything from designer
condoms, tote bags, porcelain art, key
rings, bottle openers, and sweets can
be purchased. The entry cost is 2200ISK
and the museum is open everyday from
1pm to 6pm.
Find out more - https://phallus.is/en/
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Learn how to cook Icelandic
Food
Icelandic cuisine is growing in
esteem and is more commonly
noted as one of the key reasons to
visit Iceland, many people want to
try the food. Geothermally baked rye
bread is spectacular, skyr yoghurt is
tasteful, the locally smoked lamb is a
delicacy, and of course seafood is a
speciality all over.
We recommend taking this love of
food one step further by learning
to cook it yourself. Salt Eldhus
is Travel and Hospitality award
winning cooking school based
in Reykjavik and has been going
strong since 2012. Visitors can
expect educational, interactive,
and enjoyable cooking classes that
offers an insightful opportunity to
experience Icelandic cuisine, food
tradition and local culture. Check out
the following page to find out more.
Descend down Þríhnúkagígur
Þríhnúkagígur is a dormant volcano that last erupted over 4000 years ago.
With no signs of eruption anytime soon the volcano has been opened for
tourists to descend into the magma chamber. There is no other place in
the world where this possible making this an activity special to Iceland. The
magma chamber, often referred to as the heart of the volcano, is beautiful,
and considered by many a geological wonder. If you’re claustrophobic we
recommend you give this one a miss as the journey to the chamber is 120
metres underground.
Book your trip now at https://insidethevolcano.com/
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Tour the Golden Circle
A breath-taking trip that takes you from Reykjavik to the south of Iceland and back again. This route is the perfect way
to take in the natural beauty of rural Iceland and visit three major attractions. You can self-drive or go as part of a tour,
either method has its own benefits.
The first stop on this route is Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site that is home to several cultural
treasures and a canyon caused by the parting of the Eurasian and North American plates. The second stop is the
spectacular Gullfoss waterfall, an iconic double waterfall that is over 32 metres high. The final stop on the Golden Circle
is the geysers at Haukadalur, one of which, called Strokkur, can churn up water over 100 feet into the air.
Find out more - https://guidetoiceland.is/travel-iceland/drive/golden-circle
203

Salt Eldhus
Iceland | Culinary Experience
Icelandic cuisine has come into its own in recent years. Traditionally this distinctive
cuisine has been considered a functional reaction to the harsh realities and climate
of Iceland’s position in the arctic circle. However, technological advancements,
modern innovations and an increase in shared knowledge has led to the Iceland
culinary scene blossoming over the past few decades to the point now where
many visit Iceland simply to try the food. For this kind of experience there is no
one better in Iceland than Salt Eldhus.
Salt Eldhus offers an extraordinary Icelandic kitchen experience through
educational, interactive, and enjoyable cooking classes. These cooking
classes offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Icelandic
cuisine and food traditions while at the same time learning about
the culture and heritage of Iceland. Established in 2012 Salt
Eldhus has been popular with tourists and locals alike, there is
a distinct focus on the current trends, use of local produce,
employment of trained chefs, a friendly atmosphere,
and a well-equipped kitchen. All this combined with
the charismatic and expert leadership Mrs Sigridur
Björk Bragadottir has led to Salt Eldhus becoming
one of the must do activities in Iceland.
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The cook and dine class on offer is an open
class that runs twice daily once for lunch and
again once more for dinner. Along with an
opportunity to learn how to cook, the class
allows for a tasting session and follow up
gourmet meal where Icelandic fish and lamb
take centre stage. In this unique four hour
experience guests are able to prepare and
plate a three-course meal using fresh local
ingredients, all under the supervision of a
highly trained chef. Sampling local specialties
is encouraged and to end the whole
experience guests are awarded a recipe folder
to take away what they’ve learnt.
So, whether it’s your first time in Iceland or
you’re a seasoned Icelandophile be sure to
check out Salt Eldhus for a truly authentic,
educational, and fabulous Icelandic
experience.
Þórunnartún 2 - 105
Reykjavík
Tel +354 551 0171
GET IN TOUCH
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AUSTRIA | LUXURY CHALETS

TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY
AWARD WINNER
2021
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