Love beautiful nature and plenty of drink? Enjoy these wine destinations in Europe

There are numerous wine destinations in Europe, ranging from tiny local vineyards to world famous wineries. Most of them are famous for a reason. They provide delicious and unique wines and often in a setting of stunning naturally beauty encapsulating the best local culture of the country. Want to learn more about European wine but not sure where to start? Read ahead for our wine guide of the continent.

It's best to start with the basics. With the basics, we mean some of the most famous in the world – popular and well-known for a good reason. Even in Europe's most famous wine regions, there are always many small villages to explore when you want to get off the beaten track. So many of our choices go along with the excellent gastronomy of the country so that you can embrace the whole experience. Step back in time and explore wineries of Europe, from hidden cellars to grand vineyards.

Champagne, France

Let's start with one of the most famous – Champagne in France. It's where, of course, the famous drink came from, beloved at special occasions and enjoyed worldwide. It's also a popular area thanks to its proximity to the capital, Paris. Only a short train ride away, you can visit for a wine tasting even if you don't want to dedicate a whole holiday to the area. Plus, it's a pretty classy wine tasting experience. And enjoyable for beginners to wine tasting.

Champagne winery France

It has a regal history, with its typical pink wines once drank by French kings. It's easy to drink and refreshing. So take a break from the city streets and enjoy the beauty of the local vineyards. Sip wine in the countryside and learn the basics about one of the most famous wines in the world.

Porto, Portugal

Continue the western Europe wine tour along to Portugal where you can discover the city of Porto, its surrounding area, and the Douro Valley. It's where a particular type of wine comes from, named after its home region – port. Although fortified wines are known as port all over the world, like champagne, only the wine from here is officially the real thing.

Douro Valley Vineyard

The grapes of the area create an iconic sweet red wine. As well as wine tasting, you can enjoy the incredible natural beauty of the area. A scenic train ride travels through the region. You can also combine hiking and wine drinking by taking a tour by foot.

The region is full of history dating back to the Romans, who shared their knowledge of wine with the local farmers. Wondering where to start? Try the Vila Nova de Gaia. Then proceed to follow the Douro River along its banks and stop at numerous refreshing cellars along the way.

Tuscany, Italy

Another famous wine destination in Europe, Tuscany is one of the many favorite regions of Italy. It has developed over the years as a place of poetic beauty. Tuscany's incredible central landscape draws millions of tourists a year. However, it offers much more than its stunning surroundings. Tuscany creates some of the world's greatest wines.

Tuscany Vineyard

Unlike other places, there is not a specific wine to taste. Instead, Tuscany offers all types of wine, making it the ideal location for those trying to find out what they like best. You can spend a lot of time here,  relaxing in the beautiful climate, surrounded by nature and discovering over 750 wineries scattered throughout the region.

Travel around the major cities of the area, Florence or Siena, to get a general idea of the area. But be sure to visit the small villages in between for the most authentic vineyard experiences. Along with a dinner of classic, delicious Italian cuisine and a locally flavored wine, you will never want to leave.

La Rioja, Spain

The wines of La Rioja have grown beyond their homeland of northern Spain. This region of Spain is precisely known for its full red wines. Even the most basic of wine drinkers have heard of Tempranillo, the favorite grape of the area. One of the best things about Spanish wines is the environment in which you get to enjoy them. Quiet, tranquil villages scatter the iconic landscape, all offering their own wineries. You get to enjoy late cool Spanish nights, with a flow of tapas and some of the greatest wines in Europe.

La Rioja wine region Spain Mosel, Germany

You might not think of Germany straight away when considering wine destinations in Europe. However, the country offers some of the most sought-after wines in the world. Places like Mosel create an exceptional variety of flavors and is also a region of much history. Like in Porto, the wineries began during the Roman period when local people were starting cultivating the vineyards. The result is a region of spectacular beauty and some of the best wines in Europe.

Mosel Vineyard Germany

Mosel is the oldest wine destination in Germany. It also has an excellent system of transport so you can enjoy the wineries as part of a larger trip. Many people take a tour of the area by cycling, although there also fantastic scenic routes by car, train, and even boat. So even if you associate Germany with beer, be sure not to dismiss the greatness of German wine.

Santorini, Greece

Due to its unique volcanic soil, the Greek region of Santorini produces an amazing array of wines. The famous grape is called Assyrtiko, and it creates a particular and individual collection. The collection ranges from fresh whites to heavier reds, allowing you to try a bit of everything.

Santorini Vineyard

The town is worth a visit in itself, saturated in natural beauty and culture as unique as its wine. The beautiful wines only add to the rural lifestyle. Along with the clear blue sea, fantastic weather and friendly locals, a glass of crisp and refreshing wine add to the perfect experience of Greece.

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a complete beginner, all these places offer such a variety of Europe's best wines that you can't help but enjoy the tastings. The areas are full of experts offering tours and guides around the wineries. The natural beauty and beautiful culture of these regions enhance the wine tasting experience. So explore some of the best vineyards in the world and enjoy the greatest wine destinations in Europe.

Source: Love beautiful nature and plenty of drink? Enjoy these wine destinations in Europe

Greece guide: find your perfect holiday destination

Antiquity, luxury and sun-kissed natural splendour make Greece one of the most popular destinations for UK travellers – and with British Airways you can tailor-make a perfect trip.

Flying to 11 airports across the mainland and the islands, its portfolio of places to stay includes sophisticated spa retreats, boutique hotels, all-inclusive family resorts and seafront villas. For the ultimate freedom, you can arrange car hire with Avis. You'll earn Avios points on each rental and have the peace of mind of roadside assistance and 24-hour customer support.

Halkidiki

Halkidiki is a region in northern Greece whose three peninsulas push out into the Aegean Sea like a trident. It boasts 340 miles of coastline and a mountainous, sparsely populated interior blanketed in evergreen forest.

The southernmost peninsula is Kassandra, where the superb beaches provide a compelling reason to choose one of its many elegant resorts. Sithonia, the middle tine of the trident, is characterised by secluded bays, olive groves and vineyards. Itis also a golf destination boasting northern Greece's first 18-hole course.

Most of the third peninsula makes up the Autonomous State of Mount Athos, a country-within-acountry ruled by the Eastern Orthodox Church. It's home to around 20 monasteries.

Top destination: superb beaches make Greece a popular choice for Britons Skiathos

The island of Skiathos, by contrast, is known for its 60 beaches – an impressive tally for a place covering just 100 square miles. A more recent claim to fame is its appearance in the film version of the hit Abba musical Mamma Mia! (along with the neighbouring island of Skopelos, which can easily be visited by boat).

If you're keen to get active, there's no shortage of things to do. Skiathos is a mecca for walkers, with 122 miles of scenic footpaths, and it's a great place for mountain biking, horse riding and scuba diving. But it's also a classic "fly and flop" destination. You may simply relish the chance to get some sand between your toes, linger over sundowners at a beach bar and enjoy being pampered at a top-class spa.

Corfu

Corfu's natural beauty was celebrated by the naturalist Gerald Durrell in My Family and Other Animals, his bestselling account of a 1930s childhood on the isle. Durrell described it as "the Garden of the Gods", and it's still the greenest of the Ionian islands: a paradise of cypressfringed villages, hideaway beaches and spectacular pink sunsets. It's also the closest of all the Greek islands to the UK, with a flight time of just three hours.

Simply delicious: Greek cuisine focuses on simple, high-quality produce Rhodes

Rhodes enjoys an estimated 300 days of clear skies every year. It's among the most lively Greek islands, too, but outside the bustle of party towns such as Faliraki, it's easy to venture off the beaten track and find total tranquillity.

Rhodes Town is unmissable. You can get your bearings with a walk along the medieval city walls before plunging in to the maze of cobbled streets. Lindos is another must-see: white sugar-cube houses cluster around a dramatic clifftop acropolis. Laid-back Ixia is favourite for water sports, and the former spa town of Kallithea – now one of Rhodes's most cosmopolitan resorts – makes an ideal base for exploring the island.

Crete

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete has something for everyone. Families flock to Hersonissos, a harbour town with luxurious resort complexes, lots of child-friendly restaurants and two water parks. Charming Chania has narrow shopping streets, museums and waterfront restaurants and nearby mountain villages, gorges and archaeelogical sites to explore. You can uncover 4,000 years of Cretan history in Rethymnon, wandering between Ottoman mosques, Byzantine churches and Venetian fortifications. Elounda and its surrounding villages are renowned for pristine beaches. They're a magnet for world leaders, Middle Eastern royalty and a sprinkling of film stars throughout the year. Agios Nikolaos is a lively little town which sits upon three hills. It boasts lovely beaches, a beautiful marina, plus fascinating Archaeological and Folklore museums. 

Heraklion has the feel of a true capital city. The bustling metropolis is unbeatable for shopping, dining and barhopping. Less than three miles from the harbour is the Bronze Age Palace of Knossos, the remains of Europe's oldest city. It's a reminder that every holiday in Greece is a return journey to the cradle of civilisation.

Dream holidays

Sun-kissed beaches, traditional villages and historic treasures make Greece a popular holiday destination. 

Flying to 11 airports on the Greek mainland and islands, and with a range of fantastic places to stay, British Airways offers holidays to suit all tastes and budgets. 

For more information and to book, go to ba.com/greece

Source: Greece guide: find your perfect holiday destination

This Gorgeous Archipelago Is The Most Underrated Destination In Europe

Getting to Malta

Well, it's an island so that limits your travel options. Unless you want to swim for a week off the south end of Italy then you either have to fly or take a boat to get here.

If you want to take a boat the only good options are from Sicily, and depending on which port you depart from will take you anywhere between one and five hours using directferries.com and will cost 65-75 euros for a one-way ticket. While that is an option and ferry rides can kill some needed rest time, you have to be in Sicily in the first place to even use this option.

The best way to get to and from Malta is by air. All national airlines travel to and from there freely, as the capital of Valletta has an international airport like most other western European countries. The airport is also the first and best place to find information on the island about where to go and what activities are available. At the time I lived near Frankfurt and used Frankfurt am Main as my main travel hub. From here a round trip to Malta can be as little as $300 (about 276 euros) through Travelocity.com or any other major travel website.

Costs

Besides the initial cost to get to and from Malta the average prices I experienced while visiting were very reasonable.

After arriving in the capital city of Valletta I was directed to take a marked taxi from the airport to my hotel in St. Julian's. There is a specific area for reputable taxis to wait for new arrivals and cost 20-25 euro to get you to your hotel, depending on which part of the island you're staying. These taxi drivers all speak English and are much more dependable than waiving down your own taxi and gambling on the price.

Taxi fares around the island aren't too bad. One night a friend and I ended up on a mini-adventure with a taxi driver we met outside a bar. We drove around the parts of the island I couldn't point to on a map and ended up spending about 45 euros for the trip. Shorter cab rides are sure to cost about 10 euros is just going out for dinner or drinks, but we were young and stupid.

Lodging options are great in Malta. You can stay in four and five-star hotels for a few hundred dollars a night. You can stay in a hostel for 15 – 30 dollars a night. And with Airbnb.com gaining popularity in recent years you can stay in an apartment near the water for anywhere between 16 and 250 dollars a night. The choices for lodging are so numerous that it's literally up to the travel how much you want to spend and what kind of experience you want to have.

Choices for food are just as plentiful as they are for accommodations. They can range from bagel sandwiches from a small street-side shop to help cure a hangover to lavish Japanese steaks and sushi in a nearby yacht club. By the way, if you want a delicious Japanese meal with immaculate service wear a suit to Zen Japanese Sushi Bar & Teppanyaki sitting on the Portomaso Marina where a lavish meal with a couple bottles of Saki will cost 60-80 euros. In this place suits equal money, even if you don't really have it. Still, tip accordingly.

In recent years the exchange rate of the Euro has dropped considerable compared to the US dollar. At the moment the Euro costs about $1.07 US, down from nearly $1.45 not many years ago. Although getting to Malta still may be about the same price the already reasonably cheap destination has become that much more affordable and enjoyable to outsiders.

Accommodations

Again, the options for accommodations are many. There are four and five-star resorts, there are smaller hotels that are for the economical, there are hostels for the young and social and there are apartments for the type looking for more privacy and seclusion.

Major travel sites like Travelocity or Expedia will have about the same options. You can find the luxurious hotels right along the water, or you can find the more budget-friendly hotels a street or two off the waterfront. I decided to book a room at the Radisson Blu in St. Julian's. Since the spring is still the off-season for the island I got a decent price and was thrilled to wake up each morning (or early afternoon) to the waves gently landing on rocks along the coast. The breakfast buffet that spread traditional western fare was also a nice touch.

Had I been looking at saving a few bucks I would have investigated my hostel options on the island. I've been in plenty of hostels around Europe but this trip was my last holiday around Europe so I decided to spend the extra money on something more comfortable. Still, hostels are a great option for travelers of all types. Hostels.com is my normal go-to when looking at rooms to stay and there are certainly plenty of choices for Malta. The hostels around Malta are a mix of party hostels and multi-bedroom apartments that have been converted into hostels by their owners. I've stayed in both types and each offer their own unique experience.

Since coming onto the scene a few years ago Airbnb.com has done an amazing job opening up vacation destinations to both budget travelers who are looking to rent a single room to families who want to spend a thousand dollars a day renting an entire four-bedroom house. Malta again is the perfect example for both ends of the spectrum where an individual can rent an entire apartment for as little as $16 a night or as much as a few hundred dollars a night. Although I have not tried this out in Malta I think it's definitely something I would try out if I had the chance to visit again.

Where to Eat

Again, the choices for food and drinks are so abundant that whatever you're in the mood for you can most likely find it. There are small breakfast bistros, quick take-out joints, seaside restaurants of all tastes, Indian restaurants, Japanese restaurants, smoothie stands, bars with upscale plates and small markets to take fresh fruit back to your hotel room. Emperor of India Restaurant was the first time I ever tried Indian food and is probably the reason I love it so much now. The chicken tikka masala and naan bread was so incredibly delicious that we went back a second night for dinner again.

Since this destination is on an island with an very lively atmosphere you can expect to find a fair amount of alcohol. And I can't say this often enough – drinks are cheap on Malta! As a drink special one bar advertised pitchers (yes, PITCHERS!) of vodka and mixer for 10 euros! About halfway through my pitcher I went back to the bartender and asked how many shots was in it the oversized screwdriver on my hand (vodka and orange juice). She said "seven or eight. Why, is it not strong enough?" I said no that was plenty, and thought about ordering a second before heading out to another bar.

Go Scuba Diving Off the Coasts and through the Caves

Source: This Gorgeous Archipelago Is The Most Underrated Destination In Europe

10 cheapest holiday destinations in May – these flight prices will ASTOUND you

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CHEAP: These are the best budget flights for May

Going on holiday abroad doesn't have to cost the Earth. In fact, if you're flexible with dates and destinations you can bag bargain return flights for less than £10.

When looking for cheap deals it's best to use holiday comparison sights like Skyscanner or Opodo and search in an incognito Google window – this means sites can't track what you've been looking at and bump the prices up.

If you can avoid school holiday season this will also reduce your flight and accommodation prices drastically.

May is a great time to go away because it is out of high season, but the weather is hotting up on this side of the equator.

This means you can enjoy the spring sunshine in many European destinations for pittance.

Here are the 10 cheapest flights in May:

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BARGAIN: Sofia in Bulgaria is the perfect place for a budget city break

1. France: £9

You can fly from London to Bordeaux for under £10 – flights on the way out are as little as £4 and return flights are a minuscule £5.

Bordeaux is a famed wine-growing region located close to the European Atlantic coast.

2. Bulgaria: £11

Flights from London to Sofia – the capital of Bulgaria – are currently just £11.

What's more the beautiful city has just been named the cheapest place to stay in the world, according to a study that looked at 84 countries.

Sunny Beach in Bulgaria has also been named the cheapest beach holiday destination in Europe – win, win!

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BEAUTIFUL: Direct flights from London to Basel in Switzerland are currently £15 The cheapest travel destinations for each month Wednesday, 11th January 2017

Whatever time of year you feel like going on holiday, these are the countries it will be cheapest to travel to.

1 / 12

January: Melbourne, Australia - By visiting in January you get to take advantage of Melbourne's low rates between the Christmas period and the Australian Open. You will also be able to experience an Australian summer

3. Switzerland: £15

Direct flights from London to Basel in Switzerland are currently on sale for as little as £15. If you're willing to fly midweek you can get a one-way ticket for just £7.

However, be wary as Switzerland is very expensive when you get there.

4. Germany: £15

With flights from London to Cologne just £15 and flights from London to Berlin just £18, you'd be a fool not to visit Germany this year. 

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OH BUOY: The Copenhagen Houseboat is moored in the central harbour

5. Demark: £16

If you can fly mid-week you can bag a bargain flight from London to Copenhagen for just £16.

The stunning city is home to Noma – voted the best restaurant in the world.

Paper Island, a quirky food market, is also a must visit and if you're after something a little different you could stay on The Copenhagen Houseboat.

6. Poland: £16

Flights to Szymany are just £16 return or if you wanted to visit the capital of Warsaw it would set you back just £26.

7. Romania: £17

Flights from Liverpool to Craiova – Romania's 6th largest city and capital of Dolj County – are just £17 return.

If you'd rather fly to the capital of Bucharest it will cost you £31 return from London.

8. Belgium: £18

If you live in Manchester you can nab flights to Brussels for as little as £18 next month, but hurry there are not many seats left.

9. Ireland: £18

You can fly to Dublin from Leeds, Newcastle and Nottingham for just £18 return in May.

10. Luxembourg: £18

If you want to go off-the-beaten-track slightly Luxembourg is a great shout.

The tiny country is surrounded by Belgium, France and Germany and return flights from London are currently just £18.

Related articles
Source: 10 cheapest holiday destinations in May – these flight prices will ASTOUND you

Europe lures rare diesel cargoes from US East Coast

4/26/2017

LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) -- US East Coast refineries are stepping up exports of diesel despite a regional deficit of the fuel as strong overseas demand, particularly in Europe, is proving more profitable.

Photo Courtesy of Monroe Energy.

Two tankers carrying 60,000-t cargoes of diesel have been booked in recent days out of New York Harbor to go to Northwest Europe, traders said.

The two vessels, River Shiner and Two Million Ways, were chartered by Swiss-based trading house Trafigura and will load fuel sold by Delta Air Lines Inc's refiner subsidiary Monroe Energy, near Philadelphia.

They are expected to top up their cargo in New York before sailing to Europe, an East Coast trader said.

The BP-chartered, 37,000-t Arctic Breeze is nearing its destination—Sete port in southern France—after loading a diesel cargo this month at the Kinder Morgan terminal in New York, according to traders and Reuters shipping data.

At least one other 37,000-t tanker has been booked on the transatlantic route, traders said.

US Gulf Coast refineries have become a powerhouse of distillate exports amid a rise in demand from Latin America and West Africa due to refinery outages there.

While Europe historically relies on a steady stream of diesel from the US Gulf Coast, the rise in competition has led to a marked drop in that region's diesel exports to Europe.

The US East Coast typically imports middle distillates, including diesel and heating oil, to meet regional demand. Over the past year, the region imported an average of around 180,000 bpd of distillates, according to the US government's Energy Information Administration.

Although it is not unusual to see exports of heating oil from the East Coast during the warmer summer months, diesel exports are more rare.

European diesel refining margins have risen in recent weeks as imports from the US Gulf Coast, Asia and the Middle East slowed due to seasonal refinery maintenance.

At the same time, high refinery maintenance in Europe, particularly inland markets such as Germany, has led to lower regional production.

Reporting by Ron Bousso and Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Dale Hudson

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Source: Europe lures rare diesel cargoes from US East Coast

Europe's best destinations of 2017 revealed - and where's best to stay if you're on a budget

The best European breaks have been revealed - and London has topped the list!

The capital took the first spot in TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice Destination awards, beating the likes of Paris, Rome and Barcelona to be named the best European destination of 2017.

The Tower of London, Big Ben and the London Eye are just some of the city's attractions that proved to be a major hit with the millions of visitors who left reviews on TripAdvisor , not to mention that there's a wide array of restaurants, shops and accommodation to suit any budget.

Closely following were Paris, Crete and Rome, which also continue to be firm favourites for those wanting a mix of culture, delicious food and breathtaking sights.

If you're feeling inspired to visit one of these brilliant cities this summer, the good news is that you won't need to break the bank to have a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

From a cosy houseboat moored in Amsterdam's picturesque canals to a rooftop London penthouse with incredible views of the Thames, we reveal some of the best accommodation if you're on a budget...

1. London The Second Nest's rooms boast incredible views of London (Photo: TripAdvisor)

Where to stay: Not only does the Second Nest Thames View offer spectacular panoramics of the London skyline from all of the rooms, but it also makes for the ultimate group getaway.

Sleeping up to eight people, there's a fully-equipped kitchen and seating area, three bedrooms, a bathroom and a separate shower room, not to mention there are countless bars, restaurants and even a gym all within metres of the apartment.

How much? Prices from £400 per night for the whole apartment. Click here to book .

What not to miss: London has a whole host of incredible sights from the Houses of Parliament to Buckingham Palace so if you're short on time you may want to hop on a sightseeing bus to take everything in - check out some tours here .

Read More 2. Paris A glimpse inside the chic apartment (Photo: TripAdvisor)

Where to stay: A ten-minute walk from the Louvre, Rue du Four makes for a charming stay if you're on a romantic break in Paris thanks to its cosy interiors.

There's a snug living room and open-plan kitchen if you're planning a night in, but its central location makes it also ideal for those wanting to head out and see what the City of Lights has to offer.

How much? Prices from £128 per night, based on two people sharing. Click here to book .

What not to miss: Art lovers will want to head to the Louvre where Mona Lisa isn't the only stunning piece of artwork to check out. Meanwhile, a stop by the Eiffel Tower is a must: the brave should head to the top for breathtaking views of the city.

Read More Europe City Guides 3. Rome The Rainbow Penthouse has colourful eye-catching details (Photo: TripAdvisor)

Where to stay: The Rainbow Penthouse lives up to its name thanks to its colourful interiors.

Although there's just one bedroom, this three-story apartment comfortably sleeps up to six, and it's less than half an hour's walk away from some of the biggest sights including the Colosseum, Pantheon and Trevi Fountain.

How much? Prices from £63 per night. Click here to book .

What not to miss: History enthusiasts will no doubt be keen to take a trip back into Ancient Rome and check out the countless ruins and monuments that give tourists a glimpse back in time - and nowhere epitomises that more than the Colosseum.

Read More 4. Crete This spacious loft in Crete is surprisingly budget-friendly (Photo: TripAdvisor)

Where to stay: Tucked away in a 16th-century building in the Chania region of Greece's biggest island sits Giotas Studio Chania .

Crete remains a firm favourite for honeymooners and couples, and this studio is perfect for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life.

Newly renovated, its stone walls and cosy surroundings will have you feeling like you've stepped into another world.

How much? Prices from £126 per night. Click here to book .

What not to miss: If you only do one thing during your stay in the Chania region, make it a romantic stroll through the Old Venetian Harbour - we suggest going at sunset for some really breathtaking views.

Read More 5. Barcelona Loft Picasso is located in Barcelona's popular Born district (Photo: TripAdvisor)

Where to stay: Loft Picasso is located in the heart of the popular Born district, renowned for being a bustling quarter slightly removed from overcrowded tourist hotspots.

Well suited to couples or families of three, this elegant apartment has a fully-equipped kitchen, dining table and comfortable living area, not to mention there's also an outdoor space with a barbecue that's ideal if you want a night in but don't want to miss out on the glorious weather.

How much? Prices from £75 per night. Click here to book .

What not to miss: The Picasso museum is a stone's throw away from the loft, but you'll also definitely want to check out the iconic Sagrada Familia for breathtaking, intricate architecture.

Read More 6. Prague Art Nouveau sits in Prague's New Town (Photo: TripAdvisor)

Where to stay: Art Nouveau is a contemporary apartment tucked away in a historic building near the Vltava river, and a short walk from the eye-catching 'Dancing House'.

There are two bedrooms but the apartment comfortably sleeps up to seven, while the kitchen and dining room make it an ideal home away from home.

Despite its central location - it's right by a host of restaurants and bars - the street itself is very calm, offering you some peace and quiet after a day of sightseeing.

How much? Prices from £80 per night. Click here to book .

What not to miss: A stroll across Charles Bridge promises striking views of the city, not to mention the bridge itself boasts impressive baroque statues and architecture. We recommend heading there at dawn to beat the crowds and take in the breathtaking scenery.

Read More 7. Istanbul This apartment is a short walk from the Galata Tower (Photo: TripAdvisor)

Where to stay: A short walk from the majestic Galata tower, Galata Retro is located on the quieter side of a lively street that's packed with cafés, bars, restaurants and art galleries.

The flat boasts two spacious bedrooms so it's ideal if you're travelling as a family or with friends, and there's a balcony and large seating area perfect for socialising at the end of a busy day.

How much? Prices from £138 per night. Click here to book .

What not to miss: Topkapi Palace was home to the Ottoman sultans, so it's not surprising that it boasts some seriously ornate and colourful architecture and interiors. One that you simply can't miss off the itinerary.

Read More 8. St Petersburg Home of Happiness is in the city's historic centre (Photo: TripAdvisor)

Where to stay: Nestled in the city centre, the Home of Happiness has three bedrooms, one of which has bunk beds so it's well suited to families travelling with kids.

Located on the main shopping street of St Petersburg, it's tucked away on the top floor of a building so it's actually pretty peaceful - and with a metro station just a 10-minute walk away, it's ideal if you're looking to venture further afield in your adventures.

How much? Prices from £91 a night. Click here to book .

What not to miss:

Read More 9. Lisbon This loft is ideal for a group of four (Photo: TripAdvisor)

Where to stay: Literally on the steps up to the breathtaking Lisbon Castle, you won't have to go far to get unrivalled views of Lisbon when you're staying at Loft at Baixa/Chiado in Lisboa .

The metro and bus stations are 100m away from the property so getting to other amazing sights isn't difficult, not to mention the studio itself has everything you need for a cosy stay from a kitchen to a comfortable double bed.

How much? Prices from £50 a night. Click here to book .

What not to miss: Lisbon Castle should be top of your list, especially as you'll be staying right by it. The medieval fortress is one of the city's iconic landmarks, and continues to be a tourist hotspot thanks to its rich history and stunning views of the landscape.

Read More 10. Amsterdam This snug houseboat is moored on Amsterdam's canals (Photo: TripAdvisor)

Where to stay: Couples looking for a quiet retreat are sure to be huge fans of the Bed and Boat , a houseboat moored on Amsterdam's tranquil waters, with a snug terrace ideal for sipping on a glass of wine and taking in the sunset.

Plus it's only a nine-minute bike ride to the city centre, so if you're short on time you won't need to waste part of your day travelling.

How much? Prices from £71 per night. Click here to book .

What not to miss: Amsterdam was recently named the world's most cultural city - so culture vultures should check out this handy guide on the best things to see and do .

Source: Europe's best destinations of 2017 revealed - and where's best to stay if you're on a budget

Tourist go home! Europe’s Dream Destinations at Risk

Published time: 24 Apr, 2017 05:21

Europe's urban tourism is experiencing an unprecedented boom. But cities like Venice, Barcelona and Dubrovnik can no longer cope with the crowds and are on the verge of collapse. We ask who the actual profiteers are.

Europe's urban tourism is experiencing an unprecedented boom. Stimulated by cheap flights offered by budget airlines, a growth in cruise ship tourism and clever marketing strategies, cities like Venice, Barcelona and Dubrovnik are being literally overrun by tourists: 30 million flock to Venice every year, 1.7 million to Dubrovnik, and Barcelona soon expects to attract 10 million visitors. Cities can no longer cope with the crowds and are struggling with problems of congestion, mountains of rubbish, soaring rents and empty city coffers. Mass tourism is destroying exactly what tourists love about these cities: their cultural diversity and cosmopolitan lifestyle. We show three cities that are turning their authenticity and unique atmosphere more and more into a lucrative business model that is ultimately damaging both citizens and tourists. The winners are international consortiums and investors that support a kind of tourism that brings profits only to a few and socializes the los ses. But residents have had enough. Protest movements are emerging in all three cities. We meet mayors, tourism experts, political activists, residents and victims. Venice & Co are on the verge of collapse. Can they still be saved?

Due to copyright restrictions, this video can only be viewed on RT's live feed. Time of broadcast is available on RT's schedule page.

Source: Tourist go home! Europe's Dream Destinations at Risk

This is the CHEAPEST beach holiday destination in Europe

If you are looking for a summer beach vacation with all the value and none of the inflated tourist prices, look no further. 

You may never have heard of this place but the numbers have been crunched and it has been ranked the most budget friendly beach destination in Europe. 

For its Holiday Costs Barometer, the Post Office looked at 18 different European beach destinations and ranked them to value for money. 

The study worked out the rankings based on 10 different items that you would normally purchase on holiday and added the costs up to see which destinations were the cheapest.

The ten travel essentials were: a cup of coffee, bottle of beer, can of coke, glass of wine, bottle of water, suncream, insect repellent, a newspaper, three-course dinner for two and a two-course lunch for two.

After all the totals were tallied up, the top value European resort was one you may never have heard of…Sunny Beach in Bulgaria.

All ten items bought in Sunny Beach came to a total of £37.33 (€44) approximately £21 (€25) cheaper than the next best value destination, the Algarve in Portugal, an Irish favourite. 

And if you need any more enticement to go, a bottle of beer at Sunny Beach will set you back the same as a cup of coffee, around €1!

The most expensive destination was  Ibiza were the 10 items would cost £131 (€151) in total. Ouch! 

The cheapest resorts:

Sunny Beach, BulgariaAlgarve, PortugalCosta del Sol, SpainMarmaris, TurkeyPaphos, Cyprus

The most expensive resorts:

Ibiza, the Balearic IslandsSorrento, Southern ItalyNice, South of FranceZadar, CroatiaLisbon coast, Portugal

Source: This is the CHEAPEST beach holiday destination in Europe

This Is The Least Expensive Beach Holiday Destination In Europe

It's that time of year when the weather's getting a bit less dreary and our heads are onto lighter and brighter things — swimwear, sunglasses, holidays.

With Coachella comes the start of official un-official summer but, though Airbnb always does that freaky thing of telling you there's only 2% of properties available for any given time or location, it's quite normal not to have booked your summer vacay yet.

If you're on the perusal for a beach holiday that doesn't totally wipe out your summer budget or a hen do destination that won't make the whole group hate you, then the Post Office's new study will be of interest.

It's ranked European beach destinations in order of cost, taking into account travel 'essentials' like 'coffee, beer, a can of Coke, wine, water, suncream, insect repellent, UK newspapers, dinners and lunches'. We're not sure where calamari and Aperol Spritzes get factored in, but suppose we can tot that ourselves.

Of all the resorts, Sunny Beach in Bulgaria topped the list, with all 10 essentials adding up to a very reasonable £37.33! Unsurprising, when a bottle of beer or cup of coffee costs only 70p — almost unthinkable compared to London, where a soy flat white can quite feasibly set you back £2.85 and a craft beer around £6.

Most expensive was Ibiza where the 10 items totted up to £131, but the prices vary so it's worth checking out the full Post Office breakdown if, say, you're a coffee enthusiast. With cups at only 61p, the Algarve in Portugal should be your go-to.

Here's the list in order of expense…

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria Algarve, Portugal Costa Del Sol Spain Marmaris, Turkey Paphos, Cyprus Costa Blanca, Spain Porec, Croatia Limassol, Cyprus Crete, Greece Zante, Greece Kefalonia, Greece Majorca, Spain Corfu, Greece Sliema, Malta Lisbon Coast, Portugal Zadar, Croatia Nice, France Sorrento, Italy Ibiza, Spain

See you in Sunny Beach!

Read More: The Foolproof Way To Pack A Suitcase

Read More: What's Your Travel Personality?

Source: This Is The Least Expensive Beach Holiday Destination In Europe

Getting to your vacation destination this summer may cost less

Air travel may not be getting any more pleasant, but it may cost less this summer -- at least, some destinations are cheaper.

Travel comparison site Cheapflights.com has analyzed this summer's fares and found huge discounts over last year's record low ticket prices. It highlights five destinations offering double-digit discounts over last summer.

Barcelona, Spain -- 41% less

There's a lot to do in Barcelona, especially if you're an art lover or an admirer of fine wines. The newly opened L9 metro line makes getting from the airport to the city center a lot easier. New attractions include Ferrari Land and the opening of Sant Pau's newly restored Sant Salvador hall.

Venice, Italy - 31% less

There are always plenty of good reasons to visit Italy, including great food and wine. This summer, Venice hosts the new Viva Vivaldi multimedia show at the Museo Diocesano d'Arte Sacra. Also on tap are the Festa di San Marco, a water parade of row boats, and the Venice Film Festival.

Lisbon, Portugal -- 26% less

Summer is always beautiful in Lisbon, and this summer it's also less expensive to get there. The city is rich in history and architecture. High on most visitors' list is St. George's Castle and a walking tour of the Alfama neighborhood, with its narrow, cobblestone streets.

Knoxville, Tennessee -- 17%

You don't have to fly to Europe this summer to save money on airfare. Cheapflights.com reports getting to Knoxville, Tenn., at the edge of the Smokey Mountains, is also cheaper this summer. The region hosts a variety of music festivals this summer, while mountain trails and lakes draw visitors who love the great outdoors.

Dublin, Ireland, 16% less

The capital of Ireland has always been a popular destination because of its beauty and affordability. Now, getting there from 20 U.S. airports costs less as well. This summer offers Bloomsday in celebration of James Joyce, Taste of Dublin, and the Dublin Writers Festival.

A lot of other destinations cost less this summer as well. Cheapflights.com highlights Colorado Springs, Colorado; Charleston, South Carolina; Hilo, Hawaii; Guatemala City, Guatemala, and Spokane, Washington.

Source: Getting to your vacation destination this summer may cost less

Europe road trip holidays: The top 10 European coastal drives

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland.

You scarcely need to leave you car to admire some of Europe's most splendid scenery.

Here are 10 top coastal driving routes that will give you good reason to take the slow lane.

ALGARVE COAST, PORTUGAL

Coastline of Sagres, in the Algarve.

This short, windswept 38-kilometre drive on the N125 between Lagos and Cape St Vincent on Europe's south-west corner is wild and wave-pounded, yet also takes in millennia of history, from ancient megaliths to Roman ruins, baroque churches to the charming resort town of Lagos.

At Sagres a huge medieval fort looms. The drive ends near a red-and-white lighthouse above a foaming Atlantic Ocean – time your arrival for sunset, which is often lurid. See visitalgarve.pt

CAUSEWAY COAST, NORTHERN IRELAND

Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland.

Ireland's northernmost coast features a string of glorious (if chilly) beaches, rugged headlands and whitewashed fishing villages, plus a beautiful hinterland of stream-tumbled glens opening up to the sea. Its dramatic landscapes feature in Game of Thrones and are peppered with ruined castles, though most famous is the Giant's Causeway, where 40,000 hexagonal rock columns edge the sea.

Cliff-spanning Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge will test your head for heights above frothing waves. See visitcausewaycoastandglens.com

AMALFI COAST, ITALY

Positano city, on the Amalfi Coast of Italy.

The road from Sorrento to Positano and on to Ravello along this famous holiday coast south of Naples plunges up, down and along a coastline that is World Heritage listed for its landscapes and historic towns. Pastel-coloured houses tumble towards an emerald sea and are backed by lemon groves and forested crags. Narrow bends, tourist traffic and limited parking are frustrations, but this is the ultimate romantic seaside drive. See amalfitouristoffice.it

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Read more:* 10 breathtaking photos of New Zealand's beautiful roads* From jaw-dropping views to spine-tingling bends

LES CORNICHES, FRANCE

Above Cap Ferrat on the Corniche drive in France.

You don't have to get remote to get fabulous views. The French Riviera's three pine-scented corniche routes head from Nice to Menton through some of the most densely populated real estate in Europe.

Follow the lowest to inspect glitzy resort towns such as Cannes and Monte Carlo. The highest, the cliff-hugging Grande Corniche or D2564, has you suspended between sky and Mediterranean with plunging views of villas and yacht-crowded harbours. See frenchriviera-tourism.com

ATLANTIC ROAD, NORWAY

Atlantic Road in Averoey, Norway.

This wild 36-kilometre drive between Kårvåg and Bud on western Norway's RV64 highway runs along a coast of fjords and mountains. It packs a particular punch on an eight-kilometre section that runs over numerous eye-popping bridges connecting several islands.

Norwegians voted it the engineering feat of the century in 2005. Don't wait for the sun: the sinuous road is sprayed by spume from Atlantic waves on dramatic, windy days. See fjordnorway.com

RING OF KERRY, IRELAND

The 179-kilometre circuit around the Iveragh  peninsula, mostly on the N70, has superb views of coast, loughs and mountains that culminate in the south-west in a bedazzlement of beauty. It's rightly famous and often crowded; tour coaches generally travel anticlockwise, so head in the other direction. The landscape is dotted with historic standing stones, ruins and castles. It's worth detouring to the inland Gap of Dunloe for more tremendous scenery. See theringofkerry.com

THE HIGH COAST, SWEDEN

This section of Sweden's E4 highway from Härnösand to Örnsköldsvik takes under 1.5 hours, but runs through a World Heritage-listed, glacier-produced landscape to make you linger. 

The Baltic coast here is one of Sweden's best hiking regions and is a convolution of red-granite cliffs and islands, rocky outcrops and pine forest. The route's highlights are Bönhamn fishing village, the unique rock-slab coastline at Rotsidan and green countryside around Nordingrå. See hogakusten.com

TROTTERNISH PENINSULA, SCOTLAND

Wind-whipped beaches, moors and peat bogs, sheep farms and lush, deep valleys characterise Skye, an island off Scotland's west coast, making almost any drive spectacular. But take to the A855 around the Trotternish Peninsula in the north for the best landscapes. Mountains have a dramatic, cloudy beauty, heather glows on the hillsides and waterfalls plunge off cliffs into the ocean. The jagged rock pinnacles of the Quiraing are magnificent. See skye.co.uk

ADRIATIC HIGHWAY, CROATIA

It takes six hours to motor almost the entire Croatian coast from Rijeka to  Dubrovnik on the D8, but budget at least a week. At times the road follows bay edges and passes through seaside towns, at others climbs over cliffs in switchbacks and blind bends to test the nerves, with fine views over the Mediterranean and Croatia's gorgeous islands. Zadar and Split are two top towns for a pause. See croatia.hr

ROUTE ONE, ICELAND

Iceland is famously scenic thanks to its collision of waterfalls, fjords, volcanoes, hot springs and glaciers. Route 1 circumnavigates the whole island nation, taking in most of its notable towns and some truly remote regions where the road occasionally becomes gravel. The whole loop is nearly 1300 kilometres, but the northern section through waterfall-thundering mountains, dramatic coastal rock formations and past the fjord at Akureyri might be the best section. See visiticeland.com

Brian Johnston has travelled as a guest of tourist offices or tour companies in many of these destinations.

Traveller.com.au

Source: Europe road trip holidays: The top 10 European coastal drives

ComScore: mobile now the ‘go-to’ destination for video

News ComScore: mobile now the 'go-to' destination for video April 18, 2017 Related Content Netflix discusses 'YouTube envy' and faith programming Ofcom: 87% of broadband customers satisfied with service ComScore: Netflix continues US market domination Maximizing Audience Engagement: How online video performance impacts viewer behavior Turner's Northern Europe boss exiting Europe waves through Fox's Sky takeover

Mobile is now the 'go-to' destination for most video viewers, according to ComScore research.

The firm's analysis claims that in the UK, mobile now accounts for the majority of video minutes spent watching content on YouTube across all age and gender demographics.

Women aged 35-44 do 85% of their YouTube viewing on a mobile device, compared to just 15% on desktop, according to the research.

For women aged 18-34 mobile viewing stood at 80% and for those aged over 45 it was 69%.

For men the proportion of mobile YouTube viewing in the UK was found to be: 67% for those aged 18-34; 69% for 35-44s; and 60% for those aged 45 and over.

In general terms, ComScore said that in 2017 mobile devices have "an unquestionable role as consumers' primary digital tool" and that 'mobile first' is the "default position for a growing number of internet users".

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Source: ComScore: mobile now the 'go-to' destination for video

World’s cheapest holiday destination revealed – you won't believe the price

GETTY

CHEAP: Sofia in Bulgaria is the perfect place for a budget city break

If you're desperate to get out of the country, but you're on a tight budget, listen up!

A recent report, by airport transfer website Hoppa, has revealed the cheapest holiday destinations in the world.

The results are based on the average cost of a night in a hotel for two, plus a meal with a shared bottle of wine, a 3km taxi journey, a coffee, a cocktail and a beer.

The study looked at these costs in 84 countries around the world and Sofia in Bulgaria was revealed as the cheapest place to stay.

The cheapest travel destinations for each month Wednesday, 11th January 2017

Whatever time of year you feel like going on holiday, these are the countries it will be cheapest to travel to.

1 / 12

January: Melbourne, Australia - By visiting in January you get to take advantage of Melbourne's low rates between the Christmas period and the Australian Open. You will also be able to experience an Australian summer

The total cost of all of these items in Sofia is just £38.21.

Sofia, Bulgaria cost breakdown:

Hotel for two: £37.34 ($46.68)Meal for two: £17.42 ($21.78)Bottle of wine: £4.82 ($6.03)Taxi: £2.05 ($2.56)Cup of coffee: £1.54 ($1.93)Cocktail: £3.78 ($4.72)Pint of beer: £1.06 ($1.33)

Total: — £38.21 ($47.69)

GETTY

CHEAP: Sunny Beach in Bulgaria has been voted the cheapest beach destination

Sunny Beach in Bulgaria has also been named the cheapest beach holiday destination in Europe.

The stunning beach in the Black Sea offers the lowest priced holidays for UK travellers, according to Post Office Travel Money.

Researchers worked out the cost of 10 holiday essentials including restaurant bills, bottled water and suncream and found they actaully cost 10% less than they did last year.

An evening meal for two with wine at the beach resort costs just £20, while a bottle of local beer is only 70p.

Andrew Brown, of Post Office Travel Money, said: "Tour operators have already reported that holidays to Bulgaria are selling like hot cakes and our research makes it clear that Sunny Beach will offer cash-strapped holidaymakers unbeatable value this year."

So if you're looking for a budget break with variety, why not spend a few nights in the city before hitting the beach this summer.

How to get the best exchange rate: 7 top tips Wednesday, 12th April 2017

Sterling is set to remain volatile due to Brexit uncertainty. Here finance experts reveal how to get the most for your travel money, take a look through the gallery.

1 / 8

Top tips for getting the best exchange rate

Top 10 cheapest destinations in the world:

1. Sofia, Bulgaria £38.21 ($47.69)

2. Cairo, Egypt — £39.09 ($48.79)

3. Cartagena, Colombia — £39.70 ($49.55)

4. Bucharest, Romania — £43.87 ($54.75)

5. Antalya, Turkey — £43.97 ($54.88)

6. Siem Reap, Cambodia — £44.89 ($56.02)

7. Kiev, Ukraine — £46.73 ($58.32)

8. Manila, Philippines — £46.90 ($58.53)

9. Mexico City, Mexico — £50.62 ($63.18)

10. Sliema, Malta — £51.64 ($64.45)

Related articles
Source: World's cheapest holiday destination revealed – you won't believe the price

This is the cheapest place for a beach holiday in the whole of Europe

GETTY

PARADISE: Marmaris in Turkey came in as the fourth cheapest beach destination

Us Brits love a bit of sun, sea and sand on our summer holidays. But with the pound to euro exchange rate looking pretty bleak, many people think they can't afford a break away.

However, holidaymakers wanting a bargain European beach break should head to Bulgaria, a new study has found.

Sunny Beach on the Black Sea coast offers the lowest priced holidays for UK travellers, according to Post Office Travel Money.

Researchers worked out the cost of 10 holiday essentials including restaurant bills, bottled water and suncream and found they actaully cost 10% less than they did last year.

GETTY

BUDGET: Sunny Beach in Bulgaria is the cheapest hotspot in Europe

An evening meal for two with wine costs just £20, while a bottle of local beer is only 70p.

Andrew Brown, of Post Office Travel Money, said: "Tour operators have already reported that holidays to Bulgaria are selling like hot cakes and our research makes it clear that Sunny Beach will offer cash-strapped holidaymakers unbeatable value this year.

"Meal costs are really the deciding factor in Bulgaria's favour. Over the course of a week's holiday, lunch and evening meals for two will cost less than £200 in Sunny Beach but this could mushroom to over £600 in more expensive resorts in France or Italy.

"If you haven't already booked a holiday do your homework to find a resort which best fits your budget."

The best beaches in the world Wednesday, 17th February 2016

TripAdvisor has named the most stunning stretches of sand in the world - and it's Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean and Brazil that take the top two spots in the review site's Travellers' Choice Awards 2016

1 / 25

Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos in the Caribbean

Holiday costs in Portugal's Algarve - the second cheapest of the 19 destinations featured - are 57% higher than in Sunny Beach, according to the report.

Spain's Costa del Sol was the third cheapest, followed by Turkey's Marmaris and Cyprus' Paphos.

"Holidays to Bulgaria are selling like hot cakes"

Andrew Brown, of Post Office Travel Money

Researchers found wide cost variations in the same country, with goods on Greece's Zante around a tenth cheaper than on Corfu.

The most expensive resort in the study was the Spanish island of Ibiza, at more than three times the cost of Sunny Beach.

Mr Brown said: "Greece is looking very popular this year with tour operators reporting increases of up to 40% in bookings but it will pay bargain hunters to factor resort costs into the overall price they pay for their package.

"Swapping resorts could save a lot of money and this applies to popular resorts all over Europe as well as to Greece."

The cheapest travel destinations for each month Wednesday, 11th January 2017

Whatever time of year you feel like going on holiday, these are the countries it will be cheapest to travel to.

1 / 12

January: Melbourne, Australia - By visiting in January you get to take advantage of Melbourne's low rates between the Christmas period and the Australian Open. You will also be able to experience an Australian summer

GETTY

TRAVEL: The Algarve coast in Portugal is a great spot for a budget break

Here are the 10 cheapest destinations for a European beach holiday, according to the Post Office Travel Money report:

1. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria2. Algarve, Portugal3. Costa del Sol, Spain4. Marmaris, Turkey5. Paphos, Cyprus6. Costa Blanca, Spain7. Porec, Croatia8. Limassol, Cyprus9. Crete, Greece10. Zante, Greece

Related articles
Source: This is the cheapest place for a beach holiday in the whole of Europe

Europe Cruisetours

Combine a fabulous sea cruise and multiple days on land with a Europe cruisetour

Experience even more of the most popular destinations in Europe on a Cruisetour, which combines a fabulous cruise with multiple days on land. Extra days ashore, stays in fine hotels and the service of a tour escort allow for a more relaxed pace to visit the celebrated attractions with time to explore on your own. See all the fabled sites and discover new ones off the beaten path, savor regional cuisine and robust wines, and absorb the culture of these storied lands.

Paris & French Countryside

On a Land & Sea Cruise Vacation to Paris & the French Countryside, you'll be dazzled by the City of Light with views of the Champs-Elysees and the Eiffel Tower and visits to the legendary Notre Dame Cathedral and the opulent Palace of Versailles, where you'll marvel at the sumptuous décor and lavish Hall of Mirrors. Venture south to see the Palais des Papes and the graceful bridge in Avignon, and spend the evening in cosmopolitan Barcelona, feasting on paella and watching a Flamenco performance. All of this before embarking on a spectacular cruise throughout the Mediterranean.

Photo: Eiffel Tower and Champ-de Mars Paris, France

Find Cruisetours Classic Italy

Italy is a country of unparalleled romance. And on this escorted adventure, followed by a fascinating Mediterranean cruise vacation, you'll get to see some of its most storied places -- magical Venice, the Eternal City of Rome and marvelous Renaissance Florence, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You'll visit the greatest attractions in each, from the Roman Colosseum and Vatican City, home to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, to the Duomo and Michelangelo's celebrated sculpture, David, in Florence. You'll also enjoy a drive through the Tuscan countryside.

Photo: Forum in Rome, Italy

Find Cruisetours Swiss Splendors

From the magnificent snowcaps of the Bernese and Swiss Alps to the enchanting gardens surrounding Lake Como, you'll discover the treasures of Switzerland on a Land & Sea Cruise Vacation. Explore the historic Jungfrau region and Brünig Pass, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and delight in a morning walking tour of Lucerne and the unusual Bärengraben bear park in the medieval town of Old Berne, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Photo: Village in the Alps, Switzerland

Find Cruisetours Europe's Imperial Treasures

Revel in the extra time you'll have to explore the unique cultures and splendid scenery of Budapest, Vienna and Prague — three of the region's most enchanting cities. Visit Mozart's home, embark on a guided tour of Prague's Old Town, and be treated to two nights in captivating Berlin before cruising to Scandinavia and Russia.

Photo: St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, Czech Republic

Find Cruisetours

Ring of Kerry

Discover the starkly beautiful landscapes and charming villages of Ireland's majestic western lands on a Ring of Kerry Land & Sea Cruise Vacation. Photograph picturesque landscapes, enjoy a pint and local musicians in a neighborhood pub, and visit the breathtaking Ring of Kerry and the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher. And then follow up your days exploring this gracious land with an unforgettable cruise throughout the emerald British Isles.

Photo: Blarney Castle - Cork, Ireland

Find Cruisetours Cruise plus® hotel packages

Spend some extra time - on either side of your cruise - with a Cruise Plus Hotel Package

Hotel Packages

Add peace of mind and a sense of security to your vacation with a Cruise Plus® Hotel Package. Give yourself a few days to relax either before or after your voyage and take in the sights of a sensational city. Princess handles all the details – including transfers and baggage handling – with accommodations selected for their incredible locations and excellent service.

Photo: Park Güell in Barcelona, Spain

View Hotels

Let Princess get you there

Convenient Transfer Options from Your Airplane to the Ship

We want to make your vacation as smooth as possible so you can relax, and explore the world. That's why we offer Princess airport-to-ship transfers, a secure and worry-free way to start and end your vacation with reliable and courteous Princess staff transporting you and your luggage via comfortable motorcoach.

Learn more about transfers

Source: Europe Cruisetours

The 19 cheapest places for a European beach holiday

Shutterstock/Michail Makarov

The Easter holidays are upon us, which means that summer is just around the corner, and fortunately the Post Office Travel Money has just released a list of the 19 cheapest beach holiday destinations in Europe.

The report compares average prices of various holiday expenses for one day in the different destinations.

The measured costs include a cup of coffee, a bottle of local beer, a glass of wine, a bottle of water, a three-course dinner for two, and sun cream, among other travel essentials.

From Croatia to Ibiza, here are the cheapest destinations for a European summer holiday in 2017.

View As: One Page Slides
Source: The 19 cheapest places for a European beach holiday

FLASH SALE: Ryanair launch £4.99 flights to hundreds of destinations in Easter sale

GETTY

CHEAP FLIGHTS: Ryanair are selling hundreds of seats for under £19.99

Budget airline Ryanair have launched a flash sale with flights to hundreds of destinations around Europe for less than £19.99.

Some flights are even as low as £4.99 for the upcoming summer months. 

Tha airline are offering flights from London Stansted, Glasgow, Manchester, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Leeds, Belfast, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, Derry, London Luton and Newcastle.

Flights from London Stansted begin at £4.99 – which will take you to Bordeaux and Brive in France. 

They also have many flights for £7.99 – less than a cocktail – and from Stansted this will get you to various cities in Luxembourg, France, Poland, Romania and Germany. 

From London Luton you can fly to Beziers and Nimes in France for just £7.99 and Copenhagen, Denmark and Barcelona, Spain for just £9.99.

The cheapest travel destinations for each month Wednesday, 11th January 2017

Whatever time of year you feel like going on holiday, these are the countries it will be cheapest to travel to.

1 / 12

January: Melbourne, Australia - By visiting in January you get to take advantage of Melbourne's low rates between the Christmas period and the Australian Open. You will also be able to experience an Australian summer

If you live in the Midlands you can jet off from Birmingham airport and fly to Perpignan in France for £4.99 and Spain, Poland, Greece and Portugal for less than £13.

And they've got a few treats for the northers too – flights from Newcastle to Spain, Ireland and Poland are less than £10.

Meanwhile budget airline Norwegian have also launched an Easter sale offering transatlantic flights to the US for just £91 one-way. 

This sale comes just weeks after Ryanair launched another £5 flight sale which subsequently caused their site to overload. 

If you are looking to book a summer holiday, there really has been no better time to book. 

Related articles
Source: FLASH SALE: Ryanair launch £4.99 flights to hundreds of destinations in Easter sale

Where to be seen in 2017: Top 20 Bucket List travel destinations revealed

PH/GETTY

POPULAR: These are predicted to be the hotspots for 2017

Last year Lonely Planet released the annual Best in Travel rankings, forecasting the top travel destinations for 2016.

Among the wanderlust-inducing spots where far-flung places like Latvia's old pine forests and Fiji's powder-white beaches.

But where are the hotspots for 2017? Holiday experts Travel Republic have looked into the most popular holiday searches for this year and have come up with some interesting results.

PH

WORLD MAP: These are the top 20 travel destinations for next year

With the search terms that users were looking into online, they have developed a map of the top 20 most sought after destinations across the globe.

According to the data, Cuba came out as the most popular destination, closely followed by Greece and Mexico.

Spain, one of Brits' favourite holiday hotspots, came in fourth place, while Thailand claimed the fifth spot.

The latest official figures from the National Statistics Institute (INE) also revealed Cape Verde is quickly becoming a hot new destination for UK tourists.

Here are the 20 holiday destinations everyone is dreaming of – so get booking now if you want to beat the crowds: 

GETTY

COLOURFUL: Cuba has been named as the most popular holiday search for nest year

1. Cuba

From the salsa bars of Havana to the gleaming white beaches of Cayo Coco, Cuba is a vibrant and exciting travel destination.

July is a great time to visit as the extravaganza that is Santiago's carnival takes place on the 25th of the month.

2. Greece

Islands such as Santorini and Mykonos have become hugely popular in the last year and the destinations seem to be in demand for 2017 too.

3. Mexico

With crystal-clear sea, powder-white sand and stunning Mayan Ruins, Mexico is a great destination for sunseekers and history buffs.

One of the best things to do in Mexico in swimming with whale sharks in Isla Holbox.

GETTY

PRISTINE: The stunning beaches of Tulum are a huge draw for tourists 10 cheapest exotic holiday destinations Thursday, 22nd September 2016

Have a look at what you can get for your money with the 10 cheapest exotic holiday destinations

1 / 10

1. Cape Town, South Africa — £48.89Coffee: £1.10Beer: £1.37Bottle of water: £0.66 Suncream: £6.58Insect repellent: £4.38 3-course dinner with wine: £27.40

4. Spain

A firm favourite with Brits, the south of Spain is a great place for sun, see and sand. But if you're a massive foodie head north to San Sebastien for some gastronomic delights.

5. Thailand

The popularity of Thailand doesn't seem to be abating. It's a country that has everything – bustling cities, pristine islands, vibrant food markets, lush rainforest and ancient temples.

6. Croatia

The popular TV series Games Of Thrones was largely filmed in Croatia and as a result the Eastern European country has seen a huge boom in popularity.

The beautiful city of Dubrovnik and the islands surrounding Split are some of the most popular spots.

GETTY

FILM SET: Games Of Thrones was largely filmed in Croatia

7. Iceland

Iceland is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, but there are plenty of other adventures to be had.

The thermal, lunar-like landscape offers up plenty of natural wonders for you to explore, including bursting geysers, tumbling waterfalls and huge mountainous national parks.

And for the more adventurous there are numerous activities from snowmobiling on glaciers to snorkelling between tectonic plates and spotting humpback whales.

8. Portugal

From the bustling city of Lisbon to the golden beaches of Faro, Portugal is increasing in popularity among British tourists.

GETTY

BUCKET LIST: Iceland is one of the best places to see the Northern Lights

9. Italy

Italian cities including Rome, Venice and Verona, are world-renowned as some of the most beautiful cities in the world.

But if your not a city-lover you can enjoy the stunning countryside of Tuscany of the beautiful seaside village of Cinque Terre.

10. Turkey

Bodrum and Antalya are two of the most popular beach destinations in Turkey, while Istanbul remains a firm favourite for city breaks.

GETTY

STUNNING: With its powder-white beaches, Thailand came in as the fifth most popular place

Here are some more popular destinations for 2017:

11. Cyprus

12. Egypt

13. Jamaica

14. Dominican Republic

15. Sri Lanka

16. Australia

17. Morocco

18. Bulgaria

19. Costa Rica

20. Canada

Related Articles

Travel quiz: How many of these Bucket List destinations have you visited?

Where to be seen in 2016: Top 10 travel destinations to visit this year

The seven cheapest holiday destinations in the WORLD revealed

Source: Where to be seen in 2017: Top 20 Bucket List travel destinations revealed

Travel safety fears drive destination choice

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Home

News

Travel safety fears drive destination choice

11 April 2017

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Global

Source: Travel safety fears drive destination choice

The Most Romantic Destinations in Europe

More from our Couples' Travel Experts, Samantha & Ryan, of Our Travel Passport!

With the amount of noise and distractions in the world, sometimes we need to go on a date and sometimes that date needs to be a romantic vacation. We've discovered that the best thing for our relationship and marriage is to plan and execute a trip together, and if we can find a great romantic destination, then all the better!

Check out this list of some of our favorite romantic destinations in Europe and get planning!

Northern Ireland is absolutely romantic in a wild and mystical sort of way. Giant's Causeway is full of stunning views of cliffs meeting the ocean, unbelievable natural rock formations, and the most beautiful rolling green hills.

Hold hands as you walk along Giant's Causeway, and listen to the seagulls, watch the waves, and wish for some of the Irish luck Northern Ireland has to offer.

Although not typically thought of as a romantic destination, Copenhagen is full of its own charm. The small size of the city makes it perfect to explore by bike. Follow each other down the colorful streets to get brunch and then take a boat tour from the iconic Nyhavn.

And don't miss a chance to chase each other around Tivoli Gardens, which is the second oldest operating amusement park in the world!

There are few other places where you can go and be surrounded by green as far as the eye can see. Cliffs of Moher is one of those places where you can enjoy all the beauty of the greenery and hear freezing ocean waves crashing against incredible cliff formations.

If you're lucky (or maybe not so lucky), you'll get to experience the occasional wind storms gusting over 200 meter cliffs. When you're amidst such a living environment, you can't help but feel more in love with the one by your side.

What is more beautiful and romantic than a lake sitting in the middle of the Italian Alps? It used to be known as a playground only for the rich, but Como has recently become accessible to all travelers.

The first time I saw Lake Como I was on a train from Lucerne, Switzerland to Milan, Italy and thought we had entered another world. Transport yourselves to another world by renting a villa, eating on a dock, riding the funicular for an incredible view, and playing in the water.

You know that dream of finding Prince Charming or Sleeping Beauty in a magical fairytale land? Well, that fairytale land is basically Sintra. Sintra is full of stunning and unique castles, ivy covered walls, ponds full of swans, and enchanting forests.

Be sure to visit Pena Palace, the most colorful castle possibly ever, and Quinta da Regaleira, which is full of secret passageways, and you'll feel like you've been transported into your very own fairytale.

Am I the only one that thinks lakes are romantic? Maybe it is just water in general, but there is just something so smooth and calming about lakes that make us feel so relaxed and even more in love.

Lake Bled is a gorgeous lake in the mountains of Slovenia.

It is much more developed in terms of tourism than Lake Como, but it is equally gorgeous. Avoid the tourist traps and rent bikes to ride around the lake, to the nearby countryside, and to see the turquoise waters of Vintgar Gorge.

London is such a fun city full of colorful houses and beautiful sites. Whether you take a walk along the Thames, ride the London Eye, or each brunch in Notting Hill, you'll definitely swoon over all the charming places in the city.

If there is one romantic spot in London, it is the Gallery Room at Sketch.

It is a comfortable, chic, and perfectly pink afternoon tea experience. It is the perfect date spot for any couple, and you won't leave hungry after unlimited tea, finger sandwiches, cakes, scones, and other treats. Plus, everything about London makes you feel like royalty,

and what's more romantic than feeling like a prince and princess? SHOP these couples' travel styles! Hi! We're Ryan and Samantha Looney the creators of Our Travel Passport. We fell in love writing letters to each other from across the world, and now we're traveling it hand-in-hand. Sam's a beach lover, photographer, and chocolate-chip cookie monster and Ryan's a cliff jumper, drone operator, and In-N-Out aficionado. We teamed up with Kiersten to give you the best couples travel tips so you and your love can explore the world together too!
Source: The Most Romantic Destinations in Europe