Some of the most unique destinations in Europe

Some of the most unique destinations in Europe – words Sam Ellis

Well, of course, no one European city is the same as the next – Berlin and Venice are a world apart, for example. You can certainly find a city that suits your tastes in culture, arts, shopping, sightseeing and facilities. But what new angles could you consider?

Bosnia reinvented

If you want a city that is achingly up to date with what it offers to visitors, look no further than the fascinating Sarajevo. Despite its near destruction in the Bosnian wars, echoes of its former splendour live on.

But the city by the Dinaric Alps has also worked hard to create a newly-minted cosmopolitan and vibrant life for itself. The Bascarsija Market, Romeo and Juliet Bridge and the Sarajevo History Museum are amongst the must-sees.

However, for a truly unique city break, witness first hand how this area has reinvented itself in just a couple of decades. You could take a full day private tour to Sarajevo from Dubrovnik. It takes you through Bosnia and Herzegovina, offering fascination around every corner.

Hungary on an island

Hungary is a current European hot spot for holidaymakers and offers an impressive array of offerings in and around beautiful Budapest. This includes some amazing foods and beers, thermal spas and swimming in the biggest lake in central Europe.

However, for anyone wanting something a little bit different, head out on a boat into Kavicsos Lake and spend a few hours or even days in pure peace on one of the many inhabited islands dotted around. Bliss for anyone seeking quiet reflection.

Greece from the past

Greece is enjoying new found popularity with the holiday crowd, as it has become more affordable due to its long standing economic problems. But instead of heading for one of the popular islands and soaking up the sun on the beach, why not check out the growing number of archaeological holidays in Greece? See the ancient wonders with a group leader who knows their stuff, in the company of other people who love the stories and legends that lie beneath the tourist attractions.

Croatia on a bike

Another highly affordable emerging holiday destination is Croatia, offering a growing range of more sophisticated attractions and facilities for tourists. But why not see this diverse country in all its natural and unspoilt splendour with a self-guided bike tour? It is one of the most most breathtaking places in europe.

This is spectacular countryside and coastland, peppered with Roman ruins and medieval relics, punctuated by friendly fishing communities.

Unique but not foolish

Being adventurous and bold is one thing, but taking risks is quite another story. You should bear this in mind when looking for the best hidden gems in Europe. Always check out the credentials of any tour operators you use, and make sure you have access to free or heavily discounted medical assistance via a valid European Health Insurance Card. You can obtain an e111 form here to get the ball rolling on renewing your card. Do it today – there is a big wide world out there waiting to be explored.

Some of the most unique destinations in Europe – words Sam Ellis

Source: Some of the most unique destinations in Europe

Hidden Destinations: Piran, Slovenia

Photo: European Hidden Destinations

There are incredible places to visit in Europe. There are the common well-known countries such as Amsterdam and its canals, London and its shopping, or Paris the City of Light. Europe also has its hidden gems for example the town Piran, Slovenia. Piran is a town in southwestern, Slovenia on the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the three major towns of Slovenia. The town has preserved its unsurpassed charm and culture , with its medieval architecture, narrow streets and compact houses.

Slovenia has a unique style and attitude. Piran was a part of Italy until the end of WWII, and it remains bi-lingual today. Piran is a great summer destination, it is the type of town where you can have chance encounters with locals.

There are various activities which range from biking on the seaside, to sailing in the gentle waters of the Gulf of Piran.  One of the most popular sights in Piran is the Church of St. George, and it's worth hiking to the top of the bell tower to catch a spectacular view of the town. Portions of Piran's old city walls run through the hill behind it, which can also be toured, and just behind them is the local cemetery, which is typically filled with bedazzling flower displays.

Photo: Wikipedia

The main square is named after the violinist Giorgio Tartini. Make sure to check out the Venetian House, the red building on the square. Legend has it that a rich merchant built it for his beloved mistress, and there's an inscription between the upper windows that reads Lassa pur dir, or "let them talk". This was his way of proving to his love that she was more important than his reputation.

Photo: Sylaf

With a strong fishing tradition, you know the seafood is going to be fresh and delicious. There are various places to eat in Piran click here for more.

Photo: Freya Muller

Source: Hidden Destinations: Piran, Slovenia

Is Mallorca Europe's most underrated island for a walking holiday?

My brother hated my hat. It was a wide, floppy-brimmed white linen-cotton blend, designed to protect my face and shoulders from the sun. I thought it had a Bardot-on-the-beach vibe.

But with the targeted cruelty best mustered by siblings, he said: "You look like someone's mad aunt. I don't want anyone to see me with you." 

That he delivered this assessment more than a third of the way into a seven-hour hike, halfway up a twisty mountain path – during which the only other being we'd encountered was a donkey – didn't bother him; his was a matter of sartorial principle.

My brother, Than, is my best friend. Two years younger than I am, he lives with his wife and son about a mile away from me, my husband and children in south London. We see them at least once a week, often more. But, as much as I love our children and spouses, they tend to dominate. I wanted to hear more about a food business Than was developing, and to solicit his advice on a writing project I was working on. Walking is the perfect conduit; a hike, like alcohol, loosens the tongue: the lack of eye contact relaxes your inhibitions. 

Banyalbufar Credit: GETTY

Our spouses could spare us for four nights. Given this time frame and in need of some sun after a long, dark spring, we chose a four-day self-guided walking holiday in Mallorca in mid-May with On Foot Holidays, an operator that designs a bespoke itinerary for each group, books the accommodation, and organises taxis to transport your luggage from hotel to hotel while you walk. In addition to detailed booklets with walk instructions and reliable and up-to-date dining recommendations, On Foot's local expert is adept at choosing characterful and comfortable B&Bs in the island's most charming inland villages and towns. 

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, gets a bad rap. There are Jamón ibérico-shaped pillows for sale in Palma airport, and flights from the UK are filled with the sort of carousers you'd change carriages on a train to avoid. But the island is also home to some of the most beautiful and historically interesting walking trails in Europe. 

The Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, jutting up from the western edge of the island, is less than an hour's drive, and a world away from the package holiday haven of Magaluf. Despite its small size, the Serra displays dramatic zones of different vegetation: fertile valleys with almond and fig trees, and centuries-old gnarled olive groves give on to pine forests and oak woodlands and, at the peaks, barren rocky outcroppings with nothing to block your view in all directions. Named a World Heritage Site in recognition of the techniques used to develop agriculture on its steep slopes over the centuries, the north-western corner of the island is also a long-running celebrity haunt (see Chopin, Lloyd Webber, Nadal). 

It was the arrival of the Moors, in 707AD, which shaped the land: they designed a system of underground irrigation and began terracing of the steep hillsides – the villages of Estellencs and Banyalbufar are perhaps the nicest extant examples. Many of the paths used by walkers today were made by the charcoal producers that worked on the island until the early 20th century. That the walk reads like a primer on human cultivation of land was rather handy for my own agenda: the cultivation of our projects.

Cala Deia Credit: ©vulcanus - stock.adobe.com

Over the course of four days, Than and I spent three hiking a strenuous 40 miles, with nothing but the disconcerting bleating of goats to break up the beguiling monotony of mountain, breeze, sun and sea. We spent one day, after a particularly energetic introduction to the local food and wine the night before, resting on the beautiful but rocky Cala Deia beach.

On Foot Holidays offers itineraries ranging from easy (such as Dubrovnik) to hard (Bulgaria or Chamonix and the French Alps); the Mallorca trip fits in somewhere in the medium-to-challenging end of the company's portfolio (my brother would want me to mention here that we beat the estimated times each day, but only by about half an hour. I was slower in both ascent and descent but, as each of my legs is around a foot shorter than each of Than's, I make no apology.) 

Carefully marked maps and instructions note where you can find a bus, which could help shorten the days, putting these walks within reach of all those comfortable walking in mountains; we could easily have brought our parents, a fit pair in their 60s, along with us.

Valldemossa Credit: ©Boris Stroujko - stock.adobe.com

But walking is a joy best shared by two. On our final hike, we passed reservoirs; pine valleys; rocky mountain tops; a dead brown goat. And as we marched, we had the sort of conversations I miss when our children are there. In the evenings, we enjoyed local specialties – ranging from the rustic (in the village of Valldemossa) to the refined (Sóller has excellent options; the more flamboyant waterside Port de Sóller is great for seafood).

Mallorca can only be appreciated from a yacht, a wealthy hedge funder I know breezily told me just before I went. She is only partially right. Approaching Mallorca from the sea – by kayak, sailboat or Richard Branson-esque bling monstrosity – allows you to access beautiful beaches unreachable by road. But to truly appreciate this island – the 1,000-year-old terracing, the drama of the sheer mountains overlooking the cerulean sea – head for the hills. And when you do, wear a Panama hat. My brother made me buy one in Port de Sóller. They're far more chic, he says. I'm sorry to admit he's right.

Port de Sóller Credit: ©Thomas - stock.adobe.com How to do it

A five-night trip with On Foot Holidays (onfootholidays.co.uk) costs £800 per person, based on two people sharing, and includes all maps, accommodation and transfers. EasyJet flies to Palma de Mallorca 23 times each day from London Gatwick and other airports around Britain, from £30 single per person.

Three routes you mustn't miss 1. Es Capdella to Estellencs

Starting from the Galatzo estate, wind up through the valley; this walk feels more rural and less dramatic than those to the north, with beautiful views of the Med to the south. 

Distance: 6 miles. Duration: 3¾ hr. Difficulty rating: medium.

2. Valldemossa to Deia

After a steep climb out of Valldemossa (500m), take in 360-degree views from the high ridge of the Archduke Path. After a spectacular and athletic descent (you'll be sweaty; it's a steep 800m) have lunch in the genteel village of Deia. There's a beautiful beach here, too.

Distance: 8.3 miles. Duration: 5¼ hr. Difficulty rating: hard.

3. Cuber to Alaro

A stroll by the Cuber reservoir turns dramatic as you wind your way along mountain trails, and then through the magnificent Sólleric estate and gently downhill into Alaro, with its bustling café-lined central square.

Distance: 9.3 miles. Duration: 5 ½ hr. Difficulty rating: easy to medium.

Source: Is Mallorca Europe's most underrated island for a walking holiday?

Luxury destinations in Switzerland

Planning a Swiss holiday? Wondering where the celebrities go? Check out these top luxury destinations in Switzerland.

Luxury destinations in Switzerland

When you picture Switzerland, what do you see? Spectacular mountain scenery? Trains that run on time? Chocolate? Maybe you should start thinking glamour, extravagance and impeccable service, because when it comes to top tier travel, Switzerland is your man, er, I mean place – and celebrities love it.

Whether it's renting a deluxe chalet in Switzerland, staying at a swanky spa resort or a historic hotel like Lausanne's Beau Rivage Palace, this clean and swanky European country's got you covered. To help you plan your trip, here are some of the best luxury destinations in Switzerland, along with the best times to go.

Celebrity ski destinations

When it comes to skiing with the rich and famous, there is nothing like the Alps. Switzerland is probably the number one destination in the world for luxe ski resorts. (Sorry, France!) The names of the best ski towns are almost mythical, think St Moritz, Zermatt, Gstaad.

On these hallowed Swiss slopes the views are legendary, the snow pristine and the winter activities outstanding, so try these fabulous ski towns out for (ski boot) size:

Sexy St Moritz

St Moritz

Known as the birthplace of Alpine winter tourism, glitzy St Moritz in the Engadin Valley of Switzerland is famous for its sensational skiing on the Corviglia, luxury hotels (hello, Badrutt's Palace Hotel!), ritzy shopping on Via Serlas and death defying Cresta toboggan run. St Moritz was a favourite of Alfred Hitchcock, the James Bond movie The Spy Who Loved Me was filmed here, and anyone who is anyone has skied here at least once. From the posh upper crust hanging out at the private Dracula Club (I toured it, and honestly, it's nothing to look at, but maybe that's the point), to a quiet lakeside stroll, St Moritz is a caviar-fuelled locale.

Verbier

Verbier is the place to go in the Valois area if you want to party hard. Ski off piste, whip down the 10 km Tzoumaz toboggan run or visit the Haute Val de Bagnes, Switzerland's second largest nature reserve. After hours revel in the nightlife at the Coco Club or the Farm Club, a Verbier institution. If your budget is sky high you can even opt for a helicopter picnic in the peaks. And who knows? Maybe you'll run into Richard Branson who owns a chalet here. Oh, and while you're in town don't miss singer James Blunt's restaurant La Vache.

The beautiful Swiss Alps

Klosters

Low-key luxe is what you'll find at Klosters, a favourite of Prince Charles and family. It's an aristocratic destination but flash and bling is out of place. Unbelievably, there isn't a single 5-star hotel, but it's where you'll find celebrities at their most outdoorsy and relaxed.

Gstaad

A Hollywood hangout for decades, Gstaad (pronounced 'Shtaad, don't you know?) was a favourite of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Current residents include Johnny Hallyday, the famous French rock star, and singer, Julie Andrews. An idyllic alpine village in the Bernese Oberland, Gstaad offers 85 km of ski runs and five main ski areas, but indoor lovers will find plenty of places to chill including the luxe Gstaad Palace, a venerable hotel that opened in 1913. Once you're rested, check out the nightlife at venues like GreenGo and Alpina but overall the vibe at Gstaad is laid back.

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Zermatt

Zermatt is a luxury destination in Switzerland that's good to visit any time of year because its superstar mountain, the Matterhorn, always looks its best. Whether you're planning to trek the Hörnligrat route up to the Matterhorn summit (not without a guide, please), have lunch at Chez Vrony or Zum See (Pipa Middleton's recommendations), or just enjoy the fresh air, which is exceptionally fresh as only electric vehicles are allowed in town, Zermatt is an ideal spot for a high-end vacation. Celebrity spotting? Phil Collins, Robbie Williams and Angelina Jolie and brood have all visited and Frida Lyngstad, Abba's dancing queen herself, lives here with her British squeeze, the fifth Viscount Hambleden.

Swiss cultural chic Basel

Basel is the place to see and be seen during the celebrity-strewn Art Basel in June. Europe's most prestigious art fair, Art Basel brings together some 300 top tier galleries to highlight the best of the art world and make fast-paced multimillion dollar deals. Travel here to rub shoulders with renowned critics, artists and collectors, not to mention A-listers such as Leonardo DiCaprio. While you're at it, here's your chance to snatch up a $12 million dollar painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat or, if your budget doesn't quite stretch that far, visit a few of the city's 40 museums.

Vibrant Vevey

Lakeside luxury on beautiful lake Geneva Vevey

Ah, for summertime heaven linger along the 'Swiss Riviera' on Lake Geneva that runs east from Lausanne to Montreux. In Vevey, a tranquil lakeside town you can visit Charlie Chaplin's former home, now Chaplin's World museum, and while you're having a coffee at an outdoor cafe keep your eye out for country singer Shania Twain, who lives in nearby Corseaux.

Montreux

Just down the road from Vevey is the town of Montreux, once a favourite haunt of the romantic poet Lord Byron. Here you can stay in the lap of luxury at the Fairmont Montreux Palace Hotel, amble along the lakeside promenade and visit the evocative Chillon Castle. Montreux is a celebrity town with deep musical roots: Freddy Mercury of Queen lived here, David Bowie recorded here and it inspired Deep Purple to write Smoke on the Water. Even today, the Montreux Jazz Festival held in early summer is a huge musical draw.

Photo credit: Bad Ragaz Grand Resort

Spa with the elite Bad Ragaz

For a luxury spa and sports holiday in Switzerland it's hard to go wrong with Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, a stunning wellness resort in the Heidiland holiday region between Zurich and St Moritz. If you want to get a gold facial, sweat it out in a Swarovski crystal steam room or dine in a Michelin star restaurant, you've found your vacation spot. Consisting of three hotels ranging from grand to contemporary chic, Bad Ragaz has a top-of-the-line spa, healing hot springs and a Swiss Olympic Medical Center where top athletes and sports buffs go to hone their performance abilities. Overall, Bad Ragaz is a one stop extravagant spot for all things wellness.

Clinique La Prairie

Do you ever wonder where celebrities go when they discreetly disappear, only to reappear looking refreshed and renewed? If you want to boost your immunity, dive into some serious anti-aging therapies or perhaps get a wee bit of 'work' done, Clinique La Prairie is one of the most exclusive spa, wellness and medical centres in the world. Their famed rejuvenation therapy used to entail injecting the fetal cells of black sheep embryos into your liver (no, I am not making that up), but now is a more palatable oral pill based on sheeps' liver cells, and it has attracted everyone from Winston Churchill to Marlene Dietrich (so it's rumoured) as well as rock stars, sheiks and oligarchs. It's not for the faint of heart or wallet, a 6-day program runs in the neighbourhood of $20,000.

There are so many other fabulous luxury destinations in Switzerland to travel to, from the urban chic of Zurich (and its luscious Dolder Grand Hotel) to the alpine town of Davos where the political elite gather at the annual World Economic Forum, but if you're curious as to where sports stars, movie stars, pop stars and billionaire bankers vacation, this should give you a start.

Read more about top European destinations.

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Source: Luxury destinations in Switzerland

Offbeat destination: Old-world charm meets modern-day European city in Bruges

Walking through central Bruges is like a romantic journey into the past. With centuries-old gabled buildings lining a web of canals and cobblestone streets, the vibe is quintessential old-world Europe. Bruges is also one of the most beautiful cities in Western Europe, a place that has been called the Venice of the North. And the best part: you can travel solo.

Located about an hour northwest of Brussels, not far from the North Sea, Bruges is the capital of West Flanders in the Flemish region of Belgium. The city was spared major damage during the two World Wars. Much of its medieval architecture is intact, earning the historic centre of town a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 2000. Just walking the streets and along the canals is worth the trip, but there are a few must-see sites around the city, including an early work by Michelangelo. Here are some:

The Church of Our Lady in Bruges. (Shutterstock)

The market: The large square at the city centre is one of the most picturesque and bustling places in Bruges. A marketplace starting in 958, The Markt (Market Square) is often filled with pedestrians and bicycles crisscrossing past statues of medieval freedom fighters such as Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. The square is framed by the majestic Belfry Tower and Provincial Palace, seat of the West Flanders Provincial Court. Old, gilded houses with cafes on the ground floor line the rest of the square. Wednesday is market day, where traditional Belgian fare can be found.

Church of our Lady : The spire of Our Lady towers above the city at 381 feet (116 meters) and claims to be one of the world's tallest brick structures. Inside it's like an art museum, filled with exquisite paintings, detailed woodcarving and elaborately-painted tombs. The real treat is Michelangelo's marble Madonna and Child, believed to be created around 1505 and the only one of his statues to leave Italy during his lifetime. Tickets for the museum are 6 euros for adults, 5 euros for seniors and kids 11 and under free.Note: The church is currently undergoing major renovation that won't be completed until next year.

Belgium has a small coastline along the North Sea, but it's worth seeing. (Shutterstock)

Groeninge Museum: Built on the site of the medieval Eekhout Abbey, the Groeninge Museum has a wide range of Belgian art, including paintings from the 18th and 19th century neoclassical and realist periods, Flemish expressionism and post-war modern art. The main focus of the collection is the works of the Flemish Primitives, including Jan van Eyck, Hans Memling and Hugo van der Goes.Fee: 8 euros for adults, 6 euros for seniors, kids 11 and under can visit for free.

Begijnhof: This site is a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle in the rest of the city centre. Founded in 1245, it was the home of Beguines, a group of women who lived pious lives without being part of a convent or monastery. Now, a home for sisters of the St Benedict Order, it features an expansive lawn planted with poplars, homes, an active church and a small museum that recreates the living quarters of a Beguine.

Saint John's House Mill: The Netherlands is famous for its multitude of windmills, but Bruges has four of its own. The Saint John's House Mill, built in 1770, is the only one open to visitors. Located on the northeast side of town, the Saint John's House Mill is also the only mill still in its original spot and still grinding grain.Closed on Mondays. Fee: 3 euros for adults, 2 euros for seniors, kids aged 11 and under can visit for free.

North Sea: Belgium has a small coastline along the North Sea, but it's worth seeing (in the summer, at least) and only about 30 minutes from Bruges. Oostende is the largest town and the main transportation and fishing hub. Beach towns dot the coast, from Knokke near the Netherlands to De Panne near France. The beaches and dunes are perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities, from swimming and windsurfing to land yachting (think sailboat on wheels). The North Sea is very shallow, so low tide could mean a long walk to reach the water.

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Source: Offbeat destination: Old-world charm meets modern-day European city in Bruges

Natas fair calls on travellers to 'go anywhere', offers unique destinations and experiences

SINGAPORE - Crowds are expected at the 51st fair by the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (Natas), which will be held from Friday till Sunday (Aug 11 to Aug 13) at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Last year's 50th Golden Jubilee fair drew a record-breaking attendance of 110,901 visitors.

Held on Levels 3 and 4 of the convention centre and at Suntec City West Atrium, more than 80 exhibitors, including Dynasty Travel, CTC and WTS, will showcase their best deals and travel packages to popular destinations such as Central Europe and Japan.

The theme this year is "Go Anywhere".

Mr Steven Ler, acting president of Natas, is optimistic that the fair will appeal to travellers.

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He said: "The product offerings by our exhibitors, consisting of travel agents, airlines, cruise operators, hotels and national tourism organisations and more, will not disappoint visitors in their avid hopes to travel to all corners of the globe."

Unique destinations, such as Mexico and Cuba, will be featured. Trips to less conventional cities, including Amritsar and Teheran, are also available.

Travel agents, such as Dynasty Travel, will offer unusual experiences, such as the chance to stay in the world's first hotel staffed with robots, in Huis Ten Bosch, Japan.

Entry to the fair is free.

Source: Natas fair calls on travellers to 'go anywhere', offers unique destinations and experiences

Vegan and worried about eating out abroad? These are the most vegan-friendly European cities

With the choice for veganism growing stronger all the time, a new report has found that Amsterdam tops the list of the most vegan-friendly cities around Europe. While a wide range of dairy-free and plant-based products is generally available in supermarkets, this guide will be useful to those who find it tricky to eat out while abroad.

Copenhagen came first in the most vegan-friendly European city guide. Image: Holidu

This report by global search engine for holiday lettings, Holidu, examined which cities boast the greatest number of vegan-friendly restaurants and cafés in relation to the size of the population. The good news was that it found that the major cities in Europe generally cater to the needs of the travelling vegan or vegetarian. Amsterdam came first, and the other top positions went to 2. Paris 3. Lisbon 4. Stockholm 5. Berlin 6. Copenhagen. 7. Prague 8. Vienna 9. Oslo and 10. London.

Berlin came fifth in the most vegan-friendly European city guide. Image: Holidu

The report found that there are restaurants, cafés and bistros on every street corner in Amsterdam offering a wide range of vegan meals, such as vegan pannekoeken for breakfast. The French cuisine is legendary, so it comes as no surprise that Paris is near the top of the vegan rankings with many establishments offering three-course vegan menus. Third-placed Lisbon has more to offer than bacalhau and pastéis de nata, such as vegan-friendly pastéis.

Berlin is ranked between the two Scandinavian cities in fifth place, underlining the momentum the vegan movement currently has in the German capital. In Prague, tourism has played a significant role in encouraging restaurants to offer an increasing number of vegan dishes along with the traditional meat and dumplings.

Copenhagen came first in the most vegan-friendly European city guide. Image: Holidu

The report should encourage vegans who are concerned about whether they will be catered for while abroad. It also found that holiday homes are popular options among the community. "Tourists with special diets often decide to rent a holiday home rather than book a hotel as they can prepare their own meals just as they like them, rather than having to check the ingredient list at the hotel buffet", said Johannes Siebers, CEO of Holidu. 

Source: Vegan and worried about eating out abroad? These are the most vegan-friendly European cities