Cape Town – Discover South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa often crops up as a place that people say they would love to go at some stage in their lives, and the spotlight shone on the country most recently in 2010 at the World Cup, giving the country an unparalleled opportunity to encourage tourists to visit. The city of Cape Town itself has a fascinating colonial heritage which would be sure to engage history enthusiasts, while the good weather and natural beauty on the southern western tip of Africa may be the main selling point for others.

There’s plenty to do and see in and around Cape Town, and if you are a wine connoisseur you might enjoy a tour of the Cape Winelands in a chauffeured side car. You’ll travel in a 750 cc Sidecar Motorbike and visit the town of Paarl for cheese and wine tasting, Franschhoek for lunch and a vineyard visit and on to the famous wine producing region of Stellenbosch.

If you’d like to explore the city of Cape Town itself, then you might choose a hop-on hop-off bus tour as your way of fitting it all in, where you stop at the Two Oceans Aquarium, Table Mountain Cableway and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. In fact there’s so much to see that there are two routes available on this tour, with the Blue Route including a free wine tour.  Of course being in South Africa offers an opportunity to see its native species up close in a Game Reserve Wildlife Safari, you can visit the Aquila Game Reserve, a 90 minute journey from Cape Town. You’ll travel the safari in an open 4WD vehicle as you look out for giraffes, lions, zebras and more, including over 170 species of birds.

If you’d like the experience of a five star hotel in the city, you may find the hotels better value than in other 5 stars in European cities for example, with a night in a five star hotel such as the Cape Royale Luxury Hotel & Residence, set against the backdrop of Table Mountain, costing less than €150 for a night’s stay for two, or the Villa Zest Boutique Hotel for less than €100. There’s still very high end luxury available though, with a night at the One&Only Cape Town resort coming in just shy of €450, with its very own Nobu restaurant, the acclaimed Japanese Michelin star restaurant.

The V&A Waterfront, named after Queen Victoria and her son Alfred, who began the construction of the harbour in the 19^th century, is the most visited tourist destination in South Africa, a mix of a port and shopping destination, with 400 stores and around 80 restaurants, with arts and culture exhibitions also taking place.

However Table Mountain is probably the most iconic site in Cape Town, overlooking the city and the ocean, and you can take a cable car ride up to the top of the mountain and take in the view of the city below, followed by a tour of the city itself on a half-day trip, where you’ll see the Malay Quarter, the Diamond Works and the Company’s Garden, originally created by European settlers in the 17^th century. If you’re feeling adventurous you could go on a three hour bike tour of Table Mountain, taking in views of the city, Table Bay and Robben Island.

If you’d like to experience more natural beauty you can take a coastal tour along Cape Point, taking in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and seeing the penguins that often dwell in the area, and even visit a penguin colony! You’ll also visit Simon’s Town, and the beach resort of Fish Hoek.

Riviera Maya Mexico

The Riviera Maya district in Mexico, which stretches along the south east coast of the country along the Mexico 307 road, has plenty of exciting activities, sandy beaches and luxurious hotels to make for a great couple’s holiday.

There a number of all-inclusive hotel resort packages on offer in the region and a number of hotels are specifically for adults only, such as the Blue Diamond Riveria Maya, set in 36 acres of tropical jungle and a private beach, with a number of dining options available. Or for something on a smaller budget, the all inclusive Occidental Grand Xcarat offers river channels and free form pools in addition to a private beach, as well as 11 restaurants and 10 bars. It is located near to the Xcarat Park, which you can take a tour to and explore its natural and man-made features such as an underground river, botanical garden, and butterfly farm.

If water activities are your thing, then you’re sure to find much to keep you occupied away from your hotel in Riviera Maya. You could go to the Riviera Maya Sea Life Discovery Plus and receive a behind the scenes tour learning about how the sea creatures are cared for, before interacting with sea lions and manatees and going for a swim with dolphins. You could also go on a Mayan adventure from Riviera Maya, where you’ll experience hidden spots such as caves, a natural well, an ocean inlet and have the opportunity to snorkel and swim.

There’s also plenty to see on the mainland of the Riviera Maya, and one way to explore the landscape could be to take a horseback day tour, suitable for both amateurs and professionals, spending two hours riding along the coastline. Another option could be to go on an All Terrain Vehicle Tour of the area, riding through the jungle on ATVs with a guide, and stopping for a swim in a natural pool along the way.

The area of Riviera Maya also has many cultural features associated with the Mayan civilization as its name suggests, and you can take the time to explore a number of sites such as Chichen Itza, a famous archaeological site of that ancient civilization. This full day tour includes food and entry fees, and you’ll get to see the central pyramid of El Castillo, as well as the surrounding buildings, with a tour as well as free time to look around yourself. Another day trip could be to the ruins of Coba, a Mayan village 170km from Cancún, where you can climb to the top of the tallest Mayan pyramid in the region, as well as having free time to explore the site before stopping at another Mayan village to learn about Mexican culture from the village people. And of course, there is the option of a swim, in a fresh-water sinkhole.

If you’d like to mix a tour of an historic site with some outdoor activities, then the Yucatan Adventure: Snorkel, Zipline and Tulum Ruins Tour could be up your street: in the morning you pay a visit to the Tulum ruins with your guide, then you can go snorkelling in an underground cave, then zipline through the jungle and cycle across the treetops on a Skycycle, while finally finishing the tour on another zipline that leaves you into a cenote of water!

After such energetic activities you’ll probably want nothing more than to relax back at your hotel or at the beach, and you won’t have to go far for your dinner, as a number of the hotels in the Riviera Maya are all inclusive and boast a number of restaurants.

Florence, Venice and Milan – Great Italian destinations!

Italy is an ever popular destination and it’s no wonder why – with its rich cultural history, skiing and its culinary delights, not to mention the fine summer weather, there’s plenty on offer for a great family holiday.

Of course the most famous spot in Italy is Rome, the ancient capital, but the north of the country also has many rich experiences on offer, such as the beautiful city of Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance. Here you can visit the famous Botticelli painting ‘The Birth of Venus’ in the Uffizzi Gallery, and Michelangelo’s statue of David in the Accademia Gallery, you can save money and skip the queue by prebooking a tour of the two museums. There’s plenty of beautiful architecture in Florence too, and one way to see it all without too much walking could be a bicycle tour. This small group tour, which is on offer for adults and kids, brings you around the major sites including Piazza Della Repubblica and the Duomo, ending with a complimentary gelato or hot chocolate! 

Outside the city there are also a number of interesting day trips you could take, such as an excursion to the famous Leaning Tower Of Pisa, or to the pretty coastal villages of Cinque Terre, a UNESCO World Heritage listed coastal region. If the region takes your fancy and you’re feeling active, you could enjoy the landscape by taking a guided hiking tour along trails in the Cinque Terre area. With all that activity you’ll probably be looking forward to a good night’s rest, and there are a number of centrally located hotels in Florence such as the Tornabuoni Beacci Hotel, or the Brunelleschi Hotel which is located in one of the oldest buildings in the city.

Of course no visit to Northern Italy would be complete without experiencing one of the most unique cities in the world, Venice. With its myriad of canals, beautiful buildings and bridges, restaurants and shops, Venice will surely appeal to the whole family. You could take a day trip to the city or spend some time in one of its hotels, such as the San Marco Palace All Suite Hotel, or the Concordia Hotel on St. Mark’s Square.

Of course you can explore the city by yourself, taking in spots such as the Bridge of Sighs or the famous St. Mark’s square with its none too shy pigeons, or you could also avail of a tour of a city that also includes a 35 minute gondola ride through the Grand Canal. You can skip the line on a tour of the Doge’s Palace, where you’ll learn about the city’s former rulers, and see the works of art contained within this Gothic building, as well as an attic prison. You could also take a half day excursion to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello in the Venetian Lagoon, where you’ll see a glassblowing display at Murano, Burano’s famous lace and the 7^th century cathedral on Torcello .

Also in the northern area of the country is the city of Verona, home of the Shakespearean teenage lovers Romeo and Juliet. You can visit Juliet’s supposed balcony where visitors have left love notes affixed to the walls, and take in more of what Verona has to offer on a hop on hop off bus tour. Near to Verona is the area of Lake Garda, which is home to the theme park of Gardaland, with an amusement park, hotel and aquarium, sure to be a hit with kids as a welcome break from cultural activities!

Paradise in Portugal

If you fancy some summer sun close to home but have seen most of Spain, then its next door neighbour, Portugal, has plenty to offer as a holiday destination. The famous holiday spot of the Algarve is located in the southernmost part of Portugal, and there’s plenty to do and see here. You can book flights to the Algarve on ebookers.ie. If you fancy staying right in the heart of the Algarve then a hotel near to Faro might be the best choice for you, such as the Real Marina Hotel and Spa in Olhao which has a pool and health club with access to the leisure marina, or if you choose to stay a little further out from Faro you can avail of the amenities of the Ibis Faro hotel which has a pool, and is close to the beaches and golf courses of Faro.

There are plenty of resorts to choose from further away from Faro, such as the Clube Praia da Oura, situated on the beach near the town of Albufeira with lots of facilities onsite, meaning you won’t have to travel far from your hotel (unless you want to!) for access to the swimming pools, sauna, disco, bowling green and a restaurant. Also located near to the Praia de Oura beach is the Oura Praia Hotel, which has a gymnasium, tennis court and adults’ and children’s pools. 

If you can bear to tear yourself away from the sun lounger by the pool in your hotel or at the beach, there’s plenty to do and see in the area, such as a caves and dolphin watching cruise. During this two hour cruise which departs from the new marina of Albufeira, you’ll sail along the coast of the Algarve and see the beach of Carvoeiro and you can stop for a swim or visit the grottos. Then on the return leg of the cruise you can keep your eyes open for schools of dolphins as the boat goes in search of them.

Another cruise you could take is the ‘Leaozinho’ Pirate Ship Cruise, which offers two tours, both of which involve dolphin spotting. On the two hour Captain Hook cruise, which also departs from Albufeira, the ship heads westward alongside the cliffs and beaches of Catelo, Praia da Gale and San Rafael, with time for a short swim.

The Portuguese island of Madeira also has much to offer as a resort destination with all inclusive hotels such as the Enotel Lido Madeira, located on the seafront and five minutes away from Funchal, offering three restaurants, three swimming pools, health club, games area and hairdresser. You can book flights to Funchal on ebookers.ie. For a quieter experience you could try the Quinta Splendida Wellness & Botanical Hotel, set in 30, 000 metres of landscaped botanical gardens, home to over 1000 species of plants and flowers, as well as a spa and wellness area.

There’s also plenty to do should you choose to venture outside your hotel, such as a full day small group bird watching tour, where you will encounter many species of birds in a wide variety of locations on the island. You could also take a full day tour of the east of the island, visiting places such as Camacha village, famous for its wickerwork; Pico de Arieiro, the second highest point on the island, near to a natural park; and the village of Santana, with its pointed thatched roof cottages. You will also visit the spot where those who first discovered the island disembarked in 1420, the town of Machico. In the evening, you can go on the Madeira nights tour, where you will dine in a typical Madeiran restaurant sampling the dish of Espetada and other local foods, followed by a performance from a folklore group.

Spanish Beach Holidays

With the days getter longer and brighter, you might be tempted to start thinking of how relaxing a sunny beach holiday would be for a break this summer, and the perfect location is of course Spain, a favourite with Irish tourists for years. Spain boasts over 5,000 miles of coastline, so whether you enjoy the wild nights of Ibiza, or a relaxing stay near a quiet beach there’s sure to be a beach holiday to suit everyone.

Starting off with the Balearic Islands, Ibiza is renowned as a party destination so if you’re in search of nights out on the town then this Mediterranean island should tick all the boxes. Menorca, the easternmost island, is much quieter, and has plenty of resorts for families. So Mallorca is literally and figuratively somewhere in the middle between these two types of holidays. If you’re young and sans famille, the party spot on Mallorca is Magaluf, (where the cast of Geordie Shore went on hols last summer) the nightclub capital of the island, with its packed beach during the high season.

But away from Magaluf, there’s plenty to do for families in Mallorca, from a city hop-on hop-off bus tour of the ancient capital, Palma, to a day out at the Aqualand El Arenal Waterpark, just 9 miles outside the city.

And when you get tired of being the one swimming around, you can head over to the Mallorca Marineland to see shows featuring sea lions and dolphins.

One idea for a day trip would be to take a boat ride to one of the most popular beaches on Mallorca, Formentor Beach on the north of the island. And for an evening activity, you could enjoy an horseriding tour along the northern coast, with dinner and dancing afterwards. There are of course hundreds of hotels to choose from in Mallorca, such as the Hoposa Uyal Hotel at Puerto Pollensa in the north of the island, just 10m from the beach, or in the south east in the area of Calla D’or is the Prinsotel Alba Mallorca, close to the Cala Mondrago nature park.

Over on the mainland, the famous Costa Del Sol, literally the coast of the sun, has plenty of activities on offer if you can bear to drag yourself away from your sun lounger. There’s plenty of golf to be played in the area, as well as some adventurous day trips, such as a ferry trip across the Strait of Gibraltar to Tangiers and Morroco, which includes lunch, tours of the souk, shopping at a bazaar and Medina and Kasbah. If you’d like to experience the Andalusian tradition of flamenco dancing, you can take a boat trip to the port town of Cadiz to see a live show, as well as taking lunch and a tour around the port town. The city of Malaga also has plenty to offer, if you fancy trying some tapas and experiencing the city you might enjoy a private bus-walking tour of the city, visiting top attractions and accompanied by a food guide who can direct you towards the best tapas in the city.

In terms of hotels, there’s also a wide variety of locations within the Costa del Sol, such as Marbella, which offers central hotels such as Gran Melia Don Pepe on the Golden Mile, and a hotel devoted to health and wellness just outside the city, called Incosol Hotel Medical Spa 5*, which boasts gardens, swimming pools, saunas, fitness centre and beauty salon.

Foods of the World

While we may now be able to sample food from all over the world in Ireland, there’s nothing quite like experiencing a dish in its home country. So if the food is the highlight of a holiday for you, the destinations in this post are sure to make your mouth water!

First up is the city of Chang Mai in northern Thailand, which recently had a visit from the final four Masterchef UK contestants, who had to cook for the locals in a busy market in the city. The traditional dinner in this region of Thailand is called Khantoke, which involves sitting at low tables on the ground while food is served in platters, and you can experience this for yourself at an evening of Khantoke Dinner accompanied by cultural performances. In the Thai capital Bangkok you can take a tour of Chinatown and the night markets to try grilled seafood, visit a 100 year old café, and visit the many stalls on Yaowaraj Road and the Chinese restaurants in the area. You can also learn how to cook your own Thai food at a cooking class at the Baipai Thai Cooking School in Bangkok, where you’ll learn to prepare four Thai dishes in just one morning, with lunch included of course. 

If you are a pizza and pasta fan, there’s no better place in the world to head to than Italy, where you can enjoy a number of foodie experiences. If you fancy trying your hand at rustling up and sampling some homemade pasta, in Rome you can take an Italian cooking class after a tour of the major historical sites in the city – what better way to work up an appetite? In the beautiful city of Florence in the north of the country you go on a food walking tour and visit the San Lorenzo central market. You can also taste and learn how to make your very own pizza and gelato, the Italian version of ice-cream, which is more flavoursome than normal ice-cream. While in the city you can also enjoy an adult only cheese and wine tasting tour, where you’ll also get to sample truffle honey, figs, olives and strawberry vinegar in addition to the Tuscan wines and cheeses on offer.

Germany is also home to a number of culinary delights such as Weiner schnitzel, wurst and of course German beer. You can dine in style in Charlottenberg Palace in Berlin, enjoying a tour of the Palace and a three course candle-light dinner, with music provided by the Berlin Residence Orchestra.  In Berlin you can also try out the unique experience of dining in the dark; you pick your food in a bright room but it is then served to you in the dark, with your other senses heightened to experience the feel, flavour and smell of the food as you can’t see it! The experience also involves live entertainment varying between live music, a murder mystery or a dark comedy depending on what night you go.

If beer is your thing then Munich, where beer has been brewed for over 3000 years, should suit you down to the ground with its beer-halls, beer-gardens and of course Oktoberfest. You can take a Bavarian Beer and Food evening tour of Munich, where you can discover how beer is brewed, visit local bars and the Beer and Oktoberfest museum, as well as sampling traditional Bavarian food such as Weisswurst veal sausage, Obatzda cheese, and dumpling.

There is plenty of food for thought and some amazing destinations to discover while enjoying all the culinary experiences they have to offer!  To really experience a country you must also experience its food.

The Islands of Thailand

The islands of Thailand have been renowned for years as some of the most beautiful places on earth, popular with honeymooners and backpackers. There are many islands in Thailand such as Ko Pha Ngan, home of the famous full moon parties, Koh Hae with its coral reefs, and the Racha Islands which are a popular destination for divers and snorkelers. However some of the islands also boast activities and hotels that could make them a destination for a fun filled family holiday. Here we look at two of the most famous islands, Koh Samui and Phuket.

Starting with the island of Koh Samui, this small island has become a popular destination for all kinds of tourists, and this popularity is reflected in the broad mix of activities and accommodation available. For example there are a number of five star hotels on the island, such as the Anantara Bophut Resort and Spa, in Bophut Bay, which boasts a pool, bar, barber/beauty shop, doctor on call, tennis and spa services, but there are also lower priced hotels such as the three star Rajapruej Samui Resort, at Thong Yang beach, on the west coast of the island, about 40 minutes away from the airport.

There’s plenty to do on this little island, such as a seven hour jeep jungle tour, where you can explore the jungle of the island, reaching its highest point, and have lunch on a mountainside restaurant. Another activity is the Koh Samui Island Safari and Elephant ride, which in addition to the elephant ride seeks to give you the opportunity to get a feel for rural life on the island with an oxcart ride, a demonstration of Thai cooking and rubber tapping, as well as a walk through the jungle to a waterfall. You can also take a day trip to the island of Koh Tan, which boasts white beaches and a coral reef.

In terms of dining there are a wide variety of options available on the island, for example in Bophut’s Fisherman’s village you’ll find French, Italian, Indian, Mexican and American style cooking in addition to Thai cooking.

The most famous Thai island has got to be Phuket, and as such there’s a wide variety of things to do that you might not expect on a tropical island, such as a theme park and entertainment complex called FantaSea, where you can spend an evening taking in dinner at Asia’s largest buffet restaurant, and take in a Las Vegas style show detailing local myths. In the day time there is also plenty to do, such as a daytrip by ferry to the islands of Phi Phi (which shot to fame in the film ‘The Beach’ starring Leonardo di Caprio) with a local guide, lunch and the opportunity to go snorkelling with snorkel gear included. There is also a half-day safari tour on Phuket, where you can sample a Thai cooking demonstration, a monkey show, and visit an elephant camp.

As in Koh Samui, there are many dining options in Phuket, ranging from street vendors to seafood beach restaurants and restaurants within hotels, so you’re sure to be able to find something to your liking. As for hotels, there are modern cosmopolitan options such as the five star Millenium Resort Patong, which is located in the shopping area of Jungceylon, so it is close to shops and restaurants as well as Patong beach. If you’d rather stay a little further away from the centre of Phuket there are a number of options including the Cape Sienna Hotel and Villas along the Millionaire’s Mile, about 7km from the centre of Phuket.

St Patrick’s Day Celebrations Across The World

The St Patrick’s Day Festival in Ireland has improved greatly in recent years, and of course it’s great to experience the day in its original home country, but if you live in Ireland, you may have seen your fair share of local parades and events, and fancy something different this year. Perhaps something a bit different and further afield. Well there is plenty going on in many cities all over the world, and while the stereotypical image of a boozy day may come to mind, there’s many alternative ways to enjoy the period with your family.

In New Zealand there is a dedicated St Patrick’s Day Festival in Auckland, with lots of events happening in the run up to and on the big day. The Festival kicks off on the 11^th of March, with the Irish Society Fair Day with entertainment for all ages including music, games, kids’ rides and Gaelic football. Irish rock group The Cranberries play The Trusts Stadium Arena on Friday the 16^th, with the annual St Patrick’s Eve Emerald Ball taking place the same night. 

Then on the day itself, the Hugh Green Group Parade makes its way down Queen Street, with lots of activity going on down at the Volvo Ocean Race Village, where the annual Hugh Green Group Fleadh will see performances from Sharon Shannon and the McSweeney Brothers. Finally, in the evening the famous Sky Tower in Auckland will be illuminated in green, one of a number of sites worldwide doing so to mark the day.

Over on the other side of the Pacific there are a number of events taking place across the US to celebrate the day. In New York City there is of course the famous New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, which, remarkably, has been running since 1792. As the parade makes its way down 5^th Avenue, you could get a great view from a helicopter ride above the city. As for a hotel, an apt and luxurious choice would be the best known Irish hotel in the city, Fitzpatricks’ Manhattan Hotel which offers “the most authentic Irish breakfast this side of Dublin and has rooms named after Irish presidents.

Over on the west coast is San Francisco’s celebration of the day, with an alcohol free festival and parade taking place, the parade being 161 years old this year. The aim of the festival, “Irish San Francisco Past Present and Future”, is to provide people with knowledge about Irish history and culture, but of course having fun at the same time. When you get hungry and a green McDonald’s milkshake just won’t cut it, there are many Irish bars and restaurants in San Francisco if you are craving the taste of home, a couple of them being John Foley’s Irish House, The Irish Bank and O’Reilly’s.

If you fancy somewhere a little closer to home, you could take a short break over to London, which, unsurprisingly given the huge number of Irish residing in the city, has a jam packed events calendar around the day. There is a St. Patrick’s Day Funfair at Roundwood Park from the 16^th-18th, as well as a free St Patrick’s Day Festival in Trafalgar Square on the 17^th, with céilís, Irish music and gaelgoirs on hand. The main parade itself takes place on the 18^th, starting at Green Park, but the Irish community in Brent will be staging a smaller parade on the day. The Water Poet Bar and Restaurant in Spitalfields has devised a special Irish menu for the day, with oysters and Guinness, and of course they’ll also be screening the Ireland vs England rugby match on the day.

Welcome to Miami

Miami Florida is a place with a warm climate all year round and unrivalled ocean access, America’s southernmost resort city is also a sought-after international recreation destination.  Downtown Miami is a fascinating place full of vibrancy and interesting activities for locals and tourists alike. You’ll find a wide variety of museums, stores, restaurants and historic attractions scattered among the banks and businesses of downtown.

One of the best places to visit in Miami is South beach. Known as the American Rivera, this iconic beach represents all that is the Miami experience. This place offers an eclectic mix of world-class boutiques, galleries and stores, and is known as a culinary hot spot for gourmet and casual cuisine. At night, South Beach comes alive with crowds dressed in party-casual chic. If you are looking for an all-round tour of Miami’s landmarks departing from south beach then the Miami Duck Tour is the one for you.  The Miami Duck Tour departs from the heart of South Beach and the amphibious vehicles provide a once in a lifetime journey of the famous Miami landmarks before a dramatic “Splashdown” into beautiful Biscayne Bay for a close up look at the many homes of the “Rich and Famous” on Star Island. Soon after your Miami Duck Tour begins, you will quickly realize that you are engaged in an interactive performance that far exceeds your standard tour expectations! Each tour guide has a background in acting/comedy to ensure a highly entertaining experience for each passenger complete with jokes, music, plenty of interaction and of course “quacking.” Don’t let all of that joking around fool you; each guide takes their knowledge of the Magic City very seriously.

If you would prefer something a little different, then the Food and Culture Walking Tour of South Beach may suit. On the South Beach Food and Culture Walking Tour, you’ll explore the Art Deco district of South Beach on foot and stop at various locations for bites of fusion cuisine. You’ll begin with a guided historical, cultural and architectural walking tour of South Beach’s most iconic Art Deco properties. This place is a melting pot of Latin American and American cultures and has so much to offer in food, wine and culture. It comes highly recommended!

If you would like to get a little wet and dirty then a visit the largest remaining swamp land in the world, the Everglades is a must. Here you will experience the thrilling sensation of an airboat ride and witness the serene beauty of the untamed wilderness of the Everglades. There are plenty of tours on offer and one of the best has to be the Airboat Adventure. On this 5 hour long fully narrated tour you will experience the areas native wildlife in their natural environment. An unforgettable experience at an excellent price (from €35.00).

When you have exhausted yourself with all this sightseeing, you can take a night time flight to take in the visual marvel that is Miami at night. There are flying tours available in the city, the best probably being the Miami Lights Evening Air Tour. Glide over moonlit Biscayne Bay and neon-lit downtown Miami for once-in-a-lifetime views you’ll always remember. Sit back and relax, as your highly experienced pilot takes you on an incredible aerial tour of Miami Beach and downtown Miami. If you are looking for night life, Miami is the place to go and stay! It is known for its plush night clubs and expensive VIP areas. A good club to go to is The Mansion Nightclub located in the city centre on Washington Avenue.

After a long night on the tear or a nice relaxing night flight, rest yourself in The Inter Continental. Located in downtown Miami, from here you can experience the best of this colourful city. The hotel offers breathtaking views of Biscayne Bay.  An alternative is the Hyatt Regency Miami. This hotel is located on the riverfront and is very central. An alternative is the Hyatt Regency Miami. This hotel is located on the riverfront and is very central. It is also very reasonable and has excellent staff and facilities.

Turkey – The Land of the Crescent Moon

Turkey has so much to offer as a holiday destination, including breath-taking natural beauty, unique historical and archaeological sites, and a tradition of hospitality and competitive prices. It’s not surprising, therefore, that this country has recently become one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. There’s so much to see and do and visitors can experience all four different climates in one day. From sunbathing to skiing, Turkey has it all!

Istanbul is the capital of Turkey and the only city in the world to be built on two continents. It is well-known for its rich history of art and culture and boasts a long tradition of opera, ballet, theatres, concerts, art exhibitions, festivals, auctions, conferences and, of course, unique museums.

One attraction of note is Topakapi Palace, a well-placed building on the top of a hill overlooking the Sea of Marmara. Topakapi is steeped in Turkish history and well worth a visit. Make sure you explore as much as you can of this place, including the luxurious Harem, where the Sultan lived with his many wives and mistresses. Also, don’t miss the Imperial Treasury with its vast array of exquisite jewels, including the 86-carat Spoon Maker’s diamond and the infamous Topkapı Dagger. Another must-see is The Grand Bazaar, once the largest covered marketplace in the world. It currently houses over 4,000 shops so plenty to keep you occupied and more than enough to see. Be careful though as it’s very easy to get lost in! For a truly authentic Turkish experience, why not visit a hamam, also known as a Turkish bath. The best one is Çemberlitaş Hamamı, which was built back in 1584. It’s located near the Grand Bazaar and is very popular with tourists. Visiting a hamam is one of the best ways to finish your visit to Turkey.

If you’re looking for a guided tour, why not try the Istanbul city hop-on hop-off tour. The tour is primarily a guided city tour on a double decker bus; however you may depart at a few selected stops en-route.  An excellent hotel to stay in is the Recital Hotel. Located only 500m from the Bazaar, it offers a luxurious stay in the heart of the city. A great selling point is its unique panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking Istanbul.

Kuşadası is one of Turkey’s largest resorts and a stopping point for the big cruise-liners. It’s a great all-round resort, offering great beaches, excellent shopping and some serious nightlife. Whether you like exploring, relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches or snapping up a bargain, Kuşadası has it all.  A great place to start is Turkey’s most beautiful national park: the Kalamaki National Park, which lies on the Dilek Peninsula, approximately 30 kms to the south. Dense pine trees cover the mountains which plunge dramatically down to beaches and crystal-clear sea; It really is a sight to behold. If you’re looking to soak up the sun by the sea, there are numerous beaches in Kuşadası. There are also various water sports available on the busier beaches, such as banana boat, Jet Ski, pedalos, and para sailing. If you’d prefer to avoid sand sandwiches, you can also rent a sunbed. Be warned, they carry a small fee and don’t forget your sun cream as during peak season temperatures can reach the high 30’s!

Kuşadası is the place to go for the night owls of the group. Venture into the old city walls (Kaleici) for the best night clubs and bars on offer. This area has something for everyone and is littered with Irish, English, Dutch and Turkish bars.

The best way to get around is to take the “dolmus” (minibuses). These leave from the city centre, travel in all directions and prices vary depending on destination and amount of people. They can hold up to 15 people and are widely available in this area.

For a place to stay in Kuşadası then The Marbel Hotel is highly recommended. It is located a short distance from the city centre and has all you need, from tennis courts, sauna, Turkish baths and a swimming pool.

Don’t forget, you instantly receive 10% off your hotel booking through the use of our February 2012 promotion code FBHOTEL10. (Terms)