Europe & Beyond

Your Guide To Driving In Malaga

Malaga’s a wonderful holiday destination for many reasons, so you can be sure of having an amazing trip. Personally, I love the glorious sunshine and pleasant temperatures – it’s one of the warmest year-round places in Europe – but there’s so much more in the region that’ll capture your interest.  In fact, I think it’s quite hard to fit everything you want to do here into a single trip. After all, there’s not just the city itself you can explore but also the exciting nearby towns and villages to see. With so much going on, here is a guide to some of the places you should try and visit.

Relax On The Beach

Once your flight has touched down, you’ll probably want to head straight to the beach. With the city’s position on the Costa del Sol, there’re so many fantastic sandy stretches where you can lie back and relax, including Banos del Carmen, which is a popular spot for sunbathing and fishing.

La Malagueta is one of the largest beaches in the region and features a children’s play area, showers and parking, while in El Candado you can have a go at water sports like diving, sailing and windsurfing.

See Malaga’s Many Attractions

Although many people come here to soak up the sunshine – which is pretty understandable really given the splendid temperatures – if you have booked car hire from Malaga Airport you should make full use of it and explore some of the city’s cultural attractions.

As you’re behind the wheel of a rental car you’re free to move around as you please and you don’t have to worry about organising your day around public transport timetables.

One place that’s definitely worth exploring is Malaga Cathedral. This beautiful structure contains elements of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, while exquisite wooden choir stalls are to be found inside. The cathedral was built in the 16th-century on the site of a mosque, making it the perfect place to find out more about Malaga’s long history and the influence different cultures and religions have had on this part of southern Spain.

The Castillo de Gibralfaro is another must-visit attraction while you drive around Malaga. In fact, it’ll be hard to miss this landmark as it sits on top of a hill overlooking the city’s port.

With the structure dating back to the Phoenician era, spend some time wandering around the historic ruins before taking in amazing views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Travel Further Afield

Malaga’s a pretty exciting place to visit, but there’s plenty more to see in the surrounding areas. Nestled in the mountainside is the pretty town of Mijas, home to traditional whitewashed houses and craft shops selling locally-produced pottery and paintings.

Fuengirola, meanwhile, is a lovely costal town that has 7 miles of golden beaches to relax on. If you’re into your history, it’s worth visiting Sohail Castle, a building that dates back to Moorish times and was constructed to bolster the region’s coastal defences. Manilva and the bustling harbour town of Puerto de la Duquesa can also be explored when travelling around the Malaga region.

If you’re planning on touring the region by car on your next break, leave a comment to tell us about which places you want to go to.

Unique Castles In The German Countryside

Germany is home to over 25,000 castles, many only ruins and some transformed into hotels and restaurants . The architecture demonstrates the rich history and medieval beauty of the country making it a beautiful place in historical heritage. The sizes and styles of the castles vary throughout Germany mainly depending on where the castle is located.

Here are a few of my favourite castles in Germany:

Burg Eltz

Burg Eltz, the Tudor style building with cone shaped turrets is nestled between the hills above the Mosel River. It is seen as one of Germanys finest castles which is understandable due to its beautiful architecture and location. Eltz Castle has been the family home of Lords of Eltz for more than thirty generations.

Visitors can take a tour around the castle in the two sections which are now open to the public to look at the various rooms and halls and see the weapons and amour along with other works of art.  In the other section the gothic stained glass, pottery and fresh flowers demonstrate the comfort of the house where the Eltz family live.

Schloss Neuschwanstein

Schloss Neuschwanstein, the fairytale castle can be found amongst the Bavarian Alps and served as the inspiration for the Disneyland Castle in Paris. This stunning structure served as a retreat for the King Ludwig II in 1886. The interior demonstrates fantastic architecture and beautiful paintings. Due to the Kings death, the palace was left incomplete. It would have had more than 200 rooms. The largest rooms being the Hall of Singers which features large chandeliers with many candles and a large woodland painting at the far side. The rooms purpose was to serve as a walkable monument.

The castle is open for visitors to admire and take tours around the various rooms. The best views are from the Mary Bridge which is a 15 minute walk from the castle, perfect for photographs.

Heidelberg Castle

Heidelberg Castle, located on the Neckar River, this 600 year old castle hosts a variety of banquets, dinners, musicals and theatre performances. The castle is made of a number of buildings all surroundings the courtyard. The castle was used to house the majority of the Prince Electors but in 1764 the castle was struck by lightning leaving it uninhabitable. The ruins have since been rebuilt and visitors can walk around the castle, some people even choose to tie the knot at Heidelberg Castle.

Visitors can explore the wine cellar on their visit which features one of the largest wine kegs in the world. Known as ‘The Great Vat’. With a  capacity of 220,000 litres and a direct connection pump to the banqueting hall, the parties never have a wine shortage.

Mespelbrunn Castle

Mespelbrunn Castle is set snuggly amongst the trees in a remote valley within the Spessart Forest. A beautiful moat and a range of paths and walking trails surround the castle. The castle dates back to the 13^th century and managed to escape the damages of the First and Second World War.

The castle is not as big as some of the other castles in Germany but it has a special charm and beauty about it. The tall round tower was used as a watch out which is the only main part of the castle which is reminiscent of that time, the rest of the castle was rebuilt. Original members of the family still live in the castle today.

These impressive castles found in Germany represent the distinct architecture and grand scale design ideas of the Princes, Kings and Emperors who built them. The good thing is that almost all of the castles are open to the public to relive the history and experience life as it would have been in the past.

Top Five Must-see European Destinations

When you think of taking a gap year, far-flung locations such as Australia, India and South America often spring to mind.  While these are all wonderful destinations, don’t overlook how amazing it is to travel in Europe. With the continent’s countries well connected via train, plane, road and boat, you can easily hop from country to country. Not only that, but many use the Euro, so there will be no wasted currency or exchange hassles. Below are the top five must-see European gap year destinations.

Paris

Paris is a great starting point for gap years in Europe, not least because of its robust aviation connections that mean you can pretty much fly from anywhere in the world to here. Don’t be mistaken for thinking Paris is an expensive city that only couples on romantic getaways can head to. I went with a friend and we were surprised how little money we spent. Loads of the restaurants offer really affordable set menus and competition is fierce – we managed to get a bottle of wine thrown in! The metro is easy to get around on and there are loads of ways to save cash. Opt to climb up the Eiffel Tower’s stairs, rather than take the lift. You’ll save a fortune and valuable time, as the queue for the lift gets huge! We also explored flea markets, soaked up sights such as the Moulin Rouge and Arc de Triomphe and took advantage of the fact many attractions in Paris are free for those under 26.

Belgium

Often sidelined by gap year travellers, Belgium really is a European gem! Foodies will love it here, not least for its cheese and chocolate. In fact, you’ll come across so many samples, that’s probably your lunches sorted for the whole of your time in Belgium. Bruges is simply stunning and its medieval charm should not be missed. While a lot busier on the tourist front than cities such as Brussels, the market squares, traditional whitewashed houses and glistening canals are still peaceful.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is perhaps most well known for its  liberal ways, but it’s a very cultural place. Did you know the Dutch destination has more Museums than any other city in the world when measured per sq m?  With over 50 to visit, including the famous Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum and one dedicated to the symbolic tulip plant, there will be a Museum for those of you with all manner of interests.

Florence

Italy boasts many beautiful cities, including spectacular Rome, but don’t forget it is also home to Florence. The capital of the region of Tuscany, the stunning city is home to the Pitti Palace, Uffizi Gallery, Santa Croce Church and the Galleria dell’Accademia.  If you like art, churches, cathedrals and architecture – as well as good food and wine – Florence should be on your European gap year agenda.

Munich

Like Belgium, I think Germany is a tad overlooked by those planning gap year breaks, but the countryside is very pretty and boasts fantastic cities with an electric atmosphere.  You’ll certainly have a great night out in Munich, complete with obligatory tankard of beer and an oversized bratwurst! Time your trip right and you could make the celebrations of Oktoberfest, the beer and food festival that is copied the world over. By visiting the one in Munich, you’ll be at the largest public festival on the globe.

Just a few suggestions of the best European destinations for a gap year!

See India On A Luxurious Holiday

India is a fascinating country and one of the best way to experience travel  is by choosing holiday tours that are made exclusively from luxury travel operators.  As you would expect with any larger country, there is great cultural diversity and natural beauty in this country. It’s worth choosing a few destinations in India and stick to them in your visit. India is the seventh-largest country in the world, so focus on certain regions in India, rather than trying to see the whole country! Just to give you an idea of the diversity that the country offers, here are  few options for you.

Spend time at a luxurious spa or wellness center receiving traditional ayurvedic massages, to relaxing on islands and beaches in the southern part of the county. There are world-class resorts and hotels, offering  all-inclusive vacation packages with tourism opportunities to experience the local culture.  Indian art is evident throughout the country and there are national parks where you can see tigers, elephants and water buffalo to name a few. Visit the sumptious Palaces of a bygone age,  and get a sense of how the Indian kings once lived. There are a lot of options, and having a plan will help you get the most out of your trip!

Rest and Relax

Many ayurvedic and yoga wellness treatments were originated in India. You can visit an ashram and try out a yoga class, to rejuvenate both your mind and body. If you’re into adventure sports, there is a lot to do in this country. Travelers can snorkel near the beaches in Goa or Andaman’s and see rich marine life in clear blue waters of the ocean. The beaches in Andamans are well rated and Beach Number 7 is a popular spot for its rich marine life.

If you prefer someone else to takes the reins, try a luxury train trip into the heart of the countryside for a chance to enjoy sites such as the historical monument of Hampi.  Local guides will help you visit sites at each station, explaining the history and culture of the places you visit. There are hundreds of ancient Palaces, military forts, Temples and Caves along the route – and between stops you  return to the train to relax until the next destination!

Safari Trips

Alternatively, if you are a wildlife enthusiast, try booking a safari trip and enjoy the wildlife in the country’s national parks. There are many good resorts in Bangalore, which will organize wildlife trips for you.

Visit a Tiger Reserve for a glimpe of the legendary Indian Tigers. Masanagudi in the south of the country is one of the favorite destinations for wild life travelers.

Spiritual Sites

Spirituality plays a key role in the lives of travellers wanting to experience India so you might want to visit the caves of Ajanta Ellora and see the Buddhist monasteries. For a spiritual quest visit the sites of Darjeeling, Coimbatore or one of the many ashrams in Pune.

Natasha Dogre is a freelance writer and regularly writes content for various hotels and resorts like Prakruthi. Prakruthi is one of the leading resorts in Bangalore Devanahalli.

Highlights In And Around Italys’ Beautiful City

The Uffiza Gallery in Florence along with the Louvre in Paris, the Prado in Madrid and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, is one of the oldest and most famous art galleries of the western world. It was built in 1581 by request of Granduca Francisco de’ Medici, son of Cosimo I. The original design was by Giorgio Vasari, one of the leading painters and architects during the 15th century.  In 1584, the magnificent Octagonal Platform, also known as ‘Tribuna Ottagonale’, was built by Vasari’s successor Buontalenti. The unusual cosmological structure consists of a weathercock which which connects to various pointers. There is a fantastic octagonal table preserved since 1589, which still sits in the middle of the room. On the other side of the building was the Foundry, or pharmacy, where they would distil medicines, scents and in days gone by, poisons.

The Gallery

The Uffizi Gallery is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Florence. In high season (July) waiting times can be up to five hours, so it is always worthwhile  to get an advance ticket. In the Uffizi, you can find works from Leonardo DaVinci, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli and Giotto to name a few. Its seen some action in its time, specifically 3 pieces of art were destroyed, in the 1990′s and over 30 pieces were damaged by an indendary device.  After the blast thirty institutions including the J. Paul Getty Trust and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, offered assistance to help get the Gallery back on its feet and it  continues to be a huge tourist destination.

There are plenty of other legendary sites of interest in Florence; the Bapistry, for instance, is one of the oldest buildings in the city – or take river trip and see the bridge over the River Arno. And although Pisa may have the big stars for a tourist attraction, there’s Lucca, a nearby medieval city. Get to the edge of town for wonderful views over the Tuscan countryside. Nearby villages such as San Gimignano with its 13th Towers is also a sight to be savoured.

Maria loves her art and will be staying in the heart of it in apartments in florence when visiting the Uffizi Gallery later this year.

Fascinating Florence – Art, History, Style And Literary Achievements

The British Institute of Florence is celebrating the historic cultural experiences of the Anglo-Americans with the introduction of two special one day educational programmes. Designed for visitors looking for a novel holiday experience and a way to develop a more in-depth understanding of the city, the courses offer the chance to explore the wealth of Victorian and Edwardian history, culture and style that could easily remain hidden in its streets, gardens, museums and surrounding landscapes.

In the first programmes of their kind to be delivered by The British Institute of Florence, attendees can live and breathe the learning experience by means of walks through the city, visits to various landmarks with culinary delicacies offered along the way.  To ensure an unhurried and relaxed group based experience, the courses are limited to 15 places.

The programmes will run on the 23rd and 24th May 2012 and cover two different periods in the city’s history, the first being about The Victorians – Literary Landscapes, followed by The Edwardians – Culture and Style.

The Victorians – Literary Landscapes – From May 2012

Discover the world of the Victorians in Florence.  The programme allows for a visit to the home of English poets Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning.  There is the opportunity to explore the styles and influences still visible today behind the doors of Florentine buildings with a visit to a private palace.  Guests will then have the chance to recharge and enjoy both lunch and the spectacular views from the Torre di Bellosguardo.  The day concludes with a tour of the English Cemetery and a carriage ride through the old city. Runs from 23rd May 9am-5pm, €200

The Edwardians – Culture and Style From May 2012

Explore a time of culture and style and the unique role of the Anglo-Florentine collectors.   Attendees will have the chance to share the passions of two Edwardian collectors, Herbert Horne and Arthur Acton with a tour of the Horne Museum.   Lunch will be enjoyed in style at a private members club founded in the 1860.   The afternoon will be spent visiting the shopping street of Via Tornabuoni and touring the 15th century Villa La Pietra taking in the recently restored gardens. Run from24th May 2012, €200 and both courses can be booked for a fee of €350.

Comment From The Director of The British Institute of Florence

Sara Milne, Director of the British Institute of Florence, said “It is not by chance that Florence is such a popular destination with British tourists.  It is a vibrant city with unique links between our historical and cultural heritages, but many visitors only ever manage to scratch the surface in a short stay, not fully discovering the depth of Florentine experiences on offer.

“The British Institute of Florence has introduced these courses to help passionate visitors engage their minds, and so that our insider knowledge – built up from our almost hundred year presence here – gives them a more in-depth understanding of the city.  We believe that our programmes will ensure people don’t just visit – they will live and breathe Florence – resulting in a more fulfilling holiday experience.”

For more information visit: www.britishinstitute.it

A Perfect Family Holiday In France

A family holiday, be it grand or simple, can be a fun event that everyone looks forward to.  What and where can be a great place to provide a fantastic holiday experience and lots of fun memories? Brittany makes the perfect family holiday.

Weather In Brittany

Brittany (Bretagne – pronounced as Breton) is conveniently located on the west coast of France. Regular rainfall keeps its countryside wooded and green, it has moderate and perfect climate both during summer and winter, sunny yet comfortable cloudless days are very common.  And if you will complain about the rains be prepared to hear “En Bretagne, il ne pleut que sur les cons” meaning “ In Brittany, it only rains on the idiots”. So if you are not happy staying in Brittany, just pack and leave; which is very unlikely because everything about the peninsula delightful.

Beaches And Seaside Resorts

On the south coast of Brittany,  are beautiful summer resorts, including La Baule and Gulf of Morbihan. While pristine beaches and seaside resorts can be found in the wilder north coast. In the west coast, there is a slightly warmer climate with the rustic view of the colliding waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Beaches, wide rivers, rock pools and coasts with distinct and rare pink granites are waiting to be explored. Surrounded by bountiful seas, a wide variety of fish and seafood specially oysters and mussels are freshly available every day in Brittany. Breakfast or dessert is never complete without its famous thin crepes and galletes. Cider, white wine, beer and other traditional drinks complement the gastronomic adventures of both simple and cultured appetites.

A  holiday in Brittany is almost guaranteed to mean good times – it’s  home to historic sights, fascinating megalithic structures and of course, the rich culture of France. The whole family can choose between  campsites and holiday parks, check-in in hotels or local cottages to spend a perfect get away Spring break.

See Italy From A Different Perspective

Rome is known for its remarkable architecture, art, history, religion and culture. The eternal city draws near to 43 million visitors a year with some of the most famous attractions in the world and its place as the Papal seat of the Roman Catholic Church. The city is teeming with things to discover and experience. There are so many different ways to tour Rome.  Here are some of the less obvious activities that are available to you.

Imperial Rome – Segway Tour

Follow the footprints of Romulus and Remus in the legend of the creation of Rome. Find out about the plots and schemes of the Caesars and the Roman aristocracy in a historical tour of Rome. This tour is not only educational – you get to ride a Segway! it’s  fun and environmentally friendly.

Villa D’Este And Adrian’s Villa – Tivoli Day Trip from Rome

Leave the city  to explore some of the beautiful country estates. Villa D’este can be considered a gem of the late Italian Renaissance, best known for its enchanting gardens and waterfalls. Adrian’s Villa is the largest residence ever built in Italy. Explore the Imperial Palaces, thermal baths and pool, theatres and temples of one of the most luxurious residences in Italy.

Gourmet Tour to Chianti And Umbria From Rome

Discover why Italian food and wine is so well loved throughout the world in a trip to the regions of Tuscany and Umbria. Try out the local specialities such as olive oil and cheeses at Lake Trasimeno before sitting down to a Gourmet lunch. Onto the Chianti district, where you will visit the oldest cellar in Montepulciano for an exclusive wine tasting session.

Capri Day Trip From Rome

Capri is considered the ‘Pearl of the Mediterranean’. Here you will have a chance to leave the city and go for a trip to the beautiful blue seaside. Explore the area at your leisure. A famous attraction here is called the ‘Blue Grotto’; a cavern where the reflection of the sunlight causes the sea water to take on an extraordinary beauty. Enjoy the fresh air and the enchanting views, for this is still a rather special place to enjoy the good life in Italy.