Take a city break in Brussels

 May 14th, 2012 – Written by Kerryn

Just two hours away by Eurostar is the beautiful city of Brussels. The unique mix of French and Flemish culture has created a fascinating city with amazing architecture and wonderful museums and galleries. With countless tourist attractions, and located less than 2 hours from London, it’s the perfect place to take a city break.

Grand Place in Brussels

Explore the streets

Staying in self-catering Brussels accommodation will give you the chance to explore the attractive medieval streets. The old city center is easily explored on foot. Here you’ll find the Grand Place, a World Heritage site that is a blaze of colour in August during the annual Flower Carpet. You’ll find the square is surrounded by gorgeous guildhouses in Flemish baroque style. On the west end is the Gothic Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and opposite that is the Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles. Eat waffles and Belgian chocolate while you people-watch at one of the many cafés that surround the bustling square.

When you’ve seen all that you want to at the Grand Place, a short walk away you’ll find Brussels’ famous mascot, the cheeky “Manneken Pis”. Tourist information and possible walking routes around the city are available from the Brussels Tourism Office at the Grand Place. Daily bike tours allow you to see the main sights in approximately 3.5 hours.

On a city break in Brussels you should also make time to see some of the fantastic collection of art in the city. When you’re touring the city you’ll get to see the Art Nouveau Horta Museum, the Museum of Fine Art, and Surreal art at the Magritte Museum, to name just a few.

Other attractions you won’t want to miss are the Comic Strip Centre, St Michel’s Cathedral, the Royal Palace and Parks, the Parc du Cinquantenaire-Jubelpark, the unique Atomium, and the Brussels Beer Museum. The real beauty of Brussels though, lies in small cafés, charming chocolate shops and undiscovered gems that await visitors around every corner.

Fill your bags

A Brussels city break is the perfect opportunity to fill your bags with goodies. The fashion-conscious can buy trendy clothes at fashion boutiques on rue Antoine Dansaert. The Belgians are master-chocolatiers so you can’t stay in a Brussels holiday apartment and not come home with some tasty chocolates. And don’t forget about the fabulous antiques. There is no better place to shop for antiques than the cobbled streets of the Sablon district. Round off your Brussels city break with a trip to the Jeu de Balle weekend market.

Spend an afternoon out

Although there is plenty to see and do in Brussels, cities like Ghent and Bruges are an easy train ride from the city and worth a visit if you want to spend an afternoon out. In Ghent you can visit Saint Bavo Cathedral, St. Nicholas’ Church, the Museum Voor Vormgeving and Gravensteen (Castle of the Count). In beautiful Bruges you can cruise the canals, amble through the Beguinage gardens or enjoy the view from the Church of Our Lady.

Whether you’ve come to enjoy the local brew, to buy antiques, to indulge in chocolate or just to enjoy the delightful blend of French and Flemish culture, Brussels is a great destination for a short city break in Europe.

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Summer in the land of fire and ice

 May 11th, 2012 – Written by Kerryn

The mid-Atlantic island of Iceland is an amazing, unspoilt wilderness that has everything from spewing geysers, ancient volcanoes and vast glaciers to beautiful waterfalls, and geothermal pools. In spring and summer the country is washed in over 20 hours of sunlight each day and the tourist seasons gets into full swing. Whether you are there to relax, admire or explore, the land of fire and ice has it all.

Hiking in Iceland

Relax in Reykjavik

Reykjavik is the capital of Iceland and is a delightful combination of small town charm and big-city energy. The colourful town is a place that cannot fail to endear even the most cynical of travelers and is a great place to be based during a trip to Iceland. It is home to cosy cafés, world-class shopping and trendy clubs and bars. The best way to see the city is by taking a walk along the scenic pathway that circles most of the city. If you plan on being based in the capital city for a while it’s worth it to get a Reykjavik Tourist Card, which will give you unlimited access to buses, as well as free entrance to a number of the cities museums and galleries. There are fantastic places to visit including the Reykjavik Cathedral, Reykjavik Art Museum, Hallgrímskirkja and Reykjavik Botanical Gardens. The capital is also the hub of the cultural scene and you’ll find there are plenty of art galleries, theaters and festivals to entertain you. You also can’t miss the chance to relax in one of the geothermal swimming pools in Reykjavik like Laugardalslaug or Árbæjarlaug. There is no better place to soak the stress away than in a geothermal pool!

Admire and Explore

The scenery in Iceland is nothing short of spectacular. Vatnajökull National Park should feature on any tour of Iceland. The national park is home to Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnúkur, largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and Europe’s largest volume waterfall, Dettifoss. Other places you won’t want to miss seeing are Gullfoss Waterfall, Stokkur Geyser, Domadulur Valley and the volcanic islands of Vestmannaeyjar.

There are guided coach tours that allow you to see as much as possible in a short space of time. If you’d prefer to go at your own pace you can hire a car or bicycles, go hiking or even river rafting to explore the untamed wilderness of Iceland. In Northern Iceland is Hornstrandir, which is the ideal place to combine bird watching and hiking and is definitely the place to go if you want to watch the amusing antics of puffins. You may also want to take a whale watching boat trip while you’re staying in an Iceland holiday rental.

Golf enthusiasts can even get a round in during a holiday in Iceland. Thorlakshöfn Golf Course has spectacular ocean view and nearby you’ll find geothermal pools and waterslides where you can relax after a day on the golf course.

When you’re done exploring and admiring all that Iceland has to offer you can dine at one of the superb restaurants in Reykjavik where you’ll find dishes like whale steaks, puffins in blueberry sauce, seared sheep head and ram’s testicles on the menu. If your stomach is not feeling quite so adventurous you can always buy fresh produce at the farmers markets in Southern Iceland and prepare your own meal in the comfort of your Iceland holiday rental.

If you are an avid traveller and want to experience a spectacular destination, the land of fire and ice may be just what you’re looking for.

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Touring Ireland’s best pubs

 May 8th, 2012 – Written by Kerryn

Irish pubs are famous throughout the world for their warm hospitality, superb folk music, and good food. One of the best ways to get insight into the Irish people and culture is to do a tour of Ireland’s best pubs, and along the way you’ll get to see some of the most picturesque landscapes Ireland has to offer. So grab a pint, make yourself comfortable and enjoy the sounds of cailins, flutes and fiddles when you’re touring Ireland’s best pubs.

Dublin

Trinity College in Dublin

Dublin is home to Ireland’s oldest pub, The Brazen Head, which has been around since 1198. It has an excellent menu and superb traditional Irish music. Located just a short distance from Christchurch Cathedral and The Guinness Brewery, this historic pub is a must-see on any pub-crawl itinerary. When you’re staying in a Dublin holiday apartment you’ll also get to see attractions like Dublin Castle, Dublin City Hall, the Irish Museum of Modern Art, Kilmainham Gaol, Malahide Castle, and the Old Jameson Distillery. When you’ve enjoyed a day exploring the city you can refuel at Abbey Tavern or O’Donoghue’s on Baggot Street, which are both excellent choices if you’re looking for a pub with great atmosphere, superb music and of course good Irish brew.

Cork

Bantry House gardens

Cork City is packed with traditional pubs to suit every taste, whether you enjoy humming along to folk music or just enjoying a quiet pint. An Spailpín Fanach, Scotts Bar, The Castle Inn, Sin E, Franciscan Well Brewery and The Long Valley are all popular choices. While you’re staying in a Cork holiday rental you can also tour Bantry House and Gardens, visit Charles Fort or kiss the Blarney Stone.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle

Kilkenny is home of Kilkenny Irish Beer and should be included in any pub tour of Ireland. There are numerous charming pubs in the town of Kilkenny, including Caislean Ui Cuain, Kyteler’s Inn, Eamon Langton’s, Tynan’s Bridge House and Marble City Bar and Tea Rooms. When you’re not visiting Kilkenny pubs, there are historic sites you can explore such as Kilkenny Castle, Butler House, St. Canice’s Cathedral, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kilkenny Town Hall, St. Francis Abbey, Grace’s Castle, and St. John’s Priory.

County Clare

Cliffs in Ireland

If you’re looking for traditional pubs in out-of-the-way little Irish villages then County Clare is the perfect place to go. The friendly rural villages are home to delightful pubs such as McGann’s or Gus O’ Connors Pub in Doolin, The Irish Arms in Lisdoonvarna, Comerfords in Doonbeg, or Monks Bar in Ballyvaughan. County Clare is also a great destination if you want to enjoy the great outdoors and beautiful views. You can explore the rugged Cliffs of Moher and the limestone karsts of Burren by hiking on marked routes throughout the region. The area is also popular with those who enjoy cycling, bird watching and photography.

These are just a few of the best pubs in Ireland, but you can be sure that wherever you find yourself in the Emerald Isle you’ll be able to find a fantastic little pub to relax and enjoy great Irish hospitality.

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A weekend break in superb Swansea

 May 4th, 2012 – Written by Kerryn

For a weekend break where you can experience panoramic scenery and enjoy the great outdoors, Swansea and the Gower Peninsula is fantastic. Located on the beautiful South Wales coast, Swansea is on the doorstep of one of the most tranquil parts of Wales. Peaceful, picturesque and within easy reach, it’s everything you need in a weekend break.

A beach in Swansea

Swansea and Mumbles

The city of Swansea has a fascinating history, with much of the original architecture lost during bombing in World War 2. However there are still parts of the town that live on to tell fascinating tales of the past, like the Georgian and Victorian architecture on Wind Street and the historic maritime quarter, where you’ll find the marina, theaters, cafes, bars, restaurants and attractions like National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Museum, the Dylan Thomas Centre and the LC leisure complex and water park.

In the city you’ll also find Swansea Market, the largest indoor market in Wales, which can’t be missed when you’re staying in a self-catering cottage in Swansea and the Gower Peninsula. Here you can buy the catch of the day, laverbread, salt marsh lamb, delicacies such as cockles, and of course traditional welshcakes.

One of the main reasons tourists come to Swansea is for the beautiful coastline. The golden sand and calm water of Swansea Bay and Gower’s Oxwich Bay are ideal for watersports such as swimming, skiing, and kayaking. You’ll also find some of the UK’s best surfing spots along the Gower Peninsula, like Llangenith, Caswell Bay and Langland Bay. For a fantastic day out, pack a picnic lunch and head to Worms Head via the beautiful Rhossili Bay.

Sitting on the southern tip of Swansea Bay is the breezy seaside village of Mumbles, where you’ll find outstanding restaurants, quaint cafés, and fashionable boutiques. The Mumbles promenade offers a magnificent panoramic view over Swansea Bay. The seaside village is home to the Mediaeval Oystermouth Castle and is referred to as the “gateway to the Gower Peninsula”, making it a great base from which to explore this part of Wales.

The Gower Peninsula

Less than 15 minutes from Swansea are the stunning hills of the 19-mile long Gower Peninsula. The Gower coastline is comprised of dramatic limestone cliffs, sandy beaches and rocky inlets. It’s an excellent place to go hiking, cycling or horse riding. The Mumbles Tourist Information Centre has information on the variety of coastal walks you can take and the various places of interest you can see along the way. The routes are generally well marked and you’ll get to see attractions like the wonderful Botanical Gardens in Singleton Park. Not only does the Gower Peninsula have spectacular coastal views, in addition, there is scenic open moorland, woodland and heath inland, and plenty of country pubs where you can rest for a while and enjoy a pint. Other attractions along the Gower Peninsula include Arthur’s Stone, Giants Grave burial chamber, Iron Age forts, Weobley Castle and Pennard Castle.

With such gorgeous countryside around Swansea and Gower Peninsula who wouldn’t want a weekend break here?

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Summer in the South of France

 May 2nd, 2012 – Written by Kerryn

The South of France is a great place to spend a summer holiday. The climate is glorious and you’ll find a variety of places to explore, from stylish cities in Provence and sleepy French villages in Languedoc-Roussillon, to the majestic Pyrenees and beautiful vineyards. It’s a beautiful part of France and an ideal summer holiday destination.

When thinking of southern France most people conjure up images of the French Riviera and cities like chic St Tropez, fashionable Nice, or bustling Montpellier, but there is so much more to see in this beautiful region of France. There are so many historic towns and delightful villages that make an excellent base from which to explore everything the South of France has to offer visitors.

St Tropez, Nice and the Camargue

City of Nice in French Riviera

If you’re want to rub shoulders with the rich and famous then there is no better place to take a summer holiday in the South of France than St Tropez. This glitzy resort is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in France. If you’d prefer something a little less flashy but equally as lovely then choose an apartment in Nice. The broad streets, golden beaches and attractions like the Matisse museum, the Russian Cathedral and Vieux Nice, make it one of France’s top holiday destinations.

The historic city of Arles is the perfect choice if you want to spend your summer exploring the natural beauty of the Camargue region. A maze of streets leads to 17th century mansions, museums and galleries that showcase the works of Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin. The city’s Roman heritage can be seen in attractions like the Amphitheatre, Forum and Theatre.

Nimes and Montpellier

Roman amphitheater in Nimes

The bustling city of Nimes is also a great base from which to explore the Languedoc-Roussillon region in southern France, especially if you are a history buff. The city is home to an impressive collection of monuments including the Maison Carrée, the Amphitheatre and the temple of Diana. Just outside the city is the imposing Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct.

Montpellier villas are perfect if you’re looking for a summer holiday with a little bit of everything. You can spend a day exploring the charming old town center is filled with fine museums, and delightful pavement cafés. Attractions include Place de la Comédie with the Opera Comédie, Musée Fabre, Saint Pierre Cathedral and the Jardin des plantes de Montpellier. It’s surrounded by peaceful countryside, where you can go walking, hiking or cycling.

Beziers, Aude, and Collioure

Carcassonne

If you want a summer holiday where you can explore sleepy French villages and shop at lively weekly markets, there are a wide selection of delightful farmhouses and gites in the more rural areas of southern France.

Nestled between vineyards you’ll find the charming old town of Pezenas. The town is an antique-lovers dream, and there is a fabulous Saturday market where you can buy souvenirs and fresh produce. The town of Béziers is equally charming and has attractions like the Gothic Saint-Nazaire Cathedral, Plateau des Poètes and Le Pont Vieux, as well as historic Arenas, which host a bullfighting festival in August.

In the Aude department there is the fortified town of Carcassone, which is dominated by a spectacular fortress. If you enjoy hiking, cycling or bird watching, or if you want to enjoy some of best wines of southern France, Carcassone is a great choice for a holiday gite.

If you want to take a day trip to Spain a good place to spend a summer holiday in southern France is the idyllic town of Collioure. The picturesque harbour, historic buildings and Catalan feel give the town a unique atmosphere and make it one of the most fascinating places to holiday in the South of France.

Wherever you choose to go, southern France is filled with medieval villages, impressive castles, fields of lavender, beautiful vineyards, stunning beaches and pine covered slopes. It’s the perfect place to spend a summer holiday.

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