Mary Rice

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela: The Pilgrim’s Last Stop

For the faithful, Santiago de Compostela is a place that needs no introduction. As the final stop on the epic Camino de Santiago, this historic city in Spain’s north-western Galicia region is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Christendom. Today, over 250,000 Camino de Santiago pilgrims make the physical and spiritual journey to this holy site each year – not to mention the countless other visitors who are drawn to this moving place. Whether you’re going directly or making your way gradually via one of the traditional routes of the Way of St. James, Santiago de Compostela is

Roma

A Spiritual Journey Through Rome

It’s said that all roads lead to Rome. While that might not be strictly true in a literal sense, Rome is indeed a top destination for people of all walks of life. History buffs, art lovers, foodies, and many more find that this ancient city is a hub of culture and life – and has been for thousands of years. For those with an interest or belief in spirituality and religion, Rome is, naturally, the place to be. Most famously the seat of the Catholic Church, Rome also holds many more spiritual surprises. Stopping by Rome during your Mediterranean cruise?

Annecy: Pearl of the French Alps

Every once in a while you stumble across a place so beautiful, you’re prompted to wonder, Can this possibly be real? Such is the case in Annecy, a picture-perfect town in the French Alps that looks as though it’s been lifted straight from a dream. Nicknamed ‘the Venice of the Alps’, Annecy is famous for its canals that wind their way through the medieval old town; its dramatic mountain scenery; and of course Lac d’Annecy, with its vibrant turquoise waves. If you’re lucky enough to be holidaying in this Alpine paradise, here are a few activities you won’t want to

Lac d'Orta

An Italian Escape in Lake Orta

When you think about northern Italy’s lake-filled landscapes, it’s most likely the famous shores of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore that come to mind. True, those stunning bodies of water are unforgettable, but dig deeper into this region and you’ll be well rewarded. Less than half an hour from Lake Maggiore, tiny Lake Orta is one of northern Italy’s best-kept secrets. Dotted with small towns such as Orta San Giulio, the lake and its surroundings have preserved much of their original charm and largely avoided the tourist overload of the nearby lakes. If you’re looking for a quieter, slower-paced holiday

Ibiza

Get the Party Started in Ibiza

As Time Out once phrased it, the island of Ibiza is ‘arguably the Clubbing Capital of the Universe’. Well, you’ll hear no disagreement from us! This Spanish island lives up to (and even surpasses) its reputation as party central, and has long drawn young revellers from all over the world. If you’re coming to Ibiza for the first time, the nearly endless options for partying and clubbing can be overwhelming. Not to mention, new venues on this lively island come and go with startling speed. To get you started on your Ibiza holiday, we offer our list of well-established island

Javea’s Top Diving Spots

With its crystal-clear waters, rugged landscapes, and sandy coastlines, Javea is a scuba diver’s dream come true. Situated on the long cape that juts into the Mediterranean Sea, Javea is well-located for accessing the mysteries of the deep. The waters off the coast of this town on Spain’s Costa Blanca are teeming with marine wildlife the likes of which you’ve never seen. The waves also conceal an untold number of caves, crannies, tunnels, and reefs, all of which only add to the exciting underwater landscape. Though most people who come to Javea may never venture beneath the surface, if you

Mallorca

Dive Deep in Mallorca

Some people go their entire lives on land without ever realising what amazing sights lie just beneath the waves. But for scuba divers, exploring the lesser-known worlds underwater provides a rush like no other. From caves to tunnels to exotic marine species swimming beneath your fins – life beneath the sea is just an interesting as that on land! Novice and experienced scuba divers alike will find plenty to explore off the shore of Mallorca. The largest of the Balearic Islands is home to a vibrant and diverse array of marine life, along with plenty of intriguing wrecks, reefs, and

Vera Playa

Going Au Naturel in Vera Playa

Imagine experiencing the warm sun and sea breezes of Spain’s Costa Almeria without the hindrance of waistbands, buttons, zippers, and bathing suits. If this kind of freedom sounds appealing, Vera Playa is a dream come true. This southern Spanish beach town is an oasis for those who just want to be comfortable in their own skin. So step out of the buttoned-up ‘real’ world for a week or two and reacquaint yourself with the joys of going au naturel. About Vera Playa Vera Playa, located on the warm, dry southeast coast of Spain, is the only all-year-round naturist resort of

Taormine

Sicilian Sizzle: A Romantic Weekend Getaway in Taormina

Situated on a mountainside on the east coast of Sicily, Taormina is just about the most romantic location you can think of. With a dramatic backdrop featuring the deep blue waves of the Ionian Sea, the distant but imposing snowy summit of Mount Etna, and ancient ruins dating back to Grecian times, that grand romantic gesture you’ve been planning could be one for the history books. So pack a weekend bag, grab your partner’s hand, and get ready for some Sicilian sizzle! What to Do Teatro Greco Taormina’s most-visited site, this horseshoe-shaped theatre sits high on a cliff overlooking Mount

Séville

Top 5 Most Romantic Things to Do in Seville

With its summery climate, sensuous music and dance, and collision of Spanish and Moorish cultures, the city of Seville positively sizzles. This Andalusian backdrop is the perfect setting for a romantic weekend escape from the English drizzle. So book some plane tickets, toss some clothes into a case, take your sweetheart by the hand, and prepare for a dreamy Sevillian retreat. What to Do Take a Carriage Ride Get the most out of your weekend getaway with a horse-drawn carriage tour of the city. Not only is this much more time efficient than walking all over town, it’s also a

Venedig

Top 10 Romantic Things to Do in Venice

What is it about Venice that makes us go weak at the knees? Is it the crooning gondoliers, the graceful bridges, the winding canals perfect for a lazy stroll? However you account for Venice’s charms, there’s no question that this famous Italian city is the ideal backdrop for a romantic weekend getaway with the one you love. It’s hard to go wrong in the incomparable City of Water, but here are a few ideas to get you started. Looking to eat well in Venice? Learn how the locals do it.   What to Do Gondola Ride for Two This quintessential

Fátima

Exploring Fátima’s Spiritual Sanctuary

Fátima, Portugal is a small city that casts a big shadow in the religious world. Forever associated with a series of dramatic spiritual events in the early 20th century, Fátima has become one of the largest and most important Roman Catholic pilgrimage sites in the entire world. Drawing visitors both from Portugal and internationally, this city and its famous Sanctuary are fascinating whether or not you’re religiously inclined. The Sanctuary: Some Background The sanctuary as a whole is without a doubt the most famous attraction in town, but it is actually a group of buildings and structures that will take

Barcelona

Exploring Barcelona’s Spiritual Heart

Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is a city that truly has it all. Looking for wall-to-wall sunshine and gorgeous beaches? You’ll find them here. Medieval history and Gothic roots? You’ve got it. Quirky modernist art and architecture? Present and accounted for. A top-notch football team? But of course. An imaginative and vibrant food scene boasting restaurants galore? Done and done. Obviously Barcelona has a lot going for it, but not everyone who visits discovers the true spiritual heart of this city. Religion runs deep in Spain, and Barcelona is no exception. This city is sprinkled with religious