Rome

How to Roam Rome: An Alternative Guide

Rome is Italy’s historic capital. Renowned for its Roman heritage, most travellers stick to the traditional tourist checklist. They visit of the Colosseum, then the Pantheon and won’t leave until they’ve tossed a coin into the Trevi Fountain. If you’re looking to be more adventurous, though, you’ll see that Rome isn’t the tourist trap everyone makes it out to be. This beautiful city has so much more to offer. If you venture out of the crowded centre, you can discover the mysteries that are hidden in Rome’s lesser known districts. Follow this off-the-beaten-track guide for my top picks of secret

Charming Italian Cities: Our Route from Milan to Lake Como

Ahh Italia. Aren’t we all just a little envious of the visions of love, landscape and lifestyle it invokes? Luckily for the rest of the world, Italy extends a warm welcome to visitors and, whether you’re in it for a taste of the culture or a double helping of the cuisine, there’s something to make everyone fall just a little bit innamorato at first sight. Lake Como is one of the most popular destinations in the spectacular Italian Lakes region of northern Italy, with a wealth of art and history on its very beautiful doorstep. But for those willing to

Avoriaz

All About Avoriaz: A Paradise for R&R

Located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, Avoriaz is a charming winter holiday destination in the French Alps. Now, while it may be a renowned ski resort, this picturesque snow-covered wonderland offers visitors so much more than just slopes to glide down. From soothing wellness centres and heated swimming pools to horse-drawn sleigh rides and Michelin-acclaimed restaurants, this mountain village boasts an array of non-skiing activities that are perfect for a relaxing winter break. Get Pampered at the Deep Nature Spa Located in the La Falaise district of Avoriaz, you will find this luxury spa in the Amara

A Remarkable Roman Route: Fiumicino Airport to the City Centre

While it’s simply one of the medieval proverbs that have made their way into our modern vernacular, when you arrive in Italy it’s actually quite easy to believe that all roads really do lead to Rome – and if they don’t, they should! History has painted from a palette of three millennia of glorious art and culture to create a masterpiece of magnificent proportions. It’s no wonder that Italy’s capital is one of the hottest of Europe’s tourism hotspots. However, in the stampede to tick off the classics like the Pantheon, the Coliseum, the Trevi Fountain, the Sistine Chapel, e

Family Skiing in Mayrhofen

Arranging family ski holidays will always be stressful, but especially when you have a large and boisterous brood to consider. I think that selecting the right resort is crucial in this circumstance, as there are some family-orientated resorts that can take the stress out of these trips whilst ensuring that it is fun and valuable for everyone. What’s the best resort for this, you ask? I think it’s Mayrhofen in the pretty Austrian province of Tyrol. Here, you will find excellent family accommodation, skiing for all abilities, a welcoming atmosphere and a host of alternative activities and facilities designed to

Make the Most of Menorca: Our Airport Transfer to Ciutadella

As one of the more laidback of the Balearic Islands, Menorca’s list of positive attributes stretches as long as its Talaiotic history. Its sunburnt landscape, gentle aqua waters and stunning white-sand beaches are the stuff of picture postcards, making it the destination of choice for thousands of visitors every year. But if you’ve got the time and the inclination you can wring even more out of this near-perfect island by exploring a little further beyond the front door of your villa. Our scenic transfer route from Menorca Airport to Ciutadella takes you through numerous towns and villages that are well

Lech am Arlberg

Exclusive Skiing: Lech Zürs am Arlberg

The picturesque Austrian region of Alberg is home to one of the most exclusive and prestigious ski resorts in the entire world – Lech am Alberg. If staying and skiing where the global elite have sounds like your kind of trip, then this is certainly the right resort for you. Previous notable visitors include Princess Diana, the Jordanian royal family, the Dutch royal family and Princess Caroline of Monaco, in addition to dozens of famous celebrities. It is easy to see why when you take a look at the resort, which is situated in a peaceful old farming village, boasting

Great Budget Ski Resorts – Morillon 1100

Ski holidays are perfect for adventure-seeking families, but they can also cost a pretty penny. This does not have to be the case, however, and I think that Morillon 1100 is a great choice for families seeking a quality ski break that won’t cost the earth. This charming Savoyard village in the Grand Massif region has everything that you need for a memorable family holiday, including a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, superb skiing, good food and plenty more. Read up on the Grand Massif region here! Skiing Options Located in the world-famous Grand Massif and Praz de Lys, you have

Archaeological Adventures between Naples and Sorrento

From magnificent hotels to sweeping sea views, the town of Sorrento exudes pure opulence best enjoyed over a glass of limoncello. But while Sorrento holds a special place in the heart of every luxury lover, it’s also frequented by culture enthusiasts, who are constantly enthralled by its fourteenth-century cathedral, monastery and wealth of other historical landmarks. Of course, the fun doesn’t have to end there – in fact, there are myriad ancient Roman towns in the Campania region that could keep you engaged and entertained for days on end. What’s the downside to having so many worthwhile archaeological attractions on

Natural Nonpareils between Munich and Innsbruck

Whether you’re a fervent skier, foodie or culture enthusiast, a winter holiday in Innsbruck – the famed capital of Tyrol, Austria – caters to every traveller’s wildest dreams. While it may seem silly to plan half- or full-day trips to the surrounding area when you’ve got some of the world’s finest pistes, restaurants and landmarks right in front of your doorstep, Shuttle Direct’s popular airport transfer from Munich to Innsbruck is certain to change your mind. This two-hour drive is not only convenient and comfortable, but also takes you past some of the region’s most worthwhile attractions, which transform any

Puerto de la Cruz

Accessible & Child-Friendly Puerto de la Cruz

There is nothing better than escaping the doom and gloom of the UK during winter and jetting off somewhere to soak up some sun with the family. You are sure to return home happy, refreshed, tanned… and to a number of envious friends! If you are looking for a sunny winter holiday but you or somebody that you are travelling with has mobility issues, it’s a given that you’ll have to pick a destination that’s highly accessible. I propose Puerto de la Cruz to the north of Tenerife – here you will find flat surfaces, accessible accommodation and beaches, a

Trieste

Trieste Shore Excursions

The city of Trieste lies on the north-eastern coast of Italy near its border with Slovenia. Cruise ship passengers who have visited the great cities of Italy are in for a pleasant surprise when arriving in the Port of Trieste. Standing at a crossroads of Central European cultures the city was part of the Habsburg Monarchy for six centuries before it became part of modern Italy in 1954. As such it is perhaps Italy’s least Italian city being more reminiscent of Prague, Budapest or Vienna than it is of Rome, Florence or Naples.   Port of Trieste Cruise ships visiting

Sorrento

Sorrento Shore Excursions

Overlooking the Bay of Naples amid lemon groves on Italy’s Amalfi Coast stands the grand old resort of Sorrento. This charming town oozes a quintessential Italian atmosphere where visitors can amble around the piazzas of its historic centre pausing for refreshments at its inviting cafés or head off to visit some world-famous attractions such as Mount Vesuvius, Pompeii or the Island of Capri.   Port of Sorrento The Port of Sorrento is exclusively a tender port so cruise ships drop anchor offshore and passengers are transported to the dock at Marina Piccola by tender boat. On occasions when the sea