A Coruña

A Coruña Shore Excursions

Located on the Atlantic coast of Spain in the Celtic region of Galicia, La Coruña has been welcoming seafaring visitors since the Middle Ages. Back then the foreigners arriving at the city’s port were pilgrims heading for the nearby city of Santiago de Compostela where Saint James is believed to be buried. Today’s arrivals dock at the Transatlantic Quay on cruise ships travelling south from the English coast or heading north after visiting a port of call in Portugal. The local Galician language (Galego) is quite distinct from Castilian Spanish which is why your cruise itinerary most likely refers to

puerto de la cruz tenerife

Nature Galore from Tenerife South Airport to Puerto de la Cruz

Who hasn’t dreamt of a holiday in Tenerife’s Puerto de la Cruz? Whether you’re a fan of balmy beaches, palm trees or stunning vistas (and let’s be honest: who isn’t?), you’ve come to the right place. But what about the rest of the island? It couldn’t possibly be as beautiful as this marvellous metropolis, right? Wrong! As you’ll discover during your Shuttle Direct ride from Tenerife South Airport to Puerto de la Cruz, the island boasts several natural wonders that are sure to make your jaw drop. Here’s a list of stunning spots that you may want to ask your

Calella

Laidback, Lazy and Lovely! The Best Family Friendly Beaches of Lassi

With its quiet family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful stretches of soft golden sand and great facilities, Lassi is the perfect destination for a family holiday. The purpose-built resort on the picturesque island of Kefalonia – one of the Ionian Islands of Greece ­– stretches out along the coast just below the island capital of Argostoli. Built to make the most of some of Kefalonia’s most beautiful coastline, it is its proximity to the charming capital, and the island’s airport, that is one of the things I love most when travelling here with kids. When I travel with my little ones, I usually

SEVILLA

Explore the Best of Seville’s Historical Attractions

The beautiful city of Seville has long been associated with artistic prestige and a heady mix of cultural influences. After emerging under Roman rule, Seville was ruled for centuries by a succession of Muslim dynasties, which saw its rise as a cultural and commercial centre. Several hundred years after its capture by the Christian king Ferdinand III in 1248, the discovery of the New World helped Seville became one of the great cities of early modern Europe. Its economic fortunes dwindled with the unravelling of Spain’s empire in the nineteenth century, but culturally Seville continued to flourish, with the seventeenth-century

Say “Hola” to Spain’s Scenic Sights

From architectural masterpieces to lively markets, a city break in Barcelona has something special in store for everyone. While the area’s attractions are sure to have you saying “Oh my Gaudi”, the constant hustle and bustle of this tourist hub can get quite overwhelming, especially if you’re opting for a longer holiday. If you’re looking to strike a healthy balance between concentrated sightseeing and leisurely exploration, why not venture outside of the city and soak up Spain’s wealth of natural and cultural highlights? On your airport transfer from Girona to Barcelona with Shuttle Direct, you’ll be able to get a

Bugibba

Discover the Secret Bars of Berlin

Berlin: hipster haven, clandestine city, the ‘greatest cultural extravaganza that one could imagine’ in the eyes of David Bowie. As far back as the 1920s, the German capital has enjoyed an enviable reputation for its edgy, alternative nightlife. If you’re seeking a more off-beat, free-spirited Berlin break then forget Berghain, its interminable queues and high chance of rejection on the threshold. Tap into the underground vibe with my guide to the best ‘secret’ bars of Berlin, which will always welcome you with open arms and your poison of choice…so long as you can find them. Stagger Lee Does a Wild West-style

The Recipes of Russia: 3 Mouth-Watering Classics

Russia is the land of architectural wonders, Matryoshkas (Russian dolls) and – of course – vodka. Although this country is world-famous for its myriad sights, sounds and drinks, there’s one thing that’s unfairly overlooked: its scrumptious cuisine. Let’s talk about three traditional dishes that are sure to leave you licking your lips on your next Russian holiday. 1. Khinkali If you believe in “love at first taste,” your palate is bound to experience an immediate and irreversible infatuation with Khinkali. This dumpling delicacy is very sought-after by visitors and tourists alike, who simply cannot get enough of the dish’s flavourful

Krakow

Get Classy in Kraków: A Paradise for Culture Lovers

Genuine culture lovers know that finding the authentic local essence of a place can be somewhat elusive when it’s obscured by the “must-sees” and “don’t miss” tourist attractions. But in Poland, the beautiful city of Kraków has its rich heritage on display, and this is one destination that makes total immersion entirely possible. Delve into Culture For anyone planning a visit to Kraków, this pretty-as-a-picture city also has an astounding cultural depth that’s a pleasure to explore. The following historical attractions are just a few of the many that allow the visitor a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past. Wawel

Lake Como

An Artistic Adventure around Lake Como

The magnificent Italian lakes region, situated in Lombardy, is one of such outstanding beauty that it’s served as a muse for more creative souls than it’s worth counting. Lake Como is one of the best-known lakes and artists, poets, writers and actors have found boundless solace and inspiration in its picturesque embrace. For modern-day art lovers, the many towns dotted around the edge of Lake Como provide a wonderful opportunity to explore its artistic heritage. There are some excellent off-the-beaten-track galleries that display the work of local and international artists, which contribute to making Lake Como the true jewel in

Portimao

Portimão Shore Excursions

The south coast of Portugal stretches for more than 150 km from Cape St. Vincent in the west towards the border with Spain in the east. It is home to a spectacular coastline of golden beaches and many remarkable rock formations. Its mild year-round climate and excellent tourism infrastructure attracts over seven million tourists to its shores every year with most of them arriving through the airport of Faro on the east coast. The region is particularly popular with golfers thanks to more than 25 top-class courses which make the Algarve one of Europe’s top destinations for golfing holidays. Cruise

fuerteventura

Fantastic Sights of Fuerteventura… and Where to Find Them!

Ready to run wild and free in Corralejo? Thanks to the town’s myriad beaches, its volcano, and its unusual flora and fauna, you certainly won’t experience a dull moment on your warm getaway. But what most tourists don’t realise is that there is even more fun to be had! In fact, you’ll get a gorgeous glimpse into what cultural and natural gems await in Fuerteventura right when you arrive: your scenic Shuttle Direct transfer from Fuerteventura Airport to Corralejo is sure to keep you at the edge of your seat. Here are a few stunning spots to put on your

Faliraki

Beaches, Bargains and Booze in Faliraki

How do you celebrate – or commiserate – your exam results? If your answer consists of going to the local pub or binge-watching your favourite soaps, it sounds like a much-needed rush of adrenaline is in order! This summer, why not turn up the heat (literally) and jet off to Faliraki? From balmy beaches to letting loose at bustling clubs, this tourist trove on the Greek island of Rhodes boasts sun, fun and plenty of rum. If you’re up for an unforgettable holiday, it’s time to get off the couch and start packing: an action-packed adventure awaits. Bathe on the

Jerusalem

Coffee and Tattoos: a Hipsters’ Guide to Jerusalem

Most of us have grown up hearing about Israel – and Jerusalem in particular – as the spiritual centre for three of the world’s largest religions and a place of ongoing political turmoil. But something we don’t hear so much about is the way the young people here have responded to this history and culture of conflict. Jerusalem is a modern, vibrant city with a hip café culture and an edgy, experimental art scene, unafraid to confront difficult issues. So next time you visit, by all means go to the well-known spots such as the Western Wall, The Old City