s n o i t a n i t s De New
TOP 20 HOTLIST
INSIDE: ZIMBABWE RIO DE JANEIRO TALLINN ISLE OF SKYE PLUS YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST OF THE MIDDLE EAST
contents
WELCOME LETTER
4 WHAT’S NEW?
TNT Images, Getty Images
Gen up on the latest tours, flights and experiences around the world.
12 MIDDLE EAST HOTLIST
18 TIPPED FOR THE TOP
20 48 HOURS IN TALLINN
From Jordan to Israel, discover which countries are worth a visit in 2011.
Clued-up travel operators give us their hot tips on the destinations du jour.
Spend a fun-filled weekend in this year’s European capital of culture.
22 ZIMBABWE
24 RIO DE JANEIRO
28 ISLE OF SKYE
We reveal this emerging destination’s top five mustsee sights.
We tell you why now is the time to visit this sizzling Brazilian city.
Heritage, wildlife and stunning views - this Scottish island has it all.
Welcome to TNT’s Destinations New supplement. Inside we feature a plethora of emerging destinations for 2011 to inspire you to get out there and explore countries you may never even have considered visiting. From new flights to hidden gems, we share the latest travel news from around the world on page 4. Several adventure tour operators have added Zimbabwe to their programmes this year following a growing interest in the destination after the FIFA 2010 World Cup, and changing Foreign Office advice means there are now no travel restrictions in place. We show you why the up-and-coming country should be at the top of your travel wishlist on page 22. Another travel frontrunner is the ever-sexy Rio de Janeiro. Playing host to the World Cup in 2014 followed by the Olympics in 2016, one of the world’s most exciting cities is set to be rediscovered. Find out what it has to offer on page 24. Closer to home, the Isle of Skye has come under the spotlight as 2011 is the Year of Island Cultures. Flick to page 34 to learn about the island’s heritage and wildlife. Happy travelling! The Destinations team
Editor Carol Driver Travel editor Janine Kelso Contributing writers Tom Sturrock, Alison Grinter, Inger Smith, Rebecca Kent, Frankie Mullin, Jahn Vannisselroy Design Manager Astrid Breacker Picture researcher Laila Pacheco Head of Design and Production Jon Cooke Sales Steve Warman, Tyler Harrison, Matt Syder Financial director Nick Crampton CEO Kevin Ellis Chairman Ken Hurst Printed by St Ives Web Ltd Distribution by Emblem Direct Ltd Published by TNT Publishing Ltd 10 Greycoat Place, London, SW1P 1SB Enquiries +44 (0)20 7960 6008 Email sales@tntmagazine.com Fax +44 (0)20 7960 6977
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ALL-NEW TOP 20 Flights, tours, treks and activites – plan your next adventure around the latest travel launches WORDS CAROL DRIVER
Explore San Diego thanks to new flights
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With 70 miles of spectacular beaches and a year-round Mediterranean climate, San Diego is home to a unique blend of surfsidechic. From June 1, BA launches a daily direct flight from London, opening up California’s second largest city. You can scuba, sail and whale-watch by day and explore downtown by night. Flights from £600. ba.com. See visitcalifornia.co.uk
Hit the surf in Cornwall
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Walk through fruit orchards and mountain villages in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada on this new Along The GR7 trip. Trek the famous trail which winds along the flanks of Europe’s second highest mountain range. Prices from £655pp (two sharing), including seven nights’ B&B. walkswordwide.com
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Thinkstock, Getty Images
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Specialist Morocco has opened the first luxurious, eco-tented safari camp in the Sahara Desert. Located in the southern Draa Valley and M’hamid, it boasts Caidal
sleeping tents. Prices from £60pppn (two sharing) including meals. saharasafaricamp.com. Get to Morocco on one of BMI’s new flights from Heathrow – three times a week to Marrakech and four times a week to Casablanca. Prices from £149 and £199 respectively. flybmi.com
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A World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, the Danube Delta’s varied habitat is home to many species of birds, fish, fauna and flora. Explore the channels and crystal-clear lakes by boat on this new tour, where you’ll spot the largest colonies of white pelicans in Europe. Nature In The Danube Delta departs May to Oct. Prices from £1295pp (two sharing), including flights and five nights’ fullboard. wildlifeworldwide.com
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Topdeck’s new Explorer trips are designed to get you off the beaten track and into the heart of a country – visit Turkey, Iceland, Eastern Europe or the Mediterranean. The Best Of The Med takes in Spain, Italy and Greece with 21 days of sunshine. Prices from £2295pp (sharing doubles), including multishare ferries. www.topdeck.travel
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This new eight-day rail journey takes in some of the finest UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The route takes you to Cologne, then along the River Rhine to the Würzburg which features Marienberg fortress and the World Heritage Court Gardens. You’ll end up in Aachen, Germany’s most westerly city. Prices from £839pp (two sharing), including all rail travel and seven nights’ B&B. dertour.co.uk
TNT Images
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Enjoy a blend of wildlife and culture while exploring the great game parks of East Africa in this 14-day Road To Zanzibar tour. As well as meeting the locals, you’ll spend two nights sleeping in the Serengeti. You’ll explore the stunning Usambara Mountains before heading to the beaches of the Indian Ocean, ending the trip on the idyllic and exotic island of Zanzibar. Prices from £740pp, including accommodation and transportation. dragoman.com
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ACTION IN NEW ZEALAND
If you’re heading to NZ, fans of JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit can tour Middle Earth, which has been brought to life thanks to the filming of the upcoming movie of the same name. A day tour out of Wellington allows travellers to re-live their favourite Lord Of The Rings scenes. Prices from £158pp. austravel.com
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Go volcano hiking in Iceland
Relax on sun-filled Caribbean beaches
Mark Machu Picchu’s discovery
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Situated just North of Venzuela, the twin islands have two wildly different personalities. Trinidad, rich in culture and history, is known for its upbeat festive vibe, while Tobago, the smaller of the two, abounds with natural beauty and eco-adventures. Virgin has increased flights from London Gatwick to Trinidad’s Port of Spain. Prices from £829. virgin-atlantic.com
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See Scotland upside down with the ground rushing towards you as the UK’s first static bungee jump launches in the spring. Nae Limits has partnered with Highland Fling Bungee to bring adventure enthusiasts this adrenaline-pumping experience which involves jumping off a bridge and plunging down a 36.5-metre canyon. Based at Killiecrankie in Perthshire. Prices from £60pp.naelimits.co.uk.
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Vintage is back in fashion as Cornwall relaunches the Alaia surfboard. Made from Paulownia wood and with no fin, these are the first boards used in Hawaii. Book a lesson at The Hotel & Extreme Academy Watergate Bay to discover the best techniques. Prices from £130 per room. watergatebay.co.uk. Serious cyclists can then attempt the three new road routes added to the Cornish Cycle Tours range – covering up to 125.5km a day over tough terrain. Tours start from £510 for six days. cornishcycletours.co.uk
Thinkstock, Getty Images
The Full Traverse of the Great Himalaya Trail’s Nepal section, “trekking’s holy grail”, opens this year. Covering 1,700km, it is the most lengthy segment of the trail, which once complete will be the world’s longest and highest alpine walking track, connecting five Asian countries: Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan. The Trail can be broken down to seven smaller sections. Prices from £2,150pp (two sharing), including accommodation and most meals. worldexpeditions.co.uk.
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Experience the highlights of Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, Sevilla, Lagos, Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto and Salamanca with Travel Talk’s Spain & Portugal Encompassed tour. The 11-day adventure will take in the Unesco World Heritage Site of Cordoba and Sevilla’s Cathedral of St Mary. There’ll also be time to splash around in the sea in Lagos. Prices from £599 including accommodation, 10 breakfasts and tour guide. Traveltalktours.com.
This summer marks the 100th anniversary of explorer Hiram Bingham’s discovery of majestic Machu Picchu. Walk in the same footsteps of the American explorer and discover the stunning, prehistoric village at sunrise with a Gap Package Inca Discovery tour. Prices from £649pp, including hotel and camping accommodation and meals. gapadventures.co.uk
Scanbalt offer fun and inexpensive tours for adventurous travellers who want to experience unique
culture and stunning nature in Scandinavia and the Baltics including Lapland in winter.
www.scanbaltexperience.com
Festivals & Events\ In 2011 Contiki takes you there NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW
ANZAC Day Pamplona Pamplona & Bilbao Live Paris at Christmas Amsterdam at Christmas Hogmanay
Easter in Amsterdam Oktoberfest Paris New Year Amsterdam New Year Edinburgh Festival & Tattoo
Full details now online: contiki.com/festivals
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KAYAK CALIFORNIA/NEVADA
At 35km long and 19km wide, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. It’s perfect for hiking, biking, kayaking and paddle-boarding. From May til July, and Sept, The Tahoe Adventure Company is offering a lodge-to-lodge kayak adventure. Prices from £340pp per night (two sharing), including meals. tahoeadventurecompany.com.
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Iceland Express is launching new flights every Friday from London Gatwick to Chicago in June. Take a trip to the home of the blues and jazz and the idea of the skyscraper. Head to the Magnificent Mile for shopping, parks and beaches then feast on some of the world’s best cuisines along the Route 66 trail. Prices from £221 one-way. icelandexpress.com.
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Always fancied getting up close and personal with a volcano? Now you can take a trip to the recently erupted Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland, with a new KE Adventure Travel tour. The four-day hike includes a mixture of extreme off road driving in a 4x4 and trekking. The highlight will be hiking above Thorsmork from which there are the best viewpoints for
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the Eyjafjallajokull craters. From £1095pp including return flights, accommodation and meals. June Sept. keadventure.com
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Avoid the tried and tested routes to Australia with this alternative track home. Round The World Experts’ All Across Asia takes you from Asia’s European fringe to Brisbane via Istanbul, Muscat, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Mumbai, Singapore for a trip to remember. Alternatively you can create your own bespoke route and dream adventure. Flights from £1259pp. roundtheworldexperts.co.uk
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Quaff champagne and learn how to make it with a new budget tour of Epernay with Grape Escapes. You’ll enjoy a half-day
guided tour in the vineyards followed by a visit to a small, family run Champagne house. Tastings are accompanied by a three-course meal in a top restaurant in Epernay where each dish is matched to a glass of single varietal fizz. Prices from £221pp (two sharing) including Dover to Calais ferry crossing and two nights’ B&B. grapeescapes.net
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Go monster spotting along the new 30-mile offroad trail along the less travelled south side of Loch Ness from Fort Augustus to Inverness. You’ll be able to hike, cycle or horseride the scenic route. It takes in Suidhe Viewpoint at 366 metres. You’ll also visit quiet villages – including Foyers, best known for the Falls of Foyers, romanticised by Rabbie Burns back in 1787. Free. visitlochness.com
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INTRODUCING TOPDECK’S
NEW EUROPE TRIPS SUMMER 2011
Arromanches Bayeux Camembert 1 Mont St Michel start/finish 3 Paris Loire Valley 1 Cognac
Venice
SPAIN Barcelona
Chambord
E FRANCLyon
Bordeaux 2 St Emilion
1
Madrid
2 Annecy
Valencia
2
1
2
1
overnight ferry
Mallorca
overnight ferry
Avignon
Pont du Gard Carcassonne 1
2
2
Verona Genoa Pisa
2
2
Florence
ITALY
2 Rome
E GREEC
1
overnight ferry
2
Athens
3
Mykonos
Monaco
French Riviera
Discover France
Best of the Med
EXPLORER
EXPLORER
14 DAYS
21 DAYS
Twin share hotel accommodation as well as a night in a Chateau!
Visit the best of the Mediterranean, Spain, Italy and Greece, staying in twin share hotel accommodation.
Have you ever tasted wine in Bordeaux? Sampled cheese in Camembert? Shopped down the Champs Élysées? Woken up in the French Alps or a chateau? France has so much to offer as a country so we have designed a trip to show you all of these highlights! Whatever floats your boat; cosmopolitan cities, coastlines, chateaux’s, historical sights or mountain scenery... Discover France has an itinerary that is sure to delight all of your senses!
Sun, cities and the sea, this is the perfect itinerary that combines the beautiful southern European coastline, memorable islands and historic cities. This trip offers plenty of free time and a variety of activities to suit everyone’s tastes. You could find yourself diving off the coast of Mallorca or exploring Roman ruins over 2000 years old in Rome. Maybe shopping in the backstreets of Venice or simply sunbathing by day and dancing by night on the lively island of Mykonos is what you are looking for. Either way, Best of the Med is the summer adventure you will never forget.
CALL US 0845 257 5211 trips for 18 to 30 somethings
www.topdeck.travel/destinations
NEW!
Topdeck has released new trips for 2011 that will have you reaching for your passport quicker than you can say Bon Voyage! With Europe on your doorstep, take a look at some of our new destinations and start taking advantage of what this continent has to offer!
ND ENGLA
Amsterdam LANDS ETHER London 2 N 2 Berlin
S Amsterdam RLAND NETHE London 2 2 Berlin
ND ENGLA
Dresden
CZECH C 2 REPUBLILOVAKIA S Y Mauthausen N A GERM ND Vienna 2 Bratislava RY E LA C R N E A FRA IA SWITZ 2 HUNG AUSTR Swiss Alps 2 Budapest Venice Verona IA Avignon 2 CROAT Pont du Plitvice 2 1 MONACO Gard 1 Lakes
2
SPAIN
2
Barcelona
Paris
Dresden
Prague
Pisa 2 Florence French Riviera Rome
Paris 2
ANY GERM
Prague Munich 1
E FRANC
D ERLAN SWITZ Swiss Alps 2
Zadar
2 ITALY
1
overnight ferry
IA ALBAN
1
Tirana
3
IA AUSTR
Innsbruck
2 Venice
Dubrovnik
2
ZECH LIC 2 C REPUB
ITALY
1
E GREEC
Pisa 1
Florence
2 Rome
Sailing
European Adventure European Pathway EUROCAMPING
EUROCLUB
34 DAYS
17 DAYS
Stay in some of Europe’s best campsites in easy to erect, two person dome tents with air mattresses.
Visit eight countries whilst staying in great hostels, hotels & bungalows.
If fun and adventure is what you are looking for and you are working to a tighter budget our EuroCamping options are perfect! Visiting 15 different Countries including a 3 night Greek flotilla sailing experience, you really will have plenty of stories to tell your friends. You get loads of meals included as you will have a Topdeck ‘On Road Chef’ dedicated to your trip and with free time in each location you can do things at your own pace. The European Adventure, it says it all in the name!
Visiting all the major locations in Europe in a few weeks, from cosmopolitan cities to jaw dropping landscape, a fun filled adventure awaits you. This trip offers a perfect mixture of viewing all the major sights, tasting local food and enjoying beer in a German beer hall. With a selection of optional activities available for you to book through your Trip Leader, you can make the European Pathway exactly what you want it to be... skydiving over the Swiss Alps anyone?
For details about these and many other trips on offer, check out Topdeck’s Europe 2011 brochure, or visit us at www.topdeck.travel
TOPDECK FESTIVALS:
La Tomatina Make your way to Buñol, Spain for four days of fun this August! European festivals really know how to get everyone involved and La Tomatina is no different. When you first heard stories of a Spanish festival where people throw truckloads of tomatoes at each other, did you think someone was pulling your leg? Well, known for being able to party, the Spanish have been hosting the world’s biggest food fight since the 1940s, now with 40 tonnes of tomatoes being thrown around. Being a fantastic break for the August Bank Holiday, don your goggles and get throwing!! For more info on La Tomatina and other Topdeck festivals visit: www.topdeck.travel/festivals
T O H
Check out our top picks for the Middle East for 2011 WORDS JANINE KELSO, ALISON GRINTER, CATHY WINSTON
LIST
Amy Adams,TNT Images
The Si-o-Seh Pol Bridge in Esfahan, Iran
Roman ruins, Jerash in Amman, Jordan
IRAN Why go now? After years of stringent visa restrictions for tourists, the government has now relaxed the rules, so Australian and New Zealand citizens can get two-week tourist visas at the airport – although South Africans and British citizens still need to apply in advance. And with Iran hoping to increase the number of visitors to 20 million by 2015, it’s getting easier to discover this fascinating country. Top attractions? The ancient desert city of Persepolis, dating back to 500BC, as well as Shiraz, once the capital of Iran and renowned for its culture and elegance – although the vineyards which gave their name to the stillfamous grape are long gone. And don’t miss Esfahan, a Unesco World Heritage site, where you can still see some of the marvels of the Persian Empire. But there’s also hiking and skiing in the Alborz mountains, beach holidays along the Persian gulf and the friendly, if cautious, welcome of the locals.
Spices in Damascus’s old town, Syria
SYRIA Why go now? The country is being tipped by the experts as one of 2011’s hottest destinations thanks to its welcoming locals, great food and sightseeing. And as
Syria tries to throw off its outdated reputation as a risky destination, you get to enjoy its treasures without swarms of other tourists around. Top attractions? Head to the capital, Damascus, which lays
claim to the title of world’s oldest continuously inhabited city, and its northern counterpart Aleppo – both are on Unesco’s World Heritage list for their endless labyrinthine medieval souks and beautiful mosques, including the 10thcentury Umayyad in Damascus. Visit the desert with the Bedouin for camping under the stars, while history-lovers should visit the Roman ruins of Palmyra and some wonderful crusader castles, including Krak des Chevaliers.
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Camel trekking in Morocco
MOROCCO
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TNT Images, R.DROUYER/MAXPPP
Why go now? bmi launches two new routes to the much-loved city of Marrakech and the lesser-known Casablanca on April 1. Top attractions? Morocco’s cities are not to be missed: shop until you drop in Marrakech’s inimitable jumble of colourful Djemaa el Fna Square, Marrakech souks which sell everything from lamps and jewellery, to spices and perfumes. Get lost in Fes’s labyrinthine alleyways or feast your eyes on Casablanca’s art-deco architecture. Or leave the cities behind altogether and experience some of Morocco’s more natural attractions, such as the dramatic Saharan sand dunes at Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga, where you can bed down at one of the auberges with Berber hosts or watch the sun rise from the back of a camel. Head for the hills and explore the Middle Atlas mountain range with its cedar forests near Azrou. Morocco also has its share of stunning beaches. The town of Agadir is the gateway to Morocco’s gorgeous Atlantic coast and scores of surf resorts. Further North is Essaouira, a coastal town discovered by hippies in the late 60s and early 70s, which still retains a certain arty expat feel today.
By the sea, Tel Aviv
Neve Midbar Beach, Israel
ISRAEL Why go now? With new budget flights from easyJet to Tel Aviv, it’s suddenly much cheaper and easier to head out to Israel, with a sixtimes weekly service from Luton competing with the existing bmi, El Al and British Airways routes. Top attractions? There’s plenty packed into the small country, with Jerusalem’s mix of history and holy sites for three of the world’s major religions crammed into the city, plus more Biblical sites than you can shake an Old Testament at. In contrast, there’s also the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, with its clubs, bars and beaches, or you could head out to the Negev desert to the mountain fortress of Masada.
An Israeli feast
Ultra orthodox Jews in Jerusalem’s old city
Getty Images,TNT Images
JORDAN Why go now? EasyJet has introduced a budget flight to the country’s capital, Amman, making it easier and cheaper than ever to discover Jordan’s top sights. Top attractions? The unmistakable jewel in Jordan’s crown is the ancient rose-red city of Petra, settled by the Nabataean tribe 2000 years ago. Further South is Wadi Rum, one of the world’s most stunning desertscapes and definitely best experienced from the back of a camel, Lawrence of Arabia-style. Jordan also has its share of Biblical sites including Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan, an archaeological area made up of wells, caves and pools, where Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist, and Mount Nebo where Moses spied the Promised Land across the Jordan River. Also worth a look is the Muslim-Christian market town of Madaba, home to Byzantine-era mosaics. Divers meanwhile can get their fix at the Red Sea resort town of Aqaba and it just wouldn’t be a visit to Jordan without a dip in the Dead Sea to test your buoyancy.
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See Wadi Rum from the back of a camel
The Treasury, Petra
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Sunni Lebanese Muslims pray outside Mohammed al-Amin mosque in Beirut
MIDDLE EAST: TRAVEL SITUATION UPDATE EGYPT: The Foreign and Commonweath Office (FCO) declared Egypt safe to visit a few weeks ago after weeks of protests, which led to the overthrow of Mubarak. There are currently no travel restrictions The Sphinx in place for the country. In fact, tour operators say that now is a great time to visit. Tucan Travel’s regional operations manager Rowena Byrne said: “With no travel restrictions in place, now is a fantastic opportunity for travellers to not only witness history in the making as the sun rises on a new and hopefully more democratic Egypt, but to take advantage of smaller crowds.” Rowena added that adventure travellers are first in line to return to the rapidly changing country. LIBYA: The FCO advises against all travel to Libya due to armed clashes in many parts of the country and gunfire in the capital, Tripoli. TUNISIA: Tourists shunned Tunisia following violent protests at the end of February in capital Tunis, which led to the resignation of Mohammed Ghannouchi. Since the dust has settled, there are currently no travel restrictions in place for the country, but the FCO warns that travellers should keep abreast of the news before visiting as more rallies and protests are predicted. Downtown Beirut
LEBANON
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TNT Images, Getty Images
Why go now? The eastern areas of the country are now open Lebanese revellers to tourists and you can watch Beirut transforming, with the scars of Lebanon’s civil war still visible in the midst of the city’s frenzied rebuilding, as a string of new hotels, restaurants and bars open. Top attractions? Party like there’s no tomorrow in Beirut in the Gemmayze, Achrafiyeh and new Downtown districts – every night of the week, restaurants, bars and clubs are packed. Head toward the eastern border with Syria for the stunning ruins at Baalbek, with a stop at a vineyard along the way to try some Lebanese wine. Or hit the coast at the port of Byblos, a celebrity favourite in the 60s, chill out on Lazy B beach just south of Beirut or head into the mountains for some skiing.
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ASK THE EXPERTS
You’ll be dazzled by Greece’s stunning aqua waters
Those in the know reveal 2011’s most popular destinations WORDS REBECCA KENT
f you’re going to take recommendations from anyone about where to travel this year, it’s the experts. But we’ve saved you the trouble and asked them for you. Egypt is the popular suggestion among our intrepid insiders, but the world’s a very large place and the revolutionary Arab nation is far from the only prevision. Get one up on your mates in the Balkans, experience the early signs of World Cup fever in Brazil. Thailand’s full moon parties are hard to overlook, too. Wherever you go, remember, you heard it here first.
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FRANK SCERRI, FALAFEL BUS Palestine, the cradle of civilisation, where Judaism, Christianity, and Islam took form, is the place to be this year. Some of its famed cities include Jerusalem, Bethlehem and 10,000-year-old Jericho, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. It is also famous for its Taybeh Beer and legendary hospitality. See falafelbus.com
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CRAIG IRIVING, RADICAL TRAVEL There is a massive demand for travel to Eastern Europe. The region still has a mystical, undiscovered appeal about it. The Mainland is not quite so rare anymore. But go to Eastern Europe and you can get one over on your mates. We’ve started tours to the Balkans, taking in Greece, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia. It’s cheap – less than £1 for a pitcher of beer, and the lamb and pork is to die for. Our nine-day classic Balkan trip is a chance to see it all, from the aqua waters and riches of Split, to the bustle of Istanbul. See radicaltravel.com
REBECCA SCRASE, DRAGOMAN
A market-holder in Palestine
With the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics two years later, Brazil is growing in popularity, and so we’ve launched a totally unique trip called Brazilian Heartland. It goes into two national parks – Chapada Dos Veadeiros and Chapada de Diamantina, which, until now, have been largely inaccessible. They both boast the most breathtaking mountains, rivers and waterfalls – and you’ll feel as though you have them all to yourself. See dragoman.com
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There’s bang for your buck in Turkey
CASEY REID, TRAVEL TALK Egypt is always a hot destination, but after the political situation that unfolded there, people have been holding back. There’s no need to though. The Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids in Cairo have opened up again, and, yes, there are more military on the streets, but that’s because they’re running the country now, not because it’s dangerous. On our tours, we take in Tahrir Square in Cairo, the very place where the revolution happened. That’s history right there and even more reason to go. Plus, you can’t overlook sleeping under the stars on a felucca – it’s an experience everyone must have. See traveltalktours.com
Thailand: a traveller’s hub
PRU GOUDIE, ON THE GO TOURS For exciting, exotic destinations, Morocco and Turkey are the places to go. They’re easy to get to and you get a whole lot of bang for your buck. We’re also confident tourism in Egypt will pick up. Hardy travellers will continue to go there, especially to Cairo and Luxor, which our Road To Jordan trip takes in. Now’s the time to go as airfares are really low – but not for long. See onthegotours.com
NICOLA WARD, TOPDECK
Getty Images,Thinkstock, Jahn Vannisselroy / TNT Images
Croatia is a classic, guaranteed hotspot. Sailing Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik on our eightday tour involves sunbathing, swimming, sunset cocktails in the turret of a 15th-century tower in Korcula, watersports, chill-out time in Hvar and exploring the salt lakes in the national park of Mljet. Did I mention swimming and sunbathing? See topdeck.travel
KIRSTY STUART, ROUND THE WORLD EXPERTS
You can’t beat a felucca sojourn
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South-East Asia is going to be the place to be for everyone. Thailand is a timehonoured traveller’s hub because it’s exciting, cheap, accessible and they have full moon parties. It’s everything the young and adventurous want. Indo-China is becoming increasingly tourist-friendly, too, particularly Lao. See roundtheworldexperts.co.uk
Rock out at a full moon party
Don’t expect to sleep, there’s too much to do in 2011’s European Capital Of Culture WORDS FRANKIE MULLIN t’s 2011’s European Capital of Culture and, although the arrival of budget airline flights have brought Tallinn its share of stag and hen parties, it’s easy to discover another side to this mini-Prague. Only got a weekend? No problem – here’s what to do.
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DAY ONE
10AM: Get a feel for the city by wandering around its streets. Tallinn fuses the medieval with the modern – cafés, bars and shops jostle with Dominican monasteries and historic meeting halls. Until 1991 the capital of Estonia was under Soviet rule but don’t expect a stereotypical ex-Soviet Bloc city – Tallinn has embraced capitalism with
gusto. If, however, you’re looking for a chocolate-box European city, you won’t be disappointed.
12PM: In the middle of old Tallinn is Town Hall Square, the centre of a web of colourful, cobbled streets. The square is home to the city’s tallest spire and, despite being a tourist hub, is so beautiful you must stop here for a coffee. Tallinn’s café culture is second to none.
2PM: Take a few more photos before leaving, then it’s time for lunch. Avoid the main square as food will be pricey. Instead, hit one of the surrounding streets and tackle some
Tallinn combines history with modernity
Tallinn’s picturesque Old Town
traditional Estonian fare; it’s hearty stuff with lots of meat, fish and potatoes. Wash down with a Saku beer.
3PM: Cram in some more culture with a visit to the City Museum for insight into the city’s history if, perchance, you’ve forgotten to do your homework. Then, choose between the Maritime Museum, the Old Town Hall’s exhibition space or the more esoteric Doll Museum or Town Hall Pharmacy museum.
8PM: Re-fuel before you hit the tiles. You’ll find restaurants serving delicious food from all over the world. Have a medieval feast in Olde Hansa or go for fusion-cuisine in Ö, Ribe or MEKK. Tallinn’s nightlife is one of its biggest pulls. Avoid the faux Irish bars and stag parties and hit a lounge bar, where you can mix with stylish locals. Favourites such as Moskva and Lounge 8 are located just outside the Old Town. Most Tallinners don’t go clubbing until after midnight. Head to the popular Terrarium and Venus Club. DAY TWO
12PM: Hopefully you hit the town in style last night, so we’ll give you time for a lie in; then it’s time for some gentle shopping. You’ll have passed countless places to buy tourist tat but try the Sada Market close to the passenger port for clothing and gifts. Tallinn’s
Mari Kadanik,Toomas Volmer, Allan Alajaan
EXPLORE TURKU, FINLAND
Tallinn’s cafe culture is thriving
“Avoid the faux Irish pubs and hit one of Tallinn’s stylish lounge bars” a fashionable city and you’ll find some bargains in one of the many shopping malls.
2PM: Go for lunch and hair of the dog in Karja Kelder, the city’s oldest beer hall. You’ll be able to tuck into authentic Estonian food and drink for next to nothing.
4PM: For some fresh air, visit the castle district of Toompea Hill, towering above the city with amazing views of the old town and out over the Baltic Sea. If it’s sunny, finish the day on the beach. Pirita has 3km of soft white sand and palm trees to soothe your aching head. 7PM: Time to brace up and hit the bars again! For something different, try the artsy Von Krahli Baar, attached to an experimental theatre.
exhibits are to be found within its museums. This year’s second European Capital of Culture, Summer is the best time to visit when crowds Turku, is the oldest city in Finland, dating back to the gather to drink and eat around the banks of the 13th century, and was originally the nation’s capital. River Aurajoki and on the harbour front. The Today, Turku is fast becoming a tourist hotspot picturesque central market square of Kauppatori due to a mix of interesting will be buzzing. architecture, lively bars and One of the city’s biggest bonuses is restaurants and the undoubtedly the hundreds of islands accessibility of the stunning found just offshore. You can explore Finnish archipelago. these easily from Turku as bridges In 1827, a fire laid waste and roads link many with the to much of medieval Turku, mainland. Explore by boat, bicycle, u Turk but many archaeological kayak, or motorcycle. our, harb The
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NEED TO KNOW WHEN TO GO Visit in 2011 for a cultural extravaganza. GETTING THERE easyJet (easyjet.com) offers direct flights to Tallinn from Stansted. GETTING AROUND Tallinn is easily navigable on foot, and has a network of trolleybus and buses for longer journeys. VISAS Saffas need a Schengen visa. CURRENCY Estonia Krooni. 1 GBP = 18.65 EEK. LANGUAGE Estonian. GOING OUT A pint of beer is £2. SLEEPING Hostel bed from around £15, a bed in a three-star hotel is around £50. SEE tourism.tallinn.ee
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E W B A ZIMB cient A new start for an an land WORDS INGER SMITH
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s Zimbabwe gets back on its feet, 2011 will be the year the tourists start to return, finding their way back into one of the most enchanting places in the world. A storybook of history, wilderness and adventure awaits.
VICTORIA FALLS Stretching over nearly 2km and with waters crashing into a deep gorge 108 metres below, the mighty Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders Of The World. Besides the beauty of the waterfall itself, there are plenty of attractions to enjoy in the surrounding area, giving you the chance to explore the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ from the top, the bottom – or somewhere in between. Take a river cruise on the legendary Zambezi river, go bungy jumping or glide by the falls in canoe, helicopter or airplane. Wonder of the World: Victoria Falls Watering hole at Mana Pools
Michael Brown / TNT Images
The ruins of Great Zimbabwe
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MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK Situated in the Lower Zambezi Valley, far away from any major towns, lies UNESCO World Heritage site Mana Pool National Park. Here the wildlife is free to roam the 2500km2 park without any physical boundaries, so you can see these fascinating animals in their natural environment ... and sometimes even on your doorstep. The park’s four permanent pools of water are perfect places to admire the mighty herds of elephant and buffalo as well as crocodiles and hippos. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of all the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino).
RUINS OF GREAT ZIMBABWE The largest stone structure in Africa outside of Egypt, the ruins of Great Zimbabwe provides a glimpse into the past of one of the lost trade civilisations, and is today an official Unesco World Heritage site. The buildings, constructed by indigenous Africans between the 11th and 15th centuries, were made out of millions of granite blocks balanced on top of each other, creating walls which in places are up to six metres wide and 12 metres tall.
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Tourism: helping the local community get back on its feet
Rock art at Matobo Hills
MATOBO HILLS Huge granite boulders are scattered throughout the landscape of Matobo, the oldest national park in Zimbabwe and a Unesco World Heritage site since 2003. The park is famous for its outstanding panorama views of the surrounding valleys and unique shrub vegetation as well as its bushman rock paintings by the San people. There are around 700 known sites including 20,000 paintings in the area, with the oldest rock paintings dating back 13,000 years.
CHINHOYI CAVES Take a diving trip to the Chinhoyi Caves and visit a Zimbabwean national park located beneath the surface. These fascinating underwater caves are made up of limestone and dolomite, and the water temperature stays a comfortable 22-24°C all year round. The main cave is popularly called Sleeping Pool or Chirorodzira (Pool of the Fallen), and is famous for its clear blue waters. The cave water is in fact so clear that divers often can enjoy a visibility of 50 metres or more while exploring this underwater world.
NEED TO KNOW WHEN TO GO April and May if you want to see Victoria Falls in its full glory; May to September for game viewing; the hot and dry season is August to October. GETTING THERE British Airways, Kenya Air, KLM and South African Airways fly into Harare. GETTING AROUND By car (hotels or tour organisers can arrange this), or take a tour with Dragoman or Intrepid Travel. VISAS Contact Zimbabwe House in London on 020 7836 7755 between 9am12.30pm, Mon-Fri for the visa requirements for your country. LANGUAGE Official languages are English, Shona and Ndebele.
HARARE
ZIMBABWE The underwater world of Chinhoyi Caves
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Christ the Redeemer is the symbol of Rio
G N I R E V REDIS CO is in Brazil, followed The 2014 World Cup io de Janeirio; R in s ic p m ly O 6 01 2 by the with an amazing city ve lo in ll fa to t se re we’ M STURROCK all over again WORDS TO
RIO
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Copacabana is one of the world’s most famous beaches
he road winds steeply, everupwards, deeper and deeper into Tinjuca National Park. Below, Rio de Janeiro is still visible, its slums intertwined with ribbons of lush foliage; shacks scattered, like playing cards borne away on a gust of wind to precarious resting places. Giant slabs of jet-black granite rupture the earth throughout the city centre – violent, storm-cloud monoliths soaring defiantly into the sky at alarming angles. They are everpresent reminders of how this sprawling city was hewn roughly from the rainforests, from the hills themselves; reinforcements of natural
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“ Rio was hewn roughly from the rainforest, from the hills themselves ” order set hard against the man-made chaos foaming at their skirts. At the summit, though, the mist is so thick it obscures everything, ushering in a sense of oblivion and impenetrable whiteness. Paved steps lead to an observation deck and there, towering above, is Christ the Redeemer, the giant, 40-metre-high statue of Jesus. “The head is actually a little bit out of
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proportion,” our guide remarks, before gesturing to a small church tucked under one of Jesus’ sandalled feet. “That’s where you can go to confess your sins,” he says. “It’s OK – we can pick you up tomorrow.”
A LABOUR OF LOVE One of Rio’s most iconic attractions is Selarón’s staircase, aka Escadaria Selarón. In 1990, Chilean artist Jorge Selarón began beautifying a dilapidated, drab stairway – there are 250 steps stretching 125 metres – between the neighbourhoods of Lapa and Santa Teresa. Selarón used coloured tiles and small Be sure to visit Machu Picchu
LATIN HOTSPOTS FOR 2011
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Machu Picchu, Peru: 2011 marks 100 years since the discovery of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. The fourday hike to the dramatic city is a tick box activity for most backpackers visiting South America. The 42km trail reaches the dizzying height of 4200 metres.
Chile: The dramatic rescue of the Chilean miners last year put Chile firmly on the map. From the driest desert in the world to the dramatic scenery of Patagonia and all the vineyards, volcanoes, geysers and beaches in between, Chile has much to offer travellers.
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Get your fresh fruit and veg
Maracana Stadium will play host to the World Cup
Selarón’s staircase was a labour of love
CACHACA NIGHTS
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CRADLE OF SIN Late at night, the bars along Copacabana Beach hum with samba. I ask a taxi driver to take me somewhere busy. We pull up next to a stretch of beachside cafes; their yellow parasols bloom like concrete
daisies, jutting up and out between lonely volleyball nets and spindly palms. I cross the square, where street vendors hawk their wares, and pick my way through the tightening mesh of scantily clad bodies. The women are beautiful, dolled up with deep tans and plenty of skin on show. The men, on the other hand, mostly tourists, are scruffy and wide-eyed. I’m deep into my second mojito before a wisp of conversation drifts across from one of the bar’s dark corners, where an American guy has his arm around a local girl. “One hour,” he says, holding up a finger and then reaching for his wallet, “200 real”. The penny drops. She’s a working girl.
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Janine Kelso,TNT Images, Getty Images
If you spend any amount of time carousing in Brazil, you’re bound to come across cachaça, the favoured spirit of the locals. It’s fermented sugarcane and is seriously alcoholic – go easy, it packs quite a punch. Cachaça is generally used as an ingredient in other cocktails, like a caipirinha, but can also be sipped neat or over ice. If you’re really keen, you can do shots.
fragments of mirrors to brighten the stairs and the surrounding pavings. Eventually, what began as a side project grew into an obsession, a labour of love that remains a work in progress more than 20 years later. As Selarón’s masterpiece attracted more and more attention – U2 and Snoop Dogg have both filmed video clips featuring the staircase – people began mailing him tiles from around the world, which he incorporated into his colourful, chaotic mosaic to reflect the international appeal of his beloved Rio. If you visit at the right time of day, you can often find Selaron sitting on the steps, painting. Be warned – he’s an eccentric character, more than a little bit mad.
Go easy on the cachaça when out and about
Medioimages / Photodisc, Juan Mabromata, Getty Images
NEED TO KNOW WHEN TO GO There’s not really a bad time to go to Brazil but if you want stinking hot beach weather, head across in summer. GETTING THERE Most airlines fly into Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo. GETTING AROUND By taxi in Rio de Janeiro – if you’re going further afield, the local coaches are reliable and the routes are surprisingly simple. VISAS Nationals of the EU and New Zealand do not need tourist visas, but Aussies do. LANGUAGE Portuguese
BRAZIL BRASILIA Rio de Janeiro
Rio is carved out of the rainforest
“ They’re all working girls. All of them. It’s time to leave ” I look around. They’re all working girls. All of them. Regrettably, it’s time to leave. Stepping out into the warm Brazilian night, I sense I have dodged an embarrassing, albeit memorable, experience. Copacabana is now bathed in the ethereal yellow glow of streetlights, illuminating the thick haze that hangs like a halo around the whole scene. And there, on the hills in the distance, sitting sentry over the entire city and its central lagoon, is the unmistakeable silhouette of Christ the Redeemer. Arms outstretched. Beseeching us all to repent. It’s a big statue. Just as well, too, because down here on the strip, down here in the streets, there’s plenty of sin to go around.
IGUAZU FALLS The Iguazu Falls are not in the Amazon; they straddle the Brazilian and Argentinian border. The surrounding landscape is a lush green carpet, thick with jungle, torn apart at its central seam by the ballistic churn of several separate falls spuming into one shared basin. At the largest of the area’s falls, Garganto do Diabo, or the Devil’s Throat, the bottom of the falls are not even visible, obscured by roiling tongues of mist and foam, a mixture of whitewash and oblivion.
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The noise at Iguazu Falls is deafening
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SKYE’S THE LIMIT ne visit to the Isle of Skye is never enough. Boasting a vibrant and diverse heritage of wildlife, sport, art and events, there is so much to see and do. 2011 is the Year of Island Cultures, a celebration of Scottish islands’ dynamic cultures, breathtaking environment and quality produce. Skye is truly in the spotlight – with Lonely Planet naming it as one of best regions in the world for tourism.
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island, with demonstrations including the tanning of skins, spinning and weaving of local wool. Watch potters at work, stone carving, bladesmiths, jewellers and knitters all harnessing and developing techniques and traditions from the past for our future art and craft culture to draw on. Skye is Scotland’s ‘Dinosaur Isle’ – one of the few places in the world where Middle Jurassic dinosaurs can be found. Head to the Skye Serpentarium to get up close and personal with a host of reptiles – from white tree frogs to large green iguanas.
Skye has a vibrant heritage
Kyle Akin, Isle of Skye
THE LIVING COUNTRYSIDE The majestic Sea Eagles of Skye feature in a unique exhibition at the Aros centre in Portree, while the otter hides at Kylerhea is where to watch these playful creatures. Head to a sheepdog demonstration, which shows the remarkable partnership between man and dog.
A QUICK NIP After all that, you’ll deserve a drink. Visit the world-famous Talisker Distillery where a ‘wee dram’ will keep you going, or have a pint at the first micro-brewery at Sligachan. A must for all connoisseurs of the finer things in life. See skye.co.uk
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Eric Nathan \ TNT IMAGES
Visit the 40-acre, historical Clan Donald Skye visitor centre set in a stunning Highland estate on Sleat, at the island’s southern tip. Here you’ll find magical gardens skirting the imposing ruins of Armadale Castle and you can discover Sky’s often unsettled and rebellious history. There are working studios and galleries around every corner of the
Heritage, wildlife and stunning views – the Isle of Skye has it all