s n o i t a n i t s De Europe TOP 10
European breaks PLUS SIX UNMISSABLE FESTIVALS CROATIA TURKEY ICELAND ST PETERSBURG SPAIN
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Resort, castle, or canvas.
Topdeck gives you choices when it comes to accommodation.
EUROHOTEL: For great value hotel trips in outstanding locations with bags of local character.
EUROCAMPING: Back to basics with spacious tents, amazing campsites and great meals.
EUROCLUB: Accommodation as varied as the locations we visit: from hotels to hostels, to bungalows, castles and yachts.
EXPLORER: Small groups that get off the beaten track and discover the heart and soul of the locations they visit.
trips for 18 to 30 somethings
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contents
WELCOME LETTER
4 SAIL AWAY
Getty Images,TNT Images, Leanne Smith, Pete Axford
Book your berth and cast off on a sailing break in Croatia
8 TALKING TURKEY
14 TOP 5 SPAIN
16 CULTURAL PARTY
From the mineral springs of Pamukkale to the bustle of Istanbul
Food fanatic or a culture vulture, Spain’s got a destination for everyone
St Petersburg’s old world charm is as seductive as its love of vodka
18 COLD PLAY
20 FESTIVAL FEVER
26 10 OF THE BEST
So much to do, so little time, tick off some fabulous experiences in Iceland
Music, culture and sport, we pick the summer’s top six festivals
Competition is tight, but we’ve picked our top European city breaks
Welcome to TNT ’s new Destinations supplement. For our inaugural edition we’re focusing on the very best of what Europe has to offer during the warmer months. Destinations is the perfect place to start if you’re looking for inspiration to plan your summer trip. So whether it’s island hopping off Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast, exploring Turkey’s rich culture and heritage, or indulging in a sunny Spanish trip – Destinations has the information you seek. We’ve also put our thinking caps on and brought together all the essential information you need to plan your summer of festivals – from tomato throwing at La Tomatina to catching a break at Newquay in Cornwall. And because we’re partial to a bit of travel too – the team have nominated their favourite European city breaks. It was a hard task, but we’ve picked what we think are the Top 10 unmissable cities on the Continent. Once you’ve decided where you’re off to next, turn to page 12 and have a look at what our sponsor Topdeck has to offer. Chances are they’re going where you want to go. The Destinations Team
TNT editor Daniel Landon Deputy editor Samantha Baden Chief sub editor Janine Jorgensen Travel editor Janine Kelso Contributing writers Tom Sturrock, Alison Grinter, Jahn Vannisselroy, Inger Smith Art director Shabir Mahmood Picture editor Shila Sultana Head of production Libby West Production manager Jon Cooke Publishing director Jeff Perkins Sales Jaqui Ward, James Berry 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 14-15 Child’s Place, London SW5 9RX Enquiries +44 (0)20 7373 3377; +44 (0)1603 343267 Email sales@tntmagazine.com Fax +44 (0)20 7341 6600
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sai l aw ay A sailing trip along Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian coast is a once-in-a-lifetime experience WORDS DANIEL LANDON arty at night at some of the world’s best bars and unwind during the day on the azure waters of the Dalmatian coast. Sailing in Croatia is a near perfect blend of relaxation and fun.
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there’s also plenty of time to sit on the deck of the boat and simply do nothing, aside from taking a dip when the skipper drops anchor in a secluded cove.
SCENIC SURROUNDS MIX IT UP Most sailing trips thread through the islands between Split and Dubrovnik, mooring each night at a different town for a quiet meal or a heaving party at a harbour-side bar. But
Mljet (top right) is the prettiest of the coast’s islands – and the most tranquil. On its western half is a national park, best explored by bike – hire one in Pomena (where most boats dock). Or take a free boat ride across the inland lake
to Marija Island, home to a decrepit monastery. The coastline of the mainland is dotted with mountains and forests, providing their own source of adventure. Take a trek in the hills of the Biokovo Nature Park, near Makarska, or brave some white-knuckle whitewater rafting.
HVAR With its quaint marble and red-roofed buildings, palmfringed foreshore and fortress overlooking it all, Hvar Town (main photo) encapsulates the best of the Adriatic. Don’t miss a walk to the Spanjol or citadel (middle right).
“The view over Hvar Town, harbour and Pakleni Islands is sublime” After passing through the town square, a narrow network of alleyways leads up the hill, past plenty of small restaurants and bars. The view over Hvar Town, harbour
and Pakleni Islands is sublime, particularly at sunset. If you want to splash some cash in style, Hvar Town is the place to do it. The Adriana Hotel has a rooftop bar and pool. You don’t need to be beautiful to get in, but it certainly helps. For celeb spotting try super-trendy bar Carpe Diem, which has a harbourside terrace a stone’s throw from where the boats are docked.
DUBROVNIK Surrounded by an imposing wall that weaves along sheer cliffs, Dubrovnik’s old town is a maze of alleys, churches and cobbled squares that looks, at every turn, like a picture from a storybook about a mythical medieval town. A walk along the city walls offers amazing views:
“It’s easy to get lost in Diocletian’s Palace, but that’s half the fun” from vistas over the red-tiled roofs and church spires, to the panorama of the shimmering Adriatic and the mountains above the town.
SPLIT Don’t miss Diocletian’s Palace, an impressive Roman ruin built in the 3rd century and now a Unesco World Heritage Site. These days it’s a labyrinth of homes, cafés, galleries,
NEED TO KNOW
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Dive off the roof of your sailing boat into the crystal clear Adriatic.
most complete examples of a Roman Palace anywhere in the world.
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Have a drink against the backdrop of luxurious yachts and watch the sun go down in Hvar Town.
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Marvel at Split’s Diocletian’s Palace - one of the world’s
Walk along the wall ramparts in Dubrovnik.
Kick back and relax as you sail in some of the world’s most beautiful scenery on the Dalmatian coast.
bars and shops, all set inside imposing marble walls. It’s easy to get lost here, but that’s half the fun. If you want a coffee or beer among locals rather than tourists, head to Teak Café in the north-east corner of the palace (above). Or for serious boozing and partying, there are the heaving bars of the south-east corner.
CROATIA MONEY Croatian kuna. KORCULA Split 1 GBP = 8.62 HRK. The birthplace of Marco Polo, Korcula (main LANGUAGE Croatian. HVAR and top left) is a laid-back port town with an English is widely spoken old centre of Renaissance and Gothic buildings. in tourist areas. KORCULADubrovnik In summer, check out the traditional Moreska GOING OUT A cocktail in sword dance, in which costumed locals swirl their a harbour-side bar costs way through town. Or head to Bar Massimo with its seating about 40-50 kuna. ACCOMMODATION A basic atop an old tower of the town walls, accessible by a steep double room in Dubrovnik ladder. Cocktails (40-50 kuna) are hauled up to the top from starts at 100 kuna per person. the bar below on a pulley system. Arrive before sunset to get SEE croatia.hr. a seat and soak up the million-dollar views.
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TNT Images, Liane Matrisch
WHEN TO GO Sailing season is April to October. GETTING THERE Fly from London to Split or Dubrovnik. GETTING AROUND An organised tour is easiest, see tntmagazine.com/toursearch. Public transport is good, so it’s easy to strike out on your own. VISAS South Africans need a visa, see uk.mfa.hr.
UNMISSABLE CROATIA
Talking Turkey Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey is a destination with a difference WORDS JAHN VANNISSELROY AND SAMANTHA BADEN urkey is an incredible mix of cultures and attractions – from the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia to the mineral waters of Pamukkale and the buzzing, cosmopolitan city of Istanbul. There’s something for everyone.
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an ancient Roman town. There are lots of impressive sites to see, including Frontinus Street, once the commercial axis, and the ruins of the Arch of Domitian. The amphitheatre is a great vantage point offering unrivalled views of the gleaming white rock face, ancient Roman ruins and blue pools.
PAMUKKALE This famous Roman spa and hot spring town has been pulling in the crowds for thousands of years. You’ll soon discover why when you wade into the soothing, warm mineral waters of the travertine terraces (main photo). Don’t leave Pamukkale without exploring Hierapolis,
CAPPADOCIA The underground city of Derinkuyu in Cappadocia plunges 85m below the ground. This subterranean dugout was used by 6th and 7th century Byzantine Christians as a refuge from the marauding Persian and Arabic hordes. It’s huge
“ View Cappadocia’s
lunar landscape from a hot air balloon ” too, accommodating 10,000 people and their livestock. Next stop is the 40m-high fairy chimneys at Göreme (right and top). Created by wind erosion, one day they will eventually disappear. The best way to appreciate this lunar landscape is by floating above it in a hot air balloon at dawn, when the rising sun causes the rocks to change colour.
ISTANBUL
TNT Images
You’ll be charmed both by the friendly people and the jawdropping sites in Istanbul. Start at the Blue Mosque (below),
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NEED TO KNOW
“Pay extra for the
WHEN TO GO April to October is best. Tourism all but shuts down in winter. GETTING THERE BA, EasyJet, Pegasus and Turkish Airlines all fly to Istanbul. GETTING AROUND Buses connect towns between Pamukkale and Cappadocia. You can see Istanbul on foot or by tram. VISAS Australians and South Africans have to apply on arrival. Kiwis can travel visa free. CURRENCY Turkish lira. 1 GBP = 2.36 TRY. LANGUAGE Turkish. ACCOMMODATION Hostel beds in Cappadocia start from 15 lira a night, Pamukkale from 18 lira a night. See tntmagazine.com/hostels. A room at a three-star hotel in Istanbul is from £40. GOING OUT A beer costs about 7 lira. If you’re out in a large group, negotiate with the owner before you start drinking and you may get the beer down to 5 lira a pop. SEE tourismturkey.org.
harem in Topkapi Palace – it’s a real drawcard” so named because of the thousands of blue Iznik tiles decorating its interior. Take your shoes off before you enter and women should cover their heads when inside. You can also marvel at Istanbul’s beauty from a boat cruise on the Bosphorus. The Public Excursion Ferry departs Eminönü at 10.35am daily or take a smaller private excursion boat from the same area – these depart once full. Topkapi Palace is a must-see (right). Explore this opulent palace and get to know its colourful occupants, including Selim the Sot, who drowned after drinking too much champagne. The harem is the real drawcard – you have to pay extra to see it, but its grandeur makes it totally worth it. Istanbul also boasts a cracking nightlife and you simply must have a night out in Beyoglu to party with the hip young Istanbul locals. Finally, test your haggling skills at the Grand Bazaar (top and middle) where you’ll find jingle-jangly jewellery, colourful glass lamps, vibrant leather poufs, and you can take a little bit of Turkey home with you.
ONCE IN A LIFE TIME – GALLIPOLI TOUR When the first rays of light break at Anzac Cove on Anzac Day, it’s impossible not to be moved by the tragic history of Gallipoli. Standing shoulder to
shoulder with fellow Antipodeans, the camaraderie and patriotism is tangible. During World War I, about 12,000 Australians and New Zealanders lost their lives at the Battle of Gallipoli and the annual pilgrimage to the site
Istanbul
ANKARA Pamukkale
Cappadocia
TURKEY
has become a rite of passage for many young people. Even if your travel plans don’t allow you to visit on Anzac Day on April 25, a tour of the trenches and the many memorial sites of the Gallipoli peninsula is an interesting and
moving experience any time of the year. Gallipoli is 350 km away from Istanbul. To visit the peninsula on Anzac Day you have to join an official tour. At any other time, it’s open for access.
Getty Images
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ADVERTORIAL Cinque Terre
f you see out your stint in London without making the trek across the channel to Europe, you’ve missed out. But if you don’t have a travel buddy, the thought of shooting off – without knowing anyone, without anywhere to stay – can be intimidating. But with Topdeck Travel, that’s all sorted. Targeting 18-year-olds to 30-somethings and everyone in between, Topdeck will remove all the stress by organising your European adventure, showing you all the best cities and most impressive cultural landmarks. You’ll get the full experience, and you’ll be able to enjoy it all with a bunch of new mates you’ve met along the way. You’ll have activities planned, but also enough free time to enjoy yourself on your own. And best of all, Topdeck has a range of trips to match your budget and interests. If you’re after a month-long trip, spent mostly in campsites, they’ve got you covered. Equally, if you want a shorter break, with a few more creature comforts, that’s also catered for.
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THE BEST OF OLD EUROPE Topdeck’s European Odyssey runs for 18 days, taking in France, Switzerland, Italy, the Vatican
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Swiss Alps
City, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. If you’ve never been to Europe before, it’s the perfect way to cover a lot of bases and give you a taste of some of Europe’s most popular hotspots. You’ll enjoy a gourmet picnic in the shadows of the Eiffel Tower, visit the most picturesque parts of Italy – whether you’re hitching a ride by gondola in Venice, marvelling at the Sistine Chapel in Rome or falling in love in Verona, home to Shakespeare’s most famous starcrossed lovers – before exploring the backstreets of Amsterdam on bicycle.
GET YOUR SEA LEGS Get ready to cast off and take to the high seas (well, not quite) with Topdeck’s Summer Fun and Sailing trip, which takes you through France, Switzerland, Italy, the Vatican City, Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. By day, you’ll be sailing through the Mediterranean, swimming in the bays and sunning yourself on immaculate beaches. At night, you’ll bed down on a Flotilla sail boat in the Greek Islands and later, a 12th century castle in Germany’s Rhine Valley. You’ll spend
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Prague
For a great photo opportunity in Florence, head up to Piazzale Michelangelo. You’ll get a magnificent panoramic view of the city, including the Duomo, River Arno where locals bathe on hot summer days, and Vespas dashing through the streets of this Renaissance city HEATHER FORSHAW, TRIP LEADER
two nights in the Swiss Alps, befriending the locals in the village of Lauterbrunnen, before checking out the gorgeous coastal scenery of Montenegro and then exploring the Croatian city of Dubrovnik.
AN EPIC ADVENTURE For the truly committed, there’s the Mega European trip, which lasts 49 days and takes in France, Switzerland, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany and the Netherlands. You’ll span the breadth of the continent on this journey of a lifetime, spending your nights under the stars in campsites, even a few in hostels, hotels and on Flotilla sail boats. After taking in the best of the west, you’ll head to Eastern Europe – a region that has in recent times emerged as one of the world’s most exciting and fun-filled destinations. Rounding off your trip, you’ll be able to sample Prague’s finest beers in one of Europe’s most atmospheric capitals, before immersing yourself in the slightly madcap urban surrounds of Berlin on the way back to London.
WHY TRAVEL WITH TOPDECK? TRAVELLING WITH TOPDECK 12-DAY ESSENTIAL EUROPE INCLUDES
UK£
11 nights hotel accommodation All transportation 11 breakfasts 5 dinners Escorted services of tour guide
included included included included included
TOTAL COST
£990*
SAVE £321 PLUS MANY EXTRAS WHEN TRAVELLING WITH TOPDECK!
TRAVELLING ON YOUR OWN 11 nights hotel accommodation Eurail pass based on saver fare 11 breakfasts at £3 per meal 5 dinners at £10 per meal Guided tour of each city: minimum £15 per city Local buses/trains/subway at £5 per day
TOTAL COST (MINIMUM) *Price is based on Europe 2010 brochure.
UK£ £600 £433 £33 £50 £135 £60
£1311
TOP 5 SPAIN
rom tapas to flamenco – those Spaniards know a thing or two about enjoying life. Whether it’s the crazy nightlife of Barcelona or the stunning beaches of the Costa Blanca and the art museums of Madrid, Spain is at once boisterous, fascinating and colourful.
From surf beaches to insane nightlife, here are five of Spain’s top destinations WORDS JANINE KELSO
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Barcelona is the ideal setting for long, lazy days of sightseeing or shopping, broken up by a siesta before heading out to wine, dine and party, as nightlife is the essence of this cool city. Few travel experiences can be more satisfying than relaxing in a street café with a plate heaped high with paella and a jug of Sangria. Antoni Gaudí’s architecture is an essential part of Barcelona’s visual DNA, from the soaring spires of his famously unfinished church to the magical grottoes of Parc Güell (pictured top). When your wallet’s empty and you need a rest, head for the beach.
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A quintessential Spanish city, Valencia has loads to offer travellers, with idyllic year-round temperatures, a charming old town to explore, thumping nightlife, culture in spades and the sizzling beaches of the Med. Head to the cosmopolitan Central Market to ogle food or grab a snack for the day ahead. Here you will find giant squid, delectable joints of jamon (cured ham) and piles of fresh fruit. As night falls, make a beeline for the Plaza de la Reina as it is lined with dozens of bars and clubs packed with both locals and visitors to the city.
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IBIZA
This Balearic island offers stunning beaches and unbeatable nightlife. From the cobbled streets of Ibiza Town to the notorious West End in San Antonio, the White Isle’s world-renowned clubs and DJs, sunsets and sangria, attract a mass of revellers. Space is the most famous club, and the Sunday parties on its outdoor terrace are legendary. For sexy house music, head to plush Pacha.
NEED TO KNOW WHEN TO GO Spain is a year-round destination, but May, June and September are best, thanks to great weather and fewer tourists. GETTING THERE EasyJet flies to Barcelona, Madrid, Ibiza, Valencia and Bilbao, from where it’s a one-hour bus trip
to San Sebastian, while Ryanair flies to Madrid, Valencia and Ibiza. GETTING AROUND It’s easy to travel around Spain by bus and train, or hire a car − see easycar.com/ tntmagazine.com for a 5 per cent discount. VISAS South Africans need a Schengen visa.
CURRENCY Euro. 1 GBP = 1.22 EUR. LANGUAGE Spanish. GOING OUT A small beer costs from ¤1-€4. ACCOMMODATION A dorm bed costs from £11, while a hotel room costs from £20. See tntmagazine.com/ hostels. SEE spain.info.
San Sebastian
MADRID
Barcelona
Valencia
SPAIN IBIZA
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With grand boulevards, art museums and nightlife to make your head swirl, Madrid is as stylish as it is fun. The metropolis is the country’s art and culture capital and the Prado gallery is the jewel in its crown. Be wowed by the big names, including El Greco, Goya and Velázquez. Madrid is great for a tapas crawl: hop from bar to bar, while eating and drinking small portions along the way.
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TNT Images, Getty Images, Leanne Smith
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San Sebastián boasts some of the best beaches in Spain. La Concha and Ondarreta are good for swimming and soaking up the sun, while Zurriola is popular with surfers. The best places to eat are around the Alameda del Boulevard and the town is a gastronomic paradise with more Michelin-starred eateries per head than anywhere in the world. By midnight the streets hum with activity as people head out to bars to munch on tapas – or pintxos, as they are known in the Basque region – and down wine, cider or beer.
CULTURAL PARTY Take your fill of history, beautiful buildings and plenty of vodka in the Russian city of St Petersburg WORDS TOM STURROCK t Petersburg seduces you with old European charm and wild hedonism. Dubbed the Venice of the North, this pastel-painted city is best seen on foot or by boat from the canals. Known as Petrograd from 1914-29 and then as Leningrad up until 1991, the city is crisscrossed by a network of canals, punctuated by bronze statues of men in heroic poses.
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WINTER PALACE Overlooking St Petersburg’s main waterway is the Winter Palace (opposite top left), the eye-
poppingly opulent residence of Russia’s tsars. The palace now houses the Hermitage Museum, a gallery with an extraordinary collection of art and sculpture to rival anything in the West.
ST ISAAC’S CATHEDRAL With its huge golden dome, St Isaac’s Cathedral dominates the St Petersburg skyline. You can climb the 262 steps to the colonnade at the top and take in incredible views of the city. The inside of the cathedral (main image) is impressive too, but admission
for the climb and general entry ticket must be purchased separately.
it became a political prison and its famous former inmates include Dostoevsky, and Trotsky.
THE CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR ON SPILLED BLOOD
MARIINSKY THEATRE
The iconic coloured domes are instantly recognisable as you approach the Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood (bottom right). It was built as a memorial to Tsar Alexander II, on the site of his assassination in 1881. There are also several stunning colourful mosaics inside the church.
SUMMER GARDEN One of the city’s prettiest and oldest green spots, the Summer Garden, is a wonderful place to spend a few hours unwinding. The space was laid out for Peter the Great and designed along the same lines as the park at Versailles. You’ll marvel at the fountains, pavilions and marble statues.
PETER AND PAUL FORTRESS It was here that St Petersburg was initially founded back in 1703. It is still home to the Peter and Paul Cathedral as well as the 122m-high bell tower. After the October Revolution in 1917,
TNT Images, Getty Images
DRINK UP It’s impossible to travel to St Petersburg and not throw back a few shots of vodka. Be warned: asking for a soft drink or juice to dilute it will raise the eyebrows of bar tenders around the central area of the city.
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Known to many as the Kirov, watching worldclass ballet (top right) is almost as much fun as promenading around the levels, drinking champagne and eating caviar in the interval. Hard-to-get tickets are worth the once-in-alifetime experience in this stunning setting.
NEVSKY PROSPEKT Just as the tsars enjoyed their excesses more than a century ago, one need only stroll through the shopping hub of Nevsky Prospekt to see how the Russian appetite for finery and consumerism has been rekindled after so many years of dreary communism.
» Tom Sturrock travelled on the nine-day Russia Unplugged tour with On The Go (020 7371 1113; onthegotours.com) who offer a range of tours from four to 14 days. Prices start at £389
NEED TO KNOW WHEN TO GO Summer, spring and autumn are best. GETTING THERE Most airlines fly to St Petersburg. GETTING AROUND St Petersburg has a good metro system. Buy one token per trip. VISAS All visitors must get a tourist visa, which can be tricky. CURRENCY Ruble. 1 GBP = 46 RUB. LANGUAGE Russian. GOING OUT A beer costs 80-100 rubles. There are lots of bars in the city. Chain bars are touristy, but give good service. WHERE TO STAY You’ll pay 600 rubles for a bed in a hostel and about 2200 rubles for a private room. Hotels are expensive. SEE petersburgcity. com.
RUSSIA St Petersburg
MOSCOW
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COLD PLAY Iceland’s troublesome volcano meant the country hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons this year, but it is now very much open for business WORDS JANINE KELSO
oor old Iceland. The land of ice and fire has had some negative press in the past year. First, it went bankrupt, and then its ash-spewing unpronounceable volcano caused travel chaos across Europe. But Eyjafjallajökull has now calmed down and
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Iceland is very much open for business. In fact, its troublesome volcano has become a must-see attraction on the island. You have probably already heard of the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle, so we have picked a few of Iceland’s off-the-beaten-track draws.
SNORKEL BETWEEN CONTINENTS Snorkel or scuba-dive in a crack between the American and Eurasian continents at the Silfra Rift in Thingvellir National Park. Flanked by huge rock formations, the startlingly clear waters offer high visibility to depths of as much as 100m, sometimes inducing vertigo in snorkellers and divers. The water is so clean that you can take off your snorkel and enjoy a refreshing drink. It’s a tad nippy at 2°C as the lagoon is filled with the melted water from a glacier about 50km away, so you’ll have to wear a dry suit. See dive.is.
BAR HOP IN REYKJAVÍK
a
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TNT Images
Rub shoulders (or more, if you’re lucky) with Iceland’s beautiful people in Reykjavík’s achingly cool bars. Locals get glammed up to hit the dance clubs and tiny live music venues, which don’t get going until late. Suffering
THE HIDDEN PEOPLE More than half of all Icelanders believe in elves and trolls. Legend has it that when God visited Eve, she only had time to clean up half her children and so she hid the others. As punishment, God said the children would stay hidden for all time. Nowadays, Iceland’s building projects are often moved to prevent damaging the rock where the hidden people are believed to live and some gardens have tiny wooden houses for elves.
a hangover the day after the night before? Heal yourself in Reykjavik’s many thermal pools and luxury spas, such as the famous Blue Lagoon (bottom right). See visitreykjavik.is.
EAT ROTTEN SHARK Picture roadkill on a dinner plate and you’re halfway to imagining the wretch-inducing smell and taste of rotten shark. Eating the stuff is a macho rite of passage for the tough Viking-descended Icelanders. And you don’t want to look like a wuss by refusing it, do you?
COLLECT VOLCANIC ASH The latest tourist craze is to sneak a peak at infamous volcano Eyjafjallajökull, a two-hour drive from Reykjavík. You’ve got a 50 per cent chance of spotting it because if the weather is cloudy, you won’t see a thing. Even then, you can still collect a souvenir to impress your friends at home – that notorious ash that caused so many problems.
EXPLORE THE WESTMANN ISLANDS Vestmannaeyjar (Westmann Islands) made headlines in 1973 when Eldfell volcano erupted, crushing 400 homes in lava and ash. Now 30 years on, a project named ‘Pompeii of the North’ is excavating the homes on this remote island, accessible only by ferry or flight from Reykjavík. A boat trip around the islands with Viking Tours takes you past sea-ravaged cliffs, home to 4 million puffins (top right). You may even spot killer whales playing in the sea. Back on dry land, join a bus tour taking you to the top of Storhofoi, thought to be the windiest place in Europe where wind speed can reach 48km a second. Then join the locals
Visit Reykjavik,TNT Images
NEED TO KNOW WHEN TO GO Winter is the best time to see the Northern Lights, while summers are milder with 24-hour daylight between June and August. GETTING THERE Icelandair (icelandair.co.uk) flies from London to Reykjavík twice daily. Summer fares start at £226.
GETTING AROUND Rent a jeep or go on a tour. Reach the Westmann Islands via a 25-minute flight or a 30minute ferry from Reykjavík. VISAS South Africans need a Schengen visa. CURRENCY Icelandic krona. 1 GBP = 193 ISK. LANGUAGE Icelandic, but
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in a sport known as ‘cliff rappelling’ where you grab an old rope and swing from one perch to another. See vikingtours.is.
GO OVERLANDING Iceland’s otherworldly landscape is a photographer’s dream. Getting off the beaten track in a 4WD is an exciting way to see the country, as you’ll cross rivers and drive on black-sand beaches. Stop to walk on glaciers, hike to gushing waterfalls (above left) and soak in hot springs.
just about everybody speaks fluent English. GOING OUT A local beer is about 800 ISK. ACCOMMODATION Dorm beds cost from £15 a night. Fancy a splurge? Stay at Hotel Ranga (hotelranga.is), which has outdoor whirlpool baths. Rooms lead in at £135 a night.
SEE inspiredbyiceland.com; visiticeland.com
ICELAND Thingvellir National Park
REYKJAVÍK Y Eyjafjallajökull Westmann Islands
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ON SUMMER & WINTER EUROPE Includes: CRUISES, TOURS & SKIING
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FOR LAST MINUTE DEALS updated every week visit
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Only With Contiki ‘Only with Contiki’ special inclusions are exactly what they say they are: They’re only with Contiki. These are a just a handful of over 30 ‘Only With Contikis’ waiting for you when you go Contiki s Paris Illuminations night tour with French champagne, change and escargot s Private boat to the islands of Venice s Party in a toga on Corfu s Sail the Nile on a felucca – a traditional Egyptian boat s A Hungarian dinner cruise in Budapest s Tuscan wine tasting with antipasti s Locally guided bike tour of Munich And many more
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FESTIVAL FEVER Check out these six top festivals not be missed this summer in Europe WORDS JANINE KELSO
WOMAD
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Pete Axford,,York Tillyer
When July 23–25. Where Malmesbury, England. The Womad festival brings together artists from all over the world in a musical melting pot, created to help spectators discover new artists and music styles. Big-name stars include Afro Celt Sound System, Horace Andy and Gil Scott Heron. Music acts include London rapper Ty, DMC World DJ Championship winner DJ Kentaro and techno outfit Empirion. And from Australia is Aboriginal star Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. Most festival goers camp at the event but glamping options on offer include tepees and yurts, or brightly coloured ‘hobbit homes’, called podpads.
BOARDMASTERS SURF AND MUSIC FESTIVAL When August 4–8. Where Newquay, England. Leftfield and Seasick Steve are headlining this laid-back beach festival, which plays host to more than 50 live music acts. Held over five days in the UK’s surf capital, the festival is set across two locations. Fistral Beach hosts the sports and bikini competition, while the music stages can be found on the cliff tops above Watergate Bay, which enjoys gorgeous views of the Cornish coastline. The word’s best surfers show off their prowess at the 5 Star ASP World Qualifying Series surf event, which has hosted the likes of Kelly Slater. You can also watch superstar skateboarders and BMXers show off their skills.
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL AND MILITARY TATTOO
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When August 7–29 (Military Tattoo) and August 13– September 5 (Edinburgh International Festival). Where Edinburgh, Scotland. Edinburgh’s Military Tattoo is a unique blend of music, ceremony, entertainment and theatre, featuring massed pipe bands from across the globe, mounted police demonstrations and dance groups, set against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. The Edinburgh International Festival offers three funfilled weeks of opera, music, drama and dance. More than 400,000 visitors will flock to the city to see over 180 shows with 2200 performers from all over the world.
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IL PALIO When August 16. Where Siena, Italy. Taking place in the medieval city of Siena, this classic horse race dates all the way back to 1656. On August 16 every year, gutsy Italians race horses around the city’s beautiful main square in a spectacular and at times violent spectacle of colour and chaos. About 60,000 spectators join in this historic event of racing, boozing and eating. And the best bit? Even if a jockey falls, the horse can still win. The town’s limited accommodation fills up quickly, so book early.
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FESTIVAL FEVER LA TOMATINA When August 25. Where Buñol, Spain. Almost 40,000 revellers armed with 140 tonnes of tomatoes pack into narrow cobblestone streets for 90 minutes of full-on, all-out tomato-chucking warfare. La Tomatina is one of the most fun festivals in the world – and no one knows why it began in 1994. Theories suggest it started as a pie fight, a juvenile class war or a practical joke on a bad musician. The most popular theory, however, is that disgruntled townspeople pelted the city councillors with tomatoes. Whatever the origins, you’ll never see a town painted so red.
OKTOBERFEST When September 18–October 4. Where Munich, Germany. Quite possibly the happiest place on earth, Oktoberfest is held every year in September and October in the wonderful city of Munich. Celebrating all that is good about beer, almost 6 million people flood into the city for two weeks of fun. Munich just isn’t the same if you don’t see it through the beer goggles of an Oktoberfest stein, brought to you by beer wenches with superhuman strength (these maidens can carry six glasses at a time). It’s a hell of a party that’s been a long time in the making. The first Oktoberfest was actually more like a massive wedding reception. Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen in 1810 and to celebrate, the local Bavarians decided a bit of a party was in order. Oktoberfest is still held at Theresienwiese which actually means ‘Therese’s meadow’.
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10 GREAT CITIES TNT picks some of Europe’s best cities
ROME You could spend forever trying to discover the delights of the Eternal City and still only scratch the surface. A perfect Roman day starts at Café Farnese for a cappuccino and pastry. Next, visit the lush green Villa Borghese, before heading to the Roman Forum, for some quality antiquity time. Grab a quick gelato then make your way to the hip Trastevere area, which comes alive in the evening with impromptu gigs, market stalls and crowds of well-dressed Romans. After a dinner of pizza and a glass of tasty Frascati, do as the Romans do and hit the clubs in Testaccio. SAMANTHA BADEN
BARCELONA
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DUBROVNIK Dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik’s old town is set within city walls built from the 13th century onwards. A Unesco World Heritage site, Dubrovnik has cobblestone streets, red-tiled roofs, forts, museums and historic churches. Despite being shelled by the Serbs in 1991, the city survived and is a top tourist destination in Croatia. Stroll along its walls for sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea and the old town. JANINE KELSO
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TNT Images, Getty Images
Barcelona is a hedonist’s paradise with its packed bars, restaurants and clubs. This city deserves its reputation for art and architecture. Colourful mosaics and extravagant buildings are the showy marks that Gaudi left on the city. Vibrant promenade Las Ramblas runs from Plaça de Catalunya to the statue of Colombus. It’s entertainment central, with mime artists and jugglers. JANINE KELSO
PARIS Dripping with culture and beauty, Paris is one of the world’s greatest cities. As well as having the best art galleries, its worldfamous icons include the dazzling Eiffel Tower. Soak up the city’s atmosphere by exploring its wide boulevards by bike, which can be rented for about €1 a day from one of the city’s 1450 Vélib’ stations. Paris is a foodie’s paradise, and there’s no shortage of places to find fine French cuisine to enjoy. The Latin Quarter buzzes at night, with eateries, bars and jazz clubs to keep everyone entertained. JANINE KELSO
Stockholm Visitors Board, Swedish Tourist Board/Richard Ryan,
STOCKHOLM Situated on 14 islands, you’re always close to water in Sweden’s capital, with its marine landscape of bridges, sailing boats, cruise ships and docks setting a tranquil mood. Stockholm has its charms all year round. Head there in the summer and party with the sunloving locals during the white nights and explore the islands in Stockholm’s archipelago. On cold, dark winter nights, Christmas decorations twinkle in the snow, making you feel warm and fuzzy. INGER SMITH
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VENICE
Despite the tourist hordes, Venice remains superlative among picturesque places to visit. Skip the try-hard romance of a gondola ride and instead brave the anarchic thrill of a traghetto (used to ferry throngs of passengers across two fixed points of the Grand Canal) – it costs a lot less and is an experience you won’t forget. It’s still possible to find pockets in Venice where you’ll feel like an explorer – seek out the evocative Jewish Ghetto – and end your day of sightseeing with a spritz, the quintessential Venetian tipple. SAMANTHA BADEN
Tourist Office of Budapest,TNT Images
BUDAPEST Hailed as Europe’s spa capital, the Queen of the Danube and Paris of the East, Budapest has survived the rise and fall of empires and communist rule. The city’s two halves, Buda and Pest, face each other across the Danube. For knockout views and romance, Buda comes out on top. Across the river, Pest has a younger, funkier feel, and is where the city’s nightlife really kicks off. JANINE KELSO
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LISBON Portugal’s capital Lisbon is as delightful as its custard tarts. The city perches atop seven hills and hugs a harbour known for its seafaring heyday. Catch a rickety tram up to the old Moorish quarter where you can feast on sardines and dance all night long at Bairro Alto. To experience the true soul of Portugal, seek out a small tavern off a winding street and listen to fado, the melancholic traditional music about love and fate. JANINE KELSO
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10 GREAT CITIES PRAGUE With its Gothic bridges, towers and castles, Prague is quite simply gorgeous – and it’s one of the cheapest destinations in Europe, too. Stroll along the Charles Bridge lined with dramatic Baroque statues (but mind the pickpockets), before heading uphill to Prague’s fairytale castle. In the Old Town Square, don’t miss the quirky Orloj or astronomical clock, which spins its medieval mojo every hour. Prague is a beer drinker’s paradise – so take plenty of pit stops for a glass of the crisp, cheap beer (pivo to the locals). SAMANTHA BADEN
BERLIN
Anette Andersen,TNT Images
Berlin has shrugged off its divided past to become one of the most dynamic cities in Europe, if not the world. Particularly oozing cool are the city’s inner eastern suburbs, which came in from the cold when the wall came down in 1989. The drab streets of communist days are now lined with trendy cafés, restaurants, bars, galleries and vintage boutiques. Night sees Berlin come to life with some of the most cutting-edge clubs around, but you are just as likely to find something happening in one of Berlin’s many squats (easily identified by their shabby exteriors, decorated with posters and flags) such as a gig, open-air cinema or bar. ALISON GRINTER
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Do your own thing.
When you travel with Topdeck, we make sure you have time to check out Europe at your own pace.
trips for 18 to 30 somethings
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