Many cities try to lay claim to the title 'America's most haunted', but New Orleans can give any of them a run for their money. Beyond the incomparable cuisine, historical must-sees, musical high notes and never-ending nightlife, the Big Easy also has plenty to send a delicious shiver running down any visitor's spine.
A ghost tour around the beautifully picturesque French Quarter conjures up local legends of gruesome ghouls and weaves the fascinating history of the city into the plot.
The dead are pretty visible in New Orleans - they have to be, or they'd float away. In the 18th century, when the inhabitants tried to inter their loved ones beneath the ground, the high water table meant they simple rose back up again. So the graves are built above ground, forming real cities of the dead. Visitors can pace these streets on a cemetery tour.
St Louis Cemetery No 1 on Rampart Street is the oldest existing example, dating back to 1789. The architecture of the graves illustrates the cultural melting pot of the city, with French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese styles evident. One of the graves belongs to the famed voodoo queen Marie Laveau.
The tour ends with a visit to a voodoo temple to meet a voodoo priestess, which is far less intimidating than one might expect. Priestess Miriam looked like any other middle-aged lady and rambles vaguely, but kindly before showing off the temple.
If you are expecting heaps of bones and lashings of chicken blood you’ll be disappointed - instead you’re lead into a dim room filled with a mish-mash of objects and artefacts, many related to religions from all over the world. There's even a gift shop.
For a real supernatural thrill, then travel there during Halloween. Second only to Carnival in the party time pecking order, you wouldn't be surprised if the dead really did come out to join the fun.
Spooky floats parade along the streets and many revellers dress the part in elaborate costumes, with local bars offering prizes for the best. As well as balls and parties, there are also family events where kids can have a go at cookie decorating and pumpkin painting. The Voodoo Experience music festival also falls around Halloween - this year, acts included Lenny Kravitz and Eminem.
Other Reasons to Visit New Orleans
Carnival
The world's biggest street party lasts for nearly a week, with different 'krews' organising parades of elaborate floats through the city. Outside Mardi Gras season, visitors should go to Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World. It's surreal and exciting to wander through this huge workshop where floats are made and stored. Visitors can try on costumes and sample a slice of traditional king cake.
Food and drink
Not just a cultural but also a culinary melting pot, New Orleans cuisine brings together influences as broad as French, Spanish, African and the Deep South itself.
For the best of Creole and Cajun cooking - with a musical accompaniment – try a jazz brunch at The Court of Two Sisters.
You can sit out on the picturesque terrace, trying specialities such as gumbo, jambalaya and turtle soup. Local desserts are mouth-watering too, from Bananas Foster to beignets, the local doughnuts dusted with sugar that are best enjoyed with a cafe au lait.
Music
Home to legends such as Louis Armstrong, New Orleans is called the birthplace of jazz. Music is everywhere, from the raucous bars of Bourbon Street and trendy clubs on Frenchmen Street to historic venues such as Preservation Hall. Perhaps take a jazz dinner cruise on a traditional paddle steamer such as the Natchez.
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Monday, 7 December 2009
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Israel Spa Breaks
At 417 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth and 10 times as salty as the Mediterranean – making it impossible for even non-swimmers to sink.
It is also a natural spa destination in every sense of the word, as the water and gooey black mud used in spa treatments are packed with feel-good minerals, including 12 that are not found in any other sea or ocean in the world.
In the past British visitors went for a dip in the Dead Sea as a novel addition to their holiday, but operators report that visitors are becoming more aware of Israel as a spa destination in its own right, with some booking dedicated spa packages of up to four nights.
Almost every hotel in Israel that opens, or has been renovated, includes a spa. Even three-star properties are including some spa facilities.
Israel is a relatively small country - it only takes seven hours to drive north to south and only one hour from east to west at its shortest point - it's easy for visitors to go on excursions to the Dead Sea, which can be pre-booked. Day trips are offered from Tel Aviv, a three-hour drive away, Jerusalem, just two hours away, and from the country's Red Sea resort, Eilat.
Public spas such as the one at Ein Gedi are popular; the last decade has seen huge growth in spas at mid to high-end hotels.
Many can be found at Ein Bekok, a good base for those who want to stay in the region for a relaxing spa break coupled with some sightseeing.
In addition to traditional spas with Dead Sea water pools, there are Asian-themed spas, offering holistic therapies for the mind, body and soul, and sporty spas that provide a combination of treatments and exercise. Spa menus range from indulgent beauty treatments, such as honey aroma moisture treatments and milk baths, to Dead Sea mud facials and body wraps.
Other notable spas include the Mineralia spa at Le Méridien Dead Sea in Ein Bekok. The extensive spa is said to be the largest in the Middle East, with 25 treatment rooms, two Dead Sea water pools and two large swimming pools. It offers a variety of dedicated packages, ranging from one to 11 days.
Currently, British visitors holidaying in Eilat have to connect in Tel Aviv but this winter Isrotel is launching charter return flights from Luton to Eilat between December 13 and April 12, 2010. The new Isrotel Sun Express flights can be combined with seven or 15 night stays at any Isrotel property in Eilat and clients wanting to visit the Dead Sea can book a seven-day package at its newest hotel, the Isrotel Dead Sea Resort and Spa on a half-board basis, including transfers to and from Eilat.
Page and Moy and singles holiday specialist Just You include a visit to the Dead Sea as part of their Holyland tour packages and other operators, including Superstar and Longwood, offer Dead Sea excursions. Superstar has a trip to the Dead Sea from Eilat for £70 per person and from Tel Aviv for £55. Longwood has a weekly day trip from Eilat to the Dead Sea and Ein Gedi spa from £70 and daily excursions from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem from around £43.
Israel is being featured for the first time in Kirker Holidays' latest North Africa and Middle East brochure. The brochure dedicates a double page to Israel and includes Dead Sea packages. Kirker can also tailor-make short break.
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It is also a natural spa destination in every sense of the word, as the water and gooey black mud used in spa treatments are packed with feel-good minerals, including 12 that are not found in any other sea or ocean in the world.
In the past British visitors went for a dip in the Dead Sea as a novel addition to their holiday, but operators report that visitors are becoming more aware of Israel as a spa destination in its own right, with some booking dedicated spa packages of up to four nights.
Almost every hotel in Israel that opens, or has been renovated, includes a spa. Even three-star properties are including some spa facilities.
Israel is a relatively small country - it only takes seven hours to drive north to south and only one hour from east to west at its shortest point - it's easy for visitors to go on excursions to the Dead Sea, which can be pre-booked. Day trips are offered from Tel Aviv, a three-hour drive away, Jerusalem, just two hours away, and from the country's Red Sea resort, Eilat.
Public spas such as the one at Ein Gedi are popular; the last decade has seen huge growth in spas at mid to high-end hotels.
Many can be found at Ein Bekok, a good base for those who want to stay in the region for a relaxing spa break coupled with some sightseeing.
In addition to traditional spas with Dead Sea water pools, there are Asian-themed spas, offering holistic therapies for the mind, body and soul, and sporty spas that provide a combination of treatments and exercise. Spa menus range from indulgent beauty treatments, such as honey aroma moisture treatments and milk baths, to Dead Sea mud facials and body wraps.
Other notable spas include the Mineralia spa at Le Méridien Dead Sea in Ein Bekok. The extensive spa is said to be the largest in the Middle East, with 25 treatment rooms, two Dead Sea water pools and two large swimming pools. It offers a variety of dedicated packages, ranging from one to 11 days.
Currently, British visitors holidaying in Eilat have to connect in Tel Aviv but this winter Isrotel is launching charter return flights from Luton to Eilat between December 13 and April 12, 2010. The new Isrotel Sun Express flights can be combined with seven or 15 night stays at any Isrotel property in Eilat and clients wanting to visit the Dead Sea can book a seven-day package at its newest hotel, the Isrotel Dead Sea Resort and Spa on a half-board basis, including transfers to and from Eilat.
Page and Moy and singles holiday specialist Just You include a visit to the Dead Sea as part of their Holyland tour packages and other operators, including Superstar and Longwood, offer Dead Sea excursions. Superstar has a trip to the Dead Sea from Eilat for £70 per person and from Tel Aviv for £55. Longwood has a weekly day trip from Eilat to the Dead Sea and Ein Gedi spa from £70 and daily excursions from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem from around £43.
Israel is being featured for the first time in Kirker Holidays' latest North Africa and Middle East brochure. The brochure dedicates a double page to Israel and includes Dead Sea packages. Kirker can also tailor-make short break.
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Thursday, 26 November 2009
Dubai is on top of the World!
The eyes of the world will once again focus on Dubai on 4 January 2010 as the emirate unveils its latest landmark and high-profile addition to its iconic skyline: Burj Dubai.
Standing at over 818 metres, the tower is the world’s tallest building, almost 200 metres ahead of its nearest completed competitor – and yet another symbol of Dubai’s architectural pre-eminence. With over 160 storeys, Burj Dubai has the most floors in any building anywhere in the world.
Burj Dubai has broken records at almost every stage of its development, and when it opens at the beginning of 2010 the tower will set a new benchmark around the world. Keen to add to Dubai’s impressive portfolio of landmark hospitality and residential developments, Burj Dubai includes a series of projects that form the Downtown Burj Dubai area spanning some 500 acres that already incorporates two malls, five hotels, office and residential towers. Burj Dubai will also feature one of the world’s highest public observation decks. At The Top - located on Level 124 - will not only offer visitors sweeping vistas of Dubai, but will also highlight the history and evolution of Dubai and Burj Dubai.
At the heart of the Burj Dubai tower will be the world’s first Armani hotel, scheduled to open in early 2010. Standing at over 40,000 square metres, this flagship project will include a fleet of hotel rooms and 144 luxury residences, all exquisitely furnished with pieces from the Armani Casa range.
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Standing at over 818 metres, the tower is the world’s tallest building, almost 200 metres ahead of its nearest completed competitor – and yet another symbol of Dubai’s architectural pre-eminence. With over 160 storeys, Burj Dubai has the most floors in any building anywhere in the world.
Burj Dubai has broken records at almost every stage of its development, and when it opens at the beginning of 2010 the tower will set a new benchmark around the world. Keen to add to Dubai’s impressive portfolio of landmark hospitality and residential developments, Burj Dubai includes a series of projects that form the Downtown Burj Dubai area spanning some 500 acres that already incorporates two malls, five hotels, office and residential towers. Burj Dubai will also feature one of the world’s highest public observation decks. At The Top - located on Level 124 - will not only offer visitors sweeping vistas of Dubai, but will also highlight the history and evolution of Dubai and Burj Dubai.
At the heart of the Burj Dubai tower will be the world’s first Armani hotel, scheduled to open in early 2010. Standing at over 40,000 square metres, this flagship project will include a fleet of hotel rooms and 144 luxury residences, all exquisitely furnished with pieces from the Armani Casa range.
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Friday, 6 November 2009
Singapore
Singapore’s tourism industry is reaping the benefits of massive infrastructure investment which shows little sign of easing despite the global downturn.
Several major projects have contributed to the “greening” of Singapore, developing the Garden City in an ecologically friendly way.
Families
Lonely Planet’s latest Travel with Children guide ranks Singapore one of the world’s top 10 cities to visit with youngsters, and the top in Asia Pacific.
The best way to get your bearings is to hop on the Singapore Flyer. Launched last year, the observation wheel soars 165 metres above the ground – 30 metres taller than the London Eye. The Flyer provides views across the city to the islands of Indonesia.
Older kids – and parents – should visit the Marina Barrage, which has won architectural and environmental awards since opening a year ago. This impressive engineering feat provides the country’s first city reservoir and doubles as a venue for all kinds of watersports from boating to windsurfing. In 2010 it will stage the rowing and canoeing competitions in the Youth Olympic Games.
Families can dine at the Marina Barrage’s waterfront eateries or enjoy a picnic on the Green Roof, see the art installations and splash around at the courtyard’s water playground.
Nature lovers
The Marina Bay area is undergoing major redevelopment, which includes the creation of three waterfront gardens.
The largest will be the Gardens at Marina South, designed “to encapsulate colour, vibrancy and sustainability” next to the country’s first integrated resort at Marina Bay Sands. The first phase of the gardens development is due for completion next year.
Meanwhile, a novel new way of getting next to nature and enjoying Singapore’s flora and fauna is to trek at treetop level along the Southern Ridges walking trail. Nine kilometres of green spaces are linked by trails and connection bridges spanning the Mount Faber, Telok Blangah, Kent Ridge and West Coast parks. Walkers enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the forest and may glimpse squirrels, sunbirds or white-crested thrush.
The recently-opened Sentosa Nature Discovery Gallery aims to turn children into “nature detectives”, providing colourful exhibits and interactive attractions based around the island’s birds, insects and natural habitats.
Active types
Among several soft adventure attractions to open this year is Xtreme Skateboard @ East Coast, Singapore’s first international-standard skate board park. New on Sentosa Island is the Megazip Adventure Park, offering 450 metre zip-wire rides over the jungle and sea.
Due to open at Sentosa’s Siloso Beach this month is Singapore’s first facility for surfers. The Wave House is a music, entertainment and retail complex with a centre producing giant man-made waves for waterborne thrill seekers. Also planned nearby are the country’s first sky-diving simulator and the Azzura Hydro Sports Centre for boating and watersports.
Shopaholics
Seven million visitors a year stroll along Orchard Road, picking up top fashions and jewellery from more than 100 shops and boutiques.
Private and public investment totalling £700 million is being pumped into the area and this year alone has seen the opening of three new malls and glitzy new facades added to existing buildings.
The Orchard Road rejuvenation scheme also includes the installation of atmospheric street lighting.
Sports fans
Singapore enjoyed a valuable tourism boost by staging its first Formula One Grand Prix last year, and followed it up with the second this year. Another full programme of music and cultural events, in addition to motor-racing, is being planned for 2010.
Accommodation
The newest hotel is the Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island, which opened earlier this year and incorporates a lavishly restored colonial building with a stylish new extension. Set amid contemporary sculpture gardens, the hotel has 111 rooms, suites and garden villas. Typical rates start from £500 room-only next January.
Due to open early in 2010 is the Marina Bay Sands development, which will offer 2,600 rooms and suites, an ArtScience Museum, Las Vegas-style gaming, theatres, entertainment, shopping, restaurants and bars.
Four nights at the Marina Bay Sands with breakfast between April 1 and July 6 starts from £1,055 per person including flights and transfers.
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Several major projects have contributed to the “greening” of Singapore, developing the Garden City in an ecologically friendly way.
Families
Lonely Planet’s latest Travel with Children guide ranks Singapore one of the world’s top 10 cities to visit with youngsters, and the top in Asia Pacific.
The best way to get your bearings is to hop on the Singapore Flyer. Launched last year, the observation wheel soars 165 metres above the ground – 30 metres taller than the London Eye. The Flyer provides views across the city to the islands of Indonesia.
Older kids – and parents – should visit the Marina Barrage, which has won architectural and environmental awards since opening a year ago. This impressive engineering feat provides the country’s first city reservoir and doubles as a venue for all kinds of watersports from boating to windsurfing. In 2010 it will stage the rowing and canoeing competitions in the Youth Olympic Games.
Families can dine at the Marina Barrage’s waterfront eateries or enjoy a picnic on the Green Roof, see the art installations and splash around at the courtyard’s water playground.
Nature lovers
The Marina Bay area is undergoing major redevelopment, which includes the creation of three waterfront gardens.
The largest will be the Gardens at Marina South, designed “to encapsulate colour, vibrancy and sustainability” next to the country’s first integrated resort at Marina Bay Sands. The first phase of the gardens development is due for completion next year.
Meanwhile, a novel new way of getting next to nature and enjoying Singapore’s flora and fauna is to trek at treetop level along the Southern Ridges walking trail. Nine kilometres of green spaces are linked by trails and connection bridges spanning the Mount Faber, Telok Blangah, Kent Ridge and West Coast parks. Walkers enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the forest and may glimpse squirrels, sunbirds or white-crested thrush.
The recently-opened Sentosa Nature Discovery Gallery aims to turn children into “nature detectives”, providing colourful exhibits and interactive attractions based around the island’s birds, insects and natural habitats.
Active types
Among several soft adventure attractions to open this year is Xtreme Skateboard @ East Coast, Singapore’s first international-standard skate board park. New on Sentosa Island is the Megazip Adventure Park, offering 450 metre zip-wire rides over the jungle and sea.
Due to open at Sentosa’s Siloso Beach this month is Singapore’s first facility for surfers. The Wave House is a music, entertainment and retail complex with a centre producing giant man-made waves for waterborne thrill seekers. Also planned nearby are the country’s first sky-diving simulator and the Azzura Hydro Sports Centre for boating and watersports.
Shopaholics
Seven million visitors a year stroll along Orchard Road, picking up top fashions and jewellery from more than 100 shops and boutiques.
Private and public investment totalling £700 million is being pumped into the area and this year alone has seen the opening of three new malls and glitzy new facades added to existing buildings.
The Orchard Road rejuvenation scheme also includes the installation of atmospheric street lighting.
Sports fans
Singapore enjoyed a valuable tourism boost by staging its first Formula One Grand Prix last year, and followed it up with the second this year. Another full programme of music and cultural events, in addition to motor-racing, is being planned for 2010.
Accommodation
The newest hotel is the Capella Singapore on Sentosa Island, which opened earlier this year and incorporates a lavishly restored colonial building with a stylish new extension. Set amid contemporary sculpture gardens, the hotel has 111 rooms, suites and garden villas. Typical rates start from £500 room-only next January.
Due to open early in 2010 is the Marina Bay Sands development, which will offer 2,600 rooms and suites, an ArtScience Museum, Las Vegas-style gaming, theatres, entertainment, shopping, restaurants and bars.
Four nights at the Marina Bay Sands with breakfast between April 1 and July 6 starts from £1,055 per person including flights and transfers.
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Monday, 2 November 2009
Far East
Head east, young man. That’s the advice from the Post Office, whose latest Long Haul Holiday Report claims that the Far East offers “unbeatable value” for this winter.
The survey highlights Thailand as the long-haul destination where spending money is likely to go furthest. Bali and Malaysia are close contenders.
The Post Office says all three holiday spots are “significantly cheaper” than any of Europe’s winter sun options.
And while all three destinations boast a variety of established beach resorts, there are plenty of up-and-coming alternatives or you to consider too.
Phuket
This winter promises bargains galore for holidaymakers to Thailand, package prices are up to 25% lower than a year ago. A vast array of special offers is available at just about every hotel. Promotions include free extra nights, free meals, and free accommodation for children.
One week’s bed and breakfast at the three-star Patong Beach Hotel costs from £285.
Khao Lak
It has unspoilt beaches and is away from the madness of Phuket. It is close to the Similan Islands for scuba diving and Khao Sok for wildlife-spotting and jungle trips. La Flora Resort is recommended for beach lovers. It is right on the beach and is a well-priced smaller, boutique-type property.
One week’s bed and breakfast at La Flora costs £1,175 from Heathrow on November 18.
Bali
An increase in Bali bookings means several operators are looking beyond the popular resorts of Kuta , Nusa Dua and Sanur in the south of the island this winter. On the east coast, Alila Manggis is a beautiful property. It’s just a short drive from the unspoilt cultural village of Candi Dasa. Seminyak, north of Kuta, is recommended for visitors looking for more vibrant nightlife. It’s only just up and coming for British holidaymakers but is very well established in the Australian market, which means it has lots of trendy bars and restaurants.
One week’s bed and breakfast from £1,089 at Alila Manggis and £1,289 at the luxury Anatara Seminyak. Both prices include Malaysia Airlines flights from Heathrow.
Langkawi
Renowned for luxury accommodation, Langkawi is less developed than Malaysia’s other main holiday island, Penang. It has fantastic, white sandy beaches nestled beneath rolling mountains. It also has mysterious caves and pockets of virgin rainforests dating back millions of years. The Holiday Villa Beach Resort and Spa is a perfect winter pick, with its own private beach. The hotel has snorkelling and diving facilities, allowing guests to explore the colourful reefs.
One week on a room-only basis at the Holiday Villa Beach Resort from £939 for Heathrow departures before November 27.
Hoi An
Vietnam boasts several emerging beach resorts. Destinations such as Nha Trang and Phan Thiet have been boosted by international chains including Novotel and luxury brand Evason.
Hoi An is a good choice for visitors looking to do more than just sunbathe. As well as an excellent sandy beach, it boasts a picturesque old town that has been designated a World Heritage site by Unesco.
There is lots of local culture to enjoy, from historic buildings to intriguing craft shops, street markets and excellent restaurants.
Hoi An has grown in popularity as access has got easier. The nearby city of Danang is served by flights from Bangkok and Singapore.
The resort is also a good base for visiting other cities in central Vietnam, including historic Hue.
Bed and breakfast rates start at £20 per person per night at the Hoi An Trails Resort.
Post your comments below:
The survey highlights Thailand as the long-haul destination where spending money is likely to go furthest. Bali and Malaysia are close contenders.
The Post Office says all three holiday spots are “significantly cheaper” than any of Europe’s winter sun options.
And while all three destinations boast a variety of established beach resorts, there are plenty of up-and-coming alternatives or you to consider too.
Phuket
This winter promises bargains galore for holidaymakers to Thailand, package prices are up to 25% lower than a year ago. A vast array of special offers is available at just about every hotel. Promotions include free extra nights, free meals, and free accommodation for children.
One week’s bed and breakfast at the three-star Patong Beach Hotel costs from £285.
Khao Lak
It has unspoilt beaches and is away from the madness of Phuket. It is close to the Similan Islands for scuba diving and Khao Sok for wildlife-spotting and jungle trips. La Flora Resort is recommended for beach lovers. It is right on the beach and is a well-priced smaller, boutique-type property.
One week’s bed and breakfast at La Flora costs £1,175 from Heathrow on November 18.
Bali
An increase in Bali bookings means several operators are looking beyond the popular resorts of Kuta , Nusa Dua and Sanur in the south of the island this winter. On the east coast, Alila Manggis is a beautiful property. It’s just a short drive from the unspoilt cultural village of Candi Dasa. Seminyak, north of Kuta, is recommended for visitors looking for more vibrant nightlife. It’s only just up and coming for British holidaymakers but is very well established in the Australian market, which means it has lots of trendy bars and restaurants.
One week’s bed and breakfast from £1,089 at Alila Manggis and £1,289 at the luxury Anatara Seminyak. Both prices include Malaysia Airlines flights from Heathrow.
Langkawi
Renowned for luxury accommodation, Langkawi is less developed than Malaysia’s other main holiday island, Penang. It has fantastic, white sandy beaches nestled beneath rolling mountains. It also has mysterious caves and pockets of virgin rainforests dating back millions of years. The Holiday Villa Beach Resort and Spa is a perfect winter pick, with its own private beach. The hotel has snorkelling and diving facilities, allowing guests to explore the colourful reefs.
One week on a room-only basis at the Holiday Villa Beach Resort from £939 for Heathrow departures before November 27.
Hoi An
Vietnam boasts several emerging beach resorts. Destinations such as Nha Trang and Phan Thiet have been boosted by international chains including Novotel and luxury brand Evason.
Hoi An is a good choice for visitors looking to do more than just sunbathe. As well as an excellent sandy beach, it boasts a picturesque old town that has been designated a World Heritage site by Unesco.
There is lots of local culture to enjoy, from historic buildings to intriguing craft shops, street markets and excellent restaurants.
Hoi An has grown in popularity as access has got easier. The nearby city of Danang is served by flights from Bangkok and Singapore.
The resort is also a good base for visiting other cities in central Vietnam, including historic Hue.
Bed and breakfast rates start at £20 per person per night at the Hoi An Trails Resort.
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Thursday, 29 October 2009
New Zealand
From rivers and caves to volcanoes and forests, there’s no shortage of stunning landscapes to explore in New Zealand.
Whale-watching in Kaikoura
The waters off Kaikoura in the South Island are so rich in a diversity of marine life that they have earned the reputation of being New Zealand’s “Natural Marineland”.
A boat trip around this marine paradise is extremely popular and offers an enviable opportunity to see giant sperm whales, migratory humpbank whales, orca, hector dolphins and dusky dolphins in their natural environment. You could try including Kaikoura in a full-day tour from Christchurch, including a visit to a winery.
Cape Reinga
Known as “the meeting place of the oceans”, Cape Reinga, in the Northland Region near the Bay of Islands, is where the Tasman Sea crashes into the Pacific Ocean.
Located on the northern tip of New Zealand, this is where the Maoris believe their spirits depart for their ancestral homeland of Hawaiiki.
An 11-hour air-conditioned coach tour from Auckland to Cape Reinga includes a drive along the rugged sands of Ninety Mile Beach, which is flanked by the Aupouri Forest. Gigantic sand dunes and stunning scenery make this a trip to remember.
Rotorua: Mitai/Rainbow Springs Night-time Combo
Spiritual home to the Maori, Rotorua is the ideal place for people seeking to learn more about New Zealand’s origins.
This cultural excursion enables visitors to meet the descendants of the local tribe of Te Arawa, hear their tribal stories and myths and enjoy an authentic and intimate Maori experience.
A visit to their ancient village in the magical forest, together with a feast of traditional and contemporary cuisine is included.
This is followed by a nocturnal visit to the spectacular wildlife park at Rainbow Springs – a must for people keen to see kiwis and other wildlife in their natural environment.
A Rotorua Sightseeing Combo pass means visitors can make the most of the wide range of other activities available in this region.
Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Described by Rudyard Kipling as “the eighth wonder of the world”, Milford Sound set in the spectacular Fiordland national park in the south-west corner of the South Island, is a huge draw for visitors from all over the world.
A two-and-half-hour nature cruise through the crystal-clear waters of Milford Sound provides visitors with breathtaking views of the stunning waterfalls, ancient rainforest, varied wildlife and majestic mountains, including Mitre Peak, one of the most photographed natural landmarks in New Zealand. An unforgettable experience!
Glacier Walk
Of the 140 glaciers that flow from the Southern Alps, only two penetrate as far as the lower rainforests, reaching just 250m above sea level.
The largest one, Fox Glacier, carves an impressive path through the mountains and a half-day guided walk here gives a real taste of this spectacular, natural phenomenon.
This half-day trip ends in the middle of the glacier where there are spectacular views of the icefall and lower glacier. Mountain gear is provided, and visitors will need a reasonable level of fitness to take part.
For the more adventurous visitor, helicopter flights and overnight guided treks staying in alpine huts are also available.
Post your comments below:
Whale-watching in Kaikoura
The waters off Kaikoura in the South Island are so rich in a diversity of marine life that they have earned the reputation of being New Zealand’s “Natural Marineland”.
A boat trip around this marine paradise is extremely popular and offers an enviable opportunity to see giant sperm whales, migratory humpbank whales, orca, hector dolphins and dusky dolphins in their natural environment. You could try including Kaikoura in a full-day tour from Christchurch, including a visit to a winery.
Cape Reinga
Known as “the meeting place of the oceans”, Cape Reinga, in the Northland Region near the Bay of Islands, is where the Tasman Sea crashes into the Pacific Ocean.
Located on the northern tip of New Zealand, this is where the Maoris believe their spirits depart for their ancestral homeland of Hawaiiki.
An 11-hour air-conditioned coach tour from Auckland to Cape Reinga includes a drive along the rugged sands of Ninety Mile Beach, which is flanked by the Aupouri Forest. Gigantic sand dunes and stunning scenery make this a trip to remember.
Rotorua: Mitai/Rainbow Springs Night-time Combo
Spiritual home to the Maori, Rotorua is the ideal place for people seeking to learn more about New Zealand’s origins.
This cultural excursion enables visitors to meet the descendants of the local tribe of Te Arawa, hear their tribal stories and myths and enjoy an authentic and intimate Maori experience.
A visit to their ancient village in the magical forest, together with a feast of traditional and contemporary cuisine is included.
This is followed by a nocturnal visit to the spectacular wildlife park at Rainbow Springs – a must for people keen to see kiwis and other wildlife in their natural environment.
A Rotorua Sightseeing Combo pass means visitors can make the most of the wide range of other activities available in this region.
Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Described by Rudyard Kipling as “the eighth wonder of the world”, Milford Sound set in the spectacular Fiordland national park in the south-west corner of the South Island, is a huge draw for visitors from all over the world.
A two-and-half-hour nature cruise through the crystal-clear waters of Milford Sound provides visitors with breathtaking views of the stunning waterfalls, ancient rainforest, varied wildlife and majestic mountains, including Mitre Peak, one of the most photographed natural landmarks in New Zealand. An unforgettable experience!
Glacier Walk
Of the 140 glaciers that flow from the Southern Alps, only two penetrate as far as the lower rainforests, reaching just 250m above sea level.
The largest one, Fox Glacier, carves an impressive path through the mountains and a half-day guided walk here gives a real taste of this spectacular, natural phenomenon.
This half-day trip ends in the middle of the glacier where there are spectacular views of the icefall and lower glacier. Mountain gear is provided, and visitors will need a reasonable level of fitness to take part.
For the more adventurous visitor, helicopter flights and overnight guided treks staying in alpine huts are also available.
Post your comments below:
Friday, 23 October 2009
Finland
Nestled between Norway's famous fjords and the eastern reaches of Russia, Finland has a relatively low profile as a tourist destination for the UK. It's best known for its winter Lapland product, yet there's much more to recommend it.
It's a beautiful country of 180,000 islands and even more lakes. The pretty cities of Helsinki, Turku and Tampere have many sights, and it's the home of Santa, Nokia and the sauna. Plus, most Finns speak English, so it's easy to get around.
The lion's share of Finland's tourists arrive in winter, flocking to the northern area known as Lapland. While Lapland technically spans areas of Norway, Sweden and Russia too, Finland has become synonymous with these winter breaks, and the tourist facilities are most developed there.
The Father Christmas experience is a huge selling point. Families can fly there for as little as a day to meet the big man in red, take a sleigh ride and have a go at some snowy pursuits. A special Santa Claus village with an office for the man himself, a toy factory manned by elves and an exhibition explaining his secrets - like how he fits down chimneys and visits everyone in the world in a single night. Facilities are extensive, but these areas are likely to be crowded.
Smaller, specialist operators such as Specialised Tours and Scantours choose quieter options such as Harriniva, where Santa may be played by the school teacher and the elves by local kids, making the whole experience more amateur, but infinitely more Finnish.
Temperatures can drop as low as -30C, but it's usually about -15C in January (the coldest month). It is recommended that you bring plenty of layers, thermals and thick socks, although most hotels and operators will provide outerwear and boots.
There are many other activities on offer in Lapland, including snow-shoeing, reindeer sleigh rides, husky dog-sledding and snow-mobiling - or visitors can just join in a good old-fashioned snowball fight.
The atmosphere in the wilderness is really special, and Finland offers a wonderful range of activities. Christmas, New Year and February half term are really popular, and clients need to book four to six months ahead.
The magic of the Northern Lights can be seen, but to have the best chance of spotting the aurora borealis, you should travel in September, October, February and March.
Ski is a big market for the Finnish winter - particularly for beginners, with many resorts offering gentle runs. Send clients to Yllas, Saariselkä, Levi or Ruka. The new resort of Salla offers learn-to-ski and board packages.
Beyond the Lapland winter product, however, Finland isn't really known at all. This anonymity goes some way to explaining why tourists choose the fjords of Norway, Sweden's pretty Stockholm or Iceland's glaciers and thermal pools instead but Finland has plenty to offer.
It's a land of lakes and the midnight sun in summer. It's unbelievably beautiful, much flatter than either Norway or Sweden, and there are lakes and forests as far as the eye can see.
Finland's summer gateway is the capital Helsinki, a city-break destination in its own right. Located on a peninsula that stretches into the Baltic Sea, its charms are particularly lovely in summer as the sun glints off the water late into the night. It's a pocket-sized city, with only 565,000 inhabitants, but it was the European Capital of Culture in 2000, and there are many museums and galleries.
Senate Square is home to the green and white Lutheran cathedral, and the Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress - set across six islands and built by the Swedes in the 1700s during the conflict between Scandinavia and Russia - is accessible by ferry from Market Square.
Architecture and design are important to the Finns, and 20th-century Finnish architectural guru Alvar Aalto left his mark on the city. There are also many ultra-modern public buildings, such as the National Opera House and the Kiasma contemporary art museum.
However, Finland in summer doesn't begin and end with Helsinki.
The old capital, Turku, hosts many music festivals in summer, and is home to Moomin World. Visitors access this island theme park, dedicated to the classic fictional children's characters, across a causeway from nearby town Nanntali.
Tampere, Finland's second city, is the gateway to its lake district where steamers spend all day chugging through the country's most stunning lakeside scenery - just make sure you don't forget your mosquito repellent.
Summer is also crayfish season, and visitors can go on fishing trips and cook their own catch, or simply visit a restaurant and feast on boiled crayfish washed down with vodka. Particularly adventurous tourists can track brown bears near the Russian border.
Lapland has plenty to offer too. The sun never sets and tourists can get active hiking, white-water rafting, cycling, canoeing and salmon fishing.
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