Cultural

Nantes is the ideal starting pint for exploring the region and is well worth visiting in its own right.  To make sure you see everything there without getting lost, just follow the green line which has been painted on the ground, it leads you to explore architectural, artistic, cultural historical highlights.  Those points of interests demonstrate the multiplicity that makes Nantes unique.  It’s a city with a wealth of history, heritage and centuries of trade centred around its port, you can find out all about it in the museum of the history of Nantes, situated in the Castle of the dukes of

It’s easy to see why so many people think Barbados is paradise. As you approach Oistins’ fish market on a Friday night, your senses are awakened by the delicious aromas of fresh fish being cooked and the sweet strains of calypso – music so rhythmic you won’t be able to stop yourself from dancing along.

Best for Drama Vienna, Austria
The Austrian capital always oozes elegance, but in December, Vienna takes itself a little less seriously and gets its party clobber on.  They city’s prettiest squares transform into markets dotted with chalet-style stalls, while garlands of bulbs and ribbons are strung along the city’s streets.   And every year, giant chandeliers light the route to St. Stephens Catheral.

With only a fraction of its 6000 islands known to travellers, Greece is still one of the most under-explored places in Europe.  A journey across any of these six islands will take you deep into Greece’s history and the lives of its people. They would be a treat for hikers, bird watchers, snorkelers and those who just want to relax and take it slow.

There are few places on Earth where you can gaze at an active volcano one day and hit the beach the next.  As a holiday destination Costa Rica has it all, from invigorating hikes through dense rain forests and adrenaline-pumping river rafting to pure relaxation in hot springs.

On your arrival into Dublin you will need something to eat, which shouldn't be a problem.  The rolling hills of Ireland are blessed with some of the best produce in Europe, which has made easy for you to find something to your liking. The idea of the gastropub took a while to reach the Irish capital, and most boozers still don’t sell decent food because, frankly, it’s all about the Guinness. But head past the pumps at L Mulligan Grocer to the small upstairs dining room and you’ll find some of the city’s most exciting cooking.

For that combination of sun-dappled piazzas, culture and knockout coffee, Naples is definitely up there with the Italian greats.  Any foodie with even a hint of knowledge about Neapolitan cuisine will know that this city is famous for more than pizza: espresso are rich, strong and will keep you buzzing into the early hours.

Intramoenia Caffe Letterario  is great for rubbing shoulders with Naples’ bright young things on the city’s Amadeus inscribes any name or message on your cappuccino’s foam; many a marriage proposal has been accepted with this caffeine fix.

With its luxe marinas, clubs and well-heeled clientele from Istanbul, the vibe of this peninsula is French Riviera with an exotic twist.  Bodrum was once a forgotten destination but now with increasing visits from the A-list and equally big spenders, it’s become a sun-drenched oasis.

May Day otherwise known as international workers’ day or Labour Day in short, is celebrated around the globe in different styles.   Unlike here in the UK where you have the add skirmishes between police and protester; elsewhere people celebrate or commemorate the occasion differently.  You could take a short break to Paris, Beijing, Havana and Pyongyang, North Korea to be part of the occasion.

Kyoto has distinguish itself as a must see destination for anyone visiting Japan to experience more than a century of culture. Kyoto alone has 17 World Heritage Sites, these include Kiyomizu Temple and Nijo Castle.  The sheer number of breathtakingly beautiful shrines and temples, the Tamba Mountains, tranquil Japanese gardens, traditional tea houses, fantastic food, colourful festivals and everything you would expect to find in a modern, vibrant, futuristic city are what makes this former capital of Japan (before Tokyo) a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list.