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The most beautiful destinations in Scotland

PatrickJullien
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The most beautiful destinations in Scotland

For many people, Scotland has become an absolute destination of longing. Unbelievable expanses in the Highlands, beautiful castles and traces of the Middle Ages, a fascinating history in general and, last but not least, a very special culture on the British Isles have triggered a small hype about the country at the tip of Great Britain. Whether it’s a journey with your own car through the endless expanses of Scotland or a targeted trip to the most beautiful attractions – a visit to the country has a lot of potential. What are the most beautiful Scottish destinations that you should have seen?

1. The Obvious Destination: Edinburgh

Old Town Edinburgh
The Old Town of Edinburgh, Image: f11photo / shutterstock

The Scottish capital Edinburgh is rightly the most visited destination in Scotland. Hardly any other city testifies so much to the changing history of the country. From traces of the Celts to medieval fortresses to popular little bar districts, you can discover everything you would expect in a Scottish city. The center is, of course, the huge castle on its mountain, which is so closely connected to British history. In addition to the many historical sights, you should also take the opportunity to take a deep look at Scottish culture. A visit to the pub should be obligatory, as should a visit to the snack bar to try out the fried specialties. At night, Edinburgh even develops into a small party stronghold. So there are many things to discover here that you wouldn’t necessarily associate with Scotland .

2. The Isle of Skye

Skye, Scotland
The Scottish island of Skye offers fantastic natural landscapes, Image: EyesTravelling / shutterstock

Scotland includes a large number of small and large islands, all of which have their own history. Some of them are said to have been settled by humans thousands of years ago, others are almost untouched and offer a deep insight into Scottish nature. The Isle of Syke offers both. The Isle of Skye not only has a variety of rugged coastlines, beautiful hiking trails and unspoilt nature, but also many historical features that you won’t see anywhere else in Scotland. So if you have the opportunity to visit the island connected by a land bridge, you should not miss this special place in Scotland.

3. The Scottish Highlands

There is no one place you should have seen in the Scottish Highlands. The Highlands themselves are the attraction. Sometimes you can drive here for hours by car and not find another soul. Shortly afterwards, village follows village and you have the opportunity to enjoy the time in quaint pubs with other Scots and enjoy a bit of life in the northernmost country of the British Isles. Aside from the nature itself being worth a visit, the Highlands are lined with many other must-see places. Castles and towers, old fortresses and ruins, small villages on the many lakes that are located in the Highlands. In addition to being able to explore this part of Scotland by car, there are also many guided tours that visit the most interesting parts of the Highlands by bus. Hikes and a tour by bike are also not a problem. So it’s no wonder that the Highlands are still exemplary for Scotland today – after all, they are part of the culture and self-image of the Scots.

4. Stirling

While Edinburgh stands for the mixture of times and combines the modernity of Scotland with history, Stirling remains almost unchanged to this day. If you take a walk through the old town here, you will walk on streets at every step, which were probably built 1,000 years ago and have since taken part in a considerable part of Scotland’s history. Especially in connection with the Scottish national hero William Wallace, the city plays a very special role. Not only was the conquest of the city’s fortress an important milestone on the way to his personal fame, but the impressive monument in his name, visible from afar in the landscape, is also a testimony to this. If you want to experience the Scottish history of the Middle Ages, you will not only find the right backdrop in Stirling, but also a variety of museums. Precisely because the city can be reached from Edinburgh in about 1 1/2 hours, it is a great day trip during the trip to Scotland and an addition to the possibilities that the capital offers for travelers.

5. Eilean Donan Castle

Actually, Eilean Donan Castle is only a representative of the many medieval castles that can be found in Scotland. This specimen has served as the backdrop for a variety of Hollywood films over time and offers a glimpse into the seclusion but also the defensiveness that the fortresses of the clans represented in the Middle Ages. The beautiful castle can be visited in its entirety today. At the same time, however, there are a large number of other castles and converted defensive towers that have not only served as the ancestral seat of families for many centuries, but are now available to the public and tourists for visits. There are corresponding offshoots in every part of Scotland and you should always find out which castles you can visit in your own area and where to visit the next fortress from the Middle Ages.

10 best excursions in Mallorca that you can’t miss

PatrickJullien
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10 best excursions in Mallorca that you can’t miss

What if I told you that there are more excursions in Mallorca than you can imagine?

Certainly, when you think of Mallorca, you think of beaches of fine sand, of the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, of long days and slow sunsets, of the intense smells of a booming culinary culture that floods the narrow streets of the capital, right?

Mallorca is that and much more! There are many things to see and do in Mallorca.

Mallorca is not only the largest island of the Balearic Islands, it is also the largest in Spain (and the seventh largest in the Mediterranean).

Deep coves, stunning caves, capes, challenging hiking trails in the Sierra de Tramontana, catamaran and Sóller train tours, day trips and trips to neighboring islands.

Do you dare to explore the island?

In this post I have made a list of where I think they are the 10 best excursions in Mallorca. Let’s get started!

Best excursions in Mallorca

1. Excursion to the Caves of Drach

Dragon's Cave Porto Cristo
The Dragon’s Cave in Porto Cristo, Image: Balate Dorin / shutterstock

The 25-meter-deep cave is located on the outskirts of Porto Cristo, east of the island, the 1,200-meter-long hiking trails that run through the Caves of Drach will make you oscillate between the reality of what you see and the fantasy of legends.

In his story, a dragon who used the hiding caves (hence the name) is mixed with stories of pirates and buccaneers who hid their treasures in their depths.

In any case, the Caves of Drach offer a unique natural spectacle: underground rivers, stalactites and stalagmites that let your imagination run wild, a microclimate that stays close to 20 degrees all year round and a classical music concert on Lake Martel.

Without a doubt, one of the best excursions in Mallorca!

To get there from Palma, you can take bus line 401 from the Intermodal to Majorica (if you want to go directly to the caves) or to the Porto Cristo bus station. If you have a car, all you have to do is take the MA15 eastbound for an hour.

2. Train from Sóller, one of the best excursions in Mallorca

Tram, Soller
Old tram in Soller, Image: Karol Kozlowski / shutterstock

Do you know the expression that the most important thing is the journey, not the destination?

In Mallorca, this phrase takes on a literal meaning when you take the traditional Sóller train, which runs 6 times a day from Palma train station (in high season; in low season the frequency is reduced), meters from Plaza España and an hour later to the town of Sóller.

On its rattling route, which passes through bridges, viewpoints, tunnels and viaducts, it crosses the pine forests of the Buñola road to enter (or rather, climb) the heart of the Sierra de Tramontana and its centenary olive groves, before descending down the slope of Sóller, full of orange and lemon trees, in the north of the island.

This is one of the best excursions in Mallorca with children for the day, since from Sóller you can take the only tram line on the island to Puerto del Sóller, where you can enjoy a quiet day at the beach before starting the return the same way you arrived.

3. Excursion to Cala del Moro, Cala S’Almunia and Ses Covetes

If the city beach of Puerto de Sóller has made you want more, you can take a day trip in Mallorca: get to know Caló des Moro.

An unspoilt cove of white sand and rocks, bathed by a sea of intense turquoise, protected by two rock walls covered with pine trees.

The best thing, especially in high season, is to arrive early, as the bay is narrow and usually crowded.

In any case, just 200 meters from there is Cala S’Almunia, a small group of old jetties with the back to a series of local houses from which you can bathe in the tranquility of the Mediterranean.

Finally, 20 kilometers away is the extensive sandy beach of Ses Covetes, at the end of which there is a slightly less crowded nudist cove.

4. Excursion to Cape Formentor

Cape Formentor is located on the northern tip of the island and is home to some of the most beautiful views, especially at sunset.

In addition to Formentor beach, the Calas (such as the Murta or the Figuera) and the numerous hiking trails (such as the one that leads from the Mirador Es Colomer to the watchtower of Albercuix), a visit to the cape would be incomplete without visiting the famous Formentor lighthouse, the entrance to which is free.

Getting to the Cape, if at all, can be challenging. Except in special cases and for cyclists and hikers, the Consell de Mallorca usually imposes restrictions during the summer season, according to which only authorized vehicles and resident vehicles can circulate on the Formentor road.

5. Bellver Castle in Palma de Mallorca

Bellver Castle, built by King James II about seven hundred years ago, is located on the slope of a 112-meter-high mountain, about 3 kilometers from the Mallorcan capital.

This gives you a panoramic view of the city and its bay, as well as the Sierra de Tramontana and the Llano de Mallorca.

If you don’t opt for the view, you might be interested in the oddity of Gothic architecture and its circular layout or history.

In addition to serving as a residence for kings and rulers, it also functioned as a prison during the War of Succession and during the Spanish Civil War.

6. Deltas Nature Reserve, another of the best excursions in Mallorca

One of the most popular excursions from Palma de Mallorca among those who want to add a pinch of adrenaline to their trip is the jet ski tour to the Deltas Nature Reserve, which runs between high cliffs to reach hidden coves, natural pools and fine sandy beaches.

In addition, most operators that offer this excursion offer the possibility of snorkeling in one of the coves (generally in Cala Vella).

7. Excursions to Formentera from Mallorca

Cala Saona, Formentera
Cala Saona beach in Formentera, Image: Sergio TB / shutterstock

Formentera is the most virgin, smallest and isolated of the Balearic Islands (if we don’t count Cabrera, it is of course a national park).

Just so you can imagine, the island doesn’t even have an airport, so it can only be reached by ferry, which takes about 4 hours from Palma de Mallorca.

In Formentera you will find some of the most perfect beaches in the Mediterranean.

Ideally, you should hire a full-day excursion from Mallorca and enjoy the island to the fullest.

Although all the beaches are beautiful, I recommend that you do not overlook the beaches of Ses Illetes, Llevant and Cala Saona.

8. Catamaran trip along the coast of Mallorca

Just as the Sóller train takes you to explore the green and mountainous heart of the island, a catamaran trip is the perfect way to experience Mallorca’s more than 500 kilometers of coastline.

These trips can depart from Palma, Puerto de Pollensa (near Cabo de Formentor), Cala Ratjada and Puerto de Alcudia, and almost always include the opportunity to snorkel and visit coves, beaches and sea caves such as the Blue Cave of Cabrera.

9. Hiking through the Pareis torrent

The quantity (and quality) of hiking trails you can do in Mallorca are varied, but I can’t help but mention one of the best: the Torrente de Pareis in the Sierra de Tramontana.

This path of 7 kilometres, of medium to high intensity and of 6 hours duration, starts at its highest point (630 metres) in Escorca and from there descends the Torrente de Lluc, through a forest, to the confluence with the Torrente de Es Gorg Blau.

From here, the path leads through the ravine, between high stone walls, to the end of the path, in Sa Calobra.

Before you go: remember that it is a complicated path, so it is not advisable to do it with children under 10 years old.

In addition to proper footwear and a good amount of drinking water, you should consult with the locals about the conditions of the gorge, as it becomes impassable during the rainy season (at least 15 days must pass since the last rains to make it accessible).

10. Dolphin watching in Mallorca

Another excursion in Mallorca, ideal for the family, is dolphin watching.

It’s only been a few years since this tour was organized in Mallorca, but it’s quickly become one of the most popular.

The reason? Okay, the dolphins. But also the protectionist approach of the tours (it is forbidden to swim with the dolphins) and the possibility of seeing the sunrise over the Mediterranean Sea.

As you can see, Mallorca is an island that has a lot to offer you. It’s up to you to dare to explore its coves and mountains, its caves and its paths and, in short, leave the retraced path.

If you want to help me complete the list of the 10 best excursions in Mallorca, add yours in the comments!

The 5 largest German tour operators

PatrickJullien
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The 5 largest German tour operators

When planning their vacation, many tourists like to resort to the offers of classic tour operators. If you book a package tour, you don’t have to worry about anything. From the train to the flight to the hotel transfer – the entire trip is thoroughly organized. Experience reports from all tour operators will help you find the right provider. But who are the largest travel companies in Germany? Below we have listed the five largest tour operators for you:

1. TUI Germany

TUI (Touristik Union International) has been the undisputed number one among the largest tour operators in Germany for many years.

TUI, or rather its predecessor company Preussag, was founded in 1923. Once a steel and trading company, the company developed into a travel company, mainly through its investments in ship and aircraft construction.

From 1997 onwards, Preussag became one of the largest service companies in the leisure industry worldwide through the takeover of the shipping and logistics group Hapag-Lloyd. Later, TUI AG and TUI Travel Plc merged to form the TUI Group, which still exists today.

In the travel sector, TUI Deutschland GmbH is the executing company when it comes to package holiday offers, holiday flights and cruises. The company owns its own airline, operates cruise ships and holiday resorts in the most popular holiday destinations worldwide.

The TUI Group also includes the travel brands L’TUR, Boomerang-Reisen, 1-2-FLY, airtours, Gebeco, OFT REISEN, berge&meer, OX-TOURS and Viverde.

In addition to the online booking business, TUI operates around 1,800 brick-and-mortar travel agencies throughout Europe.

Before the pandemic, around 30 million people made use of TUI’s holiday offers every year, which brought the large group annual sales of around 6.6 billion euros. Since 2020, as with all travel providers, sales have declined somewhat.

2. REWE Group GmbH – DER Touristik and ITS Reisen

For many years, Thomas Cook Reisen took second place among the most successful travel providers in Germany. The company founder of the same name is still considered the inventor of the package tour (first offered for Egypt in 1869). In 2019, the group had to file for bankruptcy. The reason was the bankruptcy of the British umbrella company.

The German REWE Group became part of the company, which used it to expand its travel business. The Rewe Group is a German retail group based in Cologne. In addition to food retailing, the tourism sector has become the second most important division of the large group.

Package tours, flights, round trips, hotel stays, wellness trips and cruises are offered partly under the name REWE-Reisen (mainly via supermarket brochures and online). In addition, the well-known travel companies DER Touristik and ITS Reisen belong to the REWE Group. DER Touristik also includes such well-known names as DERTOUR, Meier’s Weltreisen, ADAC Reisen, Tjaereborg and Jahn Reisen.

Before 2020, sales in the travel sector were 4 to 5 billion euros annually.

3. FTI Group

The FTI Group (formerly Frosch Touristik GmbH) is a travel company founded in 1983 and headquartered in Munich. Initially, the FTI Group’s offer focused on language trips and later on trips to Mediterranean regions.

In the meantime, the FTI Group also offers worldwide package or modular tours, city trips, cruises and last-minute trips. Another focus is rental car brokerage. In addition, the FTI Group is behind the well-known travel channel sonnenklar.tv.

Other travel companies of the group are 5vorFlug, the online travel portal fly.de and the language tour operator LAL Sprachreisen.

The company normally has an annual turnover of around 4 billion euros.

Hint: On Monday, 3 June, the FTI Group filed for bankruptcy. If you have any questions, you can find more information in the daily press. FTI has also set up an information page: https://www.fti-group.com/de/insolvenz

4. Aida Cruises

AidaSol
On the road with the Aidasol, Image: Bjoern Wylezich / shutterstock

Aida Cruises is the cruise division of the British cruise company Carnival Corporation & plc, which is based in Genoa , Italy, and is specially tailored to the German market.

The company’s fleet includes the ships AIDAprima, AIDAstella, AIDAmar, AIDAblu, AIDAluna and AIDAsol.
The fleet’s trademark is the kissing lips with the four-color AIDA lettering. Cruises and club cruises are offered on the Mediterranean and in worldwide waters.

The ships are owned by the subsidiary Costa Crociere, with Carnival Maritime GmbH in Hamburg managing and organising fleet operations. The company also owns the cruise companies Costa Crociere and Costa Asia.

The company has a turnover of around 2 billion euros annually under good travel conditions and, according to its own information, is the market leader in cruises in Germany.

5. Alltours

Alltours Flugreisen GmbH is a German tour operator based in Düsseldorf. The Alltours group of companies also includes the Alltours-X and Byebye divisions. Since the end of Thomas Cook, Alltours has risen to become the fifth largest tour operator in Germany.

Alltours owns or has a significant stake in a number of hotels in the Mediterranean region. The company operates over 35 of its own large holiday resorts in Spain and Greece.

Today, the travel portal offers long-distance trips to exotic countries in addition to Mediterranean tours. In addition to the classic package tours, Alltours operates the pure rental of hotel rooms and holiday trips with self-arrival. In addition, the group also rents out entire holiday apartments or apartments in the company’s own holiday resorts.

Alltours is especially popular with families with children. The holiday resorts and hotels have received several awards for their child-friendliness.

Before the pandemic, sales were around 1.5 billion euros per year.

 

Article updated on 05 June 2024

A journey along the coast of Mallorca

PatrickJullien
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A journey along the coast of Mallorca

The interior of Mallorca offers many attractions, but if you want to be honest, the main attraction for most tourists who visit the island is none other than taking one bath after another on the paradisiacal Mallorcan coast. No wonder: Of the 550 kilometres of coastline, 125 kilometres are accounted for by 348 beaches and bays of all types and conditions. Among them, the coves are the jewels in the crown: small, intimate, many of them wild, hidden… For this reason, exploring the coast in summer to discover them as if they were gems can become the most pleasant adventure.

Discover the best coves in Mallorca

Cala Gran beach in Cala D'or
Cala Gran in Cala D’or, Image: Anna Lurye / shutterstock

Some of the most impressive coves on the island are located in the resorts of Cala Mondragó, Cala d’Or and Cala Sant Vicenç – resorts with beautiful beaches. You won’t be able to experience the tranquility of being alone in nature here, but you’ll see homes, hotels, and all kinds of services in close proximity to the water – a convenient option to consider if you live nearby. The fantastic sandy beaches of Cala d’Or in the southeast of the island are a convenient choice for those staying in this popular resort town with its marina and lively nightlife.

About 6 km away, which can be traveled by tourist train from Cala d’Or, are Cala Mondragó and Cala S’Amarador, two beautiful beaches surrounded by the pine forests of the Mondragó Natural Park, which are excellent for walks in the surrounding area. However, the bays are located in a very touristy area and are usually very crowded. There are some beach bars and restaurants right on the beach, as well as hotels in the area. Another attractive option, 20 kilometres from Cala d’Or, is Cala Figuera, a curious Y-shaped sea cove that houses a traditional fishing port. The most remarkable thing about this cove is not so much the bathing area, but the fishermen’s cottages by the water, where the llaüts, small fishing boats typical of the Balearic Islands , are always stranded.

In the northwest of the island, near Pollensa, is the small resort of Cala Sant Vicenç. With a variety of accommodation and services right on the beach, the place has retained its old, traditional village charm, and its three beaches with crystal clear waters have the impressive landscape of the Tramuntana mountains as a backdrop.

Sa Calobra, Cala del Moro, Cala S’Almonia… hidden gems in Mallorca.

A big part of the charm of the following coves is their difficult access, which unfortunately does not always mean that they are not crowded. Sheltered between cliffs and rocks, they are as pleasant to swim in as they are to reach. In Sa Calobra, in the northwest of Mallorca, there are two small beaches wedged between rocks and separated by the Torrent de Pareis, a ravine through which a torrent flows. To get there, the first thing you have to do is turn off the main road of the Tramuntana mountains and take the diabolical MA-2141, full of curves and chasms. From the first bay, where you can park, you can only reach the second – larger – bay via a kilometre-long path that leads through a narrow tunnel. Adventure is guaranteed!

Cala del Moro, tucked away between two steep cliffs in the southeast of the island, was one of Mallorca’s best-kept secrets until word got around. For this reason, this narrow cove surrounded by vegetation is very popular in summer, even if access via a dirt path that goes down the cliffs is difficult. Just 9 kilometres away is Cala S’Almonia, which is similarly laid out, but less crowded and even wilder, and is great for snorkelling in the calm, crystal clear waters. One of the attractions is the rock trampolines in the cliffs. To get there, you have to walk about 200 meters up a steep staircase.

Cala Mitjana, Cala Varques and Cala Castell: unspoilt coves to escape the world

Cala Varques, Majorca
Cala Varques, Image: Konstantin Tronin / shutterstock

For those of you who prefer to travel into the wilderness and forget about everything, a visit to three of the most pristine and pristine bays on the island is recommended. In Cala Mitjana, located on the northwest coast in the Natural Park of the Llevant Peninsula, you will find no other proof of civilization than your car parked next to it. Surrounded by wild vegetation and exposed to the winds and waves of the open sea, this is not a beach for families, but for adventurers and locals.

To the southeast, despite its proximity to the tourist resorts of Porto Cristo and Porto Colom, is Cala Varques, one of the most unspoilt coves in Mallorca, as it is slow to access: from the car park it is a 15-minute walk through pine groves. This means that surrounded by low cliffs, this sandy beach exudes a “hippie” vibe frequented by artisans, jewelry sellers, nudists, and locals.

Finally, in the northwest of Mallorca, Cala Castell stands out, a wild cove at the end of a ravine that can only be reached after a walk of several kilometers, either from Cala Barques or from the Possessió de Ternelles. The town owes its name to the nearby ruins of Castell del Rei, a 13th-century rock castle of Saracen origin.

Tahaa – Island in French Polynesia

PatrickJullien
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Tahaa – Island in French Polynesia

The islands of French Polynesia are arguably some of the most impressive regions our planet has to offer. The mostly volcanic islands are not just small paradises with turquoise blue seas, but often also real cultural treasures that have remained largely free of mass tourism and change over the centuries. A good example of islands worth visiting is Tahaa. The small island has hardly changed over the last few centuries and, around 230 kilometres from Tahiti, offers a very special insight into the unique nature of French Polynesia.

The Island of Vanilla

Tahaa, Island of Vanilla
Tahaa, Island of Vanilla, Image: MAURURU / shutterstock

Tahaa got the nickname “Vanilla Island” mainly because a significant part of the vanilla in French Polynesia is grown here on the island. Visitors report that the smell of the fresh flowers rises to your nose virtually everywhere on the island and thus spreads a very unique atmosphere. But before you can start your visit to one of the many plantations, you first need to get to the island – and that’s not so easy. Which is probably one reason why Tahaa has been able to retain its own charm over the years, as it does not attract too many tourists to the island.

The journey is usually by boat from Raiatea. This neighboring island can be easily reached by plane from most other parts of French Polynesia several times a day, thus also offering the possibility of island hopping. It can be worthwhile to use Raiatea as your own base for your holiday. But Tahaa can also be reached quite quickly from Bora Bora . In less than half an hour you can reach Raiatea by plane and from there you can take a boat to the Vanilla Island. Ship traffic depends on the seasons and should be inquired about locally.

If you are interested in a longer stay on Tahaa, you should make your own booking as early as possible. There are only a few resorts on the island and the majority of the beds are available in small guesthouses, which are usually run by the island’s inhabitants as a part-time job. It can be worthwhile to spend a few more days on the island for one or the other activity – with the appropriate planning and the knowledge of what to expect on Tahaa.

Discover Tahaa – why is the island an insider tip?

Especially among divers, Tahaa has quickly become a hotspot. No wonder, there is hardly any other region in the world that can score with such wonderful water and such a lively and colorful underwater landscape. At Tahaa, there is simply the remoteness, which makes the diving areas easier to reach and ensures that you don’t have to fight with hundreds of other divers for the most beautiful impressions. There are a huge number of wrecks and caves under the water that can be explored. However, professionals say that the sea around Tahaa is not suitable for beginners. So if you want to take your first steps in this sport, you might want to take it elsewhere.

Another group of water sports enthusiasts who will get their money’s worth here are the sailors. Of course, these can be found everywhere in French Polynesia, but in the areas around Tahaa there are not only a variety of natural harbours for a breather or two, but also a largely undriven sea with impressive winds that can lead to a real adventure. Corresponding tours are also offered from the other islands and offer those who do not have a sailboat themselves the opportunity to live this experience.

The island itself also has a lot to offer. Above all, the colorful nature, the beautiful natural gardens and the hiking trails invite you to take a trip. From Mount Ohiri you have an impressive overview of the island and can look over to the neighboring islands or simply let the sea work its magic on you. A visit to a vanilla farm should be a matter of course, after all, the smell will be in your nose all the time anyway.

If you just want to discover a little piece of paradise in the world, a visit to Tahaa is the right place for you. If you expect a comprehensive program, want to eat well and experience action, it is better to stay on one of the more popular islands of French Polynesia and simply take the opportunity for a day trip to Tahaa.

The most beautiful islands of the Seychelles

PatrickJullien
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The most beautiful islands of the Seychelles

It is no coincidence that the Republic of Seychelles is named in the plural in the German language. Because the Seychelles, as it is colloquially abbreviated, is an association of no less than 115 islands. The Seychelles are located in the Indian Ocean and one of the many islands seems more beautiful to visitors than the other. Typical here are the powder-white sandy beaches in front of turquoise blue and clear sea water. Many of the islands are made of granite stone, others identify themselves as coral islands. Divers and beach lovers get their money’s worth in the Seychelles as well as nature and hiking enthusiasts. What to see in Seychelles?
We have selected the most beautiful of the 115 islands of the Seychelles for you.

The main island of Mahé

Port of Victoria, Seychelles
View of Victoria Harbour, Image: GagliardiPhotography / shutterstock

With a length of 28 kilometres and a width of eight kilometres, Mahé is not only the largest island in the Seychelles, but also the most populous. The island has about 72,000 inhabitants and that is 90 percent of the entire population of the Seychelles. A visit to the capital Victoria with the Mont Fleuri Botanical Gardens is worthwhile. This botanical garden is located on the 150-metre-high Mount Fleur and is home to 33 different species of palm trees, among other things. Mahé is also known as the island of forests and orchids. The area of the Morne Seychellois National Park is covered by tropical rainforest. The mountain Morne Seychellois is the highest mountain in the Seychelles at 905 meters. Numerous hiking trails lead to the summit. Along the way, you will encounter exotic lianas, mangroves and turtles. Travel to the Seychelles with Voyage Privé and get to know the main island of Mahé.

Dream beaches and palm trees on Praslin

Praslin, Anse Lazio
The wonderful beach Anse Lazio on Praslin, Image: Micha Rosenwirth / shutterstock

The second largest island in the Seychelles, Praslin is particularly popular with beach lovers. The beaches of Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio are both picture-book beaches, which are extensively overgrown by the Seychelles palm tree, which is only native here. Certified diving instructors introduce you to the beauties of the local underwater world. And there is also a national park on Praslin , which has a particularly interesting forest and palm trees. It is crisscrossed by romantic streams and narrow waterfalls. The national park, known as the Vallée de Mai, is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Those who visit the national park will also encounter numerous rare birds, such as the corvid parrot or the thick-billed fleeing bird.

The wedding island of La Digue

Anse Source d'Argent, La Dihue
Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue, Image: Simon Dannhauer / shutterstock

It is not uncommon for weddings to take place on La Digue. Because this island is so beautiful that international wedding couples like to choose it as a backdrop for their wedding ceremony and, of course, for their wedding pictures. The beaches of Pointe Source d’Argent and Anse Source à Jean are particularly beautiful, both interwoven with granite rocks. Since La Digue is completely car-free, you can relax on the island. If you want, you can rent a bike to explore the island. The Nid D’Aigle, the highest elevation on the island at 333 meters, is a popular hiking destination. From the summit you have a magnificent panoramic view of the whole of La Digue. In the bird sanctuary La Digue Veuve Réserve, the Seychelles paradise flycatcher breeds, which earns admiring glances with its deep blue plumage.

Great silhouette of Silhouette Island

Silhouette, Seychelles
The beautiful island silhouette in the Seychelles, Image: Serge Vero / shutterstock

The island of Silhouette was so named because of its interesting silhouette. Viewed from the neighboring islands, you can see that Silhouette is surrounded by a striking chain of rocks. There are no roads on Silhouette. Basically, the island looks wild and primeval and some corners have been little explored and developed to this day. So if you appreciate original nature experiences, you will have a lot of fun here. At Anse La Passe, the longest beach on the island, you can relax in peace and solitude. There are many bays here where you can retreat. If you want, you can stop by the breeding station for Seychelles giant tortoises.

Between luxury and eco-tourism on North Island

North Island is a very special island, because it combines luxury and eco-conscience in perfect form. On the island, which is only two square kilometres in size, you can enjoy a really expensive and at the same time high-quality luxury holiday in the luxury resort. Here, too, there are plenty of dream beaches next to densely overgrown palm beaches. In addition, North Island is a destination for many volunteers who have dedicated themselves to nature and species conservation. Here they help to protect rare turtle species.

Desroches Island: Off the beaten track

If you like to be mainly among locals, Desroches Island is the right place for you. The island is located 200 kilometers from the main island of Mahé and is best reached by plane. Here, 14 kilometres of beach invite you to snorkel, dive and relax. Desroches Island is an international insider tip among divers, because hardly anywhere else are fish and underwater plants more colorful than here. If you want to do sports in a different way, you will find countless hiking and mountain biking trails on the island, all of which are well developed and signposted. Many lead through an excitingly dense tree population with the most wonderful shades of green.

Punta Cana – the pearl of the Dominican Republic

PatrickJullien
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Punta Cana – the pearl of the Dominican Republic

A poet once came up with an apt formulation when he was asked about the advantages of the Dominican Republic. His statement: “A holiday on this beautiful island is like bathing in a watercolour”. Anyone who has ever gone to one of Punta Cana’s dream beaches is convinced that this judgment is true. Statisticians know that more than forty percent of the approximately three million tourists who look around the Dominican Republic every year look for their own personal domicile at the eastern tip of the island. Punta Cana is unquestionably a pearl among the paradisiacal spots of the Caribbean. With an almost always blue sea and wonderfully warm waves.

1,500 kilometres of pristine white beach

Punta Cana – these nine letters stand for dreamlike beaches and secluded bays. It is the Costa de Coco, and almost everywhere the beach drops gently into the waters of the Caribbean Sea. If you head for the Dominican Republic from Europe, you usually end up at the international airport at the gates of Punta Cana. After a long flight, the short distances on the island are quite pleasant. The republic has no less than 1,500 kilometres of beaches. It is white almost everywhere, and many of them are considered by international tourism managers to be among the most beautiful in the world. The bright white of the sand competes with the green of the palm trees and the sea, which rarely drops below 26 degrees Celsius.

Hotel offers for every budget

The majority of resorts are located in the Dominican Republic in and around Punta Cana. And these are made for everyone’s wallet. Some are more mid-range hotels, others are particularly tailored to a sporty crowd of guests. Even all-inclusive offers are available in this region of the Caribbean at surprisingly low prices. And almost everywhere, holidaymakers can look forward to top-class restaurants. Punta Cana is something of an Eldorado for gourmets. An 18-hole golf course on the doorstep of this tourist stronghold was designed by none other than the American star designer Pete Dye. The course is one of the best in the entire Caribbean. Since the Dominican Republic is located in the tropical climate zone, guests from all over the world can expect temperatures between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius all year round. If you look around Punta Cana today, it is hard to imagine that a little more than a quarter of a century ago, this place was still a blank spot on the map of international tourism.

Guests at a Caribbean wedding

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana, Image: Valentin Valkov / shutterstock

Punta Cana is more than just sand and beach. It is worth visiting some of the sights of this region. Among other things, the romantic church Jesus Maestro Parish. The small church is always the scene of a Caribbean wedding. If you’re lucky enough to be here at the right time, you’ll never forget the colorful and cheerful ceremony. The sleepy-looking fishing village of El Cortecito specialises in offering typical island goods. Here you can find jewellery of all kinds in the shops. But also a wealth of CDs with merengue music. And if you want to have a bottle of rum in your luggage on the flight home, you will find the right variety in El Cortecito. Punta Cana is surrounded by the Este National Park. It has a size of 430 square kilometers and is home to rare birds and plants. If you want to visit the interesting Cuevas des Puente and Josè Maria, you should put yourself in the care of experienced guides.

Swim with dolphins in the park

A typical artists’ village is located not far from La Romana. The town of Altos de Chavón is almost a birthday present, because it was built by a certain Charles Bludhorn. He wanted to give his daughter a special present. Today, sculptors, painters, musicians and internationally acclaimed photographers work here in the various workshops. The amphitheater in Altos de Chavón has become a cultural hotspot of the Dominican Republic, offering space for five thousand people. The theme park in Bávaro-Punta Cana is very popular. In Manati Park, flowers bloom in all seasons. Especially the numerous colorful orchids. Visitors also have the opportunity to swim with dolphins or attend a show with seals. Guests get very close to the culture of the island while strolling through a typical Taino village.

Clear water and dazzling corals

If you fly to Punta Cana to enjoy the sun, sand and beach, you are spoilt for choice. Even the locals do not agree in their assessment of the ranking of the most beautiful beaches. Guests are drawn to Playa Bavaro because of the clear water and the dazzling coral world. Playa El Macao is popular for its naturalness, and Playa Arena Garda is the epitome of an exotic world with coconut palms on the beach and dives to the wreck of the MS Astron. Playa Bonita is framed by bizarre rocks. The “Beautiful Beach” is blessed with a golden yellow sand. If you are prepared for longer hikes on the beach in Punta Cana, you will find your paradise at Cabeza de Toro.

Beautiful memories of the holiday

PatrickJullien
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Beautiful memories of the holiday

A photo book or photo print is an excellent way to capture the beautiful memories of the holiday together. In the past, you shot two or three films full and brought them to development after the holidays. Those days are over thanks to digital cameras and smartphones equipped with powerful cameras. Nowadays, thanks to user-friendly software for laymen, it is also possible to order photo printing online quickly and easily.

However, before you start designing the book online, you should first sort out the desired pictures and think about the order in which they will be placed.

Rosemood Online Shop
Website of Rosemood

Once this point is ticked off, you choose the desired provider. Admittedly, the selection of providers on the Internet is extensive. If you value careful workmanship and high-quality paper grades, we recommend the French supplier Rosemood Atelier, based in Nantes in western France.

Founded in 2006, the company specialised in the printing of high-quality birth cards in 2010 after initial difficulties. A big step was already taken in 2013: the print products could be manufactured in the company’s own halls. Thus, the high quality standards of the paper lovers could be asserted. In the same year, the young company published its first German-language website, “geburtskarten.com”.

More and more print products have been added to the range over the years. From high-quality Christmas and wedding cards, photo prints to the popular photo books.

Best print result

To authentically reproduce your photos and highlight the contrasts, Rosemood Atelier uses 5-colour digital printing. However, before the product is printed, it must of course first be designed. In the first step, you can choose from various layouts, also known as templates.

Once you have decided on a template, upload the pre-selected images to the software and start placing the images. In the photo book, the individually designed pages can be provided with text to keep the memories of certain sights or people alive in this way.

Take a few hours to design it. The result will thank you and you will always have a great pleasure in reminiscing.

Good ideas to immortalize your vacation pictures on paper

  • Picturesque bridges on the city trip, e.g. the Charles Bridge in Prague, the Rialto Bridge in Venice or the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco
  • Famous sights such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Acropolis in Athens or the Colosseum in Rome are ideal for a large-format print
  • The wonderful sunset on the beach
  • Family photo with all family members (especially on vacation, other tourists are always helpful and happy to help take pictures.

General tips for taking photos on holiday

  • Be sure to take a second battery or, depending on the device, a power bank with you
  • Look for exciting, unusual motifs
  • For high image quality, don’t overdo the use of zoom
  • Feel free to take two to three pictures at a time and then choose the right motif
  • Keep the lens clean
  • To save storage space, you can delete failed pictures directly

 

 

Popular holiday destinations on the Italian Adriatic

PatrickJullien
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Popular holiday destinations on the Italian Adriatic

Mediterranean holiday flair spreads on the beautiful beaches, bays and coastal towns of the Italian Adriatic. Italy’s Adriatic coast can be as diverse as the regions that lie on its shores – from Veneto to Emilia-Romagna and Abruzzo to Puglia. Film, novel and fascinating travel stories entwine around the beautiful holiday destinations on the Italian east coast, including dream destinations such as Venice, Caorle, Trieste, Rimini and Otranto. One thing is clear: The Italian Adriatic coast is a paradise for friends of Mediterranean culture and beach holidays.

Venice – World-class Mediterranean cultural city

Murano Island
View of the colorful Venetian houses along the canal on the islands of Murano in Venice, Image: Javen / shutterstock

Hardly any other city in Italy – perhaps with the exception of Rome – fascinates international visitors as much as Venice. And for good reason. The world-famous canal city strings together a whole spectacle of magnificent buildings of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along unforgettable sights such as the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square with St. Mark’s Basilica or the Doge’s Palace runs Venice’s Mediterranean lifeline: the Grand Canal. If you have chosen the Italian Adriatic as your holiday destination, you should not miss Venice and its Veneto region. The Venice Lagoon is located directly on the Adriatic coast and can provide a wonderful contrast to many of the seaside resorts of the Adriatic Sea with its fascinating cultural program within the city. Not much more needs to be said about the city with its fascinating canals, except: A Mediterranean dream destination on the Italian Adriatic.

Caorle and Bibione – In the footsteps of Hemingway

Lighthouse of Bibione
Lighthouse of Bibione, Image: AerialVision_it / shutterstock

The beauty of the Italian Adriatic did not pass by the American writer Ernest Hemingway either. In the 1940s, for example, he regularly stayed in the historic coastal town of Caorle. There he is said to have laid the foundations for his work “Across the River into the Forests (1950)”. Together with the neighboring town of Bibione, Carole is now considered one of the most beautiful seaside resorts on the northern Adriatic coast. Highlights are of course the local beaches – in Caorle there are the Spiaggia di Ponente and the Spiaggia Levante to see. But the coastal town also has an old town worth seeing with picturesque alleys and colourful house façades, as well as the Madonna dell’Angelo church near the shore and a cylindrical campanile. Mediterranean beach idyll can also be seen in Bibione, a top destination for beach vacationers on the northern Adriatic.

Trieste – City of Culture on the shores of the Adriatic Sea

Trieste, Italy
Picturesque Trieste, Image: leoks / shutterstock

It is easy to forget that the historic cultural city of Trieste can also be found directly on the Adriatic coast as a holiday resort. The city is excellently located near the border to also take a tour to Croatian Istria . Trieste itself has a long history, dating back to ancient times, when the city was known as Tergeste. Today, Trieste is a well-known port city, an economic and cultural center of the northern Adriatic coast. At its heart is the central square Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia with an eclectic town hall from the 19th century, magnificent palazzos and the Fountain of the Four Continents (Fontana dei quattro continenti) from the 18th century. In the surrounding area are the scenic Castello di Duino and the Castello di Miramare – magnificent buildings located in the dreamlike panorama of the Adriatic Sea. The city has a beautiful Grand Canal at its heart as well as fascinating

Districts – whether historic or modern – and hiking routes in the area that are popular with nature lovers. When it comes to the most beautiful holiday destinations on the Adriatic, Trieste should not be forgotten.

Rimini – paradise for beach vacationers

Tiberius Bridge Rimini
The Tiberius Bridge of Rimini, Image: ALEX_UGALEK / shutterstock

None other than the world-famous Italian film director Federico Fellini (La Strada, 8 1/2, La Dolce Vita) was once born in Rimini, which repeatedly resonated in his films through characters and scenery. Even today, Rimini is one of the most popular bathing orders on the Italian Adriatic coast. This is due to the many dream beaches in the Emilia-Romagna region, but also to the optimal location to explore other highlights of Italy. A day trip to the historic city of Ravenna with its World Heritage Site is easily possible – magnificent churches and baptisteries from early Christian times await you there. Rimini itself is interspersed with historical buildings – there are especially ancient structures such as the old Arch of Augustus from 27 BC or the Ponte d’Augusto bridge, whose roots lie in the time of the Roman emperor Tiberius. Seaside tourism in Ravenna has a long tradition, so in the middle of the 19th century the first official seaside resort on the Adriatic coast was built here. And the city has lost none of its seaside charm to this day.

From Otranto to Lecce – The tourist insider tips of Puglia

Puglia, Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare, Image: Stefano_Valeri / shutterstock

The beautiful Apulia in the south of Italy is still one of the insider tips among the Italian travel regions. Puglia has some of the most idyllic coastal resorts in the Italian Adriatic. If you want to get to know the Adriatic coast far away from the classic hotspots such as Venice or Rimini, you should therefore go to the south of the country. Among other things, the historic Otranto with its old town and its fascinating coastal cityscape is located there. Rarely has a city been so seamlessly integrated into the cliff landscapes of the Adriatic coast. In general, a relaxed tour along the coastal region of Puglia is recommended for travelers. Here are historic cities such as Lecce with its terminal columns of the ancient Roman Via Appia, the Roman amphitheater, and its famous buildings of the Leccese Baroque, which is why the city is also known as the Florence of the Rococo. Bari, Ostuni or the beautiful Santa Maria di Leuca on the South Cape – the intersection between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea – make Puglia one of the most interesting regions to discover the Adriatic coast.

Planning a city trip: How to prepare properly

PatrickJullien
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Planning a city trip: How to prepare properly

There are countless ways to travel during your well-deserved vacation. Some swear by a relaxing holiday on the beach, others like to be active in nature and still others prefer to explore the most beautiful cities. With the latter, the advantages are obvious: you get to know many new people and come into contact with the culture there. But being on the road in a completely foreign city can quickly develop into a culture shock. For this reason, good planning in advance is important. We’ll show you how to do it.

City trips are always an experience

City trips are not so popular for nothing. They make it easy for you to immerse yourself in the culture of a region or country. A lot of history has usually happened here. You will also meet new people, get to know a new cuisine and explore a whole new culture. At the same time, it is very exciting to discover new things again and again.

Take your time and don’t overwhelm yourself. Take it easy and then a city trip can even be really relaxed. Of course, planning in advance, as is the case with any trip, should be mandatory, although it should not be too detailed.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be abroad

There are really more than enough cities to explore in the world. But before you venture abroad, you should first pay attention to the cities in your immediate vicinity. Because even a few hundred kilometres away, completely new cultural horizons may open up for you.

Take a look at the graffiti scene in the capital , for example. This is by no means graffiti, but real art. Munich also has much more to offer, especially culturally, than just white sausages, lederhosen and dirndls.

Even a beach holiday in Germany can be combined with a city trip, for example if you visit Cuxhaven, Kiel or other German cities on the water.

Consider travel time

Especially in cities, you should consider some special features when booking your trip. Find out in advance whether there may be any major events at your chosen travel time. Then the city could be quite crowded and the accommodations quite rare. Therefore, you should inform yourself as early as possible.

Often the cities are quite empty in the summer months, i.e. the main holiday season. However, if you want to visit such an event as part of your city trip, you should plan and book early.

Plan sights

The big cities in particular offer you a whole range of famous sights. If you travel to Paris, for example, you should not miss the Louvre with Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”. In Barcelona , you will definitely want to visit the Sagrada Familia, the city’s famous landmark.

If you want to avoid long queues or even disappointment , we recommend that you reserve tickets for the sights in advance. In addition, there are some other tips on how to see the sights in an uncomplicated way. However, you should not plan your stay too much either.

Getting around a city

Walk as many distances as possible. This will allow you to take most of the impressions from your trip with you and perhaps discover beautiful places that are not necessarily on a tourist map. Away from the tourist routes, the real treasures are often waiting.

If you do have to make a further journey, we recommend that you use the local public transport. They are cheaper than any city tour and usually you see much more of the city here.

Food and drink away from the tourist crowds

Culinary delights open up the culture of a region or an entire country to many people. Unfortunately, this image is often distorted in the tourist restaurants near famous landmarks. Our tip: Look for restaurants, cafés and pubs where satisfied locals sit.

Here you can be sure that you will get a good cuisine that is also cheap. The sad truth is that you tend to get worse food at high prices in tourist-oriented restaurants.

Go on a discovery tour

As mentioned earlier, you shouldn’t completely plan the days you spend in the city. Take the time to simply go aimlessly on a discovery tour. Get involved with new influences, places and people. In this way, you may even have the most exciting experiences.

However, you should still be careful and not go too naïve to a foreign city. Especially after dark, avoid poorly lit corners and alleys of a city. Stay where people are. You can never be too careful.

Orientation not always easy

It’s not always easy to find your way around a new city. Therefore, rely on maps that you can get at the tourist information office, for example. In addition, you should work with your smartphone and download maps for offline use. Make sure that your mobile phone is always charged or that you at least have a power bank with you that you can use in an emergency.

Result

We wish you a lot of fun planning and of course the actual city trip. If you follow our tips, nothing can go wrong.

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