Destinations Europe

island escapes

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DestinationsEUROPE

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3tntmagazine.com/destinations

Welcome to TNT’s Destinations Europe

supplement, where we

bring you the best of travel

that’s just a few hours’

flight (or train ride – green

is good) from London.

We’ve put together

amazing experiences for

every type of traveller,

whether you want to see

all the iconic sights, stray

off the beaten track, laze

around on an island break

or get active on the slopes

of the Alps.

And you don’t need a

bank balance like Brad

Pitt’s to enjoy any of these

bucket list breaks. We’ve

made sure that everything

in this supplement is easily

affordable, so that you

don’t just have to dream

about these trips. Using our

insider tips, you can get

out there and live them.

So what are you

waiting for? Turn the page

and start planning your

next set of once-in-a-

lifetime adventures.

Happy travelling! The Destinations team

Contributing editors Carol Driver, Laura Chubb, Helen Elfer Contributing Writers Andrew Westbrook, Caroline Garnar Head Of Design And Production Lisa Ferron Graphic Design Patricia Montenegro Sales Managers Jaqui Ward, Matt Syder Startrack Media Ltd. CEO Kevin Ellis Chairman Ken Hurst Distribution Emblem Direct Ltd Printed By Wyndeham Peterborough Limited Pictures Getty Images, TnT Images, Thinkstock 114 Coppergate House, 16 Brune Street, London E1 7nJ tntmagazine.comGeneral Enquiries Phone 020 3011 1066 Email [email protected] Sales Enquiries Phone 020 7989 0567 Email [email protected]

Welcome Letter

16 sail awayFrom the sparkling Adriatic to the deep-blue Med: the very best sailing holidays

18 eastern promiseCrumbling old towns and hidden nightlife – this is why Eastern Europe rocks

20 on skifariTNT heads to two of France’s top resorts for some serious snow

24 xmas marketsIf there’s one thing Europe does well, it’s festive cheer. Here are our top Xmas spots

26 baltiCs: best ofIncredible culture on a budget in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania

28 Greek islanDsWhich group of Greek islands is for you? Check out our top tips to find out

4 roaD tripBundle your bezzies in a van and set off on the ride of your life with our guide

> CONTENTSDESTINATIONS europe

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10 the hit listYou’re on the doorstep of everything Europe has to offer. Here’s what to see

4 tntmagazine.com/destinations

DESTINATIONS europe

Kick off: meet other Van Tourers at the Running of the Bulls fest in Pamplona

Flower power: VW campers are a cool and popular option for the Van Tour – tight squeeze, though

Lads on tour: a Van Tour trio and their ‘Tank’

Peaceful: don’t forget to soak up the sights between the carnage

Saucy: swim hat and goggles are optional at La Tomatina

The ultimate road tripEvery year from July to September, Van Tour Europe sees a convoy of campervans zig-zagging their way across the continent from Spain to Germany. With more beer guzzled than diesel, it will be a trip you will never forget... if you can remember it Words caroline garnar

Van Tour Europe starts in Pamplona and ends in Munich, but you can drive

wherever you want in between. Try out our itinerary to ensure you catch all the big festivals. Let the carnage commence...

FranceRoll off the ferry at Calais and roll on to

Paris. A sophisticated start, take in the Eiffel

Tower and Arc de Triomphe before stocking

up on vino. Talking of which, you should

head south to the Bordeaux Wine Festival

(June 26-29) to visit vineyards and sample

various grape – at least you can start your

trip by giving a crap how your booze tastes.

Spain & PortugalRemaining on the coastal route by the Bay of Biscay, you’ll

soon find yourself in Spain. To warm your liver up in

preparation for the first Van Tour meet-up, head for the

Haro Wine Festival in La Rioja on June 29. Here, you are not

just encouraged to drink copious amounts of wine, but also

to throw it at each other. Another warm-up sesh comes in

the shape of BBK Live, a huge music fest in Bilbao, which

this year had Kings of Leon and Green Day headlining.

Now the time has come for you to meet your fellow Van

Tourers in Pamplona. And what better way to bond than to

help save each other’s arses – literally – from raging bulls

stampeding the streets from July 6-14 at San Fermin?

After the festival madness, point yourself in the direction

of Lisbon, Portugal for a dose of sanity. The

arty bars, surfing and vintage boutiques will

feel like a breath of fresh air. The craziness

soon amps up again, however, as most

Van Tour crews head to Lagos and meet

for a giant piss up at the raucous Joe’s

Garage (joesgarage.eu.com).

If you prefer your spirit to be free

(metaphorically) rather than poured

down your throat, head to the Boom

Festival at Idanhana-a-Nova Lake on

August 4-11, which in 2014 celebrates ‘The

Feminine’. It may sound hippy dippy, but

strikes us more of a sort of European

answer to Burning Man.

Making your way back through Spain, time it so you

arrive in Valencia for August 27, stopping off at Seville,

Andalucia and Madrid along the way. Why? Because in

nearby Bunol, the world’s biggest food fight, La Tomatina,

is held. Prepare to be turned into a human bruschetta as

masses of people throw tomatoes at you and each other.

Next, head north up the coast to Barcelona. Whether

you choose to admire Gaudi’s architecture here or the

sexy señoritas on the beach is up to you.

ItalyKeep to the coast and dip back into France, taking some

time to explore the historic city of Marseilles and the

clubbing scene and cool underground passages of

Lyon. Driving around Italy doesn’t help you get

XXXCOUNTRY > XXXLOCATION


wTF IS van Tour euroPe? Van Tour Europe is a loosely organised annual booze trail across Europe for Antipodean expats. Starting at the Running of the Bulls fest on June 29 and ending with Oktoberfest on September 20, your itinerary between those two points is up to you, but most Van Tourers keep tabs on each other via Facebook and meet up frequently. It is a good idea to find out which campsites your fellow travellers are heading for, as it’s best not to disturb innocent family camping holidays with your sordid ways.

ROAD TRIP > EUROPE

need to know

The van: This is going to be your home for a while, so it’s worth clubbing together to get something decent. You don’t want to break down constantly and spend half your trip on the side of the road. Renting is a good option (try Spaceships Rentals and Wicked Campers), particularly as it helps sort insurance issues...Insurance: A lot of companies only provide 12-month policies and tend to shy away from insuring old bangers. However, try HIC’s walkabout insurance (hertsinsurance.com/walkabout) and you could be in luck.Documents: As well as your driver’s licence, passport and visas, medical insurance is a good idea. We don’t think we need to tell you why.

anywhere as such, what with it being a (booted) leg

kicking off the mainland, but with fashionable Milan,

stunning Florence, historic Rome, pizza-famed Naples, the

Amalfi Coast and back up to the unique and magical

Venice, it’s worth a detour.

Austria & GermanyCross into Austria and we recommend heading for

Innsbruck, where the Alps make for stunning views at

every turn. It’s then about 100 miles to Munich in Germany

for Oktoberfest (Sep 20-Oct 6). As if 16 days of drinking beer

by the stein isn’t enough, the Van Tour ‘officials’ have also

set up the 100 Club party, which is held the day before

Oktoberfest. The end-of-tour party involves consuming

enough alcohol to make you sick into your beer bucket...

and then to continue drinking – sick and all. Yep, it’s that

kind of party. Good luck.

If your liver hasn’t packed up completely, be sure to

stop off at Amsterdam and Bruges en route back to Calais.

Nothing cures a Van Tour hangover like Dutch cheese and

Belgian chocolate ... and maybe another tinnie or two. n

You are not just encouraged to drink copious amounts of wine, but also to throw it at each other

See vantoureurope.com for more details

DESTINATIONS europe


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Bleugh: hold on to your stomach at the 100 Club end-of-tour party

Down it: the finale at Oktoberfest

Surf’s up: stop off to catch some waves

How could you be anything else on tour?

FACEBOOK.COM/STOKETRAVELCOME CREEP WITH US...TWITTER@STOKETRAVEL

STOKETRAVEL.COM

LA TOMATINA SAN SEBASTIAN SURF CAMP OKTOBERFEST THE RUNNING OF THE BULLS

BARCELONA CITY STAYS FETES DE BAYONNE MOROCCO SURF HOUSE SURF CAMP FRANCE

THE SURFARI SPRING BREAK IBIZA SAIL CROATIA SAN VINO THE WINE FIGHT

WORLD CUP BRAZIL-STOKE TRAVEL

Stoke Travel - International vibe and the most fun you can have with your thongs on!

HOW MANY FLAGS

HAVE YOU GOT?

ALL INCLUSIVE£80/NIGHT

STOKE WORLD CUP PARTY CAMPSITES SERVICING NATAL, RECIFE, SALVADOR, SAO PAULO AND RIO DE JANEIRO

Giant screensTransport to matchesLuxury campingFull size football pitches on siteHigh securityHigh securityLive musicMeals, unlimited caipirinhas and beer!

with the one and only TopdeckThe coolest destinations this winter

Get face to face with Europe this winter. Think all of the usual postcard-perfect icons, cultural wonders and mouth-watering food you’d expect from this almighty continent and mix it up a little with snowy vistas, traditional markets and fairytale festivities.

From the oh-so-glittering Paris to the slopes of the Tyrol, Topdeck have got it covered when it comes to travelling Europe in winter. Firm believers in all things hassle-free and culturally-enlightening, we’re proud to be the original trail blazers in travel. So let us share our passion, knowledge and spirit with you this winter. Trust us, we’re Topdeck.

1. BRUGGES, BELGIUMBrugges is a true European gem and is even more of a knockout over the festive season. Fact. Jam-packed with charming canals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site city centre, medieval architecture, a 13th Century Belfry and more culture and art than you could shake a stick at! We haven’t even mentioned the world-famous Christmas markets yet!Soak up the festive fun on Topdeck’s 2 or 4 day Brugges Christmas Markets, from only £149 (2 day) or £249 (4 day).

5. EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND Cascades of castles, wild Scottish landscapes, age-old buildings, cobbled streets and home to the world’s biggest, most over-the-top festival, the Edinburgh Fringe. Edinburgh is likely to charm your culture-loving pants off. This city is a vision of beauty, showcased exceptionally during the winter months. Wrap up, try a whisky or two and experience a party like no other, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay.Party it up with the Scottish folk on Topdeck’s 4 or 5 day Hogmanay Edinburgh, from only £339 (4 day) or £399 (5 day).

8. DAHAB, EGYPTArabic for gold, Dahab is a divine spot to escape those winter blues. This Egyptian goddess boasts golden sands, ocean-side camps, mountain heavy scenery, out-of-this-world trekking and diving, all served with a delicious laid-back hippy vibe. Yes please Dahab!Experience Egypt with a twist on Topdeck’s 9 day Learn to Dive, from only £475 (plus US$190 local payment).

4. MARRAKECH , MOROCCOA tapestry of North African culture and an enchanting rainbow of colours, Marrakech is the remedy for those seeking some sublime winter sunshine. You’ll wander the citys labyrinth of souks, filled with sparkling trinkets, snake charmers, local spices and carpet shops before arriving at the frenetic medina; Djemaa el-Fna. Mint tea anyone?Get under Morocco’s skin on Topdeck’s 10 day Moroccan Explorer, from only £495 (plus £110 local payment).

2. VENICE, ITALYGlorious, radiant and endearing, we give you Venice! With the world’s most artistic masterpieces per square kilometre it’s really not hard to see why the city is full of trendy types. From the myriad of narrow alleyways, gondolas, winding waterways and impressive Renaissance architecture, this city simply oozes romance and all things fabulously Italian.Get face to face with the utterly enchanting Venice on Topdeck’s 11 day Winter Express, from only £620.

6. AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDSThe liberal, loose-moralled and frankly rather funky city of Amsterdam is a European heavyweight. A bespoke masterpiece, laced with endless coffee shops, charming canals, electic nightlife, eccentric art and an abudance of bikes and boats. What more could you possibly want from a city?Check out the free-wheeling city of Amsterdam on Topdeck’s 4 day Amsterdam New Year, from only £279.

9. PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLICPrague; a quirky and exquisite maze of captivating history, Europe’s best beer, delicious food, off-the-wall neighbourhoods and courtyards and chapels galore. Soak up the home of classical music and Bohemian culture at its finest and maybe induldge in an apple strudel to celebrate how utterly incredible Prague is.Paint the town red as they say in Bohemian Prague on Topdeck’s 7 day Spires in the Snow, from only £410.

3. BERLIN, GERMANYWhen you think of Berlin you’d usually picture depression, war and segregation. But hold up, that’s all in the past! Berlin is now an art-loving, uber-trendy, hip, hop and happening city that has your name all over it! Still brimming with bucket loads of history and tell-tale signs of its colourful past, this city boasts culture from every funky, snow-coated corner. Experience the totally trendsetting city of Berlin on Topdeck’s 7 day Winter Waltz, from only £455.

7. PARIS, FRANCEThe temperature may have dropped, but trust us, dazzling Paris is still red-hot. This sleek and sophistacted little number is simply spectacular in the wintery months, full of romance, character-filled backstreets, illuminated monuments and cosy cafés full of artists, writers and fashionistas. Oh Paris, we really do love you immensely. Discover the European sweetheart city of Paris on Topdeck’s 12 day Festive Escape, from only £895.

10. TYROL, AUSTRIAPicture this - world-class slopes, heart-pumping skiing and snowboarding, spine-tingling alpine scenery and legendary après-ski. Welcome to the Austrian Tyrol! Also known as every adrenaline-junkies slice of paradise. Make the most of this natural wonder and check it out for youselves on our 8 day Austrian ski adventure. Prepare for fun.Hit those adrenaline-pumping snowy slopes of Austria on Topdeck’s 8 day Ski Austria, from only £359.

Ski trip for 2 anyone?Fancy winning 2 all-singing-all-dancing spots on our 8 day Ski Austria trip? As part of the deal we’re even throwing in return flights from London, transfers, ski hire, ski passes and a ski course! For full details check out our website at Topdeck.travel/skicompGood luck!

Favourite Big Tour Operator

Favourite Ski/Winter Operator

Favourite Tour Operator in Western Europe


Up and under: see the famed Eiffel Tower from all angles

Wall art: the Berlin Wall’s East Gallery displays some amazing – and not-so amazing – designs

Cow’s that? This dude may not understand what all the fuss is about, but we think his homeland is stunning

Park life: Gaudi’s creations turn Barcelona’s green space into a funky fairytale land

DESTINATIONS europe

One continent, 10 things to do From hill-top hiking to valley canyoning, from the Northern Lights to the Red Light District, from the clubs of Ibiza to the amphitheatres of Rome, Europe is chock-full of bucket list trips for you to tick off. If you do anything in life, do these things ...Words CAroline gArnAr

We bet you didn’t move to the UK to spend every day going on the London Eye, staring up at The Shard or climbing the O2. As fun as these things are, there’s a whole continent to explore. Here’s what should be on your hit list:

1. Go hiking in The Alps

Most adventurers head to The Alps during

ski season, but this stunning mountain

range is not to be overlooked during the

summer months. As the snow gives way to

luscious grass, it takes all your willpower not

to start yodelling as you stand on high,

surrounded by a breathtaking vista of rolling hills, snow-

capped mountains, thick forests, turquoise lakes and

squat, gable-roofed chalets. Walk The Alps offers guided

tours and chalet accommodation in the Tarentaise Valley

of the French Alps, and Italy is just a 45-minute drive away.

Chalet rental from £750pw. walkthealps.com

2. Go up – and under – the Eiffel Tower

Yes it’s busy and yes it’s a bit of a rip-off, but you can’t

rock up to Paris and miss the Eiffel Tower. It just isn’t

allowed. Plus the view from the top is pretty damn special,

giving you a great panorama of the French capital’s top

landmarks. It’s also worth wandering under the tower and

taking a few snaps – the lattice framework looks even

more impressive from down below. €14.50 (£12.50) for lift to the top. tour-eiffel.fr/en

3. Picnic in Gaudi’s Park Güell

This park in Barcelona has a dream-like

quality to it, with serpentine seating areas,

ginger bread-esque houses and gothic

catacomb-style alcoves, all designed by

renowned Spanish architect, Antoni

Gaudi. Climb up high for great views of

the city and simply spend a sunny

afternoon chilling on the grass. Also be

sure to check out Sagrada Família,

Gaudi’s huge, still unfinished, church. From October this year, you have to pay a park entrance fee of €8 (£7). parkguell.es/en

4. Cycle the route of the Berlin Wall

It seems strange to travel the world to see a wall that has

more-or-less been knocked down and is, well, a wall, but

with a guided tour you can learn the true extent of the

poignant political history behind it. The East Gallery is a trip

highlight, where the largest section of the remaining wall is

covered with more than 100 paintings and murals by

artists from across the world. A cycle tour with Fat Tire Bike Tours costs €22 (£19pp). fattirebiketours.com

5. Gaze up at the Northern Lights

You know those moments when you are awestruck at how

amazing this world is and you feel as insignificant as a

flea? Times that feeling by 100 and you get an idea of

how it feels to see the spectacular aurora borealis. We

know you can see auroras from New Zealand and

HIT LIST > EUROPE


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WhEN To GoWith the exception of Finland, which is at its snowy best December-March, it is advisable to travel to the rest of Europe during spring or summer. Like in England, the weather is too temperamental the rest of the time. However, avoid July and August, as this is when the schools are out and there will be kids EVERYWHERE, plus accommodation prices shoot up. If you can brave the bad weather, you will be rewarded with lower costs and fewer crowds – just remember to pack an umbrella.

DESTINATIONS xxxx


DESTINATIONS europe

Australia, but couple seeing nature’s awesome light

display with a winter trip to Finland and you can enjoy

dog sledding, snow-mobiling, ice fishing and cross-country

skiing. Aurora Zone offers a variety of Northern Light-spotting trips for adults starting from £1145pp for four nights, including flights, food and activities.

theaurorazone.com

6. Go clubbing in Ibiza

This tiny Spanish island is synonymous with partying until the

sun comes up, with its (in)famous clubs including Amnesia,

Pacha and Space. A breeding ground for house music

(and drunken club-goers), Ibiza’s music scene brings

world-renowned DJs, such as Pete Tong, David Guetta

and Paul Oakenfold, to its shores every year. Together

Ibiza offers a closing party tour of the island’s clubs

exclusively for Aussies from September 15-21. Prices from £385pp for six nights’ accommodation and all club entries.

togetheribiza.com

7. Go on an off-road jeep safari in Turkey

A lot of sightseeing tours can be boring as hell: stopping

off at historical sites before being rushed back into the car

for a hot, bumpy journey to several souvenir shops where

you feel obliged to buy something. From Olu Deniz in

Turkey, however, the jeep safaris involve water fights

– even the locals get involved with their hose pipes – a dip

in the rushing waters of the second-largest canyon in

Europe and a roll around in a mud bath, with the drivers

often challenging you to a wrestle. There are some calmer

moments with stop-offs at gorgeous tropical gardens,

ancient cities, deserted beaches and mosques. Olu Deniz Excursions’ tours cost £13pp. oludenizexcursions.com

8. Hear the stories of the Colosseum

Completed in 80AD, this astounding structure is a striking

example of imperial Rome. You can almost hear the

bloodthirsty crowds braying for the death of a gladiator as

he fights for his life against a tiger, a bull or even a

crocodile. The amphitheatre has suffered at the hands of

earthquakes and stone robbers, but the scale of the place

is still clear. It’s worth getting a tour guide to hear the

fascinating and gruesome history behind this iconic

emblem of the Roman Empire. Entrance plus a 40-minute tour costs €23.50 (£20pp). tickitaly.com

9. Take a tour of the Red Light District

Although you may not think you need a tour guide to

explain to you what a ‘live sex show’ involves, it’s worth

joining a tour purely for the stories you’ll be told, the filthy

It takes all your willpower not to start yodelling as you stand

on high, surrounded by a breathtaking vista

Roar! You may not be Russell Crowe, but you can still be a gladiator for a day

Sexy time: Amdam’s Red Light District

top 3 tourist traps

There are some ‘must dos’ that are sadly becoming ‘must don’ts’ due to the fact they are overcrowded, overpriced or just downright disappointing.

A gondola ride in Venice. The romance of this cliché experience is muted by the ridiculous price (£35pp for a shared serenaded ride), as well as the fact your trip takes in the grottier parts of the canals, with the smell of stagnant water far from romantic. Instead, stick to the bridges, take pictures of the mugs getting a gondola ride, and hop on a cheap water taxi instead.

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul. The intricately tiled interior of the Blue Mosque is stunning (and the reason for its nickname, due to the rich blue mosaics), but you have to queue for ages to get in, shuffle through with the masses staring at the ceiling, and then you’re out the other side in minutes. Instead, jump on a ferry across the Bosphorus and take pictures of the mosque’s striking exterior, standing tall against the sky.

Mona Lisa, Louvre Museum, Paris. One of the most famous paintings in history would be worth a look if it wasn’t practically the size of a postage stamp and blocked by the heads of the hoards of people – and their cameras – in front of you. Plus the €12 (£10.50) entry fee is rather steep. Instead, try the National Museum of Modern Art at the Centre Pompidou, which displays art from major 20th-century movements, from cubism to surrealism to pop art.

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HIT LIST > EUROPE

jokes made, and to hear the truly fascinating history

behind this famous and unique area of Amsterdam.

You can always go back to your ‘favourite spots’ on your

own later... Randy Roy’s offers a tour for €15 (£13pp), including a drink. randyroysredlighttours.com

10. Go canyoning in Croatia

Situated at the crossroads between Europe and the

Mediterranean, Croatia offers all the historical charm of

a European break, but with the climate and stunning

beaches of the Med. With some 70 rivers, canyoning is rife,

with waterfalls, rocky climbs, high jumps and against-

current swims creating a wet and wild playground. There

are a number of areas where you can canyon, so you

can choose according to what sort of experience you

want. Adventure Dalmatia offers four tours, including an

extreme canyoning experience, where you use alpine

ropes to climb up and down the sheer rock faces. Prices start at €35 (£30pp). croatiacanyoning.com n

Loiter within tent: see the Northern Lights in the snowy winter wonderland of Finland

Bombs away: try out canyoning in Croatia

Why look at the Mona Lisa when you can snap it on your phone?

There’s another way to get ticking against that Euro hit list – the Rolling Circus.A new venture from the notorious Stoke Travel, it’s described as a ‘hop on, crawl off ’ tour taking in all the continent’s major sights, ending on a giant party in every city. Oo-er. stoketravel.com

roLLiNG CirCus



DESTINATIONS europe

We are sailing: many companies offer training if you fancy learning the ropes yourself

Beach-in: stop off at quiet Croatian bays unreachable by land

French fancy: sail off the French Riviera

Boat beauts: come on in, the water’s fiiiine

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On the edge: sailing means you can explore Europe’s coastline – and jump off it

You nautical little thingYou can feel the wind in your hair and the warm glow of the sun on your face. You can hear the billowing sails and water breaking at the bow. You may even be singing a drunken sea shanty. You’re at one of TNT’s top sailing destinations ... Words caroline garnar

Question: would you rather explore a country while cooped up in a stuffy car, trundling along dusty roads

and trying to figure out foreign road signs, or sailing on sparkling, turquoise waters, hopping off at hidden bays and barely-inhabited islands? We thought so...

Cyclades Islands, GreeceBEST FOR: Couples looking for a little romance.

Greece has an abundance of beautiful islands, but the

huddled-up Cyclades are ideal for a hop or 10. The

stunning Santorini is a great base, with its gorgeous

white-washed villages of Greek postcard fame. Sail your

way to Mykonos – known for its windmills and ‘Little Venice’

– and back, stopping off at all the ‘os’s – Ios, Sifnos, Paros,

Nixos and Amorgos. With quaint, taverna-lined harbours,

archaeological sites, sweeping beaches and sleepy fishing

villages, we’re getting dreamy-eyed just thinking about it.

The Adriatic Coast, CroatiaBEST FOR: Getting blown away by Mother Nature.

Starting off at Dubrovnik, this fortress city is so striking it

even features as King’s Landing in Game Of Thrones (fans

can take a tour from £47.82, viator.com). Set sail from its

shipping port and head to the peaceful Mljet; with a huge

national park, few residents, and two stunning inland

salt-water lakes, this place feels close to paradise. Next,

stop off at the peninsula of Peljesac to feast on fresh

oysters and wash them down with local red wine. From

here it’s an easy hop to Korcula, home to protected

forests and hidden inlets, before returning to Dubrovnik.

The Turkish Riviera, Turkey BEST FOR: Exploration and adventure. The southwest coast of Turkey is ripe for water-based

shenanigans. We suggest a short but activity-packed

sailing trip, kicking off from the small coastal town of

Gocek. Travelling east, from here you can see the Lycian

Tombs, stop off at the seven-mile sandy beach of Patara,

and get the chance to cliff jump at Coldwater Bay as well

as snorkel in the clear waters of Gokkaya Limani.

Isle of Wight, England BEST FOR: Learning to sail. If you’re more interested in learning the mechanics of

sailing than working on your tan lines, you need not travel

far. The Isle of Wight is off the southeast coast of England

and the Sorent, the stretch of water between the two, is

a great spot for wannabe sailors to learn the ropes. It will be

a challenge, with the choppy British waters not likely to offer

smooth sailing, but they say the best way to learn is to throw

yourself in at the deep end (just try not to take that literally).

The Côte d’Azur, France BEST FOR: Showing off. Tell your friends that you’re spending your summer sailing

a yacht off the Côte d’Azur (aka the French Riviera) and

you may as well tell them you’ve shagged Brad Pitt/

Angelina Jolie (whichever floats your boat, so to speak)

they’ll be so jealous. With holiday destinations frequented

by the rich and famous, such as Monaco, St Tropez and

Cannes, make sure you bring a fancy pair of deck shoes.

TOP FIVE > sailing trips


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DESTINATIONS europe

Going underground: Sofia’s secret bars are seriously cool

Party time: dive headfirst into the hedonism at Teatro in Belgrade, Serbia

Pay your respects: Lviv’s cemetery has more than 400,000 graves

What lies beneath: check out the subterranean museum underneath the 40,000sqm market square in Krakow

Hungary for more: take in the views of Budapest before soaking in its thermal baths

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Eastern promise: top city breaksWith a war-torn past and freezing winters, it’s little wonder Eastern Europeans drink vodka like it’s water. This means there’s a plethora of places to drink and dance the night away, plus great spots to help distract you from your hangoverWords caroline garnar

From hidden bars and open-air clubs to underground museums and hilltop views, the cities of Eastern Europe

will entertain you 24/7.

Krakow, PolandTHE MAIN ATTRACTION: As if Krakow’s 40,000sqm market

square wasn’t impressive enough, what lies beneath is

even better. The multiple layers of the square’s grounds,

built up over 1000 years, covered a trove of historical

artefacts. After a six-year dig, the findings are now

displayed in subterranean museum, Rynek Underground. WHAT ELSE? There’s more to lure you below surface as

Krakow’s bustling cellar bars are the perfect places to hole

up in the winter months. Try underground ‘beer garden’ CK

Browar (ckbrowar.krakow.pl).

Sofia, BulgariaTHE MAIN ATTRACTION: Rusty tools, a bike, broken

flowerpots – that’s what most of us would expect to find

behind a shed door. But in Sofia, you will find a two-storey

bar lit up with candles. The aptly named Candlebar is just

one example of the city’s ‘secret’ bars, with others

including The Apartment, a homely bar found behind an

unmarked residential door, and the underground Art Bar.

WHAT ELSE? Sofia is surrounded by gorgeous countryside

and vineyards worth venturing to. Also be sure to stop by

the Zhenski Pazar to get a glimpse of local market life.

Budapest, HungaryTHE MAIN ATTRACTION: Budapest’s thermal baths have

been an attraction since Roman times and were developed

during the Ottoman Rule thanks to their penchant for a

good scrub-down. The Széchenyi bath in City Park is the

largest medicinal bath in Europe. Grab your swimmers and

jump into the 35°C waters for a few hours of bliss.

WHAT ELSE? Venture down into one of Budapest’s intricate

cave networks (caving.hu). The Central Market Hall and

view from the top of Castle Hill are also worth a stop.

Belgrade, SerbiaTHE MAIN ATTRACTION: During the summer, the River Sava

comes to life with pumping music and gyrating hips thanks

to Belgrade’s huge club scene. Freestyler and Teatro are

two of the most popular haunts, probably thanks to the

scantily clad podium dancers at both.

WHAT ELSE? Check out Victor, the 18ft naked statue who

gazes pensively out over the Danube, and Belgrade’s

‘Silicon Valley’ – named after the bouncing boobs of its

glamorous frequenters.

Lviv, UkraineTHE MAIN ATTRACTION: It may sound a bit morbid, but no

trip to Lviv would be complete without a visit to the

Lychakiv Cemetery. More than 400,000 people are buried

here, including some of Ukraine and Poland’s most famous

poets, artists, noblemen, rulers and soldiers.

WHAT ELSE? The cafe culture is huge here: try local cakes

and pastries at Veronika (21 Shevchenka Street). Also

reserve a few hours to simply roam the streets of the Old

Town, which is a Unesco-listed World Heritage Site. n

CITY BREAKS > EASTERN EUROPE


Ice man: TNT’s Alasdair gets kitted up

Winter wonder: a Courchevel retreat


DESTINATIONS europe

Snow problem: carving up the slopes

GETTING THERETake the train from

London St Pancras to Moutiers with Rail Europe (Eurostar and TGV) from £109pp return. Regular buses run from Moutiers to Courchevel from £9.40.

raileurope.co.uk

FRANCE

COURCHEVEL

Van D’isERE

Sloping off Keen to hit Europe’s ski slopes this season? TNT finds the Trois Vallées and Espace Killy great places to brush up on technique and, when not tumbling headfirst into a snow drift, sample some of the legendary aprés-ski scene Words AlAsdAir morton

Skiing – it’s like riding a bike, right? Wrong, as I quickly learn when

venturing out on to the slopes of the Trois Vallées and Espace Killy.

This ‘Skifari’, run by Powder White, takes

us on a journey through two of the French

Alps’ most prized destinations in what is not

so much a ‘best of both’ but more a ‘best

of it all’ adventure.

Our first port of call is the 600km of

powdery terrain in Courchevel, which

offers some of the best on- and off-piste

action the region‘s finest resorts can throw

at us.

Our instructor Tom points out Mont Blanc miles away on

the edge of the skyline: “The clouds round its summit mean

snow is on the way,” he informs us as we peer, impressed,

into the distance.

Initial hesitancy as my heart jumps several inches

towards my throat quickly subsides as I begin to find a

rhythm, and I’m quite pleased with how well I’m doing.

But there are several things that are unavoidable when

skiing – you will spend more time on your ass than you

thought, and ski school pricks will whiz past you with such

ease they can turn around and ski backwards while

throwing you a look that says, ‘Look what a bumbling,

unbalanced buffoon you are!’ Or maybe it’s just me.

Warming up with a smattering of easy green runs,

starting with the long Bellecote, it’s not long before I’m

picking up speed with hordes of other nascent

snowplough-ers – Courchevel is well

equipped for both entry level skiers and

the more experienced – before

impatience (a trait both essential and

detrimental to improving your skiing) sees

me jump straight for a tasty blue where the

predictable happens.

I’m cruising, feeling good, before a

moment’s concentration lapse through an

increasingly steeper, narrowing, icy section

sees me careering like Mr Bean into a

snowbank, where I’m left embarrassed

and clutching my knee.

Time for lunch. I navigate my way to

Le Chabichou to join the rest of my group for a bite and

swap stories of our morning escapades, and I’m relieved

to find I’m not alone in my premature exhaustion – one of

our group threatens to fall asleep in her dessert.

I manage a couple more post-grub runs before retiring

to the Savoyard-style Chalet Nid d’Aigle, to try and salvage

muscles that haven’t been used in a long time, and for

dinner, courtesy of our chalet hand Nathan.

Waking the following morning, a peek out the windows

reveals four inches of fresh powder has arrived overnight

and with this good news, we head to the Espace Killy.

This area is home to 300km of pistes, and the resort of

Val D’Isere, which hosted the prestigious FIS Alpine World

Ski Championships in 2009.

Taking in the breathtaking downhills that the world’s best

would have descended at 80mph, I opt for some ‘warm

SKIING > FRANCE


fast factsWHEn to Go

The ski season runs from late November through to April, with the snow staying good until very late in the season throughout most of the region.ACCommodAtion Le Peupliers is a three-minute walk away from the heart of Courchevel 1850, with fairly spacious rooms and friendly service. At £80 a night, the rates are tres reasonsable for one of Europe’s premier ski locales.

lespeupliers.comsEE les3vallees.com

best for beginners

Bansko, Bulgaria This Bulgarian resort is surrounded by spectacular mountains and has plenty of nursery slopes to practice on. Less visited than other European ski spots, prices are reasonable. Lech, AustriaIn the Austrian Alps, Lech has a good range of runs for beginners to intermediate skiers, so this is a good option for mixed-ability groups. Wengen, SwitzerlandIt’s the top English-speaking ski schools in this Swiss resort that make it a favourite option for newbies to the slopes. There’s also tobogganing on offer and a decent aprés-ski scene.

It’s easy to feel on top of the world as the sun comes out and

the peaks reach into the sky

DESTINATIONS EUROPE


Phot

os: T

hink

stoc

k, G

etty

Fade to black: sunset slopes

up’ slopes – Val D’Isere is certainly for the more skilled.

As the morning progresses, the clouds shift and the sun

comes out and it is stunning – as the peaks reach into the sky

it’s easy to feel on top of the world. But as any skier will know,

holidays on the slopes are just as much about the après-ski as

the sport, and we kick it off early today.

So it’s lunch at La Fruitière, where a few glasses of vino (or

more) are sunk before we head outside to the accompanying

La Folie Douce (lafoliedouce.com), best described as a

daytime nightclub at 2700ft.

On our final morning, some in our group venture off piste,

others stick to pushing it out towards reds (or rather rouge-y

blues), while I set out to settle a score with that earlier

nemesis piste.

Second time round, teeth gritted, I manage to conquer it

without making a fool of myself. We’ve enjoyed some of the

finest skiing the Alps have to offer – next season, it’s all about

the black runs. Maybe. n

Aprés-ski: there are worse places to go for a drink ...

» Powder White Skifari from £549pp, incl catered chalet. powderwhite.com At the top: the only way is down

The TNT Snowblast Tour – a 9 day trip to Val d’Isere, France:20th Dec – 29th Dec 2013

• 6½-day liftpass for Espace Killy ski area• 6½-day Ski or Snowboard and boot hire• 12 hours of group Instruction• 7 nights accommodation at UCPA Val d’Isere• ALL meals, including TWO Christmas celebrations• Après-ski events every day• TNT Ski merchandise• Return coach from London

BY ACTION-OUTDOORS.CO.UK

VAL D’ISERE – DECEMBER 20-29, 2013

Join The TNT Snowblast Tour to Val d’Isere this Christmas!TNT Magazine & Action Outdoors have partnered up to bring you The TNT Snowblast Tour – have a White Christmas to remember in Val d’Isere

*Book now for only £599 and save yourself £75 on the regular price

£599*BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Book online at: www.tnt-snowblast.com


DESTINATIONS EuropE

Prague’s market takes place in the Old Town

Prague

Berlin, Gendarmenmarkt

Stock up on Chrismas treats

Fairy-lit: Brussels Winter Wonders market

Stoleen: Germany has top-notch festive goodies

Pick up some pressies in BerlinAUSTRIA

C.REPUBLIC

GERmAny

DEnmARK

BELGIUm

BERLIN

BRUSSELS

VIENNA

pRAgUE

copENhAgEN

Christmas cheer It’s one of Europe’s favourite festive traditions: snapping up stocking fillers, stuffing yourself with sugary treats and glugging all the glühwein you can manage at one of these traditional Crimbo markets. Just remember to pack your thermals Words Helen elfer

Are you the type that gets all misty-eyed as Christmas approaches? Still leave sherry and mince pies out for

Santa each year? Have all your pressies wrapped and under the tree by December 1? You’re going to love Europe’s Christmas markets, then, a shameless festival of bells and baubles, glitter and tinsel and food and drink. Here are some of our favourites. Vienna, ChristkindlmarktThe biggest and best market in Vienna is Christkindlmarkt,

outside the City Hall in Rathausplatz. Three million visitors

pass through each year to see the square transformed into

a winter idyll: the windows of the Rathaus (town hall)

become a gigantic advent calendar, painted by local

artists, and are revealed one by one throughout

December. When you’re not stuffing your shopping bags

with Christmas trinkets, you can take a ride on horse-drawn

carriages, watch puppet shows or listen to carol singers.

MORE: Nov 16 – Dec 24 (christkindlmarkt.at).

Brussels, Winter WondersWinter Wonders stretches a full 2km across the Belgian

capital’s landmarks including Place Sainte Catherine, the

Grand Place, the Bourse and Marché aux Poissons. The

huge Christmas tree in the Grand Place overlooks 250

quaint wooden chalets that look like full-sized gingerbread

houses, with snow-topped roofs, draped with fairy lights.

Buy up roasted chestnuts, Russian dolls, cuddly bears

and handmade Christmas decorations here.

MORE: Nov 29 – Jan 5 (plaisirsdhiver.be).

Prague, Christmas Market

The Old Town Square’s festive market is best visited by

night when covered in golden fairy lights and the huge

Christmas tree. Look out for Miklaus, the Czech Santa,

who is likely to pay a visit and for the best view of the

whole market, take a ride on the Ferris wheel. Just don’t

eat too many Christmas treats first – it could get messy.

MORE: Nov 30 – Jan 12 (pragueexperience.com).

Berlin, GendarmenmarktBerlin has dozens of Christmas markets, no surprise since

Germany is home to some of the best Christmas edibles

in the world. Snap up lebkuchen (soft, cinnamon-

flavoured biscuits) and stollen (festive fruit cake) at

eihnachtsZauber at Gendarmenmarkt, which is one of

the biggest markets in the city. As well as the shopping,

there’s plenty of Christmassy perfomances, including

firebreathers, jugglers, jazz musicians and dancers

performing in the square.

MORE: Nov 25 – Dec 31 (gendarmenmarktberlin.de).

Copenhagen, Tivoli GardensThis is easily the most wacky of the European batch,

including surreal themes, annual ‘Crazy Christmas

Cabaret’ and swarms of girls dressed as ‘nisse’ (Danish

Christmas pixies). Wander around eating festive apple

pancakes washed down with mulled wine, and buy

hand-knitted gloves and sweaters (à la The Killing)

for an authentic Danish experience.

MORE: Nov 15 – Dec 31 (visitcopenhagen.com). n

Christmas markets > europe


Ooh, ahh, Latvia! Central Riga

Riga, Latvia

Tallinn’s Old Town


DESTINATIONS europe

Heavenly creature, Vilnius

Bringing the noise, Estonia style

Photos: TNT Im

ages, Celia Topping, Tallinn Tourism

GETTING THEREReturn flights from

London Stansted to Tallinn, Riga and Vilnius start at around £140 with Ryanair during the summer.

ryanair.com

eSTonia

LaTVia

LiThuania

TALLINN

RIGA

VILNIUS

The Baltics on a budget Leave your penis-shaped straws at home. Here’s why you don’t need to be on a hen do or stag party to enjoy a break in the Baltics’ Estonia, Lithuania or Latvia – and there’s no need to break the bank if you use our handy hints, eitherWords ANDREW WESTBROOK

Back when Ryanair kickstarted a tourism boom to the Baltic states with insanely cheap airfares, the locals

were no doubt delighted. Cue dreams of swimming in foreign cash. They were probably less keen to discover a multitude of bodily fluids was also in the pool, as Britain’s pissed up hen and stag parties descended en masse. A decade on, however, and the former Soviet states of Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia have firmly found their feet. The team T-shirt brigade are still in attendance, but they’re easy to avoid and, with prices remaining low, it’s for good reason that this cultured and charismatic trio should be high on your budget bucket list.

EstoniaTHE LOWDOWN The smallest of the Baltic nations is all about

kitsch seaside towns, grand castles and skiing. Meanwhile

its capital, Tallinn, is fast becoming a hipster hangout, with

suburb Kalamaja described as the ‘Dalston of the Baltics’.

Estonia is a great option for everyone, from outdoor

enthusiasts and street art fans to lads on the lash.

CHEAP HIGHLIGHTS After taking a free city tour (traveller.ee)

through Tallinn’s cobbled Old Town, drop by one of the

city’s many free or cheap attractions, like the Soviet-era

Patarei Prison (€2, about £1.70). Next, catch some rays at

summer beach paradise Pärnu before venturing to

Soomaa to sample the bizarre pasttime of bog walking

(soomaa.com). For eating, avoid the tourist traps and you

can grab a bite for €5-10 (around £4-8.50). Expect to chow

down on elk steaks, herring kebabs and blood sausage.

MORE visitestonia.com

Lithuania

THE LOWDOWN The tiny capital city of Vilnius is certainly

worth a stop for its creepy old alleyways, courtyards and

ever-growing art scene. Further afield you’ll find rolling

green hills, lakes aplenty and cute, fairytale-like cottages.

CHEAP HIGHLIGHTS Beyond aimless old town wandering,

make sure to step into the shocking Museum of Genocide

Victims (£1.50), situated in the old KGB HQ. If not too

depressed by that, get out of Vilnius and make for the

fairytale-like Trakai Island Castle (£3.50), the stunning (and

free) Hill of Crosses (guess what’s there) by Šiauliai, plus the

epic sand dunes of the Curonian Spit.

MORE travel.lt

LatviaTHE LOWDOWN Latvia, sandwiched between its Baltic

brothers, has moved on from its Soviet past and is

developing as a top spot for tourists. While one million

people reside in the busy architectural hodge podge that is

the capital, Riga, the countryside offers an entirely different

flavour. Here you’ll find stately homes and pretty market

towns to stroll around at suitably local speed.

CHEAP HIGHLIGHTS Once again, the cobbled capital is well

worth some of your time, but don’t miss out on Latvia’s

many other beautiful, and often cheaper, towns, with

Bauska, Sabile and Kuldīga among the prettiest. Try to

make it to Sigulda, home to a fantastic cable car trip

across the valley, complete with castle views (60p). Head

west for spooky dives of old Soviet wrecks (diveclub.lv).

MORE latvia.travel; liveriga.com

budget breaks > baltics


Photos: TNT Im

ages, Celia Topping, Tallinn Tourism


DESTINATIONS XXXX

Feeling blue: spot the traditional domed rooves of many Greek islands

Jump to it in Corfu

Doing the donkey work on Santorini Yep, life’s a beach

GREECE

IONIAN

CYCLADES

N. AEgEAN

DODECANESE

DESTINATIONS europe

Get me to the Greek islandsWant to combine all-night parties, stunning beaches and some of the world’s most important archaelogical ruins? Look no further than Greece’s awesome Aegean and Ionian seas, where there’s an island cluster suited to every sort of travellerWords ANDREW WESTBROOK

Romance, relaxation and maybe an Abba lyric or two. When dreaming of an idyllic beach-based getaway

in Europe, it’s hard to look beyond the Greek islands. The only problem is deciding which ones to see first, which is why we’ve come up with this handy guide.

Ionian IslandsBEST FOR Quick getaways

TELL ME MORE Sweeping down Greece’s west coast, the

Ionian Islands include Paxos and Kefalonia, but it is Corfu,

which captured the hearts of Homer and Shakespeare,

that grabs the headlines. The island culture is a mix of

ancient Greece and modern Europe, with influences

ranging from the Venetians to the French, Italians to the

Brits (locals enjoy a good game of cricket). The island

boasts the highest rainfall in all of Greece, which means

there is an abundance of fresh, local produce, but frigid,

goose bump-raising waters year-round.

If you want to get your party on, Zante is for you, with the

big clubbing action on the south side of the island. For an

activity beyond boozing and beaches, take a daytrip to

the Blue Caves, where the striking colour of the sea reflects

brilliantly onto the jagged formations.

With a bit of blurring the boundaries, this is also where

you’ll stumble across Greece’s biggest island, Crete, just

south of the Ionian. Crete plays hosts to about a quarter of

all the country’s visitors, who are drawn to the island’s long

sandy beaches and dramatic mountain range.

GETTING THERE easyJet (easyjet.com) flies to Corfu. See

Petrakis Lines (ionian-cruises.com) for ferries to Paxos.

Cyclades IslandsBEST FOR Partying, the scenery and ancient sites

TELL ME MORE Yes, this group of 220 or so sun-blessed isles

basically has it all. It’s the closest group to Athens, making

it easy to reach, plus boasts many of the Aegean’s biggest

draws. Santorini is the most striking of the Cyclades, if not all

the Greek islands. It regularly pulls out the best sunsets and

is home to one of the world’s biggest volcanic calderas,

activity from which has created the dramatic landscape

on which the island’s towns are built.

When it comes to all-night partying, this group has two of

Greece’s best – Ios and Mykonos. Believed to be the home

of legendary poet Homer, Ios will have no problem helping

you boogie through the night, before spending your dazed

days snoozing on the quiet beaches and lazily wandering

around the hundreds of blue-domed chapels.

Mykonos (or the Island Of Sails), meanwhile, is Greece’s

answer to St Tropez, attracting a frantic mix of good-timers,

cruise ship crowds, and posturing fashionistas. They come

for the magnificent beaches and pumping nightlife, but

also because it’s the closest spot to World Heritage-listed

Delos, said to be the birthplace of twins Apollo and Artemis.

If you’re worried about being overrun by crowds, head

to Amorgos, where rocky escarpments, dramatic coastal

vistas and a tourist-free capital are just a few of the island’s

unexpected draws. Amorgos is dotted with hilltop forts,

ancient churches and custard-yellow beaches, although

you need to hire a car or a quad bike to experience them.

GETTING THERE Fly direct to Mykonos with easyJet

(easyjet.com) or fly to Athens and take a ferry to Paros.

ISLAND HOPPING > GREECE


>>

getting around

The islands are no strangers to tourism, so island hopping need not be a headache.

Whether flying into Athens or direct to one of the islands, an intricate web of ferries between the mainland and island groups make it possible to jump between just about every rock in the Aegean. There are, however, a few potential pitfalls. Ask around about ferry times, as each agent will only give you times for their company. Even then, departure times aren’t set in stone, so avoid tight deadlines. Remember that many places go by multiple names, so Santorini could be Thira, Thera or even its main town Fira. And finally, book your homebound hop in advance, as boats do get booked up in the high season.

Dodecanese IslandsBEST FOR Culture

TELL ME MORE Hugging the Turkish coast just south of the

North Aegean, these 23 islands, which only came under

Greek control after WW2, are the furthest from the Greek

mainland. Tourism dominates the two biggest islands, with

Rhodes being the holiday hotspot, but quieter Kos, with its

Asklepion ruins, is preferred by many. Beyond those two

it’s easy to find the simple life, for example on super serene

Halki. Wherever you end up, the group’s strategic location

has meant multiple different rulers, resulting in some of

the region’s most interesting architecture and culture.

GETTING THERE easyJet (easyjet.com) and Ryanair

(ryanair.com) fly direct to Rhodes.

North Aegean IslandsBEST FOR Finding god

TELL ME MORE Not technically an island group, except for

when dealing with tourists struggling to remember their

Kos from their Ios, the North Aegeans are a loose collection

of islands, including Lesbos, just off the Turkish coast. The

highlight is Samos, full of mountain villages, ancient sites,

tropical beaches and sweet local wines. It’s no surprise

one of Greece’s best islands is fit for the gods. The

rumoured birthplace of Zeus’ wife Hera has a curving

coastline for long beach walks and cliff-top churches

with incredible views of the island’s hills.

GETTING THERE Thomas Cook (flythomascook.com)

flies to Lesbos. n

DESTINATIONS europe


Photos: TNT Images, Getty Im

ages

Fun in the sun: a Santorini wine seller

Live a dog’s life: clear skies and sunbathing

Lie low: a typically busy day in Greece

Volunteer in our clinical trials and help beat colds and fl u!

Play games, read, watch TV, study or surf the internet and we’ll compensate you for your time – up to £3750.

What will you do with your two weeks?

Register now at FluCamp.com

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