Upload
tnt-multimedia-limited
View
224
Download
2
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
TNT Destination Features - Issue 5
Citation preview
DestinationsNew
INSIDE:INSIDE: ZIMBABWE ZIMBABWE RIO DE JANEIRO RIO DE JANEIRO TALLINN TALLINN ISLE OF SKYE ISLE OF SKYE PLUS YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST OF THE MIDDLE EAST
TOP 20TOP 20HOTLISTHOTLIST
Dest New cover.indd 1Dest New cover.indd 1 25/3/11 15:08:4825/3/11 15:08:48
Untitled-12 2Untitled-12 2 28/3/11 10:05:3228/3/11 10:05:32
tntmagazine.com/destinations
TN
T Im
ages
, Get
ty Im
ages
3
Welcome to TNT’s Destinations Newsupplement. Inside we
feature a plethora of
emerging destinations for
2011 to inspire you to get
out there and explore
countries you may never
even have considered
visiting. From new flights
to hidden gems, we share
the latest travel news from
around the world on page 4.
Several adventure tour
operators have added
Zimbabwe to their
programmes this year
following a growing interest
in the destination after the
FIFA 2010 World Cup, and
changing Foreign Office
advice means there are now
no travel restrictions in
place. We show you why the
up-and-coming country
should be at the top of your
travel wishlist on page 22.
Another travel frontrunner
is the ever-sexy Rio de
Janeiro. Playing host to the
World Cup in 2014 followed
by the Olympics in 2016,
one of the world’s most
exciting cities is set to be
rediscovered. Find out what
it has to offer on page 24.
Closer to home, the Isle of
Skye has come under the
spotlight as 2011 is the Year
of Island Cultures. Flick to
page 34 to learn about the
island’s heritage and
wildlife. Happy travelling!
The Destinations team
Editor Carol Driver Travel editor Janine Kelso Contributing writers Tom Sturrock, Alison Grinter, Inger Smith, Rebecca Kent, Frankie Mullin, Jahn Vannisselroy Design Manager Astrid Breacker Picture researcher Laila Pacheco Head of Design and Production Jon Cooke Sales Steve Warman, Tyler Harrison, Matt SyderFinancial director Nick Crampton CEO Kevin Ellis Chairman Ken HurstPrinted by St Ives Web Ltd Distribution by Emblem Direct Ltd Published by TNT Publishing Ltd 10 Greycoat Place, London, SW1P 1SBEnquiries +44 (0)20 7960 6008 Email [email protected] Fax +44 (0)20 7960 6977
WELCOME LETTERcontents
20 48 HOURS IN TALLINNSpend a fun-filled
weekend in this year’s
European capital of culture.
12 MIDDLE EAST HOTLISTFrom Jordan to Israel,
discover which countries
are worth a visit in 2011.
22 ZIMBABWEWe reveal this emerging
destination’s top five must-
see sights.
24 RIO DE JANEIROWe tell you why now is the
time to visit this sizzling
Brazilian city.
18 TIPPED FOR THE TOPClued-up travel operators
give us their hot tips on the
destinations du jour.
28 ISLE OF SKYEHeritage, wildlife and
stunning views - this
Scottish island has it all.
4 WHAT’S NEW?Gen up on the latest tours,
flights and experiences
around the world.
Destinations New - contents.indd3 3Destinations New - contents.indd3 3 28/3/11 09:33:3328/3/11 09:33:33
tntmagazine.com/destinations
ALL- NEW TOP 20Flights, tours, treks and activites – plan your next adventure
around the latest travel launches WORDS CAROL DRIVER
Thinkstock, G
etty Images
4
1 With 70 miles of spectacular
beaches and a year-round
Mediterranean climate, San Diego
is home to a unique blend of surfside-
chic. From June 1, BA launches a daily
direct flight from London, opening up
California’s second largest city. You
can scuba, sail and whale-watch by
day and explore downtown by night.
Flights from £600. ba.com. See visitcalifornia.co.uk
2 Specialist Morocco has opened
the first luxurious, eco-tented
safari camp in the Sahara Desert.
Located in the southern Draa Valley
and M’hamid, it boasts Caidal
sleeping tents. Prices from £60pppn (two sharing) including meals. saharasafaricamp.com. Get to
Morocco on one of BMI’s new flights
from Heathrow – three times a week
to Marrakech and four times a week
to Casablanca. Prices from £149 and £199 respectively. flybmi.com
3Walk through fruit orchards and
mountain villages in the foothills
of the Sierra Nevada on this new Along
The GR7 trip. Trek the famous trail
which winds along the flanks of
Europe’s second highest mountain
range. Prices from £655pp (two sharing), including seven nights’ B&B. walkswordwide.com
Explore San Diegothanks to new flights
Hit the surf in Cornwall
FINAL Destinations New - New Exp4 4FINAL Destinations New - New Exp4 4 28/3/11 09:35:0928/3/11 09:35:09
4 A World Heritage Site and
Biosphere Reserve, the Danube
Delta’s varied habitat is home to many
species of birds, fish, fauna and flora.
Explore the channels and crystal-clear
lakes by boat on this new tour, where
you’ll spot the largest colonies of white
pelicans in Europe. Nature In The
Danube Delta departs May to Oct.
Prices from £1295pp (two sharing), including flights and five nights’ full-board. wildlifeworldwide.com
5 Topdeck’s new Explorer trips
are designed to get you off
the beaten track and into the heart
of a country – visit Turkey, Iceland,
Eastern Europe or the Mediterranean.
The Best Of The Med takes in Spain,
Italy and Greece with 21 days of
sunshine. Prices from £2295pp (sharing doubles), including multi-share ferries. www.topdeck.travel
6 This new eight-day rail journey
takes in some of the finest
UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The
route takes you to Cologne, then along
the River Rhine to the Würzburg which
features Marienberg fortress and the
World Heritage Court Gardens. You’ll
end up in Aachen, Germany’s most
westerly city. Prices from £839pp (two sharing), including all rail travel and seven nights’ B&B. dertour.co.uk
7 Enjoy a blend of wildlife and
culture while exploring the
great game parks of East Africa in
this 14-day Road To Zanzibar tour. As
well as meeting the locals, you’ll
spend two nights sleeping in the
Serengeti. You’ll explore the stunning
Usambara Mountains before heading
to the beaches of the Indian Ocean,
ending the trip on the idyllic and exotic
island of Zanzibar. Prices from £740pp, including accommodation and transportation. dragoman.com
tntmagazine.com/destinations 5
8 ACTION IN NEW ZEALAND
If you’re heading to NZ, fans of JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit can tour Middle Earth, which has been brought to life
thanks to the filming of the upcoming movie of the same name. A
day tour out of Wellington allows travellers to re-live their favourite
Lord Of The Rings scenes. Prices from £158pp. austravel.comTN
T Im
ages
FINAL Destinations New - New Exp5 5FINAL Destinations New - New Exp5 5 28/3/11 09:35:2128/3/11 09:35:21
11 Experience the highlights
of Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Cordoba,
Sevilla, Lagos, Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto
and Salamanca with Travel Talk’s
Spain & Portugal Encompassed tour.
The 11-day adventure will take in the
Unesco World Heritage Site of
Cordoba and Sevilla’s Cathedral of St
Mary. There’ll also be time to splash
around in the sea in Lagos. Prices from £599 including accommodation, 10 breakfasts and tour guide. Traveltalktours.com.
12 See Scotland upside down
with the ground rushing towards you
as the UK’s first static bungee jump
launches in the spring. Nae Limits has
partnered with Highland Fling Bungee
to bring adventure enthusiasts this
adrenaline-pumping experience which
involves jumping off a bridge and
plunging down a 36.5-metre canyon.
Based at Killiecrankie in Perthshire.
Prices from £60pp.naelimits.co.uk.
66
9 Situated just North of
Venzuela, the twin islands have two
wildly different personalities. Trinidad,
rich in culture and history, is known
for its upbeat festive vibe, while
Tobago, the smaller of the two,
abounds with natural beauty and
eco-adventures. Virgin has increased
flights from London Gatwick to
Trinidad’s Port of Spain. Prices from £829. virgin-atlantic.com
10 The Full Traverse of the
Great Himalaya Trail’s
Nepal section, “trekking’s holy grail”,
opens this year. Covering 1,700km,
it is the most lengthy segment of the
trail, which once complete will be the
world’s longest and highest alpine
walking track, connecting five Asian
countries: Bhutan, China, India, Nepal
and Pakistan. The Trail can be broken
down to seven smaller sections. Prices from £2,150pp (two sharing), including accommodation and most meals. worldexpeditions.co.uk.
Relax on sun-filledCaribbean beaches
Go volcano hikingin Iceland
Mark Machu Picchu’s discovery
13 This summer marks the
100th anniversary of
explorer Hiram Bingham’s discovery
of majestic Machu Picchu. Walk in
the same footsteps of the American
explorer and discover the stunning,
prehistoric village at sunrise with a
Gap Package Inca Discovery tour.
Prices from £649pp, including hotel and camping accommodation and meals. gapadventures.co.uk
14 Vintage is back in fashion
as Cornwall relaunches
the Alaia surfboard. Made from
Paulownia wood and with no fin, these
are the first boards used in Hawaii.
Book a lesson at The Hotel & Extreme
Academy Watergate Bay to discover
the best techniques. Prices from £130 per room. watergatebay.co.uk. Serious cyclists can then attempt the
three new road routes added to the
Cornish Cycle Tours range – covering
up to 125.5km a day over tough
terrain. Tours start from £510 for six days. cornishcycletours.co.uk
Thinkstock, G
etty Images
FINAL Destinations New - New Exp6 6FINAL Destinations New - New Exp6 6 28/3/11 09:35:3128/3/11 09:35:31
FINAL Destinations New - New Exp7 7FINAL Destinations New - New Exp7 7 28/3/11 09:35:3528/3/11 09:35:35
www.scanbaltexperience.com
Scanbalt offer fun and inexpensive tours for adventurous travellers who want to experience unique
culture and stunning nature in Scandinavia and the Baltics including Lapland in winter.
Festivals & Events\In 2011 Contiki takes you there
NEW ANZAC DayNEW PamplonaNEW Pamplona & Bilbao LiveNEW Paris at ChristmasNEW Amsterdam at ChristmasNEW Hogmanay
Easter in AmsterdamOktoberfestParis New YearAmsterdam New YearEdinburgh Festival & Tattoo
Full details now online: contiki.com/festivals
Untitled-12 8Untitled-12 8 28/3/11 10:03:0528/3/11 10:03:05
tntmagazine.com/destinations 9tntmagazine.com/destinations 9
15 KAYAK CALIFORNIA/NEVADA
At 35km long and 19km wide, Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine
lake in North America. It’s perfect for hiking, biking, kayaking and
paddle-boarding. From May til July, and Sept, The Tahoe Adventure Company
is offering a lodge-to-lodge kayak adventure. Prices from £340pp per night (two sharing), including meals. tahoeadventurecompany.com.
16 Iceland Express is
launching new flights
every Friday from London Gatwick
to Chicago in June. Take a trip to the
home of the blues and jazz and the
idea of the skyscraper. Head to the
Magnificent Mile for shopping, parks
and beaches then feast on some of the
world’s best cuisines along the Route
66 trail. Prices from £221 one-way. icelandexpress.com.
17 Always fancied getting up
close and personal with
a volcano? Now you can take a trip to
the recently erupted Eyjafjallajokull,
Iceland, with a new KE Adventure
Travel tour. The four-day hike includes
a mixture of extreme off road driving
in a 4x4 and trekking. The highlight
will be hiking above Thorsmork from
which there are the best viewpoints for
the Eyjafjallajokull craters. From £1095pp including return flights, accommodation and meals. June - Sept. keadventure.com
18 Avoid the tried and tested
routes to Australia with
this alternative track home. Round
The World Experts’ All Across Asia
takes you from Asia’s European fringe
to Brisbane via Istanbul, Muscat,
Kathmandu, Kolkata, Mumbai,
Singapore for a trip to remember.
Alternatively you can create your own
bespoke route and dream adventure.
Flights from £1259pp. roundtheworldexperts.co.uk
19 Quaff champagne and
learn how to make it with
a new budget tour of Epernay with
Grape Escapes. You’ll enjoy a half-day
guided tour in the vineyards followed
by a visit to a small, family run
Champagne house. Tastings are
accompanied by a three-course meal
in a top restaurant in Epernay where
each dish is matched to a glass of
single varietal fizz. Prices from £221pp (two sharing) including Dover to Calais ferry crossing and two nights’ B&B. grapeescapes.net
20 Go monster spotting
along the new 30-mile off-
road trail along the less travelled
south side of Loch Ness from Fort
Augustus to Inverness. You’ll be able
to hike, cycle or horseride the scenic
route. It takes in Suidhe Viewpoint at
366 metres. You’ll also visit quiet
villages – including Foyers, best known
for the Falls of Foyers, romanticised by
Rabbie Burns back in 1787. Free. visitlochness.com T
NT
Imag
es
FINAL Destinations New - New Exp9 9FINAL Destinations New - New Exp9 9 28/3/11 09:35:3628/3/11 09:35:36
trips for 18 to 30 somethings
Paris
CamembertArromanches
Loire Valley Chambord
Cognac
Bordeaux
Carcassonne MonacoPont du Gard
Lyon
St Emilion
Annecy
Avignon
FRANCE
3
2 1
2
1
BayeuxMont St Michel 1
2 1
French Riviera
start/finish
Pisa
Genoa
Barcelona
2 Madrid
2
Mallorca2Valencia
Mykonos3
VeniceVerona
Florence
Rome
SPAIN
ITALY
GREECE2
2 2
1 overnight
ferry
1 overnight
ferry
1 overnight
ferryAthens
2
Discover FranceEXPLORER
14 DAYSTwin share hotel accommodation as well as a night in a Chateau!
Have you ever tasted wine in Bordeaux? Sampled cheese in Camembert? Shopped down the Champs Élysées? Woken up in the French Alps or a chateau? France has so much to offer as a country so we have designed a trip to show you all of these highlights! Whatever fl oats your boat; cosmopolitan cities, coastlines, chateaux’s, historical sights or mountain scenery... Discover France has an itinerary that is sure to delight all of your senses!
Best of the MedEXPLORER
21 DAYSVisit the best of the Mediterranean, Spain, Italy and Greece, staying in twin share hotel accommodation.
Sun, cities and the sea, this is the perfect itinerary that combines the beautiful southern European coastline, memorable islands and historic cities. This trip offers plenty of free time and a variety of activities to suit everyone’s tastes. You could fi nd yourself diving off the coast of Mallorca or exploring Roman ruins over 2000 years old in Rome. Maybe shopping in the backstreets of Venice or simply sunbathing by day and dancing by night on the lively island of Mykonos is what you are looking for. Either way, Best of the Med is the summer adventure you will never forget.
CALL US 0845 257 5211www.topdeck.travel/destinations
INTRODUCINGTOPDECK’S
NEW EUROPE TRIPS
SUMMER 2011
Untitled-11 10Untitled-11 10 28/3/11 09:55:5728/3/11 09:55:57
HUNGARY
Pisa
Verona
MONACO
Barcelona2
2
London
Paris
Swiss Alps Venice
Florence Dubrovnik
Tirana
Sailing
Prague
AmsterdamNETHERLANDS
GERMANY
SWITZERLANDFRANCE
SPAIN
ITALYGREECE
AUSTRIA
CROATIA
ALBANIA
CZECHREPUBLIC
ENGLAND2
2
2
2
1
1 overnight
ferry
Dresden
Berlin2
Vienna
Mauthausen
Budapest
2
ZadarPlitvice Lakes
2
AvignonPont du
Gard1
3
2
2
Bratislava
1
2
1
2
FrenchRiviera Rome
SLOVAKIA
Munich 1
Pisa
London
Paris
Swiss Alps
Venice
Innsbruck
Dresden
Berlin
Florence
Rome
Prague
AmsterdamNETHERLANDS
GERMANY
SWITZERLANDFRANCE
ITALY
AUSTRIA
CZECHREPUBLIC
ENGLAND2
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
European AdventureEUROCAMPING
34 DAYSStay in some of Europe’s best campsites in easy to erect, two person dome tents with air mattresses.
If fun and adventure is what you are looking for and you are working to a tighter budget our EuroCamping options are perfect! Visiting 15 different Countries including a 3 night Greek fl otilla sailing experience, you really will have plenty of stories to tell your friends. You get loads of meals included as you will have a Topdeck ‘On Road Chef’ dedicated to your trip and with free time in each location you can do things at your own pace. The European Adventure, it says it all in the name!
European PathwayEUROCLUB
17 DAYSVisit eight countries whilst staying in great hostels, hotels & bungalows.
Visiting all the major locations in Europe in a few weeks, from cosmopolitan cities to jaw dropping landscape, a fun fi lled adventure awaits you. This trip offers a perfect mixture of viewing all the major sights, tasting local food and enjoying beer in a German beer hall. With a selection of optional activities available for you to book through your Trip Leader, you can make the European Pathway exactly what you want it to be... skydiving over the Swiss Alps anyone?
Topdeck has released new trips for 2011 that will have you reaching for your passport quicker than you can say Bon Voyage! With Europe on your doorstep, take a look at some of our new destinations and start taking advantage of what this continent has to off er!
TOPDECK FESTIVALS:
La TomatinaMake your way to Buñol, Spain for four days of fun this August!
European festivals really know how to get everyone involved and La Tomatina is no different. When you fi rst heard stories of a Spanish festival where people throw truckloads of tomatoes at each other, did you think someone was pulling your leg? Well, known for being able to party, the Spanish have been hosting the world’s biggest food fi ght since the 1940s, now with 40 tonnes of tomatoes being thrown around. Being a fantastic break for the August Bank Holiday, don your goggles and get throwing!!
For more info on La Tomatina and other Topdeck festivals visit: www.topdeck.travel/festivals
For details about these and many other trips on off er, check out Topdeck’s Europe 2011 brochure, or visit us at www.topdeck.travel
NEW!
Untitled-11 11Untitled-11 11 28/3/11 09:55:5828/3/11 09:55:58
Check out our top picks for the Middle East for 2011
WORDS JANINE KELSO, ALISON GRINTER, CATHY WINSTON
The Si-o-Seh Pol Bridge in Esfahan, Iran
HOT LIST
Am
y Adam
s, TN
T Im
ages
FINAL Destinations - NEW Middle12 12FINAL Destinations - NEW Middle12 12 28/3/11 09:48:2628/3/11 09:48:26
13
IRANWhy go now? After years of stringent visa
restrictions for tourists, the government has
now relaxed the rules, so Australian and New
Zealand citizens can get two-week tourist
visas at the airport – although South Africans
and British citizens still need to apply in
advance. And with Iran hoping to increase the
number of visitors to 20 million by 2015, it’s
getting easier to discover this fascinating
country.
Top attractions? The ancient desert city of
Persepolis, dating back to 500BC, as well as
Shiraz, once the capital of Iran and renowned
for its culture and elegance – although the
vineyards which gave their name to the still-
famous grape are long gone. And don’t miss
Esfahan, a Unesco World Heritage site, where
you can still see some of the marvels of the
Persian Empire. But there’s also hiking and
skiing in the Alborz mountains, beach
holidays along the Persian gulf and the
friendly, if cautious, welcome of the locals.
SYRIAWhy go now? The
country is being
tipped by the experts
as one of 2011’s
hottest destinations
thanks to its
welcoming locals,
great food and
sightseeing. And as
Syria tries to throw
off its outdated
reputation as a risky
destination, you get
to enjoy its treasures
without swarms of
other tourists around.
Top attractions? Head to the capital,
Damascus, which lays
claim to the title
of world’s oldest
continuously
inhabited city, and its
northern counterpart
Aleppo – both are on
Unesco’s World
Heritage list for their
endless labyrinthine
medieval souks and
beautiful mosques,
including the 10th-
century Umayyad
in Damascus. Visit
the desert with the
Bedouin for camping
under the stars, while
history-lovers should
visit the Roman ruins
of Palmyra and some
wonderful crusader
castles, including
Krak des Chevaliers.
Roman ruins, Jerash in Amman, Jordan
Spices in Damascus’s old town, Syria
Am
yAdam
sT
NT
Images
FINAL Destinations - NEW Middle13 13FINAL Destinations - NEW Middle13 13 28/3/11 09:48:3428/3/11 09:48:34
tntmagazine.com/destinations14
TN
T Im
ages, R.D
ROU
YER
/MA
XPPP
Camel trekking in Morocco
MOROCCOWhy go now? bmi launches two new routes
to the much-loved city of Marrakech and the
lesser-known Casablanca on April 1.
Top attractions? Morocco’s cities are not
to be missed: shop until you drop in
Marrakech’s inimitable jumble of colourful
souks which sell everything from lamps and
jewellery, to spices and perfumes. Get lost
in Fes’s labyrinthine alleyways or feast your
eyes on Casablanca’s art-deco architecture.
Or leave the cities behind altogether and
experience some of Morocco’s more natural
attractions, such as the dramatic Saharan
sand dunes at Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga,
where you can bed down at one of the
auberges with Berber hosts or watch the sun
rise from the back of a camel. Head for the
hills and explore the Middle Atlas mountain
range with its cedar forests near Azrou.
Morocco also has its share of stunning
beaches. The town of Agadir is the gateway
to Morocco’s gorgeous Atlantic coast and
scores of surf resorts. Further North is
Essaouira, a coastal town discovered by
hippies in the late 60s and early 70s, which
still retains a certain arty expat feel today.
Djemaa el Fna Square, Marrakech
Get
tyIm
ages
TN
TIm
ages
FINAL Destinations - NEW Middle14 14FINAL Destinations - NEW Middle14 14 28/3/11 09:48:4228/3/11 09:48:42
TN
TIm
agesR
DRO
UY
ER/M
AX
PPP
tntmagazine.com/destinations 15
Get
ty Im
ages
, TN
T Im
ages
JORDANWhy go now? EasyJet has introduced
a budget flight to the country’s capital,
Amman, making it easier and cheaper
than ever to discover Jordan’s top sights.
Top attractions? The unmistakable jewel in
Jordan’s crown is the ancient rose-red city of
Petra, settled by the Nabataean tribe 2000
years ago. Further South is Wadi Rum, one
of the world’s most stunning desertscapes
and definitely best experienced from the
back of a camel, Lawrence of Arabia-style.
Jordan also has its share of Biblical sites
including Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan, an
archaeological area made up of wells, caves
and pools, where Jesus was baptised by
John the Baptist, and Mount Nebo where
Moses spied the Promised Land across
the Jordan River. Also worth a look is the
Muslim-Christian market town of
Madaba, home to Byzantine-era
mosaics. Divers meanwhile can get
their fix at the Red Sea resort town
of Aqaba and it just wouldn’t be a
visit to Jordan without a dip in the
Dead Sea to test your buoyancy.
See Wadi Rum from the back of a camel
The Treasury, Petra
Ultra orthodox Jews in Jerusalem’s old city
ISRAELWhy go now? With new budget flights from easyJet to Tel Aviv, it’s
suddenly much cheaper and easier to head out to Israel, with a six-
times weekly service from Luton competing with the existing bmi,
El Al and British Airways routes.
Top attractions? There’s plenty packed into the small country, with
Jerusalem’s mix of history and holy sites for three of the world’s
major religions crammed into the city, plus more Biblical sites than
you can shake an Old Testament at. In contrast, there’s also the
vibrant city of Tel Aviv, with its clubs, bars and beaches, or you could
head out to the Negev desert to the mountain fortress of Masada.
An Israeli feast
Neve Midbar Beach, Israel
By the sea, Tel Aviv
FINAL Destinations - NEW Middle15 15FINAL Destinations - NEW Middle15 15 28/3/11 09:48:4828/3/11 09:48:48
tntmagazine.com/destinations16
TN
T Im
ages, Getty Im
ages
MIDDLE EAST: TRAVEL SITUATION UPDATEEGYPT: The Foreign and Commonweath Office (FCO) declared Egypt safe to visit a few weeks ago after weeks of protests, which led to the overthrow of Mubarak. There are currently no travel restrictions in place for the country. In fact, tour operators say that now is a great time to visit. Tucan Travel’s regional operations manager Rowena Byrne said: “With no travel restrictions in place, now is a fantastic opportunity for travellers to not only witness history in the making as the sun rises on a new and hopefully more democratic Egypt, but to take advantage of smaller crowds.” Rowena added that adventure travellers are first in line to return to the rapidly changing country.
LIBYA: The FCO advises against all travel to Libya due to armed clashes in many parts of the country and gunfire in the capital, Tripoli.
TUNISIA: Tourists shunned Tunisia following violent protests at the end of February in capital Tunis, which led to the resignation of Mohammed Ghannouchi. Since the dust has settled, there are currently no travel restrictions in place for the country, but the FCO warns that travellers should keep abreast of the news before visiting as more rallies and protests are predicted.
LEBANONWhy go now? The
eastern areas of the
country are now open
to tourists and you can
watch Beirut transforming, with the scars of Lebanon’s civil war still
visible in the midst of the city’s frenzied rebuilding, as a string of new
hotels, restaurants and bars open.
Top attractions? Party like there’s no tomorrow in Beirut in the
Gemmayze, Achrafiyeh and new Downtown districts – every night of the
week, restaurants, bars and clubs are packed. Head toward the eastern
border with Syria for the stunning ruins at Baalbek, with a stop at a
vineyard along the way to try some Lebanese wine. Or hit the coast at
the port of Byblos, a celebrity favourite in the 60s, chill out on Lazy B
beach just south of Beirut or head into the mountains for some skiing.
Sunni Lebanese Muslims pray outsideMohammed al-Amin mosque in Beirut
Lebanese revellers
Downtown Beirut
The Sphinx
FINAL Destinations - NEW Middle16 16FINAL Destinations - NEW Middle16 16 28/3/11 09:49:0828/3/11 09:49:08
Untitled-12 17Untitled-12 17 28/3/11 09:59:4028/3/11 09:59:40
Those in the know reveal 2011’s most popular destinations WORDS REBECCA KENT
If you’re going to take recommendations from anyone about where
to travel this year, it’s the experts. But we’ve saved you the trouble
and asked them for you. Egypt is the popular suggestion
among our intrepid insiders, but the world’s a very large place
and the revolutionary Arab nation is far from the only prevision. Get
one up on your mates in the Balkans, experience the early signs of
World Cup fever in Brazil. Thailand’s full moon parties are hard to
overlook, too. Wherever you go, remember, you heard it here first.
REBECCA SCRASE, DRAGOMAN
With the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics
two years later, Brazil is growing in popularity,
and so we’ve launched a totally unique trip
called Brazilian Heartland. It goes into two
national parks – Chapada Dos Veadeiros and
Chapada de Diamantina, which, until now, have
been largely inaccessible. They both boast the
most breathtaking mountains, rivers and
waterfalls – and you’ll feel as though you have
them all to yourself. See dragoman.com
FRANK SCERRI,
FALAFEL BUS
Palestine, the cradle
of civilisation, where
Judaism, Christianity,
and Islam took form,
is the place to be this
year. Some of its
famed cities include
Jerusalem, Bethlehem
and 10,000-year-old
Jericho, the oldest
continuously inhabited
city in the world. It
is also famous for
its Taybeh Beer and
legendary hospitality.
See falafelbus.com
tntmagazine.com/destinations18
CRAIG IRIVING,
RADICAL TRAVEL
There is a massive demand for travel to
Eastern Europe. The region still has
a mystical, undiscovered appeal about it.
The Mainland is not quite so rare anymore.
But go to Eastern Europe and you can get
one over on your mates. We’ve started tours
to the Balkans, taking in Greece, Albania,
Montenegro and Croatia. It’s cheap – less
than £1 for a pitcher of beer, and the lamb
and pork is to die for. Our nine-day classic
Balkan trip is a chance to see it all, from the
aqua waters and riches of Split, to the bustle
of Istanbul. See radicaltravel.com
ASK THE EXPERTS
You’ll be dazzled by Greece’s stunning aqua waters
A market-holder in Palestine Get
ty Im
ages
, Thi
nkst
ock,
Jahn
Van
niss
elro
y / T
NT
Imag
es
FINAL Destinations - Hottest pla18 18FINAL Destinations - Hottest pla18 18 28/3/11 09:49:5128/3/11 09:49:51
CASEY REID, TRAVEL TALK
Egypt is always a hot destination, but after the
political situation that unfolded there, people
have been holding back. There’s no need to
though. The Egyptian Museum and the
Pyramids in Cairo have opened up again, and,
yes, there are more military on the streets, but
that’s because they’re running the country
now, not because it’s dangerous. On our tours,
we take in Tahrir Square in Cairo, the very
place where the revolution happened. That’s
history right there and even more reason to go.
Plus, you can’t overlook sleeping under the
stars on a felucca – it’s an experience everyone
must have. See traveltalktours.com
KIRSTY STUART,
ROUND THE WORLD
EXPERTS
South-East Asia is going to be the place
to be for everyone. Thailand is a time-
honoured traveller’s hub because it’s
exciting, cheap, accessible and they have full
moon parties. It’s everything the young and
adventurous want. Indo-China is becoming
increasingly tourist-friendly, too, particularly
Lao. See roundtheworldexperts.co.uk
PRU GOUDIE, ON THE GO TOURS
For exciting, exotic destinations, Morocco
and Turkey are the places to go. They’re easy
to get to and you get a whole lot of bang for
your buck. We’re also confident tourism in
Egypt will pick up. Hardy travellers will
continue to go there, especially to Cairo and
Luxor, which our Road To Jordan trip takes
in. Now’s the time to go as airfares are really
low – but not for long. See onthegotours.com
NICOLA WARD, TOPDECK
Croatia is a classic, guaranteed hotspot.
Sailing Dubrovnik to Dubrovnik on our eight-
day tour involves sunbathing, swimming,
sunset cocktails in the turret of a 15th-century
tower in Korcula, watersports, chill-out time
in Hvar and exploring the salt lakes in the
national park of Mljet. Did I mention swimming
and sunbathing? See topdeck.travel
Thailand: a traveller’s hub
There’s bang for your buck in Turkey
You can’t beat a felucca sojourn Rock out at a full moon party
tntmagazine.com/destinations
Get
ty Im
ages
, Thi
nkst
ock,
Jahn
Van
niss
elro
y / T
NT
Imag
es
FINAL Destinations - Hottest pla19 19FINAL Destinations - Hottest pla19 19 28/3/11 09:49:5628/3/11 09:49:56
Don’t expect to sleep, there’s too much to do in 2011’s European Capital Of Culture WORDS FRANKIE MULLIN
It’s 2011’s European Capital of Culture and,
although the arrival of budget airline flights
have brought Tallinn its share of stag and
hen parties, it’s easy to discover another
side to this mini-Prague. Only got a weekend?
No problem – here’s what to do.
DAY ONE
10AM: Get a feel for the city by wandering
around its streets. Tallinn fuses the medieval
with the modern – cafés, bars and shops
jostle with Dominican monasteries and
historic meeting halls. Until 1991 the capital
of Estonia was under Soviet rule but don’t
expect a stereotypical ex-Soviet Bloc
city – Tallinn has embraced capitalism with
gusto. If, however, you’re looking for
a chocolate-box European city, you won’t
be disappointed.
12PM: In the middle of old Tallinn is Town
Hall Square, the centre of a web of colourful,
cobbled streets. The square is home to the
city’s tallest spire and, despite being a tourist
hub, is so beautiful you must stop here for
a coffee. Tallinn’s café culture is second to
none.
2PM: Take a few more photos before leaving,
then it’s time for lunch. Avoid the main square
as food will be pricey. Instead, hit one of the
surrounding streets and tackle some
Tallinn combines history with modernity
FINAL Tallinn.indd 20FINAL Tallinn.indd 20 28/3/11 09:51:0028/3/11 09:51:00
NEED TO KNOWWHEN TO GO Visit in 2011 for a cultural extravaganza. GETTING THERE easyJet (easyjet.com) offers direct flights to Tallinn from Stansted.GETTING AROUND Tallinn is easily navigable on foot, and has a network of trolleybus and buses for longer journeys.VISAS Saffas need a Schengen visa. CURRENCY Estonia Krooni. 1 GBP = 18.65 EEK.LANGUAGE Estonian.GOING OUTA pint of beer is £2.SLEEPINGHostel bed from around £15, a bed in a three-star hotel is around £50.SEE tourism.tallinn.ee
EXPLORE TURKU, FINLANDThis year’s second European Capital of Culture, Turku, is the oldest city in Finland, dating back to the 13th century, and was originally the nation’s capital.
Today, Turku is fast becoming a tourist hotspot due to a mix of interesting architecture, lively bars and restaurants and the accessibility of the stunning Finnish archipelago.
In 1827, a fire laid waste to much of medieval Turku, but many archaeological
exhibits are to be found within its museums. Summer is the best time to visit when crowds
gather to drink and eat around the banks of the River Aurajoki and on the harbour front. The picturesque central market square of Kauppatori
will be buzzing.One of the city’s biggest bonuses is
undoubtedly the hundreds of islands found just offshore. You can explore these easily from Turku as bridges and roads link many with the mainland. Explore by boat, bicycle, kayak, or motorcycle.
traditional Estonian fare; it’s hearty stuff with
lots of meat, fish and potatoes. Wash down
with a Saku beer.
3PM: Cram in some more culture with a visit
to the City Museum for insight into the city’s
history if, perchance, you’ve forgotten to do
your homework. Then, choose between the
Maritime Museum, the Old Town Hall’s
exhibition space or the more esoteric Doll
Museum or Town Hall Pharmacy museum.
8PM: Re-fuel before you hit the tiles. You’ll
find restaurants serving delicious food from
all over the world. Have a medieval feast in
Olde Hansa or go for fusion-cuisine in Ö,
Ribe or MEKK. Tallinn’s nightlife is one of
its biggest pulls. Avoid the faux Irish bars and
stag parties and hit a lounge bar, where you
can mix with stylish locals. Favourites
such as Moskva and Lounge 8 are located
just outside the Old Town. Most Tallinners
don’t go clubbing until after midnight. Head
to the popular Terrarium and Venus Club.
DAY TWO
12PM: Hopefully you hit the town in style
last night, so we’ll give you time for a lie in;
then it’s time for some gentle shopping.
You’ll have passed countless places to buy
tourist tat but try the Sada Market close to the
passenger port for clothing and gifts. Tallinn’s
“Avoid the faux Irish pubs and hit one of Tallinn’s stylish lounge bars”a fashionable city and you’ll find some
bargains in one of the many shopping malls.
2PM: Go for lunch and hair of the dog in
Karja Kelder, the city’s oldest beer hall. You’ll
be able to tuck into authentic Estonian food
and drink for next to nothing.
4PM: For some fresh air, visit the castle
district of Toompea Hill, towering above the
city with amazing views of the old town and
out over the Baltic Sea. If it’s sunny, finish
the day on the beach. Pirita has 3km of soft
white sand and palm trees to soothe your
aching head.
7PM: Time to brace up and hit the bars
again! For something different, try the artsy Von Krahli Baar, attached to an experimental theatre.
tntmagazine.com/destinations 21
Mar
i Kad
anik
, Too
mas
Vol
mer
, Alla
n A
laja
an
Tallinn’s cafe culture is thriving
Tallinn’s picturesque Old Town
The harbour, Turku
y
ESTONIATALLIN
FINAL Tallinn.indd 21FINAL Tallinn.indd 21 28/3/11 09:51:0828/3/11 09:51:08
tntmagazine.com/destinations
A new start for an ancient
land WORDS INGER SMITH
22
As Zimbabwe gets back on its
feet, 2011 will be the year the
tourists start to return,
finding their way back into
one of the most enchanting places in the
world. A storybook of history, wilderness and
adventure awaits.
VICTORIA FALLS
Stretching over nearly 2km and with waters
crashing into a deep gorge 108 metres below,
the mighty Victoria Falls is one of the Seven
Natural Wonders Of The World.
Besides the beauty of the waterfall itself,
there are plenty of attractions to enjoy in the
surrounding area, giving you the chance to
explore the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ from the
top, the bottom – or somewhere in between.
Take a river cruise on the legendary Zambezi
river, go bungy jumping or glide by the falls in
canoe, helicopter or airplane.
Michael Brow
n / TN
T Im
ages
Wonder of the World: Victoria Falls
The ruins of Great Zimbabwe
Watering hole at Mana Pools
ZIMBABWEZIMBABWE
FINAL Destinations - Zimbabwe.in22 22FINAL Destinations - Zimbabwe.in22 22 28/3/11 09:51:4728/3/11 09:51:47
MichaelBrow
n/T
NT
Images
tntmagazine.com/destinations
NEED TO KNOWWHEN TO GO April and May if you want to see Victoria Falls in its full glory; May to September for game viewing; the hot and dry season is August to October.GETTING THERE British Airways, Kenya Air, KLM and South African Airways fly into Harare. GETTING AROUND By car (hotels or tour organisers can arrange this), or take a tour with Dragoman or Intrepid Travel.VISAS Contact Zimbabwe House in London on 020 7836 7755 between 9am-12.30pm, Mon-Fri for the visa requirements for your country.LANGUAGEOfficial languages are English, Shona and Ndebele.
23
MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK
Situated in the Lower Zambezi Valley, far away
from any major towns, lies UNESCO World
Heritage site Mana Pool National Park.
Here the wildlife is free to roam the
2500km2 park without any physical
boundaries, so you can see these fascinating
animals in their natural environment ... and
sometimes even on your doorstep.
The park’s four permanent pools of water
are perfect places to admire the mighty herds
of elephant and buffalo as well as crocodiles
and hippos.
If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of
all the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant
and rhino).
RUINS OF GREAT ZIMBABWE
The largest stone structure in Africa outside
of Egypt, the ruins of Great Zimbabwe provides
a glimpse into the past of one of the lost trade
civilisations, and is today an official Unesco
World Heritage site.
The buildings, constructed by indigenous
Africans between the 11th and 15th centuries,
were made out of millions of granite blocks
balanced on top of each other, creating walls
which in places are up to six metres wide and
12 metres tall.
Com
stoc
k, G
etty
Imag
es
MATOBO HILLS
Huge granite boulders are scattered
throughout the landscape of Matobo, the
oldest national park in Zimbabwe and
a Unesco World Heritage site since 2003.
The park is famous for its outstanding
panorama views of the surrounding valleys and
unique shrub vegetation as well as its
bushman rock paintings by the San people.
There are around 700 known sites including
20,000 paintings in the area, with the oldest
rock paintings dating back 13,000 years.
CHINHOYI CAVES
Take a diving trip to the Chinhoyi Caves and
visit a Zimbabwean national park located
beneath the surface.
These fascinating underwater caves are
made up of limestone and dolomite, and the
water temperature stays a comfortable
22-24°C all year round.
The main cave is popularly called Sleeping
Pool or Chirorodzira (Pool of the Fallen), and is
famous for its clear blue waters. The cave
water is in fact so clear that divers often can
enjoy a visibility of 50 metres or more while
exploring this underwater world.
Tourism: helping the local community get back on its feet
The underwater world of Chinhoyi Caves
Rock art at Matobo Hills
ZIMBABWE
ZIMBABWEHARARE
FINAL Destinations - Zimbabwe.in23 23FINAL Destinations - Zimbabwe.in23 23 28/3/11 09:52:0028/3/11 09:52:00
tntmagazine.com/destinations
RIOThe 2014 World Cup is in Brazil, followed
by the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeirio;
we’re set to fall in love with an amazing city
all over again WORDS TOM STURROCK
Christ the Redeemer is the symbol of Rio
REDISCOVERING
FINAL DEST Rio.indd 24FINAL DEST Rio.indd 24 28/3/11 09:52:3628/3/11 09:52:36
tntmagazine.com/destinations 25
The road winds steeply, ever-
upwards, deeper and deeper into
Tinjuca National Park. Below, Rio
de Janeiro is still visible, its slums
intertwined with ribbons of lush foliage; shacks
scattered, like playing cards borne away on
a gust of wind to precarious resting places.
Giant slabs of jet-black granite rupture the
earth throughout the city centre – violent,
storm-cloud monoliths soaring defiantly into
the sky at alarming angles. They are ever-
present reminders of how this sprawling city
was hewn roughly from the rainforests, from
the hills themselves; reinforcements of natural
order set hard against the man-made chaos
foaming at their skirts.
At the summit, though, the mist is so thick
it obscures everything, ushering in a sense
of oblivion and impenetrable whiteness. Paved
steps lead to an observation deck and there,
towering above, is Christ the Redeemer, the
giant, 40-metre-high statue of Jesus.
“The head is actually a little bit out of
LATIN HOTSPOTS FOR 2011
1 Machu Picchu, Peru: 2011 marks
100 years since the discovery of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. The four-day hike to the dramatic city is a tick box activity for most backpackers visiting South America. The 42km trail reaches the dizzying height of 4200 metres.
2 Chile: The dramatic rescue
of the Chilean miners last year put Chile firmly on the map. From the driest desert in the world to the dramatic scenery of Patagonia and all the vineyards, volcanoes, geysers and beaches in between, Chile has much to offer travellers.G
etty
Imag
es
proportion,” our guide remarks, before
gesturing to a small church tucked under
one of Jesus’ sandalled feet. “That’s where
you can go to confess your sins,” he says.
“It’s OK – we can pick you up tomorrow.”
A LABOUR OF LOVE
One of Rio’s most iconic attractions is
Selarón’s staircase, aka Escadaria Selarón.
In 1990, Chilean artist Jorge Selarón began
beautifying a dilapidated, drab stairway –
there are 250 steps stretching 125 metres –
between the neighbourhoods of Lapa and
Santa Teresa.
Selarón used coloured tiles and small
“ Rio was hewn roughly from the rainforest, from the hills themselves ”
Copacabana is one of the world’s most famous beaches
Be sure to visit Machu Picchu
FINAL DEST Rio.indd 25FINAL DEST Rio.indd 25 28/3/11 09:52:4828/3/11 09:52:48
tntmagazine.com/destinations26
CACHACA NIGHTSIf you spend any amount of time carousing in Brazil, you’re bound to come across cachaça, the favoured spirit of the locals. It’s fermented sugarcane and is seriously alcoholic – go easy, it packs quite a punch.
Cachaça is generally used as an ingredient in other cocktails, like a caipirinha, but can also be sipped neat or over ice. If you’re really keen, you can do shots.
Janine Kelso, TN
T Im
ages, Getty Im
ages
fragments of mirrors to brighten the stairs
and the surrounding pavings. Eventually,
what began as a side project grew into
an obsession, a labour of love that remains
a work in progress more than 20 years later.
As Selarón’s masterpiece attracted more
and more attention – U2 and Snoop Dogg
have both filmed video clips featuring the
staircase – people began mailing him tiles
from around the world, which he incorporated
into his colourful, chaotic mosaic to reflect
the international appeal of his beloved Rio.
If you visit at the right time of day, you can
often find Selaron sitting on the steps,
painting. Be warned – he’s an eccentric
character, more than a little bit mad.
CRADLE OF SIN
Late at night, the bars along
Copacabana Beach hum with samba.
I ask a taxi driver to take me
somewhere busy. We pull up next to
a stretch of beachside cafes; their
yellow parasols bloom like concrete
daisies, jutting up and out between lonely
volleyball nets and spindly palms. I cross
the square, where street vendors hawk their
wares, and pick my way through the tightening
mesh of scantily clad bodies.
The women are beautiful, dolled up with
deep tans and plenty of skin on show. The
men, on the other hand, mostly tourists,
are scruffy and wide-eyed.
I’m deep into my second mojito before a
wisp of conversation drifts across from one
of the bar’s dark corners, where an American
guy has his arm around a local girl. “One
hour,” he says, holding up a finger and then
reaching for his wallet, “200 real”.
The penny drops. She’s a working girl.
Maracana Stadium will playhost to the World Cup
Get your fresh fruit and veg
Selarón’s staircase was a labour of love
FINAL DEST Rio.indd 26FINAL DEST Rio.indd 26 28/3/11 09:52:5328/3/11 09:52:53
Janine Kelso, TN
T Im
ages, Getty Im
ages
tntmagazine.com/destinations
Med
ioim
ages
/ Ph
otod
isc, Ju
an M
abro
mat
a, G
etty
Imag
es
27
I look around. They’re all working girls. All
of them. Regrettably, it’s time to leave.
Stepping out into the warm Brazilian night,
I sense I have dodged an embarrassing, albeit
memorable, experience. Copacabana is now
bathed in the ethereal yellow glow of
streetlights, illuminating the thick haze that
hangs like a halo around the whole scene.
And there, on the hills in the distance, sitting
sentry over the entire city and its central
lagoon, is the unmistakeable silhouette of
Christ the Redeemer. Arms outstretched.
Beseeching us all to repent.
It’s a big statue. Just as well, too, because
down here on the strip, down here in the
streets, there’s plenty of sin to go around.
IGUAZU FALLSThe Iguazu Falls are not in the Amazon; they straddle the Brazilian and Argentinian border. The surrounding landscape is a lush green carpet, thick with jungle, torn apart at its central seam by the ballistic churn of several separate falls spuming into one shared basin.
At the largest of the area’s falls, Garganto do
Diabo, or the Devil’s Throat, the bottom of the falls are not even visible, obscured by roiling tongues of mist and foam, a mixture of whitewash and oblivion.
NEED TO KNOWWHEN TO GO There’s not really a bad time to go to Brazil but if you want stinking hot beach weather, head across in summer.GETTING THERE Most airlines fly into Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo. GETTING AROUND By taxi in Rio de Janeiro – if you’re going further afield, the local coaches are reliable and the routes are surprisingly simple.VISASNationals of the EU and New Zealand do not need tourist visas, but Aussies do. LANGUAGE Portuguese
Go easy on the cachaça when out and about
Rio is carved out of the rainforest
The noise at Iguazu Falls is deafening
BRAZIL
Rio de Janeiro
BRASILIA
“ They’re all working girls. All of them. It’s time to leave ”
FINAL DEST Rio.indd 27FINAL DEST Rio.indd 27 28/3/11 09:53:1328/3/11 09:53:13
tntmagazine.com/destinations
Heritage, wildlife and stunning views – the Isle of Skye has it all WORDS JAHN VANNISSELROY
Eric Nathan \ T
NT
IMA
GES
28
O ne visit to the Isle of
Skye is never enough.
Boasting a vibrant
and diverse heritage
of wildlife, sport, art and events, there
is so much to see and do.
2011 is the Year of Island Cultures,
a celebration of Scottish islands’
dynamic cultures, breathtaking
environment and quality produce.
Skye is truly in the spotlight – with
Lonely Planet naming it as one of best
regions in the world for tourism.
A WILD PASTVisit the 40-acre, historical Clan
Donald Skye visitor centre set in
a stunning Highland estate on Sleat,
at the island’s southern tip.
Here you’ll find magical gardens
skirting the imposing ruins of
Armadale Castle and you can
discover Sky’s often unsettled and
rebellious history.
There are working studios and
galleries around every corner of the
island, with demonstrations including
the tanning of skins, spinning and
weaving of local wool. Watch potters
at work, stone carving, bladesmiths,
jewellers and knitters all harnessing
and developing techniques and
traditions from the past for our future
art and craft culture to draw on.
Skye is Scotland’s ‘Dinosaur Isle’ –
one of the few places in the world
where Middle Jurassic dinosaurs can
be found.
Head to the Skye Serpentarium to
get up close and personal with a host
of reptiles – from white tree frogs to
large green iguanas.
THE LIVING COUNTRYSIDEThe majestic Sea Eagles of Skye
feature in a unique exhibition at the
Aros centre in Portree, while the otter
hides at Kylerhea is where to watch
these playful creatures.
Head to a sheepdog demonstration,
which shows the remarkable
partnership between man and dog.
SKYE’STHE LIMIT
Skye has a vibrant heritage
Kyle Akin, Isle of Skye
A QUICK NIPAfter all that, you’ll deserve a drink.
Visit the world-famous Talisker
Distillery where a ‘wee dram’ will keep
you going, or have a pint at the first
micro-brewery at Sligachan. A must
for all connoisseurs of the finer things
in life. See skye.co.uk
FINAL DEST NEW - isle of skye .i28 28FINAL DEST NEW - isle of skye .i28 28 28/3/11 09:54:0428/3/11 09:54:04
Untitled-12 29Untitled-12 29 28/3/11 10:06:0428/3/11 10:06:04