The Best Holiday Destinations - Page 12
The crowning jewels of the Cote d'Azur
As the exclusive Cannes Film Festival rolls out its red carpet, the industry's top celebrities will all be there. We take a look at the idyllic sprawl of pebble beaches and picturesque landscapes that the French Riviera has to offer.The ultimate of unique experiences in Zambia
A snack on the sun deck surrounded by stunning views of the Victoria Falls, a romantic dinner on a train, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi river, an ukuchina massage, an elephant-back safari… these activities suggested by the Royal Livingstone Hotel will help you experience the true spirit of AfricaFrench Polynesia: a paradise that caused a mutiny
French Polynesia is the real-life setting of one of the best-known sea-faring adventure stories – the real paradise of spectacular scenery and welcoming people that lay behind the discontent of the crew and caused the mutiny aboard the 'Bounty' in 1789.Vienna Opera Ball: a once-in-a-lifetime event
Over the course of a year, over 450 balls take place in Vienna, home of the waltz. On New Year's Eve, the Emperor's Ball starts the season in style in the sumptuous setting of the Imperial Palace, and from then on, life in the city of music is a heady social whirl through to carnival and beyond. But the highlight of the season is the legendary Vienna Opera Ball, and tickets are now on sale for next February's gala event.Natural Croatian gems
Lakes and waterfalls, dizzying mountains overlooking the sea, dense forests inhabited by brown bears and lynx... this is the pure natural essence of the wilder side of the beautiful Balkan country of Croatia.On the scent of fine coffee in Colombia
If you're the sort who can't get moving in the morning without a cup of coffee, why not plan a visit to the Colombian Coffee Triangle in the foothills of the Andes and discover just where this magic bean comes from and the traditional techniques that make it the best coffee in the world.Cooking up good memories in Fez
Pastilla, couscous, lemon chicken, lamb tagine... the delights of Moroccan cuisine are many and varied, and culinary guru Lahcen Beqqi is ready to share the secrets with visitors to the medieval city of Fez.2012 - a bumper year for the Northern Lights
To see the aurora borealis, the elusive natural lights show visible in the polar regions, is to witness one of Mother Nature's most magical phenomena. NASA predicts that 2012 is going to be a bumper year for the Northern Lights, so why not take a cruise off the coast of Norway and witness this natural marvel for yourself?Masada, Herod's desert fortress
The scene of scores of biblical stories, home to monks and hermits, symbol of Jewish resistance, location for film and opera... there are reasons aplenty to visit this remarkable isolated mountain in the Judean Desert near the Dead Sea. The view from its summit gives things a different perspective.At home with the mountain gorillas
Discover the spectacular scenery of the Virunga Mountains in Equatorial Africa, where the young American, Dian Fossey, studied the vanishing mountain gorillas and fought to protect these gentle giants and their habitat in a legendary story brought to life on the silver screen by Sigourney Weaver.Flying south for winter
Everything you need to know about the Monarch butterflyOn location in the Moroccan desert
The golden sands and red-walled citadels of Morocco's desert have played host to so may international film crews that the town of Ouarzazate on the kasbah route is affectionately known as 'Ouallywood', in tribute to the number of films shot in the surrounding area.Loving Las Vegas
It is impossible not to be fascinated by the Hollywood image of this city of concrete and neon, set in the middle of the desert. The multi-coloured flashing lights, the fortunes won and lost on the spin of a wheel: it's an oasis of indulgence in the middle of nowhere, and it's a place everyone should visit at least once.All night long: Notte Bianca in Malta
A number of countries around the world have taken to celebrating an annual night of culture where art galleries and museums are open all night long. This year, Malta celebrates the event on the night of October 1st, and there's a complete programme of exciting activities planned that will transform Valletta into a city-wide festival.Crete: where myth and history meet
History and legend meet and mingle on Crete, the largest of the Greek isles. This is the land where the baby Zeus was kept safe from Kronos, and where later, disguised as a white bull, he brought his beloved Europa. It is a land at the very roots of European civilisation. Today, the island, with its beautiful natural scenery, warm hospitality and delicious cuisine pays witness to this ancient heritage.The sheer beauty of the French 'fjords'
For a little over 20 kilometres, the steep white limestone cliffs of the French coastline between Cassis and Marseilles wiggle and twist to create the beautiful scenery of the Mediterranean 'fjords'. At their feet, the turquoise waters that have nibbled into the rock for centuries are a veritable paradise for scuba divers.Magical Mediterranean islands
Brac, Corfu, Formentera, Djerba... The Mediterranean is dotted with beautiful islands boasting secluded, beaches, picturesque harbours, unspoiled coastline and cities steeped in history. We've selected just a few of the most spectacular spots in this paradise of blue.The secrets of Santorini
For many it is the most enchanting of the Greek Islands; for some, a favourite across the entire planet. On the island of Santorini, man and nature live in harmony. Born from the fires of a volcano, today it is a land of sea and wind with picture-postcard villages dotted on its rocky cliffs.The coolest pools around the world
From Bali to Barcelona; from Switzerland to Singapore; these are the most impressive pools on the planet. Perched on the edge of cliffs or on the terraces of the tallest hotels, with stunning views and perfect pool serviceThe Amalfi Coast – leave your map behind
There's little chance of getting lost, so you can leave your map behind as you follow the state highway sandwiched between the mountains and the sea, and explore the charming, timeless towns and villages along one of Europe's most spectacular stretches of Mediterranean coastline.The wild beauty of the Costa Brava
Secluded coves with crystalline waters, unspoiled islands, medieval villages with winding cobbled streets, and of course, charming fishing villages. The Costa Brava treasure chest is overflowing with natural, cultural and historical gems.Summer in Andorra is all action
It's summer in the mountains of Andorra, and that means it's time to dive, play golf, ride a mountain bike or any of a score of other sports and nature adventures. Summer weather doesn't stop the excitement at Grandvalira, Vallnord and Naturlandia ski stations.Luxury on the high seas
If you fancy a luxury holiday at sea, there are plenty of options available, whether it's adventuring in the waters of Alaska, meandering round the Med, sailing the South Seas of Polynesia...Float away on holiday
If you enjoy your seaside holidays, why not take the idea one step further and try a floating hotel? From glass-floored bungalows set over the crystal waters of the South Seas, to chic ships at anchor on the banks of canals, rivers, and lakes, there's bound to be one that floats your boat!Michelle Obama enjoys family time in Africa
Set on 1,800 hectares of private land in South Africa's second largest game reserve, Makanyane Safari Lodge is a perfect place to relax or to discover the area's wealth of wildlife, as Michelle Obama and her family found when they visited last week.What to see in Le Mans: Nights of fantasy
Throughout July and August, when dusk creeps into the streets and squares of the fortified Plantagenet town of Le Mans, it brings with it a truly magical spectacle of light, colour and sound.Follow Catherine Zeta Jones' lead with a luxurious break in Bodrum
Perched on a hilltop in the heart of the city, the Grand Yazici Hotel is the perfect spot for a romantic tripSailing off the coast of Croatia
With over 1,000 islands dotting the beautiful clear waters of the Adriatic off the coast of Croatia, the area offers a stunning setting for a sailing holiday. Spend the day island hopping and exploring rocky coves, then return to harbour and enjoy an evening meal in one of the many picturesque villages that even in summer offer an escape from the crowds.Your quick travel guide to Monaco
With all eyes on Monaco for 2011's second 'wedding of the year', we bring you a chance to get to know the tiny Principality with its air of glamour and exclusivity, and to discover some of the delights this haven of the rich and famous has to offer.The princely hotels of Monaco
Preparations are well under way for the upcoming nuptials of Albert of Monaco and Charlene Wittstock, and for those who fancy discovering the romantic principality for themselves, we offer a selection of Monaco's finest hotels. Take your pick among a list that includes classical, Belle Epoque, romantic and contemporary, some with their own claims to a place in legend.Meet the orang-utans in the jungle of Borneo
Nestled deep in central Borneo lies a haven quite unlike any other place on earth; here, in Tanjung Puting National Park, in the south of the island of Borneo, visitors can see orang-utans in their natural habitat and get up close and personal with these great apes – our cousins who share around 96% of their genes with humans.The light shines out in Jerusalem
Jerusalem is preparing to celebrate one of its major cultural events, the 'Festival of Light', which, from 15th to 22nd of June, will illuminate the ancient streets of the Old City with the work of leading international artists whose creative material is light itself.Djerba, the land of the Lotus Eaters
The quiet golden beaches and ancient landscapes of the small island of Djerba are a haven of calm and beauty. According to legend, this land, where the air is full of the rich fragrance of the Mediterranean, inspired Homer when he wrote the Odyssey, and over 400 archaeological sites pay witness to the land's long history.Following a – Michelin - star
Over the course of the upcoming months, Portugal's culinary experts are organising a real treat for foodies with the chance to savour the best dishes from the country's rich recipe book prepared by the best international chefs from the Michelin guide.