Travel News
Posted on Sun. 30/11/2008 23:00. Categories: Edinburgh | United Kingdom
The drinking culture in Scotland is legendary, with tales of alcohol-fuelled exploits easy to find in pubs and bars north of the border.
In recent years, the Scots' reputation for drinking has, not entirely fairly, become a subject for ridicule, thanks partly to sitcom character Rab C Nesbitt and stand-ups such as Frankie Boyle.
However, one thing drink-related that has not changed is the fact Scotland produces the world's finest whisky. The nation has more than 100 distilleries, producing something for every taste.
A group of Edinburgh bar owners have now decided to group together to offer tourists the very best in whisky, producing a guide and map to where to get the best Scottish firewater. So why not book into one of Edinburgh's best hotels, follow their advice and give your taste buds some stimulation.
Whisky Bars of Edinburgh
The bar owners keen to promote Scotland's finest products get few marks for imagination in the choice of name for their group - Whisky Bars of Edinburgh is certainly not going to mislead anyone. But this initiative is not about flash marketing, with the participating pubs and bars focusing on quality of service and product.
Chris Conway, of distillery industry body ScotlandWhisky, explained that the drink is one of the main things that attracts tourists to Edinburgh. By using the guide to choose their bars carefully, visitors will be assured of not just the best produce, but also a great atmosphere.
"Edinburgh is rightly famous for its bars and Whisky Bars of Edinburgh brings together ten fantastic examples of where visitors can enjoy a dram in a traditional setting," said Mr Conway.
Enjoy a drink in regal surroundings
Edinburgh has one of Europe's best-known castles and the Queen's official residence in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Linking the two is the famous Royal Mile, which is home to some of the capital's best hotels, including the Radisson SAS Edinburgh.
The street a ... read more
Posted on Sun. 30/11/2008 23:00. Categories: Italy | Rome
Budget hotels in Rome are easily found, as are cheap flights to the Italian capital, but Sunday Telegraph readers obviously prefer some opulence when they take in the city's historic sites. Why else did they vote the five-star Hotel Cavalieri their favourite city hotel in the newspaper's annual travel awards?
The newspaper described the victorious hotel as: "A clever combination of luxurious interiors and innovation has kept the hotel in the spotlight - recently, it has been offering its guests running tours around Rome with the general manager and gladiator training schools."
It also has plenty of other things to offer.
Fine dining
Like most international hotels, Hotel Cavalieri has a selection of cafes and bars, but there is really only one to choose.
La Pergola has earned three Michelin stars, making it the best restaurant in Rome. Chef Heinz Beck has spent 14 years building the eatery's reputation and nothing is left to chance.
In addition to a sparkling menu, guests can choose from more than 3,000 different wines served by an award-winning sommelier and 29 varieties of water, as they sit in a dining room decorated with works of art. After eating, they can make their way through to the exclusive Cigar Room for liqueurs. Both venues offer panoramic views of the Italian capital, renowned as one of the world's most romantic cities.
Spa and fitness
After splurging on the food and wine at La Pergola, a touch of exercise may be in order the next day. For some, a walk around Rome's many tourist attractions - such as the Spanish Steps, Colosseum and Pantheon - may do the trick, but others may prefer something a little more relaxing.
Hotel Cavalieri has a fitness centre, complete with a range of weights and cardio machines, together with a Grand Spa Club which offers everything from manicures to tennis, and massages to Yoga.
Som ... read more
Posted on Thu. 27/11/2008 23:00. Categories: France | Things to do
Winter sports are more than just skiing and snowboarding, even more adrenaline-pumping activities are available. They include ice diving, below near-metre thick frozen water in Lake Montriond; icefall climbing in Champagny with picks offered to people of all abilities; tandem paragliding across the Chamonix valley; huskie-muskhing on a high-octane adventures through the Alps; and watching the Outdoor Games in February 2009 on Mont Blanc where you can pick up tips from the pros.
Ice diving
Think you are tough enough? Book a hotel in Morizine in France on the banks of Lake Montriond between December and February to find out. From there you will be able to try this extreme sport.
Before you go, ice diving instructors will give you a dry suit and anti-freeze regulator to protect you from the cold – and it can get chilly. Under the ice temperatures are about two degrees C. No experience of diving is necessary for people who want to head down a rope, dropped through a hole in the ice, two metres by two metres, to the quiet depths below.
Underwater, the thick ice layer as dense as 90 centimetres allows sunlight through, providing a visibility of between ten to 15 metres. It's a different world with strange shaped air bubbles stuck to the ice ceiling.
Waterfall climbing
Go icefall climbing in Champangy. Anyone aged upwards from ten can take part in this amazing activity led by experienced guides using crampons, ice axes, harnesses and helmets.
Champangy has an artificial ice tower 22 metres high for practising. However, those that do the real thing will be able to scale cascades and glacial walls surrounded by stunning scenery. Book into a hotel in Champagny and ask your host for more information.
Tandem paragliding
For incredible views of Mont Blanc and a rush you will not forget, try tandem paragliding. Strapped to an instructor you are up, up and away from a suitable point from the side of the mountain above the Chamonix valley.
Just keep your fingers crossed for good weather as paragliding can only take p ... read more
Posted on Thu. 27/11/2008 23:00. Categories: Genoa | Italy
This is rumoured to be one of the most beautiful drives in the world. The Amalfi coastline could be to Europe what the Great Ocean Road is to Australia and California’s Highway One is to the United States.
Motoring along the well-travelled route could be fine on the proviso the person in the hot seat gets to grips with the route falling 500 foot away to the Mediterranean below, the traffic jams that snare up stopping for lunch on a summer's day and the cops who usher cars aside for coaches to get past on slim roads.
But there is an alternative – the two-day Genoa to Portovenere, according to the Times. Before embarking, you'll need a car, a small one that nips. Take this route and it is the scenery not the road rage that is breathtaking. Try Avis for car hire.
Start at Genoa
Book a hotel in Genoa to relax for the night and consult the map, then in the morning start the trip southwards on the narrow SS1 coastal road to Camogli.
Camogli pit stop
Camogli literally translates as "houses close together" or "houses of wives", named after the women who waved their fishermen-husbands off to sea. It's colourful and charming and cheap for a cup of heartwarming Italian coffee.
Overnight in Monterosso al Mare
Past the lemon groves on the SS1 is the turn off for the SP566 to Carrodano, which rolls through the Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre to the port of Monterosso al Mare.
The Villa Degli Argentieri is an elegant place to stay, recently renovated in a quiet area by the sea. Perfect after a hard day’s driving, especially the en suite hydro massage facility.
Head to Manarola
After breakfast on the sun terrace overlooking the Cinq Terre landscape, pass Vernazza on the cliffs to Manarola. Park up and walk to the bar Via dell'Amore, the Lovers' Road, which serves traditional lunches and wine. A glass of the sciacchetra is drier and ... read more
Posted on Thu. 27/11/2008 23:00. Categories: Spain | Switzerland
Most people want to go to England's capital city for the New Year, according to the searches registered with Skyscanner. This is followed by the wintery welcomes for 2009 within driving distance of Geneva. It is polar opposite to the Mediterranean party promise of Malaga which makes it to number three.
Number one: London
London might top the rankings as the most expensive city in Europe, but party-goers are planning to throw caution to the wind in the year of the crunch with most Skyscanner searches for New Year bringing up the English capital. There are plenty of places to visit in London throughout December, including interactive Christmas lights and snow storms in Leicester Square to a cyber trip through to find Santa with a festive fairy in Westfield.
As far as ringing in 2009 goes, Ibiza Underground Party promises to be one of the city’s biggest. However, revellers can also go from their London hotels to the MV London Belle party boat. Whatever the cost, a poll conducted among Telegraph readers showed the credit crunch certainly is not affecting more than 90 per cent of Britons' plans to holiday this year.
Number two: Geneva
Another pricey place makes it into second place on Skyscanner's record of New Year searches. The lakeside city has more than 100 resorts less than two hour's drive away, making it look increasingly likely Europeans are planning to welcome in 2009 on the slopes this year. There’s opera, theatre and a world music reggae festival celebrating New Year in Geneva itself, so book into a Geneva hotel quick..
Number three: Malaga
Winter sun seekers will be browsing this Mediterranean hot spot on the Costa del Sol for December 31st. It is the birthplace of Picasso and certain to have party-goers leaving with colour in their cheeks. The average temperature is about 16 degrees C, perfect for enjoying the great outdoors and water activities. So grab a cerveza, reserve a room in Malaga and fly o ... read more
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