MUST LIST / UK & EUROPE
Irresistible experiences. Your definitive to-do list for Europe.
1 | GR EEK ISL A N D HOPPI NG. Azure waters met by angel sand, barrels of feta and tavernas serving Ouzo. Greece is undeniably idyllic. More-so when hopping between islands via ferry. There are multiple islets, but Mykonos is most likely the head-turner you dream about, with sugar-cube buildings and bright blue doors. Santorini’s defined by its cliff-cascading position and cobalt domed roofs, while the islands of Chios and Samos are a little more sedate, famed for tiled villages and sweet Muscat wine. Ask about our 12 island hopping passes, or the more versatile FlexiPass.
Far removed from flashy resort towns, the Great British seaside is beautifully quaint. Coastal counties such as Devonshire and Cornwall are framed by placid harbours and small stone cottages built into cliffside. Burgh Island, a wild droplet of land reached only by foot or sea-tractor, remains in a charming Agatha Christie-style time warp. While Devon’s wee village of Thurlestone, offers a somewhat wistful summer holiday: lazy pub lunches, beach cove swims and rock pooling. Polished off with teashop scones, complete with clotted cream and jam.
FOR THE CURIOUS
Skip the line attractions
4 | WALKING AND COOKING IN TUSCANY OR UMBRIA.
If you have a passion for cooking and love the idea of rambling through beautiful Italian countryside, enjoy a ten-day guided walk through Tuscany or Umbria. Meandering from one gem township to another, and staying in farmhouses, there are three cooking classes en route, with local market stops thrown in too.
5 | Paella making in Barcelona.
2 | THE LOIRE’S SELF -GUIDED CYC L I N G TO U R S .
Get a taste for both the Loire’s famed scenery and elegant flavours. Provided with detailed route directions and covering up to 58 km per day, pedal your way from fortified villages to cave dwellings, absorbing ancient stories — and wine varietals — which saturate this region. From Amboise, Leonardo Da Vinci’s final home, to Fontevraud’s royal abbey, history is as commonplace as the grand châteaux. You have the freedom to start your journey any day of the week, with others, or riding solo. Hire a regular bike or request an electric one.
1 4 I N S P I R E | H OUSE O F TRAV E L
Portugal
3 | The British seaside.
TH E B E ST H O LIDAYS ARE CREATED TOGETHER .
Return from Spain with the know-how to whip up a mean Paella. There are cooking schools with trips to La Boqueria market (Barcelona’s most famous) before you roll up your sleeves and learn how to make tapas. And then there are small group cooking classes in outdoor kitchens, or the chef’s own apartment. Discover recipes handed down through generations, and classes delivered with complimentary sangria. ■
Craving croissants? Go straight to the source. Visit your local House of Travel store, call us on 0800 713 715 or visit www.houseoftravel.co.nz and we’ll get you there.
Lisbon’s Jerónimos Monastery has huge queues, but skip them by walking to the Archaeology Museum and buying a combined ticket for both. Instead of waiting in the Monastery queue, simply take the middle line and they let you straight in.
Michelin dining Eat at one of José Avillez’ many restaurants. As Portugal’s most celebrated chef, there are an assortment of restaurants across Lisbon and Porto, but for something fancy try his two Michelin Star, Belcanto. Book well in advance because there are only ten tables.
Enchanting Algarve Small, simple restaurants, endless coastline and 3000 hours of sunshine. The Algarve is the jewel in Portugal’s already glistening crown. Pleasantly saturated in golden beach, vineyards and over 40 golf courses, no one can resist its allure.
Traditional music Fado music can be heard wafting through the narrow lanes of Portugal’s old towns. Mostly telling of heartbreak, there’s no other style like it in the world. Experience a Fado music night and drench your ears in history.
