Irresistible experiences

Irresistible experiences.

Your definitive to-do list for Europe.

1 | GREEK ISLAND HOPPING.

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.

2 | THE LOIRE’S SELF-GUIDED CYCLING TOURS.

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.

3 | The British seaside.

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.

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.

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.