Travel Logs – Page 8 – Travel Destinations

Welcome back my friends

After the announcement on Thursday, by both the British and German governments that travel restrictions to the Canary Islands have been lifted, the Canary Islands Tourism is welcoming back its friends. British and German tourists are the mainstay of the Canary Island tourism and hospitality industry.

Welcome Back My Friends – Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

“Welcome back my friends” are the opening words of the track “Karn Evil 9*” from the album “Welcome Back My Friends to the Show That Never Ends – Ladies and Gentlemen“, the second live album from Emerson, Lake and Palmer*.

It might be too late to get away for the October half term but it’s not too late to get away for the rest of the year or the Christmas period. The Canary Islands offer plenty of winter sun. When we visited the Canaries last year we mentioned that daytime temperatures on the island of Fuerteventura (the second largest of the Canary Islands) are 22 ^oC in December compared to 24 ^oC in Cancun, Mexico and you will get there nearly 7 hours faster.

For those regular readers, you know that we like great views and so it is worth mentioning Mount Teide, which is a volcano on Tenerife as its summit is the hightest point in Spain and the highest point above sea level in the islands of the Atlantic at 3,718 m (12,198 ft). In fact it is the world’s third tallest volcanic structure. It offers great views from the top and is a World Heritage site.

Prices for a week in Fuerteventura are a lot less than you might think at this time of the year and represent great value when compared to long haul destinations like Cancun, Mexico, the Caribbean and the Indian Ocean destinations like the Maldives.

Beach - Fuerteventura — Beach – Fuerteventura

Lanzarote and Tenerife are the most popular destinations for British tourists, the Germans favour Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. Everyone has their own favourite.

Don’t think I’ll own a private jet

Sang Rod Stewart in the song “True Blue *” released in 1972. In fact most of us will never own a private jet, however over the past few years private jet travel has become more affordable so that more and more of us are flying “private”.

True Blue – Rod Stewart

If you just want the experience of flying on a private jet, then one of the most cost effective ways to do this is to book a seat on what is known as an “empty leg” flight. You will see these also called ‘dead legs’, ‘empty sectors’ or ‘one-way transients’.

Why do “empty legs” exist? If a customer books a private flight then the aircraft will possibly need to fly to another destination to pick up its next customer. It will be flying that leg empty. Empty leg flights do not offer any flexibility, they will have a pre-determined aircraft type, departure date and time, and destination. Empty leg flights are often available at up to 75% discount on the usual charter price. The exact price will depends on the route and the operator. Operators are sometimes prepared to offer exceptionally low prices at the last minute, if they haven’t been able to sell the flight at the full price. Contact Maggie to find you a great deal.

Travelling with the family or a group of friends, then private jet charter will take the stress out of travelling. With the benefit of private terminals you can avoid the hustle and bustle and endless queuing of busy airports. Glide through check-in, security, passport control and customs will make your dream holiday such a pleasure. In addition charters have the ability to access more locations, reducing the need to make long transfers via a second plane or other transport to your final destination.

Your private jet can be combined with an exclusive private villa or a luxury resort, At present many of the Caribbean islands do not require quarantine on return to the UK so why not fly in your own jet from the UK on a day and time to suit you. Some discerning travellers are looking to stay in a luxury resort such as Sandy Lane on Barbados, one of the most prestigious 5 star hotels in the world. Located on one of the best beaches and with easy access to some of the best golf courses in the area, there are three on site including the world renowned Green Monkey course.The hotel spa has been voted the #1 Hotel Spa in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas by Travel + Leisure. The Spa experience can include cryotherapy and customised facials courtesy of Margy’s Monte Carlo.

Any links with an * by them are affiliated, which means get a product via this link and a contribution may be made to us.

Spend a winter in St Lucia just to meditate

In the track “Winter in St Lucia” by St Lucian born Kayo the lyrics are about his return to his native island as he needed a break from the world. He is not the first person and will not be the last person in the world to go to “Spend a winter in St Lucia just to meditate”.

Winter in St Lucia – Kayo ft. Smallz

Lucia was a 4^th century Saint who brought food and aid to Christians hiding in the Roman Catacombs. Her deeds are celebrated on 13^th December, which on the old Julian calendar was the date of the winter solstice. To light her way and leave her hands to carry as much as possible she wore a candlelit wreath on her head.

So this winter and spring why not head for the light and warmth of the Caribbean winter sun to the island of St Lucia, the only sovereign nation named after a woman. The average daily temperature even during the less warm months (there are no cold ones) is 26C. The period from January to May is also the driest part of the year. There are numerous sandy beaches and all of them are public so you can take your pick. The most popular is Reduit Beach where you will find lively beach bars, restaurants and a wide variety of water sports. Alternatively at the opposite end of Rodney Bay you will find the quieter beaches of Pigeon Island beach, which are located with a National Park.

Rodney Beach - St Lucia — Rodney Beach – St Lucia

The attraction of St Lucia as a holiday destination is that it is not just about the beaches. Due to its size and varied landscape, it is so easy to connect with nature and the outdoors. The island is home to the Piton mountains. They are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, a trek up will take you around 4 hours with a local guide. From a height over almost 800m there is surely not a comparable view in the Caribbean.

Piton Mountains - St Lucia — Piton Mountains – St Lucia

Before you departure from St Lucia, take some time to visit the “world’s only drive in volcano” located in the southwest of the island near the town of Soufriere which in French means “from which sulfur is produced”. Nearby you can also experience the sulphur springs where you can experience a mud bath. The baths are believed to have medicinal properties and helps heal sun burns, eczema, arthritis, sore joints, and more.

https://youtu.be/9twV-AE-H5Y

The island offers a wide range of accommodation from guest houses, to villas to luxury resort hotels. A chance to get away from it all and “Spend your winter in St Lucia, just to meditate”.

https://youtu.be/VxKw4Zpc0lU

Up on the motorway, Scotland’s not far

We visited Scotland earlier in the year. Sometimes it is easy to forget the beautiful places to visit that are so close to home. As the lyrics from Lindisfarne song “No time to lose” reminds us, “Up on the motorway, Scotland’s not far”.

LIndisfarne – No Time To Lose

Once you get to Edinburgh, why don’t you indulge yourself and experience 4 nights on the Belmond Royal Scotland? Over a period of 5 days you will get to see the stunning scenery of the Highlands not seen from the road and with the train as your base you will not have to pack and repack each day. This is more than just a train journey, it is an experience of a lifetime.

The video below will give you an excellent impression of the facilities on board. The carriages have been extensively updated and remodelled to give you all the amenities that you would expect in any top class hotel.

The Belmond Royal Scotsman

As you journey along some of the least used railways in Scotland, there is an army of stewards who will take care of your every need. The food served reflects the best of what Scotland has to offer. Seasonal local produce is offered wherever possible as part of the full Scottish Breakfasts, three-course lunches, and four-course dinners, washed down with the Highlands’ most celebrated whiskies and carefully selected wines.

The train stays overnight at stations so that you are guaranteed a good nights sleep. During the day you will be spoilt with a number of excursions included in the price. Amongst those included are a seal-watching boat trip, a trip to Ballindalloch Castle, a visit to Rothiemurchus Estate with a choice of country pursuits and a guided tour of Glamis Castle and gardens. And on a trip to the Highlands it would be rude not to visit a distillery or two and the bonus is that someone else is doing the driving.

Castle of Eilean Donan - Scotland. — Castle of Eilean Donan – On your journey visit the most photographed castle in the Scotland, maybe even the world.

If you would like a full description of your journey on the Belmond Royal Scotsman then an hour long documentary can be found here.

Summertime in Venice

“Summertime in Venice” was the theme song from the film “Summertime” where Katharine Hepburn travels to Venice on her own. The song was released as a single by a number of artists including her co-star Rossano Brazzi. The version below is by Connie Francis issued 5 years after the film hit the big screen in 1960. The artist is by the outstanding Russian artist Michael Satarov.

Summertime in Venice – Connie Francis / Artwork by Michael Satarov

Venice or Italy for that matter can be visited any time, not just the summertime. In fact you could say that the Spring or Autumn were preferable for city tourists as the day time temperatures are better suited for wandering around.

Looking for a weekend or half term break then Italy should be your destination. Italy offers so many beautiful attractions for visitors, whether it’s the cities, the lakes or the coast. In fact we visited Milan in August here on Travellogs.

If you are looking for a single city destination then why not head for Venice. With tourist numbers down this year, a trip to Venice at this time just makes so much sense. Imagine not having to queue for restaurants, museums and other attractions, taking leisurely walks around the main thoroughfares, plenty of space on the water taxis and being able to book a hotel at a reasonable price right in the middle of hundreds of years of history.

Direct flights to Venice from London take around 2 hours and 15 minutes. The transfer from the airport to the centre of Venice is around 20 minutes.

For those of you who have been to Venice before, you will not need convincing to return. For first timers then this is what you have missed so far. Venice comprises of over 100 islands, separated by canals but connected by over 400 bridges. As capital of the Republic of Venice from 697 until 1797 Venice became the financial centre of the world and was at the cross roads of international trade between east and west. This gave the city to wealth to build a city that rises out of the lagoon, with its domes and spires.

Piazza San Marco, Venice, Italy — Piazza San Marco – Venice, Italy

Try to get to the Piazza San Marco at least once during your visit. It is the most famous square of Venice and probably the most photographer destination within the city. It is here that you will find the Basilica San Marco. Entrance is free to this stunningly beautiful church. Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to make the most or your time in Venice.

And whilst you are in the Piazza San Marco make sure you visit the Palazzo Ducale (Doge’s Palace). The palace is worth a visit in its own right because of the architecture, but today it also houses many important art works. It’s a good idea to book your museum tickets in advance, thereby making the most of your time in the fantastic city.

One to save for the evening is a walk across the Ponte Rialto where you experience a stunning view of the bridge and the city lit up at night. Remember that gondola rides have fixed prices. Standard gondola rides in Venice have cost 80 euros for a private 25-30 minutes tour in the day and 120 euros at night. Gondolas normally take up to 6 passengers.

My girl and I went walking

by the Caribbean sea. So wrote Jimmy Buffett in his track Pre-You. Buffett is multi-talented American singer–songwriter, author, and businessman. His songs often make reference to an “island escapism” lifestyle. I think that many of us could do with some of that right now. His songs are full of references to various Caribbean islands and the sea itself.

In fact this week we head off to Antigua as it is on the UK quarantine free travel list. Only 1 Covid test within 7 days of travel is required to entry the island if you fly in or none is you arrive by cruise ship. One thing that you can certainly do in Antigua, as there are 54 miles of coastline, to walk along. There are in fact 365 beaches along the coast, that’s one for every day of the year.

Of those beaches, amongst the most famous are Galley Bay Beach for surfing, Half Moon Bay for relaxing and Dickenson Bay which is the most popular, with a number of hotels and restaurants. For example it is here that you can find the Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and the Siboney Beach Club.

Dickenson Bay - Antigua — Dickenson Bay – Antigua

Many of the hotels on the island are built along the beaches so that you can literally step out of your room straight on to the beach. In fact you could be on the beach within 10 hours of taking off from London with flight times of around 8 and a half hours.

Should you want to tear yourself away from the beach, then head up to Shirley Heights from where you can obtain the best view on the island. At a height of 490 feet, you get superb views of English and Falmouth Harbours and is best visited at sunset and the early evening.

View from Shirley Heights - Antigua — View from Shirley Heights – Antigua

Today, Nelson’s Dockyard provides many sites and activities for the modern day visitor to enjoy. It was built back in the early eighteenth century, when the British realised the value of having a dockyard to harbour ships in bad weather and keeping an eye on the French. The dockyard is named after Lord Nelson, who as Captain of the HMS Boreas, was sent to Antigua to enforce British laws in the colonies.

Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua — Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua

Cyprus is my island

“Cyprus is my island. When the going’s rough I would love to find you Somewhere in a place like that… ” David Bowie once again provides our musical inspiration for our travel destination this week. The lyrics above come from the track “Move On”. Bowie’s first wife Angie was actually born on the island and the couple visited the island many times. The song itself was inspired by his travels to Kenya, Japan and Australia. However judging by the lyrics (1:40) he found Cyrpus the place to escape from the stresses and strains of his popstar lifestyle. Will it be your place to escape?

Move On – David Bowie

Cyprus is located in the Eastern Mediterranean and is less than 5 hours flight from London. Stepping out of the plane at either Paphos or Larnaca airports you will have been transported to the crossroads of 3 continents. Europe, Africa and Asia. Cyprus has been inhabited since the 10^th century BC and boasts a rich cultural history due to its geographical position.

Situated at the crossroads of three continents – as a result, its cuisine is a mixture and refinement of a variety of Southern European, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian influences. “Meze” is the most traditional meal on the island, though exactly what you will be served will depend on the preferences of the chef in charge. Consisting of up to 30 hot and cold dishes. They will give a good idea of the rich variety of Cypriot foods.

When not eating and drinking, Cyprus provides you with so much choice. The default option for many is one of the wonderful beaches on the island. The number 1 beach destination is Nissi Beach, a particular favourite of younger travellers. The beach of white sand has shallow crystal clear water and a wide selection of watersports are on offer. In the evening you can head into Ayia Napa, famous for its night life.

Ayia Napa - Dimitris Vetsikas — Ayia Napa

Fancy somewhere more family friendly then head to Coral Bay. Cliffs protect the beach and ensure that the water remains calm. The beach is also popular for those who like snorkelling and diving. Want somewhere a bit more grown up then head for Blue Lagoon Beach. You won’t find many facilities here but you will find a beautiful location to relax and unwind and maybe understand why David Bowie wrote “Cyprus is my island”.

Kykkos Monastery - Dimitris Vetsikas — Kykkos Monastery

If you want a day away from the beach then head up to Kykkos Monastery. It dates back to the 11^th century and is located 1318 meters up on the on the North West face of Troodos Mountains. There is a museum at the centre of the monastery that contains many artefacts relating to the pre-Christian history of the island. The monastery produces Zivania spirit and other alcoholic drinks. That in itself must be a reason to visit.

Tomb of the Kings - Paphos - Dimitris Vetsikas — Tomb of the Kings – Paphos

One of the most important archaeological sites on the island are the famous ‘Tombs of the Kings’. The tombs for high ranking officials rather than Kings have been carved out of solid rock and date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. They are similar to tombs found in Alexandria, Egypt. The tombs can be found in The Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos alongside a number of other important sites from the 4^th century BC to the Middle Ages.

Cheira a Lisboa

“Cheira bem, já tem sol, Cheira a lua, cheira a Lisboa” which translates as “Smells good, it’s sunny, smells like the moon, smells like Lisbon”. The song by Belgium born Wendy Nazaré and French singer Pep’s, is about the delights of Lisbon as well as referring to historical events such as the Great Earthquake of 1755 that almost completely destroyed the city and the surrounding area. The accompanying video was filmed on location in Lisbon with the most famous historical sites as its backdrop.

Wendy Nazaré and Pep’s – Lisboa

Despite a history of earthquakes, Lisbon has always been an important city through the ages. The Romans, the Berbers, the Moors and then Reconquista knights have all taken a interest in Lisbon due to its position of the River Targus. The Torre de Belém is the most iconic building in the region, dominating the entrance to Lisboa harbour on the north bank of the river. Originally built in the 16th century and subsequently improved over the years, it would have been the last part of the country that sailors who sailed west to discover and visit the new world across the Atlantic Ocean would have seen.

Torre de Belém - Julius Silver — Torre de Belém

An absolute must when visiting Lisbon is a ride on the trams. There are two types of tram, the historic “Remodelado” trams or the modern Siemens “Articulado” trams. In fact the best way to get to the Torre de Belém is by the modern No 15 tram. However you must travel on the historic No 28 tram that will work its way up the steep, cobbled roads and into the old Alfama district. The Alfama district is one of the top destinations for tourists in Lisbon. It is the oldest part of the city dating back to the time of the Moors. It survived the 1755 earthquake as its built on dense bedrock. Up here you will step back in time. Wander through its narrow streets, tiny squares, visit it’s churches and wonder about the history that has taken place inside those whitewashed houses. In the evening you will find many great restaurants to eat in or out and you will are bound to hear Fado music, dates back to the 1820s.

Tram - Lisbon - Walkerssk — Tram – Lisbon

There are many more places to visit in Lisbon and now it’s off the UK quarantine list, it makes a great destination for a short break or the starting point for a tour of the country. Don’t miss out on visiting the solid looking and imposing Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa, known locally as simply the Sé. Finally you must not miss out on the Pasteis de Nata, deliciously soft, sweet, custard tarts, that are a cult in Lisbon.

Pasteis de Nata - Portuguese Custard Tart -CarolinaP — Pasteis de Nata – Portuguese Custard Tart

Rīga, mana Rīga, tevi mīlu es

“Riga, my Riga, I love you”, is a popular Latvian song written based upon the poetry of Aleksandrs Čaks, a famous Latvian poet. Čaks was born in Riga and much of his poetry was written about the wonderful city of Riga and its people. There is a street named after him. Arturs Maskats composed the music to accompany the lyrics in 1982. Maskats is an outstanding composer and has composed many pieces including several performed by the Latvian National Opera company.

Riga, my Riga, I love you / Rīga, mana Rīga, tevi mīlu

Riga stands at the centre of the Baltic States, Estonia to the north and Lithuanian to the south. Both are easily reached from Riga. Hire a car and get to Tallin the capital of Estonia in 4 hours and Kaunas the capital of Lithuania is 3 hours, 30 minutes away. Currently UK citizens can freely travel to and return from the Baltic States.

Riga, Latvia, Germans Alenins — Riga, Latvia

Besides being the largest of the Baltic capitala it is a very beautiful city full of gothic and medieval architecture. Unlike other European capitals that are heaving with tourists in the summer months, Riga is full of Latvians. Not being on the top ten list of most city break fans even pre-Covid it was a good option and now its even better.

For travellers on a budget staying and eating out in Riga represents great value for money. Prices are in line with destinations in Poland, Hungary and Romania. Restaurant prices are about half of those in most UK cities.

Well what is there to do in Riga? First stop would be the St Peter’s Church. The church dates back to 1209 and has undergone various transformations over the years. The most recent due to damage caused by artillery fire in 1941. Head up to the viewing platform to experience superb views across the rooftops.

Like many towns and cities across Eastern Europe, Riga has reminders of its time under the influence of the Soviet Union. A trip to the Latvia Academy of Sciences, a mini Empire State building, head up to the 17th floor of this 1950’s building for an alternative outlook on the city.

Maybe we have too much of an interest in the macabre. Head off to the “Corner House”, the former headquarters of the KGB which is very emotional. Not a fun way to spend a day, certainly sobering and puts into perspective Latvia’s recent history.

Baltic Sea Riga Latvia Edgars Koronevskis — Baltic Sea Riga Latvia

On a happier note, there are plenty of back streets, markets, restaurants etc to visit to keep you busy but if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle then visit Ķīpsala Beach right in the centre of Riga on the River Daugava. A little further afield there are several beaches within easy reach of Riga. With 500km of coastline there is bound to be a beach to suit you.

Nostalgia de Milan

Giovanni D’Anzi is the writer of the song that bares the title “Nostalgia de Milan”. He was born in Milan in 1906 and wrote many songs relating to Milan. He is most famous for this song ” O mia bela Madonina“. Written in 1934 as a counter to the songs of the Napolean immigrants and their songs like ” O sole mio ” which told of the wonders of their home town. The Madonina is the golden statue on top of the spire of the Milan Cathedral which can be seen from all parts of the city.

Nostalgia de Milan – Giovanni D’Anzi

The Cathedral in Milan took nearly 600 hundred years to complete. Work started in 1386 and was deemed completed in 1965. The cathedral took nearly six centuries to complete: construction began in 1386, and the final details were completed in 1965. It is the largest church in Italy, the second largest in Europe, the largest being St Peter’s in the Vatican City.

Milan Cathredral - Madonnina Photo: Eric Delgrange — Milan Cathedral – Madonnina

Mark Twain wrote these words about the Cathedral when he visited in 1867: “What a wonder it is! So grand, so solemn, so vast! And yet so delicate, so airy, so graceful!” I wonder what you will think. In fact he dedicated chapter 18 of Innocents Abroad to the Cathedral, which includes descriptions and historical details. You can read it here.

There is plenty else to see and do in Milan and a long weekend or mid-week break is not enough to do it justice. One trip that you are advised to book well in advance is that to see “The Last Supper” by Leonarno Di Vinci” which is one of the most recognisable painitngs in the world.

The Last Supper - Leonardo Di Vinci — The Last Supper – Leonardo Di Vinci

As a traveller you pass through a wide variety of transport hubs. However few are grander than the Central Station. It is the largest railway station by volume in Europe. From here there are high speed links to Turin, Venice and south to Rome and Naples which makes Milan a great travel base.

Finished in 1931, the building which has no definitive architectural style has been described as one of the most beautiful stations in the world. Again see for yourself. It certainly is impressive.

What a lot of visitors to Milan are not aware of is the canal network. Originally the canals were built to connect the city with the local area and the marble for the Cathedral was brought in via the canal network.

The Navigli - Milan — The Navigli – Milan

Although part of the canal system was covered in the city centre there is plenty of canal side activities to engage in. You can cycle or walk the tow paths during the day and by night you can enjoy the nightlife, with a wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from.

There are plenty more highlights of your trip to Milan including the La Scala de Milan – one of the most famous opera houses in the world, La Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade next to the Cathedral and the Sforza Castle which houses the main museums.