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By admin, on April 5th, 2012
Britain has its fair share of awe-inspiring castles; the likes of Windsor Castle, St. Michael’s Mount, Warwick Castle and The Tower of London attract millions of British and foreign visitors every year. However it’s not just Britain that is home to remarkable castles. Here is a list of some of the most amazing castles to be found and explored on foreign soil.
Castle Neuschwanstein – Photo by TimoOK
1. Castle Neuschwanstein, Germany – A 19th century Romanesque Revival palace perched breathtakingly high on a Bavarian hilltop, this castle embraces the ethos of romanticism and has featured in Disney films for its fantastical appearance.
2. Château de Versailles, France – Originally built by Louis XIV as a hunting lodge in the early 17th century, the chateau was expanded to form a new centre for the royal court. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Features not to miss include the magnificent Hall of Mirrors.
3. Bojnice Castle, Slovakia – A delightful medieval castle from the 12th century, Bojnice is a Romantic castle incorporating later Gothic and Renaissance features. It is a popular filming location.
4. Castillo de Coca, Spain – Dating from the 15th century, this castle was built by the Archbishop of Seville in the Mudéjar tradition, a blend of Arabic and Spanish architectural techniques and artistry which is characteristically geometric in style.
5. Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco – Made of adobe, mud and plaster, Ait Ben Haddou is an ancient fortified city lying on the path African traders took on their way to Europe. It featured in the films Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.
6. Mehrangarh Fort, India – An imposing hilltop structure mostly dating from the 17th century, though with earlier origins, this is one of the largest forts in India. Its high walls protect beautiful Rajasthani palaces with lavish, open courtyards and intricate carvings throughout.
 Himeji Castle – Photo by Eric_Tokyo
7. Himeji Castle, Japan – A beautiful hilltop feudal castle from the 14th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its high white walls, it is known as White Egret Castle for its resemblance to a bird taking flight, and is reached by a tangled labyrinth of paths climbing the hill. It has featured in Japanese and foreign films including the James Bond movie You Only Live Twice.
8. Castillo de Chapultepec, Mexico – Castillo de Chapultepec was constructed in the 18th century by the Spanish Viceroy of New Spain and has since been used as a military academy, imperial palace, observatory and museum. With its characteristically European style, it was featured in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet. The hilltop site in Chapultepec Park was sacred to the Aztecs.
Thinking of visiting one of the amazing castles in the list? Why not check out FHR for great travel deals including Glasgow airport parking and Edinburgh airport hotels.
Guest Article Courtesy of FHR
By Alan, on April 1st, 2012
Once you have made the decision to take an all-inclusive holiday, all you need to decide on is the location you want to visit. Of course, a beach holiday can be a fantastic choice, but many holidaymakers also want something else from their time away. Bulgaria can be a fantastic choice for a holiday location as it has a wide variety of cultural heritage, incredible nature, as well as very relaxing beaches.
The Balkan Peninsula has a great deal of history and when you see the area you will understand why it has been so fought over in the past. It is located right between the worlds of the East and West and it is a location with a great many all-inclusive resorts. Furthermore, the country has four distinct seasons and it can be good to visit at any time of year.
The beaches in the area are stunning and there are hotels and restaurants nearby them. As well as beautiful beaches, the seaside towns are very intriguing. Many of them are full of ancient heritage and stunning architecture dating back thousands of years.
For those who are interested in water sports, there are plenty of activities that can be done on the Black Sea. If you are interested in windsurfing then there are plenty of places where you can hire the gear, and it is also possible to rent a jet ski.
For more inland activities, there is fantastic hiking around the area’s mountains. Whatever time of year you visit you are sure to be able to see some of the countries fantastic nature. The Seven Rila Lakes are a perfect destination for hiking and you will be able to take some stunning photographs in the area.
There are a great number of sacred sites in Bulgaria where buildings have simply been left untouched and visitors will be amazed by how preserved some locations are. One of the most fascinating attractions is the Roman amphitheatre which can be found in Plovdiv town. Bulgaria has a huge amount for any visitor and you will be wonderfully surprised by what an enjoyable time you have in this country.
By Alan, on March 31st, 2012
If you are contemplating a visit to the Costa Blanca with golf on your itinerary, you’ll want to include La Marquesa Golf Course at Rojales in your plans. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a renowned expert or somewhere in between, the course and the facilities will provide an outstanding golfing experience.
Most golfers prefer to play in reasonably warm weather and sunshine and the Costa Blanca averages 300 days of sun in a year so La Marquesa is no exception. Located in one of the world’s most desirable tourist destinations, the accommodations nearby vary from simple to luxurious, all with the highest standards of comfort and service.
Designed by John Putman, the course is scrupulously maintained, with 18 holes laid out in three parts that include two lakes, streams, bunkers, blind holes and protected holes, all on gently undulating terrain. It is designed to test your skills without becoming bothersome, with shots for every club in your arsenal. The longest par five on any Costa Blanca course, very fast greens and a separate, spacious practice range and a fine comprehensive golf school are just a few more of La Marquesa’s allures.
40km south of Alicante and about 35 minutes from the airport, the town of Rojales is a most attractive combination of traditional Mediterranean culture and excellent modern amenities. In addition to 3
and 4-star hotels, there is a charming town square and a Thursday morning market beside the river Segura that runs through the centre of town, where everyone comes for fresh produce and quite a few bargains can be found.
The nearby beach is bordered by a truly lovely lagoon in a natural park, and there is an excellent water park next to the classy residential section of Cuidad Quesada. Night life is also plentiful and varied, with a number of lively bars and nightclubs. For avid golfers, just a few kilometres from Rojales you will find four other options including another John Putman designed course at Villamartin.
By Alan, on March 29th, 2012
We Brits love our bed and breakfasts. When we go for a short break to another part of the country, we basically want somewhere clean and comfortable to lay our heads before having breakfast and heading out for a hard days sightseeing. Finding a London bed and breakfast can seem like an impossible task as most internet searches will bring up lists of luxury hotels which have more facilities than you use if you stayed a month.
Invariably, hotels get cheaper the further out you get from the city centre and all the attractions, these can mean however that you spend hours on the tube going to and fro and eating into your valuable time in the capital. One of the most overlooked areas for hotels is the area that houses both the mainline station of Kings Cross and also the new Eurostar terminal at St Pancras.
This is a recently redeveloped area that offers cheaper accommodation but is only a short ride on the tube to the hub of activity that is the city centre. Finding a good St Pancras hotel at a reasonable cost is not difficult, and here you will also find a London bed and breakfast that ticks all the boxes. The Jesmond Dene hotel offers everything you could want with from a budget hotel and a whole lot more.
Clean and comfortable with free Wi-Fi and a choice of rooms with either ensuite or shared facilities, it’s just what the doctor ordered for a great stay in London, and is only 2 minutes walk from both Kings Cross and St Pancras. With easy access to the West End and all the top tourist attractions, more and more people are realising that this area is a great place to make as your base for your break in London.
There are many websites online that offer packages for short breaks in London that included a ticket for a top show, but it works out a lot cheaper if you book everything separately, and by booking your train tickets as far in advance as you can you will save yourself a lot of money getting to London, meaning you have a lot more spending money to treat yourself while in the capital.
Many compare the price of a break in London with a break on the continent, and choose the latter but they are missing out on so much by going overseas as opposed to discovering what we have to offer in our own country.
By admin, on March 29th, 2012
Think Orlando you think theme parks, simple as that. The best in the world are here waiting to welcome you through their gates and take you on a magical voyage of delight and discovery. Thrills, spills, chills, excitement and sheer jaw dropping amazement are contained in the premier parks, that literally have something for everyone, and age isn’t even a factor as all are catered for.
Whilst everyone knows the big two; Disney World and Universal, there are numerous other one all there to be discovered, and all boasting their own unique features that will just add further to your whole Orlando experience. Discovery Cover, Aquatica, Seaworld, Busch Gardens, Kennedy Space Centre, Wet n Wild and Legoland are just a few of the other attractions in the area, and you really are spoilt for choice.
There is one golden rule when it comes to purchasing your Orlando theme park tickets; never decide to just ‘go with the flow’ and think about just picking them up once you get there. You will pay a fortune in resort and may discover that you can’t go to everywhere you want to as it is simply too expensive. Get online and track down the best prices for when you want to go, and snap them up there and then.
There are numerous ticket options available where you can go between the different parks, and these are the best way to see the best of what Orlando has to offer. You may have problems fitting it all into one holiday however but hey, it’s a great excuse to come back again, and again, and again…
Take Discovery Cove tickets for example, there are dozens of ticket options available depending on age, whether you are going to swim or not, and what entertainments you want to enjoy while there. This can be baffling when you are standing at an entrance in a queue, gagging to get in there, but haven’t a clue what tickets to want to cover the ages of the group you are travelling with.
By going online in advance you can see everything in front of you, with every option fully explained so you know exactly what you are getting for your money, and those who are both swimming and not have the correct tickets. This will save you both time and money and you can rest assured that once you arrive at Discovery Cove armed with your tickets, you can get straight in there and start enjoying the fun.
By admin, on March 28th, 2012
 Spain is one of Europe’s top holiday destinations. With plenty of sunny days, beautiful coast lines and trendy cities there is always something to do and see; or great places to lie back and relax, soaking up the sun and the wonderful Spanish culture. Whatever you want, or whatever you wish for, Spain is the destination you’ve always dreamed of, and a luxury James Villa, will be just the ticket.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure packed holiday or something more laid back, a short break or a fun filled family fortnight, Spain offers it all. With so much to do you’re sure to want to return time and time again, and with so many great destinations and cheap villas in Spain you can. Below is a list of some of Spain’s best holiday hotspots to help you choose the destination of a lifetime.
1) Madrid. Spain’s vibrant capital boasts an array of cafes and bars, clubs and galleries to keep everyone happy. Although lacking in beaches, Madrid makes up for it with culture. Dance the night away in one of the city’s many nightclubs or sit back with a glass of Spanish wine and watch the world go by.
2) Pamplona. Immortalised by Hemingway, Pamplona sports one of the world’s most infamous festivals, The Running of the Bulls. So if it’s an adrenaline rush you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place. The festival takes place in July when the city bursts with tourists and locals alike. Due to the popularity of this event, it’s a good idea to book a hotel or villa well in advance.
3) Malaga. The largest city in Andalucía, Malaga is a sun seekers paradise. With beaches right on the city edge and easy access to secluded coves and isolated coastal villages, you can’t go wrong with a holiday in Malaga. The town is also home to some of Spain’s best historical sites, including a roman theatre and Moorish palace.
4) Alicante. Nestled on the coast of Costa Blanca, Alicante has it all; historic churches, modern facilities and glorious white sands. Long a tourist hotspot, Alicante has some great night life and a booming café scene. If you fancy a bit of history then you’ll definitely enjoy exploring Alicante’s many ruins and castles and there is always easy access to the beach for a cooling swim in the summer sun.
5) Barcelona. Spain’s second largest city and the country’s cultural heart beat. Barcelona dances to its own rhythm. Teaming with museums, art galleries and fabulous gothic architecture Barcelona has become a Mecca for those after a holiday with a twist. With some of Europe’s best restaurants, bars and most famous nightclubs, there is always something to do, day or night.
So whether it is music and dance, food and drink or sun and sand, Spain has it all and you can too. Just a short flight away and you’ll be in one of Europe’s most cultured countries. We know you’ll never get bored in Spain, so book now and enjoy Spain holidays – they are waiting just for you.
By Alan, on March 23rd, 2012
In the heart of Western Europe is Luxembourg City which today has become known as a banking and administrative centre for Europe. Numerous institutions from the European Union can be found in the city including such important institutions as the European Courts of Justice, the European Court of Auditors as well as the European Investment Bank.
Luxembourg City is one of the smallest capital cities in the world and many people who are travelling through Europe by train come here just to mark it off the list of destinations visited.
If you are visiting Luxembourg City one of the best times to do this would be during the Grand Duke’s birthday, which is a national celebration across Luxembourg. Many street parties take place during this day and parades are held in the capital city. The city also has a beautiful World Heritage Site, the Casemates Bock. This is a tunnel that runs underneath the city and was constructed in the 18th-century.
It is very easy to get to Luxembourg City and there are many trains and buses serving the city. It is so small that one of the best ways to get around would be by foot, but if you want to see more then you can rent a bike or take the bus.
The city has had a great deal of strategic importance during European wars in the past and in both World War I and World War II the city attempted to remain neutral, but was ultimately captured by the Germans and used as a strategic fortress in both wars. After World War II the country decided to end its neutral perspective and joined several associations that span across governments.
Working out how to find your way in the city is very easy as there are excellent transport facilities as well as friendly locals. People here speak French, German and English, so asking for directions will always be very easy. If you are looking to explore the city in a different way, then you should consider going on a horseback tour around the city, something that is very popular.
In terms of attractions and tourist sites, Luxembourg has a great deal to offer. A great way to enjoy the city would be to start with a tour of the Wenzel Walk. This path will take you through the historic part of the city and will allow you to see some of its most beautiful sights
By admin, on March 23rd, 2012
So you have made your decision to take that driving holiday around Europe you have always promised yourself. Your cases are packed, your important documents are all in place, you have a wallet full of Euros and the car has been serviced. This should be the time when you can relax and count down the hours until you hit the open road and discover the side of Europe you have wanted to see.
Everyone who is going on holiday leaves the house with that little nagging doubt that they have forgotten something, and 9 times out of 10 times it is something irrelevant that can easily be done without. If that little something is international car breakdown cover however, then you could be making one of the costliest oversights you could ever imagine, and that dream holiday could quickly become a disaster of epic proportions.
The fact is that cars are like every other major thing we own, everything can be excellent one minute, then conk out the next. To risk travelling across the continent without adequate breakdown cover is complete madness, and has actually been stated in divorce papers as the reason for the relationship breakdown thanks to both the financial and emotional fallout that followed your car being towed off a French motorway, leaving you skint and stranded.
This could all have been avoided by going online and finding yourself a good car breakdown policy that covered you overseas and means that, should the worst happen, your holiday won’t be ruined. It is a common misconception amongst drivers that their UK breakdown cover is still viable abroad, wrong. This should be purchased as a stand alone policy for the duration of your time away, much like travel insurance.
It doesn’t just cover the car, but also the passengers in terms of finding them accommodation in the area the breakdown has occurred if the fault can’t be fixed instantly. Make sure you go with a reputable company, many like to stick with the one they use at home, and read the small print to make sure you are getting the cover you want and need, and that great deal really is too good to be true.
By spending just a few moments to check this out before you leave home, purchase it, print it off, and put it with your other documents, you will save yourself money, time, heartache and really will be able to relax and look forward to your driving holiday abroad, bon voyage!
Article for Greenflag.com
By admin, on March 16th, 2012
With its array of historic attractions and rich culture, Munich is a wonderful destination to spend some time in. However, its position in the heart of Europe also means you are in a convenient location to explore the rest of Germany, as well as neighbouring countries.
If you’re looking to get around this part of the continent in an easy and effective manner, it’s worth seeking a company that offers car hire in Munich. That way, you’ll be able to see the Bavarian city’s main sights before getting on the road and exploring.
Munich
Before you get too carried away with touring central Europe though, you really ought to devote some time taking in everything Munich has to offer.
This city really does offer something for everyone and art lovers in particular should head to the Pinakothek der Moderne. As the largest modern art museum in the country, this stunning institution’s permanent collection showcases works by the likes of Warhol and Picasso, in addition to putting on fascinating temporary exhibitions.
Other museums and galleries include the Museum Brandhorst and the Deutsches Museum, the latter of which is devoted to technology and science.
If you want to learn more about Munich’s past – and there sure is a lot of it to be uncovered – make sure you visit the Nymphenburg Palace. Not only is this a great example of 17th-century Baroque architecture, but the tranquil botanical gardens that surround the structure provide some much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Alternatively, you could visit the 900-acre English Gardens, which feature pretty ponds and manicured flowerbeds, as well as four beer gardens where you can knock back a refreshing lager or two!
Spent a few days exploring Munich and keen to see the rest of central Europe? It’s unlikely you’ll have seen everything the city has to offer, but if you’re raring to get back on the road, stop by one of the numerous markets – such as Viktualienmarkt and the 19th-century Elisabethmarkt – to stock up on fresh food and other supplies before hopping into your car and seeing the sights. So, where should you go from here?
Dachau
Located around 16 km north-west of Munich, Dachau can be easily reached on a tour of Germany and offers plenty for you to see.
In the 19th-century, the town became a haven for German artists and to this day continues to have a rich cultural scene. Head to the Dachau Painting Gallery to see works by Carl Spitzweg and Max Liebermann, while walking through Dachau’s historical centre allows you to take in well-preserved traditional townhouses.
Visit the stunning Dachau Castle and gaze at the ornately-crafted wooden ceiling, before going to the gardens to take in mesmerising views of Munich, with the magnificent Alps lying in the background.
For a darker insight into the region’s past, visit the concentration camp. It’s a chilling experience, yet an essential landmark to see.
Stuttgart
Head to Stuttgart and you’ll find a wealth of wonderful attractions, including the 17th-century Neues Schloss (that’s New Castle to you and me), and the amazing Wurttemberg burial chapel which is set on a hilltop that provides fantastic panoramic vistas.
The city is often known as the Cradle of the Automobile – it’s here where both the motorbike and four-wheeled car were invented – so if motoring is your thing, then put the Porsche Museum on your list of places to see. Here, you can learn more about the development of the world-famous sports car company and see the latest version of the iconic 911 model.
Salzburg, Austria
Munich’s close position to several national borders means you can easily explore cities outside of Germany, including the vibrant Austrian destination of Salzburg.
Famous the world over for its Baroque architecture and being the birthplace of Mozart, the city has an array of stunning landmarks. Make sure you see the Residenz Castle and Salzburger Dom Cathedral, before going on a guided tour of the underground Domgrabungsmuseum to see Roman ruins.
Article for auto-europe.co.uk
By Alan, on March 10th, 2012
 Brest is an important harbour city located in the north-west part of France, and because of its location near to the sea, much of its history is maritime in nature.
Brest is an important harbour city located in the north-west part of France, and because of its location near to the sea, much of its history is maritime in nature. The aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, as well as the Naval Academy, were founded in the city and it is also host to several naval festivals that occur throughout the year.
Boats and Sailors as well as Festival of the Sea are two international festivals that occur in the city. At these festivals, sailors from around the world come to meet up and enjoy the festivities.
It is not just maritime events that are held in Brest and it is also a location for the Tour de France and the European Short Film Festival. There are numerous other activities to enjoy in the city, including visiting its oldest monument, the Tanguy tower. There is also a fascinating castle to visit as well as a botanical garden which hosts some of the world’s most endangered plant species.
If you are interested in doing some watersports, then there are plenty of options here. For the active person it is possible to rent a yacht or do some windsurfing. If you are looking for a more relaxing activity then there are plenty of fishing opportunities along the coast.
Another town worth visiting in France is Caen which is located 15 kilometres inland in the north-west part of the country. Many of the buildings here have an extensive history dating all the way back to William the Conqueror.
Caen is a very popular holiday location due to its beauty and its close proximity to England. There are also some fantastic beach resorts along the coast nearby the town and for those interested in history there are some fascinating mediaeval fortresses nearby. For those interested in art there are several museums in the region
The aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, as well as the Naval Academy, were founded in the city and it is also host to several naval festivals that occur throughout the year.
Boats and Sailors as well as Festival of the Sea are two international festivals that occur in the city. At these festivals, sailors from around the world come to meet up and enjoy the festivities.
It is not just maritime events that are held in Brest and it is also a location for the Tour de France and the European Short Film Festival. There are numerous other activities to enjoy in the city, including visiting its oldest monument, the Tanguy tower. There is also a fascinating castle to visit as well as a botanical garden which hosts some of the world’s most endangered plant species.
If you are interested in doing some watersports, then there are plenty of options here. For the active person it is possible to rent a yacht or do some windsurfing. If you are looking for a more relaxing activity then there are plenty of fishing opportunities along the coast.
Another town worth visiting in France is Caen which is located 15 kilometres inland in the north-west part of the country. Many of the buildings here have an extensive history dating all the way back to William the Conqueror.
Caen is a very popular holiday location due to its beauty and its close proximity to England. There are also some fantastic beach resorts along the coast nearby the town and for those interested in history there are some fascinating mediaeval fortresses nearby. For those interested in art there are several museums in the region
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