Cyclades Islands

The Cyclades islands, Greece, are composed of 39 islands of which 24 are inhabited. The Cyclades are islands to dream about; sun-kissed outliers of rock and dappled earth lying scattered across the glittering Aegean Sea. Their characteristic white cubist houses, golden beaches, olive groves, pine forests, herb-strewn mountain slopes and terraced valleys make for an irresistible mix. Throw in a dash of hedonism, and a culture that draws vividly on ancient and modern themes, and the Greek Island dream can become reality.

Other realities can be a touch more down to earth, at least for native islanders, who have often struggled for a living through centuries of deprivation. Beneath the tourism gloss, many still raise livestock and grow food on reluctant soil, or chase a diminishing supply of fish from seas that are regularly rough and dangerous. Winters are often grey, bleak and unforgiving.

The Cyclades range from big fertile Naxos, with its craggy mountains and landlocked valleys, to the tiny outliers of Donousa, Iraklia and Anafi, where the sea dominates, with attitude, on every side.

The beaches of Mykonos, Santorini and Ios are awash with sun-lounger society and raucous diversions; their main towns seethe with commercialism. All of this has its appeal, but other islands, such as Andros, Amorgos and Sifnos, have kept tourism to a more sedate scale.
The Cyclades are so named because they form a kyklos (circle) around the island of Delos, one of the world’s most haunting ancient sites. Closing that circle is still one of the most rewarding experiences for the dedicated traveller.

Santorini

Fantastic, fabulous Santorini deserves all the superlatives. Even the most jaded traveller succumbs to the awesome drama of this surreal landscape, relic of what was probably the biggest eruption in recorded history. That you share the experience with hordes of other visitors is inevitable. Embrace it all.

The caldera and its vast curtain wall of multicoloured cliffs is truly awesome. If you want to experience the full dramatic impact it’s worth arriving by a slower ferry with open decks, rather than by enclosed catamaran or hydrofoil.

Santorini is famous for its spectacular sunsets. The village of Oia on the northern tip of the island is a hugely popular sunset viewing site because there is an uninterrupted view of the sun as it finally sinks below the horizon. From farther south down the caldera edge, the last of the setting sun can be obscured by the islands of Nea Kameni and Thirasia. Take your pick, however. You can enjoy most of the sunset from almost anywhere along the rim of the caldera, especially if you want to avoid the sometimes feverish crush at Oia.

The main port, Athinios, stands on a cramped shelf of land at the base of Sphinxlike cliffs and is a scene of marvellous chaos that always seems to work itself out when ferries arrive. Buses (and taxis) meet all ferries and then cart passengers through an ever-rising series of S-bends to the capital, Fira, which fringes the edge of the cliffs like a snowy cornice.

De Dordogne: fantastische bestemming voor wie er even tussenuit wil

Om te beginnen is het er heel mooi: de Dordogne wordt niet voor niets ‘Frans Toscane’ genoemd. Het is er groen, met mooie akkers, prachtig beboste heuvels en tussen al het groen kronkelen vriendelijke rivieren en riviertjes. Het is er puur, zuiver, onbedorven: het Franse land op zijn best!

Dordogne maakt deel uit van de regio Aquitanië. Het departement is verdeeld in vier gebieden:

Le Périgord Noir:

Le Périgord Noir of de Zwarte Périgord dankt zijn naam aan de sombere kleur van de uitgestrekte wouden met groene eiken.

De Zwarte Perigord, tussen het dal van de Vézère en het dal van de Dordogne, is rijk aan cultureel erfgoed:

De Vallée de la Vézère telt 147 gisements en 25 beschilderde grotten, waaronder de grot van Lascaux. De grotten van Lascaux behoren tot de 28 Franse plaatsen die op de Werelderfgoedlijst van de UNESCO opgenomen zijn (met 15 beschermde sites). Het Musée National de Préhistoire in Les-Eyzies-de-Tayac bezit de grootste collectie paleolithische schatten van Frankrijk.

De Vallée de la Dordogne is beroemd om zijn karakteristieke dorpjes met lauze-daken van platte leisteen, de middeleeuwse kastelen en de middeleeuwse stad Sarlat. De stad voert het predikaat ‘Ville d’art et d’histoire’ (plaats met een interessante historie) niet voor niets: de middeleeuwse huizen en renaissance herenhuizen, waarvan er maar liefst 77 op de monumentenlijst staan, zijn werkelijk prachtig.

Le Périgord Pourpre:

De Purperrode Perigord heet naar de kleur van de wijn. Dit is het land van de wijngaarden, het Pays de la Vigne, van de bastides en Cyrano de Bergerac.

De wijngaarden van Bergerac op de oevers van de rivier de Dordogne vormen na de regio Bordeaux het grootste wijngebied van Zuidwest-Frankrijk. De streek brengt 13 AOC-wijnen voort. De stad Bergerac, de stad van Cyrano de Bergerac, is een ideale uitvalsbasis voor de route des vins de Bergerac, die 4 verschillende parcours telt waarlangs u de wijnboeren en het culturele erfgoed van de Périgord Pourpre kunt ontdekken.

De rijke en bewogen geschiedenis van de Périgord Pourpre heeft een groot aantal bezienswaardigheden nagelaten: de bastides van Monpazier, Beaumont-du-Périgord en Villefranche-du-Périgord en een aantal middeleeuwse en renaissancekastelen.

Le Périgord Blanc:

In het hart van het departement ligt de ‘Witte Perigord’, genoemd naar de witte kalksteen uit de streek die bij beeldhouwers zeer geliefd is.
Hier ligt ook de hoofdstad van de Périgord, Périgueux. De stad is beroemd om de markten met lokale gastronomische specialiteiten, maar ook om het buitengewoon rijke architectonische erfgoed dat hier in meer dan 2000 jaar geschiedenis is ontstaan.

Le Périgord Vert

In de ‘Groene Perigord’, het noordelijkste deel van het department is een hoofdrol weggelegd voor de ‘natuur’. Hier vindt u beschermde gebieden en volop mogelijkheden voor outdooractiviteiten als vissen en wandelen.

In de Périgord vert is verrassend erfgoed te ontdekken zoals de watermolens in het dal van de Dronne, romaanse koepelkerken en ambachtswerkplaatsen als de smederij van Savignac Lédrier. In het glooiende groene landschap liggen pittoreske dorpjes verscholen als Brantôme of Saint-Jean-de-Côle, grotere bezienswaardigheden als de kastelen van Puyguilhem en Jumilhac en de grotten van Villars.

If you want to book a hotel in another interesting city, go to www.medestino.com.

Zambia, the butterfly in the heart of Africa

If you’re out to experience the ‘real’ Africa, Zambia is that diamond in the rough. The country boasts some of the continent’s best wildlife parks, and shares (with Zimbabwe) some of the region’s major highlights: Victoria Falls in Southwestern Zambia, Lake Kariba as well as Lower Zambezi National Park in Southeastern Zambia. It is also an angler’s dream, as fishermen hail from all over the world to try their luck on the mighty Zambezi River with the hopes of landing a toothy tigerfish or the rare, giant vundu. Avid birders also flock to Zambia to glimpse its fabulous diversity of birds, most notably Chaplin’s barbets.

For independent travellers Zambia can be a challenge: distances between major towns and attractions are large, and getting around by car or public transport takes time and patience. But for many, this challenge is part of Zambia’s appeal. Save Lusaka and Livingstone, this is the ‘real’ Africa, so rare among the increasingly developed and Westernised parts of the region.

So if you like your travel easy and your wilderness neatly bundled into a homogenised and Westernised version of ‘Africa’, then much of Zambia may not appeal. But if you enjoy a raw edge and an Africa with few tourists, Zambia is the place you’re looking for.

Lusaka

The capital of Zambia is Lusaka, a small city, part modern and part traditional African, where dusty markets sit alongside Soviet-looking high-rise blocks. Although Zambia is a fascinating country, Lusaka will never be a highlight for tourists. There are few notable buildings, monuments or other sights, but it does boast a lively ambience and genuine African feel. The markets are good, there’s a decent arts scene and the nightclubs throb at weekends. If you have to be in Lusaka for a few days you’ll have no trouble passing the time pleasantly enough. You can easily book a hotel on the website www.medestino.com.

Sights
• Dutch Reform Market: The Dutch Reform Market features artisanal goodies that are a step up in quality from markets elsewhere.
• Henry Tayali Visual Arts Centre: Check out Henry Tayali Visual Arts Centre if you're in a buying mood for local contemporary art.
• Kalimba Reptile Park: A bit of a schlep northeast from town, Kalimba Reptile Park is not only a crocodile and snake zoo (not for petting!), but is also a pleasant place to grab a beer and a crocodile sandwich, though you'll need a 4WD to get there. To get there, go east on the Great East Rd 13km from Arcades. Then make a left at the Caltex filling station, take the road to the end (11km) and the park is on the right.
• Lusaka City Market: The Lusaka City Market is large and lively, but not as atmospheric (or smelly) as the Town Centre Market.
• Munda Wanga Environmental Park: Munda Wanga Environmental Park rehabilitates all sorts of animals for re-entry into the wild, unless they are too injured. The park features plenty of regional flora and fauna, including two cheetahs and seven lions, though the American black bear (a gift from Kenneth Kaunda) looks a little out of place. For visitors, the pool, bar and braai grills are welcome additions. It's about 16km south of central Lusaka.

Jennifer Lopez turns Greek goddess

Jennifer Lopez looked a million miles away from Jenny from the Block as she turned dazzling Greek goddess in a photo shoot at the sacred Acropolis.

Wearing a stunning ice-blue and cream, wool and tulle Dolce & Gabbana autumn 2008 gown, with her hair teased into sexy curls, Jen smouldered for photographer Spyros Poros.

The photoshoot, reportedly for a Greek magazine, also saw her pose in a black Grecian minidress teamed with knee-high gladiator sandals and gorgeous gold jewellery.

One onlooker told The Sun: ‘She looked amazing dressed up as an ancient goddess in three different outfits. ‘At one point, she walked through the crowds wearing her dressing gown and looking very happy.’

J-Lo was in Greece for a concert on Saturday, where the singer donned three outfits for her one-off performance, including a white Charleston-style dress and black shorts with sexy over-the-knee boots.

When you want to turn into a Greek god or goddess as well and have a (tourist) photoshoot at the Acropolis, you can easily book a hotel in Athens on the website www.medestino.com.
But Athens has a lot more to offer than the Acropolis, such as:
• Ancient Agora: The Agora (market) was Athens' meeting place in ancient times, the focal point of administrative, commercial, political and social life. All roads led to this bustling and crowded place, where Socrates once expounded his philosophy and, later, where St Paul disputed daily in an attempt to win converts to Christianity.
• Museum of Cycladic & Ancient Greek Art: This exceptional private museum houses the biggest private collection of Cycladic art in the world. The original building was custom-built for the collection, and the finds are beautifully displayed and well labelled. Although the exhibits cover all periods from Cycladic to Roman times, the emphasis is on the Cycladic era from 3000 BC to 2000 BC.
• National Gardens: The delightfully shady National Gardens, featuring subtropical trees, winding paths and ornamental ponds with waterfowl, are a nice refuge from the heat of the summer months. Besides the exhibits of the Botanical Museum, there's a children's playground, a duck pond and a cafe, which makes a pleasant spot for a break.
• Temple of Olympian Zeus: The Temple of Olympian Zeus is is the largest in Greece. The temple was begun in the 6th century BC by Peisistratos, but was abandoned for lack of funds. Various other leaders had stabs at completing the temple, but it was left to Hadrian to complete the work in AD 131. It took more than 700 years to build.
• Theatre of Dionysos: The importance of theatre in the Athenian city-state can be gauged from the dimensions of the enormous Theatre of Dionysos on the southeastern slope of the Acropolis. During the golden age of the 5th century BC, dramas by Aeschylus, Sophocles and Aristophanes were commissioned for the Festival of Great Dionysia.

Malta, a charming island

The Republic of Malta is a small but heavily populated island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean. Consisting of 7 islands it is a popular tourist resort due to its tropical climate, exciting nightlife, and a history dating back thousands of years. There is something here for every type of holidaymaker.

The Maltese Islands offer an exhilarating contrast of colours: the azure of the Mediterranean, the mellow honey-coloured limestone which characterises the architecture, and clear skies. The Islands are a feast for the senses.

Everywhere you go, a unique historic sight awaits. Temples, palaces, cathedrals, and forts provide a living history you can almost touch. Sound plays an important part in the life of the Islands. The mix of fireworks and village band marches transforms a summer night into a special memory. The advantage of a stay on the Maltese Islands is that you can experience several holidays in one.

Cuisine here is a taste of the Islands' multicultural heritage. Local restaurants offer a creative selection of tempting fare. After dinner, night clubs, wine bars and casinos beckon with their own brand of excitement.

One of the joys of being on The Maltese Islands is that, no matter where you are, you’re never far from one of the many magnificent beaches or secluded little coves.

There is a choice of both sandy and rocky beaches on the Islands, offering practical areas for the family, scenic spots for the romantics, serene areas for those in want of peace and spots for those who are interested in a bit of summer sports fun.

To experience all this, you won't have to travel far. Just a few hours flying time away from most European cities, the Islands are serviced by direct scheduled flights operated by the national carrier and major international airlines.

Top places to visit on the island:
1 Valletta
It’s a joy to explore the pint-sized capital, chock-full of historical and architectural gems
2 Sliema, St Julian’s & Paceville
The place in Malta to promenade, eat, drink, shop and play
3 Vittoriosa
An intriguing mix of old and new, with quirky wine bars and atmospheric alleys to discover
4 Hypogeum
This mysterious underground necropolis still has the experts scratching their heads in wonder
5 Marsaxlokk
Work up an appetite for fresh local seafood while admiring picture-perfect boats in the harbour
6 Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples
More megalithic marvels to keep you guessing, or you can simply admire the spectacular setting
7 Mdina
The jewel in Malta’s crown and a oasis of elegance and loveliness
8 Northern Beaches
See how Malta earned a reputation for beachside holidays at these sun-drenched bays
9 The Blue Lagoon
Crowded, yes, but beautiful nonetheless – and a prime spot for swimming and snorkeling
10 Victoria
Well endowed with historical and gastronomical treats, and with easy access to all of Gozo’s riches
If you want to discover this charming island, go to www.medestino.com to find a great variety of accommodations.

Cyprus, The island of Aphrodite

Floating on the waters of the European Mediterranean, but pointing longingly towards the shores of Syria, Turkey and Lebanon, Cyprus is an odd mixture. It is a kaleidoscopic blend: its cultural influences are dominated by Western Europe, but its geographic proximity to Asia and Africa gives it more than just a hint of the East. Long coveted by mainland Greece and Turkey, this small island has its own definite and beguiling character.
Whether you know it as the ‘island of sin’ (or ‘fun’) thanks to wild stories from Agia Napa; the country that entered the EU only as a half; or, as the tourist brochures love to point out, ‘the island of Aphrodite’, Cyprus both confirms and confounds the stereotype. Parts of Cyprus have been overrun by keen developers who (depending on who you’re talking to) have either ‘sold the country’s soul’ or ‘are bringing great wealth to the island’.



Whatever the truth, in the tourist centres of places like Pafos, Agia Napa or Limasol, you might feel as if you’ve entered a sunny, scorching Essex suburb with lobster-red Brits letting it all hang loose with a lukewarm can of Foster’s in tow. But if curiosity draws you out of the cities, you’ll discover the small villages of the Akamas Peninsula and the heavenly golden beaches of the Karpas (Kırpaşa) Peninsula. Walk the gorgeous Troödos and Kyrenia (Girne) & the Northcoast and inhale the scent of the citrus groves of Morfou (Güzelyurt), or climb to the medieval castles with their shimmering island views. Wander through the sea of wildflowers covering the island in spring, and Cyprus will take your breath away. With good walking shoes, a swimsuit and some sunscreen in your bag, you can have a trip you’ll remember for years.
In addition to the wealth of outdoor sites, tour the priceless collection of artefacts displayed in the various Archaeological Museum where you can see objects spanning the island’s history, including pottery, coins, jewellery, tombstones and statues.

Accommodation

Cypriot hospitality is legendary, and you’ll be given the warmest of welcomes in Cyprus. From the basket of fresh fruit and bottle of wine you may receive on arrival, to the attentiveness of staff and friendly service, everything is geared to make you feel at home.
You will find reasonable rates and every type of accommodation to suit a wide variety of preferences and pockets in Cyprus, offering you great value for money.
Whether you prefer to lounge around in the lap of luxury at a five-star hotel right on the beach with every amenity, including health centre and spa, or if you choose a hotel apartment or villa with pool for independent flexibility, or even a quiet hideaway in the hills in a simple family-run establishment for a back-to-nature experience, you will find what you want on the island. Whether mountains or beach, city or countryside, the island can accommodate you. For more information, go to www.medestino.com.

Istanbul

Istanbul is hot. And we’re not talking about the weather. These days, there are more happening restaurants, bars, galleries and clubs around town than there are exquisite Ottoman mosques (and that’s a lot). The international fashion and design press have been talking up İstanbul ad nauseam, but the most significant thing about the accolade ‘World’s Hippest City’ is that İstanbullus themselves have come believe it. The creeping sense of decrepitude that had fallen like a pall over their once-all-powerful home town has vanished, replaced by a sense of energy and innovation not seen since the days of Süleyman the Magnificent.

The city’s over-abundance of important historic buildings and exciting new art galleries and museums provides visitors with more than enough to see during the day, but it’s at night that the place swings into high-velocity, mega-stylish action. Locals are flocking to see and be seen at an ever-growing array of bars, clubs and restaurants, bringing with them an infectious sense of joie de vivre and a discerning ability to judge these places on their standard of service, drinks, music and food as well as their position in the what’s-hot-and-what’s-not stakes.

That’s not to say that the locals are turning their backs on much-loved city institutions such as the rakı-soaked meyhane (tavern) or tranquil çay bahçesi (tea garden), because they wouldn’t dream of doing anything so foolish. They know, after all, that such institutions are one of the reasons that their home is – and always has been – rightfully dubbed the ‘City of the World’s Desire’.

Shopping

Here is Istanbul….While getting the most out of shopping, does not this metropolis city impress you with the contrast of modern with traditional? Now, let's walk through the Nuruosmaniye gate of the Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi) as we breathe in some history. You can not take your eyes off of shop displays filled with many gorgeous merchandise from jewellery to leatherwear, to carpets.

Now, let's walk down to the wonderful aroma of the Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Carsisi). This is definitely going to make you feel like you are walking through history. A small antique piece can easily be reached at Cukurcuma, Horhor or Sisli. Although walking in this city is like walking in time, different shopping centres dispersed throughout the city can make you reach the contemporary designs. You can find the elite boutiques of the world famous name brands under the 19th century buildings in Nisantasi and Tesvikiye, or in elegant stores in Bagdat Caddesi.

Turkish baths

A Turkish bath (hamam) is on the itinerary of most visitors to Istanbul. The baths are open to men and women at different hours of the day. Traditionally these baths with their marble floors and basins have been a part of daily life in Turkey. The different units are kept at different temperatures. The center stones are slabs where you can sweat. The personnel, tellak for men and natir for women, will massage the skin with a roul silk cloth (kese).
Grand (covered) bazaar

The Grand Bazaar consists of 4,000 shops on a series of covered streets leading to a central avenue. The oldest sections are the Sandal Bedesten (cloth auction) and Cevahir Bedesten (jewelry market). The streets are named according to the trades, such as gold and silver sellers, carpet sellers, slipper sellers, bootsellers, booksellers, pursemakers, etc. The most oriental atmosphere in Istanbul is found in the bazaar, which also houses many good restaurants and cafes.