When planning your upcoming summer vacation, Katherine Perry recommends a stopover in one of these European destinations – far from madding crowds.
CITY CHARM
Delft, Netherlands
This beautiful city in the heart of Holland was once the home of Vermeer – the artist who painted Girl with a Pearl Earring. Take the Vermeer Walk past picturesque locations where he lived and worked. The spectacular New Church houses the Mausoleum of William of Orange and the royal crypts. Famous for Delftware, ceramics have long been an important part of Delft’s history and are still significant today. Add to this, this city’s tree lined canals, historic buildings, fabulous restaurants, museums and almshouses – you’ll find Delft encompasses many of Holland’s charms, with a sleepier soul than Amsterdam.
GETTING THERE Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com) flies direct to Amsterdam. From there it’s a 40-minute train ride to Delft.
STAY History lovers will enjoy the Hotel Johannes Vermeer (www.hotelvermeer.nl).
CONTACT www.delfthotels.nl for hotel information, location details and special packages. www.delft.nl for general information.
The gateway to the Fjords, this picturesque city is surrounded by seven great mountains. Travel over them to arrive, or take day trips using Bergen as your base. Old Bergen has museums and galleries that keep a sense of history and art alive so expect a vibrant cultural life. One of the best tools for tourists is the Bergen Card which you can purchase online before you visit, or at the railway station, tourist offices and some hotels. It enables you to enjoy free bus travel and free admission to many attractions, with discounts on others. Highlights include the medieval Castle Haakon’s Hall, Hanseatic Museum and St Mary’s Church.
GETTING THERE You can take direct flights from Oslo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Amsterdam and London, but the day-long scenic train ride from Oslo is the way to go! Fly to Oslo with Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com) and Lufthansa (www.lufthansa.com.sg) via Frankfurt.
STAY Bergen Travel Hotel (www.hotelbergen.com) is in the heart of Bergen while Radisson SAS Royal Hotel (www.radissonsas.com) is located on the waterfront.
CONTACT www.visitBergen.com
OUT & ABOUT
The Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland
For lovers of the outdoors who want amazing scenery and activities including hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, golf and even fishing, this destination is worth the trek. Spectacular mountains include the highest peak in Northern Ireland – Slieve Donard, the magnificent forest parks of Castlewellan – home to the world’s largest maze, Tolleymore and Kilbroney plus valleys, beaches and the ancient dunes of Murlough.
GETTING THERE Fly British Airways (www.britishairways.com) via London or Manchester to Belfast, then self-drive or take the train. Self-drive gives you great flexibility to explore.
STAY Try camping when travelling between bed and breakfast guest houses, or stay in the nearby city of Newcastle at Slieve Donard Hotel (www.hastingshotels.com).
CONTACT www.mournemountains.com and www.discovernorthernireland.com – offers driving maps.
Canal du Midi, France
Explore this beautiful part of Southern France by boating on or biking beside the Canal du Midi, which runs from the city of Toulouse to the port of Sete. This tree-lined canal covers 240 kilometres as it meanders through Cathar country, passing locks, bridges, aqueducts and picturesque villages. The nearby wineries provide many excuses to take a break. And the majestic walled town of Carcassonne is a must-see, with romantic drawbridges, towers and cobbled streets of the old city. Both the town and the canal are UNESCO world heritage sites.
GETTING THERE Fly to Paris with Air France (www.airfrance.com) or Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com), then drive or take a train to pick up your boat or bike at any of the main towns along the canal.
HIRE Boat companies: www.holidayboat.net and www.boatingholidays.com. Bike tours: www.FrenchCyclingHolidays.com and www.biketoursdirect.com.
CONTACT www.le-guide.com/canaldumidi and www.midicanal.fr
Vis, Croatia
Croatia is the up and coming trendy tourist spot of Europe. The old world charm of Zagreb and Dubrovnik has huge appeal, but an island getaway to Vis is also highly recommended. The perfect combination of historical ambience and serene aquamarine bays, this traditional fishing island has two medieval retreats to choose from – the main town of Vis, where the car ferry lands, or cobble-stoned Komiza, over the hill. Take comfy mats to enjoy the pebble beaches and a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea. There’s diving and yachting, day trips to nearby Bisevo with its Blue Grotto, or just wander the towns and enjoy al fresco dining.
GETTING THERE Fly via Frankfurt with Lufthansa (www.lufthansa.com.sg) and travel to Vis by ferry from the old Roman city of Split.
STAY The main hotels in Vis – both three-star – are Hotel Tamaris (Email: tamaris@st.t-com.hr) and Hotel Bisevo in Komiza (Email: modra.spilja@st.t-com.hr).
CONTACT www.tz-vis.hr – also lists houses, apartments and rooms for rent.
Maltese Islands
In the heart of the Mediterranean, the Maltese islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino are mythic and drenched in 7,000 years of history and legend. Aptly described as open-air museums, they are home to Megalithic temples, 365 churches – including Renaissance cathedrals – and numerous forts, Baroque palaces and the oldest known human structures in the world. As well as sightseeing, the temperate climate means you can enjoy a variety of land and sea sports, or just relax on a sandy beach beside the calming blue azure of the Mediterranean.
GETTING THERE Fly direct to Malta from most main European cities. For more information visit www.airmalta.com.
STAY Treat yourself to Le Meridien Phoenicia (www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien) in the city of Valletta on Malta.
CONTACT www.visitmalta.com
CAPITAL CULTURE
Madrid, Spain
An art lover’s paradise, Madrid is famous for the Prado with its exceptional religious paintings and noble portraits by El Greco and Goya. Then there’s the Thyssen and the Reina Sofia rounding out an impressive trio of museums. Another amazing trio is Madrid’s three main architectural areas: the Puerto del Sol at its centre; the Plaza Mayor – its Golden Age core and the magnificent Plaza de Cibeles. When you’re worn out from sightseeing, enjoy the café culture with tapas, or a Michelin-star experience at one Madrid’s world-class restaurants.
GETTING THERE Fly Air France (www.airfrance.com) via Paris or British Airways (www.britishairways.com) via London.
STAY Splurge on the top of the range Hotel Villa Real (www.derbyhotels.es) or the Hotel Campomanes (www.hhcampomanes.com) near the Opera house.
CONTACT www.aboutmadrid.com
Budapest, Hungary
With old world European charm and relaxing Turkish baths, Budapest is a capital city with a gentle pace. The Danube flows between Buda and Pest, providing the chance for many a scenic stroll past grandiose architecture. Buildings reflect the city’s heritage from the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires, to the Soviet era. From the oldest crossing – the Chain Bridge built in 1873 – you can catch the funicular to Castle Hill and the Royal Palace complex. With many museums, an extensive National Art Gallery, the Opera House and steaming baths, you can immerse yourself in Budapest – both culturally and literally!
GETTING THERE Fly Turkish Airlines (www.thy.com) via Istanbul
STAY The luxurious Kempinski Hotel Corvinus (www.kempinski-budapest.com) is located city centre, for Danube views try Inter-Continental Hotel (www.intercontinental.com).
CONTACT www.tourinform.hu
Posted Mar 07
