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Published by kishan gohel, 2018-08-31 07:52:26

Travel

travel

SPAIN

Passionate, sophisticated and devoted to living the good life, Spain is both a stereotype come to
life and a country more diverse than you ever imagined.
An Epic Land
Spain’s diverse landscapes stir the soul. The Pyrenees and the Picos de Europa are as beautiful
as any mountain range on the continent, while the snowcapped Sierra Nevada rises up improb-
ably from the sun-baked plains of Andalucía; these are hiking destinations of the highest order.
The wildly beautiful cliffs of Spain’s Atlantic northwest are offset by the charming coves of the
Mediterranean. And everywhere you go, villages of timeless beauty perch on hilltops, huddle in
valleys and cling to coastal outcrops as tiny but resilient outposts of Old Spain. That's where the
country's charms are most likely to take hold.
A Culinary Feast
Food and wine are national obsessions in Spain, and with good reason. The touchstones of
Spanish cooking are deceptively simple: incalculable variety, traditional recipes handed down
through the generations, and an innate willingness to experiment and see what comes out of
the kitchen laboratory. You may experience the best meal ever via tapas in an earthy bar where
everyone's shouting, or via a meal prepared by a celebrity chef in the refined surrounds of a
Michelin-starred restaurant. Either way, the breadth of gastronomic experience that awaits you
is breathtaking and sure to be a highlight of your trip.

#spainindetail

01

Art Imitates Life

Windswept Roman ruins, cathedrals of rare power and incomparable jewels of Islamic archi-
tecture speak of a country where the great civilisations of history have risen, fallen and left
behind their indelible mark. More recently, what other country could produce such rebellious
and relentlessly creative spirits as Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso and Antoni Gaudí and place
them front and centre in public life? And here, grand monuments of history coexist alongside
architectural creations of such daring that it becomes clear Spain’s future will be every bit as
original as its past.

Fiestas & Flamenco

For all the talk of Spain’s history, this is a country that lives very much in the present and
there’s a reason ‘fiesta’ is one of the best-known words in the Spanish language – life itself is a
fiesta here and everyone seems to be invited. Perhaps you’ll sense it along a crowded, post-
midnight street when all the world has come out to play. Or maybe that moment will come
when a flamenco performer touches something deep in your soul. Whenever it happens, you’ll
find yourself nodding in recognition: this is Spain.

TURKEY

Turkey is one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations. The rec-
tangular shaped country is surrounded on three sides by three different
seas. Its shores are laced with beaches, bays, coves, ports, islands and
peninsulas. Turkey is also blessed with majestic mountains and valleys,
lakes, rivers, waterfalls and grottoes perfect for winter and summer
tourism and sports of all kinds.

Epic History

From the ancient port city of Ephesus (Efes) to the soaring Byzantine
dome of Aya Sofya, Turkey has more than its fair share of world-
famous ruins and monuments. A succession of historical figures and
empires – including the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans – have all
left their mark on this former stopover along the Silk Road. Experienc-
ing their legacy takes you from the closeted quarters of the sultan and
his harem in İstanbul’s sprawling Topkapı Palace to the romantic and
mysterious Lycian ruins on Mediterranean beaches.

Lyrical Landscapes

Turkey’s diverse landscapes, from Aegean olive groves to eastern
steppe, provide a lyrical setting for its many great ruins. The country’s
most magical scenery is to be found in Asian Anatolia, where beautiful
vistas are provided by the vertiginous Mediterranean coastline, Cappa-
docia’s otherworldly ‘fairy chimney’ rock formations and wavy valleys,
the alpine pastures of the Kaçkar Mountains, and golden beaches such
as 18km-long Patara. Whether you settle down with a çay to enjoy the
view across mountain-ringed Lake Eğirdir or explore the hilly hinterland
on the southwest coast’s many peninsulas, Turkey’s landscape will
leave a lasting impression.

02

Activities Galore

Turkey offers activities to suit every temperament, from outdoors adventure to cultural enrich-
ment. Watery fun includes diving, windsurfing, rafting and canyoning in mountain gorges, kayak-
ing over Kekova’s sunken ruins and traditional gület cruises on the Mediterranean and Aegean.
Or take to the air with Ölüdeniz’ thrilling paragliding flights or a hot-air balloon ride over Cappado-
cia. For a fresh angle on stunning Turkish scenery, trek to highland pastures or walk part of the
Lycian Way trail. In town, take a culinary course, soak in the hamam or sign up for a culinary or
cultural walking tour.

Culinary Exploration

The best thing about sampling Turkey’s delicious specialties – ranging from meze on a Mediter-
ranean harbour to a pension breakfast featuring ingredients fresh from the kitchen garden – is
that they take you to the heart of Turkish culture. For the sociable and family-orientated Turks,
gathering together and eating well is a time-honoured ritual. So get stuck into olive oil–lathered
Aegean vegetables, spicy Anatolian kebaps and dishes from Turkey’s many other corners – and
as you drink a tulip-shaped glass of çay and contemplate some baklava for dessert, remember
that eating is deepening your understanding of Turkey.



Move your
imagination

POLAND

In Poland, we have everything: beautiful
coastal beaches and sand dunes, glacier-
carved lake districts, lowlands as flat as
a pancake, splendid forests, old and new
mountains (including the only table-like
mountains in Europe!), even a desert. Just
you try to say that Poland does not live in
wealth!

A Thousand Years

Poland’s roots go back to the turn of
the first millennium, leaving a thousand
years of twists and turns and kings and
castles to explore. WWII history buffs
are well served. Tragically, Poland found
itself in the middle of that epic fight, and
monuments and museums dedicated to
its battles – and to Poland’s remarkable
survival – can be seen everywhere.
There’s a growing appreciation, too, of
the rich Jewish heritage. Beyond the
deeply affecting Holocaust memorials,
synagogues are being sensitively
restored, and former Jewish centres such
as Łódź and Lublin have heritage trails,
so you can trace this history at your own
pace.

Castles to Log Cabins

The former royal capital of Kraków is a
living lab of architecture over the ages.
Its nearly perfectly preserved Gothic core
proudly wears overlays of Renaissance,
baroque and art nouveau, a record
of tastes that evolved over centuries.
Fabulous medieval castles and evocative
ruins dot hilltops around the country, and
the fantastic red-brick fortresses of the
Teutonic Knights stand proudly in the
north along the Vistula. Simple but finely
crafted wooden churches hide amid the
Carpathian hills, and the ample skills
of the highlanders are on display at the
many skansens (open-air ethnographic
museums).

03

Heart-Warming Food

If you’re partial to good home cooking,
the way your grandmother used to make
it, you’ve come to the right place. Polish
food is based largely on local ingredients
like pork, cabbage, mushrooms, beetroot
and onion, combined simply and honed to
perfection. Regional specialties like duck,
goose and trout keep things from getting
dull. As for sweets, it’s hard to imagine a
more accommodating destination. Cream
cakes, apple strudel, pancakes, fruit-filled
dumplings and a special mania for lody (ice
cream) may have you skipping the main
course and jumping straight to the main
event.

Fresh-Air Pursuits

Away from the big cities, much of Poland feels
remote and unspoiled. While large swathes of
the country are flat, the southern border is lined
with a chain of low-lying but lovely mountains
that invite days, if not weeks, of splendid soli-
tude. Well-marked hiking paths criss-cross the
country, taking you through dense forest, along
broad rivers and through mountain passes.
Much of the northeast is covered by interlinked
lakes and waterways ideal for kayaking and
canoeing – no experience necessary. Local
outfitters are happy to set you up for a couple of
hours or weeks.



GREECE

Ancient sun-bleached ruins pierce blue skies as the Aegean laps at the endless coastline. And-
Greek culture is alive with passionate music, inspired cuisine and thrill-seeking activities.

Cultural Treasure Chest

Standing in the shadow of the Acropolis feels other-worldly. Greece is full of such
moments. Step into the ring where Olympians first competed. Climb steps hewn out
of stone to Meteora’s monasteries, perched atop towering rocks. Contemplate the ora-
cle’s insights from the grandeur of Delphi, take in a starlit drama at an ancient outdoor
theatre and be stunned by massive marble sculptures dredged up from the Aegean.
But then you’ll encounter bold modern art, the melancholic throb of rembetika (blues
songs) and artisans creating new work from traditional techniques. Greece has end-
less cultural pursuits and a calendar bursting with festivals, holidays and exhibits.

Wildly Natural

Whether you’re a serious adrenalin junkie or dedicated beach bum, Greece will bewitch
you. Days melt from one to the next under wide open skies and a sea speckled with
islands that deliver the white-sand, palm-fringed beaches of your dreams. Wander
along cobbled Byzantine footpaths, hike into volcanoes, watch for dolphins and sea
turtles, and cycle through lush forests. Meander through olive groves, idyllic villages
and petrified forests. Thrill seekers will discover world-class kitesurfing, wreck diving,
and rock-climbing locations with dizzying views. Or simply hop on a boat and set sail
into the glittering blue beyond.

All Time Classic
04

Local Flavours

The secret to Greek cooking is often found in the chef’s garden. Basic ingredients such as feta
and olive oil are at home across Greece, but the regional produce and cooking styles make
travelling here a culinary adventure. Taste herbs and mountain greens you’ve never heard of,
mussels steamed in ouzo, bread baked with olives, and fish straight from the sea. Taste-test
regional cheeses: crumbling feta, honeyed soft cheeses and sharp, hard rounds. Find Italian
influences in risottos and pastas or Turkish spices woven into delicate sweets. A traditional-
cooking renaissance has chefs lifting time-honoured recipes to new gourmet heights.

Socially Spirited

Socialising is more than a pastime in Greece – it’s a way of life. Cafes overflow with teenag-
ers gossiping or older locals in heated debate. Restaurants are filled with long tables for big
gatherings and friends amble arm in arm down the street. Squares are the focal point, where
life unfolds collectively. Immerse yourself, whether it’s a coffee, a shot of ouzo, a chorus on the
bouzouki or a local celebration. Greeks are passionate and live life to the fullest, even at the
most difficult times. The result is a country seemingly riddled with challenges, yet full of people
loving life.

THE NETHERLANDS

Tradition and innovation intertwine here: artistic masterpieces, centuries-old windmills, tulip fields and
romantic candlelit cafés coexist with visionary architecture, cutting-edge design and phenomenal night-
life.

Art & Architecture

In a country that gave birth to celebrated Dutch Masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh and Piet
Mondrian, the art legacy is huge. World-renowned art museums in Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam,
Haarlem and Leiden drip with iconic masterpieces, alongside a respectable portfolio of contemporary
works. The Dutch influence on construction spans more than a millennia, from Romanesque and Gothic
medieval magnum opuses to Dutch Renaissance palaces and romantic Golden Age gabled houses. Trail-
blazing contemporary architecture – green and innovative – is a perfect reflection of a country perfectly
in tune with its environment (and the need to protect it).

Cycling

With fabulously pancake-flat, scenic landscapes beckoning along every last dyke, canal, river and coastal
shore, two-wheeling in the Netherlands is one of Dutch life’s greatest pleasures (headwinds notwith-
standing). While the bike-loving Dutch practically live on their well-worn, beloved fiets (bicycles) – many,
infamously only with back-pedal coaster brakes – cycling for visitors is a wonderful means of explor-
ing and getting around. Bike-rental outlets are ubiquitous, and the country is criss-crossed with some
32,000km of cycling paths, including the Dutch ‘motorways’ of cycling, the long-distance LF routes. Grab
some wheels and go!

05

The
Original Cool

Café Culture

When the Dutch say café they mean a pub, and there are thousands – with
glorious summertime terraces peppering flower-strewn canals, looking out
to sea, hidden down ancient lanes, standing on every town’s Grote Markt
(market square). In a country that values socialising and conversation more
than drinking, cafés are places for go-slow contemplation and camaraderie,
over dusk-time borrel (‘drinks’) with bar snacks or a fabulous meal any time
of day. The ultimate café kick: revelling in that deliciously snug, Dutch state
of gezelligheid (conviviality, cosiness) in a timeless bruin café (brown cafe),
named for the nicotine stains of centuries past.

Landscapes

Geography plays a key role in the Netherlands’
iconic landscapes. More than half the pancake-
flat country is below sea level, and 20% has been
reclaimed from the sea, making regimental rows
of polders (areas of drained land) omnipresent.
Uninterrupted North Sea winds have powered
windmills since the 13th century, pumping water
over the dykes, milling flour and more. Some
two-thirds of the surface is devoted to agriculture,
including beautiful rainbow fields of crocuses,
daffodils, hyacinths and tulips that burst into
flower each year between March and May.
The kaleidoscope of colour is nothing short of
psychedelic.

PERU

Peru is as complex as its most intricate and exquisite weavings. Festivals mark ancient rites,
the urban vanguard beams innovation and nature brims with splendid diversity.
All Things Ancient
Visitors pilgrimage to the glorious Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, yet this feted site is just a flash
in a 5000-year history of peoples. Explore the dusted remnants of Chan Chan, the largest pre-
Columbian ruins in all the Americas. Fly over the puzzling geoglyphs etched into the arid earth
at Nazca. Or venture into the rugged wilds that hem the stalwart fortress of Kuelap. Lima’s great
museums reveal in full detail the sophistication, skill and passion of these lost civilizations. Visit
remote communities and see how old ways live on. Immerse yourself, and you will leave Peru a
little closer to the past.
Pleasure & the Palate
One existential question haunts all Peruvians: what to eat? Ceviche with slivers of fiery chili and
corn, slow-simmered stews, velvety Amazonian chocolate – in the capital of Latin cooking, the
choices dazzle. Great geographic and cultural diversity has brought ingredients ranging from
highland tubers to tropical jungle fruits to a complex cuisine of Spanish, indigenous, African
and Asian influence. The truth is, fusion existed here long before it came with airs. Explore the
bounty of food markets. Sample grilled anticuchos (beef skewers) on the street corners and
splurge a little on exquisite novoandina (Peruvian nouvelle cuisine).

06

Land of Incas



Oh, Adventure

Giant sand dunes, chiseled peaks and Pacific breaks a few heartbeats away from
the capital’s rush-hour traffic: from downtown Lima to smack-dab nowhere, this vast
country translates to paradise for the active traveler. All the usual suspects – rafting,
paragliding, zip lines and bike trails – are present. Spot scarlet macaws in the Amazon
or catch the sunset over the dusty remnants of an ancient civilization. Take this big
place in small bites and don’t rush. Delays happen. Festivals can swallow you whole
for days. And that’s when you realize: in Peru the adventure usually lies in getting
there.

Life is a Carnival

Welcome to a place of mythical beliefs where ancient pageants unwind to the tune of
booming brass bands. Peru’s rich cultural heritage is never more real and visceral than
when you are immersed streetside in the swirling madness of a festival. Deities of old
are reincarnated as Christian saints, pilgrims climb mountains in the dead of night and
icons are paraded through crowded plazas as once were the mummies of Inca rulers.
History is potent here and still pulsing, and there is no better way to experience it.

TANZANIA

Wildlife, beaches, friendly people, fascinating
cultures, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Mt
Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar Archipelago –
Tanzania has all these and more wrapped up
in one adventurous, welcoming package

Wonderful Wildlife

More than almost any other destination,
Tanzania is the land of safaris. Wildebeest
stampede across the plains. Hippos jostle
for space in muddy waterways. Elephants
wander along seasonal migration routes
and chimpanzees swing through the
treetops. Throughout the country there are
unparalleled opportunities to experience
this natural wealth: take a boat safari down
the Rufiji River past snoozing crocodiles
in Selous Game Reserve; watch giraffes
silhouetted against ancient baobab trees
in Ruaha National Park; sit motionless as
waterbirds peck in the shallows around
Rubondo Island; and hold your breath while
lions pad around your vehicle in Ngorongoro
Crater.

Idyllic Beaches

Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coastline is magical,
with tranquil islands and sleepy coastal
villages steeped in centuries of Swahili
culture. Travel back in time to the days
when the East African coast was the seat of
sultans and a linchpin in a far-flung trading
network extending to Persia, India and
beyond. Relax on powdery beaches backed
by palm trees and massive baobabs; take in
magnificent, pastel-hued sunrises; immerse
yourself in languid coastal rhythms; and
sit beneath the billowing sails of a wooden
dhow, listening to the creaking of its rigging
and the gentle slap of the sea against its
prow.

Unsurpassed
Africa

06



Mt Kilimanjaro
Sending its shadow across Tanzania’s northern
plains, Mt Kilimanjaro beckons visitors with
its graceful, forested flanks and stately snow-
capped summit. It is Africa’s highest peak
and the world’s highest free-standing volcano.
It is also home to the Chagga people, and
to a wealth of birds and wildlife. Climbers
by the thousands venture here to challenge
themselves on its muddy slopes, rocky trails
and slippery scree. The rewards: the thrill of
standing at the top of Africa; magnificent views
of Kilimanjaro’s ice fields; and witnessing
sunrise illuminating the plains far below.

Captivating Cultures

Wherever you go in Tanzania, opportunities
abound for getting to know the country’s
people and cultures. Meet red-cloaked Maasai
warriors. Spend time with semi-nomadic
Barabaig near Mt Hanang. Experience the
hospitality of a local meal and the rhythms
of traditional dance. Chat and barter at local
markets. More than anything else, it is the
Tanzanian people – with their characteristic
warmth and politeness, and the dignity and
beauty of their cultures – that make visiting
Tanzania so memorable. Chances are you’ll
want to come back for more, to which most
Tanzanians will say ‘karibu tena’ (welcome
again).

FRENCH
POLYNESIA

Sculpted by sky-piercing, moss-green peaks and lined with vivid turquoise lagoons, sultry French
Polynesia is a place to take it slow and experience warm, laid-back island culture

The Dream

Tahiti: just the word conjures up centuries’ worth of images: hibiscus flowers; bronzed dancers in
grass skirts; a humid breeze over turquoise sea. The islands of French Polynesia became legends the
minute the first European explorers reached their home shores with tales of a heaven on earth where
the soil was fertile, life was simple and lust was guilt-free. While the lingering hype is outdated, French
Polynesia is still about as dreamy as reality gets. The lagoons are just as blue but there are freeways,
more conservative values and nine-to-five jobs. It’s not the untainted paradise of explorer lore, but at
least there’s an internet connection.

Lagoon Spectacular

The slim stretches of white-, pink- and black-sand beaches in French Polynesia are really just pretty
springboards into the real draw: the lagoons. Most high islands are surrounded by fringing reef that
creates a protected swimming pool of the most intense aqua imaginable. Coral atolls have this same
calibre of lagoon minus the big island in the middle. Fish, dolphins, rays, sharks, turtles and more
inhabit these clear-water coral gardens that are as excellent for snorkelling as they are for diving and
swimming. Surfers ride glassy wave faces at reef passes while kitesurfers fly across the water with the
trade winds.

07

MANNA
7

To Luxe or Not to Luxe

Over-the-top indulgence has become French Polynesia’s – or more specifically
Bora Bora’s signature, and often overshadows what the rest of the country has to
offer. Resorts on the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’ are a honeymooner’s dream, with private
overwater bungalows and spectacular views of the island’s iconic, square-topped
peak. But if this isn’t your cup of coconut water, or not in your budget, don’t let that
dissuade you from visiting French Polynesia. Small, family-run lodgings offer a closer-
to-the-culture experience for considerably less financial output.



JAPAN

Japan is truly timeless, a place where ancient traditions are fused with modern life as
if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Traditional Culture

On the surface, Japan appears exceedingly modern, but travelling around it offers
numerous opportunities to connect with the country’s traditional culture. Spend the
night in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), sleeping on futons and tatami mats,
and padding through well-worn wooden halls to the bathhouse (or go one step
further and sleep in an old farmhouse). Chant with monks or learn how to whisk
bitter matcha (powdered green tea) into a froth. From the splendour of a Kyoto geisha
dance to the spare beauty of a Zen rock garden, Japan has the power to enthral even
the most jaded traveller.

Food

Wherever you are in Japan, it seems, you’re never more than 500m from a great meal.
Restaurants often specialise in just one dish – perhaps having spent generations
perfecting it – and pay close attention to every stage, from sourcing the freshest,
local ingredients to assembling the dish attractively. Moreover, you don’t have to
travel far to discover that Japanese cuisine is deeply varied. The hearty hotpots of the
mountains are, for example, dramatically different from the delicate sushi for which
the coast is famous. It’s also intensely seasonal, meaning you can visit again at a
different time of year and experience totally new tastes.

08

Endless
Discovery

Outdoors
Japan is a long and slender, highly volcanic archipelago. It’s over two-thirds mountains, with
bubbling hot springs at every turn. In the warmer months there is excellent hiking, through cedar
groves and fields of wildflowers, up to soaring peaks and ancient shrines (the latter founded by
wandering ascetics). In the winter, all this is covered with snow and the skiing is world class.
(And if you’ve never paired hiking or skiing with soaking in onsen, you don’t know what you’ve
been missing.) Meanwhile in the southern reaches, there are tropical beaches for sunning, snor-
kelling, diving and surfing.

Dynamic Cities
The neon-lit streetscapes of Japan’s cities look like sci-fi film sets, even though many of
them are decades old. Meanwhile, cities such as Tokyo and Osaka have been adding new
architectural wonders that redefine what buildings – and cities – should look like. There’s an
indelible buzz to these urban centres, with their vibrant street life, 24-hour drinking and dining
scenes, and creative hubs that turn out fashion and pop culture trends consumed the world
over. Travel is always smooth and efficient, whether you’re using the subway to get around or
the shinkansen(bullet trains) to go from one city to the next.

SEYCHELLES

Talcum-powder beaches lapped by topaz waters, lush hills, a sublime laid-back tempo; these dreams of a
tropical paradise become reality in the Seychelles.

Splendid Beaches

Mother Nature was very generous with these 115 islands scattered in the Indian Ocean, and has spoiled
them rotten. Undeniably, the beaches are the big attraction, and what beaches: exquisite ribbons of
pearlescent sand lapped by topaz waters and backed by lush hills and big glacis boulders. And hardly
a soul in sight. Choosing your favourite beach is like trying to pick a flavour of ice cream – they’re all
so good! Hot favourites include world-famous Anse Source d’Argent, secluded Anse Marron, sexy Anse
Takamaka and picture-postcard perfect Anse Lazio.

Aquatic Delights

Diving and snorkelling are the most popular activities in the Seychelles, and rightly so. Healthy reefs,
canyon-like terrain, shallow shelves, exciting shipwrecks, impressive granite outcrops and splendid coral
gardens give divers and snorkellers almost instant access to a variety of environments. The water is
warm and clear, and teeming with life from the tiniest juvenile tropical to the largest pelagic creature,
including whale sharks. Whether you’re an experienced diver or slapping on fins for the first time, there
are sites for all levels. And you’ll be welcomed by qualified, multilingual instructors in state-of-the-art dive
centres.

09

Another World

Luxury Resorts
White-sand beaches, secluded coves, coral-coloured sunsets, swish hotels, slick restaurants,
hushed spas. With such a dreamlike setting, it’s not surprising that honeymooners and those
seeking a glamorous tropical getaway have long had the Seychelles at the top of their wish lists.
You too can live the high life at one of the country’s star-spangled hotspots, provided you have
the cash. If you’re not a millionaire, fear not. This paradise is more affordable than you think. On
top of ultraluxurious options, the Seychelles has plenty of self-catering facilities and family-run
guesthouses that are easier on the wallet and offer local colour.

Ecotourism & Wildlife Spotting
Charge your camera batteries, people – the Seychelles is not dubbed ‘The Galàpagos of the
Indian Ocean’ for nothing. Watching sea turtles nesting on Bird Island’s sandy beaches or giant
Aldabra tortoises roaming freely on Curieuse is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences. If
you’re hoping to spot sooty terns, tropicbirds, warblers and magpie robins in their natural habi-
tats, the bird sanctuaries of Aride, Cousin, and Bird Islands should figure heavily in your plan-
ning. And Praslin’s Vallée de Mai is a slice of Eden where you can see the very rare coco de mer
palms in their natural state.

Alaska

Bears larger than bison, national parks the size of nations, and glaciers bigger
than other US states. The word ‘epic’ barely does Alaska justice.

The Call of the Wild

Pure, raw, unforgiving and humongous in scale, Alaska is a place that arouses
basic instincts and ignites what Jack London termed the ‘call of the wild.’ Yet,
unlike London and his gutsy, gold-rush companions, visitors today will have a
far easier time penetrating the region’s vast, feral wilderness. Indeed, one of the
beauties of the 49th state is its accessibility. Few other places in the US allow
you to scale an unclimbed mountain, walk where – quite possibly – no human
foot has trodden before, or sally forth into a national park that gets fewer annual
visitors than the International Space Station.

All Creatures Great and Small

Who needs zoos when you can get close-up views of brown bears snatching
leaping salmon out of angry waterfalls or see curious moose posing majestically
on national-park roadsides? Alaska is a land for wilderness purists who desire
to observe big fauna in its natural habitat. This is no place for the timid. Hiking
in unguarded backcountry might sometimes feel like being a guest in a very big
food chain, but keep your wits about you, and the musk oxen, gray wolves, bears,
caribou and other creatures great and small will quietly accept you into their
domain.

The Last Frontier
10

Life on the Frontier
Space might be the final frontier, but for those without billions of dollars and their own space
rocket, Alaska can provide a pretty gritty alternative. With scant phone coverage and a dearth of
anything that passes for urban sophistication, this is a region for ‘doing’ rather than hanging out
in coffee bars. Get a skilled bush pilot to land you on a crevasse-riddled glacier, or hire a back-
country guiding company to take you on a bracing paddle down an almost-virgin river. Whether
you go it alone with bear-spray, or place yourself in the hands of an experienced ’sourdough’
(Alaskan old-timer), the rewards are immeasurable.

Tales of the Unexpected
For savvy repeat visitors, the real joys of Alaska are the ones you least expect: ginormous
vegetables, epic bus rides, half-forgotten Russian cemeteries, friendly, hassle-free airports,
and dive bars where no one’s rethought their hairstyle since 1984. Welcome to a state with as
many offbeat attractions as off-the-beaten-track locations. Imagine a land where locals still go
subsistence hunting, campers plan gold-panning expeditions in the wilderness and wi-fi is just
a rumor. Pitch in with a quirky medley of contrarians, rat-race escapees, wanderers, dreamers,
back-to-the-landers and Alaska Natives and discover what makes America’s biggest state tick.



ITALY

Home to many of the world’s greatest works of art, architecture and
gastronomy, Italy elates, inspires and moves like no other.

Cultural Riches

Epicentre of the Roman Empire and birthplace of the Renaissance,
this European virtuoso groans under the weight of its cultural cachet:
it’s here that you’ll stand in the presence of Michelangelo’s David and
Sistine Chapel frescoes, Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and Primavera and da
Vinci’s The Last Supper. In fact, Italy has more Unesco World Heritage
cultural sites than any other country on Earth. Should you walk in the
footsteps of ancient Romans in Pompeii, revel in Ravenna’s glittering
Byzantine treasures or get breathless over Giotto’s revolutionary frescoes
in Padua? It’s a cultural conundrum as thrilling as it is overwhelming.

Inimitable Style

In few places do art and life intermingle so effortlessly. This may be
the land of Dante, Titian and Verdi, but it’s also the home of Prada,
Massimo Bottura and Renzo Piano. Beauty, style and flair furnish every
aspect of daily life, from those immaculately knotted ties and seamless
espressos to the flirtatious smiles of striking strangers. The root of Italian
psychology is a dedication to living life well, and effortless as it may
seem, driving that dedication is a reverence for the finer things. So slow
down, style up and indulge in a little vita all’italiana (life, Italian style).

Made in Italy

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Endless Feasts

It might look like a boot, but food-obsessed Italy feels
more like a decadently stuffed Christmas stocking.
From delicate tagliatelle al ragù to velvety cannoli, every
bite can feel like a revelation. The secret: superlative
ingredients and finely tuned know-how. And while
Italy’s culinary soul might prefer simplicity, it’s equally
ingenious and sophisticated. Expect some of the world’s
top fine-dining destinations, from San Pellegrino ‘World’s
Best 50’ hot spots to Michelin-starred musts. So whether
you’re on a degustation odyssey in Modena, truffle
hunting in Piedmont or swilling powerhouse reds in the
Valpolicella wine region, prepare to loosen that belt.

Spectacular Landscapes

Italy’s fortes extend beyond its galleries, wardrobes
and dining rooms. The country is one of nature’s
masterpieces, with extraordinary natural diversity
matched by few. From the north’s icy Alps and glacial
lakes to the south’s fiery craters and turquoise grottoes,
this is a place for doing as well as seeing. One day
you’re tearing down Courmayeur’s powdery slopes, the
next you could be galloping across the marshes of the
Maremma, or diving in coral-studded Campanian waters.
Not bad for a country not much bigger than Arizona.



NORWAY

Norway is a once-in-a-lifetime destination and the essence of
its appeal is remarkably simple: this is one of the most beautiful
countries on earth.

Stirring Landscapes

Impossibly steep-sided Norwegian fjords of extraordinary beauty
cut gashes from a jagged coastline deep into the interior. Glaciers,
grand and glorious, snake down from icefields that rank among
Europe’s largest. Elsewhere, the mountainous terrain of Norway’s
interior resembles the ramparts of so many natural fortresses,
and yields to rocky coastal islands that rise improbably from
the waters like apparitions. Then, of course, there’s the primeval
appeal, the spare and staggering beauty of the Arctic. And
wherever you find yourself in this most extraordinary country,
these landscapes serve as a backdrop for some of Europe’s
prettiest villages.

The Call to Action

Enjoying nature in Norway is very much an active pursuit, and this
is one of Europe’s most exciting and varied adventure-tourism
destinations. Some activities may be for the young, energetic and
fearless, but most – world-class hiking, cycling and white-water
rafting in summer; dog-sledding, skiing and snowmobiling in
winter – can be enjoyed by anyone of reasonable fitness. On our
travels we’ve encountered 93-year-old snowmobilers and whole
families racing down rapids. Whether you’re here for seemingly
endless summer possibilities, or in winter for the soul-stirring
Northern Lights, these activities are an exhilarating means of
getting close to nature.

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