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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
improbably 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

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Art Imitates Life

Windswept Roman ruins, cathedrals of rare power and incomparable jewels of Islamic
architecture 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
rectangular 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.
Experiencing 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,
Cappadocia’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.

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Activities Galore

Turkey offers activities to suit every temperament, from outdoors adventure to cultural
enrichment. Watery fun includes diving, windsurfing, rafting and canyoning in mountain gorges,
kayaking 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
Cappadocia. 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
Mediterranean 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).

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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 solitude.
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. AndGreek 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 oracle’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 endless 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

The
Original Cool

05

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 nightlife.

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.
Trailblazing 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 notwithstanding).
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 exploring 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!

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).

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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.

07

Unsurpassed
Africa



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.

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MANNA
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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.

09

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.

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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 guest-
houses 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, trop-
icbirds, warblers and magpie robins in their natural habitats, the bird sanctuaries of Aride, Cousin, and Bird
Islands should figure heavily in your planning. 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
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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 backcountry 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).

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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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