One of the most popular destinations in the Ionian Sea is Corfu. Corfu offers gorgeous beaches and holiday villas as well as stunning views of the islands from its mountain roads. Tourists can enjoy a variety of Greek cuisine or, for those who are less adventurous, there are a variety of cafes that serve English food.

An Ionian Sea cruise is ideal for short and long cruise holidays. Those interested in shorter cruises can take a selection of day and night cruises starting from Corfu to many of the other Greek islands. Day cruises allow you to pack in a bit of exploring on each island. You can even take a day trip to Plataria, a stunning town that has a variety of cafes and souvenir shops.

Albania is the perfect location for those wishing to enjoy a longer cruise. Known for its folk music, Albania is ideal for those who enjoy a thriving nightlife. It is also known for its cuisine, which comprises mainly of meat and vegetables. Tourists can also enjoy a variety of fish dishes as well as a selection of soups.

If you wish to explore the beauty of Greece’s many islands then an Ionian cruise is the perfect choice.

Nicosia, the capital, is one of the more popular places to visit in the Mediterranean and you will be delighted with all activities and attractions on offer.  There are restaurants to suit everyone’s taste, from local food and delicacies to more modern restaurants catering for those who prefer fast food or international cuisine.

Cyprus is steeped in tradition and has many winding roads leading to out of the way villages and churches that will demonstrate to visitors how the islanders lived many years ago.  The main languages on the island are Greek and Turkish, although in the larger villages visitors may find that some English is spoken.

This island paradise has many beaches for tourists to enjoy and the water is crystal clear, still unspoilt by the modern world. Water sports such as diving and wind surfing are common with competitions held on a regular basis. If it is relaxation you desire then Cyprus has many quieter beaches where sunbathing is the dominant activity.

As Cyprus is one of the most popular tourist destinations, there are many holiday companies and private individuals who will rent you their villas in Cyprus for a reasonable price.  If you want luxury or just something to fulfil your basic needs, all options are available.

Although Ibiza has a lot of bad press due to the amount of younger people partying to excess, there is also a quiet side for the more mature visitor to enjoy.  You can eat a meal at prestigious restaurants or just take a quiet walk on the beach and watch the most stunning sunsets in the Mediterranean.  Hiking around the island is popular for the more energetic tourist and many local restaurants can provide lunch during your travels.

Bars and clubs are not the only entertainment that the island has for tourists.  You can try flamenco dancing, which is considered the most emotional and passionate dance the world has to offer.  Or you can visit the historic, Capilla de San Ciriaco, with its famed steep cobbled streets.

There are also some 80 plus beaches on Ibiza for you to enjoy.  From busy tourist areas to the more tranquil secluded coves, Ibiza can provide all your entertainment.  You can play games on the beach and many water sports are possible or you can even avail of a fishing trip on a chartered boat.  Whatever holiday type you desire, Ibiza can cater for all your requirements.

France also offers a selection of farmhouses that are ideal for those preferring to stay in a more rural location. Apartments, villas and farmhouses are available in a variety of sizes, some of which offer more than five bedrooms. There are also smaller apartments for those looking for accommodation that is ideal for a couple or small group.

Those interested in exploring the French Alps have a variety of accommodation to choose from. There are skiing chalets available that are suitable for large and small groups, all of which are conveniently located near to the slopes, ski lifts and skiing schools. Those staying around Mount Blanc will have easy access to the town centre, which is packed with a variety of shops and restaurants.

In addition to stunning scenery, France also offers plenty of history and culture and is the perfect holiday destination for those looking for a location that offers top quality accommodation as well as plenty of fascinating attractions. With so many different types of luxurious and comfortable apartments and villas available, you are sure to find something that suits your taste and budget.

Some of the top attractions include:

The Tower of London

Infamous as a medieval prison, the Tower of London has in the past served many different purposes. Its most notable prison inmates included Sir Walter Raleigh and Rudolph Hess, and it is also the location of the beheading of two of Henry the VIII’s wives. It now holds the Crown Jewels, and every family member should enjoy a trip to the Tower.

Museums and Art Galleries

There are far too many to name individually, but the best known are: the British Museum, the Imperial War Museum, the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, the Tate Gallery and Tate Modern. These excellent museums and galleries all offer something different for visitors and each should be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Many of the galleries and museums are free to enter and are cost-effective days out for those on a tight budget.

London Parks and Gardens

Ideal for those who love the outdoors; there are many parks and gardens in and around London for the traveller to enjoy. A visit to Hyde Park and Kew Gardens is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

For those who have never been to London before, help and advice can be sought from the staff at your London hotel. Hotels often offer brochures on local attractions and maps to help guide you to your destination.

The town of Taormina itself is high up in the mountains, with spectacular views and a slower, almost medieval atmosphere about it.  The driving, however, is strictly modern-day Italian.  Either use your ship’s shuttle service (if provided) or hail a taxi for the trip from sea level up into the mountains.  Your blood pressure will thank you!

Once 650 feet up in the mountains, get out at the pedestrian-only Corso Umberto, the main thoroughfare through town, and stroll the lovely shops.  But remember, this is a resort destination, and the prices usually reflect that.  Do try to dicker for your purchase. 

Taormina’s most famous attraction, though, is the view of nearby Mt. Etna, a still-active (though quiet lately) volcano.  Take lunch in one of the town’s cafes and study it.  Be sure to have someone take your picture with the mountain in the background.  You won’t have time to climb it though some cruise operators do offer coach tours.  Be sure to ask if you’re interested.

Taormina is a wonderful stop that can give you a much-needed rest when you’re feeling overwhelmed from other, busier stops on your cruise.  Don’t leave this lovely little town out of your itinerary.

There are plenty of holiday rentals in the area as many of the former tobacco farms that once covered the area have been converted into beautiful traditional style, holiday homes in Italy. These large stone built farmhouses, with their oak beams and traditional tiled roofs, make an ideal base from which to explore the countryside and sample the local cuisine.

Rooms in these houses are often vast, large kitchens and ample bedrooms, normally all with en-suite bathroom facilities. Living rooms are equally as spacious and regularly include the feature of a large fireplace. Gardens are wonderfully scented places, full of thyme, rosemary and lavender bushes, while most villas include a swimming pool or hot tub as well.

The area offers excellent trips to Assisi or the provincial capital of Perugia, but the best excitement can be had in the little, often less traveled locations like Gubbio, Orivieto or Anghiari, all jewels in Italy’s crown. The main tourist attractions are equally as accessible with Florence an hour and a half away, Sienna an hour and Rome two hours; and all easily reached on the main motorway.

The oldest ski resort in France is Chamonix; it is also the largest of all resorts for skiing in France. Perfectly situated in the Chamonix Valley in the shadow of the largest of the mountains in the Alps, Mont Blanc, the resort can cater for all levels of expertise, with runs for the beginner right up to the more adventure-filled off-piste trails. 

Families will find that there is also something to suit them; there are qualified instructors for those who need a little guidance on the slopes and also the opportunity to try snowboarding.  Even the non-skier has no need to miss out as there are many activities available to keep them entertained. These include dog sledding, tennis and mountaineering.  Those who are looking for something a little more sedate can also go swimming in the indoor heated pools. 

Ski deals can be found quickly after a search on the internet, and even the most exclusive resorts may have accommodation to suit lower budgets. Many resort packages include meals, ski lift passes and some limited ski instruction. Additional charges may include equipment and clothing rental.

Holiday homes in Holland are plentiful in Amsterdam, making holiday rentals a fabulous choice for a quick getaway to the city.  Book accommodation in a luxury penthouse with fantastic canal views, a trendy studio flat just steps away from the Spui market, or a quaint houseboat right in the heart of the city.  There are a wide variety of properties to choose from when you’re looking for holiday homes in Holland.

Holiday rentals cost much less than you’d expect, and the value for your money far surpasses that of traditional hotel or resort accommodation.  Renting a private residence for your next holiday means you can enjoy all the comforts of home. Basic amenities include spacious sleeping quarters, full-service kitchens, completely furnished living rooms, television, internet access, and convenient parking. Many holiday homes in Holland also feature amenities like swimming pools, private balconies, spectacular views, laundry facilities, and air conditioning.  Discover the difference for yourself, with holiday rentals in Holland.

There’s so much to explore in and around Amsterdam, including the open air markets in Jordaan quarter, the traditional fishing village at Volendam, the natural beauty of the Vondelpark and the funky allure of the Pijp district.  Renting holiday homes in Holland gives you the opportunity and flexibility to see the sights from a convenient, affordable central location.

Apartments and villas are available to rent in huge numbers; even in the high season it is still possible to find something suitable but there are also a number of excellent hotels offering all inclusive packages, or rooms only, depending on your preference. The beautiful Coral Beach and Resort comes at the top of the list of favourites for anyone who has stayed there.

The most amazing sight here is the sea at sunset. Watch the sea turn to different shades of blue until it eventually turns navy blue, with a huge orange sun sinking down behind the horizon. This is a perfect picture place for romantics and artists alike.

Paphos is famous for its Roman mosaics, which are quite spectacular; The Tombs of The Kings, which is a 4th century catacomb where dignitaries were interred, is certainly worth visiting.

One curiosity which can be found on the road leading up to the main shopping area is the ‘prayer tree’ at the Agia Solomoni Catacomb Church which claimed to have been the synagogue of Roman Paphos. The huge tree is covered in prayer cloths, each one left by a visitor.

Paphos is a great big open air archaeological site which is now totally protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It is also a perfect place for people watching and taking things slowly, but even those who are energetic will find plenty to do, from quad biking and shark fishing to horse riding and going on safari.