The Culture Bank

The city of Marseille is a bustling French metropolis with well over a million residents.  It is now the second largest city in France, having recently passed Lyon in the middle of the 1990’s for second place.  Additionally, it is France’s busiest international port of entry.  Oftentimes referred to as the New Orleans of France, Marseille is alive with activities, diverse culture, and entertainment venues.  Alexandre Dumas once referred to this city as the “meeting place of the entire world.”

Founded by the ancient Greeks, Marseilles was once witness to a number of devastating wars and mass destruction.  However, it is now the crossroads of global traffic comprised of numerous unique sights and sounds.  And don’t forget about the tasty French cuisine.  Although some slum areas have arisen due to the city’s rapid population growth, Marseilles is a charming city filled with allure and elegance.  The Vieux Port (Old Harbour) is especially colourful, which helps to offset the dreariness of the industrial docks which are located nearby.

Lodging in and around the city of Marseille is plentiful.  Apartments, condos, hotels, and French villas are everywhere and you can find some excellent values by doing a little bit of research online.  Additionally, a harbour cruise may be in the offing as part of your holiday agenda as well.  However, you want to remember that the port of Marseille is in a highly industrialised area so choose your water excursion wisely.  Finally, Marseille is in striking distance of Turin, Italy – a favourite holiday skiing destination in winter.

Tour operators encourage holidaymakers to go to the Algarve region with cheap deals at hotels, holiday apartments and golf centres, and if cost is the only criteria then you are onto a winner. But discerning travellers who don’t like to be herded together, and who want an authentic Portuguese experience should consider renting holiday accommodation in less well known areas.

Try searching the magical ‘castle route’ of Alentejo, the scenic Lisbon coast, or the ancient towns and landscapes of the north for your Portugal villa rental. From Lisbon or Porto airport you can access the real Portugal that most visitors never experience. Any extra effort in reaching these areas is rewarded by cheap holiday villas and apartments, and views to die for. With a little browsing through holiday accommodation websites, you can find stone cottages and holiday villas, surrounded by vineyards and close to glorious empty beaches.

Even the popular Algarve region has some tranquil oases if you avoid the major resorts. Whitewashed Portuguese villas sit high up in the hills and nestle in quiet villages or estates in the countryside, but you will need a car if you want to get out and about. They make a perfect base from which to visit the area’s famous golf courses and sample the hustle and bustle of Vilamoura, Albufeira, Portimao and Lagos.  If you head east from Faro airport towards the Spanish border, the coastal town of Tavira is still charming, unspoilt, and blessed with miles of glorious beaches.

For a relaxing holiday, where you are guaranteed to get plenty of fresh sea air and the chance to take in the sights and delights of multiple locations across a large region in just a week or two, a cruise on a luxury ocean liner is the ultimate choice.

Cruise companies vary substantially in terms of what they offer in their cruise deals, but many are ‘all inclusive’, meaning that food, drink and board is all included in the upfront price. It is worth noting, however, that you will need to take sufficient extra cash or traveller’s cheques along with you, as you will need to pay for day excursions and any extras, such as activities and souvenirs. Passengers can select adult-only cruises and also choose from a number of different accommodation suites – inside cabins are less expensive than outside cabins (which have a view of the sea). Some of these ‘outside cabins’ might be described as ‘deluxe’ or ‘superior’, and some have pricey extras such as a balcony, a Jacuzzi, an extra large bed or even butler service.

One day you might be bartering in a market in the Canary Islands, the next day you could be floating out at sea, perhaps enjoying a glass of champagne in the ship’s bar. There are many cruises specifically tailored for families, with activities to keep children occupied while parents are free to choose what to do for a few hours – perhaps a pampering session in the spa and treatment room on board the ship. When night falls, each ship offers its guests a range of on-board entertainment, from themed parties to cabaret and comedy acts, from classical concerts to quizzes, from dance competitions to movie screenings.

Routes around the East Mediterranean might stop at Athens, Cairo, Istanbul and Malta. Other popular Mediterranean ports include Cannes, Barcelona, Crete, Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Ibiza, Florence, Tenerife, St Tropez, Casablanca Morocco, Sardinia and Madeira. Every cruise company has a unique fleet of ships serving a choice of different routes. So from admiring the yachts of the rich and famous in Monaco or the Cote d’Azur to admiring the classical art and architecture of Italy’s historic Florence, whatever your preferred choice of route in the Mediterranean, a cruise holiday could provide the experience of a lifetime.

Considered by many to be one of the most interesting, beautiful and romantic destinations in the world, Venice is one of the major cities in Italy, which sees travellers coming in year after year on cheap flights from a variety of destinations.

The city has remained largely unchanged over the last 600 years, which adds to the exotic flavour and nature of it. And while the city has decayed somewhat since its original heyday, it is still one of the major reasons for cheap flights to Italy every year and its romantic charm brings visitors in all year-round.

Venice is a place that invites utter relaxation and regardless of where you are headed once you are finished with your vacation in the city, you are sure to be completely refreshed and replenished. By the time visitors get on their flights to London, flights to Aberdeen or flights to Damascus and other destinations around the world, their worries and cares will have been stripped away by the unique charm of Venice.

This is the only completely pedestrian city in the world; there are no cars. This is mostly because there are no streets, but instead there are plenty of waterways stretching between the main islands. Bear in mind that high summer is one of the worst times to book cheap flights to Venice, as the humidity and heat can cause fairly stagnant smells and an overall unpleasantness for the unwary traveller due to the lagoon. But outside of the peak summer months this is still one of the most romantic cities in the world to book cheap flights to.

Who wouldn’t love an Italian holiday?  The romance, the scenery, the history, and of course the food, make spending a week in Italy the perfect way to relax and unwind.  Unfortunately, thousands of other travellers are thinking of the same idea.  If you want to experience the charm and magic of Italy without the tourist crush, consider renting a holiday home.

Renting holiday apartments in Italy is an affordable alternative to traditional hotel or resort accommodation.  For roughly the same cost as conventional lodging you can stay in a beautifully appointed private residence with all the comforts of home.  You’ll enjoy fully furnished living quarters, spacious bedrooms, self-catering facilities, flat screen television, DVD player, stereo, and internet access.  Never spend another holiday in a cramped hotel room!

You’ll find holiday cottages in nearly every major Italian destination and a few out of the way places, as well.  Tuscany, Sardinia, Campania, Lake Como, Sicily, Umbria, no matter where you want to go, or what you hope to see, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for with Italian holiday rentals.

There are so many different types of properties available that you’ll return to Italy again and again, never taking the same holiday twice.  Rent a holiday cottage on a working farm in Marina di Grosseto, a seaside flat in Porto Rotondo, or a luxurious villa in Anacapri.  From small apartments that sleep two to grand manors suitable for family reunions, the possibilities are truly endless. 

If you want something different from your holiday accommodation, then holiday homes in Italy are an excellent alternative.

Budget airline have aircraft that are not fully utilised during the winter months and because of this they are offering deals that enable us to have a weekend skiing just like our continental neighbours, Eurostar also has fantastic offers too. A quick weekend away to the ski slopes is no longer difficult and your ski holiday specialist will be able to offer some really great ski deals at prices that are mouth watering and make you wonder how it can be done! There are loads of ski resorts that are easily accessible form most places in the UK, but naturally if you live in the south east of England, you are that bit nearer and closer to the train operator.

Only an hour from Geneva airport, Chamonix has lots of modestly priced accommodation with short stay bookings accepted as the norm. The terrain is varied and boasts fabulous views of peaks and glaciers incorporating the Mont Blanc Massif. Davos is a huge ski area which is shared with Klosters, just down the valley, with some excellent long runs of up to eight miles. Easy to get to from Zurich airport and plenty of weekend rooms available.

Weekend deals are naturally confined to Europe and are split between some of the best resorts in France, Switzerland, or Italy. With Geneva and Sion airports being the closest to the Alpine region, you can usually be only one hour away from the resort and that weekend skiing experience.

Mixing European sophistication with ancient mystery, the island nation of Cyprus is an exciting, enchanting holiday destination.  Discover and explore the full range of Cyprus’ many wonders including pristine beaches, stunning mountains, fragrant groves of citrus and olive trees, historic ruins and architectural landmarks, and quaint old villages that still maintain the traditions of the past.

One of the most indulgent ways to enjoy a Cyprian holiday is by renting private accommodation.  Holiday villas in Cyprus will give you all the comforts of home and many of the same amenities as traditional lodging without the tourist crowds or outrageous seaside resort prices.  Just a few hundred pounds pays for a week-long stay in a private residence in Cyprus.  Take your selection from a wide range of options:  apartments, townhouses, cottages, penthouses, and of course villas.  You can find cosy lodging for two or spacious accommodation that comfortably sleeps a dozen or more.

Most properties feature self-catering facilities, fully furnished living areas and bedrooms, fresh linens, and television.  Some villas in Cyprus even have other desirable conveniences such as private on-site parking, wireless internet connection, swimming pool, scenic terrace, and more.  With so many different villas in Cyprus to choose from you’re sure to find a place that’s close to the activities you want to experience on your holiday.  Stay just steps away from amazing local eateries, street markets, beaches, historic and cultural sites, museums, great nightlife, and much, much more when you rent villas in Cyprus.

With a fascinating history, dynamic character, architectural landmarks, beer and sauerkraut – what’s not to like about a visit to Berlin, the capital of Germany? Having been divided into East and West Berlin after the Second World War, the two sectors developed distinct characters either side of the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the infamous Berlin Wall. Now reunified, it has a lot to offer visitors.

West Berlin is where most visitors stay, with easy access to the most popular attractions such as the Reichstag building, Berlin Zoo and a host of museums.  Museum Island is where the national collections of art, natural history and antiquities are housed, but there are many other superb museums and galleries to see. Enchanting palaces and tranquil parks include the dreamy Charlottenburg palace and park, the white palace on Peacock Island and the summer residences of Frederick the Great at Sanssouci and of William I at Babelsberg. Berlin’s entertainment is famous, ranging from jazz clubs to the German opera house to cabarets, clubs and live music venues and theatres.

Renting one of the modern, comfortable apartments in the centre will place you in the heart of this vibrant city. Many apartments are in very grand old buildings. Exploring the vibrant streets you will find everything from bookshops and antique shops to avant-garde boutiques and friendly cafes.  It’s a good idea to take a guided tour, and you can even join a guided cycling tour, enabling you to see even more of Berlin.

Located in the south-western portion of France and situated within the Hautes-Pyrenees is the town of Lourdes. It lies at the base of the Pyrenean foothills.  Despite the fact that the city’s population only numbers some 15,000 residents, it hosts nearly 5,000,000 international travellers annually and is second only to Paris for having the largest number of hotels and lodging facilities in France.  Additionally the city is of one of Catholicism’s largest and most important pilgrimage destinations.

Spirituality, whether historical in nature or not, is a major component of present day culture in Lourdes.  Because of the city’s depth and beauty, the reminders of the past, and the many peaceful sanctuaries, Lourdes is one of the most popular holiday destinations in France.  In addition to the city’s spiritual aspect, Lourdes features a wide array of other reasons for visiting this historic location.

The city is one of France’s most popular holiday destinations and features over 200 lodging possibilities including luxurious hotels, extended stay apartments, and numerous country villas on the outskirts of the city in the beautiful French countryside.  As is the case in numerous western European countries, the B&B industry is thriving as well.  A simple search online will provide you with a multitude of choices.

On a closing note, Mas des Hirondelles ski resort was constructed just recently and is a very popular skiing destination situated 25 km south of the city of Lourdes in the Pyrenees, meaning that there are winter holiday possibilities near Lourdes as well.

The mystery and intrigue of Spain is unmistakeable.  If your Spanish holidays have been spent at crowded seaside resorts and tourist traps, you’re missing out on the unique ambiance of this fabulous destination.  The music, history, art, cuisine, and characteristic warmth of the Spanish culture are best experienced with holiday rentals in Spain.

Renting villas, apartments, or cottages in Spain is more affordable than you may think.  You can reserve an entire private residence for a whole week or more, for the equivalent of a nightly rate in a mid-range hotel or resort.  Just £300 gets you a week’s stay for two in a ground floor apartment on the Costa del Sol; a party of 30 will pay around £4000 for a week at a huge private villa in Catalonia. 

The value of renting holiday apartments in Spain far surpasses anything you might find at a traditional resort.  Relax in your completely private villa, cottage, or apartment where you’ll enjoy all the basic comforts of home:  fully furnished sleeping and living quarters, clean linens, full kitchen, dining area, television, internet access, dishwasher, and washing machine.  Many holiday rentals in Spain have additional amenities like balconies or terraces with breath-taking scenic views, air conditioning, swimming pools, saunas, and more.

There is no better way to discover the real Spain than with holiday rentals where you can enjoy all that Spain has to offer; the lush greenery of the northern Basque , fantastic skiing in the Sierra Nevada, ancient Roman ruins and many  modern coastal resorts.