The Aude region lies deep in the South of France and is named after the river which comes from the Pyrenees, the mountains which form an almost impenetrable border between France and its southern neighbour, Spain.

Its most famous city is the walled citadel of Carcassonne, its history stretching back to medieval times, and the surrounding countryside is dotted with the ruins of castles and keeps which are a remnant of the bitter war fought between the Cathars, a religious sect, and the Roman Catholic Church. The Cathars lost and the castle ruins form a fascinating historical trail for visitors to follow.

The Aude, as part of the Languedoc-Rouissillon region, is blessed with vineyards, which produce wines to rival those from Bordeaux and Burgundy, with names such as Corbières, Minervois and Fitou becoming more and more well-known outside the region.

Castelnaudry is in the north-west of the area, west of Carcassonne, and its claim to fame is cassoulet, a hearty and filling stew with its main ingredients being beans and various meats. Favourite meats for cassoulet include duck and sausage, and when teamed with local olives and cheeses it makes for a very substantial dining experience.

There are many opportunities for outdoor sports, with sailing on the Canal du Midi and skiing in the Pyrenees very popular. As the region has a long coastline on the Mediterranean Sea there is plenty of opportunity for beach holidays and a wide range of water sports.

Ireland is famous for beautiful countryside and its friendly people who offer all visitors a warm welcome. In fact, the Irish word “Failte”, meaning welcome, is the name given to the tourist board:  Bord Failte.

The north-eastern corner of the island of Ireland is perhaps less well-known than other parts of the country such as Kerry, Galway, Sligo or Cork. Yet the Antrim coast road offers visitors to Northern Ireland a spectacular journey in itself and provides access to a string of treasures along the way.

If you travel from Scotland, you can start your trip as soon as you disembark from the Cairnryan–Larne ferry. Heading north on the A2, the road will wind around the coastline, with steep red sandstone cliffs to your left, and the sea to your right. On a clear day you can see the coast of Scotland in the distance, in winter months in isolated spots you might witness majestic waves crashing beside you on the shoreline.

The villages along the route are small and self-contained; besides hotels and guesthouses, there are occasional caravan parks peopled by visitors who are fond of spending weekends or holidays by the sea. Waterfoot, Cushendun, Cushendall, all are named for the rivers that run down to the sea. At Waterfoot you can gain access to the Glens of Antrim, a beautiful haven of peace and tranquillity. Abundant in lush greenery, the glens offer many delightful walks to suit all abilities, with occasional shelters for resting and viewing the spectacular waterfalls.

When spring is in the air, it’s a great time to get out and about to see all the natural beauty unfolding around us and if you are fancying a spring break then there is no excuse not to book a cruise holiday, especially one on the Norwegian Fjords to see spring in its finest form and it great for romantic holidays for couples.

Norway is known as the Land of the Midnight Sun, due to the fact that in the summer time you get 24 hour daylight, so if you visit in spring you will still get to experience the evenings so you can get a peaceful night’s sleep.  A cruise holiday is a great way to experience Norway as you travel along the Fjords that knife into the steep mountain ranges. Dotted to your sides you will be able to see all the spring time flowers awakening in-between the older villages with their traditional wooden houses.

You can also experience the ever changing landscape of this region with a Norwegian cruise holiday, much more than if you were only based in one place, following the path of the Vikings through the mountains from the colder glacier-covered Svalbard Islands, on the edge of the Arctic down to the warmer climes of Bergen in the south. Also with a cruise holiday, everything here is taken at a slower pace, giving you time to explore Norway and all it has to offer, from rolling green meadowland, to idyllic villages and welcoming towns. You won’t be surprised when you visit that Norway has been recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The comfort provided on a cruise means that you can enjoy all of the above easily without hassle, enjoying the amazing views as you eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. Plus you will also find a great host of interesting excursions to take at each port, so you can really experience Norway. Many of the major cruise lines offer great deals to Norway, with a great collection of itinerary’s to choose from, whether you just want a few days away or couple of weeks.

Norway

Picture courtesy of posotivesustainability

Many people choose to spend their holidays on a large luxury cruise ship.  Cruises go to many destinations and are of various durations.  On some you will spend the whole time enjoying the services on board the ship; on others you will stop somewhere almost every day.  This article aims to provide you with information about cruises around the Mediterranean, so you can choose somewhere to go for your cruise holidays 2011.

Italy, Greece and Egypt

You can take a nine night MSC Cruise around the Mediterranean, visiting Italy, Greece and Egypt.  Inside cabins (single or double) are offered at a cheaper price than the outside cabins.  However both types of cabin offer comfortable beds, a spacious wardrobe, bathroom with shower, interactive television and a telephone.  There are also more luxury cabins available at a higher price.

Eastern Mediterranean: Barcelona to Barcelona

An Eastern Mediterranean cruise departing from Barcelona and returning to Barcelona lasts 13 nights on a NCL Norwegian Jade Liner.  A number of different suites exist, including the inside stateroom and penthouse.  This cruise ship stops at various places in Italy and Greece.

Ultimate Mediterranean Cruise

The Ultimate Mediterranean cruise leaves the port of Southampton in the United Kingdom and stops at several places in Spain, Italy and France.  This cruise lasts for 18 nights on the Royal Caribbean International Independence of the Seas.  This luxury liner offers a number of bedroom options, including less pricey inside rooms and more expensive balcony rooms.  The reviews of this ship speak for themselves, with many people recommending it based on the high quality of service.

Spain is one of the traditional favourite destinations for Brits travelling abroad with millions of families enjoying Spanish holidays over the years; in fact it was one of the first package holiday destinations.  One of the biggest attractions to taking a holiday in Spain is the huge amount of variety available to holidaymakers in the country, with city breaks, beach holidays, golfing holidays, cruise holidays 2011 and resort experiences all readily available thanks to Spain’s large tourism industry. 

Ibiza, Spain

Picture courtesy of Philip Larson

The country is also easy and economical to get to, with numerous flights from a variety of low cost airlines departing daily from most major UK airports and some of the smaller local ones. You can also take a cruise holiday from a UK port or alternately if you want to enjoy a cruise around the Mediterranean and a stay in Spain you could go on a fly, cruise and stay holiday.

One of the most popular places for British tourists in Spain is the south coast of the island, where holidaymakers can find a great mixture of beaches, restaurants, bars and shopping to ensure an action packed and fun break.  This area of Spain also has a large ex-pat community, making sure that home favourites are always close to hand.  The south of Spain, though, isn’t all about busy family holidays as there are also several small villages and towns in the area full of quiet, rustic charm.  Further inland from the busy coastal areas you can find some of Spain’s best resorts and golf courses, offering a more relaxing and serene family experience.

Along with traditional beach and resort holidays, Spain is also home to several great cities for tourists to explore.  Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona, amongst a host of others, are all great locations for Brits looking to combine Spanish heritage and culture with the luxuries and comforts of a cutting edge modern city.

Featured in the James Bond movies GoldenEye and Never Say Never Again, Monte Carlo is your destination not only for gambling fun, but for sunshine, fabulous beaches, and Grand Prix racing.  The one-time home of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainer III, Monte Carlo glitters with celebrities and stars, and you can get in on the action during your holiday.

For fun and excitement, drive a Ferrari.  Ferraris are available to rent by the hour, and nothing matches seeing the beauty of Monte Carlo from the driver’s seat of one of these powerful machines.  Listen to the roar of the engine as you take it up one of the many twisting roads.

Afterwards, soak up the sun on Larvotto Beach, near the city centre, or enjoy true relaxation at Les Thermes Marins Spa on Avenue de Monte-Carlo.  If you tire of the beach, tour some of the gorgeous gardens (jardins) that dot the city.  Jardin Exotique has hundreds of plants, flowers and cacti, along with a grotto and views over Monaco and out to the sea.

What would a trip to Monte Carlo be without visiting the famed Casino de Monte-Carlo?  The interior is stunning in its marble and bronze opulence, and although you do not need a tuxedo or evening gown to enter, there are plenty of people inside that are well dressed.  The exterior of the building and the surrounding gardens are also worth a minimum of an hour of your time, so do not rush yourself through this experience.

Monte Carlo

Picture courtesy of Wolfiewolf

Barcelona is a city that has something to offer for everyone, with great beaches, plenty of culture, Gaudi’s modernist architecture and a excellent mix of restaurants, bars and nightlife, which make it a the perfect destination for a weekend break.

You will firstly notice that Barcelona is a city that mixes old with new, with its long history there are a great number of ancient monuments, buildings and attractions such as; the Cathedral la Seu, located in the Barri Gotic (Gothic centre) district of the city and is Barcelona’s official catholic cathedral or the 75 acre Parc de la Ciutadella which is right in the middle of Barcelona city.

As well as the Arc de Triomf (or Triumf), not to be confused with the one in Pairs, this one sits at the main entrance to the Parc de la Ciutadella. These are mixed in with modern architecture and most noticeably mesmerizing and stunning buildings by architect Antonio Gaudi.

You can also take in the wide range art offered in Barcelona, the Museu Picasso showcases and charts the great artist’s life and artistic development a must for art lovers, as well as a gallery come museum dedicated to artist and sculptor Joan Miro.

Shopping, whether it’s for designer clothes or local made specialities are top on the list for many visitors, Barcelona offers a great selection of designer boutiques, high street names and Spanish stores, as well as amazing local markets which are a treasure trove or the famous Mercat San Josep (market) which was built in 1840 and is the big fresh produce market in Barcelona city.

One street that shouldn’t be missed when visiting Barcelona is the Passeig de Garcia, not as famous as the as Ramblas, it does offer the best buildings, boutiques, restaurants and cafes. It features many great ornately decorated street lights which are part of Gaudi’s (early) works, as well as modernist architecture and plenty of Neo-Classical and Gothic buildings.

One thing you will find when visiting Barcelona is that you will wish you were there longer, and will probably find yourself coming back again to enjoy more of what this fantastic city has to offer.

Parc de la Ciutadella

Picture courtesy of philTizzani

Rotterdam

One of the top clubbing destinations in Europe, Rotterdam has long been a favourite with the young party set looking for affordable city breaks.  Some of the oldest and best clubs in town are Off Corso and Outland and with fewer tourists than Amsterdam, you might actually find space to groove on the dance floor.  In summer, the Heineken Fast Forward Dance Parade is a huge street festival that draws hundreds of thousands of revellers.  Nearby Bloemendaal aan Zee is a burgeoning resort town with nice beaches and a more laid back bar scene.  Rotterdam city breaks are sure to appeal to the hard-core partier in you.

Andalusia

The quiet village of Vejer de la Frontera sits on a mountainside, nestled between Tarifa and Jerez.  The town has appealed mostly to Spanish locals on weekend breaks, but is starting to experience a growing popularity among foreign travellers.  Vejer is an authentic medieval town, with gorgeous empty beaches, amazing fresh seafood and interesting natives.  Plan a visit to Hotel Casa Cinco, a five-room B&B with an airy, simple sophistication that is perfect for romantic short breaks.

Villefranche-sur-Mer

The Cote d’Azur is a popular destination for sunny weekend breaks, but if you are looking for something a little further off the beaten path try the tiny port town of Villefranche-sur-Mer.  Located just four miles east of Nice, the town has its own cosy beach and loads of excellent seafood restaurants.  The local trail connects visitors on short breaks to Nice, Monaco and Menton, so you are never too far from the action.

Austria is a country of astounding contrast, with a landscape that swoops from the snow-topped peaks of the Alps down into the recesses of the Danube Valley.  Known for its clean mountain air and clear lakes, Austria provides the perfect backdrop for a wide variety of activities, from hiking among the hills to strolling through amazing museums and taking in buildings of great historical significance.

Salzburg Austria is a historic city encircled by mountains and straddling the river Salzach.  Its cobbled streets lead to sophisticated squares, allowing the visitor to immerse themselves in the beauty of the surrounding baroque architecture.  The birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg is also rich in musical culture, with the Salzburg Festival being considered one of the world’s most important musical festivals.

But music, gorgeous architecture and breath-taking scenery isn’t all Salzburg has to offer.  The city puts on approximately 4,000 different cultural events every year, with something on offer all year around.  This includes hiking and open-air concerts in summer and winter’s winter sports and Christmas markets.

When visiting Salzburg, there are some sites that you shouldn’t miss.  These include the Salzburger Dom cathedral, St. Peter’s monastery, Salzburg Castle, Mozart Square and Mozart’s birthplace, and Salzburg’s busiest alley – the Getreidegasse.

Also in our list of things to do are: enjoy a Monk brewed beer in the Müllner Bräu beer garden; eat a mozartkugel from the Konditorei Fürst, and be sure to take to the hills – after all, these hills are alive with the Sound of Music!

Western Mediterranean

As many of you know the Mediterranean is a popular destination for travellers from the UK, we have already had a look at what the Eastern Mediterranean has to offer on a cruise holiday, so now let’s have a look at what the West has in store.

St Tropez

Picture courtesy of Michael Gwyther-Jones

Your cruise will stop off at many different cultural ports so you get to see and experience a lot on this cruise, there are plenty of beaches to stunning cities along the way as you explore the delights of Spain, France, Italy and North Africa. You can enjoy the holiday island hotspots of Majorca, Menorca, Crete, Corsica and Scilly as well as mingle with the rich and famous in Monte Carlo, Nice, St Tropez, Villefranche and Portofino. You can also indulge in some cultural excursions as you explore the sights of Florence, Pisa, Rome, the beautiful island Capri from Naples and stunning Tuscan villages of Italy.

Capri

Picture courtesy of Bruce Tuten

There are a wide range of ships that provide Western Mediterranean cruise holidays, whether it the grand large liners of Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line, or the small quaint ships from Thomson and Island Cruises, Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises. You don’t just have to take advantage of the summer weather with a Western Mediterranean cruise, they are great to enjoy all year round, and the winter months offer cooler temperatures which are great for exploring. Not only that it’s so much quieter out of season so you will find many of the ports and beaches so much more peaceful.