Now the largest city in the East Midlands, Leicester is one of the oldest cities in England with a history going back to pre-Roman times. Once inhabited by Celtic tribes, Leicester became a settlement on the Roman road and the remains of Roman baths can be seen today. The city was later a major centre during the industrial revolution and was linked by the Grand Union Canal to London and Birmingham.

Modern Leicester is a very livable city graced with with Victorian architecture. Many of the inner city streets are pedestrianised and the area is well-served with shopping outlets including Leicester Market, Europe’s largest covered market. The city’s historic quarter lies to the west and is marked by the castle, cathedral and a bevy of medieval churches.

Leicester’s rich cosmopolitan mix results in a wide range of ethnic foods and cultural events. Leicester is home to many fine Indian restaurants and the city resounds to festivals such as Diwali.

Transport: getting there and getting around

Leicester is conveniently located on the UK’s main transport arteries. The city is close to the M1 motorway and lies on the Midland Main Line from London to Sheffield, Nottingham and Leeds. High-speed trains can reach London in just over an hour. Trains from Leicester arrive at London St Pancras from where Eurostar international services depart for Europe.

Leicester is convenient for East Midlands Airport which is served by low cost carriers with international flights to Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin and Frankfurt and domestic flights to Edinburgh and Belfast. Limited services connect with Barbados, Mexico and Florida.

An extensive bus network operates in and around Leicester.

Climate:

Mild and wet best describes the English weather and the further north you go, the colder it gets. However, inland temperatures don’t get much below freezing in the  winter months of December to February, or much above 30°C in summer.

However, the East Midlands tends to have higher rainfall in the summer and less sunshine in winter.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Leicester

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Leicester hotels

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Leicester accommodation

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

*The Comedy Festival in February is a ten-day laugh fest. It’s the UK’s longest running comedy festival.

*The Leicester Early Music Festival is in May. As well as concerts, it features workshops, exhibitions, dance day, family day and wine and whisky tasting.

*The Caribbean Carnival in August is  the most colourful festival in the city.

*The Riverside Festival is held on the first Saturday of every June.

*Theis Leicester International Music Festival held in September brings  the best of classical, jazz and world music to the Midlands.

Broome is an exotic blend of seaside resort and frontier town with and colourful mix of architectural styles. Add in a delightful beach and a rich and unusual history all in a tropical climate, and you’ve got the recipe for a great vacation.

Broome’s exotic nature stems from its history. Its location on the Indian Ocean made it a perfect spot for pearling and it attracted people from all over the world, especially Japan.

Today’s Broome is a chic modern town with art galleries and jewellery shops chic cafes with a wide range of attractions. You can see the pearling luggers at the wharf and in the bays, and buy pearls  in Chinatown. For a taste of history, there’s a Japanese cemetery, the last resting place of over 900 pearl divers.

Other than the city, the big attraction is the famous Cable Beach, a 14-mile stretch of pristine sand washed by a limpid blue sea. To truly appreciate the magic of Cable Beach, take a camel ride at sunset.  The swimming is good too. Roebuck Bay on the eastern side of the town is also popular.

Broome is also a delight for ornithologists as flocks of shorebirds land at Roebuck Bay on their annual migration from north Asia. Summer is the peak time to view them but fledglings often remain there for the first two years of their lives.

Transport: getting there and getting around

Broome International Airport provides transport to several regional and domestic towns and cities.

Public transport in Broome is minimal but there’s an hourly bus service to Cable Beach. The flat terrain makes it fine for cycling and rental bikes are readily available.

Climate:

Broome has a tropical climate with basically two seasons - dry and wet. During the dry season from May to November, temperatures peak at around 30 C. Most days are clear and sunny. In the wet season, temperatures get up to around 35 C. Humidity is high and heavy downpours are sporadic. The area can get hit by cyclones and summer storms.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Hotels in Broome

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Broome hotels

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Broome accommodation

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

*Broome’s flagship event is known as ‘Staircase to the Moon’. It occurs when a full moon reflects off mudflats in Roebuck Bay during low tide. The effect is like a glorious set of stairs reaching up to the moon. Occurs March through to October.

*In September, the importance of the pearl industry is captured in Shinju Matsuri, which started in 1970. The name means ‘festival of the pearl’ in Japanese and the event is an extravaganza which includes an opening ball, carnival and float parade, mardi gras, together with many cultural activities.

*Opera Under The Stars is held in Broom and Kimberly in August.

Brighton’s  heyday came in the 18th Century when the town’s favour with the party-loving Prince of Wales (later George VI) gave it an immediate cachet. The London elite flocked to Brighton in the royal wake and traces of this old gentility remains in the fashionable town houses, squares and crescents in the Victorian mode. The most marked royal touch is seen in the the fantastic Brighton Royal Pavilion with its eastern domes and spires.

The English aristocracy later neglected Brighton in favour of resorts in continental Europe. However, the opening of the railway in 1841 brought in a regular flood of day trippers and weekend trysters that continues to this day. The addition of piers and amusements parks served to attract a more general visitor in search of fairground rides, candy floss and jaw breaking rock.

Today’s Brighton is moving with the times. It’s just 52 miles  from London and offers a wide range of hotels, restaurants and entertainment facilities. This make it a popular conference industry destination. Plus, it’s recently become a popular location for high-tech media companies to set up shop.

The seafront features a pebble beach, and the strip between its two piers is lined with bars, eateries, night clubs and amusement arcades. Brighton beach also has a designated official nudist area.

Brighton is now home to one of Europe’s largest marinas and an outdoor sports centre. And it’s well-stocked with shopping outlets such as clothing stores, jewellers, and antique shops. Brighton also has a number of museums including the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, the Booth Museum of Natural History, the Brighton Fishing Museum and the Brighton Toy and Model Museum.

transport:getting there and getting around

Fast trains whisk passengers from London to Brighton in under an hour. There are 41 departures a day from Victoria or London Bridge Station. Alternatively, buses from Victoria Coach Station reach Brighton in about two hours. Driving is easy along the M23 and connecting with the A23.

Getting around Brighton is easy with its extensive bus service and abundance of taxis. There is also a limited night-bus service. Brighton seafront features the Volks Electric Railway, the worlds oldest electric railway. A recent innovation is the introduction of motorised trishaws from Asia known as tuc-tucs.

climate:

Brighton is located on the south coast of England and so is subject to that island nation’s capricious weather. Summer in July and August is usually warm and sunny but as with everywhere in the UK, rain is always a possibility.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Brighton

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Brighton hotels

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Brighton accommodation

Events:

* May sees the Brighton Festival. It’s an arts festival that features processions and fireworks along with theatre, music and visual arts events throughout the city.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a freewheeling open city with splendid architecture, lovely tree-lined canals , wonderful shopping, and friendly people.

Transport:getting there and getting away:

Schiphol airport is one of the world’s biggest and offers extensive connections. Buses are economical and the train is very pleasant with direct connections to the UK. There are also ferries the UK and Norway.

Cycling is the best way to get around Amsterdam. Walking is fine too as the city is compact. However Amsterdam offers an efficient public transport system covering most of the city. Trams are good for the inner city. Central Station is the city’s transport hub where tram, bus, train and metro lines converge.

Climate:

Amsterdam’s delightful summers transforms it into a city of outdoor living. Winters, in contrast, are utterly miserable with cascading rain. Spring is wet but a time when the city’s flora spring into colourful life.

Accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Amsterdam hotels

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

Events Overview

* The Silent Procession in March is a festival in which Catholics walk along the Holy Way in commemoration of the Miracle of Amsterdam.

*Queen’s Day on 30 April sees a free market, street parties, live music.

*National Windmill Day is in May.

*The the country’s biggest arts festival is the Holland Festival which runs throughout June.

*September is the time of the Flower Parade

*Traditional Dutch Christmas is held on 6 December.

Brussels

Brussels is best known for its status as main headquarters of the European Union and NATO. But there’s much more to the city than meeting halls and bureaucrats. Brussels radiates a vibrant sophisticated feel reflected in its museums and art galleries. It’s a hedonistic city too with a propensity for seafood, waffles, chocolate, truffles and foaming steins of good beer.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Brussels’ main airport is Zaventem. A train makes the 25-minute run into the city every 15 minutes. Buses and taxis and also available.

Brussels has two main train stations: Bruxelles Midi-Brussel Zuid, to the south of the city core, and Bruxelles Central-Brussel Centraal, which is right next to the city centre. High speed Thalys trains connect Brussels with Cologne, Paris, and Amsterdam.

Eurolines offers bus travel to Brussels from London Victoria.

Getting around Brussels is easy. The city has 3 metro lines, many buses and several tram lines. Brussels also introduced short-term “CycloCity” rentals in 2006. But bear in mind that Brussels has many hills.

Climate:

Brussels is prone to grey, rainy weather. The warmest months are July and August then the temperature averages 22°C. Summer can be the wettest season though. Winter from November to March is a miserable time with the temperature around freezing and lashings of slush and sleet.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Brussels hotels

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

* Ommegang in July is a medieval-style procession within the illuminated Grand Place.

* August (even-numbered years) sees the flower carpet.

* The city swings at the annual Brussels Jazz Marathon (last weekend in May).

* The Grand Place, together with the Sablon and Place Ste Catherine, feature free al fresco concerts throughout the summer.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg seems a fairy tale kingdom with its quaint hamlets, green countryside and silver rivers. A landlocked country between Belgium, France and Germany, Luxembourg is the world’s only Grand Duchy and one of the world’s smallest countries.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Luxembourg International Airport is about four miles outside the city. Flights connect with London, Paris, Amsterdam, Zürich, and Frankfurt.

You can reach Luxembourg by train from Paris, Metz, Brussels and Trier.

Motorways from Metz, Brussels and Trier connect to the ring-road around Luxembourg City.

The city has a bus service most of which include the central bus station Hamilius and the Station in their routes. Bus tickets are bought from the driver.

Luxembourg is well suited for biking.

Climate:

Winters are relatively mild in Luxembourg though January and February can get very cold. The summer tends to get very hot with the mercury in July and August reaching around 35 C. Spring and autumn are delightful though rain is frequent.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Luxembourg hotels.

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

*The birthday of the Grand Duchess on 23 January 23 is celebrated with parades and fireworks.

*Burgsonndeg on 28 February celebrates the end of winter.

*National Day on 23 June celebrates the grand duke’s birthday.

*Liberation Day on 9 September commemorates liberation by the Allies in 1945.

Lima

Peru’s sprawling capital sits in the center of the country’s desert coastline. It’s a grimy, polluted place but one of charm and friendliness with a wealth of compelling architecture and great museums.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Lima’s Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez services most international and domestic flights. The airport is best served by taxi as buses tend to be crowded.

Buses connect Lima with Bolivia, Chile and Ecuador as well as all over Peru. They are slow and can be uncomfortable.

Ocean liners berth at Lima’s port of Callao.

Lima is a sprawling congested city and public transport is disorganised. Taxis are plentiful but unregulated. Fares must be negotiated which is difficult if you don’t speak Spanish and taxis can be dangerous.

Micro and combi buses are cheap and the destinations are placed in the windshield. This makes things difficult if you’re not familiar with the city.

Lima is not pedestrian-friendly owing to congestion and pollution. Walking is only advised within neighbourhoods. Between neighborhoods a taxi is necessary.

Climate

Hot and humid all year round with little rainfall.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Lima hotels

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

*Semana de Lima between 12-19 January celebrates the founding of Lima in 1535.

*Carnaval is celebrated on the last few days before Lent with music, dancing and water fights.

*Semana Santa in March-April is marked by processions throughout the city.

*Independence is celebrated on 28-29 July. Large rock concerts are popular around this time.

* Festival of Santa Rosa de Lima is on 30 August at the Santa Rosa Monastery.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio sits between imposing mountains and the glorious beaches washed by the warm waters of the Atlantic and is a true hedonistic heaven. The rhythm of the samba is rarely absent from this city in which every day is a celebration.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Flights connect Rio with all of Brazil and Latin America, as well as many other major cities. Buses depart for most destinations from Novo Rio Rodoviaria.

City buses are often crowded and struggle through Rio’s traffic. Rio has an excellent, air-conditioned subway system but it only covers points north of Botafogo.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Rio de Janeiro

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

*Carnaval is the five-day internationally-famous extravaganza beginning at midnight on the Friday before Ash Wednesday. Dancing, parades, head-dresses and flaunted bodies make up this unforgettable spectacle.

*The Fiestas Junina’s is celebrated in public squares throughout June.

*August 15 sees music, colorful stalls and a parade celebrating the Festa de NS da Gloria do Outeiro.

*Festa da Penha is one of the largest religious festivals in the city. It’s held every Sunday in October.

Buenos Aires

Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires is unique among South American cities in that it radiates the ambiance of the Europe of a more gentile age. But don’t be fooled. You’ll quickly find it also has a trendy chic side and a population that makes flair into an art form.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Buenos Aires is a major transport hub for the southern part of South America and has two airports. Regular ferry and hydrofoil services connect Buenos Aires with Uruguay.

Getting around Buenos Aires is easy. The city boasts an efficient underground known as the Subte and a round-the-clock bus system. Plus the major tourist attractions are near each other so it’s well worth exploring on foot.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Buenos Aires.

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

* Buenos Aires Tango is a tango festival that takes place between late February and early March all over the city.

* The Feria del Libro annual book fair celebrates Latin American literature in April at the Centro Municipal de Exposicions.

* Mid-May sees the art fair, Arte BA.

*More tango related activities on June 24 when aficionados remember Carlos Gard el, the man who made the tango famous.

*December features the Campeonato Abierto Argentino de Polo.

Cardiff

Capital of the principality of Wales, Cardiff grew up as a port for the shipping of iron and coal from nearby Welsh valleys. Now it’s cast off its grim history as a rough seaport to become a green and stately city with pedestrian shopping quadrants, statued squares and a large and well-preserved castle.

Cardiff also features a strong sporting and cultural presence. Sporting events such as the national sport of Rugby Union are played at the new Millenium Stadium. The Welsh National Opera now performs at the Wales Millennium Centre, Wales’ palace to arts and culture.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Cardiff International Airport is about 12 miles from the city. It connects with various destinations in the UK and continental Europe.

Direct trains connect Cardiff with London, Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham and others as do national coach services.

The city has an effective bus system and the city’s flatness make it perfect for cycling. There are also two kinds of taxis - the black and white prowl the streets looking for fares and other colours which have to be booked.

Climate

Typical for the UK though Cardiff’s coastal location tends to temper extremes of temperature. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 30°C and winters rarely fall below freezing.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Cardiff hotels

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

* St David’s Day on March 1st is the national day of Wales. If features a parade* The Big Weekend is probably the most active Cardiff festival. Held on the last weekend in July, masses of people swamp the city hall area to enjoy the carnival events and fun fair atmosphere.

* Mermaid Quay Cardiff Harbour Festival at the end of August features family fun with a nautical theme.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s rich and storied history has endowed Edinburgh with a beguiling medley of medieval, Gothic Georgian and contemporary styles overlaid with an uniquely Scottish ambiance.

Capital of Scotland since 1437, Edinburgh is crowned with its castle. But for all its history it’s a lively place with museums and galleries, night-life,great restaurants and shops, and an scintillating programme of events throughout the year.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Direct flights link Edinburgh with cities in England, Wales, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Scandinavia and various countries in Europe.

Trains connect Edinburgh with a range of destinations from the spanking-new Edinburgh Train Station

Transport around Edinburgh can be summed up in the two words buses and bicycles.

Climate:

Edinburgh has a temperate climate despite its northern location. The weather is generally mild though subject to winds gushing in from the south-west. Summers in Edinburgh are blessed with long days and it’s often sunny though rain can sweep in out of the blue. Winters are chilly with short dark days.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Edinburgh hotels

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

*Edinburgh International Festival in August is one of the world’s largest and most important arts festivals. The Fringe Festival runs in tandem. There are performances in venues all around the city.

*Also in August is the Edinburgh Military Tattoo held on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. Bagpipes wail and kilted regiments strut in this Scottish extravaganza.

*New Year’s Eve, known as Hogmanay in Scotland, is celebrated with gusto in Edinburgh with concerts, street parties an a large bonfire on the hill.

Glasgow

Over the last 20 years, Scotland’s largest city has cast off its roughhouse reputation to become a revitalised centre for commerce, tourism, and culture with excellent parks, museums and shopping. Now the city offers everything from curling to opera and ballet, and from football to art appreciation and symphonies.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Glasgow International Airport is 10 miles west of the city and Glasgow Prestwick Airport is 30 miles to the southwest.

Buchanan Bus Station is the center for all long-distance bus services.

Glasgow’s Central Train Station serves Southern Scotland, England and Wales and Queen St Station serves the north and east of Scotland.

Glasgow has a fine public transport system with a subway, trains and buses, and taxis are abundant.

Climate:

The weather in Glasgow is milder than the rest of Scotland owing to its position. It gets the Gulf Stream current up the Clyde Estuary. Plus, the humidity resulting from its location in the Clyde Valley helps to warm the area.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Glasgow hotels

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

* January sees the two-week Celtic Connections music festival.

* February is the time of the City of Love festival which celebrates St Valentine.

* Glasgow’s biggest arts event is the two-week West End Festival of music in June. June is also the time of the RSNO Proms, a series of classical music concerts.

* Shortly after comes the Glasgow Jazz Festival in July.

* On a more Scottish theme, Glasgow hosts the World Pipe Band Championships in mid-August.

London has so much to offer, it’s a year-round popular destination and one of the greatest cities in the world to visit. Its historical streets and buildings will take you to another world. Modern day London is so culturally diverse it makes a magical place to visit. Visit the traditional London with ceremony and royalty, enjoy a show at the theatre or shop till you drop. There is always something more to do in London.

Transport: how to get there and around:

London has 3 airports based in and around the city. Ferries are a popular way to travel from mainland Europe and Ireland, although the Channel Tunnel cuts travel time to 30 minutes from France. Once you are in London you will be spoilt for choice, there are excellent bus, coach, rail and underground train systems to get you around.

Weather

British weather is unpredictable and is often the topic of conversation. It is better to be prepared for anything, although generally the climate is temperate. Summer temperatures range from 14-30 degrees Celsius, winter can plunge to 1-5 deg C. Winter days are shorter and darker, frost and snow are also common occurrences.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/United-Kingdom/London/” title=”hotels in Londen”>hotels in London.

Attractions & Events

London has something to offer all year round, you are spoilt for choice with the regular plays and shows, concerts and sporting events. There are a few special events you may want to see. For classic music buffs you can visit to the Royal Albert Hall in August for the proms, for sporty tennis fans there is the Wimbledon Tournament in May,

For those that enjoy pageantry you can enjoy the trooping of the colour in April to celebrate the Queens birthday. All year round you can see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace at 11.30am, this happens everyday in the summer time and in winter every other day.

Birmingham: the heart of England

Historically Birmingham is a ‘city of a thousand trades’, today it is a lively hub of attractions. The heart of England has an array of music, theatre and performing arts to offer such as the famous Birmingham Royal Ballet and Symphony Orchestra.

Transport: how to get there and around:

Birmingham is just 2 and a half hours drive from London and connected by the M40 motorway. Being in the centre of the country, Birmingham is well connected by rail and coach networks with most major UK cities. The International Airport also offers direct flights to destinations such as New York, Dubai and Chicago. Local buses can be boarded around the Bull Ring Centre and service the town well.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/United-Kingdom/Birmingham/” title=”hotels in Birmingham”>hotels in Birmingham.

Attractions & Events

Birmingham holds a number of regular events including comedy shows, live concerts and art exhibitions. If you are in the city during March you may want to join the large Irish population for the St Patrick’s Day Parade which is always a fun festival. If you are an art lover, during September you can visit the ArtsFest. With over 100,000 visitors annually it’s the largest UK free festival for arts.

Manchester: city of football and more

Manchester has more to offer than just the famous football teams. Manchester is a fashionable and lively city where you can enjoy shopping, clubs and restaurants. If history is more your taste you can discover the part of Manchester that dates back to Roman times.

Transport: how to get there and around:

You can reach Manchester in 3 hours by train from London Euston station. The coach is a more affordable alternative to the train, Manchester is served from a number of UK cities with the reliable National Express service. Domestic and International flights connect with Manchester International Airport. Once in Greater Manchester you can hop on a local bus, metro or train to get around.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Manchester

Attractions & Events

There are events to enjoy all year round in Manchester. We have highlighted just a few for you to look out for. Music fans can enjoy the citywide Jazz festival in July, which specializes in contemporary Jazz from the north of England. For the flamboyant, the Gay Pride festival is an annual event taking place during 17-27 August. To enjoy the taste of the Manchester, there is a Food and Drink event in October. If you happen to be in the city in November and want to get into the Christmas spirit, head to Albert Square for the switching on of the Christmas Lights.

Paris: fashion capital of Europe

Surrounded by style and romance you just cant help fall in love with Paris. Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, street café’s and fashion boulevards, a boat trip on the River Seine there is so much to see and experience.

Transport: how to get there and around:

The main airport which greets most visitors to Paris is Charles de Gaulle. Paris can also be reached with ease by train from surrounding countries and many destinations within France. If traveling from the UK the ferry is also an option.

Getting around Paris is best on foot, it’s a great place for walking and sightseeing. If your not feeling so energetic there is a metro system.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/France/Paris/” title=”hotels in Paris”>hotels in Paris.

Weather

Paris is fortunate to be situated in a basin so has little rain compared with the rest of the country. Generally the weather in the capital is temperate.

Attractions & Events

Parisians love to celebrate, here are just a few events you should look out for.

* The glamorous Paris Fashion Week showcases the latest designer spring collections in March.

*Bastille Day is a special day for the whole country. The French National Day is celebrated in Paris with style on the 14^th July with parades, parties and fireworks.

*The International Photo Fair is also worth a visit and takes place in November.

Nice: treasure of the Côte d’Azur

Nice has a special ambiance and charm that attracts a great number of visitors to walk through its old cobblestone streets. Nice offers history, culture as well as the modern delights of shopping and night life. Add to this the long stretch of beach and you have a great holiday combination.

The temperature in Nice makes the pebble beach a great spot to relax. The waters are warm, clear and inviting and are just a pebbles throw away from neighboring St Tropez and Cannes.

Transport: how to get there and around:

Traveling around France is easy using the impressive, fast rail system. You can get to Nice by train and bus or if traveling from further a field, the International Airport is just 6 km’s from town.  Ferries are also an option, they run to Corsica.

Getting around Nice is easy on foot, it is pleasant to walk around and explore the sights.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of Nice hotels.

Weather

Summertime in Nice can be scorching up to 40 C. Typical climate however can be described as Mild, averaging 15 C. Winter is also mild with lowest temperatures being around 5 C.

Attractions & Events

*Nice holds an annual carnival during the latter half of February. The lavish street parades end with a fabulous fireworks show.

*During June, the city hold religious processions and prayers for patron saints St John and St Peter.

*July is for music lovers as the worlds finest Jazz players meet in the city for the Nice Jazz Festival.

Venezia, La Serenissima, Queen of the Adriatic, the Most Serene Republic of Venice is the city of canals, churches and palaces that captures the hearts and minds of all who visit. Venice is home to wonderful tourist destinations famous the world over - St Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs - but the true joy of Venice is found just wandering around and finding architectural and artistic wonders around every corner.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Venice is served by two airport, Marco Polo and Trevino. Transport into the city is by bus or from the latter by water bus.

Trains terminate and depart from Santa Lucia train station on the west side of Venice. The station fronts the Grand Canal where water buses (vaporetti) or water taxis are available.

Cars and coaches arrive on the far western edge of Venice at Piazzale Roma.  There are no roads in Venice so from here on it’s by boat or on foot. Venice is the World’s only truly pedestrian city and walking is a serendipitous adventure of discovering vistas in the magnificent urban landscape.

Ships arrive at the Stazione Marittima.

Water buses are best for longer trips and for visiting the islands. There are also the more expensive water taxis. Gondolas are really just for short romantic hops and having your photograph taken.

Climate

Summer is hot in Venice. Temperatures average 27°C but high humidity results in a close, uncomfortable atmosphere. Sometimes, hot sirocco winds sweep in from the south. January and February are the coldest months with temperatures ranging from 0-7 C. Snow is rare owing to the city’s lagoon location. Spring is fresh and clear though rainfall can be heavy. Mists are common in late autumn.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Venice hotels

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

Venice has the character of a stage set so its many festivals are spectacular.

* The first event of the year is the Regata delle Befana held on 6 January.

* The next month sees the major event in the Venetian calendar namely Carnevale,

which is a masked and costumed extravaganza.

* May sees the Festa della Sensa (Feast of the Ascension) which celebrates the Sposalizio del Mar (Wedding with the Sea).

* The arts fest is held every odd-numbered year in June in the Giardini Pubblici.

* Festa del Redentore in July features a regatta and fireworks festival.

* The Venice International Film Festival is held from late August into September

Turin

Turin has been called the European capital of Baroque due to the style of many of its palaces and churches. In many ways Turin differs from the typical Italian city. It exudes a strong French influence with its broad boulevards with white buildings. With the Po River flowing through the city, and the Italian Alps standing in the distance, it’s a place of great charm.

Transport:getting there and getting away

By plane

Caselle Airport lies north of the city and is connected to the city by bus and taxi. Turin is also easily reached from Malpensa airport.

Turin has two main railway stations, Porta Nuova and Porta Susa. The former is for long and mid-range trips the latter mainly for local trains.

Turin has an efficient public transport system of buses and trams and an underground line was opened for the 2006 Winter Olympics.

The City of Turin has recently established a network of bicycle paths throughout the city.

Climate:

Turin is gloomy with rain and fog in the winter temperatures tending to remain single digit. The summer months between May and September are milder though rain is still common.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of Turin hotels

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

* April sees the Festival Internazionale di Film con Tematiche Omosessuali is a five-day international gay and lesbian film festival.

*Cioccolatò in early March is a two-week celebration of cocoa. Turin see cocoa tastings, sculpture competitions and stalls around the city centre.

*Salone Internazionale del Gusto is a five-day festival of food and wine held biannually. The event is international in flavour with traditional producers from around the world showcasing and selling their wares in a giant street market.

Rome

Steeped in history and rich with monuments famous the world over - the Vatican, the Colosseum - Rome stands as a captivating symbol of history and culture.

Transport:getting there and getting away

Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) airport is 16 miles southwest of the city with the Stazione Termini direct train running hourly into the city. The main bus station is located outside the Stazione Termini. Buses run from 6:00 a.m to midnight with some all-night services. The Rome Metro service has two lines, both of which go through Termini. It runs from 5:30 a.m to 11.30 p.m. and 0:30 on Saturdays.

Climate:

The climate is mild with sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. However July and August can be oppressively hot, November is often rainy, and December to February can be chill.

Accommodation:from cheap stays to luxury resorts

Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of  hotels in Rome.

Events:what’s on and what’s hot

*Holy Week (Easter) is time when Catholics from all over the world arrive on pilgrimages to visit the city’s churches and to hear the Pope at the Vatican. On Good Friday a procession of the Cross goes from the Colosseum to Capitoline Hill.

*The Estate Romana (Roman Summer), is at the heart of Roman social life from June to September. It’s a time when the city reverberates to free concerts, street theatre and outdoor cinema.

*In September museums, galleries and shops stay open all night from 20:00-08:00 on the occasion called Notte Bianca (white night). It’s also a time of free concerts and other happenings all over the city.

On the North Island of New Zealand you’ll find Auckland, a large city set around stunning inlets and bays. Not surprisingly, most of the Auckland’s most celebrated activities are to do with water. These include dinner cruises in the harbor and swimming with dolphins.

Transport: how to get there and around:

New Zealand’s main international airport is situated in Auckland. This makes it accessible to direct flights from the US, Australia, Asia and Europe. Flights also run domestically from the South Island to Auckland.

Auckland city covers a wide area so it is recommended to get around using a bicycle or taxi. To reach other towns and attractions, there are bus and rail services.

Weather

Owing to its location in the southern hemisphere, summer in New Zealand is from November to April. In summer temperatures are around 20 C and the winter is fairly mild as it doesn’t usually freeze.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.nz/New-Zealand/Auckland/” title=”hotels in Auckland”>hotels in Auckland.

Attractions & Events

There are events held all year in Auckland, although the city really comes to life in the summer time.

*Sports fans can enjoy January with the Open Tennis Championships and the Captain Hobson Anniversary Day Regatta.

*In March, Western Springs holds the Pasifika Festival with Polynesian music and performances.

*Auckland Botanical Gardens have a show in November called the Ellerslie Flower Show.

Wellington: Attractive city of views

The capital city, Wellington is surrounded by hills and offers some splendid views of the Harbor. Home to the main government buildings, Wellington also has a bustling cafe and entertainment culture.

Transport: how to get there and around:

Domestic flights from Auckland and Christchurch as well as other destinations connect with Wellington airport. A ferry also makes it possible to reach the south island town of Picton.

A major bus route runs from Auckland to Wellington. To get around in and around the city itself there are local train and bus services, as well as taxi’s.

Weather

Situated on the coast, Wellington can suffer from windy weather.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/New-Zealand/Wellington/” title=”hotels in Wellington”>hotels in Wellington.

Attractions & Events

Many sporting and cultural events take place in the capital city, here are just a few.

*During January, the city hosts Wellington Cup Week with fashion, live music and of course horse racing.

*The Arts Festival is held in January with International artists taking part.

*The Jazz festival and Fashion Festival are both during October.

Christchurch: Have fun with nature

From Christchurch you can access nature and have fun on New Zealand’s plains, lakes, mountains and beaches. Being the largest city in the Southern Island, there are always attractions for visitors such as the Antarctic Centre, wildlife showcases, gondola trips and more.

Transport: how to get there and around:

The international airport of the South Island is in Christchurch, connecting with Australia and several other destinations. Air New Zealand serves other domestic locations. Getting around is simple with the city’s cost effective bus service and reliable rail network.

Accommodation: Luxury to budget stays

The internet can offer some of the best information on the cost, range and location of hotels in Christchurch.

Attractions & Events:

*An international festival of flowers is held in Christchurch during the month os February.

*Fine music, food and wine can be enjoyed during Augusts International Jazz Festival