tnt destination features - issue 2

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DestinationsEurope

TOP 10

European breaks

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www.topdeck.traveltrips for 18 to 30 somethings

EUROHOTEL: For great value hotel trips in outstanding locations with bags of local character.

EUROCLUB: Accommodation as varied as the locations we visit: from hotels to hostels, to bungalows, castles and yachts.

EUROCAMPING: Back to basics with spacious tents, amazing campsites and great meals.

EXPLORER: Small groups that get off the beaten track and discover the heart and soul of the locations they visit.

Resort, castle, or canvas.

Topdeck gives you choices when it comes to accommodation.

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Welcome to TNT ’s new

Destinations supplement.

For our inaugural edition

we’re focusing on the

very best of what Europe

has to offer during the

warmer months.

Destinations is the perfect

place to start if you’re

looking for inspiration to

plan your summer trip. So

whether it’s island hopping

off Croatia’s stunning

Dalmatian Coast, exploring

Turkey’s rich culture and

heritage, or indulging in

a sunny Spanish trip

– Destinations has the

information you seek.

We’ve also put our

thinking caps on and

brought together all the

essential information you

need to plan your summer

of festivals – from tomato

throwing at La Tomatina

to catching a break at

Newquay in Cornwall.

And because we’re partial

to a bit of travel too – the

team have nominated their

favourite European city

breaks. It was a hard task,

but we’ve picked what

we think are the Top 10

unmissable cities on the

Continent. Once you’ve

decided where you’re off to

next, turn to page 12 and

have a look at what our

sponsor Topdeck has to

offer. Chances are they’re

going where you want to go.

The Destinations Team

TNT editor Daniel Landon Deputy editor Samantha Baden Chief sub editor Janine Jorgensen Travel editor Janine Kelso Contributing writers Tom Sturrock, Alison Grinter, Jahn Vannisselroy, Inger Smith Art director Shabir Mahmood Picture editor Shila Sultana Head of production Libby West Production manager Jon Cooke Publishing director Jeff Perkins Sales Jaqui Ward, James Berry Financial director Nick Crampton CEO Kevin Ellis Chairman Ken HurstPrinted by St Ives Web Ltd Distribution by Emblem Direct Ltd Published by TNT Publishing Ltd 14-15 Child’s Place, London SW5 9RX Enquiries +44 (0)20 7373 3377; +44 (0)1603 343267 Email [email protected] Fax +44 (0)20 7341 6600

WELCOME LETTERcontents

8 TALKING TURKEYFrom the mineral springs

of Pamukkale to the bustle

of Istanbul

14 TOP 5 SPAINFood fanatic or a culture

vulture, Spain’s got a

destination for everyone

16 CULTURAL PARTYSt Petersburg’s old world

charm is as seductive as

its love of vodka

18 COLD PLAYSo much to do, so little

time, tick off some fabulous

experiences in Iceland

20 FESTIVAL FEVERMusic, culture and sport,

we pick the summer’s top

six festivals

26 10 OF THE BESTCompetition is tight, but

we’ve picked our top

European city breaks

4 SAIL AWAYBook your berth and

cast off on a sailing

break in Croatia

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P arty at night at some of the world’s best bars and

unwind during the day on the azure waters of the

Dalmatian coast. Sailing in Croatia is a near perfect

blend of relaxation and fun.

MIX IT UP

Most sailing trips thread through the islands between Split

and Dubrovnik, mooring each night at a different town for

a quiet meal or a heaving party at a harbour-side bar. But

there’s also plenty of time to sit on the deck of the boat

and simply do nothing, aside from taking a dip when the

skipper drops anchor in a secluded cove.

SCENIC SURROUNDS

Mljet (top right) is the prettiest of the coast’s islands – and

the most tranquil. On its western half is a national park,

best explored by bike – hire one in Pomena (where most

boats dock). Or take a free boat ride across the inland lake

s a i l a w a yA sailing trip along Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian coast

is a once-in-a-lifetime experienceWORDS DANIEL LANDON

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to Marija Island, home to a decrepit monastery.

The coastline of the mainland is dotted with mountains

and forests, providing their own source of adventure.

Take a trek in the hills of the Biokovo Nature Park,

near Makarska, or brave some white-knuckle white-

water rafting.

HVAR

With its quaint marble and red-roofed buildings, palm-

fringed foreshore and fortress overlooking it all, Hvar Town

(main photo) encapsulates the best of the Adriatic.

Don’t miss a walk to the Spanjol or citadel (middle right).

After passing through the town square, a narrow network

of alleyways leads up the hill, past plenty of small

restaurants and bars. The view over Hvar Town, harbour

“The view over Hvar Town, harbour and Pakleni Islands is sublime”



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1Dive off the roof of your sailing boat into the crystal

clear Adriatic.

2 Have a drink against the backdrop of luxurious

yachts and watch the sun go down in Hvar Town.

3 Marvel at Split’s Diocletian’s Palace - one of the world’s

most complete examples of a Roman Palace anywhere in the world.

4 Walk along the wall ramparts in Dubrovnik.

5 Kick back and relax as you sail in some of the world’s

most beautiful scenery on the Dalmatian coast.

NEED TO KNOWWHEN TO GO Sailing season is April to October.GETTING THERE Fly from London to Split or Dubrovnik.GETTING AROUND An organised tour is easiest, see tntmagazine.com/toursearch. Public transport is good, so it’s easy to strike out on your own.VISAS South Africans need a visa, see uk.mfa.hr.

MONEY Croatian kuna. 1 GBP = 8.62 HRK.LANGUAGE Croatian. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.GOING OUT A cocktail in a harbour-side bar costs about 40-50 kuna.ACCOMMODATION A basic double room in Dubrovnik starts at 100 kuna per person.SEE croatia.hr.

and Pakleni Islands is

sublime, particularly

at sunset.

If you want to splash

some cash in style, Hvar

Town is the place to do it.

The Adriana Hotel has

a rooftop bar and pool. You

don’t need to be beautiful to

get in, but it certainly helps.

For celeb spotting try

super-trendy bar Carpe

Diem, which has a harbour-

side terrace a stone’s

throw from where the

boats are docked.

DUBROVNIK

Surrounded by an imposing

wall that weaves along

sheer cliffs, Dubrovnik’s

old town is a maze of alleys,

churches and cobbled squares that looks, at every

turn, like a picture from a storybook about a mythical

medieval town.

A walk along the city walls offers amazing views:

from vistas over the red-tiled roofs and church

spires, to the panorama of the shimmering Adriatic

and the mountains above the town.

SPLIT

Don’t miss Diocletian’s Palace, an impressive Roman ruin

built in the 3rd century and now a Unesco World Heritage

Site. These days it’s a labyrinth of homes, cafés, galleries,

UNMISSABLE CROATIA

bars and shops, all set inside imposing marble walls.

It’s easy to get lost here, but that’s half the fun. If you

want a coffee or beer among locals rather than tourists,

head to Teak Café in the north-east corner of the palace

(above). Or for serious boozing and partying, there are

the heaving bars of the south-east corner.

KORCULA

The birthplace of Marco Polo, Korcula (main

and top left) is a laid-back port town with an

old centre of Renaissance and Gothic buildings.

In summer, check out the traditional Moreska

sword dance, in which costumed locals swirl their

way through town. Or head to Bar Massimo with its seating

atop an old tower of the town walls, accessible by a steep

ladder. Cocktails (40-50 kuna) are hauled up to the top from

the bar below on a pulley system. Arrive before sunset to get

a seat and soak up the million-dollar views.

CROATIA

Split

DubrovnikKORCULA

HVAR

“It’s easy to get lost in Diocletian’s Palace, but that’s half the fun”


Turkey is an incredible mix of cultures and

attractions – from the fairy chimneys of

Cappadocia to the mineral waters of Pamukkale

and the buzzing, cosmopolitan city of Istanbul.

There’s something for everyone.

PAMUKKALE

This famous Roman spa and hot spring town has been

pulling in the crowds for thousands of years. You’ll soon

discover why when you wade into the soothing, warm

mineral waters of the travertine terraces (main photo).

Don’t leave Pamukkale without exploring Hierapolis,

an ancient Roman town. There are lots of impressive sites

to see, including Frontinus Street, once the commercial

axis, and the ruins of the Arch of Domitian.

The amphitheatre is a great vantage point offering

unrivalled views of the gleaming white rock face, ancient

Roman ruins and blue pools.

CAPPADOCIA

The underground city of Derinkuyu in Cappadocia plunges

85m below the ground. This subterranean dugout was used

by 6th and 7th century Byzantine Christians as a refuge

from the marauding Persian and Arabic hordes. It’s huge

Talking TurkeyStraddling Europe and Asia, Turkey is a destination with a difference

WORDS JAHN VANNISSELROY AND SAMANTHA BADEN

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too, accommodating 10,000 people and their livestock.

Next stop is the 40m-high fairy chimneys at Göreme

(right and top). Created by wind erosion, one day they will

eventually disappear. The best way to appreciate this lunar

landscape is by floating above it in a hot air balloon at dawn,

when the rising sun causes the rocks to change colour.

ISTANBUL

You’ll be charmed both by the friendly people and the jaw-

dropping sites in Istanbul. Start at the Blue Mosque (below),

“View Cappadocia’s lunar landscape from a hot air balloon”


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ONCE IN A LIFE TIME – GALLIPOLI TOUR When the first rays of light break at Anzac Cove on Anzac Day, it’s impossible not to be moved by the tragic history of Gallipoli.

Standing shoulder to

shoulder with fellow Antipodeans, the camaraderie and patriotism is tangible.

During World War I, about 12,000 Australians and New Zealanders lost their lives at the Battle of Gallipoli and the annual pilgrimage to the site

has become a rite of passage for many young people.

Even if your travel plans don’t allow you to visit on Anzac Day on April 25, a tour of the trenches and the many memorial sites of the Gallipoli peninsula is an interesting and

moving experience any time of the year.

Gallipoli is 350 km away from Istanbul. To visit the peninsula on Anzac Day you have to join an official tour. At any other time, it’s open for access.

so named because of

the thousands of blue

Iznik tiles decorating

its interior. Take your

shoes off before you

enter and women

should cover their

heads when inside.

You can also marvel

at Istanbul’s beauty

from a boat cruise on

the Bosphorus. The

Public Excursion Ferry

departs Eminönü at

10.35am daily or take

a smaller private

excursion boat from

the same area – these depart once full.

Topkapi Palace is a must-see (right). Explore this

opulent palace and get to know its colourful occupants,

including Selim the Sot, who drowned after drinking

too much champagne. The harem is the real drawcard

– you have to pay extra to see it, but its grandeur makes it

totally worth it.

Istanbul also boasts a cracking nightlife and you simply

must have a night out in Beyoglu to party with the hip

young Istanbul locals.

Finally, test your haggling skills at the Grand Bazaar (top

and middle) where you’ll find jingle-jangly jewellery,

colourful glass lamps, vibrant leather poufs, and you can

take a little bit of Turkey home with you.

“Pay extra for the harem in Topkapi Palace – it’s a real drawcard”

NEED TO KNOWWHEN TO GO April to October is best. Tourism all but shuts down in winter.GETTING THERE BA, EasyJet, Pegasus and Turkish Airlines all fly to Istanbul.GETTING AROUND Buses connect towns between Pamukkale and Cappadocia. You can see Istanbul on foot or by tram.VISAS Australians and South Africans have to apply on arrival. Kiwis can travel visa free.CURRENCY Turkish lira. 1 GBP = 2.36 TRY. LANGUAGE Turkish.ACCOMMODATION Hostel beds in Cappadocia start from 15 lira a night, Pamukkale from 18 lira a night. See tntmagazine.com/hostels. A room at a three-star hotel in Istanbul is from £40. GOING OUT A beer costs about 7 lira. If you’re out in a large group, negotiate with the owner before you start drinking and you may get the beer down to 5 lira a pop. SEE tourismturkey.org.

Istanbul

Pamukkale

ANKARA

Cappadocia

TURKEY



tntmagazine.com/destinations12

ADVERTORIAL

I f you see out your stint in London

without making the trek across the

channel to Europe, you’ve missed

out. But if you don’t have a travel

buddy, the thought of shooting off – without

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– can be intimidating.

But with Topdeck Travel, that’s all sorted.

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And best of all, Topdeck has a range of trips

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THE BEST OF OLD EUROPE

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Europe’s most popular hotspots.

You’ll enjoy a gourmet picnic in the shadows

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Chapel in Rome or falling in love in Verona,

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TRAVELLING WITH TOPDECK 12-DAY ESSENTIAL EUROPE INCLUDES UK£11 nights hotel accommodation includedAll transportation included11 breakfasts included5 dinners includedEscorted services of tour guide included

TOTAL COST £990*

two nights in the Swiss Alps, befriending the

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AN EPIC ADVENTURE

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TRAVELLING ON YOUR OWN UK£11 nights hotel accommodation £600Eurail pass based on saver fare £43311 breakfasts at £3 per meal £335 dinners at £10 per meal £50Guided tour of each city: minimum £15 per city £135Local buses/trains/subway at £5 per day £60

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WHY TRAVEL WITH TOPDECK?

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*Price is based on Europe 2010 brochure.

Alps Prague

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rom tapas to flamenco – those

Spaniards know a thing or two about

enjoying life. Whether it’s the crazy

nightlife of Barcelona or the stunning

beaches of the Costa Blanca and the art

museums of Madrid, Spain is at once

boisterous, fascinating and colourful. TOP 5 SPAINFrom surf beaches to insane

nightlife, here are five of Spain’s top destinations

WORDS JANINE KELSO

1 Barcelona is the ideal setting for long, lazy

days of sightseeing or shopping, broken up

by a siesta before heading out to wine, dine

and party, as nightlife is the essence of this

cool city. Few travel experiences can be more

satisfying than relaxing in a street café with

a plate heaped high with paella and a jug

of Sangria.

Antoni Gaudí’s architecture is an essential

part of Barcelona’s visual DNA, from the

soaring spires of his famously unfinished

church to the magical grottoes of Parc Güell

(pictured top). When your wallet’s empty and

you need a rest, head for the beach.

14

2 A quintessential Spanish city, Valencia

has loads to offer travellers, with idyllic

year-round temperatures, a charming old

town to explore, thumping nightlife, culture

in spades and the sizzling beaches of the Med.

Head to the cosmopolitan Central Market

to ogle food or grab a snack for the day

ahead. Here you will find giant squid,

delectable joints of jamon (cured ham) and

piles of fresh fruit.

As night falls, make a beeline for the Plaza

de la Reina as it is lined with dozens of bars

and clubs packed with both locals and visitors

to the city.

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NEED TO KNOWWHEN TO GO Spain is a year-round destination, but May, June and September are best, thanks to great weather and fewer tourists.GETTING THERE EasyJet flies to Barcelona, Madrid, Ibiza, Valencia and Bilbao, from where it’s a one-hour bus trip

to San Sebastian, while Ryanair flies to Madrid, Valencia and Ibiza.GETTING AROUND It’s easy to travel around Spain by bus and train, or hire a car − see easycar.com/tntmagazine.com for a 5 per cent discount.VISAS South Africans need a Schengen visa.

CURRENCY Euro. 1 GBP = 1.22 EUR. LANGUAGE Spanish.GOING OUT A small beer costs from ¤1-€4. ACCOMMODATION A dorm bed costs from £11, while a hotel room costs from £20. See tntmagazine.com/hostels.SEE spain.info.

4 With grand boulevards, art museums

and nightlife to make your head swirl,

Madrid is as stylish as it is fun.

The metropolis is the country’s art and

culture capital and the Prado gallery is the

jewel in its crown. Be wowed by the big names,

including El Greco, Goya and Velázquez.

Madrid is great for a tapas crawl: hop from

bar to bar, while eating and drinking small

portions along the way. 5 San Sebastián boasts some of the best

beaches in Spain. La Concha and

Ondarreta are good for swimming and soaking

up the sun, while Zurriola is popular with surfers.

The best places to eat are around the Alameda

del Boulevard and the town is a gastronomic

paradise with more Michelin-starred eateries

per head than anywhere in the world.

By midnight the streets hum with activity

as people head out to bars to munch on tapas

– or pintxos, as they are known in the Basque

region – and down wine, cider or beer.

3 IBIZA

This Balearic island offers stunning

beaches and unbeatable nightlife. From

the cobbled streets of Ibiza Town to the

notorious West End in San Antonio, the White

Isle’s world-renowned clubs and DJs, sunsets

and sangria, attract a mass of revellers. Space

is the most famous club, and the Sunday

parties on its outdoor terrace are legendary.

For sexy house music, head to plush Pacha.

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SPAIN

MADRID

San Sebastian

Barcelona

IBIZA

Valencia

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CULTURAL PARTY Take your fill of history, beautiful buildings and plenty of

vodka in the Russian city of St Petersburg WORDS TOM STURROCK

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S t Petersburg seduces you with old

European charm and wild hedonism.

Dubbed the Venice of the North, this

pastel-painted city is best seen on foot or by

boat from the canals.

Known as Petrograd from 1914-29 and then

as Leningrad up until 1991, the city is criss-

crossed by a network of canals, punctuated

by bronze statues of men in heroic poses.

WINTER PALACE

Overlooking St Petersburg’s main waterway is

the Winter Palace (opposite top left), the eye-

poppingly opulent residence of Russia’s tsars.

The palace now houses the Hermitage

Museum, a gallery with an extraordinary

collection of art and sculpture to rival anything

in the West.

ST ISAAC’S CATHEDRAL

With its huge golden dome, St Isaac’s

Cathedral dominates the St Petersburg

skyline. You can climb the 262 steps to the

colonnade at the top and take in incredible

views of the city. The inside of the cathedral

(main image) is impressive too, but admission

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NEED TO KNOWWHEN TO GO Summer, spring and autumn are best.GETTING THERE Most airlines fly to St Petersburg.GETTING AROUND St Petersburg has a good metro system. Buy one token per trip.VISAS All visitors must get a tourist visa, which can be tricky.CURRENCY Ruble. 1 GBP = 46 RUB.LANGUAGE Russian.GOING OUT A beer costs 80-100 rubles. There are lots of bars in the city. Chain bars are touristy, but give good service.WHERE TO STAY You’ll pay 600 rubles for a bed in a hostel and about 2200 rubles for a private room. Hotels are expensive.SEE petersburgcity.com.

DRINK UPIt’s impossible to travel to St Petersburg and not throw back a few shots of vodka.

Be warned: asking for a soft drink or juice to dilute it will raise the eyebrows of bar tenders around the central area of the city.


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it became a political prison and its famous

former inmates include Dostoevsky, and Trotsky.

MARIINSKY THEATRE

Known to many as the Kirov, watching world-

class ballet (top right) is almost as much fun

as promenading around the levels, drinking

champagne and eating caviar in the interval.

Hard-to-get tickets are worth the once-in-a-

lifetime experience in this stunning setting.

NEVSKY PROSPEKT

Just as the tsars enjoyed their excesses more

than a century ago, one need only stroll

through the shopping hub of Nevsky Prospekt

to see how the Russian appetite for finery and

consumerism has been rekindled after so

many years of dreary communism.

» Tom Sturrock travelled on the nine-day

Russia Unplugged tour with On The Go

(020 7371 1113; onthegotours.com) who offer

a range of tours from four to 14 days. Prices

start at £389

for the climb and general entry ticket must be

purchased separately.

THE CHURCH OF OUR

SAVIOUR ON SPILLED BLOOD

The iconic coloured domes are instantly

recognisable as you approach the Church

of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood (bottom right).

It was built as a memorial to Tsar Alexander II,

on the site of his assassination in 1881. There

are also several stunning colourful mosaics

inside the church.

SUMMER GARDEN

One of the city’s prettiest and oldest green

spots, the Summer Garden, is a wonderful

place to spend a few hours unwinding.

The space was laid out for Peter the Great

and designed along the same lines as the park

at Versailles. You’ll marvel at the fountains,

pavilions and marble statues.

PETER AND PAUL FORTRESS

It was here that St Petersburg was initially

founded back in 1703. It is still home to the

Peter and Paul Cathedral as well as the

122m-high bell tower.

After the October Revolution in 1917,

RUSSIASt Petersburg

MOSCOW

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COLD PLAYIceland’s troublesome volcano meant the country hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons this year, but it is now very much open for business

WORDS JANINE KELSO

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SNORKEL BETWEEN CONTINENTS

Snorkel or scuba-dive in a crack between the American and

Eurasian continents at the Silfra Rift in Thingvellir National

Park. Flanked by huge rock formations, the startlingly clear

waters offer high visibility to depths of as much as 100m,

sometimes inducing vertigo in snorkellers and divers.

The water is so clean that you can take off your snorkel

and enjoy a refreshing drink. It’s a tad nippy at 2°C as the

lagoon is filled with the melted water from a glacier about

50km away, so you’ll have to wear a dry suit. See dive.is.

BAR HOP IN REYKJAVÍK

Rub shoulders (or more, if you’re lucky) with Iceland’s

beautiful people in Reykjavík’s achingly cool bars. Locals

get glammed up to hit the dance clubs and tiny live

music venues, which don’t get going until late. Suffering

P oor old Iceland. The land of ice and fire has

had some negative press in the past year. First,

it went bankrupt, and then its ash-spewing

unpronounceable volcano caused travel chaos across

Europe. But Eyjafjallajökull has now calmed down and

Iceland is very much open for business. In fact, its

troublesome volcano has become a must-see attraction

on the island. You have probably already heard of the

Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle, so we have picked

a few of Iceland’s off-the-beaten-track draws.

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NEED TO KNOWWHEN TO GO Winter is the best time to see the Northern Lights, while summers are milder with 24-hour daylight between June and August. GETTING THERE Icelandair (icelandair.co.uk) flies from London to Reykjavík twice daily. Summer fares start at £226.

GETTING AROUND Rent a jeep or go on a tour. Reach the Westmann Islands via a 25-minute flight or a 30-minute ferry from Reykjavík.VISAS South Africans need a Schengen visa.CURRENCY Icelandic krona. 1 GBP = 193 ISK. LANGUAGE Icelandic, but

just about everybody speaks fluent English. GOING OUT A local beer is about 800 ISK.ACCOMMODATION Dorm beds cost from £15 a night. Fancy a splurge? Stay at Hotel Ranga (hotelranga.is), which has outdoor whirlpool baths. Rooms lead in at £135 a night.

SEE inspiredbyiceland.com; visiticeland.com

THE HIDDEN PEOPLEMore than half of all Icelanders believe in elves and trolls. Legend has it that when God visited Eve, she only had time to clean up half her children and so she hid the others. As punishment, God said the children would stay hidden for all time. Nowadays, Iceland’s building projects are often moved to prevent damaging the rock where the hidden people are believed to live and some gardens have tiny wooden houses for elves.

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a hangover the day after the night before?

Heal yourself in Reykjavik’s many thermal

pools and luxury spas, such as the famous

Blue Lagoon (bottom right). See visitreykjavik.is.

EAT ROTTEN SHARK

Picture roadkill on a dinner plate and you’re

halfway to imagining the wretch-inducing

smell and taste of rotten shark. Eating the

stuff is a macho rite of passage for the tough

Viking-descended Icelanders. And you don’t

want to look like a wuss by refusing it, do you?

COLLECT VOLCANIC ASH

The latest tourist craze is to sneak a peak at infamous

volcano Eyjafjallajökull, a two-hour drive from Reykjavík.

You’ve got a 50 per cent chance of spotting it because if

the weather is cloudy, you won’t see a thing. Even then, you

can still collect a souvenir to impress your friends at home

– that notorious ash that caused so many problems.

EXPLORE THE WESTMANN ISLANDS

Vestmannaeyjar (Westmann Islands) made headlines in

1973 when Eldfell volcano erupted, crushing 400 homes in

lava and ash. Now 30 years on, a project named ‘Pompeii of

the North’ is excavating the homes on this remote island,

accessible only by ferry or flight from Reykjavík.

A boat trip around the islands with Viking Tours takes you

past sea-ravaged cliffs, home to 4 million puffins (top

right). You may even spot killer whales playing in the sea.

Back on dry land, join a bus tour taking you to the top of

Storhofoi, thought to be the windiest place in Europe where

wind speed can reach 48km a second. Then join the locals

in a sport known as ‘cliff rappelling’ where you grab an old

rope and swing from one perch to another. See vikingtours.is.

GO OVERLANDING

Iceland’s otherworldly landscape is a photographer’s

dream. Getting off the beaten track in a 4WD is an exciting

way to see the country, as you’ll cross rivers and drive on

black-sand beaches. Stop to walk on glaciers, hike to

gushing waterfalls (above left) and soak in hot springs.

ICELAND

REYKJAVÍK

Eyjafjallajökull

Thingvellir National Park

Y

Westmann Islands

FINAL DEST Iceland 18 19.indd 19FINAL DEST Iceland 18 19.indd 19 1/7/10 15:25:431/7/10 15:25:43

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‘Only with Contiki’ special inclusions are exactly what they say they are: They’re only with Contiki.

These are a just a handful of over 30 ‘Only With Contikis’ waiting for you when you go Contiki

Paris Illuminations night tour with French champagne, change and escargot

Private boat to the islands of Venice

Party in a toga on Corfu

Sail the Nile on a felucca – a traditional Egyptian boat

A Hungarian dinner cruise in Budapest

Tuscan wine tasting with antipasti

Locally guided bike tour of Munich

And many more

Only With Contiki



FESTIVAL FEVERCheck out these six top festivals not be missed

this summer in Europe WORDS JANINE KELSO

Pete Axford,, York T

illyer

WOMADWhen July 23–25.

Where Malmesbury, England.

The Womad festival brings together artists from all over the

world in a musical melting pot, created to help spectators

discover new artists and music styles. Big-name stars

include Afro Celt Sound System, Horace Andy and Gil Scott

Heron. Music acts include London rapper Ty, DMC World

DJ Championship winner DJ Kentaro and techno outfit

Empirion. And from Australia is Aboriginal star Geoffrey

Gurrumul Yunupingu.

Most festival goers camp at the event but glamping

options on offer include tepees and yurts, or brightly

coloured ‘hobbit homes’, called podpads.

FINAL DEST festivals 22 23 24 2522 22FINAL DEST festivals 22 23 24 2522 22 1/7/10 16:50:191/7/10 16:50:19

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EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL AND MILITARY TATTOOWhen August 7–29 (Military Tattoo) and August 13–

September 5 (Edinburgh International Festival).

Where Edinburgh, Scotland.

Edinburgh’s Military Tattoo is a unique blend of music,

ceremony, entertainment and theatre, featuring massed

pipe bands from across the globe, mounted police

demonstrations and dance groups, set against the

magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.

The Edinburgh International Festival offers three fun-

filled weeks of opera, music, drama and dance. More than

400,000 visitors will flock to the city to see over 180 shows

with 2200 performers from all over the world.

BOARDMASTERS SURFAND MUSIC FESTIVALWhen August 4–8.

Where Newquay, England.

Leftfield and Seasick Steve are headlining this laid-back

beach festival, which plays host to more than 50 live music

acts. Held over five days in the UK’s surf capital, the festival

is set across two locations. Fistral Beach hosts the sports

and bikini competition, while the music stages can be

found on the cliff tops above Watergate Bay, which enjoys

gorgeous views of the Cornish coastline.

The word’s best surfers show off their prowess at the

5 Star ASP World Qualifying Series surf event, which

has hosted the likes of Kelly Slater. You can also watch

superstar skateboarders and BMXers show off their skills.



IL PALIOWhen August 16.

Where Siena, Italy.

Taking place in the medieval city of Siena, this classic

horse race dates all the way back to 1656. On August 16

every year, gutsy Italians race horses around the city’s

beautiful main square in a spectacular and at times violent

spectacle of colour and chaos.

About 60,000 spectators join in this historic event of

racing, boozing and eating. And the best bit? Even if

a jockey falls, the horse can still win. The town’s limited

accommodation fills up quickly, so book early.


OKTOBERFESTWhen September 18–October 4.

Where Munich, Germany.

Quite possibly the happiest place on earth, Oktoberfest is

held every year in September and October in the wonderful

city of Munich. Celebrating all that is good about beer,

almost 6 million people flood into the city for two weeks

of fun. Munich just isn’t the same if you don’t see it through

the beer goggles of an Oktoberfest stein, brought to you by

beer wenches with superhuman strength (these maidens

can carry six glasses at a time). It’s a hell of a party that’s

been a long time in the making. The first Oktoberfest was

actually more like a massive wedding reception. Bavarian

Crown Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese von

Sachsen-Hildburghausen in 1810 and to celebrate,

the local Bavarians decided a bit of a party was in order.

Oktoberfest is still held at Theresienwiese which actually

means ‘Therese’s meadow’.

LA TOMATINAWhen August 25.

Where Buñol, Spain.

Almost 40,000 revellers armed with 140 tonnes of

tomatoes pack into narrow cobblestone streets for

90 minutes of full-on, all-out tomato-chucking warfare.

La Tomatina is one of the most fun festivals in the world

– and no one knows why it began in 1994. Theories suggest

it started as a pie fight, a juvenile class war or a practical

joke on a bad musician. The most popular theory, however,

is that disgruntled townspeople pelted the city councillors

with tomatoes. Whatever the origins, you’ll never see a town

painted so red.

FESTIVAL FEVER




10 GREAT CITIESTNT picks some of Europe’s best cities

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Dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Adriatic’,

Dubrovnik’s old town is set within city

walls built from the 13th century onwards.

A Unesco World Heritage site, Dubrovnik has

cobblestone streets, red-tiled roofs, forts,

museums and historic churches. Despite

being shelled by the Serbs in 1991, the city

survived and is a top tourist destination in

Croatia. Stroll along its walls for sweeping

views of the Adriatic Sea and the old town.

JANINE KELSO

DUBROVNIK

Barcelona is a

hedonist’s paradise

with its packed bars,

restaurants and clubs.

This city deserves its

reputation for art

and architecture.

Colourful mosaics

and extravagant

buildings are the

showy marks that

Gaudi left on the city.

Vibrant promenade

Las Ramblas runs

from Plaça de

Catalunya to the

statue of Colombus.

It’s entertainment

central, with mime

artists and jugglers.

JANINE KELSO

You could spend forever trying to discover the delights of the

Eternal City and still only scratch the surface. A perfect Roman day

starts at Café Farnese for a cappuccino and pastry. Next, visit the

lush green Villa Borghese, before heading to the Roman Forum, for

some quality antiquity time. Grab a quick gelato then make your

way to the hip Trastevere area, which comes alive in the evening

with impromptu gigs, market stalls and crowds of well-dressed

Romans. After a dinner of pizza and a glass of tasty Frascati, do as

the Romans do and hit the clubs in Testaccio. SAMANTHA BADEN

ROME

BARCELONA

FINAL DEST 10 great cities 26 2726 26FINAL DEST 10 great cities 26 2726 26 1/7/10 16:53:181/7/10 16:53:18

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Situated on 14 islands, you’re always close to

water in Sweden’s capital, with its marine

landscape of bridges, sailing boats, cruise

ships and docks setting a tranquil mood.

Stockholm has its charms all year round. Head

there in the summer and party with the sun-

loving locals during the white nights and

explore the islands in Stockholm’s archipelago.

On cold, dark winter nights, Christmas

decorations twinkle in the snow, making you

feel warm and fuzzy. INGER SMITH

Dripping with culture

and beauty, Paris is

one of the world’s

greatest cities. As

well as having the best

art galleries, its world-

famous icons include

the dazzling Eiffel

Tower. Soak up the

city’s atmosphere by

exploring its wide

boulevards by bike,

which can be rented

for about €1 a day

from one of the city’s

1450 Vélib’ stations.

Paris is a foodie’s

paradise, and there’s

no shortage of places

to find fine French

cuisine to enjoy.

The Latin Quarter

buzzes at night, with

eateries, bars and

jazz clubs to keep

everyone entertained.

JANINE KELSO

PARIS

STOCKHOLM



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Despite the tourist hordes, Venice remains superlative among

picturesque places to visit. Skip the try-hard romance of a gondola

ride and instead brave the anarchic thrill of a traghetto (used to ferry

throngs of passengers across two fixed points of the Grand Canal) – it

costs a lot less and is an experience you won’t forget. It’s still possible

to find pockets in Venice where you’ll feel like an explorer – seek out the

evocative Jewish Ghetto – and end your day of sightseeing with a spritz,

the quintessential Venetian tipple. SAMANTHA BADEN

VENICE

Hailed as Europe’s

spa capital, the

Queen of the Danube

and Paris of the East,

Budapest has

survived the rise and

fall of empires and

communist rule. The

city’s two halves,

Buda and Pest, face

each other across the

Danube. For knockout

views and romance,

Buda comes out on

top. Across the river,

Pest has a younger,

funkier feel, and is

where the city’s

nightlife really kicks

off. JANINE KELSO

Portugal’s capital Lisbon is as delightful as its

custard tarts. The city perches atop seven hills

and hugs a harbour known for its seafaring

heyday. Catch a rickety tram up to the old

Moorish quarter where you can feast on

sardines and dance all night long at Bairro Alto.

To experience the true soul of Portugal, seek

out a small tavern off a winding street and

listen to fado, the melancholic traditional music

about love and fate. JANINE KELSO

BUDAPEST

LISBON

29


With its Gothic bridges, towers and castles,

Prague is quite simply gorgeous – and it’s one

of the cheapest destinations in Europe, too.

Stroll along the Charles Bridge lined with

dramatic Baroque statues (but mind the

pickpockets), before heading uphill to Prague’s

fairytale castle. In the Old Town Square, don’t

miss the quirky Orloj or astronomical clock,

which spins its medieval mojo every hour.

Prague is a beer drinker’s paradise – so

take plenty of pit stops for a glass of the

crisp, cheap beer (pivo to the locals).

SAMANTHA BADEN

Berlin has shrugged off its divided past to

become one of the most dynamic cities in

Europe, if not the world. Particularly oozing

cool are the city’s inner eastern suburbs,

which came in from the cold when the wall

came down in 1989. The drab streets of

communist days are now lined with trendy

cafés, restaurants, bars, galleries and

vintage boutiques. Night sees Berlin come

to life with some of the most cutting-edge

clubs around, but you are just as likely to

find something happening in one of Berlin’s

many squats (easily identified by their

shabby exteriors, decorated with posters

and flags) such as a gig, open-air cinema

or bar. ALISON GRINTER

10 GREAT CITIESPRAGUE

BERLIN

Anette A

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tntmagazine.com/destinations 31

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Do your own thing.

www.topdeck.traveltrips for 18 to 30 somethings

When you travel with Topdeck, we make sure you have time to check out Europe at your own pace.


tnt destination features - issue 2

Documents

tnt publishing

tnt images

summer of festivals

outstanding locations

culture vulture

summer trip

favourite european city

turkeys rich culture