Europe

Located in the sundrenched Ionian Sea with spectacular beaches, villages and nightlife, Zante is popular with couples, friends and families alike.

Zante (or Zakynthos to give it its Greek name) is a Greek island in the Ionian Sea. The island is famous for its naturally beautiful beaches and the exotic blue and emerald waters around its coastline.

A must-see is the wonderful Navagio Beach, often called Shipwreck Cove, with a stunning stretch of white sand and bright blue Ionian water. The cove is sheltered by terrifyingly tall cliffs and in the centre of the sand lies the ghostly remains of a decaying shipwreck, making this beach one of the most photographed places in Greece.

Holidaymakers can take a boat trip to the magnificent Blue Caves at Skinari which owe their name to the mysterious blue waters inside them. Objects below the water appear to turn blue, including tourists who often hop off the boats to take a quick dip.

Having become increasingly popular with hikers in recent years, Zante is an explorer’s paradise. Visitors can spend warm sunny days walking around the many quaint villages, vineyards, olive groves and monasteries that the island has to offer.

Zante also offers tourists a very special and unique opportunity to get up close and personal with endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtles at the island’s many snorkeling and diving centres.

Families can enjoy a great day out at the Water Village of Zakynthos with its nine super-exciting water slides, lazy river and quirky mini-golf course. Older children and teenagers can experience what it was like to be an ancient Greek warrior, trying traditional archery at the popular Apollon Archery Club.

If it’s a spot of shopping that you are after, head to Solos Square or Agios Markos Square where you will find clothing and shoe stores, countless souvenir shops as well as small markets selling locally produced ceramics and jewellery. Shops in Zante tend to stay open late, particularly in the summer months.

The nightlife in Zante is legendary! The mile long Zante Strip in Laganas is lit with colourful neon lights and is lined with bars and nightclubs offering foam parties and DJ stars to rival Ibiza and Magaluf. If the Strip is not for you, there are lots of quieter cocktail lounges, sky bars, sunset terraces and wine bars scattered across the island.

Whether you are looking for an all inclusive hotel or you want to stay in one of the island’s many self-catering apartments, our award-winning Travel Experts can help you discover the wonderful Greek island of Zante.

With glorious sunshine, blue flag beaches and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of its Old Town, Rhodes has something for everyone.

Rhodes is one of the most popular Greek islands situated in the Aegean Sea. The island is known for its sunny climate, excellent choice of hotels and villas and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of its medieval old town.

Holidaymakers can choose from a range of stunning resorts with lots to see and do while soaking up that Aegean sun.

Rhodes Town is the perfect place for exploring fascinating old buildings. The old town is where you will discover traditional inns, tavernas and chapels hidden away in a labyrinth of cobbled streets and passageways.

Presiding over the town is the magnificent Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, a grand fortress which houses two museums and a treasure trove of statues and mosaics.

Rhodes Town is not just about history, many tourists enjoy relaxing and topping up their tan at Psaropoula beach, with its gorgeous sand and pebble strip and rows upon rows of sun loungers and parasols.

Lindos is also a popular tourist spot, offering a range of Roman, Turkish and Italian architecture. It is home to an ancient clifftop acropolis surrounded by battlement towers and offering spectacular views across the island.

A trip to Lindos is not complete without a day relaxing at one of the two beaches: Pallas and St Paul’s where water sports are readily available.

If you consider yourself to be a bit of a party animal then the resort of Faliraki is ideal for you. The 5km beach of soft sand is the perfect place to relax during the day before heading off to Bar Street and Club Street to enjoy the many bars, lounges and nightclubs they have to offer.

The various resorts in Rhodes offer a gamut of accommodation options, from medieval townhouses to large luxury resorts with every amenity imaginable. Villa holidays are increasingly popular on the island.

If you are ready to explore Rhodes, get in touch and let our team of Travel Experts help you plan your next getaway.

With whitewashed houses, beautiful beaches and bright blue skies, Mykonos is an island utopia.

Mykonos is a stunning Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It has long been known for its bustling nightlife and party atmosphere, but put that aside and you will find idyllic beaches, whitewashed houses, wonderful windmills and hospitality like nowhere else on earth.

Stroll around Mykonos Town with its beautiful harbour and pass through the picturesque area of Little Venice where you will find lots of pretty cafes, bars and boutiques. Mykonos Town is also home to the whitewashed Paraportiani Church where tourists like to gather to watch the glorious sunset.

Close to Mykonos Town, you will find five iconic windmills overlooking the sea. Dating back to the 16th century, the windmills were once part of the island's history of grain milling. Today, they serve as a reminder of Mykonos’ past and provide a picture perfect spot not to be missed.

The oldest village in Mykonos, Ano Meria, is a truly romantic spot where you can witness the daily lives of locals while visiting the lavishly decorated 18th century monastery of Pangia Tourliani. With bakeries, tavernas and cafes all featuring outdoor terraces, Ano Meria is the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the sun.

The beaches of Mykonos are spectacular with many of them featuring pretty bars, cabanas, and shisha lounges. If you're looking for a truly wild party day or night, head to Paradise Beach or Super Paradise Beach.

Elia Beach and Psarou Beach are quieter options and allow for relaxation and sunbathing, while Kafais Beach is a great option for windsurfing and other watersports.

Many visitors opt for Agios Ioannis Beach where the 1989 rom-com ‘Shirley Valentine’ was filmed. Fans of the movie can enjoy dinner at the Sunset Taverna (now called the Hippie Fish), where Shirley found love. This beautiful beach area is adorned with luxury resort hotels and beautiful boutiques.

Whether you are looking for a party or you just want to relax and soak up the Greek culture, Mykonos is a must-visit destination, offering a little slice of heaven on earth.

Interested? Get in touch with our team of Travel Experts to arrange who will help you to experience magical Mykonos.

With sunlight, tranquility and lots of nature, Menorca is one of the best destinations in the Mediterranean to enjoy the beach.

Menorca is one of Spain's Balearic islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is known for its endless beaches, turquoise sea and dramatic landscapes.

While Menorca is much more low-key compared to its neighbours, Mallorca and Ibiza, it’s got enough going on that you’ll never be bored.

The island’s capital of Mahon offers some of the best shopping, dining and sightseeing in Menorca. The capital has a truly spectacular port, providing the perfect place to enjoy an al fresco meal. Holidaymakers enjoy taking a trip around the port onboard one of the famous yellow catamarans, allowing them to spot expensive yachts and cruise ships from all over the world.

The picturesque whitewashed town of Ferreries is a must-see in Menorca. The town has a busy weekend market, making it the perfect place to pick up those all important souvenirs. Ferreries also boasts a range of restaurants, tapas bars and boutique shops, making it the ideal place for visitors to stroll around the streets, enjoying the sunshine.

The Natural Park of S’Albufera de Es Grau is a UNESCO protected area, which is home to a huge variety of plants and animals, as well as an expansive beach. It really is a fantastic location for nature lovers and bird watchers to explore.

If you are interested in history, Menorca has a number of impressive sights including the 14th century Cathedral of Menorca and the La Mola Fortress. Lighthouses are also a prominent feature of the Menorcan coastline No matter where you are on the coast you will probably spot one.

The impressive Favaritx Lighthouse, on the edge of the S’Albufera Nature Reserve, is a great one to visit. Visitors can spend time exploring the rocky shores and capturing perfect photos from its majestic striped tower.

Menorca is popular with wine lovers, but visitors are often surprised to discover that the island has been producing gin for centuries. If you visit the Xoriguer Gin Distillery in Mahon, you can watch the gin being made and sample a few for free.

Menorca offers a varied range of accommodation to suit every budget, including beachfront hotels, adult only hotels, self-catering apartments and villas.

If Menorca sounds like the place for you, get in touch and let our team of Travel Experts help you plan a brilliant break in the Balearics.

Volcanic landscapes, secluded caves, and golden beaches, make Lanzarote the perfect place for your next island adventure.

Lanzarote is one of Spain’s Canary islands situated in the Atlantic Ocean. The island is famed for its volcanoes, lava fields, deep blue sea and light blue sky.

The island offers a variety of beautiful beaches for holidaymakers to enjoy the sunshine. Playa Flamingo provides lush white sand and calm waters and is popular with families, whereas Playa de Famara is a great beach for water sports and air sports like parasailing.

As well as the beaches, Lanzarote offers a range of natural wonders. A top attraction is the incredible Timanfaya National Park, often referred to as the ‘Fire Mountains’. The park’s unique landscape is often compared to the moon or planet Mars and was created by more than 100 volcanoes erupting over many years.

If you love all things nature, you cannot miss the Jardin de Cactus (Cactus Garden). The unique garden was designed by celebrated local artist César Manrique. There are over 4,500 plants, plus an interesting cactus sculpture to admire.

With Aqua parks, water sports, movies under the stars and much more, Lanzarote is a great destination for families. A must-see is the Rancho Texas Park with its animal park, sea lion shows, cowboy lasso displays and pony rides. The park also offers the opportunity to interact with dolphins - an experience that you will never forget!

Whether you’re looking for laid-back or lively, there’s a nightlife scene to suit everyone in Lanzarote. The island's capital, Arrecife offers a combination of lively nightclubs and traditional bars, whereas Peurto del Carmen is a party hotspot, offering a host of venues to dance the night away.

Costa Teguise offers a more laid-back evening, its cobbled streets are dotted with attractive pubs and wine bars where you can enjoy fine wine and refreshing cocktails while listening to local bands.

The majority of hotels in Lanzarote are in the three big resorts of Puero del Carmen, Costa Teguise and Playa Blanca. All feature family-friendly and adult-only properties that span the star system from value to ultra luxury.

Fancy a holiday in Lanzarote? Get in touch with our award-winning Travel Experts who will be happy to help you plan your next break.

With long stretches of white sands, nature reserves and beautiful blue lagoons, Fuerteventura is a beach lover’s paradise.

Fuerteventura is the second largest of Spain’s Canary islands and the closest to the coast of North Africa. The island is renowned for its subtropical climate and golden sandy beaches.

Holidaymakers would be missing out if they visited Fuerteventura and just sat at a beach, as stunning as they are, the island has so much more to see and explore.

Fuerteventura is a designated biosphere with various natural treasures to enjoy and photograph, including volcanic landscapes, huge sand dunes, ancient rock formations, time-honoured fishing villages and the sacred Mount Tindaya.

As well as being a natural paradise, Fuerteventura offers a range of cultural attractions, such as museums, religious architecture and historic monuments. The Ecomuseo De La Alcogida is a small but popular museum, offering tourists a view of life in a peasant village with traditional furnishings and tools.

There are also plenty of outdoor pursuits for the active traveller in Fuerteventura, including diving, deep sea fishing, golf, and mountain biking. The north-east of the island is particularly popular for surfing.

Fuerteventura offers a number of lovely resorts. Corralejo is the island’s most popular resort with seven miles of sandy beaches, and an array of pubs, karaoke bars, clubs and discos. The resort of Costa Caleta has a beautiful bright turquoise sea and a much more laid-back nightlife making it ideal for families. 

No matter where you go on the island you will find plenty of restaurants offering traditional Spanish fayre. Fish plays an important role in the gastronomy of Fuerteventura, with tourists opting for locally caught langoustines, mussels, octopus, Atlantic mackerel and sardines.

No trip to Fuerteventura would be complete without a visit to the famous Oasis Park. Holidaymakers can see over 250 animal species, including elephants, giraffes and hippos at the park’s Zoo. Visitors are always fascinated by the flora and fauna of Fuerteventura at the park’s beautiful botanical garden, with its many palm trees, cacti and tropical plants.

Interested? Contact our team of Travel Experts who will help you to have fun in Fuerteventura.

With a fabulous mix of awe-inspiring art, archeology, history, and vibrant streetlife, it is easy to understand why Rome is the most popular place to visit in Italy.

Imagine enjoying a slice of pizza or a gelato at the Trevi Fountain, Rome’s most spectacular fountain, drawing crystal clear water from the Acqua Vergine Antica aqueduct. It is said that if you toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, your return to the ‘Eternal City’ will be guaranteed. Throw in two coins and you will fall in love with an attractive Italian!

Explore the Colosseum, one of the seven ‘Wonders of the World’. The ancient Roman amphitheater has survived the fall of the Empire and several earthquakes and is considered to be one of the greatest examples of Roman architecture. Stand where gladiators once fought brutal battles, explore the underground tunnels and view the enclosures where the lions were once kept, or simply enjoy the panoramic views of Rome from the top tier.

Visit the Vatican City, the smallest state in the world, which is situated in the heart of Rome. Inside the Vatican there are many interesting attractions including St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro in Italian) and St. Peter’s Basilica which is one of the largest churches in the world. The Vatican is also home to the Sistine Chapel where visitors can marvel at Michaeleangelo’s masterpieces painted on the ceilings and altar frescoes.

Enjoy a coffee and hang out with the locals at the Piazza Di Spagna, home to many beautiful cafes and local shops. Then climb the renowned Spanish Steps made famous in numerous artworks, poems and movies. Standing at the top of the Spanish Steps is the 16th century Trinita dei Monti church offering fine views over the city of Rome. Visitors will also find a cluster of artists painting portraits near the Obelisco Sallustiano (an Egyptian style Obelisk) which sits in front of the church.

The city of Rome is gloriously warm in the summer months, but it's also pleasant in the winter months, making it an incredible place to visit throughout the year. Due to its close proximity and the high speed rail network, tourists can easily visit the City of Florence with its countless sculptures, piazzas, markets and museums.

With so much to see and do in Rome, let our team of Travel Experts help you explore the ‘Eternal City’. We have a range of amazing holidays and short breaks to suit every budget

The French capital of Paris holds a special place in so many hearts and is undoubtedly one of the most romantic cities in Europe.

Enjoy superb views of the city and its great sweeping avenues from the roof terrace at the historic Arc de Triomphe, a symbol of French national identity which took 30 years to construct.

Stroll along the picture-perfect Champs-Élysées, one of the most attractive and famous shopping streets in Paris, offering a huge variety of famous brands for every budget.

Explore the Place de la Concorde with its exquisite fountains surrounded by luxurious hotels, cafés and bars, and see the spot where Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette were sent to the guillotine during the French Revolution.

The Louvre, the world’s largest and most visited museum, is a must while in Paris. After snapping some photographs outside at the great glass pyramid, step inside and see the Venus de Milo and stare into the eyes of Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous model, The Mona Lisa, whose identity remains a mystery to this day.

Gaze upon the gothic gargoyles at the 14th century Notre Dame Cathedral. This gargantuan building dominates the Paris skyline and was the inspiration for Victor Hugo’s novel ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’.

Enjoy an evening at the world-famous Moulin Rouge, birthplace of the famous French Cancan. With a range of outstanding acts, over 80 performers and costumes comprising feathers, sequins and rhinestones, this Parisian cabaret is much more than a show; it’s a bucket-list experience!

No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognisable structures in the world, offering breathtaking views of the city. The Eiffel Tower has become a symbol of love and is often lit in different colours to mark charitable or historic events. The tower shimmers and sparkles from sunset until 1 a.m., making it a truly magical monument!

The actress Audrey Hepburn once said “Paris is always a good idea” and she was absolutely correct!  Whatever you are looking for in Paris, let Thorne Travel help you explore the ‘City of Lights and Love’.

With a collection of sunny beaches, great golf courses and incredible castles, Portugal really does have something for everyone.

Visit the Algarve which is the southernmost region of Portugal, renowned for its stunning coastline, dramatic sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages. Travellers can spend the day splashing in the warm waters, taking beachfront strolls or surfing the waves. With around 300 days of glorious sunshine each year, the Algarve is hugely popular with sun worshippers.

Explore Lisbon, the mesmerizing capital city of Portugal, with monuments, huge suspension bridges, cobblestones streets and rows of colourful tiled houses. The city offers amazing castles, churches and cathedrals to explore. Visitors can climb up the ‘Christ the King’ statue (inspired by Brazil’s Christ the Redeemer) and take in the awesome views of Lisbon and the Tejo river.

Lisbon also has a vibrant nightlife with many bars, clubs and restaurants to choose from. Pensao Amor, a former brothel that has been transformed into one of the city’s most talked about bars, is particularly popular with locals and tourists alike.

Relax on the magical island of Madeira with its golden sandy beaches and turquoise sea. This tiny Portuguese island is famous for its lush botanical gardens with more than 2,000 species of exotic plants making it more like Hawaii than Europe. Visitors enjoy the cable-car and toboggan rides in Funchal as well as sampling the sweet Madeira wine.

Madeira is also the birthplace of the famous footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo. Football fanatics can spend time learning more about Ronaldo’s career history and viewing his many trophies at the island’s CR7 Museum.

Portugal is a wine lover's paradise. The country is home to 11 major wine regions, including the Douro Valley, known as the home of Port, and Alentejo which is famed for its bold and seductive red wines. If you are interested in improving your wine repertoire, Portugal is the ideal place for you.

When golfers think about planning their next trip, Portugal is high on their list. Due to the pleasant climate, beautiful scenery and the high quality of the golf courses such as Oitavos Dunes and Monte Rei Resort, the country is fast becoming recognised as one of the best golf destinations in the world.

Get in touch with our team of Travel Experts who can help you plan your perfect Portugal holiday.

Iceland is known the world over as the ‘The Land of Ice and Fire’. With contradicting landscapes and natural phenomena, it offers travellers a place to escape the ordinary.

When most people think of Iceland, the first thing that comes to mind is the Blue Lagoon with its milky-blue geothermally heated waters, renowned for their skin healing properties. While the Blue Lagoon is a must see, Iceland has much more to offer.

With over ten percent of the country covered by glaciers, Iceland allows travellers to explore the many beautiful blue ice caves that form between November until May. Brave travellers can also experience their own ‘Journey to the Center for the Earth’ by descending 120 metres into the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano’s magma chamber.

The extreme dark of the Icelandic winter offers travellers the opportunity to gaze at the wonder of the Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights. This natural phenomenon occurs when solar wind particles interact with the Earth’s magnetic field, creating a spectacular light show with green and purple streaks across the skies.

The cold waters off the coast of Iceland provide the perfect location for whale watching. Daily tours depart throughout the summer months from Reykjavik and other towns in the west and north of Iceland. The most commonly spotted cetacea include humpback whales, minke whales and orcas. There has also been the odd sighting of the world's largest animal, the blue whale.

Iceland also offers a range of unique and sometimes strange accommodation, including the Galaxy Pod Hostel in Reykjavik, the Panorama Glass Lodge located in Hella and the Ion Adventure Hotel near Thingvellir National Park which is built into the landscape in a minimalist sci-fi style.

Icelanders are extremely proud of their country and want to protect its natural beauty. The country actively asks tourists to sign up to the ‘Icelandic Pledge’ which is an online agreement where tourists promise to respect nature while travelling in Iceland.

There are so many words and pictures to describe Iceland and the adventures that await. Get in touch with our team of Travel Experts who can help you plan your Icelandic adventure.

Boasting a reputation as one of the most enchanting seaside cities in Europe, Barcelona’s cosmopolitan atmosphere makes it a firm favourite for many people.

Make your way to Barcelona City Hall to enjoy the traditional Spanish art form of flamenco. Watch as some of the most talented artists in Spain create a unique atmosphere with music, singing, and dancing.

Explore the picturesque and historical gardens at Parc del Laberint d'Horta. Get lost - literally - inside the park’s 18th century labyrinth featuring numerous twists and turns until you reach its centre, where you will find Eros, the God of Love, standing atop a pedestal.

A must for football fans is the famous Camp Nou, home of FC Barcelona since 1957. With a seating capacity of nearly 100,000 it is the largest stadium in Spain. The stadium offers daily museum and stadium tours and has a range of facilities such as an ice skating rink which is open to the public.

Located in the heart of the city, you will find Barcelona Zoo with many great enclosures to explore, such as a terrarium with crocodiles, monkey galleries, and a large aviary. The Barcelona Aquarium in the city’s commercial port is also popular with families. It has a huge glass tunnel with a 360 view of the amazing fish. Visitors can also watch the penguins, rays, and sharks being fed throughout the day.

Barcelona offers a range of modern and gothic architectural treasures. No visit to Barcelona is complete without seeing the architectural wonder that is La Sagrada Familia. The huge basilica was designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí and its eight distinctive towers can be seen from almost anywhere in the city.

Barcelona’s stunning coastline stretches 4.5km and offers tourists a variety of beautiful beaches including Barceloneta, Mar Bella, Nova Icaria and Bogatell. All of the beaches have white sand and crystal clear waters and are surrounded by restaurants, bars and entertainment, making them the focus of Barcelona nightlife.

With so much to see and do in Barcelona, let our team of Travel Experts help you explore the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region.