Andrew Forbes cruises through Andalucía aboard the refined (and refurbished) ‘Al Andalus’ vintage train Read the full article here: (First published in Luxury Travel Magazine Australia) http://www.luxurytravelmag.com.au/ http://www.trenalandalus.com/ http://www.trenesturisticosdelujo.com/es/
The luxurious pilgrimage Indulge in the cultural highlights of the ‘Camino de Santiago’, and let the train take the strain Each year the ‘Camino de Santiago’ becomes increasingly popular with more people choosing to walk this famous Way. Yet for those wanting more posh and less penance, then RENFE’s new luxury land cruise, aboard the vintage Al Andalus train is the perfect travel choice. Starting in Zaragoza, and leisurely heading west, through some of the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage cities on the ‘Camino de Santiago’, this new Al Andalus train journey is an unforgettable experience. After a guided tour
Luxury’s New Port of Call The Adriatic coast is home to one of Europe’s finest super yacht marinas The Mediterranean at this time of year offers the beauty of autumn colours, the benefit of no crowds, and comfortable, ‘Indian Summer’ temperatures. What’s more there is a new destination in Europe for those seeking the classic luxury of the Cote D’Azure or the Italian Riviera, but want the very latest in upscale accommodation, dining and marina lifestyle. This destination is called Porto Montenegro, and autumn is the ideal time to discover it. Less than three hours flight from Moscow and Europe’s
The cultural and architectural treasures of the Golden Triangle are best experienced in autumn, but be prepared for the highs and lows of travel in India Getting up before 6am on holiday might seem unnecessary, but when one has the chance to see the sunrise over India’s most iconic building, the poignantly beautiful Taj Mahal, then maybe there was some sense in it. Though little did I know that the sunrise would be somewhat eclipsed by the harsh reality of life in the shadow of this vast 17th century marble mausoleum. Three most visited India’s Golden Triangle is made up
ISTANBUL – This ancient and modern city, that bridges Europe and Asia, is still open for business and travel As the world’s only city that straddles two continents it’s certainly tempting to use a few travel writing clichés when describing Istanbul. Yet in this mega-city, the ‘east meets west’ and ‘land of contrasts’ descriptions actually hold true. It’s a crowded, chaotic, yet also sophisticated and clean metropolis where one moment you might be walking down a European style Belle Époque avenue and then moments later be surrounded by exotic ‘Arabian Nights’ architecture. Like a local The iconic minarets of the
Although smaller than most of its neighbours, Menorca is an island with a big heart Looking in through the large metal door that had been left ajar, it took a moment to adjust to the light of the interior. The large workshop was shielded from the brightness and heat of the sunshine beating down on the outside street. I was motioned to come in. The placed buzzed with activity and the sounds of machines whirring and punching. The space was filled with the woody, musky almost floral smell of leather; rolls of tanned hides of differing colours and textures were
The bohemian port city of Tangier and the nearby aquamarine mountain village of Chefchaouen capture the magic and mystery of authentic North African culture and cuisine. The vintage cream Mercedes ‘Grand Taxi’ idles up the steep, narrow lane from the port towards the Medina. This short journey is an intoxicating experience. Passing crumbling fin-de-siècle colonial mansions and alluring Arab archways, the smells, sights and sounds swiftly plunge you into this city’s gregarious, noisy and frantic way of life. This is Tangier, famous for being an International Zone in the first half of the twentieth century whilst Spain, Britain and France
Pack your hiking boots and bring a healthy appetite for an adventure in natural Andalucía Zooming along the sweeping new motorway viaducts that span the valleys north of the Granada coast almost offers the sensation of flight. It’s a privileged, elevated view, letting you look down at the emerald green water of the reservoir below, and across to pine covered mountains. This new A-44 highway that races traffic north and south, to and from Granada, has undoubtedly marked the landscape, but it provides a memorable journey. It affords us spectacular views whilst speeding us away from the coast and swiftly
Taking a boutique cruise on a traditional ‘gulet’ schooner offers the freedom to discover the delights of the Turkish coast It’s the middle of the day and the bright sunlight is making the pristine water in the bay sparkle. As we walk from the timber jetty onto the shore we are greeted by the smell of wild oregano and rosemary, together with the light scent of jasmine. In front of us, shaded by olive, pine and fig trees is a long wooden table, set for an alfresco lunch and laden with a classic Turkish mezze, served in vintage dishes. It’s
The Bodrum peninsula, on the Turkish Riviera, is enjoying a renaissance; now less back-packer parties and more about culture and cuisine. As one walks along the shore, restaurant owners are eager to show-off their catch of the day. Before beckoning you to a table, glistening, bright eyed fish are held out, their gills opened to show rich red flesh. Here in Gumusluk, a tiny fishing village on the Bodrum Peninsula, it’s a tempting invitation. These humble, alfresco eateries, with wooden tables set right on the shore, dressed with jugs full of wild flowers, and views out across to the Greek
