You could spend a lifetime in Barcelona and seemingly never run out of places to go, things to do, delicacies to eat, and cocktails to sip! But venture a little further afield and discover that for most Catalans, their childhood, weekends and holidays were all about escaping the city and discovering the greater region. Ask any local and they will tell you that there is far more to the Meditterranean paradise than the popular metropolis, with unique experiences ready to provide a taste of true Catalan life! At just the size of Tasmania, it is easy and accessible to get around in Catalonia. Simply rent a car and explore at your own pace, or jump onboard a train, sit back and enjoy the ride, and within no time at all you’ll be exploring the pretty little towns, famous landmarks, and unique attractions that lie just beyond the city limits

Winter may have come and gone, but in the medieval town of Girona, the Game of Thrones spirit lives on. Just a 75-minute drive north of Barcelona, or a 37-minute ride on the high speed AVE train, this historic town boasts dreamy landscapes, quaint neighbourhoods, and iconic landmarks featured in the hit HBO series, Game of Thrones (GoT). Whether you’re a devoted fan, or you’ve never watched a single episode, many of the fabled filming sites offer far more than just a chance to relive a moment from the series! The backdrop of several scenes, GoT fans will want to beeline straight to the Girona Cathedral. As well as being the set for Braavos, Old Town and King’s Landing, the striking cathedral is also steeped in history, much of which is depicted in the spectacular combination of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic-style architecture. Just a 6-minute walk from there, the trip down memory-lane continues at Pujada de Sant Domenec and the old Jewish Quarter, the very same place where Arya Stark staged a dashing escape. Snap a token picture on the iconic steps before continuing on to Abbey Sant Pere de Galligants, a former benefictine monastery that features in the series as a citadel library where maesters are trained. From there the town offers plenty of quaint eateries and photo-opps to easily fill an afternoon. Restaurant 8de7 offer an exceptional menu del dia (menu of the day), including a selection of traditional Catalan and Mediterranean tapas and dishes that won’t break the bank however, booking in advance is necessary! Top off your visit with a trip to Rocambolesc gelateria, the very first to be opened by the world’s best pastry chef Jordi Roca, and perhaps the only place you can enjoy a scoop of Jamie Lanniester’s hand! ​

Just an hour’s drive from Barcelona, the Catalan wine region of Penedès is one of the most exciting and privileged Spanish wine territories! Recognised worldwide as the home of Cava (sparkling wine), this area is a must-visit for wine connoisseurs and less seasoned wine drinkers alike. Known for producing robust, aromatic blends, the region celebrates a diverse range of wines, including organic and biodynamic varieties, meaning it’s highly unlikely that you’ll leave without tasting a palate pleasing drop (or two). To get a first-hand glimpse into the wine making process, learn about the growing region, and taste some iconic regional wines, kick-start your winery-hop with a visit to the Bodegas Torres Winery in Penedès. Here, you can take a winery tour where you get a behind-the-scenes look at the ins-and-outs of wine making, as well as a background on the history of the winery, before sampling a variety of blends accompanied by tapas. Those keen on jumping straight into the tasting, treat your palate to a specialty wine and Ibérico ham pairing or a wine and cheese pairing tour. Each of the tours are held by a sommelier and expert guide to ensure that even if you arrive a novice, you’re guaranteed to leave wiser (and fuller!).

Known for its incredible beaches and seafront promenade, Sitges is a hotspot for sun-worshipers and beach-lovers. But beyond the coastal treasures, this Mediterranean town also boasts a thriving LGBTQ nightlife scene that rivals that of the famous Sunset Strip! You don’t have to be an extravagant party queen to get in on the fun though, with a variety of bars, clubs and festivals that welcome and entice all! In July and August, Sitges cranks up the volume turning the town into one big beach party, while Sitges Mardi Gras equivalent, Carnival unleashes the town’s wilder side in an explosion of colour, costumes, and characters (the cocktails are a given!). For those seeking something a little more low key, the Sitges International Film Festival is an event not to be missed. The world-renowned festival attracts celebrities, culture fiends and film-buffs from around the globe, screening a variety of films, but specialising in horror and fantasy. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for famous faces during October! Sitges close proximity to Barcelona, just 30-minutes by train and under an hour by car, also make it the perfect getaway to experience and explore more of Catalonia.

Catalonia is positively brimming with history, and perhaps nowhere is it more evident than the charming town of Tarragona. Located just over an hour’s drive southwest of Barcelona (or a 35-40 minute high speed train ride to the camp de Tarragona) the scenic journey there is the perfect appetizer for what awaits. Home to 13 of Catalonia’s 36 UNESCO World Heritage listed sites, you could easily spend an entire day and night exploring the city, but it also makes an easy and very doable day-trip! Dive headfirst into history with a visit to the Roman Amphitheatre. Located just metres from the oceanfront, overlooking the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, the spectacular backdrop adds an air of magic to the already enchanting arena. Spanning 109.5 metres long, and 86.5 metres wide, it’s not hard to imagine the vibrant buzz of 15,000 spectators cheering on a grisly battle, but a visit during Terraco Viva leaves nothing to the imagination! Bringing the amphitheatre to life with a range of gladiator fights, concerts, and period performances, it’s a rare and exciting chance to experience Catalan’s Roman history first hand. Despite bearing some of its own battles scars, the 2nd century Amphitheatre remains one of the most-well preserved in the city. A little less-known but equally as striking, the Circ Roma (Roman Circus) was once the site of horse-drawn chariot races. Although just a small corner of the once 304-metre long circuit is left today, it’s the subterranean remains that are most impressive. Running under what would have been the seating area of the circus and extending beneath numerous 19th-century buildings, the tunnel connecting up to the Praetorian Tower offers a glimpse into the past.

Part of the fun of visiting somewhere new is doing as the locals do, and in Catalonia that means spectating (or for those who dare, being part of) a Human Tower known as Castell (meaning castle in Catalan). It may sound a little bizarre to some, but it’s a tradition that dates back to the 16th century, and over time has developed into a competitive sport, with regional and local teams (collas) that includes members ranging in age from 5 – 65 years old, forming throughout Catalonia! Whilst it’s common to see Castells, the gravity-defying tradition is particularly resonant in Valls, the town where it originated. It was here that the very first castell took place, and where the oldest team and reigning champions, the Colla Vella, reside. Known for building towers of dizzying heights (up to nine levels even), the team trains regularly, allowing spectators and willing participants to be a part of the fun. For those keen on experiencing the UNESCO listed sport first hand, Valls is an easy day trip from Barcelona (just an hour by car) with buses and trains running regularly. Performing often at shows and festivals in the town centre, keep your eyes peeled for the famed Castellers (and the large crowds that follow), or head along to a training session (they practice twice a week) and try your hand at being a Colla Vella for a day! ​

Special thank you to Excite Holidays for this blog post

​Dresden, known for its history and architecture, is the place to be for Christmas lovers during the cold winter months. During Weihnachten, or Christmas as we more commonly know it, this historic city becomes one immensely enchanting festive wonderland, offering a huge variety of food and stalls to suit all travellers. Dresden consists of different markets spread all over the city, but the absolute must-see is the market outside the famous Frauenkirche church. For something truly memorable, let yourself be tempted into a cup of warm Gluhwein and the smell of freshly roasted chestnuts at Altmarkt. The only drawback? You may find it hard to leave!

​Do not miss one of Europe’s finest Christmas markets, with Nuremberg’s enticing aromas of mulled wine, irresistible bratwurst and traditional gingerbread creating an unforgettable atmosphere in the Old Town, which is decorated in colourful Christmas regalia over the festive season. Let yourself be enchanted by the city’s vibrant atmosphere, and be sure to visit the Market of the Sister Cities to purchase international gifts, including French marmalade and handmade Czech wooden angels. To truly embrace Nuremberg’s impressive Christmas offering, climb the stairs of the Church of Our Lady and get a wonderful view of the lights, red and white coloured stalls and the amazing Christmas-themed decorations.

​The Christmas markets in Vienna date back to the Middle Ages, with each boasting its own unique charm and magic. If you are looking for a market that has a lively atmosphere, the Rathausplatz Market is where you need to be. Try the delicious hot punch, it truly sets the mood in the lead-up to Christmas. Make your way through the variety of stunning stalls selling Christmas ornaments, candles and mouth-watering bites, or make a beeline for the enormous Christmas Tree in front of the Rathaus. For an authentic Austrian experience, head to Spittelberg, a hidden gem loved by locals, and the perfect place to wind down after a busy evening perusing the market.

The Croatian capital deservedly won the title of Best European Christmas Market, three years in a row. Offering an extensive variety of events and stalls, there truly is something for even the most discerning travellers. The most exciting events are held on Ban Josip Jelačić Square, which brings the city to life with music and concerts on open-air stages. For a truly magical experience, take in the iconic sky lantern ceremony, which sees thousands of lanterns released into the sky in one of Croatia’s most spectacular Christmas traditions. Zagreb also has lots on offer for the kids, including skating at Ice Park as well as a number of free concerts, all of which will take your Christmas experience to another level!​

This Eastern-European capital ticks all the boxes for classic Christmas markets. From a huge Christmas Tree to mouth-watering traditional Hungarian food, the range of stalls and activities are sure to cater to everyone from young children to adults. Make sure you visit the Christmas Fair at Vorosmarty Square, as well as the Christmas Market by Basilica, both of which offer a magical Christmas experience. Catch the monumental light show at St. Stephen’s Basilica, which allows visitors to see the see facade in a new dimension thanks to a pair of 3D glasses. The Christmas markets in Budapest differentiates from others around Europe by focusing on the preservation of authentic Hungarian Folk art and traditions, rather than commercialised Christmas gifts. Nowhere else in the world can a city make you feel like a local quite like Budapest.​

Visiting Europe at Christmas can make the most magical time of the year even more magical, if you can believe it. So why not book your trip with us as soon as you can! It'll be the gift that no one will forget. Whether you want to plan a romantic getaway or a family vacation, we'll work with you to make your journey the best it can be. 

​The heart and soul of South Korea can be found in, err Seoul. While the capital of this East Asian nation is a modern metropolis of skyscrapers, shops, and scrumptious dining options, it is interspersed with a generous smattering of national parks, traditional tea houses and temples – and September is the best month to explore them all. Travel to Seoul in autumn – when the cool weather and lack of rainfall provide perfect conditions for pounding the streets, and you’re almost guaranteed to ‘fall’ in love with its vibrant cityscape. Highlights include: Gyeongbokgung Palace (the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty); Bukchon Hanok Village and Gwangjang Food Market – where you can sample some excellent Seoul street food, including their famous bibimbap or the local version of KFC – Korean Fried Chicken.

​Famed for its family-friendly theme parks (more than a dozen of them) a weekend in September is one of the best times to experience ‘The City Beautiful’, sans sweaty crowds. Favourites include Walt Disney World, (highlights include the Magic Kingdom and Epcot), water parks – such as Sea World, and the movie-themed Universal Studios. Those making a longer trek Stateside may want to take advantage of their time in the area and factor in some sightseeing in nearby St Augustine. Jump in the car (or bus) and head north and in just over two hours you can be trading theme parks for traditional Colonial architecture. The historic cobblestone streets of this 16th-century coastal town feature Castillo de San Marcos fortress and the Lightner Museum (housed in an 1887 Spanish Renaissance Revival-style hotel). And temperate September is a spectacular time to wander through and appreciate them all.

​It’s never a bad time to visit Adelaide, but September is a particularly good month to plan a trip to the City of Churches. Aussies looking for a mid-school-term weekend away can easily access the capital of South Australia, with flights from most major Australian cities less than three hours long. Some of the city’s highlights include: museums such as the Art Gallery of South Australia; the Adelaide Botanic gardens; Central Market and the Mount Lofty ranges – a panoramic lookout area also popular among hikers and mountain bikers. International travellers, or those with a little more time, should consider extending their trip to include some time in the Barossa Valley. This internationally-acclaimed wine region – encompassing the towns of Tanunda, Angaston and Nuriootpa – is a short 50-minute drive from ‘Radelaide’. And here, visitors can check out over 80 cellars, taste world-award-winning wines, meet the makers and sample some truly spectacular local produce. The highlight of the region’s annual events calendar is undoubtedly the Barossa Gourmet Weekend – this year featuring 28 events – and set to run from the 6th-8th September.

​Its sheer size means that ideal times to travel to India can vary greatly depending on destination. However, Kerala (a state on the nation’s tropical Malabar Coast and Arabian Sea shoreline) is perfect for those planning a September sojourn. Known for its beaches and backwater canals, the most unmissable activity of the month is a cruise or houseboat down the picturesque backwaters of Alappuzha (Alleppey). Affectionately known as the ‘Venice of the East’, Alappuzha’s backwaters are also famed for their annual snake boat race in September when, after the heavy monsoons, the place is covered with lush greenery, countless coconut trees and the weather is practically perfect.

Then contact us today! We'd love to help you plan every little detail of your trip to have you start creating inredible memories as soon as possible! 

At some point in a person’s cinematic journey, they have definitely seen the unique, out of this world landscape of Iceland. Featured in films such as Star Trek Into The Darkness, the Star Wars franchise, Thor: The Dark World, and countless others, Iceland is a place of breathtaking beauty. Any Game of Thrones fan should make this one of the destination on their bucket list, for a taste of what lies “north of the wall”.

Travelers with an adventurous spirit will enjoy all the sites that Iceland has to offer. From hiking around The Golden Circle, diving the Silfra Fissure, trekking through glaciers, and swimming in the The Blue Lagoon, will leave you in awe of how beautiful it can be. Not enough for you? Book a trip between September to April for a chance to gaze at the Aurora Borealis in the evening.  For those interested in eco-tourism, Iceland is an amazing place to visit. Iceland is the leader in renewable energy, taking advantage of hydro- and geothermal resources with a number of eco-friendly accommodations that are both luxurious and sustainable. ​

The capital of Iceland, Reykjavik, may not be the largest metropolis but it is charming. There are many museums to visit that show off the unique art and culture of the area. Step back in time at the Arbaer Open Air Museum or The Viking Village, see some of Iceland’s best contemporary art at Galleri List, or wander the streets themselves to view street art by local artists. The restaurants in the area are amazing, ranging from traditional Icelandic dishes, budget-friendly eats, and modern gourmet cuisine that will be a journey in itself for your taste buds.

There’s no way to fully cover all this amazing country has to offer to those that visit. You can’t go wrong with choosing Iceland as your next travel destination. Take a look at some of these excursions and tours offered below to give you more inspiration on what your experience could be like.

It's time to book those last minute vacation ideas during Norwegian Cruise Lines Super Splash Sale! Here are some details to give you some ideas for your next vacation. But be aware that you have to book before August 14th ! 

Choose between the free unlimited open bar, free shore excursions, free specialty dining, free wifi, and free sailing for your friends and family. The open bar offer promises to save you up to $178 a day covering spirits, cocktails, wine, draft beer, juice and soda! If you are more adventurous, choose the shore excursion offer! With this offer you'll recieve a free $50 Shore Excursion Credit per port, per stateroom. If you're more of a foodie, the specialty dining offer could be more up your alley. You can save up to $168 a day on your cruise depending on whether you qualify for the 3 or 4 meal package. Sometimes you don't want to log off and the free wifi offer would end up being a must for you. This alone will save you $125! Finally, the friends and family sail free offer lets your your friends and family come along with you. This is for select cruises only so be sure to double check that this one fits your needs. 

What deal you get depends on what cabin you want. Book a Studio or inside cabin and recieve 1 offer and up to $50 to spend. If you go for an Oceanview, Balcony, or Mini-Suite you get 2 offers and up to $140 to spend. For the best deal, book The Haven and Suites to recieve all 5 offers and up to $500 to spend! 

Now you might be wondering where you even want to go! Lucky for you, Norwegian Cruise Lines offers many locations that you can visit. Here's just a sneak peek into some of the places you could explore as soon as you hit that contact button! 

Choose from over 20 different cruises to visit the beauty of Alaska. Get away anywhere from seven to nineteen days there's sure to be an option that fits your schedule and your budget. 

Australia and New Zealand are places that seem to be on everyone's bucket list. They have everything! Beautiful landscapes, cities with great nightlife, unique animals and plants, and amazing cultures! Choose from 10 to 19 days on the Norwegian Jewel during a time when visiting these amazing places won't break your bank account. 

Can you believe that there are over 40 cruises available through this sale that can take you to these gorgeous beaches? We can't either. Take a quick 3-Day vacation or make it a 9 day excursion. Either way you'll be sure to have enough time to soak up the sun and revitalize yourself. 

For those of you needing to get away from it all, Bermuda is a great option. In the Atlantic Ocean away from it all, it's a great place to disconnect and recenter yourself. Take 4 days off work for that well deserved long weekend or take 10 days to become a whole new you. 

If beaches aren't really your scene, then why not try seeing Canada and New England? Both offer gorgeous landscapes and quaint destinations. Spend up to 12 days seeing charming towns, learning the history of the area, and exploring gorgeous forests. And don't forget that fall is coming! New England in the fall is famous for being one of the most beautiful ways to welcome the season. 

With 98 cruises qualifying for this sale, you'll definitely find one that will fit your needs. With so many islands to explore you'll never have a dull moment but still have ample time to relax. Spend up to 16 days away in paradise. 

Cuba is one of the Caribbean Islands, but it's worth mentioning on its own. One of our own travel agents recently visited and couldn't stop saying how special it truly was to experience. If you've been thinking about seeing this beautiful island, now is the time to see it. 

There are so many things to say about Europe. With so many destinations that have inspired the world for years, it's hard to pick one place to visit. So why not go on a cruise to get a taste of as many as possible? Whether you want to visit the Mediterranean, Italy, Scandinavia, France, or the Iberian Peninsula there's a cruise that will fit you. There are 70 options available so one of them is sure to suit you. 

The cruises available all require you to book a full week of travel, but let's be honest is that so horrible? Not at all. Time to say "Aloha" to Hawaii.