AW Travel Blog

Love Food & Wine? Here are 7 must do’s in France!

Dave The Travel Guru — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:24:05 +0000

France needs little introduction when it comes to fine food and wine, however some local delicacies are not so well known. That’s why we have listed our seven regional favourites, to ensure cuisine loving travellers to the country get a heads up on what’s top of the pots when it comes to food in France.

1. Alsace, one of France’s best kept secrets, offers both world famous wines and wonderful gastronomy. Pork-butchery is one of the oldest surviving traditions in the Alsace region with choucroute garni undoubtedly the areas most acclaimed dish. Made from various cuts of meats, salted hams and sausages braised in local Riesling wine, it appears on every menu from local workers’cafés to contemporary restaurants (although at the top end you’re likely to be offered the grander choucroute royale made with champagne instead of wine!).
2. Burgundy is renowned for its wine. And also for its snails! The tiny, subtle-flavoured Burgundy snail is considered to be among the finest in the world. Rather than drown it in tonnes of garlic - as is often the case - Burgundian chefs prefer a more refined approach, opting instead for lightly sautéing in a parsley butter, adding possibly a dash of cream just before serving.
3. Not many people know that there are no fewer than 13 varieties of oysters in Brittany! If you are a fan, then see if you can taste the difference between the nutty-flavoured Aven Belon oyster, the perfumed Cancale oyster and the beautifully smooth oyster found on the Bay of Quiberon.
4. Some of the best cheeses in France come from the relatively unknown Massif Central. Top cheeses to try include the dry and fruity Cantal, the smooth and mild Saint Nectaire, and the stronger blue Fourme d’Ambert cheese, easily identifiable by its tall cylindrical shape.
5. With its warm sunny climate and proximity to the coast, Provence produces some of the freshest and tastiest food in France. If you’re looking to try something a little different, look out for the delicate lavender honey which is delicious served with roasted figs or eaten simply with fresh crusty bread.
6. The fragrant black truffle, also known as the “black diamond”, is used widely in the restaurants of the Lot & Dordogne, and is considered one of the pearls of French gastronomy. Chefs rely on it to turn a simple omelette into a gourmet dish, as well as often adding shavings to salads, hot cheeses and foie gras.
7. Tarte tatin, or caramelised upside-down apple tart, was apparently invented by two absent-minded sisters in the Loire where it remains a speciality dessert. Those who have a sweet tooth should also sample the almond patisseries from Comery and Poulain chocolates from Blois. Divine!

To experience the tastes of France for yourself, why not take part in a Headwater gastronomic cycling or walking holiday, such as an 8 night Dordogne gastronomic walk or a 6 night Loire cycling tour? - Click here for more information

Take a Hike – Top 10 European Hikes

Dave The Travel Guru — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:43:26 +0000

Dust off your walking shoes and get a taste of the great outdoors, with Headwater’s pick of the top ten places in Europe to take a hike. There are some places in the world that are best explored by foot.Leading walking and cycling holiday provider, Headwater, knows this fact all too well, with the company offering over 500 different walking tours throughout Europe. From strolling through beautiful scenery to trekking across snow-capped mountain ranges, here’s Headwater’s pick of the top ten European locations to “take a hike”.
Stromboli, Aeolian Islands
Considered one of the most beautiful islands in Europe, volcanic Stromboli - one of the seven islets that are known as the Aeolian Islands - erupts every 15-20 minutes. Take a guided walk around the three active craters to the Sciara del Fuoco (”Stream of Fire”) to get a birds-eye view of this incredible volcanic activity, or for a simply mind blowing experience, take a guided nocturnal journey towards the summit to witness the night sky illuminated in the most glorious red light.Wengen to Grindelwald, Switzerland
Follow in the footsteps of Byron and Tchaikovsky as you cross the Kleine Scheidegg Pass to be rewarded with stunning close up views of Switzerland’s “Big Three”: the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau peaks. Marvel at the ice walls of the mighty Mönch, before descending into the shadow of Eiger’s sheer north face. A truly awe inspiring experience taking in some of the Alps’ most dramatic scenery.Ravello to Positano, Italy
The “Sentieri degli Dei”, or “Pathway of the Gods”, is the most scenic walk on Italy’s Amalfi Coast and offers incredible views over the entire peninsula, with Capri’s famous Faraglioni cliffs marking Lands’ End. You’ll pass brigands’ treasure caves and lush lemon groves before arriving at near-vertical pastel Positano. As you descend, you’re met with balcony views of tiny boats, exquisite villas and volcanic beaches backing sparkling turquoise seas.Samaria Gorge, Greece
Arguably Crete’s most famous walk, the 16km Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge walk in Europe and is simply breathtaking. As you descend through lush woods - crossing streams and cliffs carpeted with colourful rock lettuce and aubretia - keep your eyes peeled for golden eagles, lammergeiers (bearded vultures) and buzzards circling above you.Chatel to La Chapelle d’Abondance, France
This high level alpine walk offers unbeatable views of the superb Dents du Midi, awesome Mont Blanc and the many varied peaks of the Bernese Oberland. Not for the faint hearted, this challenging hike follows old smugglers’ trails high up along the Swiss border, then down through flower-filled meadows to the pretty onion-domed church of La Chapelle.Roussillon to Joucas, Provence, France
This gentle walk explores the glorious Luberon National Park and its incredibly rich-coloured countryside: seventeen shades of ochre were once quarried at Roussillon - from violet through purple, to vivid reds and yellows - with its delicate natural tints used to wash the local houses. The final stretch of the walk takes you via the picturesque hill village of Gordes which is filled with wonderfully photogenic houses, a Renaissance chateau and cobbled streets which are crammed with cafes, restaurants and shops.

Lake Oeschinensee, Bernese Oberland, Switzerland
Trek above and then alongside one of the most picturesque Alpine lakes in Switzerland - Lake Oeschinensee. Be mesmerised by the majestic beauty of tits shimmering emerald surface, which mirrors the surrounding Blümlisalp mountain’s rugged shape.

Serra de Estrela, Portugal
Located in the heart of central Portugal where few tourists ever venture, is the country’s highest mountain range - the forested Serra de Estrela. Rich in raw natural beauty and offering some of Portugal’s best hiking, be dazzled by rugged peaks, flower-filled valleys, sparkling blue lakes and magnificent mountain gorges.
Don’t forget the binoculars because in addition to stunning scenery, Serra de Estrela offers excellent bird-spotting opportunities too.

The Causse Méjean, France
This is, quite simply, one of the most stunning walks in France, taking you high along the towering limestone cliffs of the Tarn and Jonte Gorges. More than just a single walk, this circuit comprises a series of beautiful paths linking 20m+ high natural rock columns, troglodyte settlements, forest streams and unrivalled viewpoints affording awesome long-distance vistas.

Eggishorn and Aletsch Glacier
A long-time favourite with Swiss hikers, take a hike up the Eggishorn Mountain - also known as the “mountain of views” - to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the 22km Aletsch Glacier - the longest in Europe and part of the UNECSO World Heritage Site.

Whether you want to take a leisurely walk or a climb a steep section, with over 1,000 km of mountain paths available there’s a number of routes you can take. For more information on tours just like the ones above click here

Turkey views like nothing else on earth

Dave The Travel Guru — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:44:59 +0000

I’m finally back home after a wonderful 10 day holiday in Turkey! Three days in Istanbul, checking out the most popular sights including the Aga Sophia/Blue Mosque and the Topkapi palace (where the Sultan used to live). There I was able to see the Staff of Moses and even the arm of John the Baptist.In general, the people are very friendly. Not as in, “I’m only being nice cos I want something”, but helpful in giving directions, and if the don’t know they’ll find someone that does. Another example is in our last days, Monique was carrying an empty bottle of water and this guy from a shop stand just goes ahead and tells him where he can find a trash can, and this other guy from a place where we ate at saw that we were leaving so told us to have a nice life. How funny!
So after Istanbul we took a 10hr bus ride (with TVs, drink/snack service/lemon cologne splashes) to Cappadocia, famous for its unusual rock formations and cave dwellings. There we stayed at a hillside cave hotel where we enjoyed breakfast that set up individually on the terrace and had great views. Here we also went for a hot air balloon ride at sunrise and the breathing views were like nowhere else on earth - A must do!We visited many churches and homes, all carved out of the soft rock and took a tour to an underground city, where up to 10,000 people went about there business up to 12 floors underground. Not good if you’re claustrophobic!

Next stop was Pammukale, famous for there white terraces and thermo pools. Popular with people who are into Speedos and g-strings, no matter what shape or size.. So spent the day climbing up the terraces, wandering around ancient roman ruins and relaxed in the sacred pool, said to cure many illnesses. Quite touristy but the water was almost like soda. It bubbles around you, especially when you make a splash and it all fizzes up.5 hours to Antalya, a popular coastal city for resorts and beaches. Two days just to unwind, eat, swim, spa and eat some more.I would definitely recommend going back there, for either sight seeing or a relaxing getaway. Monique and I enjoyed everyday and were impressed by pretty much everything!I will put up some pictures on our Facebook page so feel free to click here if you want to view more.

Twilight Trips for the Ultimate ‘Twihards’

Dave The Travel Guru — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:24:21 +0000

Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight saga has taken the world by storm. If you’re a fan of this global vampire phenomenon you can embark on a Twilight adventure of your own!
Departing on the full moon, travellers on the action packed 12 day TrekAmerica camping tour will give you the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the world of Twilight, standing where the stars Bella and Edward once stood and exploring many of the sights featured in the films. You’ll also get a “taste” for the Great Outdoors visiting some of the most beautiful National Parks and scenic areas the United States has to offer.See what lurks in the night on a nocturnal kayak ride through Scappoose Bay and explore the small town of St Helens in Oregon, where much of the movies were filmed.Take a hike through the stunning North American wilderness including Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park and Silver Falls State Park - which play a “starring role” in the tour - and “suck up” the atmosphere of the scenic outdoor settings used in the films, such as the beach where werewolf Jacob tells Bella about Quileute legends; Multnomah Falls where Bella plays baseball with the Cullens; and the Trail of Ten Falls, where many of the forest scenes were filmed.

No Twilight tour would be complete without a visit to the Twilight towns of Forks and La Push, where Twihards can spot the famous Forks welcome sign, Forks Community Hospital and Police Department, the Cullen and Swan homes, Second Beach and the Quileute Indian Reservation.

Click here for more information

Travel Gadgets - are they really useful?

Dave The Travel Guru — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:38:41 +0000

Any traveller (exerienced or not) could spend hours deciding what to pack and if you should or shouldn’t try this uba cool, expensive ‘new to market’ gadget that claims to improve your life as a traveller in some way. But before you decide to swap it for taking that first aid kit - it’s ideal to do some reasearch and try before you fly!

Here is a small selection of the latest gadgets we’ve seen - you be the judge decide if they are useful!

The Walking sleeping bag: No more having to get out of your cosy bed to walk out of your tent! Ideal for those colder climates or sitting round the camp fire.

Wine Skin - This product actually covers the entire wine bottle and if there is a breakage the liquid and glass is sealed in. No nasty surprises after landing.

Walkie Talkies: We all remember as kids when we begged our parents to let us have a pair? Well now you can too. These can even double as a babie monitor and are ideal for those travellers that are travelling with family. You can leave one in the room and take the other one with you, and still hear what the kids are up to!�

GorillaPod: This Camera Tripod is unlike any other you may have seen on the market. With flexible wrappable legs that allow you to secure your camera or video to vertually any surface.

Soak in some Monkey business

Dave The Travel Guru — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 02:56:09 +0000

Most of us enjoy a long soak in a hot pool on a cold winter’s day, but did you know that monkeys are also partial to a bit of a frolic in hot springs?The world famous Jigokudani wild monkey hot springs in Japan, some 300 killometres north west of Tokyo, are home to about 200 wild monkeys, who naturally migrate to the hot water for shelter during Japan’s harsh winter temperatures. The natural hot springs (or onsen) are in a National Park, adjoining the Shiga Kogen Resort, and are believed to be the only place in the world where you can observe wild monkeys frolicking in hot pools.
Humans are not permitted to soak in the springs alongside the monkeys, but there is a nearby (ryokan) Japanese hotel with hot springs for human travellers. Visiting the Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park involves a 30 minute uphill walk to the park, and it is easiest to reach in late spring, summer and autumn. But it’s also worth the effort in winter when snow provides more dramatic scenery with plenty of steam and more monkeys seeking out the warmth of the hot springs.

A day trip is available, which suits travellers on a longer ski holiday but also those on a tighter schedule, which includes a visit to the snow monkeys. The trip departs from Hakuba, and also includes the Masuich-Ichimura Sake Brewery, a wonderfully preserved 240 year old brewery. The tour also visits Nagano City, home to the 1400 year old Zenkoji Temple, a designated national treasure. It is one of Japan’s most revered temples and houses the first image of Buddha brought to Japan in the 7th century.

Hitch up to a Huskie

Dave The Travel Guru — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 04:16:26 +0000

Skiers who are planning a trip to Whistler in Canada for the Northern Hemisphere ski season might like to try their hand at a completely different activity when they feel like a break from the pistes. How about hitching and harnessing a team of Alaskan Racing Huskies? The Soo Valley Dog Sled Tour is through a former logging area alongside the frozen waters of the Soo

River and is the perfect add on adventure to any Value tours package. Travellers can join in the fun by helping the professional dog sled “Musher” to hitch and harness the team, and if conditions are suitable, you can even take a turn at driving the team (accompanied by a guide, of course). Wrap up warmly for the three hour trip which includes transport from Whistler Village, a professional guide, the dogsled team, a safety briefing, and an essential hot drink and cookie.

For prices or more information visit our website.

Experience the Glories of Turkey

Dave The Travel Guru — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 22:47:09 +0000

Turkey is an astounding country, steeped in a rich and diverse history. At every turn, the archaeological sights, incredible landscapes, pristine Mediterranean coastlines, stunning architecture and warmth of the locals surpasses expectations.
With so much on offer,

Turkey is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination amongst Aussie & Kiwi Travellers.This two-week coach tour presents a world of contrasts, amazing sights, unique experiences and fabulous food including the fascinating historical buildings of Istanbul, learning about our Anzac history at Gallipoli, the calcium cliffs at Pamukkale, spectacular Mediterranean scenery at Antalya, Ankara - Turkey’s capital city, the World Heritage site of Troy and the mind-blowing rock formations at Cappadoccia. Walking in the footsteps of the ancients, travellers on the “Glories of Turkey” tour will take a step back in time, visiting opulent palaces of the sultans, museums that are filled with priceless relics and underground churches that are carved out of volcanic stone.

Now travellers have even more reason to visit this exotic country with Adventure World’s top selling “Glories of Turkey” tour, which was priced at NZ$2014pp, now on special for just NZ$1820pp twin share* or AU $1481pp

Click here for more infomation

A Colourful Convergence of Camels

Dave The Travel Guru — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 04:19:25 +0000

If you have ever wanted to be up close and personal to a camel (and who of us isn’t fascinated by these wonderful ungainly creatures), you could have the opportunity to meet 60,000 of them at the Pushkar Camel Fair held in the Indian state of Rajasthan, from November 18-21 this year. The five day horse and camel fair is one of the last great traditional melas (fairs) to be held each year and it has become one of India’s most colourful and spectacular events. More than 200,000 people, camels, horses, caravans and carts from all corners of India cross sandy dunes to converge on Pushkar to take part in the Fair. Camels are primped, shaved, and bedecked with jewellery and ornate ribbons, and take part in races and even beauty contests, as their owners vie for buyers’ attention. Adventure World is offering a tour which takes in the Pushkar Camel Fair.

This 9 day/8 night private journey the ‘Rajasthan Experience’ takes in the sights of the Taj Mahal, the imperial city of Jodhpur and the camel fair.

Tours start from NZD $2231pp or AUD $1789pp - Click here for more information

Get Carrie-d away in Exotic Abu Dhabi and Morocco

Dave The Travel Guru — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 02:44:28 +0000

In celebration of the Sex and the City 2 (SATC2) movie release nationwide, Adventure World is offering fans the chance to follow in the fabulous foursome’s Manolo-clad footsteps and experience the unique and exciting cultures of Abu Dhabi and Morocco. Escape to the alluringly apt movie setting of Abu Dhabi and take a journey on a desert wildlife safari, relax in the lush oasis or live it up in the vibrant city. Discover the exotic setting of Morocco where filming of the movie actually took place and explore the charming culture and rich heritage of the land.

There is a number of SATC2 inspired packages to help fans of the flick take the stress out of planning, giving them freedom to create their own glamorous adventure.

Packages include:
“Essential Abu Dhabi Package” 3 Days/2 Nights
from NZ$579pp or AU$426pp*

“Anantara Desert Island Resort & Spa” 3 Days/2 Nights
from NZ$1230pp or AU$1000pp*

Click here for more information