simplexity travel management's autumn travel guide for 2014

Autumn City Break Guide 2014 Edition

Contents !!Introduction 3!Best for History: Alghero 4!Best for Pampering: Reykjavik 5!Best for Shopping: Marrakech 6!Best for Culture: Vienna 7!Best for Adventure: Cape Town 8!Best for Romance: Valencia 9!Summary 10!Want advice? 11

Autumn City Break Guide

!Introduction !

!!!There are many reasons why autumn city breaks pose an attractive option for holidaymakers. When the weather in Britain looks unpredictable, there are hundreds of locations across the world offering sunshine, relaxation, and world-class luxury for those who wish to escape the darker nights. Autumn breaks also offer travellers the opportunity to explore a new city; letting them experience the perks of being abroad, without committing to weeks of travel and abandoning hectic work schedules. It is the perfect excuse to relax and extend your summer holiday for another week or two. !Regardless of your reason for going abroad, everyone has a different idea about what makes the perfect city break. That’s why this guide is divided into separate sections. This includes the perfect, hand-picked locations for travellers who are searching for:!• History• Pampering• Shopping• Culture• Adventure• Romance!Each of the cities in this guide are world renowned for their fantastic selection of world-class hotels, restaurants, and attractions. From the rolling hilltop coasts of Amalfi, to the sweeping valleys of Iceland, this is the ultimate guide for individuals who love travel with a difference.


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!Alghero Best for history!Alghero is located in the north of Sardinia, meaning that the port town is heavily influenced by a combination of Italian and Catalan culture. Known for its fantastic archaeological sites, military monuments, and golden beaches, Alghero is the perfect compromise for travellers who want both sunshine and culture. !Although the city we know today was founded in 1102, Alghero has a long historic tradition that stretches back over 6000 years. Since then, the northern port has been home to a number of cultures; including the Ozieri, the Nuraghe, and even the early modern-day Venetians. This means that Alghero has amongst some of the oldest examples of human habitation in Europe; making it the ideal holiday destination for history and archaeology buffs. !!

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One of the most striking features of Alghero is its beautiful Old Town, Alghero Vecchia. The area is surrounded by seven imposing, early modern towers which dominate the town; situated perfectly in between unassuming winding roads and Gothic cathedrals. The influence of Catalan culture is very much apparent in Alghero Vecchia, especially with the city’s impressive 8-story bell tower. This has earned Alghero the affectionate title of ‘little Barcelona’ in the Mediterranean. !In terms of modern history, Alghero was heavily impacted by the advent of WWII. Situated between Fascist Spain and Italy, the area of northern Sardinia was heavily bombed during the war. This caused a significant amount of damage, however, there has been substantial restoration in recent years to restore Alghero to its medieval glory. !For this reason, Alghero is a wonderful winter break destination for people who enjoy culture, diversity, and a rich historical legacy.!

Key Facts !• Over two- th i rds o f Sard in ia ’s

inhabitants identify themselves as b e i n g r e l i g i o u s , w i t h R o m a n Catholicism being the most prominent of all.

• In addition to ‘little Barcelona’, Alghero is also known as the ‘Coral Coast’ because of its beautiful white beaches and temperate waters for swimming.

• Lobster (aragosta) is the local speciality of Alghero, with thousands of lobsters being exported from the area on an annual basis.


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!Reykjavik Best for pampering!It might seem strange to visit Iceland in the colder months, but there is a reason why thousands flock to this stunning autumn haven. Reykjavik has some of the most luxurious and decadent spas in the world. With geothermal outdoor springs, stunning spas, and a range of world-class restaurants, Reykjavik is an absolute must visit at this time of year. !The Blue Lagoon is one of the most visited sites in Iceland, offering travellers the opportunity to relax in its 5000 ft.sq outdoor spring. The best time to visit the pools, located within an ancient lava pit, is definitely at dusk. The Lagoon is lit up with thousands of tiny candles, made even more beautiful by the unspoiled scenery which surrounds the area.!At any one time, the natural springs will be heated between 37° and 38°. This makes it one of the best ways to escape the autumn chill and indulge yourself with an unrivalled pampering experience. !!!

In addition to the Lagoon, Reykjavik also has a fantastic range of luxury spas and health facilities. !One of the most highly revered, but less widely known, is Sundhöll in. This beautiful, natural spa was first built in 1937 and is supp l ied wi th f resh geothermal water from the nearby mountains. To make things even better, there is an outdoor pool on the rooftop and exclusive loungers to cool from the sauna.

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Key Facts !• Reykjavik was first founded in 870 C.E

by Ingólfr Arnarson. The city’s name can be loosely translated to ‘Bay of smokes’, due to the volcanic activity on the island.

• The first parliament in Europe was built in Iceland during the 10th century. The site is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Iceland is home to many deep valleys. This is due to the slow-moving glaciers which shaped the island millions of years ago.

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!Marrakech Best for Shopping!A u t u m n b re a k s a re a w o n d e r f u l opportunity to escape the cold and break the monotony of everyday living. If you are looking to explore hidden souks, authentic bazaars, and stunning local shops, then Marrakech will not disappoint. !You can buy a range of beautiful gifts and antiques in Marrakech’s sprawling souks. For hundreds of years, this has been the location pilgrims and tourists have flocked to to absorb Morocco’s unique Arabic-North African culture. !Although there are thousands of products available for purchase in Marrakech’s souk, travellers are commonly interested in buying hand-made leather sandals, aromatic spices, and one-of-a-kind Moroccan rugs. These products cannot be found anywhere else in the world, making Marrakech a premiere shopping hotspot. !To make things better, different areas of the city are divided according to the products they sell; so you will always find the perfect location to discover ceramics, fabrics, and beautiful Moroccan cuisine. !!!

If you are looking for something extra special, you definitely should not miss:!• Herboriste Avicenne - a wonderful,

century old shop that sells a range of herbs and oils.

• Aya's Where - a high-end, boutique shop that provides truly luxurious fabric. Sarah Jessica Parker has been known to buy silk from this very establishment.

• Atelier Moro - a hidden gem for travellers who are looking for jewellery, Arabic coffee sets, and beautiful trinkets. !

Regardless of the duration of your stay, Marrakech is the perfect place to enjoy some autumn sunshine and explore the hidden treasures of Moroccan shopping.

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Key Facts: !• Renowned fi lm d i rec to r A l f red

Hitchcock, chose Marrakech as the location of ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much’ (1956); helping to make the Moroccan capita l an extremely attractive site for film lovers and tourists alike.

• Marrakech has undergone a massive amount of change in recent years, with over £2 billion invested into the city in 2007 alone.

• Couscous, one of the most famous dishes in Morocco, is traditionally served on Fr iday’s exclusively, following prayers.

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!Vienna Best for Culture!Vienna is a truly stunning European capital; even more so during the autumn months. Once the heat of summer has passed and the crowds have disappeared, Vienna is the perfect location for travellers who want an unrivalled cultural experience and the perfect cup of coffee to match. !Vienna is home to a fantastic range of musical venues and is most notable for its range of opera houses. The Vienna State Opera House is open all year round and hosts a number of truly world-class performances. As the city which nurtured the likes of Mozart and Haydn, there are few European capitals more culturally engaging than Vienna. !In addition to its music, Vienna is also known for its fantastic range of art galleries, museums, and public gardens. The Schönbrunn Palace Garden, for example, is a beautiful park which contains the Gloriette; an imposing, neo-classical style, arch accompanied by nearby statues of Neptune and even genuine Roman ruins. The Palace itself is truly monumental and was originally home to the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian II. Schönbrunn is a world heritage site and is amongst one of the most popular attractions in Austria. !

Without a doubt, the most fascinating and culturally stimulating site in Vienna is the ‘historic centre’; filled with hundreds of monuments and pro tected under UNESCO’s World Heritage conservation. !T h e a re a i s c h a r a c t e r i s e d b y a combination of Habsburgs rule, Gothic architecture, and monuments from the late Middle Ages. For this reason, the old centre of Vienna is the ideal location for wandering travellers who enjoy rich cultural attractions.


Key Facts: !• Every year, over 300 public balls are

held in the city of Vienna. • Vienna is also home to the world’s

largest emerald; weighing 2,205 carats and carved into a 4.5inch vase.

• Some of the most prominent thinkers and artists of the 20th century worked in Vienna, including Sigmund Freud, Gustav Klimt, and Arthur Schnitzler.

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!Cape Town Best for Adventure!If you would prefer some adventure and excitement on your winter break, then Cape Town is undoubtedly a frontrunner. There are few locations in the world which offer the array of outdoor sports like this South African city. Expect to try shark-cage diving, mountain biking, and unrivalled surfing opportunities. !One of the reasons that tourists visit Cape Town during this time of year is the seasonably warm weather. Mid-October to mid-February is summer in South Africa, so it’s the perfect time to experience all the adrenalin-pumping activities that Cape Town has to offer. Here are some of the most popular outdoor sports in the city:!• Sandboarding - like snowboarding,

sandboarding is a fantastic activity for both locals and tourists. The dunes of Atlantis, located just outside the city, is especially popular during the summer months. It’s always recommended that the uninitiated visit with a guide.

• Kloofing - don’t let the name fool you. For the particularly adventurous, kloofing involves journeying down a fast-flowing river and tackling as many obstacles as possible. From jumping, to swimming, this activity is especially popular in the Helderberg region.

• Caving - one of the most exciting opportunities that Cape Town has to offer is caving. In fact, there are well over 100 caves located in the peninsula; meaning that there’s different sizes of caves to suit a range of abilities. !!

The sheer variety of activities available make Cape Town one of the most popular and exciting cities to visit on an autumn break. However, it is worth bearing in mind that booking in advance is a must for many of these outdoor pursuits.


Key Facts: !• The New York Times voted Cape Town

as the best place in the world to visit in 2014

• Boulders Beach is home to its very o w n A f r i c a n P e n g u i n c o l o n y, established in 1982 to protect the species

• Cape Town has one the largest flower sanctuaries in the world, the Cape Floral Kingdom. It spans 90,000 sq km and has over 7000 species of rare plants and flowers.

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!Valencia Best for Romance!Valencia is one of the most beautiful and scenic cities in Spain, often overlooked by its towering neighbour, Barcelona. In fact, Valencia was founded nearly 2000 years ago and has some of the most superb architecture of its kind. With medieval cathedrals, beautiful restaurants, and hidden gardens, Valencia is one of the most romantic city breaks in Europe. !One of the best ways to experience Valencia is simply through walking or cycling around the city. In fact, Valencia is adorned with plenty of public parks and cycle routes which makes it ideal for couples. There is also a range of beautiful sculptures, bridges, and water gardens to enjoy. !In addition to this, Valencia is also home to a fantastic selection of museums and art galleries. The Old Town, filled with stunning traditional plazas and Baroque cathedrals, helps to make the city one of the most beautiful in Europe. !One of the most notable features of the Old Town is the Valencia Cathedral. First constructed in 1238 on the site of a Moorish mosque, this beautiful Cathedral has been revamped multiple times throughout the centuries. However, the Cathedral is perhaps best known as the supposed site of the Holy Grail. The Chalice, which has been dated as originating from the time of Christ, was given to Alfonso V of Aragon in 1436. Since then, the Cathedral has become a major pilgrimage site for Christians ever since. !In addition to the Cathedral, there is also an Early Modern hospital situated within !

the Old Town. This simple, but beautiful, building is undoubtedly worth visiting. It is also perfectly situated between the Plaza San Vicente Ferrer and the Plaza de Nápoles y Sicilia; making it the perfect site from which to explore more of Valencia’s Old Town. !For those who feel less inclined to walk, Valencia also has its own beach and port. This is where you will be able to find a delectable range of restaurants and bars on offer. !The variety of Valencia, combined with its slow pace and sleepy, small-town persona, helps to make the city an extremely attractive option for couples.

Key Facts: !• Valencia is home to the world’s largest,

outdoor tomato fight; La Tomatina. Over 150,000 tomatoes are thrown during the festivities.

• Valencia is the birthplace of Paella. Even Ernest Hemingway was a great admirer of Valencian Paella whilst t r a v e l l i n g t h ro u g h S p a i n ( T h e Dangerous Summer).

• In the 11th century, Spanish hero El Cid fought the Moors in the city of Valencia.


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!Summary !

!!!The opportunity to escape the looming chill of autumn weather is undeniably tempting. As summer draws to a close, a late city break is the perfect excuse to extend your summer and visit somewhere entirely new, or even an old favourite. Whether you are drawn towards the beach, or strolling the medieval souks of Marrakech, the possibilities are as endless as they are varied and there’s so much to choose from. !However, there is no reason why an autumn city break should only be for sun worshippers. There are numerous beautiful locations which are ideal to visit in the colder months. Vienna, with its endless sprawling gardens and stunning architecture, is arguably much more pleasant during autumn. The pace is slower and the city’s attractions are less crowded. There is also a greater opportunity to explore Vienna’s rich cultural sites, especially as the opera scene is invigorated once again with the commencement of a new season. !For those searching for adventure, it can also be a wonderful experience travelling to the dunes and coasts of Cape Town. This is where you will have the opportunity to cage dive with sharks and even explore the cavernous depths of South Africa. So much so, even New York times has voted Cape Town the most exciting destination of 2014. !If you are looking to go abroad this autumn, then it is important to find the right travel advice and book your activities ahead of arrival. This will make it much easier to fully enjoy your trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.


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Want Advice? !If you would like to learn more about the cities in this guide, or how to plan your next autumn city break, please contact Simplexity Travel today on 0203 535 9290. !Alternatively, you can also email us at [email protected].!We specialise in all aspects of luxury travel management. With close relationships with the world’s finest hotels and airlines, we are able to offer a comprehensive service with exceptional levels of customer service. !If you are looking for travel management with a personal touch, look no further than Simplexity.


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simplexity travel management's autumn travel guide for 2014

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