Who’s up for another holiday?
From the 8th August, following the latest travel update from the UK Government – Austria, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia will be added to the green list, having demonstrated these countries pose low risk to the UK public health. Outdoor enthusiasts can rejoice as all the countries on this list have much on offer.
From the 8th August, following the latest travel update from the UK Government – Austria, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia will be added to the green list, having demonstrated these countries pose low risk to the UK public health. Outdoor enthusiasts can rejoice as all the countries on this list have much on offer.
AUSTRIA
The mention of Austria can bring that of Julie Andrews serenading among the hills in The Sound of Music to mind, however, Austria is so very much more with its astonishing landscapes, verdant valleys, festive Christmas markets, exciting winter sports and more. Between the towering peaks of the Alps, you will find picturesque mountain villages with a glorious backdrop of snowcapped mountains, cities like Saltzburg, and the sparkling capital of Vienna. Scattered throughout the breathtaking views are castles, palaces and cathedrals featuring 17th-century grandeur and Baroque and Gothic architecture.
Austrians place enormous emphasis on time spent in the great outdoors – hiking and trekking is the best way to experience Austria’s landscapes and mother nature in the summer. The walks range from wildlife spotting to glacier trekking as well as moderately challenging trekking through the Alps (also take the opportunity for a dip in a secluded lake and take in the awesome views of the Zillertal Alps). Don’t miss out on the amazing World of the Ice Giants, carved out by an underground river during the Tertiary period – Earth’s largest system of ice caves that cover approximately 30,000 square meters. The Austrian Alps (particularly Kitzbühel) are one of the best places to ski, but you can also easily visit thermal baths and spas brimming with health benefits.
GERMANY
Dig a little deeper to find that little piece of luxury in Germany, a country synonymous with beer, sausages, ‘seriousness’, incredible hiking, majestic castles and wild techno parties. Find a vibrant international art and music scene in Berlin; beautiful wild forests in which to loose yourself; towering cathedrals and architecture; picturesque, quaint cities and often overlooked beaches to the North.
Getting lost in Berlin is a bucket-list-must. Germany’s booming capital is a home to world class museums, history and galleries, as well as a hub for musicians, artistic and youngsters alike. It is also home to one of the best nightlife’s in Europe – not for nothing is it famous for techno sound. Berlin is electric and perfect for a spontaneous long weekend getaway.
Above: The Hotel de Rome is one of the most prestigious hotels in Berlin and is conveniently a short stroll away from The State Opera. If hiking is your passion, located near the French border is the Black Forest – with hundreds of miles of hiking trails worth exploring! With Germany you get the best of luxury and breathtaking scenic views!
SLOVENIA
Covered in lush forests, wedged between mountains in the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia is a picture-perfect destination boasting sparkling lakes, turquoise rivers and breathtaking Alpine scenery. Bursting with spectacular natural beauty and wonderful architecture, Slovenia is a delight for both outdoor enthusiast and culture-lovers. Nestled between Austria, Italy, and Croatia, this captivating country is a real hidden gem.
The capital, Ljubljana offers an abundance of charm and culture with Baroque architecture, cobbled streets of the Old Town leading to Ljubljana Castle. Evenings can be spent amongst the hustle and bustle of bars and restaurants. To the west of Ljubljana lie Slovenia’s spectacular lakes, surrounded by rolling hills and snow-tipped mountain peaks. Stay on Lake Bled in your own luxury apartment and experience the gleaming emerald waters, picturesque island and the awesome backdrop of the Julian Alps.
SLOVAKIA
As a central European country, Slovakia has achieved much since it became a separate state in 1993. Renowned for its dramatic scenery and plethora of magnificently ornate castles, this country has plenty to experience – whether it’s strolling through the pedestrianised Old Town of the capital, Bratislava, or hiking through one of the stunning national parks and crushing along the Danube river.
As Europe’s largest river island, The Great Rye’s many attractions include thermal baths, sailing, boat trips and gold panning. The Amade Château is an unexpected surprise on Slovakia’s Great Rye Island, an hour outside Bratislava. Every inch, nook and cranny of this luxury hotel is crammed with history, style and character. Think Versailles with a twist – with a flare for flamboyance and eccentricity, the château is surrounded by beautiful English gardens and inside, reminiscent of classic French romanticism.
LATVIA
Latvia offers plenty to enjoy and luxury is not difficult to find here. There are a number of great spas, fabulous luxury hotels and delectable gourmet restaurants. Art Nouveau architecture to enjoy, all surrounded by history to excite all tastes.
Perched on the edge of the Baltics, Latvia is an intriguing mix of the classic and the cosmopolitan. The capital, Riga, is a vibrant hub with elegant buildings, pristine parkland, luxury hotels and trend-setting bars. Riga is home to the largest concentration of German Art Nouveau architecture in the world. The city has been restored since its bombardment in World War II and has become a vibrant, popular for lovers of city breaks. Hotel Bergs is a smart, contemporary bolthole in the charming shopping promenade of Bergs Bazaar with a gourmet restaurant and summer terrace, spa treatments, relaxing lounges and a fitness centre with fabulous views of the city. Head out from the city to discover a land of pine forests, tranquil lakes, sandy beaches and spa retreats.
ROMANIA
Romania is a country of contrasts – set north of the Balkans, where the Danube meets the Black Sea – with a rich history and a diverse landscape, ripe for exploratioN. Bucharest, its busy commercial capital is the place to wander the cobbled streets with camera firmly in one hand and the ubiquitous hot pretzel in the other. History enthusiasts can enjoy a stay in a characterful Transylvanian hotel and prepare to explore plenty of 14th century churches and castles where the legend on the vampires live on. Stay in the unique Bethlen Estates for a truly unique hideaway amongst the surrounding green wilderness, set in Romania’s medieval villages and away from the more usual tourist trails. For those who love all things Dracula and Vlad, Bran Castle is a two hour drive south. Or take a once in a lifetime stay at the Hotel of Ice – brace yourself for dinner ‘on ice’ and to sleep in your own ‘ice-suit’. This hotel, in the heart of the Fagaras Mountains, has been reconstructed in snow and ice blocks each year since 2005. With the offer of snowmobile riding, snow rafting, tubing, off-piste skiing, ice climbing and heli-skiing – it is the ideal, if not unforgettable winter escape.
NORWAY
Wild. Dramatic. Picture-perfect. With much of local life focussed on the outdoors, Norway’s incredible landscapes are the definitive adventure playground. Strikingly beautiful, Norway is a country of vast Fjords and jagged coastlines with the promise of winter wonderlands, the Northern Lights and the mightiness of mother nature. In such a mix you will also find the cultural hubs of Bergen and Oslo.
Norway’s landscape is big and bold, combined with inimitable Scandinavian design and sophistication – travel offers a matchless combination of wilderness with exceptional lodgings. Norwegians are passionate about being in nature – so take the plunge, act like a local and choose to explore by boat, kayak, on skis, snowmobiles and even, a husky drawn sled. If it is your thing, brave an encounter with an Orca whale while snorkelling in the waters off Navik or go on a sea safari to watch minke, humpback whales and harbour seals, while keeping an eye out for puffins, kittiwakes and guillemots. Summer and winter bring spectacularly different landscapes and experiences so make your way up north to experience the surreal Midnight sun in the summer and experience the glory of the north’s light show as it is reflected in the stunning Geirangerfjord (particularly great seen from a yacht).
P.S. the law requires a pre-departure PCR test outward bound, then a further test on or before day two of arrival back to the UK. Double-vaccinated people who test negative do not need to quarantine on their return home or take additional tests.