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Imperial Russia

Bordering Europe, Asia and the Pacific and Arctic oceans, Russia’s immensity is not only limited to its geographical size. Steeped in rich culture, history and architectural grandeur, it’s an almost overwhelming country to comprehend.

Once shrouded in mystery thanks to a past that involves Soviet regimes, revolutions and ruling Czars, the Russia of today is a bold and modern culture, with a vibrant, thriving creative arts scene.

While the iconic cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg are laden with palaces, statues, orthodox churches, internationally renowned museums and palaces; chic wine bars and high-end department stores pepper the landscape and are integral highlights of any Russian journey.

Visit Moscow’s historic Red Square; take a trip to Pushkin to visit the late baroque inspired Catherine Palace, the magnificent summer residence of Catherine the Great; or spend an afternoon at the iconic Moscow Kremlin, soaking up the incredible history between the five palaces and four cathedrals. If you’ve got any energy left, enjoy a visit to the Kremlin Armoury, one of the oldest museums in Moscow, established in 1851.

Once you’ve had your fill of museums and palaces, get off the beaten track and explore Russia’s stunning countryside on board the famed Trans-Siberian railway, coupled with a visit to the pristine beauty of Lake Baikal.

Or for a truly authentic Russian experience, visit a traditional Russian sauna (banya) and enjoy a birch branch ‘beating’… which isn’t as bad as it sounds! The Sanduny Baths in Moscow is the oldest and most luxurious banya in the city.

Imperial Russia is a seven-day, six-night tour that gives travellers a fantastic insight into a complex country with a fantastic blend of history, culture and natural scenery.

Kayak in Patagonia

With granite spires and glaciated mountain ranges that sprawl across Argentina and Chile, Patagonia is one of the most diverse and visually spectacular locations in the world.

Wild and isolated, Patagonia is South America’s playground for intrepid adventurers – its wind-swept plains, temperate rainforests and turquoise lakes stretch for thousands of miles, and despite its desolation, it holds a wealth of unique flora and fauna.

Exploring this amazing landscape by sea with Aurora Expeditions is a bucket list trip. On their Patagonia and Chilean Fjords Expeditions you can kayak through ice calvings, waterways and glistening fjords teeming with wildlife, and drift through some of the most secluded areas of Torres del Paine National Park.

Once you reach your destination, you’ll have the chance to kayak at least once a day and anywhere between 5 to 15 kilometres (2 to 4 hours) per outing, sometimes taking a snack and a flask of hot chocolate to enjoy on the excursion. The Aurora guides have years of kayaking experience and will lead the group on each excursion, explaining facts about the wildlife and landscape as they pass by.

Highlights include seeing flamingos, ibis and swans on the shores of Lake Argentino, or befriending a charismatic guanaco as you cross the Patagonian steppes.

See the Solar Eclipse in Antarctica

A total solar eclipse only occurs every one to two years, and to witness it in Antarctica is without doubt a rare occurrence.

On this unique voyage with Aurora Expeditions, you will visit Antarctica and experience this incredible, isolated continent in late spring where you can photograph glistening icebergs, witness penguins nest building and whales feeding.

In South Georgia, encounter elephant seal beach masters guarding their harems, walk among some of the largest king penguin colonies on earth; and retrace Shackleton’s epic crossing from King Haakon Bay to Stromness.

Perched on a favourable vantage point, the hope is for clear skies and good weather to witness the spectacular full solar eclipse, which is only visible from a small area on earth.

Those who are able to see the total eclipse are in the center of the moon’s shadow when it hits earth. A total solar eclipse is in itself spectacular, but to experience it in Antarctica is truly a once-in-a-lifetime, wondrous event.

Hakuba Has It All

Salivating hordes of skiers and snowboarders descend on Japan each winter, eager to knife their carbon fiber blades through the country’s famously deep powder snow. You don’t so much ski across Japanese powder as plough through it, wiping it off your googles with trembling mitts after each ecstatic turn.

With hundreds of resorts of all shapes and sizes to choose from, the only question is where to go.

Hakuba Valley is a popular option as it is made up of ten individual resorts and offers a huge amount of terrain for skiers of all abilities. Located in Nagano Prefecture it’s easy to reach from Tokyo and has a good mix of local culture and western convenience, including a western ski school.

Serious skiers and boarders are drawn to Hakuba for the size of its mountains, which are among the biggest and most dramatic in all of Japan. They are part of the Japanese Alps, a spine of ranges which bisect central Honshu and are named are after their European equivalent. Their mighty peaks soar to 3000 meters and beckon serious skiers and snowboarders into their majestic topography.

Backcountry skiing is tricky and dangerous in Japan. Hakuba is one of the few resorts where you can safely explore the backcountry with dedicated guides. Evergreen Backcountry Guides will take you way out of bounds for the ride of your life and rent you all the equipment you need to get there safely (avalanche transceivers, shovels and probe poles are all compulsory). Pick a bluebird day for the experience of a lifetime.

Paragliding Monte Grappa

If you’re into flying using just the power of the wind, there can be few better places to run off a mountain top than at Monte Grappa in Veneto, a region in Italy’s far northeast. With around 300 flyable days a year, stable weather conditions, almost no strong winds and easily accessed take-off positions, Monte Grappa is unparalleled as a playground for para-gliders and hang-gliders.

The rolling green Veneto foothills are the backdrop here, stretching all the way to Slovenia and Austria. Experienced gliders can fly for several kilometres east and west without bumping into a no fly zone, while competition pilots have completed flights up to 100km long! Eight take-off areas are available to suit all wind directions except the north wind (which rarely blows).

If you don’t have a licence yet, Monte Grappa is the perfect place to earn your wings. It’ll take a few months of studying meteorology and aerodynamics, along with practice flying guided by instructors, but after that you’ll be free to cruise the skies like a bird.

Alternatively, strap yourself to an expert for a tandem flight, and let a skilled pilot can do all the hard yards while you enjoy the ride over vineyards and picturesque villages.

Surf the Maldives in Style

There are few places where you can surf straight off the beach in the Maldives, and the number where you can enjoy pure luxury when you’re not on those waves is even smaller. The break at Vodi Point, on Niyama’s southwest tip, is a long, mellow lefthander perfect for intermediate surfers or those with more experience who just want to nip in and catch a wave without any hassle. Those committed to staying dry and, instead, wetting their whistle can watch the action from the Surf Shack, where the beers are on ice.

Niyama isn’t only for surfers, though. It’s actually made up of two islands – Play and Chill – with a huge selection of activities and, because you’re on holiday, places to eat. Snorkel with turtles on the reef, get your dive license, fly over the waves on a jet ski, sail way on a dhoni cruise or ease weary muscles in the Drift Spa. And that’s just the start. Throughout the day, feed a hunger at African-inspired restaurant Tribal or take on the teppanyaki at Nest. It wouldn’t be the Maldives without an amazing underwater restaurant and Subsix will fulfil all your Aquaman fantasies as you dine on pan-seared sea bass while watching moray eels emerge from the coral.

As far as accommodation goes, the outdoor showers, plunge pools, lounging areas and contemporary interiors do little to detract from the glittering ocean just a few metres away. If you’re really treating yourself, upgrade to one of the overwater bungalows, each with their own private sun deck and pool.

An Apple a Day

Hot Five European Saunas

While it may resemble a set from Lord of the Rings, we promise a visit to this little hidey-hole sauna is far more relaxing than a day spent in Hobbiton. Located in Northern Italy’s Passeier Valley, the luxe Applesauna is hidden on a green hill in the expansive apple orchard at farm-turned-three-star Apfelhotel Torgglerhof. Using a Finnish sauna method, stones are heated on a stove and water poured on top to create the warm and steamy atmosphere needed for guests to relax. Timber benches frame concrete walls and floor-to-ceiling windows welcome natural light. Best of all, guests steaming inside are treated to panoramic views of the hotel’s surrounding treetops and the ice-capped mountains of the nearby Sarntal Alps. When the steam has settled, a nearby cottage has been transformed into a rest area where cups of tea and fresh fruit (no doubt an apple or two) are served as body temperatures cool.

apfelhotel.com

Green Escape

Think of Milan and you might think of fashion, art, Leonardo da Vinci and world-class museums. But despite being Italy’s second most populated city with a bustling centre, it also has some equally beautiful green spaces to escape to.

Parci Sempione is one of the biggest, covering around 38.6 hectares (95 acres). Located in the historic centre, this is where you’ll see two of Milan’s prized landmarks, the Arch of Peace and Sforza Castle. Also worth checking out here is the Civic Aquarium of Milan. Once you’ve had a wander, stretch your legs on running trails through the trees or chill out on the grass in the sun, before finishing up with an aperitivo at Bar Bianco.

At Parco Montestella, the Italians have turned what was once a mound of debris left over from bombed buildings in WWII into an artificial hill, dubbed “little mountain” by the locals, offering great views over the city.

If jogging is your thing, the Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli is the ultimate place to lace up your sneakers. It’s also home to the Civic Planetarium Ulrico Hoepli. For a taste of traditional Italian park life, head to Giardini of the Guastalla where you’ll find a Baroque fish pond and neo-classic temple hiding amongst centuries-old trees. Families will love the Parco Aldo Aniasi with its extensive playgrounds and picnic areas.

Whatever your thing, Milan has a green escape with your name on it.

Festive Fun

There is always something happening on Macau, a vibrant island just a stone’s throw from Hong Kong. Often touted as the “Vegas of China”, it’s a buzzing place at any time but in 2019 the calendar is jam packed with a mix of festivals and events to commemorate its 20th anniversary as a special administrative region (SAR).

Chinese New Year is where it all starts. Held over 15 days in January or February of each year, this lunar holiday is a spectacular event of dazzling fireworks and colourful street parades. The island’s 650,000 population doubles at this time so be prepared for the masses. 2019 is Year of the Pig.

China loves a good fireworks display and for one month, starting early September, Macau will be celebrating its 30^thFireworks Display Contest, attracting twelve countries from across the world.

Macau has recently joined the elite UNESCO Creative Cities for Gastronomy. It’s an accolade that celebrates its incredibly varied and delicious cuisine, reflecting influences from its Portuguese history. There’ll be plenty of culinary events held throughout the year to help you dive in.

There are lots more events on the calendar, including music, martial arts and seasonal celebrations, so check the schedule before you hit the island.

The quiet side to Macau

For a centre considered one of the most densely populated in the world, Macau has its share of leafy parks and tree lined walking trails to retreat to, as well as historic forts and even cute pandas. Just a stone’s throw from Hong Kong, Macao is an independent territory where historic UNESCO World Heritage sites get cosy against modern skyscrapers.

A short gondola ride will carry you to the Guia Fortress, a 17^thcentury colonial fort perched on the highest point of the peninsula. From here you can peek into mainland China, or wander inside the fort and adjacent chapel for a little artistic fresco action. The 91 metre-high whitewashed lighthouse is a highlight.

If you need a little peace and quiet, head to the Lou Lim Ieoc Garden, secreted away behind high walls within a busy neighbourhood. This public park was once a private garden created by local merchant Lou Kau in 1906. Lose yourself on narrow paths through groves of bamboo and flowering bushes en route to a pond filled with lotus flowers and golden carp. A nine-turn bridge is said to foil evil spirits who can only move in straight lines.

Everyone loves a panda and on the outlying island of Coloane you’ll find Seac Pai Van Park, home to four resident giant panda. On loan from China as part of a breeding campaign, this family of four regularly put on a show as they wrestle and roll down grassy slopes. Make sure you meet the two red pandas too.

Coloane is also home toHac-Sa Reservoir Country Park, often considered the ‘lungs’ of Macao. Here you can wander mountainous forest trails, canoe on the reservoir, get lost in a plant maze, or just fire up the barbecue and chill out.

Finish up at Camoes Garden, once part of a property belonging to the Chairman of the British East India Company in the 18^thcentury. This heavily wooded garden is the place to go to watch locals busting out a bit of morning tai chi under towering banyan trees, while caged birds watch on.

If you thought this part of the world was lacking in greenery, think again.

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