BEYOND A TO B

Posted on 2010-03-08

We’ve been taking ourselves off on a literary voyage in the last few months with the help of our project Travel Fuel. And for all the wise words we’ve read the quote “A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it” from a certain Mr Steinbeck got us thinking about how we love the unexpected surprises that come with taking a ‘journey’.

So, here’s a few of our favourite alternative ‘journeys’ all to be experienced in a short getaway. Each of which bring a fresh perspective and are perfect to let you explore the wonders that lie nestled between A and B.

To Stelvio and beyond

Take Europe’s ultimate driving route, hop behind the wheel of your Ferrari (or Aston or Porsche) and burn some luxury rubber exploring the near perfect twists and turns of the Swiss and Italian Alps. Certainly not your average car journey.

Dijon: luxury wine tasting with a twist

France’s idyllic canals, a barge (no ordinary tug boat) and as much fine wine as you can handle. Meander from the Valley of the Ouche and moor up in the Cote d’Or. Sip vino in historic chateaux and discover fairytale towns along the way. Bliss.

See Venice from above and below

Want to get under the skin of Venice like no one else? Here’s a tip. Try exploring the canals by Kayak. Paddle around the city’s epic islands and stunning architecture for a totally new perspective. The perfect alternative Venetian journey? Definitely.

Visit Black Tomato or call on 020 7426 9888.

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MEDITERRANEAN GEMS

Posted on 2010-03-01

So, the spring it nearly upon us (though you’d never guess it with weather we’ve got going on at the moment) and it’s given us reason to get just a little bit exited. Why? One word: Europe. That’s right, not long now until our favourite hip Mediterranean hangouts and European classics (with that Black Tomato twist, naturally) hot up for you to experience a stunning summer escape across the pond.
And the best part? Well, let’s just say we have more than a few secrets and insider tips to share with you so that you can experience these Mediterranean gems like a true local.

Read on for our pick of the bunch.

Milan to Potofino

Shopping or beach? Hmm…Why not combine the two? Sharpen your shopping skills in the fashion capital before cruising the rolling Italian countryside (in a Ferrari if you wish) to the old-school Riviera charm of Portofino. Magnifico.

Culture and coast, Turkey

From intriguing culture within the crumbling city walls to the most up-and-coming beach spots and chic properties in the business. Turkey is home to Europe’s cutting-edge cool and an authentic experience to snap up without delay.

Chic seduction in Santorini

A picture perfect, volcanic island dropped in the stunning blue waters of the Aegean. Looking for traditional Greek charm with a hip twist? This is it. Stay in our favourite sugar-cubed hideaway and get under the skin of this outrageously chic island.

Visit Black Tomato or call on 020 7426 9888.

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TOP TEN SOUNDS TO WAKE UP TO

Posted on 2010-02-15

The alarm beeps and then comes the heavy sigh as you push the sleep from your eyes and climb out of bed to the sinking feeling of another day in the office.

Not the best sounds to start the day and if you ask us, there are far better sounds around the world to wake you from your slumber.

Here are our top 10 wake up calls from around the world. Engaging, exciting and each the perfect alarm call to fuel your anticipation of what great experiences lie ahead in these truly amazing destinations.

1.Rickshaw wallahs gearing up in Mumbai

2.Surfacing whales on the valdes peninsula

3.Deafening sound of silence in antarctica

4.Prayer wheels and laughter in bhutan

5.Buzzing cicadas in sabi sands

6.Lapping water in tropical panama

7.Clanging of church bells in colonial granada

8.Clearing of the heavens in borneo

9.Hypnotic calls to prayer on java

10.Purring boats pulling up in panarea

Be inspired visit our Top ten sounds to wake up to or call on 020 7426 9888.

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BE INSPIRED IN ARGENTINA

Posted on 2010-02-08

Laid back, capital of cool Buenos Aires is definitely up in the top cities when in need of a sweet caffeine hit. A café culture to rival any city in the world (its Spanish and Italian roots might have something to do with it) Buenos Aires is king when it comes to kicking back and taking time to talk with friends over a café chicos. Our tip? Head for the Palermo Viejo Cafe in the trendy streets of Palermo where the concept of grab-and-go, coffee from a paper cup is nowhere to be seen.

Feel the tango beats and serious flavour on our be inspired in Argentina experience or call on 020 7426 9888.

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THE INSIDE TRACK FROM DOING THE OUTBACK IN STYLE

Posted on 2010-02-01

We all know Australia is renowned for its treasure trove of gastronomic delights, and in the culture capital, Melbourne, it’s all about the java. With a brewing tradition brought over with the influx of both Italian and Greek populations, Melbourne’s Coffee culture has now evolved into something of a force in its own right. Our favourite? Wall Two 80 in Balaclava (the hole in the wall to the locals) serve’s up some of the best coffee in town or head for Brunswick street in the suburbs of Fitzroy where independent cafes rule the roost and you won’t find a single Starbucks in sight.

Have a look here for more inspiration to head down under or call on 020 7426 9888.

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