Headwater Discover the Undiscovered - Our Top 10 'Sight Swap' Ideas

As fabulous as Florence - but without the brolly-waving tour guide!

2011-04-28

CHESHIRE, ENGLAND, April 28, 2011 (Press-News.org) It is, undoubtedly, a huge privilege to live in a world crammed with the most incredible "must see" sights; however many lesser known places, hidden away in tucked away corners, often provide the most rewarding and personal experiences. Here are our Top 10 "Sight Swaps"...

1. Pisa for Bologna
Queue behind tourists from all corners of the world to have your photo taken trying to "push back up" the leaning tower of Pisa, or head instead to the mediaeval leaning towers of Bologna, one of the largest and most perfectly preserved historic centres in Italy.

2. Algarve for Alentejo
As the Brits flock en masse to Portugal's popular hotspots of the Algarve, head instead east from Lisbon - through olives, almonds and vineyards - to the gloriously wild and pristine coast of the rarely visited Alentejo. Protected since 1995, this spectacular coast offers a huge variety of habitats, with coastal wetlands and lagoons, salt marshes, small coves, high cliffs, promontories, dunes of fine sands and poppy-strewn fields. People have lived here since Paleolithic times, but today's population is very small. You're unlikely to bump into another tourist!

3. Palma for Petra
Why not swap gold sand beaches for gold sand deserts this year? Headwater's Jewels of Jordan tour is a glorious mix of walking and off-the-beaten track sightseeing: spectacular Wadi Rum at sunset, 2000-year old temples at Jerash, Byzantine mosaics at Madaba, and the rose-red city of Petra - one of the seven wonders of the New World!

4. Florence for Ferrara
The history-rich and immaculately preserved, Renaissance city of Ferrara is all about space and dignity: parks, palazzi, grand houses, mediaeval convents and the outrageous d'Este castle: half palace, half fortress, even down to its surrounding moat. With a virtually traffic-free centre - Ferrara is known as the "bike capital" of Italy - it's perfect to explore on foot, and the hidden squares and alleyways, all surrounded by historic walls and gateways, are packed with mediaeval and renaissance art.

5. Venice for Colmar
No one would ever challenge the unique splendour of Venice, but it can get very hot and crowded in high season... and then there are the winter floods! Francophiles might well prefer Colmar, the "Venice of Alsace" and a honeycomb of canals, pastel houses and Rhine Renaissance art. Surrounded by world-famous vineyards, and peppered with Michelin-starred eateries, it's a pretty safe bet for gourmet travellers too!

6. Greek Gods in Athens for Roman remains in Vaison
Vaison-la-Romaine, in Provence, boasts France's most extensive Roman remains including a 6000-seat theatre, baths, houses and streets. There's a fine C13 cathedral and cloisters, a castle and fortified gateway, and squares with cool central fountains.

7. Burgundy for Barolo
Fine wines from France's classic Burgundy vineyards - Cotes de Beaune, Nuits Saint-George, Gevry Chambertin to name just a few - are revered across the globe, but the vineyards, and access roads, can get pretty congested in high summer. Opt instead for the softly rolling hills of Piedmont and you'll find an incredible array of fine wine towns, including Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto and Asti.

8. Pompeii for Ephesus
The most well preserved historic city after Pompeii, the ancient Greek - and later Roman - city of Ephesus is the largest site Asia Minor, and its Temple of Artemis is one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. Stroll its marbled streets and discover agorea, bathhouses, a theatre and the Library of Celsus.

9. French Alps for Julian Alps
For those with the confidence and energy to explore outside the accepted tourist walking trails of the French Alps, the lesser known Julian Alps in Slovenia offer some of the most stunning walks in Europe. Headwater's 8-night independent walking holiday follows well-marked Alpine paths through the Triglav National Park where you'll discover jagged limestone peaks, flower-filled meadows, thundering waterfalls Mount Triglav, at 2,864m the highest peak in Slovenia.

10. Blue Coast for Green Coast
France's Cote d'Azur offers glitz, glamour and more celebrity-spotting opportunities than anywhere else in Europe. If, however, you're looking for France's best beaches - and you want them all to yourself - then stay in the north, on the beautifully unspoiled Emerald Coast (Cote d'Emeraude), and soak up the pinky-gold cliffs, secret coves, deserted beaches and traditional Breton fishing villages untouched by tourism.

Order our 2011 brochures to find out more about our extensive range of holidays. Call us today on 01606 720199 or visit our website at www.headwater.com

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Headwater Discover the Undiscovered - Our Top 10 'Sight Swap' Ideas

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