All around the world

In the heart of Finnish Lapland lies the enchanting city of Rovaniemi, a place known for its breathtaking landscapes and, most notably, the elusive Northern Lights. Eager to witness this natural spectacle firsthand, my companions and I embarked on a tour with Helios Tour, brimming with excitement and anticipation.

Finland's enchanting landscapes and vibrant culture beckon travelers to explore its northern wonders. One of the most captivating ways to experience this Nordic gem is by embarking on a night train journey from Turku to Rovaniemi. Operated by VR, Finland's national railway company, this voyage promises an unforgettable adventure through the heart of the Finnish wilderness.

Embarking on an overnight journey aboard the Viking Line ferry from Stockholm to Turku is not just a means of transportation; it's an experience in itself. Offering premium cabins, delectable cuisine, and captivating entertainment, this voyage promises a delightful escapade across the Baltic Sea.

While visiting the capital city of Finland Helsinki, I got a brilliant idea to visit the neighborhood country of Estonia and the city of Tallinn which is only like 2,5 hours boat ride away. Tallinn is now a proud European capital with an allure all its own. It's lively yet peaceful, absurdly photogenic and bursting with wonderful sights – ancient churches, medieval streetscapes, and noble merchants' houses. Throw in delightful food and vibrant modern culture and it's no wonder Tallinn seems in danger of being loved to death, especially after a few cruises’ ships dock. But it's one of those blessed places that seems to cope with all the attention.

If you have ever been on a cruise, you know that it is a love at the first sight and for many others love forever. On a last summer day, I had the chance to board VikingLine´s vessel M/S Gabriella from Stockholm to Helsinki and it was a lifetime experience. That over-night sailing brought me so much joy and excitement that I cannot simply keep it just for myself. Therefore, I will now embark you on this journey with me, so you won’t hesitate too much and book your next holiday onboard of Viking Line.

With its boulevards, birdsong and oleanders, the city of Merano feels like a northern Italian Shangri-La. Known for its sunny microclimate, this poignantly pretty town was a Habsburg-era spa and the hot destination of its day, favored by the Austrian royals plus Freud, Kafka, Wand Pound. The city's therapeutic traditions have served it well in the new millennium, with a new generation hotel Giardino Marling which is surrounded by apple orchards.

Mountains loom large almost everywhere you look in Chamonix. Skiers and sightseers are launched by cable car to heights of 3842m on the Mont Blanc massif, while the glacial void of La Vallée Blanche – one of Europe's most fêted off-piste adventures – beckons to the brave. Skiers and boarders have a choice of pistes along the valley, while in summer the same lifts access hiking and biking trails. Chamonix has a long history as a winter-sports hub. Rediscovered as a tourist destination in 1741, Chamonix hosted the first ever Winter Olympics in 1924 and considered to be the mecca of skiing.

The time has come for the first visitors to start their personalized, behind-the-scenes interactive experience through Harry Potter™: The Exhibition. At yesterday's Grand Opening with many famous guests got to be some of the first to visit the exhibition and they left enchanted and exclaiming their delight.

Sils-Maria might be a tranquil lakeside village now, but the rumble of existential philosophy once reverberated around these peaks, courtesy of Friedrich Nietzsche who spent his summers here from 1881 to 1888 writing texts concerning the travails of modern man, including Thus Spake Zarathustra. Since 1908 until nowadays it isl also home to a family owned and manager 5- star Waldhaus Hotel. 

Known as 'Little Tibet', Livigno is a high-altitude, remote ski resort in Italy's Lombardy region, in a duty-free enclave close to the Swiss border. Generally promoted as an ideal destination for beginners, Livigno is also a good choice for intermediate skiers and snowboarders, particularly for those on a budget and those who enjoy lively après ski.

Switzerland's original winter wonderland and the cradle of Alpine tourism, St. Moritz has been luring royals, celebrities, and moneyed wannabes since 1864. With its shimmering aquamarine lake, emerald forests and aloof mountains, the town looks a million dollars. The real riches lie outdoors in the mountains, with superb carving on Corviglia, hairy black runs on Diavolezza and miles of hiking trails when the snow melts. St. Moritz has hosted the Winter Olympics twice, and most are surprised to hear that the town first gained fame due to its mineral springs, which were discovered 3000 years ago and established the town as a summer spa resort.

Zell am See-Kaprun ski resort is a charming and lively lakeside town close to Austria's Hohe Tauern National Park; it's a popular year-round resort and has plenty of amenities and attractions for winter-sports visitors of all ages and abilities. We had a chance to discover it on a sunny Sunday January day. We promise there´s a plenty of adventure awaiting you and no matter what level of skier you are, won´t be disappointed.

The entire pandemic situation kept us dreaming about winter ski holidays for so long that when it´s finally here, we are so excited to show you the best of it. Today´s review will have a close look into Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn Ski Circuit which is home to some of the best ski places in Salzburg province. You can enjoy here downhill skiing on more than 270 kilometers of slopes, go tobogganing, skibobbing or even curling. After a full day of activities, investigate the resort’s nightlife scene, with options ranging from cozy cabins to lively clubs.

Extending roughly 80km like a skinny, lopsided paprika, at first glance Lake Balaton seems to simply be a happy, sunny expanse of opaque tourmaline-colored water in which to play. But step beyond the beaches of Europe’s biggest and shallowest body of water and you’ll encounter Calendula – Ayurvedic and Medical Clinic which is among the leading European medical centers combining Eastern therapeutic systems with modern Western medical technology.

Calendula - medical clinic

Villas, mansions, and luxury resorts such as Nikki Beach Porto Cheli, surrounded by olive groves – simple and yet utterly seductive pleasures. This cosmopolitan hangout in the Peloponnese has it all. Beautiful beaches backed by the sun-kissed Mediterranean landscape, attractive summer villas and yacht marinas, the island of Spetses across the narrow straits, fresh fish, and a lively nightlife … just a few highlights of Porto Heli and a destination for the cognoscenti.

Chania is Crete’s most evocative city, with its pretty Venetian quarter criss-crossed by narrow lanes and culminating at a magnificent harbor. Although all this beauty means the old town is deluged with tourists in summer, it is still a great place to unwind. Remnants of Venetian and Turkish architecture abound, with old townhouses is now transformed into atmospheric restaurants and boutique hotels. Chania is also home to Sansal Boutique Hotel – 4 stars luxurious property just a few steps from the harbor.

 Of all Spain's mainland provincial capitals, Alicante is the most influenced by tourism, thanks to the nearby airport and resorts. Nevertheless, it is a dynamic, attractive Spanish city with a castle, old quarter, and long waterfront. The eating scene is exciting, and the nightlife is legendary, whether you are chugging pints or twirling on the dance floor with the locals seven hours later.