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Visitors to the west of England can discover a host of dramatic ways to up the action and see the region in a new light – leaving museums and galleries behind for a day for adventures ranging from simple walking to weaselling, and axe-throwing to hot air ballooning. There’s even shark diving for the more intrepid traveller.

Here are some savvy suggestions guaranteed to boost the adrenaline in the West Midlands, the region of western England that includes the counties of Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire, centred on the country’s second city, Birmingham:

Birmingham’s canals: Birmingham has 56 km of canals – more, famously, than Venice – and travelling around or on them makes for a great day out. Whether walking or cycling alongside the city’s waterways to explore its industrial past, or taking a boat trip along the canals, it’s the best way of seeing the many sides of the city from its heart.

Dudley Canal Tunnel: For something truly unforgettable, take an underground boat trip through the 2,900-m. Dudley Canal Tunnel and caverns, with the Dudley Canal Trust.

West Midlands waterways: If a day on Birmingham’s canals inspires you, then speed off, albeit at 6 km per hour into the sunset, on the wide network of waterways, taking the Grand Union Canal to Warwick, or the Oxford Canal, which goes all the way to the City of Dreaming Spires. There are many narrow boat hire companies in the region such as Grand Union Narrow Boats.

Go Ape outdoor adventure: Swing through the tree-tops with the popular Go Ape franchise, which has forest sites all over the Midlands, including Buxton in the Peak District, Cannock Chase, Coventry and Wyre Forest. It makes a great day out for children and adults – not least thanks to the mega-zipline at the end.

The Bear Grylls Adventure: We’re not going to lie, shark-diving in Birmingham isn’t something we’d expect either, but The Bear Grylls Adventure offers just that in its awesome indoor/outdoor activity centre. Other extreme pursuits include a high-rope challenge, free-flying and, axe-throwing.

Ackers Adventure: For more unexpected high-adrenaline activities, head to Ackers Adventure in Sparkbrook to hit the dry ski slope or try activities ranging from abseiling to archery, climbing to canoeing.

Peak District National Park: The Peak District was Britain’s first National Park and is still one of its most popular. There are loads of ways of enjoying it, from a leisurely walk and afternoon tea to something more energetic, with one of its many adventure tours. How about a spot of weaselling (squeezing yourself between rocks), climbing, abseiling, caving, or mountain-biking?

Cannock Chase: Forest-bathing is good for the health, so take a tree prescription and walk or cycle around the lovely forest Cannock Chase, or go horse-riding on one of its bridleways.

The Malverns: There’s no better way (apart from maybe a Morgan Driving Tour, which sounds pretty good) to see the Malverns than on foot. As one of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes, this protected Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has many walks, from easy to strenuous.

Warwick Castle: For a spot of medieval adventure, one can go all dungeons and dragons at Warwick Castle. The almost 1,000-year-old castle has loads of immersive experiences, Bird of Prey events and live shows, as well as a Horrible Histories maze. Castles have never been so energetic.

Chatsworth House: The estate of the grand Chatsworth House in Bakewell is so vast it covers 400 hectares and visitors can roam through the rolling landscape all day – before even tackling the 42-hectare formal garden and maze.

Kenilworth Castle: Walk in the footsteps of Elizabeth I in the restored Elizabethan Garden of the vast Kenilworth Castle, near Coventry. This medieval fortress is one of the country’s biggest historical sites. A great was to see it is from on high, via hot air balloon.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Luxury cruise line Cunard is celebrating a century’s worth of history and memories by launching its new “Sea Views Exhibition,” curated by British photographer and filmmaker Mary McCartney. Boasting images from Cunard’s photography archive together with photos submitted by past and present guests of its iconic cruise liners, the Sea Views Exhibition is a culmination of the century’s rich history.

The digital exhibition, which can be viewed online at www.Cunard.com/seaviews, celebrates two milestones in Cunard’s history: the first being that over 100 years ago, Cunard introduced onboard photography to capture the signature moments of their voyages; the second is the centenary of the first-ever round the world voyage on Cunard’s ship, Laconia, which departed on a 130-day voyage on Nov. 21, 1922 and arrived back in New York on March 30, 1923 after calling at 22 ports.

Showcasing a selection of never-before-seen imagery featuring everything from Hollywood’s most famed to the treasured moments of guests, the snapshots cover the dynamic changes in styles across fashion, food and interior design since the 1920s.

The exhibition features a snapshot of some of Cunard’s most glamorous guests, from Elizabeth Taylor and Rita Hayworth to Bing Crosby and Nelson Mandela, illustrating some of Cunard’s archival gems across the century.

Hundreds of Cunard passengers from all over the world, including Australia, Canada, Germany, the US, and UK, submitted over a thousand of their personal highlights aboard Cunard ships. The images depict a series of fascinating moments from families immigrating to new continents, and milestone anniversaries to unexpected guest encounters, telling intriguing stories from the 1920s to present day.

Mary McCartney said: “It was a joy to dig deep into the archives and discover never-before-seen photographs that capture the essence of Cunard’s signature moments, showcasing the glamour, elegance, and adventures families and friends shared together.

“It was not just about showcasing the history, but also celebrating the millions of travellers who have embarked on unforgettable voyages across the globe. As I went through the archives and read the stories submitted by passengers from all corners of the world, I was struck by the strong sense of community and connection that Cunard has fostered over the years.”

Other images McCartney selected to be part of this unique photography exhibition include:

• Troops walking onboard in Sydney, Cunard’s Queen Mary (1940). The Queen Mary was deployed during the Second World War to carry troops to Europe

• Nelson Mandela sailing on the Queen Elizabeth 2’s 1998 passage between Durban and Cape Town. In the ship’s visitor book, he wrote “Travelling on QE2 was an unforgettable honour and a pleasure”

• Elizabeth Taylor, who regularly travelled with Cunard and her producer husband Mike Todd

• Harry Lillis Crosby, known to the world as Bing, was a regular on board the Queen Mary. He was often found in the dark room on board the ship chatting to photographers.

• Sir Winston Churchill operating the controls with cigar in hand, with Commodore J.G.P. Bisset on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth (1940s)

• Prominent Passengers Phyllis Calvert and husband Peter Murray-Hill, actors, with their daughter, Auriol, facing press photographers on the Queen Mary’s boat deck

British cruise line Cunard has operated passenger ships on the North Atlantic, since 1840. There are currently three Cunard ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria and a fourth ship, Queen Anne, will be entering service in early 2024.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is going fast enough to allow its reopening to visitors at the end of 2024, less than six years after a fire ravaged its roof. The cathedral’s iconic spire, which collapsed in the blaze, will gradually start reappearing above the monument this year in a powerful signal of its revival, said the army general in charge of the colossal project, Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin.

“The return of the spire in Paris’ sky will in my opinion be the symbol that we are winning the battle of Notre Dame,” he added.

The reconstruction itself started last year, after more than two years of work to make the monument stable and secure enough for artisans to start rebuilding it.

Authorities have made the choice to rebuild the 12th century monument, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the way it was before. That includes recreating the 93-m.-high spire added in the 19th century by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc.

Meanwhile, an exhibition called “Notre-Dame de Paris: at the heart of the construction site” has opened to visitors in an underground facility in front of the cathedral. Accessible for free, it highlights ongoing operations on the site and the expertise and skills of workers. It also features some remains from the fire and works of art from the cathedral.

Georgelin said the cathedral will reopen in December 2024, in line with the goal set by President Emmanuel Macron just after the fire – yet it will be too late for the Paris Olympic Games scheduled in summer next year.

“My job is to be ready to open this cathedral in 2024. And we will do it,” Georgelin said. “We are fighting every day for that and we are on a good path.”

This “means that the archbishop of the capital will be in a capacity again to celebrate the Catholic liturgy in his cathedral” and the monument will also “be open for tourists to visit,” he said.

Culture Minister Rima Abdul-Malak said that this doesn’t mean all the renovation will be finished then. “There will still be some renovation work going on in 2025,” she stressed.

Meanwhile, the new exhibition near the cathedral will allow visitors, including those coming for the Olympics, “to live what could be this experience of visiting Notre-Dame in a brand new way,” she said. In addition to the free visit, a virtual reality show will allow paying visitors to dive into the history of the cathedral. “That will help also tourism in Paris,” she added.

Everyday in the capital and across the country, about 1,000 people work to rebuild Notre Dame, Georgelin said.

“The biggest challenge is to comply precisely every day to the planning we have done,” he stressed. “We have a lot of different works to achieve: the framework, the painting, the stones, the vault, the organ, the stained glass and so on.”

Philippe Jost, managing director of the government agency overseeing the reconstruction, noted that the result “will be faithful to the original architecture” both because “we are sticking to the vanished shapes of the cathedral” and because “we are also sticking to the materials and construction methods” of medieval times.

“We don’t do concrete vaults that look like stone, we do stone vaults that we rebuild as they were built in the Middle Ages,” Jost said, adding that the roof framework will also be made from oak like it initially was.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

EXPLORA I, the first of up to six luxury ships to join the Explora Journeys (EJ) fleet, will debut this summer in Northern Europe as the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group sets sail for the first time.

EJ will offer eight individual sailings as part of the Northern European Inaugural Journeys Collection, showcasing a balanced blend of well-known destinations, such as Copenhagen or Edinburgh, discovered through a different lens and lesser known, rarely visited ports, such as Leknes in Norway’s Lofoten Islands and Ísafjörður in Iceland.

EXPLORA I will be officially named on July 8 in Civitavecchia near Rome, Italy before heading to Southampton, UK, to depart for her maiden journey on July 17, 2023. Cruises are open for bookings and guests can enhance their journeys with pre- and post-luxury hotel stays, offered in the journey enrichment program.

Meanwhile, the newly announced “Experiences” for the cruises are tailored to small, intimate groups, from two to 25 guests; always with an emphasis on exclusive, off-the-beaten-path encounters and focused on a slower pace of travel to allow guests to fully immerse themselves in each destination, while not leaving their footprint on the places they explore.

“When creating our experiences, we first need to understand the very essence of each destination and then focus on unique ways to offer our guests the chance to immerse themselves into the local culture, taste authentic food and discover truly hidden gems,” says Explora Journeys exec Sacha Rougier. “Our selected tour operators have been hand-picked and quickly realized that we want to clearly differentiate ourselves, by offering our guests an extremely wide range of experiences that go to the root of each destination.

Inaugural destinations and experiences include:Norway: Guests will have the chance to discover some of Europe’s most dramatic coastlines, as EXPLORA I will sail deep into the Norwegian fjords (photo). Crossing the Arctic Circle, an array of nature-focused adventures awaits in Leknes on the Lofoten Islands. In Geiranger, a guided Nordic-walking tour will combine exhilarating sportive adventure with breath-taking vistas overlooking cliffs and waterfalls. From the port of Molde, a Viking ship will bring guests to an 18th century fishing village, while other experiences include a gourmet dinner paired with the finest Norwegian spirits in Trondheim or a tour on the iconic Flåm Line in Flåm.

Denmark: Where iconic design meets peaceful nature, Denmark will enchant travellers with its diversity. Taking city sightseeing to a new level, guests can embark on a kayak tour of Copenhagen, while nature takes centre stage in Skagen, with highlights including a visit to the magnificent migrating dune in Grenen. In the Faroe Islands, experiences such as open-air yoga sessions or a magnificent hike to the floating lake in Leitisvatn await.

Iceland: The land of fire and ice is a paradise for all active travellers. Once-in-a-lifetime adventures can be experienced in Reykjavik, during a helicopter flight over dozens of volcanic craters or a swim in the famous blue lagoon, while in Ísafjörður guests can enjoy a thrilling whale watching. From the port of Akureyri, guests will have the chance to embark on a journey to the remote Grimsey Island, known for its rich wildlife and spectacular landscape, with other destination highlights in Akureyri including a visit to the waterfall of gods or a unique Icelandic horse experience.

Sweden: This northern kingdom, will captivate guests with its focus on mindfulness and the unique balance between calm nature and glittering city lights. During a mindful forest hike and meditation session in Goteborg, guests will have the chance to reconnect with nature in an ancient nature reserve in Sweden’s lush countryside, followed by a healthy lunch in the woods. A dreamy day of remote spa experiences and the finest seaside cuisine on one of Sweden’s most windswept places awaits on Hamneskar Island, a private island paradise to relax and unwind.

Netherlands: In Rotterdam, guests can indulge in the cosmopolitan flair of the city and admire the diversity of architecture or join a unique soul tram ride pairing sight-seeing with unique musical experiences. For all art lovers, Explora Journeys has curated a private after-hours visit to the Mauritshuis in Rotterdam, where an expert curator is guiding guests through the museum that houses some of the world’s most acclaimed masterpieces, such as the Girl with a Pearl Earring, the most famous oil painting by Dutch Golden Age painter Johannes Vermeer. In the magnificent Golden Room, a three-course gourmet dinner will be served, while admiring paintings of Pellegrini and listening to exquisite live classical music.

United Kingdom: Guests can embark on a series of unique adventures and experiences as diverse as the country itself. In the United Kingdom lush landscapes, a proud royal heritage and unique musical discoveries await. Guests can enjoy VIP access to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, one of the most significant celebrations of musical performance in the world. Other experiences include a private visit to one of the premier Scottish Whisky distilleries, a cooking class in Lerwick in the Shetland Islands, using some of the finest local seafood or a private visit of Strawberry Field in Liverpool, John Lennon’s childhood playground.

Greenland: Truly off the beaten path, Greenland offers guests the chance to immerse themselves into the stillness of vast landscapes, while embarking on thrilling adventures from the port of Qaqortoq, such as a helicopter tour with a landing on a glacier or a trip to the Uunartoq Hot Springs for a dip in the sumptuously warm waters. In Nuuk, travellers can interact with the locals by attending one of their traditional Kaffemik gatherings. Every golf aficionado’s dream will come true during a round of golf on the world’s only arctic grass course.

Agents can book cruises at www.explorajourneys.com/traveladvisors, or the Explora Journeys website www.explorajourneys.com with a team of multilingual Explora Experience Ambassadors available to personally assist.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Nine islands in the middle of the Atlantic making up the archipelago known as the Azores have a year-round, pleasant temperature which, when combined with the islands’ unparalleled nature, cover the two basic must-haves for a safe, fun family vacation or for those looking to relax and re-charge in isolation with nature.

Recognized and awarded as the “leading adventure tourism destination in Europe” and as “the world’s first leading sustainable tourism destination,” it’s no surprise that the Azores will become an off-the-beaten European destination on many Canadians’ bucket list this year.

Easy to reach in a bit over five hours flight time, nonstop flights from Toronto and Montreal bring Canadian travellers to Terceira and São Miguel with access to neighbouring islands by inter-island flights, ferries or private taxi. Flights are operated by SATA Azores Airlines using new Airbus A330 aircraft.

Travelling in the Azores is easy. Renting a car allows you to explore the island on your own timetable and make stops along the way to swim in volcanic craters, explore caves and lagoons, learn about the history and culture of the islands or take part in a pre-arranged sport activity.

The ocean around the islands are a permanent home and stop-off destination for more than 20 different types of whales and dolphin species which makes the Azores one of the world’s largest whale sanctuaries and fastest-growing whale watching destination.

A tour for whale watching is highly recommended for family fun. Cave tours are also popular attractions with families as they are safe, educational and spooky fun. There are even tours that offer the unique experience of exploring inside an ancient lava cave, swimming in a volcanic crater or hot thermal springs. There’s a wide choice of aquatic sports available in the Azores, ranging from paddleboarding, surfing, bathing, whale- and dolphin-watching tours to sailing and thrilling scuba diving.

The fun continues on land where the islands offer a total of 83 official hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy strolls, horse- and bike-riding trails to extreme hiking and canyoneering with harness, helmet and appropriate rope systems. These ancient trails are definitely one of the most popular activities in the island that offers peace and tranquility. They are the home of unspoiled nature, valleys, lakes, forests and volcanic craters.

Senior travellers, even those with wheelchairs, can find themselves on a trail at a viewing point looking over the ocean, into dormant volcanic craters or onto charming, small villages. The viewpoints are easy to access for incredible views of the island. In the background, the only noise you hear is the sound of cows at a nearby farm or one of thousands of migrating birds that make the islands a favourite for bird lovers. Alone, but safe; isolated in pure, clean nature. Many call it “communing with nature” or “forest bathing.”

Unwinding in the Azores also means enjoying an organic volcanic massage, a day of golf or at a spa resort, swimming in the natural hot springs found inland or along the rocky coasts and enjoying the culture and food.

Nature is not the only draw of the Azores. Ponta Delgada, the main city on the island of São Miguel, reminds one of charming European villages with cobblestoned streets, picturesque, colorful plazas and street cafes, botanical gardens, museums, year-round street festivals and a booming culinary scene. The city also offers a unique tourist attraction nearby: Cozido das Furnas, a volcano-cooked meat stew buried underground and cooked using natural heat.

On the island of Terceira, the city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site with must-see sites and beautiful promenades. Housed in a former Franciscan monastery, the museum of Angra do Heroísmo is a beautiful historical complex with informative exhibits that educate visitors on the rich history of the Azores due to its strategic geographical location and where NATO has placed a military airport. The Museu do Vinho (wine museum) is on the southern coast of the island in a gorgeous city with a beautiful vineyard landscape.

Ending a day of exploration, food is a main concern for families with picky eaters or health-conscious travellers. Rest assured, the kids will be asking for seconds. The Azores Islands are an epicurean delight for foodies. The archipelago’s many unique microclimates, an abundant supply of clean water and the volcanic nature make it possible to offer a variety of culinary experiences. Nearby farmers and local fishermen provide the salads, meat and fish you’ll enjoy in restaurants. Arrangements can also be made to enjoy an authentic, farm-to-table dining experience or visit the only tea plantation in Europe. There’s mouth-watering cheeses, delicious Portuguese-style pastries and local, organic wines to complete the meals.

The Azores are beautiful throughout the year but summer is the most popular time to visit. For those looking to explore natural beauty, and engage in many types of sports while enjoying excellent food, wine and culture, the Azores islands offer a vacation that’s sure to create extraordinary memories and epic Instagram posts.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

About eight million years ago, the first signs of the Azores islands started to appear in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean as a result of volcanic eruptions. Eventually, nine major islands were created about 1,2000 kilometres (800 miles) west of mainland Portugal. These islands make up the Azores archipelago and are Mother Nature’s gift from the centre of earth for us to enjoy.

Lava creates interesting underwater architecture from water arches, swim-through caves and tunnels which can be viewed along the coast. On land, it creates craters and geothermal springs and land with nutrient rich soil for plant life. The islands are truly a destination for water sports enthusiasts of all levels – from those who wish to swim in a a volcanic crater or soak in a volcanic hot spring to those who want to dive with the sharks and use hyperbaric chambers.

Here is where you can explore the inside of a volcano, one of the rarest experiences on earth – Algar do Carvão. Descending 90 meters (300 feet) down an ancient lava tube formed over 3,000 years ago with the world’s highest concentration of silica stalactites leads you to an incredibly rare and beautiful sight that will take your breath away. Imagine, you can even arrange to get married inside the volcano and it’s the only place in the world for such a hot spot wedding, or perhaps a special concert.

Another unique experience no other destination can offer is the geothermal dining experience known as Furnas. The ultimate foodie experience is a traditional Azorean dish that involves burying meats and vegetables in volcanic soil that is then cooked with volcanic heat. Volcanic rock eventually breaks down and forms some of the most fertile soils which can be reflected in the flavours of the Azorean cuisine that uses ingredients from local farmers and fishermen.

Descending into a volcano and eating volcano-cooked food is just the beginning of this jaw-dropping vacation. Lava also creates interesting underwater architecture in the form of water arches, swim-through tunnels and caves that can be easily viewed along the coastline by bathers, boaters and divers. On land, the lava left its mark with huge craters and thermal bathing pools. The Azores islands are definitely a water sports enthusiast’s paradise both in water and on land.

The Azores’ location and convergence of currents here makes these islands a haven for spotting amazing sea creatures. With sightings possible all year round, the waters surrounding the Azores islands are one of the largest sanctuaries for whales in the world and, therefore, one of the best places for whale watching. In addition to whales, visitors will be able to spot dolphins, sea turtles and birds in their natural environment. Scuba diving in the Azores offers world-class views of some incredible species, including blue sharks, whale sharks, mako sharks, mobula rays and manta rays.

Hiking is another wonderful way to explore the Azores Islands – with over 80 trails to choose from there is something to suit every hiker from a gentle walk to challenging hikes. Bicycles and horses are also available for exploring the island along trails that lead to beautiful landscapes of the ocean or the whole island, with some of them going through thick laurel forests and others leading to hidden waterfalls, volcanic craters and ancient ruins.

Along these ancient and mysterious trails, the only sounds you’re likely to hear is a cow from a nearby farm or some of the numerous migratory birds that, like the whales, pick the Azores as a resting spot during their long intercontinental trips. They know a good resting spot when they see it.

For more relaxing activities, the Azores Islands offer a vibrant culture and history, internationally recognized wine and cuisine, spa resorts with yoga and volcanic massages, UNESCO World Heritage city of Terceira’s Angra do Heroismo, the only tea plantation in Europe, natural thermal pools, fascinating caves and botanical gardens. Eating in the Azores means enjoying food that was nurtured by the special nutrients of volcanic soil and guarantees healthy meals with great flavour.

When it comes to relaxing, many believe that volcanic rock, also known as lava stone, is a grounding stone that gives one strength and courage. Supposedly, a calming stone, but then the entire Azores are a calming experience with its charming villages reminding one of the picturesque cobblestoned streets of Europe without the mass tourism. The Azores welcomes its visitors as a safe destination which is ideal for solo or senior travellers who want an off-the-beaten tourist track experience and who like to explore in isolation with nature but are concerned about safety.

Considered one of the world’s top 10 most sustainable destinations, the Azores were again voted Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination, by World Travel Awards. Known for natural wonders like stunning waterfalls and lagoons, impossibly blue lakes, hot springs, hydrangeas, and volcanic craters, the nine islands of the Azores have been likened to “the Hawaii of the East” with their combination of lush forests, pristine beaches, and volcanic coastline.

Yet, despite its popularity and awards, the Azoreans have a long history of protecting its natural environment and are keen on sustaining their natural beauty. They’ve learned how to harness geothermal energy and geothermal powerplants supply a significant share of the archipelago’s electricity. Renewable generation technologies are installed on all nine islands.

As of December 2019, the Azores has been officially recognized as the world’s first island archipelago to be certified under the EarthCheck Sustainable Destination program, making it one of the most sustainable tourism destinations in the whole world. This tremendous honor is one currently shared by only 13 regions across the entire globe.

Both Terceira and São Miguel islands are closer than you think. SATA Azores Airlines operates non-stop service to the islands of Terceira and Sāo Miguel, a bit over 5 hours flight time. Both Terceira and São Miguel act as gateways to the other islands. One can fly between the islands, take ferries or arrange a private water taxi depending on your island-hopping desires.

With year-round pleasant temperature and the myriad of enticing outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, diving, snorkeling, whale watching, swimming with dolphins, canyoning, golfing, and kayaking/paddle boarding, it’s no wonder the islands are one of the favourite locations for nature and adventure tourism in the world.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News