Travel VIP - Helen Szczuczko

3 ICONIC EUROPEAN DRIVING ROUTES

THE GREAT DOLOMITES ROAD (ITALY)
Or the Grande Strada delle Dolomiti as it is known in Italy, is a breathtakingly beautiful drive spanning 68 miles or 110 kms and running from Bolanzo to Cortina. A feat of engineering, the road was completed by 1909. Winding through lush green meadows, past dramatic rugged peaks, scenic alpine lakes and enchanting villages the route is best driven in 2 days with time to make several stops, take in the panoramic views, do a hike and spend a night in traditional alpine accommodation. The best time to drive this route is June to September to ensure snow free roads. A smaller size vehicle is recommended to navigate the hair pin bends! The Great Dolomites Road is a spectacular, safe, and well-maintained scenic drive that is generally considered easy to moderate in difficulty.

CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE - NORTHERN IRELAND
Stretching from Belfast to Derry this 115 mile or 185 km drive is one of the most scenic drives in the world. It can be done in either direction. The diverse landscape starts in the cities and then ranges from pristine seashores, to majestic mountain peaks, quaint villages and picturesque fishing harbours. Along the route there are many different sights to stop and see. Numerous castle ruins, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, distilleries, the Mussenden Temple, a round building perched right on a cliff edge and of course the famous Giant's Causeway itself - not to mention the friendly and curious locals you will meet along the way. The route is best driven in 2 days or more in order to really appreciate everything there is to see.

THE ROUTE NAPOLEON - FRANCE
This 200 mile or 325 kms road tracks the exact route that Napoleon Bonaparte took in 1865 upon his return to France from exile on the Isle of Elba. The route is marked all the way along with commemorative statues and plaques. The journey is beautiful and winds its way from the sparkling Core D'Azure to the foothills of the Alps - starting on the southern coast in Golfe-Juan and ending in Grenoble. Passing through the lavender fields of Provence, dramatic gorges, high mountain passes, stunning plateaus, forested valleys and quiet villages, the drive is best done in 5+days, at a leisurely pace, allowing time to explore, take in the ever changing scenery and take a few short detours.

For further information about any of these road trips or custom planned European tours please contact [email protected]

5 UNIQUE EUROPEAN TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR 2026

All 5 of these locations offer a great combination of culture, food, nature, beaches and adventure. They are all unique, relatively undiscovered by mass tourism and can be easily accessed from other major cities.

THE AZORES
The Azores are a volcanic archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, and belong to Portugal. These 9 small islands are still one of the hidden gems of Europe they are a fabulous destination to avoid the crowds. They offer breathtaking nature with verdant landscapes, a mild climate, dormant volcanoes, hotsprings, lava caves and lush forests. An outdoor enthusiasts heaven with endless hiking trails, surfing, kayaking, canyoning, horseback riding and whale watching to name a few activities. UNESCO World Heritage sights, museums and artworks will satisfy the history buffs, while delicious seafood, local cheeses and the national dish of Cozido das Furnas provide culinary delights. If you are looking for a vacation away from crowded beaches, touristy hotspots and artificial cultural experiences then THE AZORES is the place for you. The Azores can easily be combined with a trip to mainland Portugal or Spain.

SARDINIA
Sardinia, is not a mainstream Mediterranean destination but a sophisticated Italian island, west of mainland Italy and south of Corsica. Famous for its 1,800+kms of unspoilt coastline the island is
famous for its azure blue sea, crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches. A large island, Sardinia has much to offer the visitor in addition to its spectacular stunning bays. Authentic towns and villages that ooze culture, a dramatic mountainous interior with breathtaking views, a rich culinary history with a wealth of traditional restaurants and cafes, are just some of the attractions. Boasting a prehistoric occupation, there are around 7,000 ‘Nuraghi’ (mysterious stone dwellings dating back 3,500 years) throughout the island as well as significant examples of Roman architecture. Sardinia offers something for everyone! Sardinia can easily be combined with a trip to mainland Italy.

MONTENEGRO
Located in the South-east of Europe and situated on the Adriatic Coast, Montenegro is small country, but offers great variety with a majestic landscape, including the 30km long fjord of Kotor, a rich mixture of history and culture and a diverse culinary menu combining, Italian, Greek and Turkish influences. Indisputably beautiful, with magnificent forest cloaked mountain ranges, crystal clear lakes, traditional villages and over 100 unspoiled beaches along the Adriatic Coast. Montenegro has a history dating back over 1300 years to the Byzantine Ottomans and four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are a total of 5 National Parks offering endless opportunities for hiking, rafting, biking, bird watching and scenic drives. Montenegro can be easily combined with a trip to Croatia.

FAROE ISLANDS
Located between Iceland, the UK and Norway you will find the Faroe Islands. The archipelago - situated in the North Atlantic consists of 18 main islands, of which 17 are inhabited and connected by roads, tunnels and ferries - plus numerous smaller islets and skerries. With their raw untapped beauty, wild landscapes, cosy villages and cliffside waterfalls the Faroe Islands offer a unique and incredible experience. Rugged peaks, the highest sea cliffs in Europe, picturesque villages with whitewashed and colorful homes, turf roofed churches, the northern lights and puffins are just a few of the awe inspiring sights to experience. Some activities include spectacular hikes, boat trips through fjords, cold water surfing, biking, rappelling and bird watching, as well as seasonal festivals and events. The Faroe Islands can be easily combined with a trip to Denmark, Rekjavik, Oslo or Edinburgh with non stop flights between these locations.

ANDROS
The second largest, greenest, northernmost island of the Cycladic Islands cluster, Andros is a beautiful Greek island, authentic and charming with lots to do and see but much less crowded than many of the other islands. Just 2 hours by ferry from Athens, Andros is lush and green year round and combines natural beauty with great beaches, citrus orchards, forests, mountains, waterfalls and lakes.
Many areas of the island remain totally unspoiled and off the beaten path. Monasteries, chapels and ancient sites can be accessed through hiking paths and picturesque villages and watermills dot the countryside. At the same time Andros offers some outstanding accommodations and cuisine including dishes made from locally grown fruits and vegetables and locally caught fish. Andros can be easily combined with a trip to Athens or some of the other Cyclades Islands.

For further information on any of these destination or other European locations contact me at
[email protected] or via https://www.travelleaders.com/agent/48973

A GUIDE TO 5 OF SPAIN'S BEST COSTAS (COASTS)

In addition to a rich culture, historic cities, vibrant villages, traditional cuisine and diverse landscapes, Spain offers the traveler a spectacular coastline. Stretching from the north of the country to the south, the coastline is divided up into several areas known as the "Spanish Costas" - each one offering a unique experience to the visitor. Below is a brief synopsis of the top 5 Costas.

COSTA BRAVA
Starting in the northeast corner of Spain the Costa Brava stretches approximately 90 kms south from the border of France ending in Blanes. Translating to the "wild coast" this stretch of coastline offers rugged cliffs, emerald pine forests, secret coves, wide sandy beaches and some beautiful towns and medieval villages and wonderful food markets to explore. The main airport serving the Costa Brava is Girona-Costa Brava Airport (GRO).

COSTA BLANCA
Stretching for 200 kms along Spain’s east coast is the Costa Blanca known as the “White Coast,” the name comes from the white sandy beaches and whitewashed buildings that characterize much of the region. This stunning stretch of Mediterranean coastline is a very popular holiday destination and offers large resort towns with non-stop entertainment and also stunning towns and coastal villages that still provide an authentic Spanish lifestyle. Tha main airport serving the Costa Blanca is Alicante-Elche Miguel Hernández Airport (ALC)

COSTA DEL ALMERIA
Situated on the southeastern coast of Spain lying between the towering Sierra Nevada mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea – stretching over 200 kms is the Costa del Almeria. The hottest and driest of all the Costas, it offers sun soaked beaches with miles and miles of powdery white sand and the warm, turquoise waters, as well as charming villages – WITHOUT THE HUGE CROWDS. Unique olive groves, known for producing award-winning extra virgin olive oils are abundant and the area is a major producer of fruits and vegetables. The main airport serving Costa del Almeria is Almería Airport (LEI)

COSTA DEL SOL
Located on the southern Iberian peninsula the Costa del Sol stretches for over 150 kms. With consistently sunny warm weather, beautiful beaches, a vibrant atmosphere, a rich cultural history and Moorish architecture the Costa del Sol has a lot of variety to offer. Luxury resorts and a cosmopolitan lifestyle are prominent and world class golf courses can be found. Costa del Sol also offers a stunning interior with whitewashed villages, winding narrow streets and centuries old traditions. The main airport serving the Costa del Sol is Málaga Airport (AGP)

COSTA DE LA LUZ
The Costa de la Luz faces the Atlantic Ocean and it stretches from Spain’s border with Portugal down to Tarifa, the southernmost point in Europe, almost touching Morocco across the Strait of Gibraltar, along the Atlantic Coast. Meaning the “Coast of Light” Costa de la Lux is a sun-drenched region rich in history, with uncrowded beaches, flamenco, nature reserves, watersports, unique gastronomy and the beautiful coastal city of Cadiz. The main airports serving the Costa de la Luz are Jerez Airport (XRY) and Seville Airport (SVQ)

For more information and custom planned tours of Spain contact me at [email protected] For client reviews see the following link: https://www.travelleaders.com/agent/48973

VIKING RIVER CRUISES

Book a VIKING RIVER CRUISE and explore some of the world's most scenic rivers on a small, elegant ship.

RHINE ... DANUBE ... DOURO ... ELBE ... SEINE ... NILE ... MEKONG ... MISSISSIPPI .... RHONE ... or MAIN - award winning itineraries

- intimate river vessels which have the amenities and ambiance of
a stylish boutique hotel
- all outside staterooms and suites with floor to ceiling windows
and expansive views
- onboard activities including guest lectures and port talks on the
upcoming destinations, cooking demonstrations, live music
performances, movie nights, wine tastings
- onshore cultural and historical excursions at every port
- professional, award winning service and highly trained chefs
- PRICING FOR CRUISE INCLUDES EVERYTHING A GUEST COULD
WANT OR NEED
- VIKING RIVER TOURS is the recipient of many internationally
recognized awards including “Best River Cruise Line,” “Best New
River Ships” for the Viking Longships, “Best River Cruise
Itineraries,” “Best Enrichment,” “Best Shore Excursions,” and “Best
for First-Timers.”

For more information or itineraries of all the Viking River Cruises for 2026 contact me at helen@travelvip