Краткое описание: Crete is a vast and fascinating island whose diversity and stature are unrivalled by any other Greek isle. The birthplace of Zeus evokes a wealth of myths, legends and history. Its sun-blessed and dramatic landscape is dominated by soaring mountains and stunning beaches. Its proud and hospitable people uphold their unique culture and traditions and, despite the onslaught of mass tourism, rural life remains a dynamic and enduring part of the island s soul.

Краткое описание: Cozumel Island is located near the eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Due to its proximity to the mainland, the center of Mayan culture, the island was under Mayan influence for many centuries. Even today, many residents of Cozumel show a striking resemblance to carved and painted images of Pre-Columbian Mayans, and many locals still speak a Mayan dialect as well as Spanish…

Краткое описание: Costa Rica is the most user-friendly country in Central America. Most of the tourist hotspots are well connected by cheap buses, accommodations is plentiful and decent eateries are thick on the ground in nearly every corner of the country. Unlike some other parts of the region, dining without fear for your stomach, meeting and engaging locals, and accessing the internet are all things that can be taken for granted.

Краткое описание: Corsica is dubbed L’Ile de beauté (the island of beauty), and it’s no wonder why. With everything from mountain ranges to idyllic beaches and secluded villages, Corsica offers a kaleidoscopic palette of options in a relatively small area. There’s never a dull moment!

For outdoor enthusiasts, the range of scenery and activities is almost countless. From sea kayaking to trekking, canyoning to diving, there is barely a sport or activity, whether on land or on the sea, that isn’t catered for here.

Краткое описание: A siesta from China’s instinct to put in the overtime, a holiday from the national overdrive and an unspoiled getaway from China’s ever more waterless north, China’s Southwest is a lush and invigorating region of the Middle Kingdom. This is remote China at its most diverse and exotic.

China’s Southwest is an essential counterbalance to the nation’s impatient and shrill powerhouses. If you want your China the Gucci way - go to Shanghai, Hong Kong or Beijing; and stay put.

Краткое описание: From low-cost independent exploration to luxury tours and every shade in between, China offers a sometimes bewildering choice of travel options. With China being so vast and travel experiences so varied, visitors need to take a long and hard look at the map, to determine exactly what it is that they want their China experience to be. The Itineraries chapter aims to provide you with options for your visit. The only part of China you will need to carefully plan is travel to Tibet, as bureaucratic obstacles, travel restrictions and health issues will require your consideration and attention.

Краткое описание: One of the rewarding things about travelling through Central Europe is the rich variety of cuisine, customs, architecture and history. The flipside of course is that you’ll encounter a number of very different languages. Most languages spoken in Central Europe belong to what’s known as the Indo-European language family, believed to have originally developed from one language spoken thousands of years ago.

Краткое описание: Easy to overlook on a map, this compact seven-country link between North and South America is a dynamo of culture, ancient ruins, wildlife and activities - a true backpackers’ paradise. Nowhere else packs in as much in so slender a frame. For starters, try climbing trembling and lava-gurgling volcanoes - many perfect cones poke above the cloud line, like something out of a kindergarten drawing. Less-strenuous jungle walks lead past unforgettable, overgrown Maya pyramids or into the lairs of the puma, sloth, howler monkey and quetzal. Surfing towns are found up and down the Caribbean and Pacific shorelines, where

Краткое описание: The Cayman Islands are synonymous with scuba diving. Lauded as the birthplace of sport diving in the Caribbean, the rather small and low Grand Cayman is big on marine features. It is blessed with deep drop-offs, the proverbial ‘gin’ clear water, and the protected bays that make a scuba experience somewhere on its coast a daily fact of life. If you want to get beneath the sea, there is always somewhere here to explore.

Краткое описание: Pulsed by music, rocked by change, lapped by blue water, blown by hurricanes, the Caribbean is not a place anyone would call static. It’s a lively and intoxicating profusion of people and places spread over 7000 islands (less than 10% are inhabited). But, for all they share, there’s also much that makes them different. Forming a huge swath around the Caribbean Sea, the namesake islands contradict in ways big and small…