Краткое описание: It’s the world’s most celebrated tourist destination, and rightly so. Italy really does have it all: one of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in Europe; the world’s greatest hoard of art treasures (on display in fittingly spectacular cities and buildings); a climate that is on the whole benign and mild; and, most important of all for many, a delicious and authentic national cuisine. Yet Italy is not perfect. Corruption still reaches to the highest levels, historic cities have been marred by development, and beyond the showpiece sights the country’s infrastructure is visibly straining.

Краткое описание: Since the early nineteenth century, Florence (Firenze in Italian) has been celebrated as the epitome of everything that is beautiful in Italy: Stendhal staggered around the city’s medieval streets in a stupor of delight, the Brownings sighed over its charms and E.M. Forster’s A Room with a View portrayed it as the great antidote to the bloodless sterility of Anglo-Saxon life. The whole region of Tuscany has been equally lauded, not just for its innumerable art-filled towns and villages but also for its terrain – the classic landscapes of cypress-topped hills, vineyards, villas and poppy-dappled fields.

Краткое описание: The extreme variety and beauty of Latin America’s landscapes and the extraordinary vitality of its people have always attracted travellers looking for experiences that will enrich and even change their lives. And the sheer diversity of the region is such that it has something to offer almost every taste, whether you’re looking for a short relaxing break to get away from it all, or a long adventure full of exciting challenges and new encounters. You may find yourself sipping caipirinhas with the beautiful people on Copacabana beach; salsa-dancing the night away in the steamy nightclubs of Cali; or searching for leatherback turtles by moonlight on the shores of the Caribbean.

Краткое описание: Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia – the Baltic States – are graced by three of the most enthralling national capitals in Eastern Europe, each highly individual in character and boasting an extraordinary wealth of historic buildings, as well as an expanding and energetic nightlife and cultural scene. Outside the cities lie great swathes of unspoiled countryside, with deep, dark pine forests punctuated by stands of silver birch, calm blue lakes and a wealth of bogs and wetlands, all bordered by literally hundreds of kilometres of silvery beach.

Краткое описание: Sitting on the equator between Colombia and Peru, Ecuador may be the smallest Andean nation but it’s packed with the most startling contrasts of scenery. With its astounding biodiversity, impressive historical legacy, stunning colonial architecture, bustling highland markets and diverse mix of people – blacks, whites, indigenous and mestizo – it’s easy to see why this friendly and exotic destination is regarded as a microcosm of South America.

Краткое описание: Occupying the eastern half of the island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic is the most visited tourist destination in the Caribbean. And the country’s image as a sun-blessed playground is merited – you can happily spend your days on sandy beaches framed by crystal-clear waters and lofty palm trees, and fill your nights with merengue and dark rum.

Краткое описание: Pointing away from England into the Atlantic, the dangling limb of land holding Britain’s westernmost counties of Devon and Cornwall has long wielded a powerful attraction for holiday-makers – not to mention second-homers, retirees, artists, writers and anyone keen on rugged landscape and ever-changing coastal scenery. The two counties have a markedly different look and feel: Devon’s rolling swards of pasture, narrow lanes and picturesque thatched cottages are a striking contrast to the craggy charms of Cornwall, imbued with a strong sense of Celtic culture.

Краткое описание: There can be no greater testament to the beguiling magnetism of Cuba than the triumph of its culture over its politics. Few countries are as closely associated with their political system as this communist stronghold, and few provoke such intense political feelings and allegiances, yet the world is as taken with the Buena Vista Social Club as it is with Fidel Castro. And it’s not just the music. The clichéd images of guitar-strumming troubadours, and of 1950s Chevrolets rolling past crumbling colonial buildings, identify the country in an instant, yet while they may attract many visitors, Cuba also captures the imagination for a host of less familiar reasons too.

Краткое описание: Despite being one of Europe’s hit holiday destinations, Croatia doesn’t feel like a place that has been thoroughly worked over by the tourist industry. Though development continues apace along the more commercialized stretches of the coast, Croatian tourism has spun off in a number of positive directions. The infrastructure for hikers and cyclists is blossoming and rural tourism is on the rise. As well, a renewed respect for natural ingredients has become the watchword of Croatian cuisine, with locally sourced foodstuffs, wines and olive oils standing up increasingly well to globalization.

Краткое описание: Straightforward is a multi-level course for adults and young adults. Based on observation of what good teachers do in the classroom, Straightforward is transparent in its structure, pragmatic in its methodology and varied in its content.

Key features:
- A practical approach to methodology that prioritizes what works in the real,as opposed to the ideal, classroom
- Double-page lessons offer a balanced mix of language input, skills work and oral tasks
- A wide range of speaking tasks help students become flexible communicators in English