Non typical summer holiday

bleg

Hi all,

I'm thinking of doing a slightly different summer holiday this year. Was thinking of something like sailing down the Danube or a canal in France or something like that. Also was thinking of maybe heading to the Alps during the summer time. Just wondering if anybody has any ideas of non typical holidays in or around Europe.

Thanks.

mikedragon32

I'm planning on a holiday in the Bavarian Alps in summer this year. I haven't really done much research into it yet, but would probably look to base myself in Bodensee.

There are a number of companies that arrange barge rental on the Canal du Midi in France. I've never done it, but my wife did when she was younger and loved it, as have some other friends who report that it's very relaxing and the experience of the local food and wine is not to be missed along the route.

jester77

What to you is a typical holiday? Would make it easier to give suggestions if we knew what you would normally do.

jonnysimples

I would highly recommend Corsica for a holiday that's a bit different from the usual. I've been twice before, the first time on a cycling holiday with 3 mates and then again last summer with the girlfriend, where we rented a car and drove around the island.

It's a super holiday and offers so much; stunning beaches with great scuba diving spots most of the way around the coast and then there's the inland mountainous area which feels like a different planet even though it's only an hour’s drive or so (there's the famous GR20 if that's your kind of thing).

Both times I stayed in campsites moving around every two/three nights and the vast majority are of a really high standard, excellent facilities, always really clean etc. In terms of getting there, I flew to Pisa and took the ferry from Livorno to Bastia - much cheaper than charter flights

Highlights for me included:

Cap Corse: The little 'nubbin' up at the top of the island; a totally remote area where we stayed in a tiny fishing village, rented a small sail boat and played boules with the locals

Calvi: A beautiful seaside town, some great restaurants and beautiful beaches

Porto: To be honest, it was the probably the drive/cycle from Calvi that I enjoyed most about this. Absolutely breath taking route along the cliff tops... slightly nerve wracking though! Supposed to be some great Scuba here as well though.

Bonifacio: Right down at the base of the island, this is where i did my scuba diving; probably pales in comparison to other, more exotic locations but there's plenty to see and the visibility is really good. The town itself is perched on top of cliff and is in its self worth the visit

Hope that's of some use