'Games Wide Open' as Paris to welcome swimming in Seine after 100 years

'Games Wide Open' is the inspiring vision leading the way for the Games, recognising immersive experiences in cultural and sustainable initiatives.
With the Olympics underway this time next year, Paris is in the final phase of a historic clean-up with city swimming set to be one of the legacies of the Games from a billion dollar regeneration project. Much of the events will focus along the Seine, including the opening ceremony along the banks of the river. It is expected that during the opening ceremony, a flotilla of 160 boats carrying 10,000 athletes will flow down a 6km stretch of the river to the Eiffel Tower. With Paris taking to the centre of the sporting world, both Olympic and Paralypmic events are scheduled to take place on the Seine, and by 2025 three open-air swimming area will be accessible from the quayside. 

Combine sightseeing with the Games or explore 'the City of Light' across the seasons with our 5-day itinerary offering unique experiences and classic Parisian landmarks.

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Nautical November & Winter sun in European cities

Many European cities have an inviting appeal as the seasons change offering cultural exploration, unique scenery with glorious local food regions, accompanied by the warm Mediterranean coastal breeze. With a more relaxed vibe to the scorching heat that bakes many crowded European cities over the summer months, off-peak European travel offers the appeal of beautiful city exploration without the crowds. Enjoy a nautical break in November, taking a discovery into impressive architecture and traditional atmosphere within your chosen city destination of Lisbon, Dubrovnik, Nice or Bilbao – all with the seasonal warmth of Winter sunshine. 

Immerse yourself in Portuguese culture by visiting cultural highlights including the Belem district. Delight in Lisbon’s seafood cuisine, savour the sweet indulgence of pasteis de nata or take a sunset cruise along the Tagus estuary with tastings of Portuguese wine on board. Discover Dubrovnik, sampling Dalmatian wine varieties & enjoy a unique oyster tasting on the private island of Ston. Unwind in Cavtat on the Dubrovnik Riviera, soak up Winter sunshine on the protected bay of Miramere beach or take a private kayaking tour of nearby Elaphite Islands. Ideal for Winter escapism, Nice offers warm Mediterranean climes with a perfect mix of French & Italian influences. Experience the Cote D’Azur, taking to the waters of the French Riviera with a half-day yachting excursion to Monaco.  Explore contemporary art within the Basque Country and admire the impressive avant-garde architecture of the Guggenheim Museum. Bustling Bilbao offers an exciting dining scene with Michelin-starred restaurants & pintxo bars, even visit the first underwater wine cellar in the world.

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Spotlight on the Cycladic beauty of Paros & Naxos

Discover the beauty of the Cyclades with the up-and-coming destinations of Paros and Naxos offering an escape into traditional Greek culture. In Paros, admire the typical Cycladic whitewashed houses of Parikia, wander amongst the picturesque streets of Naoussa, and enjoy the upscale nightlife of this chic harbour village. Beyond the highlights of Paros, take a private yacht to the island of Antiparos to view its dramatic caverns adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Authentic atmosphere, stunning beaches, and impressive ancient ruins await in Naxos, including Chora Town the iconic Portara, all defining this vast landscape as an island that offers families a unique experience. See sundown over the kaleidoscope of crystalline seas that form the coast of Naxos with emerald waters emblematic of the Cycladic islands.

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Berlin's Museum Island gets a new neighbour

No trip to the German capital is complete without a stop at the concentration of five famous museums in the middle of the River Spree. The likes of the Pergamon, Altes, and Neues Museums are all well worthy of visits to discover a jaw-dropping range of exhibits from the Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and wider world of the classical age. Just opposite these world-leading venues is the Humboldt Forum, which opened in July 2021 with some special features of its own, not least the Berlin Exhibition, the Humboldt Laboratory (a workshop for scientific research and discussion), and the spectacular Ethnological Museum and Museum of Asian Art, which boasts Chinese court art, decorated houses from Oceania, a throne from the Kingdom of Bamum, and artefacts dating back to the 5th millennium BC among its 10,000 artefacts. The recent completion of the east wing adds even more exhibition areas to the forum, so that visitors are not short of options on their next visit to Berlin.

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A&K Europe's new and improved shore excursions brochure gives more options than ever

Fresh ideas have been developed and original ideas added to the new 2022/23 shore excursions brochure, showcasing over 150 excursions in 56 ports, from 18 countries all over Europe. The brochure is available on our downloads page and can be used in tandem with our handy pricing insert, which lists NET prices for each excursion, from 1-6 travellers. Contact us for any more details or to book

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Kingly Kladrubers add to royal status

Over 440 years ago Czech equine experts began breeding horses specifically for the purpose of pulling the coaches of monarchs. The site that emerged at Kladruby nad Labem has since become a breeding ground and training site for the Kladruber breed, which is still used by European royalty today. Though there are only four royal stables left in Europe, Kladruby nad Labem supports half of them, in Sweden and Denmark. Earlier this month, UNESCO recognised its major cultural by adding it to is World Heritage List, and visitors to the Central European site today can witness the studs of the majestic greys and blacks with a guided tour of the stables, coach room and chateau, as well as enjoy the possibility of a coach ride.

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