Corfu
The green pearl of the Ionian Sea
Corfu, the greenest of the Ionian Islands, lies opposite Albania. Dense cypress and olive groves, turquoise waters and pale sandy beaches have earned this Greek island its nickname, the ‘Emerald Isle’. Corfu’s UNESCO-listed old town captivates visitors with its pastel-coloured Venetian houses, winding alleyways and lively atmosphere. Edelweiss flies to Corfu almost daily until mid-October, and then once to three times a week until the end of October. A hire car is recommended to explore the island at your own pace.
Old Town, history & Venetian charm
A stroll through the old town is one of the highlights of any trip to Corfu. Amidst narrow lanes, boutiques and cafés, the old Venetian fortress, historic squares and the bazaar are just waiting to be discovered. Also worth seeing are the Vlacherna Monastery and the Achilleion Palace, built in honour of the Greek hero Achilles. Our tip: enjoy the view from Angelokastro or from the island’s highest point, Mount Pantokrator.
Bays & turquoise sea
Paleokastritsa, Paradise Beach and Yali Beach are among the island’s most beautiful bathing spots. The white cliffs, hidden coves and turquoise waters at Cape Drastis are particularly impressive. La Grotta is also a great spot for a swim and a cocktail at the beach bar. An underwater tour in Paleokastritsa or a mini-cruise along the coast of Corfu Town offers unique perspectives.
Island adventures on the water
A boat trip takes you to the Paxos Islands and the famous Blue Caves of Antipaxos. A sailing yacht is a particularly stylish way to explore the coast, whilst an excursion to the Lavezzi Islands or a day trip to Albania offers a change of pace. Active holidaymakers can explore the island on a quad bike tour, whilst canyoning in the Osumi Gorge or climbing. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can discover the spectacular coastal landscape of Porto Timoni near Afionas.
Wine, cuisine & local specialities
Corfu’s cuisine is Mediterranean and hearty. Must-try dishes include: sofrito – beef in a sauce of garlic, white wine, vinegar and herbs –, gyros, slow-cooked kleftiko lamb and grilled chicken. On a wine tour, you can sample local wines and olives at . Recommended spots include Meraki Kitchen – a bar serving Greek food and local wines, Old Buoy for traditional cuisine with a modern twist, Fishalida’s Garden for seafood, and Favela No 17 for brunch and coffee. Our tip: the Golden Fox Viewpoint for a special evening with unbeatable views.
Our hotel recommendations
For a stay in Corfu Town, we recommend the Arion, just a few steps from Anemomilos Beach, and the Cavalieri, situated in the historic centre. The Cavalieri is housed in a 17th-century noble mansion and offers 50 rooms with vintage charm, as well as a rooftop terrace with panoramic views. The adults-only retreat Ella Alkyna is situated right on the beach and is ideal for relaxing days by the sea.
Estonia
The Middle Ages meet unspoilt nature
Estonia lies on the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland and captivates visitors with over 2,000 islands, rocky coastlines, unspoilt forests and numerous lakes. The capital, Tallinn, combines a superbly preserved medieval old town with museums, a vibrant creative scene and modern neighbourhoods. Castles, churches and historic fortresses bear witness to the country’s eventful past and the influences of Denmark, Sweden, Germany and Russia. Swiss flies to Tallinn almost daily; the flights are operated by airBaltic.
Tallinn – History with a Nordic flair
Tallinn’s Old Town is a delight to explore on foot. Nestled amongst medieval alleyways are the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, historic buildings and the imposing city walls. The Kadriorg Museum offers art and history, whilst the 314-metre-high TV tower provides spectacular views over the city. In August and September, the Tallinn Fringe Festival brings a wealth of cultural diversity. In winter, the Old Town is transformed into an atmospheric Christmas wonderland.
Forests, bogs & islands
In Lahemaa National Park, dense forests, bogs and walking trails meet historic manor houses. A walk along a bog path at sunrise is a truly special experience of nature. The Estonian forests are perfect for hiking, picking berries and mushrooms, or enjoying a barbecue by the sea. In the north-east of the country, you can spot wild bears. Our tip: A night in a glass forest cabin combines the experience of nature with comfort. Also highly recommended is Matsalu National Park, one of Europe’s most important bird sanctuaries, where you can spot moose and birds.
Between lighthouses & Soviet history
On the Baltic coast, you can climb historic lighthouses, whilst numerous manor houses and castles offer insights into the country’s history. Traces of the Soviet era and abandoned sites are also fascinating. If you’d like to discover even more, visit the Estonian islands or take a boat trip to Helsinki – ideal as a day trip.
Winter magic & special experiences
Estonia reveals a different side to itself in every season. In winter, illuminated cross-country ski trails and snow-covered forests beckon, whilst in summer the long days invite you to go hiking and exploring. At Pirita Beach, traditional campfires make for special summer evenings. A stay in one of the spa resorts – for example, in the historic spa town of Haapsalu – is the perfect way to combine nature experiences with relaxation.
Nordic cuisine with character
Estonian cuisine is down-to-earth and characterised by the forest, the sea and regional produce. Typical dishes include dark rye bread, wild boar, elk, buckwheat, barley-based dishes and Estonian cheese. You really must try seljanka, a hearty soup, as well as sprat sandwiches, herring and dumplings. For special culinary discoveries, it’s also worth trying local produce such as caviar.
Staying amidst history and charm
The Schlössle Hotel in Tallinn combines historic charm with a central location. This small boutique hotel is housed in a beautiful 13th-century townhouse and promises a unique stay. Other recommended places to stay include the Park Hotel Viljandi, housed in a palatial building dating from 1910; the Schloss Fellin Boutique Hotel & Spa, with 17 stylishly furnished rooms; and the Burman Hotel, set in a former school building from the 1850s.
Tanzania & Zanzibar
Safari meets island paradise
Tanzania, in East Africa, combines some of the continent’s most spectacular national parks with the tropical islands of Zanzibar. The Serengeti, Kilimanjaro and Ngorongoro are synonymous with impressive wildlife viewing and vast landscapes, whilst Zanzibar, with its white beaches and turquoise waters, is perfect for swimming. The names Tanganyika and Zanzibar were merged in 1964 to form the present-day name Tanzania – a fitting name for this ideal combination of safari and beach holidays. Edelweiss flies to Kilimanjaro two to three times a week, with onward flights to Zanzibar.
On safari through the Serengeti
The Serengeti is world-famous for the annual migration of huge herds of wildebeest and is home to lions, elephants and rhinos. In Tarangire National Park, mighty baobab trees dominate the landscape, whilst large herds of elephants are among the highlights. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with its spectacular volcanic caldera, is also one of Africa’s most impressive safari destinations. Here, herds of wildebeest and zebras can be seen on their annual migration across the savannahs.
Kilimanjaro & wild nature
Kilimanjaro, with its three volcanic cones, is Africa’s highest mountain and a dream destination for ambitious hikers. Mount Meru is particularly well suited as preparation for a climb up Kilimanjaro. Further opportunities for wildlife viewing are offered by Lake Manyara National Park, the Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park and Arusha National Park. A Serengeti hot-air balloon safari is a special experience, allowing you to take in the vastness of the landscape from a bird’s-eye view.
Zanzibar & the culture of the Indian Ocean
Unguja, better known as Zanzibar, delights visitors with its tropical beaches and historic Stone Town. The UNESCO-listed old town of Zanzibar City, with its mosques, winding alleys and historic buildings, is a reminder of the island’s centuries-long trading history. The markets are brimming with spices, whilst boat trips, snorkelling and relaxing days on the beach provide the perfect opportunity to unwind. Our tip: a spice tour or a visit to the island at sunset.
From Maasai culture to hot springs
A visit to a Maasai village offers an insight into Tanzania’s traditional culture. In Arusha or Moshi, you can learn more about local coffee cultivation on a coffee tour. Nature lovers can spot flamingos at Lake Natron, go chimpanzee trekking or search for bioluminescent algae along the Swahili Coast. The Chemka Hot Springs near Moshi are the perfect place to take a dip in natural hot springs. The newly opened golf course in the Serengeti also offers an extraordinary experience.
Tanzanian cuisine & spices
Tanzanian cuisine is diverse and characterised by local produce. Specialities include ugali made from maize flour, nyama choma – marinated and grilled meat –, the spicy rice dish pilau, mishkaki meat skewers, and wali wa nazi – rice with coconut milk and spices. In Zanzibar, a visit to the Emerson Spice Rooftop Tea House is a must. Other highly recommended venues include the restaurant at The Bali Resort Zanzibar, the Akemi Revolving Restaurant in Dar es Salaam, Singita Sasakwa in the Serengeti and Fahari Off the Grid in Zanzibar.
Fantastic accommodation
For a luxurious safari, the Four Seasons Serengeti, Singita Sasakwa and Asilia Oliver’s Camp in Tarangire National Park are ideal. In Ruaha National Park, the Asilia Usangu Expedition Camp is highly recommended, whilst Cherero Camp allows you to experience the vastness of the Serengeti. On Zanzibar, Zanzibar White Sand, Zuri Zanzibar and Gold Zanzibar Beach Resort combine tropical beaches with stylish comfort. Those seeking a particularly exclusive experience will find a private retreat in the Indian Ocean on Bawe Island.
