Eat all of San Sebastian
Bilbao
17
A trip to its
pinxto
(
tapas) bars is tongue-teasing enough,
but signing up for a gourmet tour with San Sebastian
Food is the ultimate way to savour Europe’s foremost foodie
city. Slurp the wares of local winemakers, pick your lunch in
the markets and cook it with a top Basque chef. Finish with a
dazzling dinner in the world-famous Arzak restaurant.
Price on request; tinyurl.com/98npvcp
See sunrise from the roof of Spain
Tenerife
15
Tenerife is home to Mt Teide, Spain's highest peak.
Experience it at its best by spending a night at the Alta
Vista refuge on the side of the mountain, before setting off
at 4am on a trek to the summit. Enjoy the black velvet sky
streaked by shooting stars as you walk, then sit awed to
watch the rising sun.
telefericoteide.com/altavista
Go husky-dog driving
Stockholm
14
The wind is in your hair, unbelievable winterscapes
zoom past at every turn and there’s not another soul to
be seen. This is dog sledding in Kiruna, northern Sweden,
where you'll pay from 1,000SEK (€120) for a two-hour trip,
including Arctic clothing (you’ll need it), equipment, a guide,
sauna and hostel accommodation. Aim to go in April when
there’s a bit more light.
kirunalapland.se
See the light
Reykjavik, Inverness, Stockholm, Newcastle
13
It's tricky, but spotting the northern lights –
aurora
borealis
–
is mind-blowing. This winter, they’re set to
be at their brightest for 50 years, so you don’t need to head
to the Arctic Circle. Look out around midnight anywhere
from northern England to Iceland, and you might just catch a
glimpse of the magic.
gi.alaska.edu/auroraforecast
Float at the lowest
place on earth
Amman and Tel Aviv
16
The Dead Sea might
be too salty to sustain
life but it does make a great
natural spa. Smear yourself
with the mineral-rich mud
for skin that's a rejuvenated
reminder of your visit.
visitjordan.com; goisrael.com
Go on a pilgrimage
Santiago de Compostela
As challenges go, the 770km of el Camino de Santiago
is considerable, but bear with us. Walking, cycling or
riding this World Heritage trail through the Spanish hills –
once trekked by pilgrims – is an unforgettable way to connect
with 1,000 years of history.
caminodesantiago.me
Chill out
Thessaloniki
11
If there’s anywhere
more relaxing than
Metéora we haven’t heard of
it. Meaning ‘in the heavens
above’, it's been a place of
reflection since the 9th
century; six monasteries
perch like cloud castles atop
limestone pinnacles. Hike to
the top for views of Peneas
Valley and a moment of pure
serenity.
meteora-greece.com
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