Seven Fantastic Fishing Spots In Eastern Europe

There is a lot to see and experience in Eastern Europe. It is rich with history and culture, with traditions dating back over centuries and many generations. It is full of attractions that bring in travelers from all over the world, near and far.

The pristine beauty of Eastern Europe draws many nature lovers and adventurous anglers in to see the sights and cast their lines. If you take a look at most open bodies of water, you’ll most likely see plenty of boats and yachts. No small wonder, since quite a bit of Europe’s history revolves around naval activity.

Whether a native or a newcomer, you may be wondering where to start looking for a great place to drop a line. If so, then here are seven fishing spots you’ll definitely want to go fishing in.

Greece

It should be no surprise that Greece makes for a popular fishing place. Fishing has been a popular occupation there for generations – and with some of the cleanest water in the world, you can find some of the best fish as well. The best time to go out is during the early morning hours, as the water will be at its calmest and the fish will be easier to catch. Since the country is virtually surrounded by ocean, there is no shortage of viable places to get on about snagging fish.

Bulgaria

There are a lot of reasons you should work your reel here. Trout, pike, and bream are a notable few of those reasons as they can be found in abundance. The mountain river areas will definitely appeal to those with rugged tastes, but be sure to bring an inflatable PFD to be safe.

Estonia

Fishing is a year-round activity in this country. Of course, with a 4000 kilometer coastline, it would make perfect sense. Chub, Haltic herring and pike perch are a few of the prevalent fish that can be found here – all of which also are popular components of the local cuisine. You’ll have a lot of places to try out, as Estonia has hundreds of lakes and rivers, not to mention numerous islands to offer great fishing areas.

Slovenia

If you’re into fly fishing, you’ve come to the right place. On a clear day, you’ll be able to cast lines in crystal clear alpine rivers – allowing you to enjoy the wonderful view while reeling in your next catch.

Turkey

This country boasts a diverse fishing experience, as you’ll be able to pursue many species of both freshwater and saltwater varieties. Saltwater fish here include red mullet, red bream, picarel and little tunny. On the freshwater side, roach, tench, wels catfish and pike are the order of the day. Add in the relaxing Turkish countryside, and you’ll be ready to spend plenty of time on the line.

Russia

Once divided from outsiders by way of the Iron Curtain, now the Arctic rivers of the Kola Peninsula are now open to one and all. This is an excellent place to catch salmon and other fish that may favor colder climates.

Montenegro

Home of the Tara River, also known as the “Tear of Europe,” Montenegro offers a beautiful vista as well as great fishing. The best place to cast a line is in the National Park of Durmitor and the Tara River Canyon, which is the second deepest canyon on Earth. Stream trout, huchen and grayling are the most common catches you’ll encounter here.

With so many unique destinations, Eastern Europe is not lacking in memorable fishing experiences. No matter which locale you choose, expect to have a great time and great catches.

9OFTHEWORLD’SBESTWHITE­WATERRAFTINGSPOTS

1. Zambezi River, Zimbabwe

Africa’s most exhilarating rafting is found on a 24km stretch between the narrow walls of Batoka Gorge, via 23 terrifying Grade IV and V rapids such as the “Gnashing Jaws of Death”, plus some huge drops. The put­-in point on the Zambezi River is at Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall by volume, making this among the most dramatic surroundings you can get while sitting in an inflatable raft. Just to add to the excitement, you might also get to see crocodiles and hippos up close. Trips run from half-a-day­ to eight days.

2. Colorado River, Arizona/Utah, USA

You can take in unique perspectives of the Grand Canyon from the wild Colorado River, which runs for 226 miles (363km) through Utah and Arizona, on this hair­-raising rafting trip down class IV–V rapids in the world’s deepest gorge. You can mix things up with visits to ancient Navajo ruins and side grottos, or with hikes to spectacular waterfalls. If you don’t feel up to a full­-on eighteen-­day belter, three days is usually the minimum to really get to grips with the river, though some companies run half-­day or day excursions too. Vessels vary from motorized, oared or paddle rafts to little wooden dories, and the season lasts from May to September.

3. Magpie River, Canada

Rafting down the Magpie in eastern Québec offers the chance to see more than just stunning secluded forests, intriguing wildlife and the impressive Magpie Falls – you might also catch a glimpse of the wonders of the aurora borealis. As if that’s not enough, the rafting begins after an epic seaplane trip onto Magpie Lake. The rapids get increasingly more aggressive and difficult to navigate as the eight-day trip downriver progresses, climaxing in Grade V rapids on the last day at Magpie Falls.

4. Noce River, Italy

Easily one of the top rafting destinations in Europe, fed by the melting glaciers of the Brenta Dolomites, the Noce River churns out Grade III–V rapids throughout the summer. Astounding views of sheer cliffs and distant snow­capped summits abound, as the river thunders through the gorges of Mostizzolo and across the remote Val di Sole (Sun Valley). The navigable 28km of the river can be done in one adrenalin­-pumped day.

5. Río Pacuaré, Costa Rica

One of the world’s best rafting rivers, the Río Pacuaré snakes its way through the untouched wilderness of Costa Rica‘s Cabecar Indian Reservation rainforest, where tropical birds, monkeys, jaguars and dwarf leopards reside. Day-trips on the Lower Pacuaré, where waterfalls flow into the river, cover 29km through Grade III and IV rapids. Multi­-day trips include stays at remote eco­jungle lodges where guests can enjoy the tranquillity of the nature reserve after tackling their way through tumbling rapids with chilling names such as “Terciopelo Snake” and “Pinball”.

6. Kali Gandaki, Nepal

The Kali Gandaki is named after the Hindu goddess of destruction for a good reason. It runs fiercely down from high in the Himalayas through one of the earth’s deepest ravines, with an excellent alpine view of the snow­-capped Annapurnas. Suitable for both rafting novices and connoisseurs, a three­-day trip from the lakeside town of Pokhara involves tumbling down grade IV rapids, encountering numerous waterfalls, temples and suspension bridges, and camping on isolated white­s-and beaches under an impossibly bright star­-filled sky. Conditions are best from mid­-October to mid­-December and March to April, conveniently crossing over with the peak seasons for trekking.

7. Futalefú River, Chile

In October 2014, plans to build a hydroelectric dam on the Chilean side of the Futalefú, in Patagonia, were successfully quashed after a long struggle by organisations determined to save the communities, wildlife and environmental beauty of the area. This means that, for now at least, rafters can still plummet down stunningly clear glacier­-fed waters. There are sections to suit all abilities, from for beginners to those willing to brave some seriously intense Grade V rapids. Chances of getting bored here are pretty slim – you can also go hiking, canyoning, ziplining, horse riding and abseiling. And to cap it all off, riverside camps all have hot tubs.

8. North Johnstone River, Australia

Deep in the lush volcanic gorge of North Queensland’s Palmerston National Park runs 80km of the North Johnstone River, offering Grade IV and V rapids which are boosted by the region’s heavy rainfall. The adrenalin stakes are upped on this trip with the compulsory arrival at the put-in point via helicopter ride. On this four-­day adventure into the heart of pristine rainforest, Aboriginal burial sites and 3,000­-year­-old trees are interspersed with wildlife such as saltwater crocodiles, pythons and water dragons, as well as eerily luminous fungi that grows on the riverbank rocks.

9. Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho, USA

Dive into one America’s largest wildernesses outside of Alaska on a trip down the roaring Salmon River, Idaho – often referred to the “river of no return”. With over 300 Grade I–III rapids over 105 miles (169km), a total drop of 3000 feet (900m), hot springs and wildlife such as brown bears, it’s no wonder that this is one of the world’s most popular rafting spots, and it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. July and August are the best times to go, and trips usually run for 5 or 6 days.

Read more: http://www.roughguides.com/article/best-whitewater-rafting-spots/#ixzz3YfikEbpz

Galapagos Islands – A Cycling Adventure

Landing on the Galapagos Islands with Intrepid Travel is a dream for any avid traveler. One of the top destinations in the world for adventure travel, the Galapagos islands offers up spectacular wildlife viewing, awesome scenery and a intriguing historical past that will satisfy any type of explorer.

After passing through customs and paying our $100 park fee to enter the islands, we had just enough time to check into our hotel and grab a light lunch on San Cristobal before we set off for our mountain biking adventure.

Active Galapagos

We were on the Intrepid Travel, Active Galapagos tour so we didn’t quite know what to expect when we read that we’d be doing some mountain biking on our first day in the islands. How much of a physical challenge would it involve and would we be on single-track trails or wide back roads?

It turned out to be more of a fun ride than an exhausting endurance challenge. And that’s the way we liked it. It was also a great introduction to San Cristobal and helped us to find our bearing and get a lay of the land.

We were taken to the highest point of the island in 4X4 trucks with our bikes securely locked in the back. It was hot outside, but the cool air conditioning made for a pleasant ride lasting about a half and hour.

We arrived at a parking lot near the top of a mountain and took a short hike to the highest point to overlook the entire coast. It was a beautiful view and our guide Zambo pointed out where we’d be snorkeling the following day.

The day was hot and clear and we were all looking forward to getting on the bikes and feeling the breeze so without wasting too much time, we made our way back to the parking lot to start the ride.

We took off in one big group making sure to stay in single file, as we’d be riding on the road.  Zambo led the way with another guide from the shop taking up the position of “sweep rider” in the back to make sure everyone was safe and sound.

The bikes were in excellent condition and it made for a super easy ride. We spend about an hour coasting from the highest part of the island to sea level with stops along the way to learn about the flora and fauna of the land.

We tasted fruit fresh off the tree and felt the texture of different plants while learning about the local way of life on the island. Many of the residents simply pick their fruits right off the trees whenever they are in season. Fresh and yummy.

Every once in a while we would come across some epic downhill descents and our guides let us bike ahead as we tucked low to achieve optimal speed. You had to be careful though some of the road was uneven and you always had to keep a look out for cars coming in the opposite direction.

It was still hot when we finished our ride so we set off to the beach to enjoy a dip in the chilly waters. We left our bikes at an entrance to a trail and hiked through a jungle trail to a beautiful beach filled with sea lions, blue-footed Boobies, crabs and Iguanas. No wonder we saw so many sea lions, we had entered a sea lion refuge centre!

 The wildlife was sharing the beach with humans in complete harmony.

It was an exciting first day of our trip through the Galapagos Islands and what a thrill to spot so much wildlife in just a few short hours and to get right down to business with being active and seeing the sights.

This isn’t your average Galapagos Tour and that is exactly the way we like it.

Adventure Holidays In The Balearic Islands

The Balearic islands of Ibiza, Menorca, Mallorca and Formentara are located to the East of Spain. They are the perfect destination for adventure holidays being blessed with seemingly endless sunshine and beautiful coastal scenery. As such they are a major lure for the world’s international travellers. Young people arrive in anticipation of fantastic all night beach parties and the older generation come to see the various cultural sites and indulge in the delicious Mediterranean food. Whatever your tastes, the following ideas for adventurous Balearic island holidays should be of interest.

Adventure Holidays to Remember

Ocean Journeys

If you’ve never experienced the delights of deep sea diving then the Balearic islands are the perfect place to start. There are a number of diving schools, with trained experts who will take you through the basics and accompany you on the initial ocean dips. Those people who master the control of snorkels and breathing regulators will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of fascinating sites.

Divers on Ibiza all inclusive  adventure holidays may like to head out on an underwater tour of the famous Es Payaret rock. This ocean environment is home to an assortment of Damsel fish, Sergeant Majors and Moray Eels. And the fishy fun can continue with a diving exploration of Mallorca’s Malakoff Wreck, which sunk in the late 1920s. You’ll be amazed at the number of fish that feed from the battered hull of this once magnificent ship.

Beach Trips

The highly popular beaches of Las Salinas in Ibiza and Arenal d’en Castell in Menorca have their own special charm. However, there are a number of sandy stretches elsewhere in the Balearic islands where peace and quiet are almost guaranteed.

The picturesque beach of Cala Pregonda is just a short walk away from some of the best hotels in Menorca. Here you can either laze about in the shade of the tamerisk trees or have a look at some of the rock pool water creatures. Alternatively you may be interested in exploring the sands of Formentera’s Ses Salinas nature park.

Rural Hikes

No matter whether you like the challenge of uphill climbs or prefer to take leisurely countryside strolls, the Balearic Islands have something to offer. There are a number of companies who organise group outings along the well trodden paths. However, independent travellers do have the option of packing some delicious Mediterranean snacks and journeying along the local routes at their own pace.

You may well enjoy a walk along the path from Sa Gremola to Sant Elm during your Balearic Island holidays. The views across the Tramuntana Range and the Mediterranean island of Dragonera are a truly inspiring highlight of this route. You might even be tempted to continue the hiking holiday with a jaunt from Portals Vells to Calla Refeubetx, not far from the buzzing resort of Magaluf.

Guided Tours

Although it may be tempting to spend time beside the poolside bar of your Mallorca or Ibiza all inclusive resort, there are plenty of opportunities to visit nearby attractions. The friendly local guides will be happy to show you around sites such as the Formentera lighthouse, situated high on the coastline cliffs. You might even be prepared to enter the mysterious Can Marca Caves, where intriguing stalagmites and stalactites can be seen.

After exploring the local sites you may well be ready for a cool refreshing beverage. Instead of stopping off at one of the packed out beach bars you are encouraged to sample the locally produced reds and whites on a tour of a Mallorcan winery. Or for those of you who fancy a Mediterranean kick there’s the Xoriguer Gin Distillery of Menorca. Just remember not to take too many sips if you want to avoid the dreaded morning hangover.

Restaurant Dining

No matter the quality of food served at your Menorca or Ibiza all inclusive hotel, there is simply no excuse for missing out on visits to the local dining establishments. There are quaint family run tavernas where traditional dishes such as Sobrasoda are served and five star restaurants, in which the very finest chefs ply their craft.

A visit to the Es Moli de Foc restaurant in the charming village of Saint Climent is highly recommended. Here you can enjoy seafood dishes such as the prawn carpaccio with cured Mahon cheese while people watching from the outdoor terrace. Alternatively you may opt to spend the evening at the cosy Italian Mezzonette restaurant in Ibiza. The staff will go out of there way to ensure that you have a pleasant experience and leave the restaurant feeling pleasantly full.

7 Crazy Adventures in Scotland

Adventure Travel in Scotland

1.    Put Your Hand on the Center Stone of the Standing Stones of Callanish

You probably know of Stonehenge, made famous when Chevy Chase backed his car into one of the Neolithic stones. (While it would be hard to back a car into Stonehenge, sadly there IS a highway running right next to it.)

One of the oldest stone circles – many say centuries older than Stonehenge – is the Standing Stones of Callanish, found on a windswept plain on the west coast of Lewis, an island on the Outer Hebrides.  There’s not much here for miles, and the historians have more questions than answers about this stone, but one thing is certain: you’ll understand why people have been coming here for centuries by placing one hand on the center stone.

2.    Visit the Moon… I mean, the Island of Staffa

If there were a place almost like the moon in Scotland, it would be the island of Staffa.  Getting here is no feat and isn’t possible on inclement weather days – you’ve got to get to Oban, Mull, or Iona and then grab an onward smaller boat to the island’s dock – which is simply a spot where boats can pull in and you can jump off.

The island is made up of hexagonal basalt, a stone that looks like some sort of human giant built the island.  Shown above is Fingal’s Cave, a spot that looks – and sounds – like something out of an Alfred Hitchcock film.  This place is strange and if you manage to get here (as I said, only on calm weather days is the final boat ride possible), you’ll never forget it.

3.    Spend the Night in a Haunted B&B

If you want to spend the night in a haunted castle (or B&B, or hotel, or normal apartment building), Scotland is the place to be – I’ve seen more ghosts and “unexplained” things there than anywhere else in my life.  Perhaps it’s all of the wars and battles that have been fought on these grounds, from the Vikings to the Scottish Clans to Scotland and England’s warring days (which are now mostly just political, thankfully).

My top recommendation would have been Lunan Lodge – without a doubt the most haunted place I have ever been to in my entire life.  I can’t even explain some of the things I’ve experienced here.  Sadly, I have just learned the owners have decided not to open the B&B this year.  However, there are plenty of other options – Airth Castle and Tulloch Castle are both very comfortable and have a lot of “strange goings on.”

4.    Go Munro Bagging

Despite the weather, hiking is perhaps one of the most popular outdoor sports in Scotland – and for good reason, because there is plenty of gorgeous terrain to cover.  You are spoilt for options if you’re staying in Edinburgh, but if you’re heading north into the Highlands, consider munro bagging.  A Munro is simply a mountain over 3,000 ft.  Some people spend years trying to climb them all (“bagging”) – there are nearly 300 of them.

The most famous of all is Ben Nevis, which is the tallest mountain in the British Isles.  A great hike if you’re staying in Fort William, I would agree with most others in saying that the most picturesque trail up this Munro is the main route, known as the “Tourist Trail.

Whenever hiking up mountains, small or large, please bring warm clothes, water, and make sure someone knows where you are going – bad weather can settle in rather swiftly.

5.    Raise Your Glass in one of Scotland’s Oldest Pubs 

A visit to some of Edinburgh’s many pubs that line the Royal Mile will leaving you thinking most bars in the city are centuries old – or at least haven’t been cleaned in centuries.  But the bar that calls itself the city’s oldest, fact or not, is the Sheep Heid Inn, which is located behind Holyrood Park.  A walk in/around the park  is a great way to stretch your legs, before kicking back a pint here in the pub.  While you are here, how about a game of skittles (bowling) – the alley here is still in use since built in the 16th century!

6.    Practice Your Driving Skills on a Single Track Road

I actually didn’t think they still existed, but Scotland still has single track roads – roads that are made of onelane, with pullouts in various points along the road to allow for passing.  Yes, there are single track roads on the mainland, mostly in the far northwest.  You’ll also find single track roads on most (all?) of the islands off the west coast.

This is not for the weak of heart – you’ll need to remain vigilant of traffic and be prepared to pull over into a passing point ahead of meeting an oncoming car.  You may also want to practice courtesy and allow faster drivers to pass if you’re taking your time.

(You might notice the above photo there are two lanes – the extra lane ends shortly. I was too scared by my driving partner’s somewhat harsh driving skills to get the camera back out!)

 7.    Take an Haunted Edinburgh Tour

Edinburgh has plenty of adventures, and it’s hard to pick just one – but I will, and I’ll suggest you take one of the many haunted Edinburgh tours by Blackheart Entertainment.  Their guides are the best and will not only take you into some of the city’s darker, stranger spots, they will provide an insightful commentary on the history of Edinburgh.  The city has a very quirky, strange history (you would too if you spend centuries being beaten up by neighbors from all sides) and the result is a wonderful atmospheric city we have today.

Scotland has many more miles of hikes, shoreline, hills and valleys.  I encourage you to spare plenty of days, take your time, and explore the details of this colorful country.  There are adventures

Adventure Travel ideas in Austria

Austria is a holiday mecca adventure travel and snow birds in the winter but what do you do during the other 9 months? I had a chance to travel to Hopfgarten im Brixental. It’s one of the biggest and popular skiing grounds in Austria’s Ski Velt (side note: I’m not a skiier and on more than one occasions I lost my snowboard down two separate ravines, but that’s a story for another day). This time I was looking for adventure travel. I found three awesome ways to experience in Austria off the slopes and outta the cold.

Adventure Travel in Austria

White Water Rafting

Hopfgarten is a tiny village of about 5,000 people and, like the rest of the Austrian Tirol, lies in the backdrop of 700 mountains. With the warmer temps, we tried our hand at white water rafting on the Inn River. The waters were supposed to be calm so we could cruise through and paddle, but the rapids were anything.

Riding the waves from the back.

Apparently you’re not supposed to do this if you can’t swim. Side note: I can’t swim. I can paddle but I’m far from an olympic swimmer. I asked to double up on my life jacket, but apparently it’s counterproductive? I’ve also never been someone to take no for an answer. I never believed in the mindset “I can’t”. Those words were just never in my vocabulary. So, I went for it and held on for dear life. Controlling the raft on rapid water is not easy and if you get bumped out of it you’ll have to try to swim back. I’m glad I didn’t listen to the rule gods because this was one of my favourite adrenaline rushes I’ve ever experienced. The rapids are generally low grade 2-3. You’re suited up with a full body wetsuit, boots, jacket, helmet, and an instructor to help guide you along.

Snow-capped peaks in the Tirol

The best part is that you’re in the Austrian Alps with massive mountains, snow-capped peaks, super-fresh air, and amazing scenery all around you making for the perfect adventure travel destination. White water rafting is a must in Austria.

Budget: 40€

Mountain Biking

We rented a bike in the picturesque valley of Windau and rode through a maze of lush green paths. There are 750 kilometres of trails, alpine paths, and roads to cycle or climb your way up, not to mention towering Alps, the local villages, and quaint countryside. I loved this part of the trip because I was finally getting the exercise I so desperately needed!

Budget: 20€ or less

Getting ready for the climb

Our view from the hilltop was Austria's colourful houses

Paragliding

Hopfgarten is only about 620m above sea level but you’ll get much higher paragliding over the Tirol. It’s by far the way to get the best views! The only skill you need is running fast for the take-off. If you can’t do that then you can get a lil’ help from your tandem instructor, who also adds some crazy air tricks and acrobats. It can be a bit pricey but the experience is well worth it. You’ll get amazing panoramic views of Austria’s Alps, hill tops and the colourful houses below. We lucked out – the morning rain cleared up for us just in time to fly!

Budget: about 100€

All geared up. Let's do it!

Paragliding with my instructor Wolfgang

View over the Tirol

Smooth landing!