The Marathon

Rio Marathon comprises a 42km race with the starting line at Recreio. The route continues on past Barra and São Conrado, as well as Leblon, Ipanema, and Copacabana Beaches before concluding at Aterro do Flamengo. The maximum time of the race is 6 hours and it will kick off at 7:30am. The cost of participating in Rio Marathon is 75 dollars per person and all participants must be 18 or over.

The Half-Marathon

This comprises a 21km run. The half- marathon route also passes by the gorgeous beaches in Rio de Janeiro such as Praia da Reserva Beach, as well as the famous Leblon, Botafogo and Aterro do Flamengo Park districts. The race kicks off at 7am from Barra and lasts approximately 3 hours. It also costs 75 dollars per person to participate in the Rio Half Marathon and again no participants are under 18 are permitted to enter the race.

Family Run

This is the most unusual race of all as you can do it as a family! It also consists of the shortest of the three as it is only 6km. The race kicks off at 8am from Aterro do Flamengo and it costs 50 dollars per person to take part.

Those who come first will receive thousands of dollars of prize money. However, that’s not all. Everyone who crosses the finishing line will receive a shiny medal for their efforts. Finally, a dinner will take place in the evening for all Rio Marathon runners, followed by a night time show for everyone’s entertainment.

Rio de Janeiro Insider

This is a great activity to enjoy as a family and your children will be delighted to receive a free t-shirt that comes with the race, as well as be awarded a medal at the end.  The course is mostly flat, meaning that it isn’t too difficult, and during the race you and your family will pass by the beautiful Rio coastline on the left, and the Serra do Mar Mountains, rising majestically in the backdrop, on the right. Finally, the temperatures will reach around 30 degrees, so you can all enjoy a nice run in the fine Brazilian weather.

With regards to the services available, there is an early morning shuttle bus that takes runners to all three starting lines in Rio. In addition, there is baggage handling if you need it, plenty of refreshment stands throughout the run (water, gel, etc), and toilets. All this information can be found in your runner’s pack, which you should pick up at the MAM Museum of Modern Arts, also featuring an international help desk for non- native speakers.

Finally, once you’re done with all this running, you can enjoy a relaxing day on the many, white sand beaches in Rio with your family!

So, now you know. If you would like to enjoy a fun, family activity in Rio de Janeiro with some Brazilian sunshine then the Rio Marathon Family Run is the event for you! Truly an unforgettable experience that can only be enhanced by renting one of our Rio apartments equipped with everything you will need to enjoy a relaxing family holiday.

São Paulo is one of the most popular destinations in Brazil

São Paulo Culture

São Paulo has a rich cultural diversity. The São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) offers a fascinating programme, which is guaranteed to please your entire family. The building that houses the museum is a work of art in itself. It comprises a huge building, which often appears on postcards of the city, characterised by its big, red pillars outside. It boasts a collection of some 8,000 works with masterpieces by artists such as Rafael, Botticelli, Delacroix, Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, Matisse, Portinari, Di Cavalcanti and Rodin. Where: Avenida Paulista, 1578  Cerqueira César – São Paulo.  When:  From Sunday till Thursday at 11am to 6pm, Friday 11am to 8pm. Transport: Metro Trianon-Masp. Price:  R$15, R$7 for students, teachers and the retired. Children under 10 and over 60s get in free. Tuesday everyone gets in free.

In addition to what the MASP has to offer, if you love culture then you can’t miss out on the Pinoteca (Museum of Contemporary Art), the Museum of Portuguese Language, the Brazilian Museum of Sculpture (MUBE), and the Sesc Pompeia cultural and recreational centre in São Paulo. Another interesting option for sports lovers is the São Paulo Football Museum.

São Paulo Nature and Diversity

If you are looking for a fun and natural outing with your children then we most definitely suggest Ibirapuera Park. It comprises a beautiful green space situated in the bustling city centre. It receives the most visitors in São Paulo and boasts the most attractions. As well as its several courts and playgrounds, it attracts skaters and bicycle riders. If you haven’t brought yours, no problem as you can rent a bike out from any one of the bicycle points in the park and enjoy a ride around the lake. In addition, visitors can enjoy the Planetarium, the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art, the Biennial Pavilion, the Japanese Pavilion, and the Vivarium, all located within Ibirapuera Park. Where: Moema, São Paulo, Brasil. When: All year round from 5am to midnight. Transport: Metro Brigadeiro. Price: Free entrance.

Historical Heritage

A stroll through the city of São Paulo is a great way of discovering it’s fascinating past.  The city’s Old Town is a must visit along with the Pateo do Collegio Jesuit Church and School, San Francisco Square, point zero and São Paulo Cathedral.

São Paulo Cathedral, located in São Paulo Park, is a monumental building with huge towers and beautiful stain glass windows. The church has an over 8,000 person capacity and is one of the city’s most popular tourist sites. Where:  Praça de Sé, Centro-Paraiso Brazil, São Paulo. When: Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm, Saturday from 8am to 5pm, and Sunday from 8 am to 1pm and 3pm to 6pm. Transport: Metro Sé. Price: Free entrance to the church and R$4 to visit the Underground Crypt.

São Paulo Gastronomy

São Paulo is very famous for its good food. Here you can find everything from more sophisticated options to quite common but very traditional dishes which you definitely can’t miss out on. Amongst the many fine restaurants in São Paulo, we recommend the Rubayat Figueria restaurant, which besides offering some delicious dishes, boasts a charming terrace located under the leafy shade of a beautiful fig tree to which the restaurant owes its name. The KAÁ restaurant with its lush wall of greenery, and home to more than 7000 different plants from the Atlantic Forest, or the contemporary cuisine on offer in the D.O.M restaurant also guarantee to be a very tasty alternative for visitors.

With regards to more traditional dishes, your family can not miss out on the Sao Paulo Municipal Market.  Amongst the many food stalls lurk typical São Paulo treats such as bread with baloney, as well as cod fritters and dried meat. All guaranteed to please!  Where:  Rua da Cantareira, 306, Sé, São Paulo. When: Monday to Saturday from 6am to 6pm, and Sundays and Bank Holidays from 6am to 4pm. Transport: Metro Luz or Metro Sao Bento. There parking space available if you prefer to go by car. Price: Free admission.

São Paulo Events

Finally, São Paulo hosts many events throughout the year. Keep an eye for when you come and visit because there is guaranteed to be something there to please your family. For example, São Paulo Art Biennial, the Brazil Formula 1 Grand Prix, São Paulo Fashion Week and São Paulo Indy 300, open wheel racing event.

All this and more is on offer in São Paulo making it one of the Brazil cultural hubs. There is surely something going on to suit your entire family, so hurry and rent one of our apartments in São Paulo allowing you to discover this fascinating city in all the comforts of home.

To help you choose amongst the many things you can do in this immense city, we have prepared a little tourist guide of London detailing the 5 top tourist sites!

1.       Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous religious buildings in London. In was built back in the 13^th century under King Henry III, and is a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of the country’s Kings and Queens, as well as famous names, have been buried there. In addition Westminster Abbey is home to Poet’s Corner, commemorating the famous royal poets, writers and dramatists. Finally, Westminster Abbey is where the British monarchy is traditionally crowned. To conclude, a fascinating and historical places that you definitely can’t miss out on! Where: Parliament Square, London. When: Monday to Saturday from 9:30am to 4.45pm. Transport: Westminster subway. Price: Adults £10, and students and children £7.

2.       Palace of Westminster and Big Ben

The Palace of Westminster, or Houses of Parliament, comprises the meeting place of the two houses of Parliament, the House of Lords and the House of Commons.  Thus, you can feel like Queen Elizabeth II for a day and open parliament, or sit behind the Prime Minister’s chair. You will even get the chance to see Charles I’s execution order signed by Oliver Cromwell. One of the most famous parts of Westminster is, of course, Big Ben. Unfortunately, Big Ben isn’t open to visitors, only British residents can climb the Clock Tower after arranging a tour with their local MP. Even so, it is a true London icon, which you definitely can’t miss out on during your stay in the British capital. Where: 2, Abbey Gardens, City of London, London. When:  Monday to Saturday 9:15 am to 4:30pm from the 27^th of July to the 1^st of September (summer opening). Then Wednesday to Saturday 9:15 am to 4:30pm from the 19^th of September to the 6^th of October. Transport: Westminster subway. Price: Adult £15, £8 students, £5 for 5 to 15 year olds and free for under 5s. 

3.       Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square comprises the famous place in London commemorating the Battle of Trafalgar, the legendary sea battle between the British Royal Navy, the French Navy and the Spanish Navy. You will find Nelson’s Column there. Erected in 1843, it consists of a 4.5 metre statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson who died winning the Battle of Trafalgar. This famous Column is surrounded by four bronze lions protecting the statue. In fact, legend has it that lions were made using recycled metal of the French fleet. Where: Trafalgar Square, London. When: All year round: Transport: Charing Cross subway. Price: Free.

For those of you interested, there are tours of London on offer, taking you around the main London sites including Westminster Abbey, Downing Street, the Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square.

4.       National Gallery

The National Gallery comprises one of the most famous museums in London. Founded in 1824, it is situated on Trafalgar Square. The National Gallery houses an important collection of paintings dating as far back as the Middle-Ages to the late 19^th century. Thus, you can admire pieces by famous British painters such as William Turner, John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough. Where: Trafalgar Square, London. When: Saturday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm. Friday 10am to 9pm. Transport: Charing Cross subway. Price: Free (permanent collection).

5.       Chelsea Football Club

Football fans will be delighted to know that the famous British football team, Chelsea, offers tours of their home ground. Yes, you will get the chance to take a tour of Stamford Bridge and areas usually closed off to the public including the dressing rooms and the players’ tunnel, as well as enjoy incredible views of the stadium. A museum, tracing the history of this legendary football club, has also been opened. Where:  Chelsea Football Club, Stamford Bridge, London. When: Tours run Monday to Saturday every half hour from 10am to 3pm. Transport: Fulham Broadway subway (district line). Price: Tour & Museum: Adult £18, children (5-15 years) £12, under 5s free. Museum only: Adult £10, children (5-15 years) £18, under 5s free. Concessions and family tickets available.

London Insider

There are many fascinating tourist sites and historical attractions in London to visit. Thus, we recommend the London Pass so you can enjoy as much London culture as you want, for less. You can visit over 55 popular tourist attractions for free in the British capital with your London Pass, which comes with a free 120-page guide book, as well as enjoy special offers and discounts on eating out and shopping. Simply order your pass online and enjoy the savings!

So, now you have lots to look forward to! With so much to do, we recommend that you rent one of our London apartments, perfectly adapted for families, so you can enjoy some London sightseeing in all the comforts of home. A local experience awaits you in our wide selection of apartments in London located beside the main London attractions. Enjoy!

History of Rome Catacombs

The Rome Catacombs were set up in accordance with the Law of the Twelve Tables (Lex Duodecim Tabularum), ancient Roman laws dating back to 450 BC, prohibiting that the dead be buried within the city walls. The most famous catacombs line Via Appia Antica, the road leading out of Rome. In pre-Christian times, only ordinary people were buried in the Rome catacombs. Then from the 2^nd Century, this custom was adopted by the Christians, thus even martyrs were buried there.

Major Catacombs in Rome

Callixtus Catacombs

The Callixtus Catacombs feature amongst the largest and most famous underground burial sites in Rome. Experts estimate that there are more than 370,000 graves distributed over these catacombs’ four levels, buried as many as 20 metres deep. At the heart of this underground chamber lies the Crypt of the Popes.  The bodies of nine popes and bishops once lay here, eight of which date back to the 3^rd century. You can still see the original inscriptions on 5 of the popes’ tombs. The wall paintings and inscriptions on these tombs in the Callixtus Catacombs are of great importance as they reveal information about former reliefs, rituals and the different views regarding the church and the popes there. Where: Via Appica Antica 110-126 intersecting Via Adreatina. When: 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm daily (except Wednesdays). Transport: Metro A or bus 714 stopping at St. John Lateran Square, or bus 218 to Fosse Adreatine. Price: 8€.

St. Sebastian Catacombs and Basilica

This burial ground is particularly famous for the Basilica located there, built by St. Sebastian himself. The church is a parish church and also one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Many relics of St. Sebastian can be found there including an unusual sculpture of the Saint on his grave. However, deep in the St. Sebastian Catacombs themselves, curious visitors can marvel at discoveries from the early Christian period related to the death of Jesus, amongst others. Where: Via Appica Antica, 138, opposite Vicolo della Basilica. When: 10am to 5pm daily (except Sundays). Directions: Metro A to San Giovanni stop, then bus 218 which stops off at the St. Sebastian Catacombs. Price: 8€.

Rome Insider

There are a many of ways of getting to the Rome Catacombs, and discovering the city, however we recommend that you and your family rent a bike in Rome, ideal for short journeys that can’t be done on foot. This will allow you to take a break and enjoy the scenery, as well as stop off for a picnic. In addition, if seeing all those ancient relics makes you hungry then you can count on the many cafés, bars and restaurants lining Via Appia Antica. The L’Archeologia restaurant in particular comes highly recommended. You will find a generous variety of dishes on offer there to tempt you, ranging from delicious fish soup to traditional pasta dishes, which you can enjoy in a beautiful setting.

Finally, the Catacombs of Rome are only some of the many things you can see in Rome. Localnomad has many apartments in Rome adapted for families, and located nearby to the main Rome attractions, thus providing an ideal place to start. We hope you enjoy an unforgettable holiday in the Eternal City with the Rome Catacombs!

Sitges, the Golden Beach of the Mediterranean                                                           

The Catalan town of Sitges, known as (Playa de Oro) boasts a total of 22 beaches along its 4km long coastline, 17 of which are situated in the town itself and 5 that are located between Sitges and Castelldefels.  They all feature fine sand with blue, crystalline waters, the quality of which is recognised on an annual basis in the way of blue flags awarded by the European Union for the cleanest beaches, and Quality Certifications from the Catalan Government. It therefore comes as no surprise that Sitges has been nicknamed the Golden Beach of the Mediterranean by tourists.

The 3 top beaches in Sitges

Sant Sebastiá Beach

Sant Sebastiá Beach, extending over 200 metres, is one of the most famous beaches in Sitges. It boasts calm waters and golden sands with a very family orientated feel. It has all the services required for you to be able to enjoy a nice, peaceful day on the beach and a large beach promenade if you fancy a bit of shopping, maybe a bucket and spade for the children! And just so you know, the New York Times dubbed Sant Sebastiá Beach the best beach in Europe in 2010. You can’t miss out! Where: Sitges Old Town. Directions: You can get there by car from Barcelona by taking the C-32 road or C-31 road, or by taking the A-7 motorway. Alternatively, the N30, with Monbus bus company, departs from Barcelona on an hourly basis. Finally, you can catch any one of the local trains departing from Sants train station and stopping off in Sitges.

Anquines Beach

The main thing about Anquines is that it is a man-made beach. It was created in the 20s to cater for guests at Hotel Terramar. Today it is a public beach and ideal if you are travelling with children as Anquines Beach is protected by two breakwaters so there are hardly any ocean swells. Where: Sitges Town Centre. Directions: By car (C-32/C-31 roads or A-7 motorway). N30 with Monbus and local trains from Sants train station stopping off in Sitges.

Cala Morisca Beach

Unlike the two previous beaches, Cala Morisca is a nudist beach in Sitges. You can completely relax there because although it is quite popular, it is really peaceful. It has various services including showers, toilets and restaurants, etc. Where: Costa del Garraf. A little over 29 kms from Barcelona on the National Highway between Sitges and Castelldefels. Directions: By car (private parking) and a 5 minute walk.

In addition to these great beaches, Els Balmins and l’Home Mort beaches are also worth a mention. They comprise really peaceful beaches and are considered the best gay beaches in Catalonia.

If you would like to enjoy a pleasant holiday with your family and observe the stunning Mediterranean from your window, then rent one of our Sitges apartments. Lots of fun days on the beach are guaranteed with us!

Sonar refers to the International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art

Sonar started out in Barcelona 1994, and has fast spread to other major world capitals including London, Chicago, New York, Washington, Buenos Aires, Seoul, Lyon, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Lisbon, Rome and Tokyo. And now it has come to Sao Paulo! Sonar Festival, taking place in Sao Paulo this May 2012, will once again be the talk of the music industry with its unprecedented musical creativity and avant-garde art. So, if you’re coming to Sao Paulo with your friends this May then this is the perfect event to share with them. Here’s what it has to offer.

Sonar 2012 in Sao Paulo

Sonar Sao Paulo will take place in Anhembi Park on the 11^th and 12^th of May 2012, with the second edition of Sonar in Sao Paulo comprising a combination of activities by day and events in the evening. Its main features are the showcasing of new talent, experimentation and technology with a rich programme that presents great night-time shows and audio-visual productions. So if you are coming to Sao Paulo with your friends and you like music, then this is the event for you!

The different Sonar activities will take place in various spaces across Anhembi Park with two days of non-stop events. On Friday, visitors will be able to enjoy 10 whole hours of Sonar with 14 hours for more hard core festival-goers on Saturday.

Take a look at the Sao Paulo Sonar programme to make sure you don’t miss out on all the top acts, however we can tell you now that big names such as Cee Lo Green, Chromeo, Skream, Flying Lotus, Tiger & Woods, Mauricio Fleury, Reconciliation, Nedu Lopes, KTL, Munchi, Super Gauchin, Rusti, the French Justice and James Blake, amongst others, will be present in this year’s Sonar 2012 in Sao Paulo. The Brazilians, the Twelves and rapper EMICIDA are also confirmed to be featuring this year. The line-up, as usual, is an excellent one. If you and your friends would like to go to this amazing event, then we recommend that you get your tickets now, which you can do so on the official website or with Ingressos. If you purchase the Sonar Festival Pass in advance, you can enjoy a discount on the average price for this ticket, which is 400 dollars.

SonarPro is another interesting aspect of the festival, encouraging interaction amongst professionals in the field and allowing pro-active artists to seek professional opportunities through local and international business projects. SonarPro also provides a space for companies, where they can present their products and projects to the creative industry sector. The idea is to bring the philosophy of this Barcelona festival to the city of Sao Paulo i.e. a music programme and audio-visual grandeur with a striking experimental element held in one of Sao Paulo’s major venues, Anhembi Park. Sonar Sao Paulo 2012 promises to be a success, making way for many future editions of the event! Yes! You will be delighted to hear that Sonar will be coming to Sao Paulo every year from now on.

Sao Paulo Insider

To make sure that you and your friends have a great time, we advise that you plan your journey to Anhembi Park and organise the best way to get to Sonar Sao Paulo in advance. You have various options as the park is located by the two major express highways in Sao Paulo, which are Tietê Marginal highway and Avenida Santos Durmont. The first is best if you’re heading to the East or West arena roads and zones, and the second option is better if you’re heading to the centre or South zone.

Anhembi Park can also be easily accessed from Guarulhos International Airport and the Congonhas National Airport. You can get a taxi directly from the airport which will take around 25 minutes. Alternatively, the Tietê bus Terminal and Tietê metro station is close by. The bus line No 278a is also an option.

Sao Paulo is one of the world’s largest and most fascinating cities boasting a cosmopolitan and vibrant atmosphere. If you want to be a part of all the action then rent one of our apartments in Sao Paulo with your friends. Our Sao Paulo apartments are well-located and adapted for large groups allowing you to relax after the festival, and offering you the chance to discover everything else that this exciting Brazilian city has to offer!

Are you planning a holiday with your family in St. Tropez

Saint Tropez Bravades History

The Bravade celebrations in Saint Tropez have a double military and religious origin. Initially it was a feast day celebrating the arrival of the body of Saint Tropes aboard a ship in 68 AD. Tropes was the high steward of Roman Emperor Nero who had him beheaded in Pisa because he refused to renounce his Christian faith. His body was thrown onto a boat, along with a rooster and a dog, which drifted out to sea and onto the Provencal coast where it was found by Christians, who adopted him as their Patron Saint.

The celebrations also commemorate the appointment of a Captain to the city in the late 16^th century, who taught them how to use weapons to protect themselves against the Saracens. Thus, during the Bravade celebrations, you will get a live history lesson. The captain and his military staff, including guardians of the Saint Tropez statue, sailors, musketeer, Pisan cross bearers and bravades will parade right in front of your astonished children’s eyes!  This Great Army consisted of people from all social groups in the village. They all had a common faith and desire to defend their country’s identity and their freedom. You will see gun fires with “muskets”, a typical weapon of the time, whilst the other participants continue to parade through the city in period costumes. In addition, store and house windows will be coloured red and white in honour of the special occasion.

Bravade Celebration Highlights

Day 1: Petite Bravade Procession

Following a two-hour ceremony at the City Hall square, the bravadeurs make their way through the city led by four Pisan cross bearers. The city is decorated in red and white corresponding with the colours of the privateers. Over the three days of the event, people celebrate their identity and remember the battles of St Tropez that took place to fend off attackers from the sea in the days when Saint Tropez was a privileged and independent city.

Day 2:  Grande Bravade Procession

Grande Bravade at the City Hall: It’s time to picnic and don the pike and flag led by the Captain. The Mayor hands over a pike and flag (symbol of authority) to the Captain. This is an impressive ritual with music and choreography. The musical score, played for the Bravades today, is the same as that played back then. Then follows a long procession with various stops, as well as and gun fires with muskets and rifles in tribute, until dusk. The celebrations culminate in a large public dance for all to enjoy.

Day 3: Final Day

In the morning, there is a meeting amongst the Bravades followed by a Thanksgiving Mass in the Chapel of St Anne.  Then a celebratory glass of wine is offered by the honorary Captain to the city officials, local authorities and bravadeurs.

If you would like to be taken on a journey back through time and share some historic moments with your family, then rent an apartment in Saint Tropez with Localnomad allowing you to relive this fascinating city`s past.

In the Estate Romana Festival, you can look forward to a whole host of art exhibitions, dance performances, theatre productions, film screenings, and concerts of all kinds including opera, rock, pop and jazz.  Thus, there will lots of entertaining activities for your children and events to enjoy as a family. Instead of the typical Roman sites and ruins, your family will actually be able to discover Roman culture first hand with the added bonus that some of the Estate Romana events are free. One of last year’s family highlights included Estate Technotown, in the Parco della Scienza, dedicated entirely to children and their families with science and technology, fun activities and outdoor games.

The Estate Romana Festival venues comprise the squares, parks, art galleries and spaces around monuments across the Eternal City. Furthermore, the Ippodromo delle Capennell and Villa Celimontana in particular will be hosting concerts, whilst theatre productions will be taking place in Villa Doria Pamphili and Foro di Augusto, amongst others. Finally, the open-air cinema set up along the River Tiber will be offering a selection of film screenings. Perfect for enjoying those lovely, lazy summer days in the beautiful capital of Rome and relaxing with your family.

Thus, nearly 100 Roman days and nights will be livened up over the summer by hundreds of cultural events for the entertainment of locals and tourists alike this 2012. Furthermore, new in this year to Estate Romana are meetings, seminars, summer camp, lectures, book presentations and guided tours. Many big names in the film, theatre, dance and literature industry will be invited to this 35^th edition of the event, as well as young, emerging artists and authors who will get a chance in the spotlight.

All this and more will be happening at popular locations in the centre and outskirts of Rome thus converting the city into a stage and confirming its place amongst the cultural capitals of the world. However you choose to enjoy Estate Romana, we have the perfect Rome apartment for you. Our well-located apartments in Rome are adapted for family’s needs and located by public transport so you can easily and comfortably get to where you want for a great stress-free holiday with your family.

This year’s Estate Romana 2012 programme has yet to be confirmed, however it promises to be bigger and better than ever. You can keep an eye out for any new developments on the Estate Romana official website. Enjoy!

Chelsea Flower Show History

The RHS Flower Show, formerly known as the Great Spring Show, has been organised by the British Institute, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), on an annual basis since 1852. The RHS is dedicated to advancing horticulture and promoting art in gardening. Thus, the Chelsea Flower Show has been held in the Royal Hospital Chelsea grounds since 1913, a nursing home for British soldiers, and allures 157,000 plant lovers, experts, gardeners and fascinated observers to the event every year. Five days in total can be enjoyed this 2012 with The Chelsea Flower Show opening exclusively to members of the RHS the first two days. The opening day is traditionally attended by Queen Elizabeth II, who will shortly be celebrating her Diamond Jubilee, and other members of the British Royal Family. It is hoped that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, will be paying a short visit to the Chelsea Flower Show 2012. The 3 remaining days of the show, on the other hand, are open to everyone!

Chelsea Flower Show 2012

In the heart of the Royal Hospital Chelsea grounds, extending over 45,000m2, you can find the Great Pavilion. There, plant lovers can admire the world’s finest collection of nursery displays and plants, etc. Furthermore, this late May, a total of 14 different show gardens can be admired in all their floral glory as part of the Chelsea Flower Show, including the following 4 imaginative and attractive gardens in the Royal Hospital Chelsea Grounds.

2012 Show Garden Highlights:

World Vision Garden

Right in the heart of the park, a ripple built has been built in, with circular ripples spreading from the middle of the pool to the edge. This comprises the World Vision organisation’s contribution and demonstration of how they help children and families.  The trees surrounding the pool act as a shelter and symbolise the organisation’s aim, to protect the world’s most vulnerable children.

Naturally Dry

Naturally Dry, inspired by William Wordsworth, proves that it is possible to have a stunning garden during times of drought or periods of low rain fall. Here visitors will find a range of affordable and inexpensive ideas for their own gardens.

Glamour Lands: a Techno-Folly

Glamour Lands is cartoonesque, which progresses over time like a digital game. This unconventional contribution represents the new age of computers with its pixelated surface, and variety of real and preserved plants.  A truly vibrant garden.

Pepa’s Story

The Chelsea Flower Show supports national and international specialist garden landscape architects.  Pepa’s Story, set 100 years ago in the Slovenian Karts region, represents the time when children worked as shepherds. Here visitors will find an old limestone shepherd’s hut, where the children would spend their free time, and typical plants from the Karst region.

All this and more can be expected at the world famous Chelsea Flower Show in London. There are 157,000 entrance tickets available, which must be purchased in advance on the official Chelsea Flower Show website.

London Insider

The Royal Hospital Chelsea can be accessed via Sloane Square tube then a ten minute walk. Alternatively, you can take Victoria Rail followed by shuttle bus from Hudson’s Place or the 11, 137, 211, 239, 360 and 452 buses.

The Chelsea Flower Show is open from 8am to 8pm Tuesday to Friday, and 8am to 5:30pm on Saturday with the exhibitors selling off their plants the final day of the show after 4pm for some real bargains. Make sure you don’t forget that it’s strictly advance bookings, with no admission at the gate to avoid disappointment.

If you’re a plant fanatic make sure you arrange a way of taking your precious booty home beforehand, although London is very well communicated and there are an excellent number of transport options including the traditional black taxis.

We have some amazing London apartments, perfect for a romantic break away in the British capital, and boasting lots of space to hoard your precious purchases. They are also located by subway stations so you can easily access the Chelsea Flower Show.

So, now you know!  Whether you’re a plant lover, looking to impress your lady or would simply like to smell the fine fragrances and admire the colourful floral creations, then book an apartment in London with us.

Magic, lights, colour and fantasy…lots of fantasy. Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Peter Pan and Buzz Lightyear, not forgetting the master of ceremony Mickey Mouse, are thrilled to invite you to one of the biggest events in Paris this year, the Disneyland Paris 20^th Anniversary. It’s the Disney theme park’s birthday and to celebrate this very special occasion, it will be surprising its visitors with a whole host of new shows and surprising attractions much to the delight of all Disney fans, big or small. Thus, from the 1^st of April, children and adults have been able to enjoy an unforgettable experience with their favourite Disney characters.

Created in 1992, Disneyland Paris is one of the world’s major theme parks, and one of the largest in Europe. More than 250 million people, enchanted by the adventures of the legendary Disney characters, have passed through the magical doors of this popular theme park. This number will no doubt rapidly increase thanks to Disneyland Paris’s birthday this 2012. On the 1^st of April, the official opening ceremony took place with the presence of an extra-special fairy godmother in the form of Salma Hayek. Since then, three new more exciting attractions, in honour of Disneyland Paris’s 20^th anniversary, have joined the host of rides and shows already featuring at the theme park, and which have been transporting visitors to a world of fantasy for many years now.

Disneyland 20^th Anniversary Highlights

Disney Dreams!

Lights, fireworks, fountains, and even real fires take centre stage in the new Nighttime Spectacular Show in Disneyland Paris. The Castle of Sleeping Beauty hosts this exciting event featuring projection mapping on the walls and various screens situated in the surrounding moat. The colourful lights of the show are reflected from Peter Pan’s hand offering stunned visitors a multi-coloured reality to fuel their flights of fancy around Sleeping Beauty’s magical castle, whilst the Parisian sky fills with lights and spectacular fireworks combined with water fountains reaching over 40 metres high. Truly spectacular!

Disney Magic on Parade

The Disneyland Paris Parade has always been one of the most appealing Disneyland Park attractions, and now even more so. In celebration of the parks 20^th anniversary, an exciting new parade with new floats and music, created especially in honour of the occasion, is delighting children and adults alike in the park. The legendary Disney characters are inviting lucky spectators to join in this magical parade with Mickey donning the golden Mickey pin, and a spectacular finale marks the end of the event.

Mickey Mouse encounter

Although you may have met this lovable Disney character during your wanderings through Disneyland over the past years, this time you get the opportunity to enjoy a different and very special encounter with Mickey Mouse.  Thus, coinciding with the theme park’s 20^th anniversary, you are now invited to join Mickey Mouse backstage in his theatre where he keeps all his favourite costumes and props. Don’t forget to take your camera so you can take a photo of this popular Disney character with your family for a unique and unforgettable Mickey Mouse meeting.

Finally, you will be able to Share Your Story on the Disneyland website. All your Disneyland secrets and stories, accumulated over the theme park’s 20 years, can now be posted and shared for all mutual Disney lovers to see!

Paris Insider:

Disneyland Paris is located in Marne-la Vallée, a short distance from the centre of Paris, and is accessible by car, Disney shuttle bus or train. If you are travelling with small children especially, then bus or car is a more ideal option as the train can get very busy. Arrive early if you can.

When you get to Disneyland Paris, if you are travelling with smaller children, it is advisable to get fast passes for all the main rides to avoid long queues. In addition, purchase tickets for shows a little in advance, and find a nice spot for the Disney parade about 45 minutes before it starts to make sure you get a good place. Head back to the rides just before the parade ends as they will all be empty with everyone watching the show! Finally, to get a few last turns on the rides, try and stay right to the end as most people will have left by then!

We have some great located apartments in Paris, equipped with everyone you need if you’re travelling as a family. Located close by Paris public transport, so you can get to anywhere in or outside the city, our Paris apartments, adapted to family needs, will make sure that you enjoy a relaxed and comfortable holiday.

To conclude, if you would like to surprise the little ones, or you would simply like to release your own inner child for a day, then make sure you don’t miss out on the Disneyland Paris 20^th Anniversary celebrations for some magical holidays in the French capital.