Look beyond Venice & explore these
Destination Dupes
Why not be taken by surprise?
That’s what we search for when we travel, as we discover new places and share our love of them with you.
Popular is popular for a reason, but we’re here to spark your curiosity and share some surprising places with you.
Canals of Aveiro, Portugal
0.1 Aveiro
Love the canals of Venice but looking for something quieter?
Try the canals of Aveiro, Portugal Aveiro is affectionately known as the ‘Venice of Portugal’ and as you wander its quaint, bubbling canals, taking in the colourful moliceiro boats, the shade of a palm tree dancing over your skin as you savour the sweet delicacy of your Ovos Moles de Aveiro, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped onto a movie set.
Tours of Portugal
Polignano a Mare, Italy
02. Polignano a Mare
Love the bustling seaside city of Dubrovnik but looking for something a bit quainter?
Try the Polignano a Mare, Italy Dubrovnik is known as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, filled with rich history and breathtaking architecture, and we absolutely love it there. But wandering the cobbled, white-washed streets of Polignano a Mare in the south of Italy, we quickly realised how special this place was. If you’re looking for something a bit slower and quieter, but with the same striking beauty and history dating back to prehistoric times, you can wander the shops, grab a delectable bite to eat, and even go swimming in the caves under the cliffs at the charming beach.
Tours of Italy
Matera Cathedral, Matera, Italy
03. Sassi of Matera
Love the rock formations of Cappadocia but looking for something undiscovered?
Try the Sassi of Matera, Italy The surreal beauty of Cappadocia has been described as ‘unique’ and ‘otherworldly’... but that secret has long been revealed. And lately we’ve been obsessed with magic of a different kind... the ancient city of Matera. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it’s no wonder it’s drawing attention. Explore the UNESCO ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone ravines, known as Sassi, and the labyrinth of alleyways packed with restaurants and shops and smiling faces.
Tours of Italy
La Rioja, Spain
04. La Rioja
Love the flavours of a good Chianti from Tuscany but looking to try a new vintage? Try the La Rioja region of Spain.
The Ebro River passes gracefully through the La Rioja region, a vital source of water for the surrounding vineyards of this stunning landscape. Framed by mountain ranges and rolling hills, the Mediterranean climate combined with the variety of soil types makes for the perfect greenhouse for La Rioja wines. Whether you’re keen to try the plum and tobacco flavours of Rioja Reserva or the cherry and oak flavours of Rioja Crianza, oenophiles will certainly discover new favourites.
Tours of Spain
Murphy's Ice Cream, Dingle, Ireland
05. Dingle
Love the gelatos of Italy but can’t seem to get enough? Try Murphy's Ice Cream in Dingle, Ireland.
Back in 2000, Sean and Kieran Murphy opened their first shop in Dingle with the goal of making the best ice cream in the world. Today, their ice cream is beloved by many who visit Dingle, Dublin, Killarney, Galway, and Cork. It might have something to do with the milk used from the rare, indigenous breed of Kerry cow... not to mention their great team and delectable flavours.
