Departure Lounge: Say 'Konnichiwa' to a walk on Japan's pilgrimage trail
The Nachi waterfall, on the Kumano Kodo trail
Looking for a new walking challenge in 2024? Head to Japan where the Kumano Kodo trail is celebrating its 20th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One of only two pilgrimage routes with UNESCO designation, it comprises a network of pilgrimage routes connecting ancient shrines.
Starting at the largest torii gate in Japan it ends at the tallest waterfall in the country, with each trail varying in difficulty and length, from several hours to several days.
The original route, the Koyasan Choishi-michi Pilgrimage Trail, stretches 23.5km to the religious city of Koyasan.
The Maldives is the perfect spot to witness manta rays in their natural habitat and InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is hosting its third Manta Retreat, from March 9-12, 2024 (€1,382 per person).
A hands-on way to learn about these majestic creatures, you’ll enjoy beautiful surroundings on this award-winning island escape.
Nightly B&B rates for two from €883 in a Water Pool Villa.
The retreat includes two manta ray snorkelling trips, a guided house reef snorkelling experience, name-and-adopt a manta ray and workshops to learn more about rays, plankton and coral restoration and planting.
Ryanair’s 10-day sale offers 10% off fares to some of Europe’s most popular winter sun destinations.
With 400,000 discounted seats you’ll find bargains to Faro, Malaga, Malta, Marrakesh, Paphos and more.
Sample one-way fares include Cork-Alicante €19.99, Shannon-Palma de Mallorca €14.99 and Dublin- Valencia €14.99.
- Sale ends midnight 22nd December 2023; ryanair.com
Just 30 minutes from Faro airport, Wyndham Grand Algarve, Quinta do Lago, makes a sunny retreat for a festive holiday.
Offering everything from horseback riding through the resort’s grounds to dining on traditional monkfish picata, there’s still availability at this popular family resort and its beautiful Mediterranean Gardens.
With excellent food, serious sports facilities (including golf, tennis and water sports) and a ‘Grand New Year’s Eve party’, it’s set to be a memorable end to 2023.
- B&B from €249 per room per night; wyndhamgrandalgarve.com/hotel-special-offers/new-years-package/
Conrad Dublin’s Christmas break includes a five-star Christmas Day lunch with lots of lovely extras like bubbly.
Non-residents can book lunch too which means Dublin family or friends can join you in The Coburg.
- The two-night Christmas package costs from €680pps. Non-residents Christmas Day lunch €190pp; hilton.com/en/hotels/dubhcci-conrad-dublin/
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
