Sunvil Discovery Archive

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Tromso – for the Northern Lights and so much more

2012 is proving a popular year to try and get a sighting of the Northern Lights. We are entering a period of increasing solar activity, which in simple speak means that the chance of seeing the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) is better now than it has been

Geocaching in the Azores

Many of us might consider our holidays to be the perfect time to put away our computers and phones, and unplug completely from our routine lives. The advent of smartphones and ever increasing wifi coverage is threatening this gadget de-tox, with more and more people feeling the

Sicily – an island apart

Carthage, Greece, Rome, North Africans, Normans, Spaniards and Bourbons have all taken their turns as invaders of Sicily. Some would argue that even the Italians are perhaps no more than the latest group to colonise this fiercely disobedient Mediterranean island. As each culture’s influence has waxed and

In the Alentejo on the trail of Vasco Da Gama

He is known as one of the great explorers of all time and is perhaps Portugal’s most celebrated citizen. Vasco Da Gama brought great wealth to the Portuguese crown through his maritime endeavours and his legacy is alive and well almost 500 years since his death. You

The Veneto: History, romance and spectacular scenery

Verona: “Romeo, Romeo where for art thou Romeo?” we wondered as we gazed up at Juliet’s balcony in the historic centre of Verona. Alas, no Romeo, just Will, our fellow colleague.   Piazza dell’Erbe: Verona, one of the most fascinating cities of Italy, is rich in Roman,

A short break to the ‘world’s most appealing island destination’*

The archipelago of the Faroe Islands, consisting of 18 islands, is situated in the North Atlantic, halfway between Iceland and Scotland. This blog details my experiences, and highlights, during my recent visit to this island destination; I hope that you enjoy it. First impressions: The Faroe Islands

Discover the Koster Islands, Sweden’s Secret Hideaway

However highly you value your own geographical knowledge, unless you happen to have been there it is highly unlikely that you will have heard of Sweden’s Koster Islands. Don’t worry; many Swedes are blissfully unaware of this rarely visited pair of tiny dots off their country’s west

Winter in Portugal: the perfect escape

As we approach the longest night of the year the temperature, just like the remaining leaves on the trees, keeps quietly falling. The sun is becoming a rare sight while the wind whistles around the window frames, reminding us not to venture out without our layers of

The inside guide to the best of Stockholm

Stockholm has long been a popular choice for a European short break. It offers visitors the chance to explore its old historic quarter, admire its many miles of waterways and enjoy the long summer evenings when the sun barely dips below the horizon and it doesn’t get

Celebrating St Lucia Day in Sweden

December 13th is a special day in Sweden. On this day in churches, schools and homes around the country, a young girl parades with ‘light in her hair’ while snacks are shared and greetings exchanged. St Lucia Day is a distinctly Swedish occasion and is a highlight