Bristol Cathedral / Heather Cowper

The scale of business grew and grew, until there was a small harbor built. Bristol waters were treacherous and the ships that docked there were subject to huge currents, that often resulted in the timber of the ships getting damaged. Because of this sailors had to reinforce their ships, and it quickly put Bristol on the map for their ship craftsmanship. The harbor is still in use today, and it makes the perfect destination for you to visit and learn more about UK history. One of the most famous ships in the UK- the SS Great Britain, which was the first iron hulled propeller-driven ship to travel over the Atlantic. It’s now rested in Bristol, and you can visit the ship. It’s a very popular tourist attraction within Bristol.

Of course with all the ships and the great harbor that Bristol is home to; it’s no surprise that Bristol was notorious for pirates. The city was home to many a pirate, and today; the streets are still the same! If you’re into history, then you’ll be able to find yourself taking a step back into time with a walk around Bristol.

The famous UK soap casualty was filmed in and around Bristol, so if you’re a fan of the show you’ll be able to set foot in the city where it was filmed, until 2009, when the show hung up its production line. The show was filmed in an old warehouse in the city, and numerous places in and around Bristol!

Bristol is home to many museums, and you can find yourself entertained for days by visiting some of them. In fact, it’s home to the Clifton suspension bridge museum, the Bristol museum and art gallery, and Blaise’s castle house and museum. This is just a selection of the museums you can visit when in the city. There are others that will have you flabbergasted and spoilt for choice!

Of course, like any other city, Bristol is also home to many events, including the recently hosted Olympic flame torch- and the shopping in the city is fantastic. It’s home to many a UK retailer where you can just let your shopping devil let rip, and you can shop until you drop!

And when the day is done, Bristol is home to some of the best hotels. Including, the Doyle hotel in Bristol. Where you’ll be able to kick off your shoes and rejuvenate ready for the next day’s sightseeing and shopping!

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Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a complete novice, the good news is that you can find sailing holidays to suit. Take a look at your options:

For Novices

If you’ve never sailed before then why not learn an exciting new skill while on a Stay and Sail holiday? On Neilson sailing holidays you can take a one week learn to sail course that will allow you to then go on to sail your own yacht (with an equally qualified companion) as part of a Flotilla ‘group sail’ headed up by an experienced instructor.

Aegean, Lycian and Ionian sailing holidays are available, so whether you fancy exploring the waters of Greece or Turkey, you’ll find a Flotilla holiday for you.

Some Experience

If you and your companion have already completed a sailing course and spent several days in charge of a yacht then Flotilla holidays are the ideal choice.

Enjoy setting sail among a fleet of yachts, to add an additional social element to your sail.

Very Experienced

Experienced sailors can opt to go it alone on a Bareboat yachting holiday. Going bareboat means that you’re free to set your own itinerary to sail as you please. It offers maximum freedom and a real feeling of it just being you and the ocean.

Whether you’re ready for the challenge of bareboat sailing, or not quite there yet, you can enjoy the best sailing holiday for your level of experience when you book with activity holiday specialist Neilson.

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Koufonissia form one of the eleven island complexes of Cyclades islands.

The only inhabited island is mountainous Pano (Upper) Koufonisi. According to archaeological findings, the islands were inhabited since prehistoric times. Excavations have revealed significant findings of Cycladic culture. It was a Bronze Age civilization, which developed here in the years around 3000 and 2000 BC.

Later, it was merged with the Minoan civilization. In the historical development Koufonissia followed the way of the whole Cyclades. The islands were first attacked by the Venetians and later by Turks. The residents then joined the pirate rebels and sailors.

Pano (Upper) Koufonisi island covers an area of 5.7 square kilometres. The population of the island did not exceed 400. Their main livelihood is fishing and sheep farming. Buildings on the southwest coast of the island are typical examples of the remarkable architecture of Cyclades.

Kato (Lower) Koufonisi island is smaller one, covering the area of 4.4 square kilometres. There was a village before, but today only a few, especially fishing families stay here. On this island you can find small picturesque Virgin Mary’s church..

Keros island is uninhabited as well and covers an area of 10 square kilometres. The highest point of the island is in 432 metres.

On the islands you can stay in several quality hotels. The most luxurious is the Hotel Koufonissia (just 150 meters from the beach) or Christinas House.

View Koufonisia – the most popular islands in the Aegean Sea Greece in a larger map

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