TURKEY’S third biggest city, Izmir, sees temperatures hovering around 25C well into autumn.

Combining culture and coastline, it is the perfect place to get your fix of sunshine.

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Top that off with fabulous food and you’ve got an epic city break.

WHY SHOULD I VISIT?

OFTEN overlooked in favour of the capital, Istanbul, or other coastal towns such as Bodrum, Marmaris or Kusadasi, Izmir is something of a hidden gem.

It’s the gateway to the pretty Cesme peninsula, which juts out into the Aegean and is dotted with beautiful beaches (try Tekke, a stretch popular with families, near a string of hotels and apartments, or Alaçatı Körfezi, a shallow, protected bay which offers jet skis, banana boats, and windsurfing).

And if you love food, you are in luck. Fish and seafood restaurants line the waterfront, known as the Kordon, while you can taste a variety of snacks in the city’s bustling Kemeralti bazaar.

Most sights are within easy distance from each other, but there’s an efficient public transport system, including bus and underground.

The Bilet 35 ticket can be bought for two, three, five or ten journeys, starting from just nine lira (20p).

STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?

IZMIR’S centre has several must-sees, all within walking distance of each other.

Start by strolling the picturesque Kordon, where you will see ferries regularly crossing the bay, and pass by Konak Pier, which was designed by French architect Gustave Eiffel. Here you will find several retail stores, as well as a handful of bars and restaurants.

Beyond this is Konak Square, known for the distinctive marble and stone Clock Tower in its centre which dates back to 1901.

From here you can lose yourself in the maze of streets that make up the Kemeralti Bazaar.

Stalls sell everything from clothing to fruit and vegetables, and you will find plenty of souvenirs to take home, from glass tea sets to baklava and lokum (Turkish delight).

Don’t miss a swift ride up 56m to the top of the city’s “Asansör” — the word means elevator, and this one, which was first built in 1907, used to be powered by steam, like the one in Lisbon. You will get a fantastic view of the city from the top (free).

ANYTHING FOR BUCKET LIST?

IT’S not in Izmir, but while you’re there, a trip to the ancient site of Ephesus is a must (£33pp, muze.gov.tr).

Less than 90 minutes’ drive away, the old city dates back to 10,000BC, and at various points, was ruled by the Greeks, the Romans, and the Ottomans.

Today you can still see what’s left of its inhabitants’ elaborate houses complete with mosaic floors, temples to gods and goddesses, and even a set of open-air, marble-topped public loos.

Pose for pictures next to the impressive 56ft-high remains of the Library of Celsus. Measuring 2,000 sq ft inside, it was one of the largest libraries in the Greco-Roman world.

You will also want to snap some of the dozens of cats who consider this site their home.

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WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

IF you are just looking for a snack, Kemeralti Bazaar has simple cafes which specialise in cheap and tasty fish sandwiches — a local favourite.

And look out for those selling kumru, a hearty, local sausage, cheese and pepper roll.

You will also find street carts offering midye dolma, cooked mussels stuffed with rice and herbs, and served cold.

For more traditional Turkish food, try affordable Konyali Alsancak for kebabs and lahmacun (Turkish pizza made with mincemeat).

Or for a more romantic setting, Adabeyi on Konak Pier offers the chance to dine on anything from calamari to grilled sea bass as you watch the sun set.

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I FANCY A DRINK

FOR a tipple with a stunning outlook, head to the Skyfire bar and restaurant on the eighth floor of the Renaissance hotel, which offers a panoramic view across the Aegean.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

THE Swissotel Buyuk Efes Izmir is a smart, contemporary hotel close to the waterfront, featuring cool artwork and sculptures dotted around the grounds.

Or the nearby cosy Renaissance Izmir has rooms decorated with vintage, black and white photos of the city.

“IS The King home?” I asked, turning to the ranger who had been strolling the sprawling 50,000-acre grounds alongside us.

Despite being at one of the UK’s most famous castles, I hadn’t expected to cross paths with royalty on this trip.

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As a huge fan of The Crown, I knew a little about royal protocol and the likelihood of me actually ever meeting a member of the Royal Family (very slim).

So when the ranger confirmed that King Charles was in fact home and that we may even spot him strolling round the lush gardens or by the river, it came as a bit of a surprise.

My wife and I were exploring Balmoral Castle, the countryside estate in Scotland’s Aberdeenshire and one of the Royal Family’s most cherished homes.

It was clear from the moment we stepped foot on the majestic grounds with its perfectly manicured lawns and odes to the monarchy everywhere.

His Majesty stays in a cottage, hidden away from prying eyes while he is here, we were told.

Although that doesn’t mean he is not up for a chat with visitors.

In fact, his protection officers often encourage starstruck visitors to stop him for a conversation, the ranger tells us.

Eyes peeled, we took a long meander along the River Dee, and although there was no sighting of the King, we did manage to find a cafe within the castle grounds selling delicious cream teas.

We felt like royalty ourselves, tucking into scones with lashings of jam and sipping on tea while surrounded by pictures of the monarchy.

We even saw one of Prince Harry posing and smiling alongside his brother and other family members — a rather rare sight these days.

When not scoffing scones, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at royal life inside the ballroom where Queen Elizabeth frequently hosted parties for the Balmoral staff, or at the cricket pitch, where Prince Philip spent many an hour practising his bowling technique with a young Prince William and Harry.

Fans of the royals can even pay their respects to the late Queen’s most-loved companions at Balmoral’s pet cemetary.

Make sure you keep track of where you are venturing, though.

It took us two-and-a-half hours of hiking along countryside paths until we eventually found our car.

And that was thanks a Canadian couple we met who showed us a phone app that tells you exactly where you are and how to reach your desired location.

If only we had known.

Luckily, it didn’t take us quite as long to reach our home for the night, the Balmoral Arms in the beautiful Scottish village of Ballater.

The hotel is dripping in tartan and hostelry, with log fires constantly burning and interesting ales on tap.

As appealing as the ales looked, I had instead chosen to sample the local whiskey at The Ghillies Bar, while my wife took advantage of the huge rolltop tub in our room.

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Then it was time to refill our tummies.

The hotel is home to an excellent restaurant, 1852, named after the year Prince Albert purchased Balmoral for Queen Victoria.

We tucked into starters of smoked salmon and Caesar salad, followed by an amazing 10oz ribeye steak which had been dry-aged in a Himalayan salt chamber and was served with chips, charred baby onions and peppercorn sauce.

After all that grub, a stroll around Ballater was first thing on the agenda the following morning.

The village is littered with boutique shops selling handmade scarfs and a butcher’s selling juicy, local sausages — this one even has a royal warrant to supply meat to Balmoral, so you know they must be good.

If you are up for more of a hiking challenge, the hotel can provide maps for a number of walking routes through the rural countryside.

But no matter where you walk, you are pretty much guaranteed epic views in The Scottish Highlands.

Add that to the epic food and the cosy rooms at Balmoral Arms and you’ve got yourself an epic mini-break, fit for royalty.

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ISRAEL has been in conflict with Hamas since it was attacked on October 7, 2023, but now tensions have been raised even higher in the region.

The threat of greater conflict with Iran-backed Hezbollah has cast doubts about whether UK nationals should be travelling to Israel. Here’s everything you need to know.

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Is it safe to fly to Israel right now?

Several flight companies, including easyJet, have stopped flights to Tel Aviv in light of the conflict between Israel and Lebanon. 

“Safety is always our top priority, and we’re contacting customers to advise them of their travel options.”

Ryanair has cancelled flights to Israel until at least October 26 while easyJet has cancelled them until March 2025.

United Airlines has cancelled all flights to Israel until further notice, while American Airlines has cancelled them until at least March 2025.

On September 17 and 18, 2024, thousands of pagers and hundreds of walkie talkies belonging to members of Hezbollah exploded. 

Several sources blamed this on Israel, who sent strikes into Lebanon in the following days. 

As a result of this increased tension, travel against Israel is not considered completely safe. 

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What’s the latest government advice about travelling to Israel?

The UK government has advised travellers against travelling to Israel, due to conflict in the region. 

This includes travel to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, with Hezbollah launching a missile at Tel Aviv on September 25, 2024. 

The missile was intercepted by the IDF. 

Even before this event, the UK Foreign Office has warned against the threat of exchanged rocket fire between the two countries. 

The website currently warns: “Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).”

Do I need to cancel my flight to Israel?

As mentioned, several flight companies have already cancelled flights to Israel. 

If your flights are still planned to go ahead, you should get in touch with your airline or tour operator about your options if you want to cancel your flight.

CYPRUS is a popular holiday destination with Brits looking for an affordable winter sun break.

However, the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has raised concerns due to its proximity to the island.

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Is it safe to travel to Cyprus right now?

The UK Foreign Office has not issued any warnings against traveling to Cyprus. 

However, it has warned that protests can occur quickly and suddenly on the island.

It also does not acknowledge the “the self-declared Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” and has noted that it may be difficult for the UK to offer consular support in the region.

What is currently happening in Cyprus?

Tensions between Lebanon and Israel were intensified when Hezbollah voiced anger at Israel’s response to the October 7 attacks.

The situation worsened on September 17 and 18, 2024, after thousands of pagers and hundreds of walkie-talkies belonging to members of Hezbollah simultaneously exploded. 

Several sources have suggested this attack was perpetrated by Israel.

Since then, Keir Starmer has said UK nationals in Lebanon need to be evacuated to Cyprus in case of further conflict.

Cyprus is home to two UK sovereign base areas named Akrotiri and Dhekelia. 

The island is 293 miles from Israel and 180 miles from Lebanon. 

This makes the island very significant for the UK’s and its allies’ operations in the Mediterranean and in the Middle East. 

On June 19, 2024, the leader of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah said that Cyprus could come under attack if it allowed its airbases to be used against Hezbollah. 

However, Cyprus’s president Nikos Christodoulides has denied Cyprus’ involvement in any conflict and the UK Foreign Office maintains that travelling to Cyprus is safe.

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Should I cancel my holiday to Cyprus?

With no travel warnings currently in place, it is not advised to cancel your stay on the island.

Anyone with a trip booked is unlikely to get a refund for their trip unless the UK government advises against travel.

If you are nervous about your vacation, then you should contact your tour operator instead, as you may be able to move your dates instead.

What do you need to travel to Cyprus?

You can travel to Cyprus without a visa for 90 days. 

However, you must remember your passport that is comfortably in date.

You may also need to be able to produce your ticket and return ticket, as well as proof that you have enough money for your stay. 

A TOWN in the Red Sea Riviera in Egypt has a lot to offer when it comes to a winter break.

El Gouna, also known as ‘Venice of the Red Sea’, is a popular place to head if you want beautiful beaches and water sports to be a part of your holiday.

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Its hot temperatures, cheap flights, and affordable five-star hotels are also reasons why at this time of year it’s a good place to visit.

Temperatures in El Gouna reach over 30C in September and October. And while it cools down during the winter months, you can still expect highs of 24C.

The town has lots of sandy beaches, lagoons and coral reefs, with many of them considered quiet and relaxing.

Zeytuna Beach is one of its quietest beaches, located on its own island just off of El Gouna, with scenic views of the Red Sea.

Many of the hotels offer ferry rides over for guests to enjoy a day there.

For those who like water sports, El Gouna is considered one of the world’s best kitesurfing spots, due to its shallow waters, consistent winds, and year-round sunshine.

The lagoons in particular are ideal for this.

For nature lovers, there are many ways to go wildlife spotting in the town, including bird watching, boat tours and nature walks.

Abydos Lagoon is a mangrove lagoon at the south end of El Gouna where shorebirds feed at low tide and winter gulls can be seen at high tide.

Mangrove Lagoon next to Abydos Marina is a good place to explore on foot, with mangrove and scrubby areas, and gardens.

El Gouna also has lots of highly-rated hotels, including luxury hotels offering affordable stays.

Movenpick Resort & Spa El Gouna is a 5* hotel with a private beach, three outdoor pools, and plenty of activities, with bikes to hire and two outdoor tennis courts.

Prices for a one night stay for two adults start from just £85.

CREEK Hotel & Residences El Gouna is another 5* hotel offering exceptional room rates.

The hotel offers a horizon pool with an infinity view, a lagoon for swimming, a gym, a sauna, and a jacuzzi. Prices start from just £69 a night.

The best way to get to El Gouna is to fly to Hurghada Airport.

During November, December and January, flights to Hurghada from London Gatwick are just £94.64 from easyJet.

From the airport, El Gouna is just over a half an hour drive away.

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