kuoni travel villas

• Peloponnese
• Amalfi Coast
• The Italian Lakes
• Umbria & Lazio
• Costa Blanca
• Côte d’Azur
• Douro Valley and the North
• Kalkan, Kas and Islamlar

Experience the freedom of a perfect villa holiday

Years' Experience

With over 50 years' experience, we know exactly what it takes to create the perfect villa holiday.

Hand-picked Properties

Selected for their location, quality and facilities, our villas are chosen for a ‘wow’ factor and are regularly visited by our experts.

Personal Service

First-hand knowledge and support, both in the UK and in location.

LUXURY VILLA HOLIDAYS

With over half a century of experience, we know what makes the perfect villa holiday. Located in sought-after destinations across the world, our handpicked properties have been specially selected for their quality and individuality, designed to provide a luxury villa holiday like no other.

Greece (249 Villas)

Italy (204 Villas)

Spain & The Balearics (67 Villas)

France (59 Villas)

Portugal (68 Villas)

Caribbean (63 Villas)

BOOK YOUR 2024 HOLIDAY

Book now for 2024

FIND YOUR PERFECT VILLA HOLIDAY

At CV Villas, we do things your way

Our Sustainable Collection

Discover our new collection

What our clients say

Our Above Collection

FULLY STAFFED VILLAS THAT ARE FAR ABOVE THE ORDINARY

ABOVE is a hand-picked portfolio of the world’s finest and most luxurious, fully-staffed villas in the most stunning locations. Whilst our ABOVE stronghold remains in Greece and particularly Corfu, we also have fabulous ABOVE villas in Marrakech , Spain, Italy, France and the Caribbean.

Summer Sun Offers

Kassiopi & Kelia, Corfu, Greece

• Superb sea views
• Walk to beach and restaurants
• Infinity pool and separate children’s pool

From £972 per week

Villa Guler

Kalkan, Kas and Islamlar, Turkey

• Beautiful views
• Private swimming pool
• All bedrooms en suite

From £995 per week

Paxos, Greece

• Private location
• Walking distance to amenities
• Stunning views

From £903 per week

Puglia, Italy

• Contemporary design
• Splendid beaches nearby

From £1,002 per week

Yialiskari Bay House

Yialiskari, Kalami & Kouloura, Corfu, Greece

• Ideal location close to Kalami and Agni
• Walk to village and beaches - car hire not essential
• Heated infinity pool

From £2,649 per week

Giu Al Trullo

• Very private 'trullo' villa
• Well-equipped outside kitchen
• Easy access to excellent restaurants in Cisternino

From £1,489 per week

Villa Cercis

Lefkada, Greece

• Panoramic views
• Stunning location
• Beautiful pool

From £4,317 per week

Maison Fleur

Bay of Cannes, Côte d’Azur, France

• Breathtaking views
• Peaceful location
• Exquisitely furnished

From £4,010 per week

Brač, Croatia

• Waterside location
• Heated pool, children’s pool and Jacuzzi

From £5,610 per week

Office Hours

Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00

Saturday 10:00-14:00

• 0800 092 4444

Explore destinations

• Indian Ocean
• South East Asia
• Australasia & Pacific
• Central America
• North America

Tailor-made holidays and safaris full of extraordinary experiences and the same personal service you'd expect from Kuoni.

• South Africa

Visit your local store or make an appointment to get face-to-face advice from our friendly team.

We’re here to tailor-make a beach holiday that’s right for you

All inclusive

Our hand-picked all-inclusive holidays include, boutique, family & wellness resorts.

Romantic honeymoon package you’ll remember for the rest of your lives.

Incredible Family holidays from Kuoni, adventures your family will always remember.

City breaks

Our hand-picked luxury city breaks in Europe, Asia, Africa, Middle East and the USA

Romantic retreats and group get-togethers on our adults-only holidays

Safari Holidays

Let us take you on safari in Africa for the best animal viewing on the planet.

LGBTQ+

Romantic retreats or special occasions on our LGBTQ+ holidays

• Multi-centre

Combine different destinations, resorts and tours for a dream multi-centre.

Enjoy the best of both worlds: a luxurious and out-of-the-way villa holiday at a resort

Spa & wellness

Handpicked spa & wellness retreats, pampering or activity holidays all tailormade by Kuoni

Create a tailor-made self-drive itinerary for a trip to immerse yourself in outdoor life.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the view during one of our luxurious train journeys

Dubai: Jewel of the Emirates

Attitude hotels collection.

This portfolio of charming retreats in Mauritius is leading the way in with their collection eco-committed hotels, ranging from adult-only retreats to family-friendly havens.

Around the world with James Bond

Fireworks celebrations around the world

Cultural festivals that you need to be a part of

Where to travel in 2024

The World’s Most Beautiful Sights

The best places in the world to see turtles

Festive get-together holidays

Australia’s Blue Mountains after the bushfires

Speak to one of our experts now about this offer

Call us on - 0800 092 4444

Or drop into your local Kuoni store to find out more

Call us on - 0800 294 9710

Call us on - 0800 294 9728

Bali Holidays

• Tours & Multi-centres
• Things to do
• Travel guide
• Best Time To Visit

A spectacular blend of dramatic natural beauty and charming culture; discover an island paradise on Bali holidays with Kuoni.

A beautiful island within the Indonesian archipelago, Bali enchants with its vibrant character and tropical charm. This 'Island of the Gods' is aptly named – this is a land of stunning natural beauty and friendly people who are proud of their ancient culture, spirituality and traditions. Hinduism is a defining aspect to Balinese culture; elaborate religious ceremonies and spiritual music and dance can often be seen taking place, while the daily offerings of colourful fresh petals that decorate the streets are a wonderfully unique aspect of the island. 

Holidays to Bali offer the chance to explore an incredibly diverse landscape; culture and history combine seamlessly with beautiful beaches, jungle forests, gourmet eateries and luxury spa retreats. Southern Bali is one of the nation’s most popular spots – and for good reason. It’s where you’ll find the excellent beach resorts that the island is known for. But venture inland, amid the lush rice terraces, dramatic valleys and volcanoes, and you’ll discover that artsy Ubud has an atmosphere all of its own.

We know Bali really well. Our Personal Travel Experts have been there, so they can share their first-hand recommendations and honest insight with you. Get in touch and we’ll help make your dream Bali holiday a reality.

Bali Hotels

Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Bali

Sankara Suites & Villas

Green-and-blue views and a treetop infinity pool. Sankara Suites and Villas is ravishingly rural...

Viceroy Bali

A boutique retreat with appealing intimacy and a breathtaking pool hanging over the valley.

The Elysian

Spacious villas each with a private pool, tucked away in tropical gardens in Seminyak’s fashionab...

The Samaya Seminyak

This sumptuous resort with impeccable service is one of Seminyak’s best and is perfect for couple...

The Royal Santrian, Luxury Beach Villas

On the southern shores of Bali, grand but intimate The Royal Santrian is home to 20 ridiculously...

The Lovina Bali

The Lovina is in a plum position overlooking volcanic beach, Bali Sea and paddy fields and is a p...

Alila Seminyak

This sleek beachfront hotel sits at the hip heart of stylish Seminyak.

A stylish hilltop retreat, an award-winning pool and breathtaking rainforest and rice paddy views...

Alila Villas Uluwatu

A world-class wellness retreat offering cliff-hanging seclusion and crystal-clear ocean views.

Puri Santrian

This charming hotel is typically Balinese, with warm hospitality and an exclusive adults-only clu...

The Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali

Superb facilities, renowned Oberoi service and some of the best beachfront views in Bali.

The Samaya Ubud

A peaceful escape of rice paddy and river views, authentic Balinese hospitality and contemporary...

Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali

A cool, coastal, adults-only wellness retreat with an emphasis on mind, body and soul.

Sudamala Resort Sanur, Bali

Sudamala is a peaceful retreat of elegant suites, incredible artwork and an delightful pool.

The Ubud Village Resort & Spa

An intimate hideaway overlooking Ubud’s glorious terraced rice paddies.

Candi Beach Resort & Spa

East coast tranquility overlooking the glistening Indian Ocean.

24-acre gardens are home to the traditionally designed and down-to-earth Melia Bali.

The Pavilions Bali

A hushed escape that’s particularly lovely for couples, yet Sanur town and its beach are on your...

Wapa di Ume Sidemen

Blending beautifully into its surroundings, this hidden gem in East Bali is sympathetically moder...

Holidays in Bali

Green-and-blue views and a treetop infinity pool. Sankara Suites and Villas is ravishingly rural yet only 10 minutes from artsy Ubud.

Spacious villas each with a private pool, tucked away in tropical gardens in Seminyak’s fashionable heart.

This sumptuous resort with impeccable service is one of Seminyak’s best and is perfect for couples.

On the southern shores of Bali, grand but intimate The Royal Santrian is home to 20 ridiculously photogenic all-pool villas.

The Lovina is in a plum position overlooking volcanic beach, Bali Sea and paddy fields and is a perfectly peaceful mix of sheltered coves and calm kayaking.

A stylish hilltop retreat, an award-winning pool and breathtaking rainforest and rice paddy views.

This charming hotel is typically Balinese, with warm hospitality and an exclusive adults-only club area.

You may also like

Lombok & gili islands.

5 ideas for an Indonesia multi-centre holiday

If you love a holiday that’s full of variety, there is no better place than Indonesia. Here are a few suggested itineraries.

Why Bali is the best place for a healthy holiday

If you’re feeling a tired, run-down and can’t kick the food habit, you could sign up to a radical health regime. Alternatively, just book a holiday to Bali.

The best pool villas in Bali

You haven’t truly experienced Bali until you’ve discovered the island’s interior and coast. We’ve picked the best pool villas in Bali to help you explore in style.

Experience the beauty of Bali

This tropical island has a lot more to offer than just beautiful beaches.

• Kuoni recommended
• Rating (High to Low)
• Rating (Low to High)
• Price (High to Low)
• Price (Low to High)
• Show results

Bali Twin Centre

Bali is Indonesia's 'Island of the Gods' and it's aptly named - this is a land of stunning natural beauty and friendly people who are proud of their ancient traditions and spirituality. You'll find the beach resorts that Bali is best known for on its southern shores, but there's so much more to Bali than its coastline. Venture inland, amid the lush rice terraces and dramatic valleys and you can cycle through rice terraces, go temple-hopping and take time out at wellbeing retreats. To really make the most of your stay on the island, we recommend at least 10 days and combining two or three places to stay as you travel around the island. During that time relax on the beach in the south or in the north (the north tends slightly wilder in feel and a bit more off the beaten track). For the more active, an early morning trek to see the sunrise from the top of Mount Batur is not to be missed, but other things to do to give you a sense of the culture of Bali include cooking classes, exploring local temples, shopping for local crafts and sampling local spa treatments that feature at most hotels.

Singapore & Bali

This trip is one of our favourite two-stop holidays. You’ll begin in glittering Singapore, shopping on Orchard Road, taking in the views and post-sundown light show at Gardens by the Bay and sampling some of the best food in the Far East before heading for beautiful Bali for a wellbeing retreat at the all-pool villa The Elysian.

Tranquil Bali twin centre

We always recommend a twin centre holiday in Bali so that you really get to experience the very best of the island. The beautiful interior is not to be missed and a few days here amongst the rural landscapes, paddy fields and the cultural hotstpot that is Ubud is definitely a highlight. There are a few beach destinations to combine with Ubud, but here we've opted to twin with a quieter east coast resort, making this a great combination for a restorative holiday; expect more tranquility away from the crowds.

Seminyak & Ubud, Bali twin centre

We always recommend a twin centre holiday in Bali so that you really get to experience the very best of the island. The beautiful interior is not to be missed and a few days here amongst the rural landscapes, paddy fields and the cultural hotstpot that is Ubud is definitely a highlight. There are a few beach destinations to combine with Ubud, but here we've opted to twin with a west coast resort, making this a great combination for a restorative holiday; expect sleek bars, clubs, restaurants and stunning sunsets.

Ubud & Tanjong Benoa, Bali

Starting your twin centre holiday in Ubud puts you right at the heart of the cultural heart of this beautiful island. Ubud is famed for its arty vibe with a host of coffee shops and galleries showcasing the talents of local artists and craftspeople. Then onto Tanjong Benoa on Bali's southern shores to a an elegant beachside retreat.

Central Bali’s Highlights by Vintage VW Jeep

A vintage 1970s-style VW Jeep tour is one of the coolest ways to explore central Bali. Jump on board this classic icon and travel to your first stop: the 1000-year-old Batuan Temple, which is a village and ancestral temple that’s cared for by the residents of Batuan. Your driver will then continue through local villages to artsy Ubud – the cultural heart of Bali and a hub of traditional crafts and dance. Highlights here include impressive Puri Saren Agung Palace, the arts market and famous monkey forest, where playful brown macaques dart around the ancient trees and ornate statues. A scenic drive through rice fields and sleepy mountain villages then awaits to reach imposing Mount Batur. The view of the volcano, caldera and Lake Batur is breathtakingly beautiful, so make sure you’ve got your camera ready. Next up is a drive down into the crater to the lava fields, where you’ll have time to wander through the unique rock formations. Lunch-with-a-view will be served on the edge of the crater before your journey continues to the tranquil and lesser-visited temple of Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu – a beautiful water temple built on a natural spring and surrounded by lotus ponds and thick forest. The final stop will be Tegallalang, where giant steps have been carved into the landscape to create lush rice terraces.

• Departing daily from South Bali, Seminyak or Central Ubud hotels • Operates year round • Private experience

Good to know We recommend bringing a light jacket or jumper and long trousers as it can get cool in the mountains. A sarong will be provided to allow you to cover up for temple visits.

Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

Watching the sun rise from the top of Bali’s Mount Batur is an unforgettable experience. A very early start awaits as we’ll need to start the climb around 4am to make sure we reach the summit in time for sunrise. Mount Batur is a 1717-metre-high active volcano to the north west of Mount Agung. The climb will take around two hours and we’ll reach the top just as the sun rises for a magical and peaceful moment high above the island. Tuck into a well-earnt breakfast and enjoy time to soak up the panoramic views over the volcanic landscape and mountain peaks and acknowledge your achievement. You’ll then head back down to base camp, where a soothing soak in hot springs will be waiting for you. This sunrise trek would be a fantastic adventure to add on to a honeymoon or beach holiday.

• Departing Monday, Thursday and Friday from South Bali, Seminyak, Ubud, Uluwatu and Candidasa hotels • Operates year round • Group experience

Good to know There are a number of things we recommend bringing for this trip: warm clothes, hiking shoes, long trousers, swimwear, camera and sun block. Your professional tour guide will provide a head lamp, walking sticks, gloves, hiking bag, rain coat and a small water bottle to make the climb much easier. This climb is classified as a medium level of difficulty, so a good level of fitness is required (as a guide, it’s suitable for those that enjoy hill walking).

Western Bali’s Highlights by Vintage VW Jeep

Bali’s colourful VW 181 Safari Jeeps are a classic sight around the island. They also provide a seriously cool way to explore. Jump on board for an adventure around western Bali to see some of the island’s most famous temples and stunning diverse landscapes. Your tour begins with a trip to Bali’s most popular attraction: the ancient sea temple shrine of Pura Tanah Lot, which is perched on a rock formation offshore. A morning visit will hopefully mean you’ll have a more tranquil experience. You’ll then be driven through villages and rice fields up into the mountains to the rainforested slopes of Batukaru volcano, home to impressive Pura Luhur Batukaru, which you’ll explore on a guided tour. A drive through Bali’s most spectacular rice terraces around UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jatiluwih follows, before you arrive at Bedugul, located 1200 meters above sea level. We’ll stop at Beratan Lake to visit beautiful Ulun Danu Temple, which sits in the middle of the lake, and have a buffet lunch in the tropical gardens. On our route back, we’ll head to a colourful local market so you can experience the buzz of local life and then look around a traditional Balinese family compound, which has a distinctive design, for an insightful end to the day.

• Departing daily from South Bali, Seminyak and Central Ubud hotels • Operates year round • Private experience

Good to know We recommend bringing a light jacket or jumper and long trousers as it can get cool in the mountains.

Get to know Bali and those important practicalities when planning your perfect holiday.

GMT +7 hours

Indonesian Rupiah

16¼ hours (not including stopover time)

Muslim (minority Christianity and Hinduism)

Where is Bali? Just one island within the vast Indonesian archipelago (of which there are more than 17,000), Bali’s nearest neighbours are Java to the west and Lombok to the east. Though Bali enjoys consistently high temperatures year-round, the best times to visit are between May and September, when the wet season has finished and days are filled with plenty of sunshine and blue skies.

Bali's beaches Most of Bali’s beach resorts lie on the southern end of the island. Seminyak is a popular upmarket beach resort where you’ll find some gorgeous luxury hotels. The beaches here are relatively quiet, but the area comes alive in the evening, with a great choice of boutiques, high-end bars and beach clubs. Sanur is one of Bali’s original beach resorts, which offers a number of authentic Balinese hotels; this is a more family-friendly area, thanks to its calmer waters and quieter vibe. Purpose-built Nusa Dua boasts exclusive hotels, right in the very south of the island. On the island’s southernmost Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu is known for its towering cliffs and stunning coastal views.

Inland Bali Far removed from Bali’s beaches, artsy Ubud is the cultural heart of the island, and its surrounding areas are often a highlight of a Bali holiday. Dining options here are vast, from market stalls to upmarket restaurants, and there are some excellent Balinese cooking classes on offer. Spas, yoga and meditation are very popular here, and there are lots of galleries, temples and markets to explore. Ubud’s surrounding areas are characterised by a stunning region of rice terraces, tiered into the hillsides – venture north for some of the best views of the rice paddies and valleys.

Diving & snorkelling Bali lies within the Coral Triangle, one of the richest ecosystems on the planet. As a result, the island enjoys incredible coastal waters that offer fantastic diving opportunities and snorkelling experiences that are widely available across most of the island. One of Bali’s most famous diving sites is the USAT Liberty Wreck, found just off the northeast coast near Tulamben Beach. On the east coast of Bali, the Blue Lagoon is a stunning underwater haven; starting almost right at the shoreline, this reef offers fantastic marine life and multiple snorkelling opportunities.

Food & drink If you’re a self-confessed foodie, Bali definitely won’t disappoint. From street food to cafés, to beach clubs and high-end restaurants complete with Michelin-starred chefs, Bali is an exciting and all-round dining destination to visit. Dining on the island can cover a little bit of anything and everything – not only can menus include both classic Indonesian flavours and western specialities, but Bali also enjoys a vibrant health and wellness food scene, and offers a fantastic range for vegetarians and vegans too. 

Sorry, your hotel is no longer available

Please check alternatives.

Choose dates

{{store.searchDuration}} nights, {{formattedDate}}

Enter dates to check availability

{{ guestRollup || 'Enter guests' }}

{{ store.selectedAirport.text }}

{{ store.selectedClass.text }}

{{ store.selectedOccasion.text }}

Choose a departure date

{{store.searchDuration}} nights

Enter rooms & guests

• {{airport.text}}
• {{flightClass.text}}
• {{occasion.text}}

Checking prices & availability

{{term}}, {{formattedDate}} for {{searchDuration}} nights

• All ({{destinations.length + products.length + offers.length + inspiration.length}})
• 0" v-on:click="resultsTab=2" class="swiper-slide" :class="{active: resultsTab==2}">Destinations ({{destinations.length}})
• 0" v-on:click="resultsTab=3" class="swiper-slide" :class="{active: resultsTab==3}">Holidays ({{products.length}})
• 0" v-on:click="resultsTab=4" class="swiper-slide" :class="{active: resultsTab==4}">Offers ({{offers.length}})
• 0" v-on:click="resultsTab=5" class="swiper-slide" :class="{active: resultsTab==5}">Inspiration ({{inspiration.length}})

Destinations See all Destinations

Holidays see all holidays.

{{offer.savingText}}

{{offer.basedOn}}

Offers See all Offers

Inspiration see all inspiration, {{article.title}}.

{{article.description}}

{{availabilityProduct.length}} holidays in {{term}}

You may also like..., talk to an expert today.

Your dream holiday is just a phone call away

Mon to Fri: 9am - 8pm

Saturday: 9am - 6pm

Sunday: 11am - 4pm

Visit your local Kuoni store

In-person, virtual or phone.

Get face-to-face advice from our friendly team

Email enquiry

Tell us what you’re planning and let our experts help you with your holiday

Your travel plans

• China & Japan
• Ecuador & Galapagos
• La Réunion
• Malta & Gozo
• Myanmar (Burma)
• New Zealand
• Philippines
• Portugal, Madeira & The Azores
• South America
• South Korea
• The Grenadines

Tell us who is going with you, what airport you'd like to fly from and any other details we may find useful, such as if it's a special occasion.

Your details

We may need to call you to talk about your holiday plans. If we need to get in touch, when is the best time to give you a call about your holiday?

Kuoni will be sharing travel inspiration, offers and exclusive event invites with you. We take your privacy very seriously and you can unsubscribe at any time. Please read our Privacy Policy .

Your appointment

We're transferring you to our tailor-made specialists

From the multi-award-winning Kuoni

• Responsible Travel
• Competitions
• South Africa
• City Breaks
• Staycations
• Summer Mountains
• Northern Ireland
• Lake District

How to effortlessly plan your next unforgettable multi-gen family holiday

You might be surprised to find out what type of travel Kuoni think is made for multi-generational family holidays right now. According to the experts with over 50 years experience, safaris, beach resorts and big adventures are perfect multi-gen fits. Find out why.

Muti-generational family safari holidays, Kuoni

There’s no question safari holidays are once-in-a-lifetime experiences, so sharing them with all the people you love really is the dream. Although you might have put this adventure on a shelf because the thought of organising it sounds like a lot of work. Fortunately with Kuoni, that’s not work you or anyone else in your family has to do. In fact, organising amazing holidays like this down to the tiniest detail is what Kuoni do best.

See all the latest Kuoni family holiday offers here

Nothing compares to the thrill of seeing wildlife, in the wild

Why Kuoni recommends multi-gen safari holidays

The best multi-gen holidays combine a lot of different experiences, the trick is getting that something-for-everyone combo exactly right. Now if you think a safari sounds too specific for that, Kuoni think otherwise.

For a start, quite a few of their tailor-made safari holidays weave beach time into the mix. Then, because they work closely with many of Africa’s leading camps and lodges, you can choose exactly the type of accommodation which suits your family. And of course, a safari doesn’t just mean 4 x 4 game drives, that’s only one option. You can also think about walking safaris, bird watching safaris, even safaris where you simply relax at base camp, overlooking a waterhole, with binoculars.

Choose your own WOW moments on Kuoni safaris

Wow! moments are a given on safari holidays, but Kuoni pay a lot of attention to getting you ones that will particularly wow your family. That could be a hot air balloon flight at dawn over the Maasai Mara or a bush breakfast with wildlife on the side.

Travelling with teens? Kenya offers visits to anti-poaching units, as well as opportunities to track lions and cheetahs. In South Africa, Kariega Game Reserve runs rhino conservation experiences. And camps like Shamwari, operate guided walking safaris for adventurous kids aged 16 and over. If you’re getting the idea that horizon broadening is a big part of a Kuoni multi-gen holiday, you are so right.

Jeep safari, Maasai Mara, Kenya

Three Kuoni safari holidays we highly recommend

Kenya and South Africa top all dream safari lists, and Kuoni have decades of first hand experience in both. So they may be very popular destinations, but you can expect an extraordinary take on each that only comes from personal knowledge of place and people, as well as understanding the very particular dynamics of a multi-gen family holiday: another benefit of first hand experience.

Save up to £950 on February 2024 family safaris

Sunrise on safari, Sarova, Kenya

Kenya Fly-In Family Safari: Maasai Mara & Watamu Marine National Park

Nowhere delivers spectacle and wildlife quite like the legendary Maasai Mara. Although this incredible family safari also adds the fun of Nairobi to the mix, as well as cultural experiences, and downtime on the beach at Kenya’s Watamu Marine National Park: iconic area for diving and snorkelling.

Take a closer look at Kenya Fly-In Family Safari

Kariega Game Reserve, South Africa

Safari and the City: Cape Town and Kariega Game Reserve family safaris

Easy overnight flights to Cape Town and no jet-lag mean you can make the most of every minute of safari holidays in South Africa.

Malaria-free game reserves, like Kariega in the Eastern Cape, are another big plus for younger kids. And then there’s the fact that this is simply a fascinating country from historic experiences like visiting Robben Island to astonishing sights like Table Mountain and colonies of penguins on Boulders Beach.

Take a closer look at Safari and the City

Machangulo Beach Lodge, Mozambique

Cape Town, Safari and Mozambique Beaches

A classic in every sense this holiday begins in South Africa’s oldest city, Cape Town, then takes you on safari to Kruger National Park: probably the country’s most famous game reserve. And finally, you come to rest at Machangulo Beach Lodge in Mozambique.

Nestled in wild, forested dunes overlooking a magnificently deserted Indian Ocean beach, Machangulo is the perfect castaway experience for adventurous families. But don’t worry, you won’t be totally alone, this part of Mozambique’s coast is known for outstanding dolphin and whale watching.

Although, after your Kruger safari, you might simply want to chill and do nothing more adventurous than laze by the pool. Then Mauritius is the perfect alternative to Mozambique. Famous for luxury resorts, dazzling beaches and colourful towns, it’s also great fun for kids and naturally Kuoni are experts in almost any type of Mauritian holiday you have in mind.

Take a closer look at Cape Town, Safari and Mozambique Beach

Every generation loves family beach holidays

Choose resorts with villas for easy multi-gen holidays

Beach resort holidays are the last word in easy, so they seem like a good choice for a multi-gen family break. Then you come to the part where you’re matching up people with rooms and suites and everything becomes more complicated.

Cutting down on complications is another of Kuoni’s talents and in this case their solution is beautifully elegant: beach resorts which offer family villas as well as suites and interconnecting family rooms.

Save up to £185 on Easter family holidays to Thailand

Swim-up bungalows, Grecotel LUXME White Palace, Crete

Grecotel LUXME White Palace, Rethymnon, Crete

Imagine the dazzling white, sugar-cube architecture of Greek villages elevated with sleek contemporary design, then gently placed on the sheltered north west coast of Crete. That’s the aptly named White Palace aesthetic, and when you dive into the details you find even more cross-generational appeal.

• 12 restaurants, cafés and bars, as well as the unique experience of the resort’s own Agrecofarm.
• Three fully supervised kids clubs entertain younger guests from age four to 13 years and over.
• While kids are off playing, grown ups can indulge in the Hippie Spa, as well as wellness activities and water sports.
• If you want a totally child-free few hours, the resort even has an adults-only beach area.
• A choice of swim-up bungalows and villas with private pools, in addition to a variety of rooms and suites, means there really is something here for everyone on a multi-gen holiday.

Take a closer look at Grecotel LUXME White Palace

Kids learning to dive, Kuramathi, Maldives

Kuramathi Maldives

The Maldives needs no introduction, but what really sets Kuramathi apart is the way it’s so thoughtfully designed with families in mind. Naturally the beaches are spectacular, but so are the water sports and activities to suit all ages from diving, snorkelling and nature walks to family movie night under the stars.

• Take your pick from a wide choice of restaurants, many with stunning Indian Ocean views.
• Children will love the warm, friendly kids club – babysitting services are also available.
• The Spa at Kuramathi is exquisite, surrounded by lush greenery, but with overwater treatment pavilions too.
• Two-bedroom Beach Houses are perfect for larger families.

Take a closer look at Kuramathi Maldives

Hillside Oceanview Pool Villa, Pimalai Resort & Spa

Pimalai Resort & Spa, Koh Lanta, Thailand

One of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Pimalai Resort & Spa feels wonderfully off-the-beaten-track for somewhere so accessible. It’s another great resort for larger families with activities ranging from cooking classes to water sports working the something-for-everyone angle nicely. But the real beauty of this gorgeous Thai hideaway is its selection of spacious family villas.

• A choice of rooms, suites and three bedroom villas.
• Supervised children’s activity programmes for under-12s.
• Classes and activities for older kids and teens.
• Spa treatments for grown-ups and everything from cycling and nature hikes to sports available for families to enjoy together.

Take a closer look at Pimalai Resort & Spa

Something for everyone is the theme on all Kuoni multi-gen family holidays

Kuoni adventures tailor-made for multi-generational holidays

There’s no reason why several generations of the one family can’t go on an incredible adventure together. And if all that’s put you off in the past are the logistics, Kuoni are experts in organising everything from unforgettable experiences and flexible itineraries to unforgettable places to stay.

Save up to 10% on family holidays to Mauritius for February half term

Tea plantation, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka: culture, beaches and incredible wildlife

Sri Lanka can make memories to last a lifetime, with a little careful planning. Kuoni are experts in this mesmerising island country, so you can expect everything from glorious southwest coast beaches to Yala National Park safaris woven into your adventure. This suggested two week itinerary with car and driver is a great place to start.

Four nights at Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa , followed by three nights at Double Tree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort , then two nights at Hide Ella Hotel & Resort , and ending with four nights at Aliya Resort & Spa

Iconic Dubai on the Arabian Gulf

Dubai & Maldives: a surprisingly easy twin-centre adventure

Dazzling Dubai and the paradise-like Maldives might not be the first twin-centre pairing that springs to mind, but they’re amazingly well matched simply because of their differences. Plus, it’s only a five hour flight between the two.

Start with three nights at Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai , then seven nights chilled nights at Kuramathi Maldives.

Agios Nikolaios, Crete

Athens Riviera & Crete: ancient history and island hopping

Athens Riviera is the best of all worlds when it comes to the famously frenetic and fascinating, Greek capital. It’s relaxed and beachy, yet close enough to the world’s most historic city to easily explore everything from the Acropolis to atmospheric Plaka. Then just add Crete, for a well-balanced multi-gen all-rounder.

Begin your urban adventure with four nights at Grecotel Cape Sounio Boutique Resort , then travel to Crete for seven nights at Grecotel Amirandes Boutique Resort

Kuoni voted The Times & Sunday Times Best Luxury Tour Operator 2022

Why families trust Kuoni with their precious holidays

Apart from being a Which? Recommended Provider, and voted The Times & Sunday Times Best Luxury Tour Operator 2022, Kuoni have over 50 years experience . And it’s that expertise and knowledge families trust, particularly for multi-gen holidays.

As one of the few major UK travel companies who still believe in one-to-one service, Kuoni also have 27 physical stores across the country, so if you want to get everyone together to organise your holiday in person, you can. Although even if you prefer to do most of the planning online or by phone, you still have a personal travel expert before, during and after your holiday. And all Kuoni experts are world travellers, so as well as handling the practicalities, they also have first hand insight into your destination.

Of course, Kuoni are always big on getting the details right for your individual family, tailoring your trip exactly to your needs and making sure that everyone in the multi-gen mix is happy. Plus, their dedication to making sure that planning your big holiday feels exciting and fun, is another reason why families like Kuoni. And then, it’s always good to know you’re in safe hands at every level, so all Kuoni holidays are fully ATOL and ABTA protected, just for some extra peace of mind.

Now  visit Kuoni  to speak to a travel expert or find your local  Kuoni store  and book an appointment.

Love to travel with your family.

Get inspiration, tips And holiday competitions straight to your inbox!

Hello traveller!

Latest News

• Product News
• Partner News
• Up For Grabs
• The Secret Agent
• Press Releases
• Partner News Promotion
• Travel Gossip on Whatsapp
• New York State Hub
• USA Boot Camp
• Cruise Directory
• Switzerland Destination Hub
• New South Wales Hub
• Homeworking Directory
• New to Cruise Bootcamp
• Competitions, Offers and Incentives
• Big Agent Rewards
• Travel Gossip Roadshow 2024
• View Events Calendar
• Subscribe to our Events Roundup
• Event Organisers
• Bespoke Events
• For Suppliers
• The Travel Celebration
• About Travel Gossip
• The Travel Gossip Team
• The Travel Celebration 2023
• Summer Party 2021
• Facebook Group

Select Page

Kuoni parent buys Solmar Villas and plans to make it market leader

DER Touristik UK has added travel specialist Solmar Villas to its portfolio and plans to invest in the business to make it the market leader in the UK.

Solmar Villas joins Kuoni and specialist brands Carrier, CV Villas, Kirker, Jules Verne and Journey Latin America in the DER Touristik UK group and staff have been told the new ownership will bring growth and is likely to lead to extra jobs, DER Touristik said.

Julie Blake, who currently owns the villa specialist, which was set up 30 years ago by her parents, John and Maria Tayler, will remain as Managing Director of Solmar and reporting to DER Touristik UK CEO Francis Torrilla.

Julie said: “We have some ambitious plans and, with the support of the group, I am excited to be part of Solmar’s next steps.”

Francis said: “Solmar Villas has seen phenomenal success with a real drive for growth and quality.

“The acquisition enhances and complements our existing portfolio of independently managed businesses enabling us to drive substantial growth in the villa market.   

“It also means we’ve got a broader range of price-points across our specialist brands so we’re relevant to more customers whilst always focusing on value and quality.

“We can bring investment opportunities to continue to grow Solmar Villa into the market leader villa provider and further develop its range and distribution.”

Solmar’s current programme has over 1,600 private villas with pools in Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, France, Turkey, Italy, Croatia, and the US – 1,000 of which are exclusive.

The specialist is a strong supporter of travel agents and has key partnerships including Jet2 holidays, British Airways and Hays Travel.

As part of the business growth plan, Solmar Villas will be available to book through Kuoni’s 27 UK stores.

Share this article

CAA voices summer booking concern as it reveals UK’s biggest ATOL holders

Jet2holidays remains the UK’s biggest package holiday company, with a licence to carry almost one...

Video: Agent writes unique song about US fam trip, using AI 

Travel agent Ashely Quint of Hertfordshire-based Travel Time World wrote an original song about a...

Phil Gardner to leave Ambassador Cruise Line

Ambassador Cruise Line Chief Commercial Officer Phil Gardner is to leave the company, two years...

TUI adds more than 300k extra seats for summer 2025

TUI has added 345,000 seats to its summer 2025 programme, bringing the total number from UK...

American Cruise Lines acquires American Queen ships

American Cruise Lines (ACL) has agreed to buy four river ships from American Queen Voyages (AQV),...

View all news

Advertising

New to TTG?

Kuoni parent snaps up family-run villa specialist solmar.

Kuoni parent Der Touristik UK has acquired family-run villa specialist Solmar with a view to making the firm’s portfolio of 1,600-plus villas available for its high street stores to sell – and a vow to turn Solmar into the UK market leader.

The 30-year-old villa specialist will join brands such as Kuoni, Carrier, CV Villas, Kirker, Jules Verne and Journey Latin America within the Der Touristik UK group.

Owner Julie Blake, daughter of Solmar’s founders John and Maria Tayler, will remain in her position as managing director of the brand, reporting into Der Touristik UK chief executive Francis Torrilla.

Torrilla pledged to protect Solmar’s values, which he said had made it “so successful”, as well as invest in the specialist “with the ambition to grow it into the largest villa operator out of the UK”.

Staff at both Solmar and Der Touristik UK have been told the new ownership will bring growth and “extra jobs”.

Der Touristik UK plans to make Solmar Villas product available to book through all 27 of Kuoni’s UK stores. It will also continue working with the UK travel trade, a Der Touristik spokesperson confirmed to TTG .

Solmar has more than 1,600 private villas in its property portfolio, around 1,000 of which are exclusive. The portfolio includes villas in Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, France, Turkey, Italy, Croatia and the US.

“Solmar Villas has seen phenomenal success with a real drive for growth and quality," said Torrilla. “The acquisition enhances and complements our existing portfolio of independently managed businesses, enabling us to drive substantial growth in the villa market.”

He added the acquisition meant that the group would in future have “a broader range of price points across our specialist brands”, making them “relevant to more customers”.

“We can bring investment opportunities to continue to grow Solmar Villa into the market leader villa provider and further develop its range and distribution,” he said. 

UK's largest OTA adds more than one million seats to its Atol

Why sri lanka is the next big safari destination agents need to know about, south african airways ‘here to stay’, troubled carrier's boss insists, tui expands summer 2025 programme to more than 10 million seats, your clients don't need to be on honeymoon to love fiji, phil gardner to leave ambassador cruise line after two years, harry kemble.

Read TTG April 2024

Editor's pick.

Jet2 confirms resort flight check-in, flight deck and cabin crew redundancies

Classic collection to be consolidated into ‘single’ b2b sales brand, travel's drinking problem and why it should normalise moderation, dame irene hays: 'a second peaks we're aiming for a high plateau', travelcorp midlands branches join new consortium, government concedes airports not ready to end liquid rule this summer, virgin atlantic 'on track' for 2024 profit despite another year of losses, sign up for weekday travel news and analysis straight to your inbox, recommended for you.

See more from the rails with Rocky Mountaineer April offer

Hyatt Vivid Grand Island is now open

Intrepid Travel to launch female-only tours of Saudi Arabia

Competitions

Win a £50 or £250 Amazon voucher with Hawaiʻi Tourism Europe

Join us on the TTG Luxury Journey to the Maldives

Win a three-night escape to Corfu with Mar-Bella Collection

Win one of 10 bottles of The Jersey Cow vodka with Visit Jersey

Our next events.

TTG Top 50 Travel Agencies 2024

Fairer Travel Month 2024 by TTG

The Travel Industry Awards 2024 by TTG

Solmar Villas acquired by Kuoni parent Der Touristik

• Share on WhatsApp
• Share by email

Solmar Villas has been acquired by Kuoni parent Der Touristik UK as it looks to expand its portfolio of specialist businesses.

The family-run business, founded almost 30 years ago by John and Maria Tayler, joins Der Touristik UK’s range of specialist brands. As well as Kuoni, these include Carrier, CV Villas, Kirker, Jules Verne and Journey Latin America, its last acquisition.

As a result of the deal the operator will be sold through Kuoni’s 27 stores, and will continue to work with independent travel agencies nationwide.

Der Touristik said it aimed to turn Solmar Villas into the market leader in the villas market and called the acquisition “a good fit” for its business, sitting well alongside its existing upmarket villa specialist CV Villas, which is particularly strong in Greece.

Solmar’s product has a broader range of price points and is strong in western Mediterranean destinations such as Spain and Portugal. The businesses will be run separately.

In total, Solmar has more than 1,600 private villas with pools, 1,000 of which are exclusive, in destinations including Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, France, Turkey, Italy, Croatia, and the US.

Der Touristik UK chief executive Francis Torrilla said: “Solmar Villas has seen phenomenal success with a real drive for growth and quality.

“The acquisition enhances and complements our existing portfolio of independently managed businesses enabling us to drive substantial growth in the villa market.

“It also means we’ve got a broader range of price-points across our specialist brands so we’re relevant to more customers whilst always focusing on value and quality. We can bring investment opportunities to continue to grow Solmar Villas into the market leader villa provider and further develop its range and distribution.”

Solmar is already a strong supporter of travel agents and has partnerships in the trade with Jet2Holidays, British Airways and Hays Travel.

Julie Blake, the current owner and daughter of John and Maria Tayler, will remain managing director and report into Torrilla at Der Touristik.

The business will stay at its current Burton-upon-Trent location and staff have been told there are plans to grow the company, and expand its workforce.

Torrilla added: “I am delighted Solmar has agreed to join our collection of independent businesses.

“We have a positive message to share with our staff, suppliers, travel agents and customers in that we will protect the business ethos and values which have made it so successful and also invest in Solmar with the ambition to grow it into the largest villa operator out of the UK.

“I look forward to working with Julie as we expand the business and grow our offering in both the UK and overseas.”

Blake said: “The success of Solmar Villas has been driven by a team with a united aim of providing high quality villas combined with excellent customer service.

“Our strength is the relationships we have with our villa owners, suppliers, employees and clients and this will continue to be the driving motivation behind us.

“I am very proud of the business my family started and I’m equally thrilled to work with Francis and the wider team at Der Touristik to drive awareness and growth of this amazing brand. We have some ambitious plans and, with the support of the group, I am excited to be part of Solmar’s next steps.”

Der Touristik said it continued to be open to further acquisitions if the opportunity was right.

Share article

View comments, norse atlantic confirms new gatwick-las vegas route, ex-royal caribbean sales director joins royal mail, heathrow operations chief leaving to head royal mail, wetravel joins atas as touring and adventure are ‘exciting opportunity’, jacobs media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 queen's award for enterprise..

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more .

• Online Buchen
• Themenwelten
• Reiseberichte
• Reiseperlen
• Jobs & Karriere
• Newsletter & Kataloge
• Geschenkgutscheine

Luxusvillen auf Korfu

Korfu ist die Smaragdinsel Griechenlands. Sie ist mühelos cool und charmant, und ihre reiche Geschichte und hübsche Küste ziehen Sie sofort in ihren Bann. Ob es nun der Flair, die Sonne oder das vorzügliche Essen ist, Ferien in einer Villa auf Korfu sind verführerisch wie aus dem Bilderbuch; Olivenbäume säumen die geheimen Sandstrände, und winzige Dörfer bieten Tradition und einen unnachahmlichen lokalen Charme.

Beratungstermin

Ihr Reisetraum – unsere schönste Herausforderung. Gerne beraten wir Sie flexibel:

Unsere Villen

Kalamaki, Perithia & Agios Ioannis, Corfu, Greece

Acacia House

Perched on a coastal hillside overlooking Kalamaki Bay, this luxury villa in Corfu is privately secluded in large landscaped gardens, with brilliant sea views from every room and from furnished terrace

Kassiopi & Kelia, Corfu, Greece

Set right beside the rocky shoreline, with spacious terraces to enjoy the sumptuous views, this family villa in Corfu is an easy walk from a choice of beaches and Kassiopi’s shops and cafés.

Kerasia, Corfu, Greece

At this strikingly lovely family villa in Corfu, every room opens on to outdoor space and enjoys the breathtaking views of the bay. Its unfailing popularity with CV Villas guests comes as no surprise.

Avlaki and Coyevinas, Corfu, Greece

The views from the exceptional 40 m swimming pool are breathtaking, the design and décor of the house are exquisite, and the seafront setting of this sumptuous luxury villa is unrivalled.

Angela Kasomitria

One of just six apartments in a very pretty building, this family apartment in Corfu offers budget-conscious comfort, in a sociable setting, within easy walking distance of Kerasia beach.

St Stephano, Corfu, Greece

Looking out from the impressive infinity pool, beautiful Angeliki offers breath-taking views over the trees towards St Stephano and is just a short walk from the village.

At this large and luxurious villa in Corfu, the views from the exceptional swimming pool are breathtaking, leisure facilities are outstanding, and standards of comfort are consistently high.

A stunning five bedroom property on Corfu’s glamorous northeast coast, Antheia is an enchanting addition to our ABOVE portfolio.

This modern stone villa has an impressive infinity pool and all the mod cons, ensuring that everybody gets to relax.

Apraos Beach House

Aptly named Apraos Beach House offers direct access to the white sands of Kalamaki, a huge swimming pool with an over-water daybed and a private cook and concierge.

Just a short walk away from a beautiful beach, Villa Artemis is a lovely family property in the heart of north east Corfu.

Atolikos House

With its beautiful infinity pool raised just above the sea, this luxury villa in Corfu has huge sunny terraces overlooking the water. Peaceful, private, close to Kassiopi’s attractions.

Bolovinos House

A three-bedroom property with a lovely outdoor pool, perched in a fantastic position overlooking the bay of St Stephano.

Ideally located just a short stroll away from Kassiopi, Callista is a remarkable waterfront villa with unrivalled sea views.

Conveniently located near the bustling seaside village of Kassiopi and a pretty pebble beach, this villa offers everything you could need, including concierge and cook service, for a luxurious stay.

Cepheus House

An ultra-luxurious villa, on a blissful wooded headland, this is a chic and unique house, perfect for special gatherings. The views from the exceptional swimming pool are serene and sublime.

Nissaki, Barbati, Gouvia, Kommeno & Corfu Town, Corfu, Greece

Corfu Imperial - Dream Villa Beachfront

The clue is in the name. This dreamy beachfront villa has direct access to the sandy Kommeno beach and Ionian sea.

Corfu Imperial - Palazzo Imperial

Situated on the tip of Kommeno’s peninsula, this exceptional waterfront villa has outstanding sea views and bounds of privacy.

Costaki Kasomitria

With fabulous views of the sea and mainland mountains from its top floor balcony, this is a romantic retreat for two, enjoying the pool and gardens of the pretty Kasomitria building.

Right on the seafront, this is a simple, unpretentious family villa in Corfu in a simply unbeatable location in St Stephano.

Edinas House

Edinas House is a breathtaking villa in Corfu near Kassiopi, boasting a large pool, breakfast service, concierge and stunning sea views.

A very pretty house with a private infinity pool, this family villa in Corfu is perfectly positioned for village facilities, just a flight of steps from the waterfront of scenic St Stephano.

With glorious views of the hills and the harbour below, this is a modern and stylish luxury villa in Corfu, well placed for several beaches and bays, and including cook service for effortless leisure.

A little gem and a rare find indeed, this is a lovely villa in the heart of Corfu’s unspoilt north east coast, providing peace and privacy just for two, along with its private pool.

Nestled high in the hillside overlooking Kalamaki beach, Eos offers unparalleled sea views, enchanting interiors and superb concierge service.

With fabulous views over the harbour from every room, this comfortable family villa in Corfu is attractive, well-equipped and within walking distance of St Stephano waterfront.

A lovely villa in the heart of Corfu’s scenic St Stephano headland, this is a family house in a fabulous position, with broad verandas perfectly poised for leisurely yacht-watching.

Elegantly poised in a prime position above a sandy beach, Gaia delights guests with outstanding sea views from its remarkable infinity pool.

In a wonderful waterside setting, with a pool that feels like the prow of a ship, and rock bathing to the left, this is an unpretentious family villa in Corfu, an easy walk from a choice of beaches.

Simply styled, well equipped, and embracing the indoor/outdoor lifestyle of the Med, this is a welcoming family villa, privately positioned on the hillside but within easy reach of the village.

Giorgos Kasomitria

Overlooking the swimming pool in the popular little Kasomitria complex, this family apartment in Corfu is a comfortable and very affordable choice, an easy walk from Kerasia beach.

Kaminaki & Agni, Corfu, Greece

Modern and stylish Harmonia is a wonderful villa in Corfu, boasting a large infinity pool, excellent outdoor living areas and incredible sea views.

A short walk from St Stephano’s picturesque harbour, this is a very pretty family villa in Corfu which will accommodate four in comfort but would make an indulgent romantic retreat for two.

A very contemporary luxury villa in Corfu, Helidoni is quietly secluded on a seafront hillside, with mesmerising coastal views from the swimming pool, bedrooms and stylishly furnished terraces.

A very short walk from a pretty pebble beach and the perfect size for a family get together or group of friends, Indiana is stylishly designed with beautiful living spaces both inside and out.

Ionian Seaview

Ionian Seaview is a contemporary villa, perfect for guests looking to escape and relish in the sun and sea on a romantic holiday.

Ionian Seaview II

This picturesque villa is perfect for a small family or friends looking to seek a memorable holiday experience in the Greek island of Corfu.

Ionian Seaview III

Situated on the beautiful Ionian coast, this contemporary villa and resort provides everything guests need for the perfect relaxing retreat.

Ionian Seaview IV

Based in the Angsana resort with impeccable views over the Ionian sea, this contemporary yet traditional Corfu villa offers lavish living inside and out.

With mesmerising sea views from its picturesque pool, Irida is ideally located within easy reach of nearby St Stephano.

Jacaranda House

One of five stylish houses sharing a private and peaceful estate, this luxury villa in Corfu offers splendid sea views and easy access to a cluster of popular resorts.

With stunning sea views and spacious interiors, this is a lovely villa in the heart of Corfu’s north east coast. Ideal for families, Jasmine is 1km from a sandy beach and close to up-tempo Kassiopi.

Kalamaki Bay Estate

Kalamaki Bay Estate is the perfect location for a large group getaway in Corfu, featuring three stunning villas designed with infinity pools, wonderful interiors and outstanding sea views.

Kalamaki Bay House

With matchless views from the pool, this magnificent, very spacious villa marries traditional elegance with modern luxury, and adds superb service to a secluded setting.

In a privileged position on Corfu’s iconic northeast coast, Kalliopi enjoys uninterrupted sea views, contemporary interiors and an infinity pool.

Kalokairi Beach House

Set within easy walking distance of sandy Kalamaki Beach, Kalokairi Beach House is a superb coastal property for a group of friends or a family gathering.

Peacefully located only a short walk from St Stephano's picturesque harbour, Villa Kambos is ideal for families.

Kaminaki House

Set in flower-filled seafront gardens, this is a wonderfully comfortable family villa in Corfu’s unspoilt resort of Kaminaki. Its tranquil setting is just five minutes on foot from the beach.

A charming house in an enchantingly tranquil setting, this family villa in Corfu is perfectly poised in gardens with direct access to a beach. It's innately welcoming and wonderfully relaxing.

An idyllic little enclave, with inspiring views of surrounding hills, coastal bays and Albania’s mountains, this is a very contemporary luxury villa in Corfu, where tranquillity is almost tangible.

Kerasia Sunrise

Located close to a lovely beach and wonderful restaurants, Kerasia Sunrise is a spacious and bright family villa in Corfu.

Kingfisher Point

A scenic headland is the setting for this luxury villa in Corfu. The accommodation is spacious and chic, the service is superb, and the views from the exceptional swimming pools are spectacular.

Kokkokilas & Kokkini, Corfu, Greece

Perfectly proportioned as a family villa for four, but a wonderfully romantic retreat if chosen just for two, this peacefully positioned cottage has oodles of character and oozes charm.

Krouzeri Beach Apartments

A blissful spot for beach-lovers, these modern apartments in Corfu are perfectly proportioned just for two, with the water’s edge on their doorstep and restaurants a short stroll away.

Nestled in mature gardens, this is a spacious family villa in Corfu, with an inviting infinity pool and hypnotic views. Ideally, its quiet setting is also within walking distance of up-tempo Kassiopi.

Loutses House

A spacious place for four, this villa in Corfu is a firm favourite. Attractively furnished, 5km from a sandy beach and walking distance to a taverna, it boasts sunset sea views from the heated pool.

A stylish, sophisticated and highly luxurious villa in an enviable location perched above the sea on Corfu’s sought-after north east coast.

A rather romantic retreat for two, this is a traditional Corfiot villa, in timelessly tranquil and colourful gardens, with the contemporary addition of a private swimming pool.

Melina Bay Hotel

A lovely hotel at the heart of Kassiopi’s harbour, Melina Bay makes a stylishly modern statement, against a backdrop of the medieval castle. An excellent choice for couples, it is family friendly too.

Melyssia House

With fabulous views from the exceptional swimming pool, this luxurious villa is arty and airy, cool and contemporary, and a fabulous choice for families or groups of friends.

A popular little family villa in Corfu, set in gardens of lawns and trees, this unpretentious and pretty house is a short stroll from the beach and tavernas, and close to a choice of resorts.

A beautiful contemporary villa, Moira is a great choice for families or couples, close to Kassiopi with stunning sea views over olive groves from its charming terraces and wonderful infinity pool.

Yialiskari, Kalami & Kouloura, Corfu, Greece

Well planned for excellent indoor/outdoor living, and well placed for walking to Agni, Kalami and Yialiskari beach, this is a lovely villa in the heart of Corfu’s cluster of north-eastern villages.

A handsome house in a gorgeous garden, looking out over leafy slopes to the sea, this family villa in Corfu offers easy access to a range of resorts, and easy living with inclusive cook service.

An imposing house with a big swimming pool and beautiful views from its furnished terraces, this is a lovely villa in the heart of Corfu’s northeast coast ribbon of family resorts.

Nero Beach House

Nero Beach House is a superb beachfront property, ideal for families and groups and just a short walk from sandy Kalamaki Beach.

Oozing charm, character and modern Corfiot style, this beautifully decorated three-bed villa drinks in the sea views on the northeastern coast close to Agni's beach and popular tavernas.

With steps straight down from the poolside to the white pebble beach of Krouzeri, this is a very contemporary luxury villa in Corfu, particularly well planned for friends or extended families.

Olive Tree House

Perfectly poised to admire endless sea vistas, Olive Tree House is an exquisite addition to our ABOVE portfolio on Corfu’s charming north east coast.

With spacious interiors, majestic sea views, and terraces furnished for outdoor living, this family villa in Corfu is a little enclave of calm relaxation, just moments from the water’s edge.

A superb house in a stunning setting directly above the sea, this luxury villa in Corfu is cleverly designed to combine very contemporary comfort with enchanting island character.

Ormos Beach House

In an envious setting at the edge of Kalamaki beach, Ormos Beach House is a spacious house with large lawned gardens, spacious interiors and direct access to the beach.

Ornella House

With blissfully serene views over Avlaki Bay from the house and its lovely terraces, this luxury villa in Corfu offers comfort and style, peace and privacy, all within walking distance of the beach.

With matchless sea views from its beautiful beachfront setting, Pebble Bay is an impeccably designed villa for up to 12 guests sharing, complete with chef, concierge and private jetty.

Gazing out to sea from a gorgeous pool deck and sunny balconies, this is a cool and contemporary luxury villa in Corfu, positioned directly above a beach and an easy stroll from tavernas.

Peristera House

With breathtaking views over the Ionian Sea from its stunning infinity pool, Peristera House blends traditional and contemporary luxury offering friends and families the ideal holiday experience.

A striking house with a pool, Jacuzzi and beautiful views, this is a lovely villa in the heart of Corfu’s cluster of north-eastern villages, and just 300m from the picturesque harbour of St Stephano.

Perfectly located in St Stephano, Pythaia is a very pretty villa with beautiful sea views, stylish interiors and excellent outdoor living.

San Stephanos House

Perched on the hillside overlooking the sea, San Stephanos is a fabulously located property in the centre of St Stephano.

A fabulous choice for a family gathering or a group of friends, this villa in Corfu has a big and beautiful pool, and combines a sense of seclusion with easy access to various villages.

Seashore House

A perfectly designed and well-appointed villa, Seashore House has concierge service, a private jetty, and direct beach access at the bottom of the garden.

Perfectly poised with extraordinary ocean views, Seraphina is a beautifully furnished luxury villa with two pools and wonderful outdoor living spaces.

Sophia Lower

Perfectly positioned and always popular, at this family villa in Corfu, a pergola-shaded pathway leads to the garden gate, which opens straight on to Kerasia’s gleaming pebble beach.

Sophia Upper

With a beachfront setting that would be hard to beat, this family villa in Corfu has a garden gate directly on to Kerasia’s pebble shore, and is within walking distance of St Stephano harbour too.

Sophula Kasomitria

Looking over the swimming pool, with tantalising views of the bay glimpsed between the trees, this family apartment in Corfu forms part of the friendly and well-positioned Kasomitria villa.

Spiros Kasomitria

Compact, comfortable and attractively priced, this cheerful apartment, just for two, enjoys communal facilities in Kasomitria’s grounds, and is just a ten minute walk from Kerasia beach.

With stunning views from its large infinity pool, this family friendly villa in Corfu is located in an idyllic setting for those looking to get away from it all.

St George's House

Perfectly private and peaceful, this beautiful family house in Corfu is charming and comfortable, with spacious outdoor living and stunning sea views.

Surrounded by a natural screen of silvered olive trees, and gazing down to St Stephano harbour, a short stroll away, this family villa in Corfu is cool, calm, comfortable and convenient.

With superb sea views and a large pool, Strongilo offers peace and privacy in the heart of Corfu.

The perfect property for a couple or a small family, Telia Thea offers impressive sea views from its elevated location in Vigla.

In an absolutely idyllic spot on the island’s north-eastern coast, this family villa in Corfu is set just above a sleepy cove, enjoying exceptional views from the swimming pool terrace and balconies.

To Perivoli House

A super choice for a group of friends or extended family, this luxury villa in Corfu has direct access to a beach, and makes the most of a Med summer with excellent outdoor living.

Trelli Rodia

With stunning sea views from the swimming pool terrace, and its own tennis court, this luxury villa in Corfu exudes a sense of seclusion, though close to popular Kassiopi.

In a wonderful waterside setting, an easy amble from St Stephano’s shops and restaurants, this family villa in Corfu has direct access to a little beach, and a great layout for a group of friends.

Upper Mantin

The highlight of this striking luxury villa is the swimming pool, one of the most impressive we’ve seen, from which you can admire the fabulous views.

Villa Abelia

This 6-person villa is a fabulous option for a family on Corfu - there's a private pool, it's in walking distance to the town and has three separate bedrooms with indulgent en suites.

Villa Bliss

This beautiful contemporary villa is set in an enviable position with stunning sea views from all en-suite bedrooms, terraces and balconies. Villa Bliss overlooks Kouloura, Kalami and Agni bays, with Kalami, Kouloura and St Stephano just a short drive away.

Villa Cassia

A wonderful choice for families or a group of friends, Villa Cassia provides a perfectly relaxing holiday within strolling distance of the vibrant bay of Kassiopi.

Villa Doria

Beautifully appointed Doria overlooks a blanket of lush greenery that leads to a breathtaking seascape; guests will fall in love with its inviting infinity pool and hard to beat location.

In a prime position on the northeast coast of the island, this is a calm and spacious luxury villa in Corfu; peaceful, private, and with sublime sea views from its exceptional swimming pool and a path down to the beach and the private jetty.

Villa Felicia

With distinctive décor, delightful gardens and an impressive infinity pool, Villa Felicia has a rather grown-up style, a romantic rural setting, and beautiful views down to the bay.

With a large private pool, spacious interiors and excellent al fresco living spaces, Villa Ioni is the perfect venue for a sunkissed escape in Corfu.

Villa Kyvos

In the perfect spot between St Stephano and Kerasia, Villa Kyvos enjoys stunning sea views, cool contemporary interiors and a panoramic roof terrace, ideal for entertaining with family and friends.

Part of our luxurious ABOVE collection, Villa Lana is breathtaking inside and out, complete with its own freshwater infinity pool and Jacuzzi pavilion.

With breathtaking views from the exceptional swimming pool terrace, and spacious interiors, stylishly designed, this luxury villa in Corfu is peacefully positioned, yet close to Kassiopi.

Villa Levante

Wonderfully private, with excellent views across the lush Corfu hills, Villa Levante is a bright and spacious property located near Avlaki.

Villa Melina

This stunning contemporary villa is supremely comfortable and perfect for al fresco living with stunning sea views from the pool terrace, all just a walk from St Stephano seafront.

Villa Meraki

This beautiful contemporary villa, positioned a stone’s throw from lovely St Stephano harbour is wonderfully spacious for a family or group of friends.

With beautiful views to the sea and bounds of space indoors and outdoors, Villa Nisi is a stunning villa close to vibrant Kassiopi.

Villa Pashalia

Ideally positioned between Avlaki and Coyevinas beach, this stunning ABOVE villa is ideal for families, beautifully designed with a private pool.

Villa Petalouda

Villa Petalouda is a beautiful, spacious property in Corfu boasting phenomenal views to the sea and across to Albania. This villa features an incredible 25m lap pool in addition to its lovely main pool.

A beautifully designed villa with far reaching views across the sea to the mountains of Albania, Villa Rodi is a fantastic property in a superb location close to St Stephano.

Villa Selena

The views from the exceptional swimming pool terrace take the gaze down the valley to the bay, while the very stylish interiors make this luxury villa in Corfu rather special in itself.

Villa Sotiris

A traditional family house with sublime sea views, Villa Sotiris is ideally located just a 10 minute walk away from the delights of St Stephano.

Villa Soukia

With enchanting sea views and an idyllic infinity pool, Villa Soukia ticks all the boxes for the perfect Greek island getaway including an exceptional level of service.

Villa Sterna

Stunning sea views, excellent al fresco dining spaces and a magnificent infinity pool are just a few of the highlights at Villa Sterna, a beautiful property near the coast of Corfu.

Villa Vinita

Privately positioned, stylishly sophisticated and equally appealing for families or groups of friends, this luxury villa in Corfu offers that blissful Mediterranean blend of coast and country living.

Villa Zacharenia

Located near to lovely beaches and tavernas, Villa Zacharenia is a characterful family villa with stunning views over Corfu.

Villa Zografia

Superbly positioned just above the water of beautiful Soukia Bay, this luxury villa in Corfu is chic, stylish and very spacious, with extensive outdoor living space enhanced by wonderful views.

Gazing out across the ocean and close to St Stephano and Kassiopi, Yaneleni is a contemporary property, furnished to an excellent standard, with outstanding sea views and abundant outside space.

Yannaki Kasomitria

With a lovely hillside location providing perfect panoramas of the bay, and a cool pool surrounded by colourful gardens, this comfortable little apartment has all the essential holiday ingredients.

Yialiskari Bay House

With blissful views from the infinity pool and a much sought-after location close to Kalami, this family villa in Corfu has a scenic setting and the best of recommendations, many guests returning each year.

Yialiskari House

A simply charming house in a superbly scenic setting, this villa in Corfu is a fine combination of island character and contemporary design.

• Travel News
• Cruise News
• Business Travel News
• Movers & Shakers
• Industry Jobs
• Competitions
• ITTN Photographer of the Year
• ITTN Awards 2023
• The Travel Directory
• Marketing Opportunities
• Privacy Policy
• Travel2Ireland
• Travel Times

Kuoni Parent Acquires Solmar Villas

The parent company of Kuoni Travel – Der Touristik UK – has acquired independently-owned UK sun property company Solmar Villas, which operates holiday properties in the US and across the Mediterranean including Portugal, Spain, Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, France, Italy and Croatia.

In all, the company owns 1,600 private villas for rent.

Der Touristik is buying Solmar to enhance its standing in the villa rental market, particularly in the UK where Solmar has existing relationships with the likes of British Airways, Hays Travel and Jet2Holidays.

Solmar Villas was, until last year, successfully represented in Ireland by ASM Ireland.

As well as Solmar and Kuoni, Der Touristik owns the Jules Verne, Kirker, CV Villas, Carrier and Journey Latin America brands.

• Solmar Villas

RELATED ARTICLES

Celebrity cruises launches spring sale ahead of ‘celebrity ascent’ european debut, watch back: ittn exclusive webinar with ras al khaimah, belfast-tenerife route included in easyjet winter 2024/’25 seat sale, utah tourism brings ‘little hollywood’ to ranelagh.

Gatwick Airport Exploring Hydrogen Eco-System to Further Reduce Emissions from Flights

• ITTN: Ireland’s Travel Trade Network

© ITTN.ie

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Passage to Siberia: Exploring historic Tyumen

Tyumen. View up the Tura River. From left: Church of the Elevation of the Cross, School of Commerce, Trinity Monastery with Church of Sts. Peter and Paul and Trinity Cathedral. September 4, 1999

At the beginning of the 20th century, Russian chemist and photographer Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky developed a complex process for vivid color photography. His vision of photography as a form of education and enlightenment was demonstrated with special clarity through his images of architectural monuments in the historic sites throughout the Russian heartland.

Tyumen. View up the Tura River. From left: Annunciation Cathedral (demolished); Church of Elevation of the Cross; Church of the Ascension & St. George; Trinity Monastery. Summer 1912

In June 1912, Prokudin-Gorsky ventured into western Siberia as part of a commission to document the Kama-Tobolsk Waterway, a link between the European and Asian sides of the Ural Mountains. The town of Tyumen served as his launching point for the journey north to Tobolsk, on the Irtysh River.

Cathedral of Icon of Virgin of the Sign, south view. August 29, 1999

During his journey, Prokudin-Gorsky took several extraordinarily valuable photographs of both Tyumen and Tobolsk . My photographs of Tyumen and Tobolsk were taken in the late Summer of 1999.

Humble beginnings

Cathedral of Icon of Virgin of the Sign, southwest view. August 29, 1999

Considered the earliest permanent Russian settlement in Siberia, Tyumen was founded in 1586 on the site of a Tatar encampment at the confluence of the Tura and Tiumenka Rivers. The initiative for its creation came from Boris Godunov, the power behind the throne of Tsar Fedor (son of Ivan the Terrible) and, eventually, to become tsar himself in 1598. 

Cathedral of Icon of Virgin of the Sign, south facade. August 29, 1999

Godunov was closely allied with the Stroganovs, who from their commercial center at the northern town of Solvychegodsk had sent a detachment of Cossacks commanded by a certain Yermak deep into Siberia to challenge the power of the ruler of Siberian Tatars, Khan Kuchum. Although the precise dates are open to question, it appears that, in the Fall of 1581, Yermak captured Chingi-Tura (later Tyumen), but abandoned his conquest, in order to proceed straight to Kashlyk, capital of Khan Kuchum, whom Yermak defeated in 1582 during a battle near the Irtysh River. 

Church of the Miraculous Image of the Savior, southwest view. Originally built in 1794-1819, this is an excellent example of "Siberian Baroque" architecture. August 29, 1999

Following Yermak’s death in a surprise Tatar raid in 1584, his conquests remained temporarily unconsolidated after his death. Nonetheless, Boris Godunov was aware of the enormous significance of Siberia and launched a campaign to found settlements, as he did in other border areas of the medieval Muscovite state.

Church of the Ascension & St. George, south view. Originally built in 1770-89, defaced during the 1930s & restored after 2003 with rebuilding of bell tower. September 4, 1999

Like other early Russian Siberian towns, Tyumen originally served as a garrison fortress for Cossacks and other troops, who protected newly developing trade routes in all directions. The eastern connections with China gained particular importance during the 17th century. 

Location, Location, Location

Church of the Elevation of the Cross, southeast view. Built in 1774-91. August 29, 1999

Tyumen’s location on the Tura River also provided a direct link westward with the gateway town of Verkhoturye founded by Boris Godunov on the Asian side of the Ural Mountains in 1598. And to the east and north of Tyumen, the Tura River merges with the Tobol, which in turn joins the great Irtysh near Tobolsk. By virtue of its location, Tyumen was destined from the beginning to play a significant role in the Russian development of Siberia.

City Council Building. Originally built in 1828-33 in a simplified neoclassical style. Chiming clock was added in 1857. August 29, 1999

The opening of Siberia for Russian colonization during the late 16th and 17th centuries was an epic confrontation between the vast distances of this severe land and the enterprise of Russian merchants, whose commercial interests coincided with the tsars’ appetite for eastern expansion. Although its rivers were only tributaries of the Irtysh (itself a tributary of the great Ob River), Tyumen was well situated to utilize Siberia’s vast water network.      

Kolokolnikov house, corner of Republic Street 18 & Turgenev Street. Originally built in 1804 by the merchant Ivan Ikonnikov, this superb example of classical wooden architecture was acquired in 1888 by the merchant Ivan Kolokolnikov, who modified the original design. August 29, 1999

Like most early Russian towns in Siberia, Tyumen originally served as a fortified settlement for Cossacks and other troops, who in the 17th century protected newly developing trade routes, particularly with China. 

Nikolai Masharov mansion, Lenin Street 24. Built in the late 19th century by the founder of the Tyumen Ironworks. August 29, 1999

When the southern boundary of Moscow’s Asian territory became more settled during the 18th century, Tyumen’s importance increased for the development of transportation as well as small commercial and industrial enterprises. Its status as a transportation nexus also involved the exile system, which sent convicts and political exiles throughout Siberia.

Orthodox Church HQ

Commercial building (corner of Republic & Kirov Streets) built by the merchant Nikolai Yadryshnikov in 1897. Example of highly decorated "brick style" favored for commercial buildings in late 19th century. August 29, 1999

As a regional administrative point for western Siberia, Tyumen rapidly became a center of the Russian Orthodox Church. Its Trinity Monastery was founded in 1616 on the high right bank of the Tura River. Originally dedicated to the Transfiguration, the monastery was a modest collection of log buildings until its transformation in the early part of the 18th century by an energetic Ukrainian prelate, Bishop Fyodor Leshchinsky.          

School of Commerce (now Engineering Institute). Completed in 1914 during a Siberian building boom stimulated by development of commerce along the TransSiberian Railway. August 29, 1999

As an ally of Peter the Great, Bishop Fyodor saw architecture as a reflection of a broad cultural transformation and the Church of the Trinity that he built at the monastery in 1709-1715 is Tyumen’s earliest surviving building. Gutted during the Soviet era, the Trinity Church has been renovated (with modifications) together with its neighbor, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, built in 1741-1755. Fortunately, Prokudin-Gorsky photographed both shrines in 1912. 

Tekutyev Crafts School, Dzerzhinsky Street 2. Completed in 1914, the building is a fine example of provincial "style moderne". August 29, 1999

These early examples of a provincial baroque style served as a model for other 18th-century churches in Tyumen, culminating with the lavish Cathedral of the Icon of the Virgin of the Sign (Znamensky), which has recently been splendidly refurbished. Built in several phases between 1768 and 1891, the cathedral displays the florid decoration typical of much of Siberian church architecture.            

Submitting Siberia

Shaichik mansion, Lenin Street 47. Built in 1914 by Yankel Shaichik, major store owner & trader in dry goods. August 29, 1999

The daunting vastness of Siberia’s reaches gradually submitted in the 19th century to new forms of transportation. The first steamboat to ply a Siberian river was constructed here in 1838. 

Burkov house, Dzerzhinsky Street 30. Built at turn of 20th century by Vasily Burkov, trader in Siberian grain on an international level (China, Japan). August 29, 1999

The greatest impulse for economic growth came with the completion of a railroad from Yekaterinburg, on the east slope of the Ural Mountains in 1885. This line ultimately became an important segment of the Trans-Siberian Railroad, transporting the wealth of Siberia’s forests, mines and new agricultural regions, as well as leather and other products of local factories. 

Kozlov house, Turgenev Street 9. Built at end of 19th century by Ivan & Maria Kozlov, local merchants. August 29, 1999

At the turn of the 20th century, over half a million settlers passed through the town toward Siberia’s open, fertile lands. Fortunately, remnants of this period have survived in the central part of the city. 

Nikolaevskoe (Nicholas) Primary School, Lenin Street 5. Wooden building constructed in 1897 as part of a public schools network. August 29, 1999

This memory of the past is especially evident in the city’s remarkable wooden houses, with elaborate framed and carved window surrounds in a style specific to Tyumen. These massive window constructions often include carved panels below the sill as an additional decorative and protective device.

Wooden houses. L:eft: Volodarsky Street. Built at end of 19th century, the house has exuberant carved decorative window frames. Right: Komsomol Street. Built around 1900 as a wing of the A. G. Andreev estate, this small structure displays remarkable examples of decorative fretwork. August, 1999

Their solid construction allowed rows of large windows in wooden houses even in this harsh climate, thus bringing maximum available light to interiors during the long Siberian winters.

The present & future  

Log apartment house, no. 57 (street unknown; house may have been demolished). Fine example of carved window frames on typical log structure. August 29, 1999

Tyumen today is the capital of an enormous province - stretching from Kazakhstan in Central Asia north to the Arctic Ocean - that is one of the world’s richest energy producing regions. Tyumen has benefited from this bounty of natural resources and is at present one of the few Siberian cities to show major population growth: from slightly over half a million in the 2002 census to some 850,000 in the latest estimate. As usual in Siberian cities, most residents live beyond the historic center in Soviet-era housing developments.           

Minshutin house, Vodoprovodnaia Street 43. Built in 1891, the house was restored in 1998 by architect A. Klimchenko with decorative window frames carved by Vadim Sheetov. September 4, 1999

A walk through the historic center of town shows vivid contrasts of modest pre-revolutionary brick and wooden buildings, rarely more than two stories in height, with ponderous Soviet buildings and sleek new commercial centers. Some of the new structures are private apartment houses, others are banks and office buildings and still others form a part of the expanding Tyumen State University. 

Minshutin house, detail of decorative carving by Vadim Sheetov. September 4, 1999

In the early 20th century, Russian photographer Sergey Prokudin-Gorsky developed a complex process for color photography. Between 1903 and 1916, he traveled through the Russian Empire and took over 2,000 photographs with the process, which involved three exposures on a glass plate. In August 1918, he left Russia and ultimately resettled in France where he was reunited with a large part of his collection of glass negatives, as well as 13 albums of contact prints. After his death in Paris in 1944, his heirs sold the collection to the Library of Congress. In the early 21st century, the Library digitized the Prokudin-Gorsky Collection and made it freely available to the global public. A few Russian websites now have versions of the collection. In 1986, architectural historian and photographer William Brumfield organized the first exhibit of Prokudin-Gorsky photographs at the Library of Congress. Over a period of work in Russia beginning in 1970, Brumfield has photographed most of the sites visited by Prokudin-Gorsky. This series of articles juxtaposes Prokudin-Gorsky’s views of architectural monuments with photographs taken by Brumfield decades later.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• Tobolsk: Exuberance of Siberian Baroque
• U.S. professor continues photographic legacy of Prokudin-Gorsky in new book
• Discovering the historic neighborhoods of Perm

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

Tyumen, Russia

Tours, Attractions and Things To Do in Tyumen

Tyumen travel guide.

• 2. Attractions
• 3. Souvenirs

History of Tyumen

Prior to Russian rule, the Tatar city of Chimgi-Tura marked the site of modern Tyumen, Russia and served as the capital of the Siberian Khanate. In 1586, Tyumen was the very first city to be founded by the Russians in Siberia. Part of the Ural Region until 1944, today it is the administrative center of Tyumen Region and one of Russia’s key industrial and cultural centers.

The name of the city is still a mystery to researchers. Some suggest that it came from the Tatar word "tumen", meaning "army of ten thousand", while others speculate that the name is a combination of the words "tyu" and "myana", which together mean "my property". Today in the Tatar language, the word "tyumen" literally translates as "lowland", which is an appropriate term for a city which straddles the Tura River.

Whichever theory is accurate, one thing is for sure: today there is something in Tyumen to surprise and delight any traveler desiring to experience firsthand the mysterious romance of Siberia .

Tyumen Attractions

Most Tyumen city tours begin at Tura River Embankment, one of the area’s most scenic spots from which sweeping views of Holy Trinity Monastery and Church of the Holy Cross Exaltation open up from Lovers’ Bridge.

Historical Square marks the site of Tyumen’s earliest settlements. Not far from Historical Square is Holy Trinity Monastery, which opened in 1616 and is the oldest surviving hermitage in the city today. One of Tyumen’s most significant religious sites, it attracts many Orthodox pilgrims from Western Siberia and the Urals. The monastery is accompanied by a gorgeous green square which is particularly beautiful in spring when the apple trees are in bloom.

An equally important religious monument is Znamensky Cathedral (Cathedral of the Sign), located in Tyumen’s historical center. The original 17th- century church was wooden, but after repeatedly burning down it was replaced the following century with a stone cathedral built in the Siberian Baroque style. Major reconstruction work was completed in 1904, and the end result far exceeded expectations. Today Znamensky Cathedral continues to evoke awe with its striking iconostasis and cheerful exterior.

A walk down central Republic Street, where many 19th-century buildings can still be seen, will conjure up images of life in a bygone era. Kolokolnikovs’ Estate Museum Complex, which survived many fires, deserves special attention, as does House Averkiev with its extraordinary balconies and the former City Duma, which today houses the Regional Museum of Local Lore.

Twenty-first century Tyumen can be seen in all its glory as you wander Tsvetnoy Boulevard and Siberian Cats Park, whose name is derived from the square’s many cast-iron feline figures. Tyumen Regional Museum of Fine Arts serves as the city’s central showroom and is particularly known for its unique works of Russian cult artists such as Ivan Aivazovsky, Ilya Repin and Boris Kustodiev.

Tyumen has a good selection of restaurants offering cuisines for every taste and budget. For tourists, however, Chum Restaurant-Museum is a must. The restaurant serves unique Siberian dishes and is decked out in regional memorabilia. Guests even have the option to dine inside a semi-private cabinet designed to resemble a traditional chum (tent) .

Tyumen Souvenirs

In keeping with its Siberian roots, memorabilia with images of reindeer, red fish and bears are all popular. Fur coats and clothing items made from reindeer skins reflect the beauty of local traditional dress and are sure to keep you warm even in the dead of winter. Original figurines carved from bone make an unusual gift, while anyone with a sweet tooth will want to pay a visit to Kvartet Candy Factory, whose chocolates and other sweets decorated with Tyumen landscapes are equally decorative and delicious.

Grab your coat and come for a visit to Tyumen, Russia, the magnificent pearl of Western Siberia!