Top 5 Halloween destinations in Europe

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

You don’t have to stay at home to celebrate Halloween on 31st October. Head to one of the following locations and you’ll get a lot more than trick-or-treaters or jack-o-lanterns…

Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s mass of dark buildings and cobbled streets make it the quintessential setting for a spot of gothic horror. The city’s long, and at times bloody, history means that it has formed the backdrop to many a grisly tale, which you can hear about either at the city’s famous Dungeons, or on one of the Auld Reekie Tours. One of the city’s most infamous, and shockingly, factual, stories is that of Burke and Hare, two Irish immigrants who coupled their menial day jobs with the more lucrative night-time activity of grave robbing and murder.

English courses in Edinburgh

Venice

Venice has a reputation for being a very romantic destination, but you want to grab hands for another reason this month. This ancient labyrinth of a city is the setting of many a ghost story, and taking a ghost walk will make you see the narrow passageways and pretty canals in a much more spooky light! You’ll learn about legendary sea monsters, ancient cemeteries hidden beneath the streets of modern-day Venice, and even a secret about Marco Polo’s wife…

Italian courses in Venice

Paris

Paris is another beautiful modern-day city, whose charming aesthetics make its bloody history easy to forget. The city’s most famous tour, The Paris Ghost Tour, covers the city’s catacombs and how they came to be, the satanic conspiracies of the 17th-19th centuries, the true Sweeney Todd of Paris and, last but by no means least, the Vampire of Paris – a real life cannibal and suspected serial killer.

French courses in Paris

Prague

Prague is often hailed as the most haunted city in Europe, and it’s easy to see why. Prague’s ancient buildings and narrow streets conceal many a tale and mystery, including mass executions, murderous thieves, and gothic creatures. The Old Jewish Cemetery in Prague dates back to the 15th century and is one of the largest in Europe – because of the lack of space, though, the graves had to be put one on another, somewhere even in twelve layers. It is somewhere that is generally considered to be quite a peaceful place, but still not somewhere you’d necessary feel comfortable after dark!

TEFL courses in Prague

Palermo

Surprisingly perhaps, Palermo is also a city with lots to offer the horror-buff! The Capuchin Catacombs is a little-known, but exceptionally grizzly spot, where you will find thousands of preserved mummies from the last 500 years suspended from the walls in their Sunday best. Definitely not the activity for anyone in search of a lesiurely museum trip at the end of a relaxing Mediterranean break…

Italian courses in Palermo

Cactus offers language and TEFL courses in exciting locations all over the world.

Where are the Best Language Schools in the World?

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , , /by

Good value and quality tuition in the world’s best locations…these are the best language schools in the world

Cactus’ recent appearance on the Guardian website in an article entitled “Top language learning holidays – in pictures” coincides perfectly with our brand new Top 10 Schools page.

Designed to give inspiration for the best places to learn a language, these schools are not just our most popular; they also offer great value and quality teaching in some of the most exciting locations across the globe. Whether you fancy learning Portuguese in Brazil or French on the glittering Côte d’Azur, you can be sure that our Top 10 schools offer the best and cheapest ways to study a language.

Currently topping our Top 10 list is Babylon Idiomas Seville, a small and friendly school located in the heart of Seville’s flamenco neighbourhood of Macarena. This makes an excellent choice when it comes to learning Spanish in Spain, or perhaps you’d prefer to combine your lessons with sailing or kite surfing at Taronja Valencia (number 6)?

Whatever your preference, there is something for everyone in our Top 10 Schools…our clients are a savvy bunch, and if these are the places they book time after time, they must be on to something.

Cactus offers language courses in over 25 languages and 120 destinations worldwide for adults, juniors and professionals. We have over 15 years’ experience providing study abroad courses, and you can book in the knowledge that you will receive the highest levels of customer service as well as a price match guarantee.

Use our website to browse language courses by location or language, or feel free to call us to chat through the options on 0845 130 4775 (UK local rate).

* Above image is of Brooklyn which appears at number 2 of our top 10.

Top 5 Italian course destinations this summer

/0 Comments/in , , /by

If you’re thinking of heading to Italy this summer, here are our top locations to learn Italian (and keep cool)…

In Mediterranean countries such as Italy, August is traditionally a month where city dwellers pack up and head to the beach to escape the heat. Whilst this means that large cities are less crowded than at other times of the year, and that accommodation is less expensive, it does also mean that many shops and restaurants are closed.

Most of Italy’s seaside resorts are at their most crowded in July and August, but this gives the towns a really lively atmosphere – and if you do a language course, you won’t have the normal struggle to secure accommodation as this is arranged on your behalf. If you do opt for an Italian language course at one of the prime beach resorts in Italy, it’s wise to get booked up as early as possible.

We offer a wide range of Italian courses in Italy, and here are our top picks if you’re planning to go this summer.

1. Tropea

tropea

You might not be the only one thinking that heading to Italy’s coast is a good idea in the summer – in fact, you should expect to share beach space with a good number of Italians who holiday in Tropea – but the crowds are a small price to pay for a slice of Tropea in summertime. This small, attractive town perched on a cliff above the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea in southern Italy boasts a stunning piece of coastline, with white sandy beaches stretching in both directions – making it a real ‘holiday’ for those who want to sunbathe or cool off in the sea after class. Back in town there are plenty of cosy trattorias and a lively local marketplace, but Tropea remains small-town Italy at heart. The excellent school here offers a varied activities programme to help you make the most of your time whilst learning Italian in Tropea: there’s sure to be plenty going on around the Italian holiday of Ferragosto on 15th August.

More about Italian courses in Tropea

2. Taormina

image

Situated on a terrace of Mount Tauro, overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea and with spectacular views of Mount Etna to the west, it’s easy to see why Taormina has been attracting visitors for so long. Its beautiful sandy beaches and balmy climate also go some way to explaining its popularity! Taormina has more to offer than the average beach resort, every summer playing host to the internationally renowned arts festival ‘Taormina Arte’. During the festival there are some fantastic shows and events to enjoy, all of which promise a great insight into Italian culture and plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in the language.

More about Italian courses in Taormina

3. Island of Elba

image

The island of Elba is less well-known than islands such as Sardinia and Sicily, but it’s equally as beautiful. A relatively small island, Elba is situated off the Tuscan coast and is home to some beautiful bays and stunning natural scenery. Outside Italian lessons, students are able to sit on the beach, have a go at a range of watersports, explore the island’s walking and cycling trails, or visit sites such as the Museo Archeologico and the Palazzina dei Mulini, the official residence of Napoleon and his sister Paolina. The island of Elba has got to be one of Italy’s best-kept secrets and you’ll certainly leave feeling priviliged to have experienced all that it has to offer.

More about Italian courses on the Island of Elba

4. Verona

image

Undoubtedly one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, Verona is brimming with history. Unsurpringly, it’s a really popular tourist destination, which ensures a steady stream of visitors and lots to entertain them all year round. Amongst the most popular tourist attractions are the mythical balcony at Casa di Giulietta and the Roman amphitheatre in the city centre. It is this particular attraction which forms the backdrop to the annual summer opera season, which draws thousands and thousands of visitors. Although opera is the highlight, there are also rock concerts and jazz performances throughout the summer to ensure that all tastes are catered for…there are few better ways to spend a warm summer’s afternoon or evening than in a pretty city, enjoying fine food and drink, surrounded by music.

More about Italian in Verona

5. Viareggio

Tuscany isn’t particularly well known for its beaches – you might think you’re more likely to head here for rolling landscapes and fine food and wine – but, just north of Pisa, the resort of Viareggio is one of northern Italy’s most popular, especially amongst Italians. With its roots dating back to the 16th century, the town has plenty of history and its faded pastel façades combined with classic Italian elegance lend something of a retro feel to it. Viareggio is famous the world over for its extravagant Carnival celebrations at Easter, but come summer most people are here to enjoy the 10km of sandy beaches or cultural events including the Puccini Festival (this year celebrating its 60th year) and the Gaber Festival that attracts high-profile Italian musicians.

More about Italian courses in Viareggio

Cactus offers a wide range of Italian courses in Italy. Prepare yourself for your trip by learning the basics or brushing up on existing knowledge with a part-time or evening course in Italian in the UK.