Christmas Markets on the Rhine

There is something quite special about the villages, towns and cities along the Rhine during the festive season as their Christmas markets begin at the end of November, and these lovely 4-day and 5-day cruises provide the perfect short break to discover the magical markets, including Cologne, one of the largest with six separate markets.

The appeal of Christmas markets is much more than the opportunity to purchase local and unique crafts, decorations and gifts – for many people it is a stimulation of the senses; the smells of freshly baked gingerbread, tasting local wines and coffees and seeing local artisans, singers and musicians.

3 or 4 nights cruise on Royal Crown
8 meals (4-day cruise): 3 breakfast, 2 lunch and 3 dinner (breakfast on days 2-4, lunch on days 2-3 and dinner on days 1-3)
11 meals (5-day cruise): 4 breakfast, 3 lunch and 4 dinner (breakfast on days 2-5, lunch on days 2-4 and dinner on days 1-4)

To book Call 0114 3273436

A Douro River Cruise On The ‘Royal Barge’ – With A Few Days In Historic Portuguese Pousada

A Douro River Cruise On The ‘Royal Barge’ – With A Few Days In Historic Portuguese Pousada

3-night cruise on The Spirit of Chartwell, 4-nights in Pousada (accommodation as specified or similar)
17 or 18 meals
Spirit of Chartwell benefits
Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service
Services of an experienced Titan Tour Manager
All airport taxes, security charges and applicable fuel surcharges

One of the many highlights of 2012 and the Jubilee celebrations was the magnificent Thames Pageant, led by Her Majesty The Queen aboard the luxurious ‘Royal Barge’ – The Spirit of Chartwell. Now making new history, she will sail in the sparkling waters of the beautiful Douro River in northern Portugal. Exclusively chartered by Titan, you are invited to experience a taste of what it might have been like for the Royal Party, on a 3-night cruise along the verdant Douro valley. To enhance the experience further, each cruise is coupled with a 4-night stay at a stunning and royally connected Pousada, located close to the ‘green terraced paradise’ of Peneda Gerês National Park. This unique experience promises a very special, historic, relaxing and inspiring holiday. Dates and availability are limited so do not delay in booking your place.

Call 0114 3273436 to Book

Veranda Grand Baie – Mauritius

5* Pestana Casino Park – Late Deal

Pestana Casino Park Hotel – 5* Luxury including flights from £499 – Enjoy 7 Nights HALF BOARD and an upgrade to a GARDEN VIEW ROOM at the Pestana Casino Park Hotel saving up to £400 per person Set in its own beautiful gardens, just a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Funchal, the Pestana Casino Park boasts an unrivalled position with views across the sea and mountains. Its high standard of service and facilities makes it one of the most popular properties on the island.

Hotel Brancamaria, Sardinia

Hotel Brancamaria is situated just 900 metres from the centre of town. This comfortable hotel has newly renovated rooms, which are decorated in fresh, Sardinian style, many offering sea views.

Restaurant La Terrazza, welcomes its guests with a rich buffet breakfast and  dinner. Enjoy the flavours of Sardinian and Mediterranean cuisine, prepared by the Chef using fresh, local produce.  Guests can choose to dine ‘al fresco’ on the terrace, with its lovely views over the sea.

The hotel features a large swimming pool with sun terraces, complete with pool bar and an ‘all day’ bar service offering snacks, aperitifs and cocktails.  A free shuttle operates to the town centre and the nearby beaches (operates 15May to 15Sep, three departures morning and afternoon). On the public beach, parasols and towels can be rented at local cost (currently €3.00 per umbrella & €1.00 per towel per day).

The Spectacular Hotel Danieli in Venice

The spectacular Hotel Danieli overlooks the lagoon and San Giorgio Island, moments from St Mark’s Square and just around the corner from the melée of canal activity and a cluster of beautiful churches and palaces. Approx. 45 minutes by private boat transfer from Venice airport.

Eagles Palace Resort and Spa, Halkidiki, Greece

Oh what a gem!   I’ve been very lucky to visit and stay at the 5* Eagles Palace resort and Spa for a few days in May.

A small luxury hotel approximately 2 hour drive from Thessaloniki airport.  A tranquil and picturesque area perfect for those looking total relaxation and excellent food.  The flight was at 6 am and we landed in Thessaloniki mid morning (2 hrs 50 mins) and the transfer is very straight forward, hardly any traffic and easy.

On arrival at the hotel, we freshened up in our lovely seaview rooms and were immediately whisked in the garden for a light lunch and very good greek wine. We were then taken to see all the rooms in the hotel,  most with seaview and some with plunge pool, they are so beautiful and fresh.  In the evening, we had another 3 course A la carte dinner with more and lovely greek wine overlooking the sea.

The next day, after the vast array of buffet breakfast ranging from fresh fruits, their homemade muesli (must try, it’s so good), nice breads, cooked breakfast, hams, we were taken to their small pretty neighbourhood town of Ouranoupolis, also a small fishing village now with plenty of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.  The hotel offers complimentary shuttle bus to to/from Ouranoupolis several times a day.  On our return at lunchtime, Eagles Palace laid a beautiful and plentiful meze in their beachfront restaurant. It was such a wonderful treat.

Our trip was just full of excellent food and wine, most fantastic scenery and beautiful sea. Oh the spa is so nice, lovely Elemis products, a brilliant massage.  A must try place, you will fall in love with Eagles Palace.

Peru and Ecuador Escorted Tour

Discover some of Peru’s most spellbinding World Heritage Sites including breathtaking Machu Picchu; before exploring the ancient city of Quito.

DAY 1: UK – Lima.
Fly to Lima where you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel for one night.

DAY 2: Lima – Cuzco – Yucay.
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cuzco. Enroute to Yucay you will visit the Pisac Indian market. This colourful and traditional market displays a huge variety of Peruvian handicrafts, ranging from finger puppets and highly decorative jewellery to ponchos and ceramics. After a wander round the market, continue to the ruin site of Ollantaytambo. You will have the opportunity to visit the town, which is still laid out as it was at the time of the Incas, as well as the ancient shrines and the fortification with its incredible terraces built up the mountainside. Your overnight is in Yucay, located in the Urubamba Valley.

DAY 3: Yucay – Machu Picchu – Cuzco.
Today, one of the highlights of your tour awaits. Take the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, and from there a bus will drive you up the mountain to the legendary ruins of Machu Picchu. Often referred to as ‘The Lost City of the Incas’, this fascinating archaeological site was thought to have been built around AD 1450 and later abandoned, to be rediscovered in 1911 by the historian Haram Bingham. Strikingly located on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley, Machu Picchu is noted for its classical Inca style and the incredible engineering of its dry stone walls. Enjoy an extensive guided visit of the ruins before returning by bus and train to the Sacred Valley where you will transfer to your hotel in Cuzco. Note: Due to government restrictions on visitor numbers to Machu Picchu, extra visits to the site may not be possible.

DAY 4: Cuzco.
After a morning at leisure, enjoy a half day city tour of Cuzco; once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire and home to many beautiful Spanish colonial buildings. Visit the historic Plaza de Armas, the ceremonial square of the Incan Empire – and cathedral with its adjacent churches and former residential buildings of the old town. Afterwards, visit some of the superb Inca ruins in the surrounding countryside including Sacsayhuaman, Tambo Machay, Kenko and Puca Pucara.

DAY 5: Cuzco – Puno.
A full day’s bus journey from Cuzco to Puno through the Peruvian Andes, passing snow covered peaks and climbing to altitudes of 14,108 feet provides a fantastic opportunity to see some of Peru’s most breathtaking scenery. Enroute you will visit the town of Andahuaylillas, the ruins of Racchi and the small town of Pucara. On arrival in Puno, transfer to your hotel.

DAY 6: Puno.
Today journey Lake Titicaca, one of the world’s highest navigable lakes, where you will visit the Uros Indian community who live on islands constructed from reeds which grow on the side of the lake. Continue to Taquile Island where you will find numerous pre-Inca and Inca ruins and terracing.

DAY 7: Puno – Lima.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Lima. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in this historical and cultural city on a tour which includes a visit to the beautiful Plaza de Armas, the town hall, the Palace of the Archbishop and the cathedral. Continue to the San Francisco monastery, considered to be exemplary of the baroque style, before proceeding through the modern districts of San Isidro and Miraflores and ending your day at the coastline, enjoying the view over the beaches of Lima and the Pacific Ocean.

DAY 8: Lima – Quito.
Fly to Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Today’s sightseeing takes you firstly to the Equatorial Line Monument, which at the time of building marked what was believed to be the exact position of the equator – however it is now known that it is located some 200 metres north. The monument is of great significance to the people of Quito, which is the closest capital city in the world to the equator. You will also have the chance to visit the Ethnographical Museum and learn more about the history of the Indian cultures of Ecuador. Afterwards a sightseeing tour of the city will lead you through the historical centre. Pass the church of La Compañia, the Independence Square, the Government Palace and the cathedral. Your tour ends with a trip up the famous hill El Panecillo (little bread) where you will see the Virgen de Quito statue.

DAY 9: Quito.
Today is at leisure to explore more of Quito, or alternatively join the optional full day tour to the famous Otavalo Indian Market. Taking a two hour bus journey down a section of the Panamericana Norte, you will visit Calderón before descending into the spectacular arid Guayllabamba gorge and village. With a bit of luck you may spot the snow capped volcano of Cayambe. Pass the Lago San Pablo before arriving in Otavalo. After your exciting visit to this colourful and bustling market continue to Cotacachi, Ecuador’s centre of leatherworks.

DAY 10: Quito – UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK or extend your holiday with a tour of the Galápagos Islands.

DAY 11: Home landing in the UK.
Maximum elevation on this tour is 15,748ft

Highlights of Morocco

Discover the imperial cities of Morocco and immerse yourself in it’s beauty, from enchanting cities of exotic Moorish architecture, bustling souks and aromatic spices, to stunning desert landscapes of golden dunes, kasbahs and oases.

Itinerary:

DAY 1: UK – Marrakech.
Fly to Marrakech where you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel for one night.

DAY 2: Marrakech – Casablanca.
Drive to Casablanca this morning and enjoy the city’s highlights on an afternoon included city sightseeing tour with a local guide.

DAY 3: Casablanca – Rabat – Meknes – Fez.
Journey along the coast road to Rabat, Morocco’s historic capital, and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city with a local guide, including the Royal Palace, Hassan’s Tower, the Kasbah of Ouidais and the magnificent Chellah Gardens. Later, continue to Meknes, where you can enjoy this fascinating city, famous for its 16 miles of protective wall, on a sightseeing tour of the Moulay Ismail Mosque and the former royal stables and granaries. Next stop is the ancient city of Fez, the oldest of Morocco’s four splendid Imperial Cities, where you will stay for two nights.

DAY 4: Fez.
The day is yours to explore this ancient city, which occupies a position of outstanding scenic beauty. Why not join the optional city sightseeing tour to visit the huge ornate arch of Bab Boujeloud and the maze of colourful souks and spice stalls in the bustling streets and atmospheric alleyways of the old medina?

DAY 5: Fez – Atlas Mountains – Ziz Valley – Erfoud.
Today’s journey will include a scenic Middle Atlas Mountains drive with a visit to the picturesque mountain resort of Ifrane and later, a chance to view the spectacular Ziz Valley. You will stay for two nights in Erfoud, part of the oasis of Tafilalt on the edge of the mighty Sahara Desert. Explore breathtaking landscapes on Morocco desert tours, a journey unparalleled.

DAY 6: Erfoud – Rissani – Erfoud.
Today, enjoy an included visit to the fortified village of Rissani in the Tafilalt region. Nestled at the edge of the Ziz Valley, Rissani is a traditional desert village yet houses the impressive Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Sharif, the first ruler of the Alawite dynasty, which thrived here in the 17th century.

DAY 7: Erfoud – Road of 1000 Kasbahs – Ouarzazate.
Journey through the impressive Todra Gorges and past the eastern slopes of the Atlas Mountains to Tinerhir Oasis, with its green valley of palms and local villages, before continuing on a scenic drive through the Dades Valley, also known as the ‘Valley of 1000 Kasbahs’, to Ouarzazate where you’ll stay for one night. A charming oasis resort with an exotic Kasbah, Ouarzazate has been featured in several films including ‘The Sheltering Sky’.

DAY 8: Ouarzazate – Ait-Benhaddou – Marrakech.
This morning, enjoy an orientation drive of Ouarzazate and a visit to the Kasbah de Tourirt before today’s highlight: a visit to beautiful Ait-Benhaddou, the setting of many films including ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ and ‘Gladiator’. Later, continue through picturesque villages and rugged mountain scenery to the 7,414 foot high Tizi-n-Tichkas Pass, in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains, before arriving in the imperial city of Marrakech, for two nights. An optional evening excursion will be a fitting choice to end the day.

DAY 9: Marrakech.
The snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains rise majestically above Morocco’s enchanting ‘pink city’. You’ll enjoy a city sightseeing tour with a local guide this morning.

DAY 10: Marrakech – UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, or extend your stay in either Agadir or Marrakech.

Accommodation on Tour

Marrakech: Zalagh Kasbah & Spa Hotel (4*); Casablanca: Ibis or Prince de Paris (4*); Fez: Menzeh Zalagh (3*); Erfoud: Kasbah Tizimi (3*); Ouarzazate: Ibis Moussafir (3*)

5* Celebrity Cruises

Luxurious, Modern, Unique. You will love every aspect of your Celebrity Cruises® holiday. Sailing on board one of our award-winning ships, experience some of the world’s most fascinating and captivating destinations and discover that each of our cruises is as individual as you are.

At Celebrity Cruises we’ve redefined what you can expect from a luxury holiday. On our ships you will find world-class service and luxurious accommodation accompanied by award-winning cuisine, fabulous entertainment, breathtaking itineraries and much more. We believe your holiday should be truly extraordinary and provide remarkable value so take a look at what is included in the price on board a Celebrity Cruise*.

✔ All meals** ✔ Theatre shows
✔ Tea & Filter coffee ✔ Cinema
✔ Selected soft drinks ✔ Card room
✔ 24-hour snacks ✔ Live music
✔ Room service ✔ Comedy shows
✔ En-suite accommodation ✔ The Hot Glass Show demonstrations
✔ Evening turndown ✔ Nightclub
✔ Library ✔ Gaming lessons
✔ Celebrity iLounge ✔ Fitness centre
✔ Kids Fun Factory / XClub ✔ Dance classes
✔ Solarium ✔ Running /Jogging track
✔ The Lawn Club ✔ Enrichment programme – lectures
✔ The Hideaway ✔ Cooking demos and competitions
✔ Art and craft lessons at The Art Studio ✔ Wine workshops
✔ Art gallery ✔ Rosetta Stone language courses
✔ Art auctions ✔ Basketball court
✔ Swimming pools ✔ Whirl pool/hot tub
✔ Pool towels ✔ Croquet, bocce and other lawn games
✔ Pool Butlers

Discover more about life on board when you sail with Celebrity Cruises. Whether it’s time to keep active and try something new, or space to relax and call your own, there is something for everyone on board

See the world from a different angle and discover new sounds and flavours when you travel at sea. With opulent accommodation and facilities throughout our ships, and the most luxurious service that caters to your every whim, so there is no need to worry about anything other than relaxing your mind and feeding your senses

Relax at the Kata Thani, Phuket Beach Resort, Thailand

A haven of relaxation with fantastic facilities

Intercontinental Mauritius

I have some great offers to the Intercontinental Mauritius holidays. I am going to give some information here.  However, instead of me writing it, I thought I’d get the hotel’s sales manager to put a few words together.

This is from Shane Jameson: Intercontinental Mauritius Holidays

“I think that convenience is a major aspect when choosing a holiday destination. I don’t want to get into barefoot luxury, but you’d be suprised how many people come to Mauritius looking for holidays such as island getaway, that ‘Robinson Crusoe’/’Castaway’ experience and then once it’s on their plate…well, they don’t want it any more. Enter the InterContinental Mauritius Resort Balaclava Fort. In a nutshell, you feel like you are miles away but, in actual fact, are 25 minutes from all the amenities that can cause anxiety when you’re on vacation. Hospitals – that’s plural, shopping malls (also plural) are all a stones throw away so we tick the location box quite well.

For Intercontinental Mauritius Holidays, we’ve got pretty much two of everything in what is a relatively symmetrical resort. Two pools (one heated), two breakfast restaurants (one a la carte), to distinct sides (wings) and last but not least, two nights of the week we have fabulous outdoor dinners that are included on the Half Board, Full Board or All Inclusive packages we have. If it’s wanting to ‘get lost’ then we can show you places you’ll never be found. Alternatively if morning aqua-arobics, a gym workout and a ‘kiki’ by the pool bar are your thing, then that door is also wide open.

Variety is the spice of life, on all the three different meal basis’ we have full dine around in 5 restaurants an three bars. If you don’t like our 14 day rotational menus, then we can apply food and beverage credits against an a la carte menu. All water sports both motorised and non motorised are free with the exception of the Catamaran and the dive centre. We have free wireless internet in all the restaurants, the lobby and the beach – so, if desired, you can update your status, instagram or tweet as often as you want. 120 Deluxe Ocean Facing Rooms, 40 Two-Bedroom Family Rooms, 20 Jacuzzi Suites and 10 Presidential Suites…we love round numbers. Convenience, space, mod-con’s, luxury all in a stunning resort.”

Beautiful Denis Island, Seychelles

Denis Island is picture-postcard perfect. It’s just a short 35 minute flight from Mahe airport.

Denis is a privately owned island. The Mason family who own it have got it spot-on. It’s one of the most beautiful outer islands.

The decor throughout is stunning. Mrs Mason has a fantastic eye for detail, it’s like you have stepped into the Conde Nast Traveller magazine. The furnishings & decor are stylish yet relaxed, chic yet comfortable, luxurious and rustic. It’s a look that is hard to pull off but Mrs M does it with aplomb ! Perfect barefoot luxury.

I was incredibly lucky to stay in the pool villa. WOW. I cannot recommend this room highly enough although I did get to see other room types and they were all very beautiful. My pool was a good size and just steps from the most amazing beach. All of the rooms at Denis have outside bathrooms with large bath, rainfall shower and small enclosed garden. Each room comes complete with a rechargeable torch; when the sun sets it’s dark – very dark. You will see the most incredible stars. My villa was the furthest from the reception and restaurant but I could easily walk it in around 7 minutes. There are golf buggies available if you prefer not to walk.

This is an all-inclusive island with an excellent choice of wines, none of your house wine here ! Evening entertainment is low-key & relaxed. The food was divine and of an incredibly high standard. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all superb.

There is no spa however the spa staff will come out to your cottage or villa for treatments.

Snorkelling was excellent with crystal clear waters. I didn’t see any Turtles but am told they are often around. The island has many tortoises including 1 that is over 150 years old. You can walk around the whole island in under two hours, they even have their own farm – almost all of the food that you eat here is from the farm. The fish are caught just a few miles away.

Bird lovers will be in for a treat, you may spot a Paradise Flycatcher or a Seychelles Warbler.

This has got to be one of the most romantic places to visit. It would be perfect for a honeymoon, wedding or to celebrate an anniversary. Denis is an incredibly special place that will capture your heart – it certainly has mine !

We have some excellent rates at this property. I’d highly recommend combining this island with another or even a stop-over in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Must visit to Kempinski Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

Just a 30 minute drive from Abu Dhabi airport, this is a real ‘one-of-a-kind’ hotel. It is huge, over 1,000,000 sqm but only has 394 rooms so you get a real sense of space. The hotel is set within 100 hectares of landscaped grounds. The attention to detail is incredible, the gardens, beach & pool area are spotless.

The building is a mix of Arabian opulence and contemporary design. I was welcomed with a cool, refreshing towel along with a fruit juice. Service here is fantastic, I expected it to be rather stuffy but actually the staff got it spot on. Everyone was incredibly friendly.

Each room comes with it’s own butler service – very handy when you are craving chocolate at 1 a.m. The rooms are beautiful and very comfortable, unless you are staying in a suite, the rooms are 55 sqm and come complete with huge bathroom with swimming pool-sized bath (ok not that big but very large). Everything is controlled from a pad (touch screen multi-media system) by your bedside, it took me a while to work out how to turn the t.v on & to pull the curtains. My top tip is to let the butler show you how the room works instead of pretending (like me) that you know everything !

There are 2 pool areas; 1 quiet pool (East Wing) and 1 family pool complete with lazy river and waterslides (West Wing) You can call a golf buggy to take you between pools as they are a 10 minute walk from each other but if it’s not too hot, it’s nice stroll along the beach. The beach is beautiful & private. It’s over 1.2 km’s long with ample loungers and a bar service.

The dining options are superb including the michelin-starred Hakkasan restaurant.

This hotel is really great for families. The kids are well looked after, there is a daily activities programme to keep them entertained as well as the waterpark, camels on the beach, a playground which may have been revamped with a Wetpour Surface, and much more. The hotel thinks of everything – if you are travelling with children, they will even provide child-sized bathrobes and slippers, special children’s shampoo and a nightly bedtime milk drink plus cookies.

Abu Dhabi is more laid back than Dubai although if you fancy a daytrip  – why not try Ferrari World with the world’s fastest roller coaster (I’ll give that one a miss) or Yas Waterworld with over 40 rides and slides. For some culture, visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – it stands over 107 metres tall and has 82 domes.

I can highly recommend Abu Dhabi & the Emirates Palace as a stand alone holiday or part of a twin-centre combo.

Don’t delay – book today !

Beautiful Kempinski Seychelles

I have just returned from this beautiful hotel. The Seychelles is not as far as you think ! We flew via Abu Dhabi (6hrs 40 mins) & then onwards to Mahe (4hrs) with Eithad Airways.

From Mahe airport the transfer to the Kempinski Seychelles took around 3o minutes. It’s a great drive with fab views of stunning coves and rock formations, if a little twisty however you can always upgrade to a helicopter transfer if you prefer.

The Kempinski is set on the famous Baie Lazare. The grounds of the hotel are huge & have an untouched, natural feel. The gardens are full of coconut trees and pretty flowers. The reception area of the hotel has a real wow factor, it is open to the elements – you can hear the waves breaking on the shore & the birds singing. It feels tranquil and tropical.

My room was only a 2 minute walk from the reception area however I was feeling lazy so took the golf buggy instead of walking (would love one of these back in the UK) The rooms are generally all the same except for some slight changes in decor and views. I had a sea view room. I must say, I was very impressed by the hotel rooms – very comfortable and well thought-out. Rooms vary from 42-46 sqm. Each room has a large, incredibly comfortable double bed and a sunken lounge area with sofa, chair & table as well as a spacious, separate dressing room with ample hanging space and drawers. There are plug points next to the mirrors (all the girls out there will know how important this is) as well as a hairdryer. They provide tea & coffee making facilities in the room. The mini-bar upon arrival is free of charge (until you need a refill then you pay as normal), I thought this was a lovely touch, there was a good choice of soft drinks and even a few beers !

The sea views are wonderful, the supplement to upgrade to a seaview is not much so well worth considering expecially if it’s for a special occasion. The balcony area is a decent size with table & chairs – perfect for a sundowner.

Dining was very good, I ate in both restaurants & found the options excellent as well as delicious. I particularly enjoyed the L’Indochine restaurant which offers fusion food from the Indian Ocean rim. Make sure you try a lemongrass martini when you are there – yum ! Prices for food & drink were not as high as I expected, similar to London prices so didn’t once feel ripped-off. There is a lovely beach bar that really comes into its own of an evening – tranquil and romantic.

This hotel has a very relaxed, laid-back, stylish feel but if you do want more action, there is plenty to keep you entertained such as the spa, tennis courts, dive centre, kayaking, bike hire – personally I was happy watching the waves, drinking lemongrass martini’s and chilling……my idea of heaven.

The Kempinski spa is set within the hotel grounds and is a haven for relaxation and indulgence. Try to book at least a few days ahead as it is very popular.

The Seychelles will really capture your heart.

We have negotiated some cracking offers at this resort including some massive honeymoon discounts. Call or email now for prices…..