Haslemere Traveller 2017

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I T A L I A N VILLAS ADVENTURE TRAVELLER Gemma & Ray’s long weekend in Lucca Italy is always popular with our clients and thus we are constantly seeking new experiences for you to enjoy. Which is why Ray and I found ourselves in Lucca, Tuscany last October, when the weather is invariably still mild. We stayed at one of the many delightful, luxury three to 14 bedroom villas available, many of which offer spectacular views, while all of them are gorgeous, traditional homes, which can also be fully staffed and catered if you wish. And happily the famous wine regions of the area are never far away. JORDAN Gemma & Ray enjoy a Middle East experience Having never been to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan before last year, I was lucky enough to go twice in 2016 – in both September and November (the only difference being that temperatures were much cooler later in the year). We soon discovered that Jordan is steeped in history; it has been home to some of mankind’s earliest settlements and relics of the world’s great civilisations can still be seen, unspoilt, today. We knew relatively little of Jerash (above right) beforehand; the stunning, preserved ruins of what was once one of the greatest provincial cities in Rome’s empire (and just two hours from the capital Amman.) It is well worth a visit, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who can bring the once great city to life. But what most visitors associate with Jordan is the extraordinary city of Petra (above left) and this must be a highlight for any trip (4 hours from Amman). Made famous to a generation of fans by the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, this legendary city, built in solid, pink sandstone rock, is approached through a narrow gorge, known as the Siq, which builds the suspense. The first sight of the celebrated Treasury building really does leave you speechless… For those seeking rest and relaxation, Jordan has the ultimate experience – a float and mud treatment at the Dead Sea is unforgettable – don’t forget to take something to read for the proverbial float photo! Only two hours from Amman, Ray’s highlight was the 4x4 jeep safari in the deserts of Wadi Rum (below), made famous by the heroic exploits of Lawrence of Arabia, when he played a pivotal role in the struggle for power in the Middle East. A camel ride across these isolated rocks and sands is a memorable way to travel too, especially to a Bedouin camp for a traditional meal and music. The silence in the desert is awe-inspiring – and nights are wonderful for star-gazing. We found the Jordanian people warm and welcoming and, despite its geographic location, we felt very safe everywhere we went. Highly recommended as a genuinely authentic Middle Eastern experience, which you won’t forget in a hurry. The birthplace of great opera composer Puccini, Lucca is sited within its Renaissance city walls and cobbled streets, close to the coast and within a day’s ride of art-filled Florence and at the foothills of the Apuan Alps. Nearby Forte dei Marmi, with its wonderful restaurants and high-end shops, is a must-visit too. But our top tip is to be sure to find time to drive a fast, luxury car around the lanes of Tuscany – I became very fond of my white Porsche... (see page 13). Novelist Henry James once described Lucca as “overflowing with everything”; what more could one ask for on a long weekend break? Why not take the plunge and book a luxury weekend away with extended family - or friends - to this stunning landscape of rolling hills and cypress trees? You won’t regret it. 8 TRAVELLER 2017 haslemeretravel.co.uk 01428 658 777
TUSCANY Jackie takes a walking break with friends In September I went away with several girl friends to the wilds of Tuscany, north of the ancient walled city of Lucca, for a week’s break. We were looking to do something a little different, so we decided on a walking holiday. A perfect combination of exercise, delicious Tuscan, home-cooked food, wonderful scenery - and more importantly plenty of time to chat! We stayed in a charming rustic farmhouse, nestling within Tuscany’s mountainous Garfagnana region. Our walks took us from the vineyards and ochre-coloured hill-towns of the lower valleys up to the high ridges and summits of the Alpi Apuane. We started with a huge breakfast, walked all day (c6-10 hours) over mainly well-established trails and in the evening enjoyed a delicious guilt-free dinner and marvellous Italian wine. The walk was sometimes harder than we expected, mainly because we hadn’t fully read the description! But our wonderful guide Kathy encouraged us and we all felt a great sense of achievement when we reached the summit. Our ‘day off’ midweek was a well earned rest by the pool, but there were options to visit nearby Pisa, medieval Lucca or the artistic treasures of Florence. We have now caught the bug and are already planning for 2017. Walking sparks conversation and conviviality. It is not competitive and completely inclusive. We laughed for hours and all of us felt really good about what we had achieved. Highly recommended. AMSTERDAM EUROPEAN BREAKS Aly enjoys going back to this enchanting city Returning to Amsterdam in October, after an absence of 30 years, it was wonderful to see it through the eyes of our teenage daughter, visiting for the first time. Our hotel was located in the cultural museum quarter, just a stone’s throw from the celebrated (and newly renovated) Rijksmuseum and the modern Van Gogh Museum. With previously booked tickets, we managed to avoid the queues and marvelled at the art in both locations – and enjoyed an excellent meal at the latter. After a canal trip to get our bearings, walking is certainly one of the best ways to see the sights, if you are not tempted by riding a ubiquitous bicycle. The green lawns of the city’s largest park, Vondelpark were also close by and we enjoyed strolling through it towards a canalside café to watch the houseboats, or listen to one of the many church bells ring. A visit to an old merchant’s house is a must – our top recommendation is the extraordinary 17th century Ons’Lieve Heer Op Solder (“Our Lord in the Attic”), with its secret, hidden Catholic church at the top of the building. But the museum everyone wants to see – judging by the lengthy queues (shortest in the evening)– is Anne Frank’s House. Open every day until 9.30pm, tourists now flock to see the family’s final hiding place: it is well worth the wait. As a passionate English student, my daughter was fascinated by the Dutch art which inspired two of her favourite novels – The Goldfinch and The Girl With the Pearl Earring. A short train ride from the city to The Hague takes you to the Mauritshuis museum, home to some of the best Dutch paintings, including both the beautiful, aforementioned artworks. We recommend you try some Dutch delicacies – apart from the local cheese (kaas), there is bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), stroopwaffel (waffles) and even raw herring (sweetest from May-July). Finally, if you are feeling flush – or just love everything that sparkles – take a tour around a diamond-polishing factory, such as Coster, who have created jewellery for royals and celebrities worldwide. You might just be tempted… 01428 658 777 haslemeretravel.co.uk TRAVELLER 2017 9
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Page 3 and 4: CONTRIBUTORS GEMMA & RAY gemma@hasl
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Haslemere Traveller 2017

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