ESCORTED HOLIDAYS

Escorted Holidays Collection

2019 to March 2020

Distinctive

holidays from an

airport near you!

ESCORTED HOLIDAYS

Welcome to our collection of Escorted Holidays for 2019 to March 2020!

This is our 19th anniversary and, as always, our aim is to design interesting and unusual

group programmes which provide a truly rewarding travel experience. Our touring holidays

are planned to include fascinating visits travelling between hotels as well as pleasurable

excursions from each base. Our single-centre holidays also have a range of included

excursions allowing you to discover the diverse character of the region you are visiting. But

we strike a balance, and you will always have plenty of free time to explore further on your

own. To help with this, throughout your holiday you’ll be well looked after by one of our very

popular Tour Directors or Resort Representatives. Most of them live and work in the area

and are able to impart those titbits of knowledge and background that only a local can.

The majority of our holidays are half board in the hotels, and this, together with included

excursions, keeps the overall holiday cost down. With departures from local airports you

can also avoid the cost and hassle of travelling to one of the major hubs. And we guarantee

that the price of your holiday will not change after we have confirmed your booking. Your

money is safe with us as all our holidays are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority.

We are very grateful and proud of the level of repeat custom we enjoy – many of customers

are well into double figures for the number of holidays they have taken! You can see some

comments from customers who have travelled with us recently on the back page of this

brochure.

We hope you will find at least one, if not several, holidays of appeal. If you do – give us a call

on 0116 279 3929 – this will also be a different experience. No hanging around listening

to a series of options, no ‘please wait for the next available operator’ – a real person will

Index

answer you straight away! We really hope you will become (if you aren’t already!) one of

our ever-growing band of loyal customers who travel with us time and time again.

We also offer Walking Holidays throughout Europe – many of them in the areas included in

this brochure. If you would like details of these and other walking holidays call us on 0116

279 3929 or visit www.preferredts.com.

EXTEND YOUR HOLIDAY: Holidays are of 7 nights’ duration, but if you would like to spend

longer in warmer climes there is the option of an extra week’s relaxation in Crete, Cyprus,

Andalucia, Catalonia, the Algarve and Tenerife.

FLY DIRECT FROM LOCAL AIRPORTS: We offer holidays flying from over 20 airports

across the UK – the vast majority are direct flights. More and more of our customers are

using our range of regional flights to meet up with friends and relatives from other parts of

the UK on our holidays – if you would like us to send a brochure to a friend, just ask... or

they can download one at www.preferredts.com.

GROUPS: Group discounts are available from as few as 10 paying passengers. Larger

groups can have exclusive departures with bespoke programmes to any destination in

this Collection or elsewhere. Please contact us on 0116 279 3929 or e-mail groups@

preferredts.com for further details.

SIGN UP online for our occasional e-mailshots – just select e-mail sign up at www.

preferredts.com and add your e-mail address!

READING LIST: Our website www.preferredts.com has a reading list, mostly light reading,

suggested by previous travellers and related to the destinations we offer. Please e-mail

tony@preferredts.com if there is something you think we should add to it.

3 Carcassonne, Cathar Country & Catalonia 20 The Tuscan Coast, Lucca & Florence

4 Jaca, Pamplona & the Spanish Pyrenees 21 Isle of Elba, Siena & the Medieval Cities of Tuscany

5 Montserrat, Roman Tarragona & Gaudi's Reus 22 Apulia & Royal Caserta

6 The Costa Blanca, Valencia & Guadalest 23 A Week in Crete - No Single Supplement

7 Mallorca's North East Coast 24 Highlights of Crete - from Mirabello to Chania

8 Andalucia's Eastern Coast, Granada & Almeria 25 Crete's Beautiful West

9 The Orange Blossom Coast, Peniscola & the High Villages 26 The Slovenian Alps, Lake Bled, Trieste & Venice

10 The Costa de la Luz & Sherry Country 27 Best of the Baltics

11 Western Andalucia - Isla Canela, Rio Tinto & the Guadiana River 28 A Week on Evia - No Single Supplement

12 Seville, Cordoba, Granada & Ronda 29 Krakow, Zakopane & the High Tatras

13 A Week on the Algarve 30 Bucharest & Transylvania

14 A Week on the Lisbon Coast 31 Lithuania - Vilnius, Kaunas & Klaipeda

15 Provence - Arles, Avignon & the Camargue 32 Cyprus - Aphrodite's Ancient Isle

16 The Cinque Terre, Portofino & the Italian Lakes 33 Tenerife - Islands of Contrasts

17 Bordighera - the Italian Riviera & Monte Carlo 34 General Information

18 The Islands & Gardens of Lake Maggiore 35 Booking form

19 Lake Iseo & the Camonica Valley 36 About Us

We have negotiated no single supplements with hotels on selected dates for some holidays.

But make your booking quickly as availability is limited and rooms sell out very quickly.

HOW TO BOOK MADE EASY

RESERVATIONS HOTLINE: 0116 279 3929

(Open 9am-5.30pm Mon-Fri & 9am-1pm Sat)

You can request a booking online at www.preferredts.com. Or make a provisional booking by calling our reservations

hotline on 0116 279 3929 or e-mail sales@preferredts.com and then complete a booking form and return it with the

deposit payment of £125 per person (or full balance if applicable) to Preferred Travel Services, 41 High Street, Kibworth,

Leicester, LE8 0HS. Please make cheques payable to Preferred Travel Services.

Tel: 0116 279 3929 www.preferredts.com

Flight Details and Prices are on our website, or please enquire.

NO SINGLE

SUPPLEMENT

IN APRIL &

OCTOBER

8 days from £699 April, June, September & October

Carcassonne, Cathar Country & Catalonia

The ramparts of Carcassonne, the mystery of Rennes-le-Château, the surrealism of Dalì’s Theatre Museum, combined

with a visit to modernist Barcelona, and stays in unspoilt locations on the Catalan coast and in a pleasant spa town in

the hills of Roussillon - this is a holiday to one of the most scenic parts of the Mediterranean. The area is also fabulously

rich in history, legend and stunning castles. Discover the land of the heretical Cathars and solve the mystery of Rennes le

Chateau – inspiration for Dan Brown’s da Vinci Code.

• 3 nights hb in Spanish Catalonia, 4 nights hb in the Roussillon area of France • Visits to Rennes-le-

Château, Carcassonne, The Dalì Museum in Figueres, and Barcelona

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Catalonia. On arrival, transfer to your hotel on the

Catalan coast for two nights half board accommodation. Transfer time 50

minutes.

DAY TWO: Optional half day excursion to the Roman city of Tarragona

where you can see the amphitheatre, port and beach and stroll through

the medieval centre. Under the Romans, Tarragona was the capital of the

Province of Northern Spain and home to the Emperor Augustus – a Temple

in his honour stood on the site of the current Cathedral. Your excursion

includes a walk with expert guide.

DAY THREE: Today you depart for France. En route you will stop in Dalì’s

home town of Figueras with its surreal (in the truest sense!) theatremuseum

(entrance included). The Dalì Museum, with its luminous-egg

façade, seems to want to stretch your mind even before you enter! From

there you proceed to your hotel in Amelie-les-Bains, for four nights half

board accommodation. Distance today is 156 miles, mainly motorway.

DAY FOUR: Full-day included excursion to Carcassonne and Rennes-le-

Château. Although a longish day, it is packed with interest. You start with

a scenic drive past two spectacular Cathar castles – Puilaurens, perched

high above the valley, and Quéribus, whose rocky spur saw the last stand

of the Cathars in 1255. In Rennes-le-Château you will see the church,

presbytery, villa, tower and grounds built by the priest, Abbé Sauniere, at

the end of the 19th century. You will discover the true extent of the mystery

that has spawned so many books and several tv programmes. You will not

be the first to try and solve the mystery – a byelaw had to be passed to

stop unauthorised digging in the village by treasure-hunters!

You continue to Carcassonne for lunch (not included), and a free afternoon

in the most spectacular walled city on earth. A UNESCO Heritage site, the

cité is a remarkable defensive structure with barbican, dry moat, outer and

inner walls, inaccessible watch-towers, posterns, loopholes and arrow

slits. The last part of your circular route is motorway, and you arrive back

at the hotel at approx 1830. Total today is just under 200 miles.

DAYS FIVE AND SIX: There is an optional half day excursion to the walled

village of Prats de Mollo, just 12 miles up the Vallespir valley, on the side

of Mount Canigou. There is also an optional excursion to nearby Perpignan,

the capital of the Roussillon, and to the artists’ resort of Collioure. A port

since Roman times, many crusades to the Holy Land set off from here, and

reproductions of works by artists who painted in Collioure (Matisse and

Dérain in particular) will be found on the quaysides.

DAY SEVEN: Today you return to the Costa Dorada for your last night, again

on a half board basis. En route there is a short tour of, and free time to

explore, the exciting city of Barcelona, capital of Catalonia. Distance today

is similar to Day Three, approx 160 miles.

DAY EIGHT: Free time until your transfer to the airport for your return flight.

YOUR HOTELS

NUBAHOTEL HHHH, Coma-Ruga, (first two and last nights)

The hotel stands close to the broad sandy beach. This unspoilt resort is

quiet out of season, rather busier at weekends. A reasonable selection of

shops, bars and restaurants is about 10 minutes’ walk (700m) away, and

the railway station with half-hourly departures to Barcelona is about 15

minutes’ walk away. In Coma-Ruga itself is Pablo Casals’ villa, now an

interesting museum. The hotel has a spa centre (a reasonable extra charge

applies), restaurant, bar, lounge, and outdoor pool. Rooms, which all have

balcony, also have 2 queen size beds, bathroom with hairdryer, phone,

air-conditioning/heating, satellite LCD tv, and safety deposit box (charge

applies). Free wifi in public areas. (www. nubahotelcomarruga.com)

HOTEL DE LA REINE AMELIE HHH, Amélie-les-Bains (four nights)

Four nights are spent in the Hotel de la Reine Amélie in the Vallespir

Valley. Situated close to the River Tech, Amélie is a spa town 19 miles

from the coast and surrounded by pleasant mountain scenery. The hotel

has a bar, lounge area, restaurant, free wifi, and comfortable bedrooms

with private bath/shower, wc, tv and phone. Some have a balcony too.

(www.reineamelie.com)

We have prepared some brief historical notes about Rennes-le-Chateau

and Carcassonne. These are available online at www.preferredts.com/

pdfs/camhist.pdf or on request.

A WALKING HOLIDAY is also available from these hotels. Please ask for a

copy of our Walking Holidays brochure or visit preferredts.com.



8 days from £729

May & September

Jaca, Pamplona & the Spanish Pyrenees

The highest peaks of the Pyrenees are on the Spanish side in Aragon. This holiday takes you off the beaten tourist track into these

magnificent mountains, with a host of things to see along the way! You will see a bodega on the Barbastro wine road, medieval

stone villages, Canfranc’s huge ‘ghost’ train station, Hemingway’s Pamplona, and an imposing 11th-century Romanesque castle.

You spend four nights in Jaca, ‘Pearl of the Pyrenees’, and three nights on the coast, including one in historic Tarragona.

• 2 nights hb Costa Dorada, 4 nights hb in Jaca, 1 night bb Tarragona • Visits to a Somontano winery and to the walled

town of Ainsa • Excursion to Canfranc and Candanchu mountain resort • Excursion to Pamplona • Visit to Loarre Castle

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Reus or Barcelona. Transfer to your hotel on the Costa Dorada, under

an hour away, for two nights’ half-board accommodation.

DAY TWO: Free day in resort.

DAY THREE: Today you leave the coast and head north through the hilly wine-country of

Catalonia and then into the Aragonese Pyrenees. You make a short stop at a Somontano

winery for a tasting in one of Spain’s oldest wine regions, magnificently set against a

spectacular Pyrenean backdrop. From here you climb into the Pyrenees proper towards

the unspoilt and historic walled town of Ainsa. At the confluence of two rivers, and at an

altitude of nearly 2000ft, Ainsa nestles between three different protected natural park

areas. From the 11th-century castle, you can stroll the short distance to the arcaded

medieval town square, lined with old stone houses, the church of Santa Maria – and

welcoming bars and restaurants! There are impressive views down to the two rivers

and up to the (often) snow-streaked 7500ft. crag of Peña Montañesa. You continue

on your dramatic route to Jaca, where you spend 4 nights on a half-board basis. 200

miles today, mainly on excellent new highways, and always through wonderful scenery:

towering mountains, rocky outcrops and sparkling waters are all in evidence.

Jaca is an interesting town with a pleasant pedestrianised main street, medieval town

wall, Romanesque 11th-century cathedral and 16th-century citadel as well as other

notable historic buildings. Jaca has bid three times to host the winter Olympics, and is

on the Aragonese Way of St James - pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela

are regular visitors in the historic town centre.

DAY FOUR: In the morning, you have a brief orientation walk in the old centre of Jaca.

In the afternoon, there is a short, but fascinating, included excursion to Canfranc-

Estacion. Following the River Aragon up the mountain, you arrive at the enormous,

mainly disused, former international railway station at the exit of the Somport Tunnel on

the Spanish side. Its size (more than twice the width of Buckingham Palace and with no

less than 156 doors!) is explained by the necessity to handle the transit of passengers,

luggage and freight switching to and from the different gauges of French and Spanish

tracks: though national pride must have had something to do with it as well! On a short

tour of the station you will hear about its construction, stories of Nazi gold passing

through, of the exodus during the Spanish Civil War, and about its final closure in 1970.

Afterwards, you take the short scenic drive up to the nearby French border and through

the ski resort of Candanchu. 18 miles each way.

DAYS FIVE AND SIX: In Jaca with one included and one optional excursion. The included

excursion is to Pamplona, the capital of Navarre, famed worldwide for the ‘Running of

the Bulls’, featured by Hemingway in ‘The Sun Also Rises.’ Your local guide will walk

you along the bulls’ route to the bullring and show you the town’s focal point, the Plaza

del Castillo, near to which lies the former Jewish Quarter and the Gothic Cathedral of

Santa Maria. Part of the old city wall is still intact. The city centre is pleasantly compact

and there are myriad places for tapas, lunch, strolling or hunting for souvenirs. 70

miles each way.

The optional excursion is to the French side of the mighty Pyrenees. The first stop is

in the pretty village of Biescas. From there you drive – as ever - through impressive

mountain scenery, skirting two reservoirs and reaching the French border at Portelet

and on to Artouste, on Fabreges Lake. A cable car takes you up to the ‘Petit Train’-

a 55-minute narrow-gauge run of spectacular views at an altitude of over 6000ft.

The line was built to aid the construction of another dam and reservoir, and opened

to tourism in the 1930s. The road journey, again on good roads through impressive

mountains, is 43 miles each way.

DAY SEVEN: Today you bid farewell to the mountains, passing the impressive 1000ft

high rock formations of Los Mallos de Riglos, and stopping at the equally impressive

castle of Loarre – the best preserved Romanesque castle in Europe, and set on a rocky

outcrop offering great views. You continue on to Tarragona, where your last night is on

a bed and breakfast basis.

Tarragona’s walled town centre is a UNESCO world heritage site. It boasts a fine

medieval cathedral as well as Roman remains: these include a stunning 2nd-century

amphitheatre, Circus Maximus, and two forums. 190 miles today.

DAY EIGHT: Free time until your departure transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Transfer time: 15 minutes to Reus, just over one hour to Barcelona.

YOUR HOTELS

NUBAHOTEL HHHH, Coma-Ruga (two nights)

The hotel stands close to the broad sandy beach. This unspoilt resort is quiet out

of season, rather busier at weekends. A reasonable selection of shops, bars and

restaurants is about 10 minutes’ walk (700m) away, and the railway station with

half-hourly departures to Barcelona is about 15 minutes’ walk away. In Coma-

Ruga itself is Pablo Casals’ villa, now an interesting museum. The hotel has a spa

centre (a reasonable extra charge applies), restaurant, bar, lounge, and outdoor

pool. Rooms, which all have balcony, also have 2 queen size beds, bathroom with

hairdryer, phone, air-conditioning/heating, satellite LCD tv, and safety deposit box

(charge applies). Free wifi in public areas. (www. nubahotelcomarruga.com)

HOTEL EUROSTARS REINA FELICIA HHHH, Jaca (four nights)

The modern and comfortable Hotel Reina Felicia is situated in a quiet residential

area, yet just a 20-minute stroll (less than a mile) from the old centre of Jaca. The

spacious rooms have satellite TV, air-conditioning, terrace and bath or shower and

WC. There is lounge, bar, coffee shop, restaurant and indoor and outdoor pools. Spa

treatments may be available at extra cost (www.eurostarshotels.com).

HOTEL ASTARI HHH, Tarragona (one night)

Just a 10-minute walk (half a mile) from the amphitheatre and cathedral, this

comfortable modern hotel offers bedrooms with full facilities, lounge area with free

wifi, garden and outdoor pool. (www.hotelastari.com)



NO SINGLE

SUPPLEMENT

IN MARCH,

APRIL & OCT

8 days from £659 March to October 2019, March 2020

Montserrat, Roman Tarragona & Gaudi’s Reus

A week in a four-star hotel on the Catalan coast, with three varied and interesting excursions to show you different

aspects of Catalonia from your comfortable holiday base – this is the recipe for this holiday. Catalonia has an incredibly

rich variety of landscapes. As well as sandy beaches, such as the wide, sandy one in front of your hotel, there are

mountains, vineyards, rivers and picturesque villages all waiting to be discovered. As is one of the world’s great cities,

Barcelona - easily accessible by train, with half-hourly departures.

• 7 nights hb on the Catalan coast, wine included with dinner • Excursion to Montserrat and Sitges

• Excursion to Roman Tarragona & Reus • Entrance to the Gaudi Centre in Reus • Excursion into the Alt

Camp Countryside • Entrances to the Espluga wine cellar and Santes Creus Monastery

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Reus or Barcelona. Transfer to your hotel, just under an

hour away. Seven nights half board accommodation is reserved for you.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: In resort with three included excursions.

Montserrat & Sitges: just an hour away, Montserrat is one of Spain’s

most spectacular sights, with its astonishing rock formations,

monastery, and fabulous views of the Llobregat Valley: Montserrat

has been a major destination for pilgrims through the centuries. The

basilica, home of the famous ‘Black Madonna’, dates from the 16th

century and (subject to confirmation) you will be able to hear the boys’

choir sing in the church. You could also go up to the nature area on the

funicular railway to explore the walking trails. 110 miles today.

Roman Tarragona & Gaudi’s Reus: just 20 miles away, Tarragona

was the capital of the Province of Northern Spain and home to

the Emperor Augustus – a temple in his honour stood on the site

of the current cathedral. You will spend the morning in the old

city in the company of an expert guide, take the view from the

Pretorium (entrance fee included), and see the amphitheatre,

the Circus Maximus, the forum, and pretty streets and squares as you

stroll through the medieval centre. You will also have free time for

lunch, and to explore the market area and new Rambla area with its

statue of the ‘Castell’, the ‘Human Tower’. On the return journey we will

make a short detour to make a stop in Gaudi’s home city of Reus, with

a visit to the Gaudi Centre where you will learn something of the great

modernist architect’s work. 57 miles today.

Your third included excursion may be the one that surprises you most.

You go off the beaten tourist track to visit the nearby ‘Alt Camp’ area

– home to some lesser-known but no less impressive attractions - the

jewel that is the medieval, walled town of Montblanc where you have

a short orientation walk and free time to explore, sightsee, and have

lunch; the unspoilt market town of l’Espluga de Francoli, which boasts

what they call the ‘Wine Cathedral’ - the modernist building that

houses the oldest wine co-operative in Catalonia; and the Cistercian

Monastery of Santes Creus, one of the three great Catalan monasteries,

founded in the 12th century and housing two royal tombs. From Santes

Creus you transfer back to your hotel, with an en-route photo stop at

the unusual modernist Sanctuary at Montferri. 86 miles today.

DAY EIGHT: Departure to the airport for your flight home.

YOUR HOTEL

NUBAHOTEL HHHH, Coma-Ruga (seven nights)

The hotel stands close to the broad sandy beach. This unspoilt resort is

quiet out of season, rather busier at weekends. A reasonable selection of

shops, bars and restaurants is about 10 minutes’ walk (700m) away, and

the railway station with half-hourly departures to Barcelona is about 15

minutes’ walk away. In Coma-Ruga itself is Pablo Casals’ villa, now an

interesting museum. The hotel has a spa centre (a reasonable extra charge

applies), restaurant, bar, lounge, and outdoor pool. Rooms, which all have

balcony, also have 2 queen size beds, bathroom with hairdryer, phone,

air-conditioning/heating, satellite LCD tv, and safety deposit box (charge

applies). Free wifi in public areas. (www. nubahotelcomarruga.com)

Extend your holiday - extra week available in Catalonia.

A WALKING HOLIDAY is also available from this hotel. Please ask for a copy

of our Walking Holidays brochure or visit preferredts.com.



NO SINGLE

SUPPLEMENT

NOV ‘19

8 days from £729 March to November 2019, March 2020

The Costa Blanca, Valencia & Guadalest

The popular Costa Blanca resort of Calpe has a bit of everything – beautiful beaches, a lively and picturesque old town,

stunning scenery in the shape of the immense Rock of Ifach and varied wildlife, both on the Rock and on the saltpans.

Inland from Calpe, the mountainous countryside is spectacular and gentle at the same time and contains the spectacular,

historic village of Guadalest and the mediaeval city of Alcoy. Thriving Valencia is Spain’s third city, behind Madrid and

Barcelona, but is at least their equal in terms of history and cultural diversity.

• 7 nights hb Calpe • Excursion to Valencia • Excursion to Guadalest and Alcoy • Excursion to Denia • One

free spa circuit in the hotel

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Alicante, transfer to your hotel (one hour depending

on traffic) for seven nights half board accommodation.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: In Calpe. Your hotel is situated in the Levante

Beach area from where it is a pleasant stroll along the beach and

promenade to the Rock of Ifach, the working harbour or a longer walk

up to the picturesque old quarter. The Rock of Ifach rises Gibraltar-like

1,100ft from the sea and is a haven for wildlife. A marked trail through

and around the Rock will take about 2 ½ hours to complete. As well as

the old quarter you should visit the Roman Queen’s Baths and the old

walls built to protect Calpe from pirates.

There are three included excursions during your stay in Calpe.

Serra Aitana Hills, Guadalest and Alcoy. This drive is as scenic as you

will find anywhere in Spain. You pass through lemon groves and vast

swathes of fine netting which cover the hillsides, underneath which are

‘nispero’ trees whose sweet fruit is protected from the winter hailstorms

in the mountains. The mountains themselves are a haven for wildlife

including wild cats and genets, badgers and weasels and even golden

eagles. Guadalest, an ancient Moorish stronghold, is in a spectacular

setting with fantastic views from the remains of the Muslim fortress.

Further along the valley is the town of Alcoy where five rivers meet.

Around the Plaza de Espana is the medieval quarter but you’ll also find a

modernist and industrial heritage in the town. 95 miles today.

Valencia. 75 motorway miles from Calpe is the historic, but also

trendy city of Valencia. Valencia’s historic buildings cluster around the

14th-century cathedral in the Plaza de la Reina. Your search for the Holy

Grail is over - the gold chalice is in the cathedral museum! A short walk

away is the so-called ‘real’ Valencia in the Barrio del Carmen where

you’ll find a host of cafes, bars and restaurants in the captivating narrow

streets. The Central Market, one of the oldest food markets in Europe,

houses a thousand stalls under its decorated iron and glass dome. Food

is very important in Valencia, the home of paella, and you should find

time to call in at one of the ‘horchaterias’ and sip on a nutty ‘milkshake’.

Denia. On this pleasant half-day trip to Denia you can stroll down the

tree-lined Avenida del Marques de Campo, walk up to the castle or

down to the harbour and snack on some famous Denia gambas.

DAY EIGHT: Free time until departure for the airport and your flight home.

YOUR HOTEL

DIAMANTE BEACH HOTEL HHHH, Calpe (seven nights)

The hotel is located just a few metres from the Levante Beach promenade.

The hotel’s modern style is characterised by its spectacular glass façade.

Rooms are equipped with a full bathroom with hairdryer, air-conditioning,

safety deposit box, mini-bar, telephone, satellite tv, wifi and internet

connection, and large balcony. There are three outdoor pools, cafeteria,

piano bar, and the Mediterranean cuisine buffet restaurant with “Show

Cooking”. The spa centre offers a large heated pool with a vast range of

spa amenities. Our guests receive one free circuit of the spa consisting of

16 elements including hydromassage, turkish bath, ice fountain, thermal

bath, jacuzzi, sauna and 5 different sorts of shower. (www.diamantebeach.

com)





8 days from £699

March & October

Mallorca’s North East Coast

Majorca – Mallorca, Majorca – Mallorca, which is it? In English, it has a j and conjures images of tourist hordes sizzling

in the hot sun. Whereas the Spanish spelling and much more refined pronunciation of Mallorca reflect the beautiful island

much loved by the likes of Chopin, Grace Kelly, Princess Diana, and the Spanish Royal Family. The area around the resort

of Cala Ratjada in the northeast of the island falls very much into the latter category. You won’t find high-rise hotel blocks

here, but golden beaches, azure seas, quiet coves and the tranquil pine forest.

• 7 nights hb in the Bella Playa Hotel in Cala Ratjada • Walking tour of Sa Torre Cega • Excursion to Palma

• Excursion to the Drach Caves

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Palma. On arrival, you will be met at the airport and

transferred to your hotel, the Bella Playa, for seven nights half-board

accommodation. Transfer time one hour.

Cala Ratjada is an old fishing port on the north-east coast of the island

which has developed into a pleasant resort with a busy harbour, craggy

coves and pretty beaches. As well as a host of shops, cafes, bars and

restaurants, Cala Ratjada has attractive natural areas right on its

doorstep. A variety of bird species thrives in the protected area of Cala

Agulla beach close to your hotel. While a pleasant walk through the

pine forest will take you to the lighthouse at Capdepera from where, on

a clear day, you can see across to the neighbouring island of Menorca.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: In Cala Ratjada with three included activities

during your stay.

Walking Tour of Sa Torre Cega: A twenty-minute walk from your

hotel is Sa Torre Cega, an early 20th-century villa built for the March

banking family. In an ideal spot overlooking the tiny bay of Cala Gat,

the gardens at Sa Torre Cega were landscaped by Russell Page, the

English designer whose clients included the Duke of Windsor, King

Leopold of Belgium, and the Frick Art Collection in New York. And art

is an integral feature of the Sa Torre Cega gardens where you will

see forty sculptures of the March collection. The gardens were closed

after being severely damaged in a storm in 2001, and, after extensive

restoration, were reopened by King Juan Carlos in 2015.

Palma: On a day trip to Palma fifty miles away, you’ll have plenty of

time to explore the delights of the island’s capital. A short orientation

tour on arrival will show you where things are, after which you can

choose how you will spend your free time. Many will make a beeline

for the ultra-impressive Gothic Cathedral. Dating from the 13th

century, the building has been modified through the ages right up to

the changes made in the early 1900’s by Antoni Gaudi. Or you could

make your way to the Palau March Museum which houses the rest of

the March sculpture collection including works by Rodin, Henry Moore

and Barbara Hepworth. Don’t forget to leave time for a delicious tapas

lunch in the narrow streets of the old centre.

Drach Caves: A short 18-mile trip to the famous caves where you

have a tour of the deep caves including the blue waters of the Baths

of Diana, incredible stalactites and stalagmites, and a boat trip and

classical concert on one the world’s largest underground lakes.

In your spare time you can enjoy the facilities of the hotel, or maybe

hire a bike and visit the market town of Arta.

DAY EIGHT: Free time until your departure transfer to the airport for

your flight home.

YOUR HOTEL

HOTEL BELLA PLAYA HHHH, Cala Ratjada (seven nights)

The hotel, on the edge of the resort, adjoins the Levante Natural Park area.

The hotel offers plenty of sporting activities (tennis courts, swimming pool,

gymnasium and discounts for the nearby golf course among others) as

well as well-furnished rooms (satellite tv, telephone and full bathroom).

Prices are based on standard rooms. Superior rooms are available at a

supplement. The hotel has an outdoor pool and a wellness centre with

sauna, 2 Turkish baths and relaxation room – free of charge for hotel

guests - and free wifi access on the Terrace Bar and in Reception. There

is a buffet meal each night with a huge selection of food, including local

specialities (www. bellaplaya.com).

Extend your holiday – extra week available in Cala Ratjada.





8 days from £599 February to November 2019, February & March 2020

Andalucia’s Eastern Coast, Granada & Almeria

Granada was the last city to be re-conquered by the Catholic Kings in 1492 and Spain’s Moorish legacy is nowhere more

evident than in Granada and its province. On this holiday, not only will you visit the Alhambra complex in Granada, but also

the city of Almeria. Your base is the coastal city of Almunecar. This is a city whose Phoenician, Roman and Moorish past is

still much in evidence. The wonderful sub-tropical climate will help you enjoy the city’s rich artistic and cultural heritage

as well as the pretty historic centre. In and around Almunecar the sierras plunge spectacularly into the sea and you will

find no less than 25 beaches and coves within the boundary of the municipality.

• 7 nights hb in Almunecar • Visit to Granada and the Alhambra • Tour along the Costa Tropical to Almeria

• 1 entrance free of charge to the hotel’s spa centre

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Malaga and transfer to your hotel (55 miles) in Almunecar

on the beach east of the city for seven nights half board accommodation.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: During your stay there are two included full day

excursions. The first is to the wonderful city of Granada just 45 miles

away. There is surely no more spectacular setting than Granada whose

extraordinary Alhambra complex is dominated by the snow-capped peaks

of the Sierra Nevada. A local guide will ensure you make the most of your

visit of the Alhambra and the Generalife Gardens. (Please note that, due to

restrictions on group visits, the Nasrid Palaces part of the complex may not

be included in the visit.) As well as visiting the complex, you will also have

plenty of time to see some of the city’s other attractions such as the cathedral

and the old Moorish quarter of Albaicin, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site

together with the Alhambra and the Generalife. The second excursion is a

trip along the east coast to see the ancient city of Almeria and (80 miles away

by motorway). Almeria also has Phoenician and Roman origins and one of

the greatest citadels ever built by the Moors as well as an unusual fortified

cathedral constructed as defence against pirate attacks. The whitewashed

walls of the old town have the unmistakable Al-Andalus atmosphere.

The rest of your time is free to enjoy Almunecar. You can visit the Arab

fortress built on top of a Roman castle or stroll through the delightful

botanical gardens of Majuelo Park where there is a huge collection of

tropical and subtropical plants, bushes and trees as well as the remains

of the Roman fish-salting pits. Other attractions include the exotic bird

park and the network of defensive towers built by the Moors and later

strengthened in the 18th century as defence against British raids. Or just

stroll through the busy commercial district in the old centre where you can

admire the city’s monuments – look out for the plaque dedicated to Laurie

Lee who spent time here during and after the Civil War. There will also

be the chance to join an optional excursion to Nerja with its magnificent

Balcon de Europa and its nearby famous caves - an enormous cavern

reminiscent of an underground cathedral featuring stalactites, stalagmites

and wonderful rock formations and the white-painted, hill-top village of

Frigiliana.

DAY EIGHT: Free time until your transfer to the airport and your return flight.

YOUR HOTEL

HOTEL BAHIA TROPICAL HHHH, Taramay, Almunecar (seven nights)

The hotel is situated on the small Pozuelo beach in Taramay on the eastern

edge of Almunecar, 3 km from the city centre. There is a frequent, cheap

bus service to town if you do not want to take the extremely pleasant

walk along the seafront. Its spacious rooms all have bath and wc, minibar,

satellite tv, safe (chargeable) and hairdryer - most have balcony or

terrace. The restaurant serves buffet style food and there is a bar with

entertainment on some nights. The hotel has a large outdoor pool and a

spa. One entrance to the spa is included during your stay (one hour use to

include active pool with water massages, sauna, Turkish bath, pediluvium

and sensation shower). Health and body treatments are also available at

extra cost. (www.hotelbahiatropical.es)

Extend your holiday – extra week available in Taramay.





8 days from £699 September & October

The Orange Blossom Coast, Peniscola & the High Villages of the Maestrazgo

Just to the north of Valencia is the Costa del Azahar, the ‘Orange Blossom Coast’, so-called because of the abundance of orange

groves in the area. The coast is speckled with watchtowers and lighthouses, while inland there are fortified castles and villages

- especially in the inland Sierra del Maestrazgo, where white villages cling precariously to rocky outcrops – spectacular indeed!

You will also see the unusual landscapes of the Ebro Delta, complete with the paddy-fields where rice for paella is grown.

• 7 nights hb in Benicassim • Excursion to Morella and the hilltop villages of the Maestrazgo • Excursion

up the coast to Peniscola & the Ebro Delta • Visit to the Desert of Palms Natural Area, with superb views of

the coast • Orientation walk by the modernist villas of Benicassim

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Valencia or Castellon. Transfer to your hotel in Benicassim

(an hour from Valencia, 30 minutes from Castellon), for seven nights’ half-board

accommodation. Benicassim has a pleasant town centre a mile inland from the

beach, but its pride and joy are the splendid Modernista villas towards the northern

end of the seaside avenue. It also has a 3 ½ -mile Via Verde Greenway linking

the resort with Oropesa del Mar – this is a disused coastal railway line suitable

for walking or cycling and featuring spectacular sea views. Take a torch for the

tunnel! There are train and bus services from Benicassim to surrounding areas, and

neighbouring Castellon has both a main line station and also frequent suburban

services to Valencia.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: In resort with one half-day and two full-day included

excursions. Half-day excursion to the Desert of the Palms and the Villas of

Benicassim. You drive the short distance inland and up into the Palms Desert

Natural Park, just behind your resort. Rising to over 2000ft. the park is a land of rich

Mediterranean vegetation and wildlife, scattered with castles and hermitages, and

offering fantastic views of the coast. You will make a stop to visit the monastery, in

a spectacular setting and where the monks developed a jealously-guarded recipe

for a liqueur. You then return to Benicassim and alight at the edge of town, to walk

along the seafront promenade. In just one mile, walking towards St Vincent’s Tower,

you will pass 27 of the spectacular modernist/Belle Epoque Villas with wonderful

gardens. One is a hotel where Hemingway stayed.

Full-day excursion to the Ebro Delta and Peniscola. The Ebro Delta, just over an

hour to the north, is one of Europe’s most attractive and delicately balanced wildlife

sanctuaries. The visit begins with a short presentation at the Eco-Museum in

Deltebre, with an explanation of the relationship between man, agriculture and

wildlife of the area. Much of the marshy area is covered by watery rice fields

which support the local fauna. There are vast areas of beaches, dunes, reeded

lagoons and riverside woods. Over the year, between 50,000 and 100,000 birds

of 300 species (more than half the species in Europe) visit the Delta. You will

also stop in Poblenou del Delta, established under Franco as the home village

for farmers, in an attempt to increase national food production. The afternoon

is spent in Peniscola. Founded by the Phoenicians, Peniscola was an important

port: Hamilcar, father of Hannibal, imported his elephants through here on his

way to wage war against Rome. The town’s name is a corruption of ‘Peninsula’

and the castle is indeed, almost an island. It was built by the Knights Templar

in the late 13th century, but in the 15th became the home of Papa Luna, Pope

Benedict XIII, the last of the Avignon Popes of the Great Schism, who took

refuge here after being deposed. Part of the movie ‘El Cid’ was filmed here.

The town itself has a pleasant white painted centre and then spreads along the

excellent beach. 154 miles today. Morella and the Villages of the Maestrazgo.

Your other full-day excursion takes you inland into the spectacular Sierra mountain

landscapes of El Maestrazgo. The mountain scenery is wonderful; the villages

and towns, perched on rocky hilltops in unlikely fashion, even more so. Today’s

main stop will be at Morella, a medieval fortress town rising from the plain below,

surrounded by its walls, and featuring narrow streets clustering along the contours

below the apparently impregnable hilltop castle. Within the town are tapas bars,

craft shops, the Gothic cloister of the monastery, the impressive Santa Maria la

Mayor church, and a 13th-century aqueduct. The hilltop fortress offers amazing

views all around. The city was recovered from the Moors by King James’ steward,

in the 13th century. The story goes that he didn’t want to return it to the crown- the

King apparently came to blows with him for possession of the city – when you see

Morella, you’ll understand why! On the way back to the hotel, you stop in historic

Sant Mateu, from where James I of Aragon, set out to take back the region from

the Moors in the 13th century. The sturdy Gothic mansions around the main square

bear witness to the town’s significant royal past. The Catalan Gothic church is

impressive – with a wide column-free vault a particular feature. 142 miles today.

On your free days, there will be the chance to join optional excursions to Valencia,

and to the St Joseph’s Caves near Vall d’Uxo for a boat trip along an underground

river.

DAY EIGHT: Depart to the airport for your flight home.

YOUR HOTEL

HOTEL INTUR BONAIRE HHHH, Benicassim (seven nights)

The hotel is located just 200 yards from the beach and 1 ½ miles from

the town centre of Benicassim. Set in pleasant gardens, the hotel has

a large outdoor swimming pool and a small indoor one. There is a bar

and restaurant serving buffet meals. The comfortable bedrooms have bath/

shower, wc, tv, air-conditioning, safe, hairdryer, and small fridge, as well

as free wifi. Rooms with pool-view and terrace come at a supplement.

Wellness facilities (charges apply) are available in a neighbouring sister

hotel. (www.intur.com/hotel-bonaire-benicasim).





8 days from £749 September & October

The Costa de la Luz, Sherry Country & the White Villages of Andalucia

Sanlucar de Barrameda, your holiday base, is an interesting old port with a long history, set at the northern tip of the

so-called ‘sherry triangle’, and home to the distinctive manzanilla wine. Apart from its beach and fishing port, it has a

picturesque old quarter of pleasant pedestrian streets, thronging with reasonably-priced bars and restaurants. Across the

Guadalquivir (the ‘Big River’) is the Donana National Park, a major wildlife haven. From Sanlucar, Columbus embarked on

his third voyage to the New World, Pizzaro sailed for Peru, and 2019 sees the 500th anniversary of the start of Magellan’s

unintended attempt to sail around the world. The area is the home of the majestic Andalucian thoroughbred horse, and a

visit to the state-run stud farm near Jerez is included. There is also a trip into the unique landscapes of the ‘white villages’

of Andalucia, spectacularly set on the mountain hillsides. And all of this within the pleasant climate and the stunning

‘light’ which gives the ‘Costa de la Luz’ its name.

• 7 nights in Sanlucar de Barrameda, with daily buffet breakfast, three dinners, and a tapas lunch • Sanlucar

orientation walk and bodega visit • Excursion to Grazalema and the White Villages of Andalucia • Visit to

an Andalusian Stud farm and Jerez

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Seville or to Jerez and then to your centrally-situated

hotel in Sanlucar de Barrameda (transfer time 80 minutes from Seville, 25

minutes from Jerez) for seven nights. Dinner is included on three nights.

This means you have time to sample the delights of the myriad tapas bars

and restaurants for which Sanlucar is famous. Your hotel is ideally located,

within 200-300m of the old pedestrian streets in the centre, 450m from

the bus station (regular services to Jerez, Cadiz, Seville, Chipiona), and

1km from the castle and from the attractions of the maritime quarter. The

maritime area of town, at the mouth of the river at Bajo de Guia (‘Pilots’

alighting place’), features a wide gastronomic range of fish and seafood

restaurants. Bajo de Guia is also the site of the ‘Ice Factory’ tourist office,

with displays of the Donana National Park, and the starting point of a halfday

boat trip into the Park. The Donana is one of the chief wetland nature

areas of Europe, particularly important for ecologists and ornithologists

(both for resident and migratory birdlife, and indeed for wildlife and ecology

in general). Also nearby the hotel is the long, flat beach renowned for its

August horse-racing events.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: In Sanlucar with three included excursions. The

first is an orientation walk of the town, with a manzanilla bodega visit and

tapas lunch.

Another excursion takes you to Jerez and the Cartuja National Stud Farm.

Half an hour’s drive from Sanlucar lies the ‘Yeguada de la Cartuja’ just

to the south of Jerez, the state-run Stud Farm for Jerezano horses. Its

origins date back to the 15th century when Carthusian monks established

a monastery there and later began to establish a bloodline for these

magnificent white horses. As well as a tour of the stud farm, you’ll see a

show featuring the famous horses. In Jerez, you will have an orientation

tour of the city that gave sherry to the world. As well as a fine Gothic

cathedral there is an alcazar and atmospheric gypsy quarter. The Alcazar

was once the residence of the Caliph of Seville and incorporates a mosque,

later converted into a church. There are several big-name sherry houses

including Gonzalez Byass, Domecq, Harvey, and Sandeman. 47 miles today.

The third excursion explores the White Villages of Andalucia, featuring

Arcos de la Frontera and Grazalema. Driving inland, you arrive at Arcos de

la Frontera, perched improbably on a crag overlooking the Guadalete River.

After a stop, you continue to Grazalema, which gives its name to the whole

Sierra and is the centre of the Natural Park – a UNESCO-listed biosphere.

Although now best known for the walkers and sightseers who come to

the park, as early as the 17th century, Grazalema became famous for its

woollen blankets and clothing. You return by a different route, passing

through Algodonales – frequented by many hang-gliders – and Villamartin

before rejoining the main road at Arcos. 156 miles today.

Two optional excursions will also be available: to the Flamenco city of

Seville, and to the maritime city of Cadiz and pretty Puerto de Santa Maria,

with the trip between them by boat.

DAY EIGHT: Departure for the airport. Depending on your flight schedule,

there may be time for some last-minute shopping and sightseeing en route.

YOUR HOTEL

HOTEL GUADALQUIVIR HHHH, Sanlucar de Barrameda (seven nights)

This centrally-situated hotel has been refurbished to offer comfortable

rooms with small fridge, tv, aircon, bath/shower and wc. and free wifi.

There is a railway-themed bar/coffee shop serving snacks, dining area,

and a rooftop bar/terrace with splendid views. There is a lounge area and

3 lifts. The pedestrianized town centre with innumerable reasonably-priced

restaurants and bars is just a few yards away.

(www.hotelguadalquivir.com/en/)



8 days from £749 April, May & September

Western Andalucia - Isla Canela, Rio Tinto & the Guadiana River

This holiday has the perfect balance of relaxation beside the dunes along Spain’s Atlantic coast and on the banks of the

Guadiana river and scenic sightseeing jam-packed with historical and cultural interest. Your holiday base is the 4* Playamarina

Hotel on Punta del Moral on Isla Canela in Spain, just over the Portuguese border. From here you visit the beautiful coastline

of the Donana Natural Park, enjoy the fascinating Columbus sites and the stunning scenery of the British Rio Tinto mines and

have a lazy day on a boat sailing up the River Guadiana which marks the border between Spain and Portugal.

• 7 nights hb in a 4* hotel on Isla Canela • One included spa entrance • Full day excursion to the Rio Tinto mines

with train ride • Full day excursion to the Columbus sites and El Rocio • Boat cruise on the Guadiana River

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Faro in Portugal and transfer to your hotel on Isla Canela in

Spain for seven nights half board accommodation. The transfer takes around

an hour, but you have to put your watches on an hour when you cross the

Guadiana which is the border.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: In resort with three included excursions. There

is plenty to do in your free time. The front of the hotel looks across to the

thriving fishing village and marina of Punta del Moral. You can have a pleasant

stroll around the harbour or take a little ferry ride across to Isla Cristina. The

rear of the hotel backs on to the promenade from where there are wooden

boardwalks across the dunes to the beach and the sea. Walking past the

inviting chiringuito (beach bar) might be difficult! There is a frequent bus

service which makes the 5-mile journey to Ayamonte on the Guadiana river.

Ayamonte is a bustling ‘frontier’ town with a compact old centre, marina and

port. The ‘frontier’ is the river and for under 3 euros you can get a return ferry

across to the pretty town of Vila Real de San Antonio in Portugal. If you can

find the time, a complimentary 1 ½ hour circuit of the hotel’s extensive spa

facilities is included for you!

You really chill out and relax on your first excursion – a boat ride up the

Guadiana river. The boat leaves from Ayamonte and poodles upstream

through the soporific scenery of the gentle hills of the Guadiana valley. The

captain might stop in Portugal on the left – then again, it might be Spain on

the right – either way, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the hospitality of one of

the riparian communities. The return to your hotel will be by coach.

Another included excursion takes you to the unique landscape and ecosystem

that are the Rio Tinto mines. There has been mining in the hills 80 miles

north-east of Isla Canela for over 5000 years. In the museum in the town

of Rio Tinto there is an excellent re-creation of the Roman mine. There is

British influence in many parts of Spain but nowhere as pronounced than

in this remote corner of Andalucia. The pinnacle of mining in the area began

in 1873 with the arrival of the British Rio Tinto Mining Company Ltd who

paid £3.68 million for the rights to exploit the disused copper mines. The

company employed up to 20,000 men, laid 300km of rail track, built houses

for employees and management, a Protestant church and a Social Club which

had a cricket team and introduced football to Spain. The museum is housed

in the company’s hospital and its offices are now the town hall. Highlight of

the tour is the rail journey through the open cast mines where you’ll see an

amazing ‘Martian’ landscape with the red (bright red!) Rio Tinto river running

through it. (NB the train is accessed down a long flight of steps – no ramp).

The third included excursion is to La Rabida Monastery, Caravelle Wharf and

El Rocio. Just over an hour to the east of your hotel lies the monastery of La

Rabida, where Columbus stayed with the monks before his voyage to the

New World in 1492. The King and Queen of Spain had rejected his request for

funding to seek a westward route to China, but with the intercession of the

monks (who were to get a percentage!), funding was granted…and the rest,

as they say, is history. Nearby lies Caravelle Wharf, with full-size replicas of

Columbus’ three ships – the Pinto, the Nina, and the Santa Maria (entrance

fee included). All are much smaller than you might expect – but they actually

travelled across the Atlantic in 1992, for the 500th anniversary. You then travel

to the strange town of El Rocio, which seems like something out of the Tex-

Mex West, with clapboard houses, sand covered squares and avenues and

rails to tie your horse to! But this is no tourist movie set – in fact it is a major

pilgrimage site, and lies at the edge of the Doñana Natural Park. There is free

time for a late lunch here before returning to your hotel.

DAY EIGHT: Transfer back to Faro Airport for your flight home. You can put

your watch back an hour after crossing the river.

YOUR HOTEL

HOTEL PLAYAMARINA SPA HHHH, Punta del Moral, Isla Canela

(seven nights)

An excellent hotel in a quiet position located between the beach and the

marina on Punta del Moral. The hotel has a buffet restaurant with show

cooking, indoor and outdoor pool. There is also a spa (a free 1 ½ circuit

is included for you), bar and entertainment on most evenings. Rooms

have bath with shower over and separate shower and wc, hairdryer,

LCD tv, air-conditioning, ceiling fan and safe (chargeable), terrace

or balcony. Free Wi-Fi in reception (30 mins) – chargeable in room.

(www.playasenator.com/en/hoteles/playamarina/)

Extend your holiday – extra week available in Isla Canela





8 days from £799 May to October 2019, March 2020

Seville, Cordoba, Granada & Ronda - the Best of Andalucia

Granada’s Alhambra, Cordoba’s magnificent cathedral, spectacular Ronda, Picasso’s city of Malaga, and magical Seville -

on this superb, carefully planned holiday, you’ll see all of Andalucia’s most impressive sights. Four nights are spent in the

pleasant town of Antequera – an ideal base for visiting the region. Two nights are spent in Seville and another in Malaga.

• 4 nights hb in Antequera • 2 nights bb in Seville • 1 night bb in Malaga • Included excursions to Granada and

El Torcal • Entrances to the Alhambra complex and to the Cordoba Mezquita • Walking tour of Seville • Visits to

Ronda & Cordoba • Local guides in Seville, Cordoba, and Granada

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Malaga. On arrival transfer to your hotel in Antequera (approx.

50 minutes) for four nights’ half-board accommodation.

DAYS TWO TO FOUR: At the crossroads between Malaga and Cordoba, and

Seville and Granada, Antequera is ideally situated for visiting Andalucia’s main

sights. But it’s also an interesting town in its own right. Throughout the city centre

its Spanish, Roman, and Moorish influences are ever-present. The stunning

collegiate church of Santa Maria la Mayor rises just below the Moorish fortress.

There are over thirty churches, including the impressive Spanish-Baroque Iglesia

del Carmen, and a network of picturesque alleys, shady squares, and tapas bars

to enjoy. There are two included excursions during your stay in Antequera.

The first excursion is a short half-day excursion, to allow you to get you your

bearings in Antequera and to visit El Torcal, a natural area of amazing limestone

rock formations. Just 23 miles total.

The second excursion is to Granada. Just sixty easy motorway miles away,

there is surely no more spectacular setting than Granada whose extraordinary

Alhambra complex is dominated by the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

A local guide will ensure you make the most of your visit to the Alhambra and

the Generalife Gardens. (Please note that, due to restrictions on group visits, the

Nasrid Palaces part of the complex may not be included in the visit.) As well as

visiting the complex, you will also have plenty of time to see some of the city’s

other attractions such as the cathedral and the old Moorish quarter of Albaicin,

now – like with the Alhambra and the Generalife - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

120 miles round trip.

DAY FIVE: Today you travel towards Seville, but first visit Cordoba, one of the

not-to-be-missed sights of Andalucia, where, 1000 years ago, Jews, Arabs and

Christians lived side by side in harmony. You will see a statue of Maimonides, the

famous Jewish philosopher and the author of Mishneh Torah. You will also visit

the world-famous Mezquita, accompanied by a local guide. The church/mosque

was founded in 785 by Abd ar-Rahman I, and then adapted and adopted by the

Christian Kings of Spain – who built a cathedral inside it! You will also have free

time for lunch and sightseeing before continuing to Seville for two nights’ bed

and breakfast accommodation. 154 miles today.

DAY SIX: Morning walking tour of Seville with local guide. In a splendid location

on the Guadalquivir River, Seville is a lively city and the capital of Flamenco.

Wandering through the narrow streets you will soon understand how Seville

inspired Bizet’s Carmen and Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro. The afternoon is free.

You may want to visit the Cathedral, the Giralda or the Alcazar, and, in the evening,

take in a Flamenco show.

DAY SEVEN: Today you leave Seville and drive through the scenic Sierra

landscape to Ronda whose spectacular 600ft deep Tagus Gorge is spanned

by the spectacular Puente Nuevo (new bridge). The city’s bullring in the ‘’new’’

town is 230 years old, about the same age as the new bridge! You will have

free time for sightseeing in this interesting, atmospheric and dramatic city. You

then continue to Malaga, arriving in time for a short tour of Picasso’s home-town

where you spend the last night of your holiday on a bed and breakfast basis. 135

miles today.

DAY EIGHT: Transfer to the airport (25 minutes) for your return flight.

YOUR HOTELS

HOTEL ANTEQUERA HHHH, Antequera (four nights)

In a quiet residential area, the hotel offers wide halls, piano bar, and modern

covered heated swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, Turkish bath,

etc. All of the 182 rooms are fully air-conditioned and are equipped with

full bathroom, hairdryer, satellite tv, direct dial phone and minibar. A charge

applies to some of the leisure facilities. Meals in the hotel are buffet style,

with an impressive range of Spanish and international cuisine. Free wifi.

The town centre is 800m walk away. (www.hotelantequera.com)

HOTEL SEVILLA MACARENA HHHH, Seville (two nights)

The hotel is next to the old city walls opposite the Parliament and close

to the river and the historic centre. Bedrooms have bath/shower and wc,

hairdryer, tv with satellite channels, free wifi, and safety deposit box.

There is a restaurant and a sports-themed bar offering snacks. (www.

hotelsevillamacarena.com)

HOTEL MALAGA CENTRO HHHH, Malaga (one night)

The hotel is situated close to the historic centre and business district. It has

a formal restaurant and a cafe/bar. There is a roof-top pool (seasonal) and

a fitness centre. Bedrooms are modern with free minibar (no alcohol), bath/

shower and free wifi. (www.salleshotels.com)



NO SINGLE

SUPPLEMENT

FEB & NOV

8 days from £749 February to November 2019, February & March 2020

A Week on the Algarve

A relaxing week in an excellent hotel amid the beauty of the Algarve is the recipe for this Portuguese holiday. You will

discover not just the spectacular coastline, but also the unspoilt countryside of the hinterland, with historic sites such as

Silves, the former Moorish capital of the Algarve, with its Roman Bridge and 16th century church. Your resort, Armação

de Pêra, boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve, with pretty coves and a panorama of brightly coloured

fishing boats. Your base is the 4-star Holiday Inn (formerly Hotel Garbe), right on the beach.

• 7 nights hb in the 4* Holiday Inn on the beach at Armação de Pêra • 3 included guided excursions visiting

Portimao, Silves, Cape St Vincent and Lagos

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Faro and transfer to your hotel in Armação de

Pêra, just 45 minutes away from the airport. Seven nights half board

accommodation is reserved for you.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: In resort with three included excursions:

Your first excursion (half-day) is an orientation tour, showing you the

coast to the west of your resort. After a photo stop at the impressive

Algar Seco rock formations, you continue to the pretty fishing village

of Carvoeiro (coffee stop) and the town and beach resort of Portimao.

The second excursion takes you inland, into the rolling countryside,

where you will also stop in one of the Algarve’s most picturesque

villages, Alte, and in the former Moorish stronghold of Silves. Alte

stands at the foot of the Serra do Calderao, with white houses

clustered in the narrow streets around the church. There are natural

springs, too, with a series of little waterfalls, grassy banks, and a

much-painted bridge over the stream. Silves is bigger than Alte, but

no less pretty, beautifully set under its well-preserved Moorish castle

and its cathedral, and on the Arade River.

Your other included trip is to the Algarve’s Wild West, Cape St Vincent,

the south-west extremity of Portugal, and with its 75m high cliffs,

a major landmark for Atlantic shipping. The area is rich in birdlife.

Nearby is the village of Sagres, popular with surfers, with a fort,

lighthouse and good beaches. Today you will also visit Lagos, a town

which is closely associated with Henry the Navigator, and was the

starting port of many Portuguese voyages of discovery in the 15th

and 16th centuries.

DAY EIGHT: Free time until your transfer to the airport for your return

flight.

YOUR HOTEL

THE HOLIDAY INN ALGARVE (formerly the Hotel Garbe) HHHH,

Armação de Pêra (seven nights)

This well-appointed 4* hotel commands a prime position with a stunning

panoramic view of the bay of Armação de Pêra, within strolling distance

of shops, restaurants and entertainment. Its facilities include a restaurant

serving buffet-style meals, lounge, bar, free wifi in reception and

swimming pool. Rooms are equipped with bath/shower, wc, hairdryer,

direct dial telephone, individually controlled air-conditioning, safe, minibar,

tea and coffee making facilities and satellite tv. Sea view rooms are

available at a supplement. Entertainment is provided on certain evenings.

(www.hialgarve.com)

Extend your holiday – extra week available on the Algarve.





8 days from £949 May & September

A Week on the Lisbon Coast

Cascais and Estoril, side by side and connected by a seafront promenade, are the two main resorts on the Lisbon Coast.

Estoril, with its plush villas and Belle Époque casino is the more traditional of the two, while lively Cascais still retains

some of its character as a traditional fishing town. Just sixteen miles from Lisbon, this part of the coast is a great base for

exploring the capital and attractions further afield such as Fatima, Tomar and Obidos.

• 7 nights hb Monte Estoril • Excursion to Lisbon • Excursion to Obidos and Mafra • Excursion to Fatima,

Batalha and Tomar

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Lisbon. Thirty-minute transfer to your hotel in

Monte Estoril.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: Your hotel is in Monte Estoril between Estoril

and Cascais, a 25-minute walk from the centre of either or you can

take the frequent local bus. There are plenty of shops and cafés close

by as is Monte Estoril train station from where there is a regular service

to Lisbon. There are three included excursions during your stay.

Lisbon: Everywhere you go in Lisbon you will find evidence of the city’s

historic links with the Age of Discovery from where intrepid explorers

opened up the sea-trading routes to India, Brazil, China and Japan in

the 15th-century. Today, the city is a mix of old quarters such as the

Alfama, a maze of steep cobbled streets, the wide avenues leading to

the 18th century Rossio square and modern developments with fine

shops. This is a half day trip by coach but you can stay on in Lisbon

and take the train back to your hotel.

Mafra and Obidos: Mafra’s grandiose palace-monastery was

commissioned by King João V in 1717 to celebrate the birth of his first

child and has 5000 doorways, 2500 windows, 880 rooms, 154 grand

staircases, 29 courtyards and 330 monks’ cells. The two bell towers

together house over 100 bells (the largest collection in the world), still

played every Sunday and audible across a distance of 15 miles. In

pretty little Obidos you have free time to walk the perfectly preserved

walls that surround cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and ancient

terracotta roofs. Above the town is a picture-book 13th-century castle

which has been converted into a pousada. 130 miles.

Fatima, Batalha and Tomar: The pilgrimage site of Fatima caught

the media attention in 1917 with the first appearance of Our Lady

of Fatima to three shepherd children in Irene´s Cove where currently

the Chapel of the Apparitions is located. The apparitions took place

every 13th day from May until October. From here you continue to

Batalha which owes its origin to the building of the Battle Abbey after

the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385 between Portuguese and Spanish

armies. In thanks to the Virgin Mary for the victory over the Castilians,

D. João I ordered the construction of the Monastery which is one of

the most significant buildings of the Portuguese Gothic and Manueline

style. The next stop is the Templar city of Tomar. The city was taken

from the Moors in the middle of the 12th-century and donated to the

Knights Templar. In 1160 Dom Gualdim Pais, Great Master of the order,

began construction of the Castle and Monastery that would come to be

the headquarters of the Templars in Portugal. The stunning Convent

of Christ dates from 1162 and dominates the attractive town below.

During the reign of Prince Henry the Navigator, the cloisters between

the Great Cloister and the fortress of the Knights Templar were built.

237 miles today.

There will also be an optional excursion to Sintra. The whole town is a

UNESCO World Heritage site on account of its 19th-century Romantic

architecture. Upon arrival you first visit Sintra National Palace, also

known as Palácio da Vila, famous for its magnificent painted ceilings.

The palace is the only survivor of the country’s Royal Halls, dating from

the Middle Ages. One of the palace highlights is its kitchen complete

with huge 110 feet high conical chimneys.

DAY EIGHT: Departure for the airport and your flight home.

YOUR HOTEL

ESTORIL EDEN HOTEL HHHH, Monte Estoril (seven nights)

The resorts of Cascais and Estoril are now one municipality and Monte

Estoril stands between the two old centres. The hotel has an indoor and

outdoor pool, fitness room, sauna, bar and restaurant. The spacious

bedrooms are aparthotel style with balcony, equipped kitchenette/dining

area, tv, air-conditioning, minibar, and bathroom with hairdryer. (www.

estoriledenhotel.com)



8 days from £879

May, September & October

Provence - Arles, Avignon, Nîmes & the Camargue

The base for our exploration of this enchanting and captivating part of France is the Roman city of Arles, renowned for its

complete amphitheatre, medieval centre and scenes and landscapes famously portrayed in the works of van Gogh. Other

highlights of the holiday include the old papal seat of Avignon, the ancient monuments of Nîmes, the Camargue port towns

of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Aigues-Mortes, and the iconic symbol of the south, the Pont du Gard.

• 7 nights in Arles – 2 hb and 5 bb • Walking tour of Arles • Excursion to Nîmes, Pont du Gard and Avignon

• Boat trip in the Camargue with lunch • Visits to Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer and Aigues-Mortes

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Marseille or Nîmes, transfer to your hotel in Arles

(one hour from Marseille, 40 minutes from Nîmes) for seven nights

hotel accommodation. Two dinners in the hotel are included during

your stay, leaving five nights to sample the delights of the local

restaurants. Your Tour Director will be on hand to assist.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: In Arles. A walking tour of the city will acquaint

you with all the major sights and attractions of this splendid city -

Place du Forum, Espace van Gogh, amphitheatre and theatre, the

Roman baths and the Musée Réattu on the bank of the river Rhône.

Arles’ golden age began under Caesar when it became an important

regional capital of the Roman Empire. Evidence of this is everywhere,

but brazenly obvious at ‘les Arènes’ – the wonderfully preserved

amphitheatre which is now used for bullfights. The special light

in Provence has always attracted painters and Arles will be forever

associated with Vincent van Gogh for his spat with Gaugin, severing

his ear, but, above all, his incredible artistic output while in the city. He

arrived in Arles in February 1888 and in the prolific fifteen months that

followed he created more than three hundred works including some

of his best known – the Arles Sunflowers series, his Chair, Bedroom.

You can follow a walking trail in Arles featuring van Gogh scenes such

as the Amphitheatre, Café Terrace at Night and Starry Night over the

Rhone.

As well as the walking tour, there are two included excursions during

your stay in Arles. The first is a tour of the Camargue by coach and

boat. The Camargue is Europe’s largest wetland and as well as birds,

its other famous residents are the white horses and black bulls.

The day starts with a short coach transfer through the Camargue to

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer. On the way you’ll hear the story of the

Three Marys (Jacob, Salome and Magdalene) and their servant Sarah,

patron saint of Gypsies, thousands of whom have been making the

annual pilgrimage to Stes-Maries for centuries. A boat cruise on the

Petit Rhone will show you aspects of the Camargue and its wildlife

only accessible by river. After a lunch (included) in Stes-Maries you

continue west across the Camargue to Aigues-Mortes, where the

immense city walls still protect the medieval city within. After a guided

tour you return to Arles. 75 miles today.

The second included excursion is a grand tour of the region to Nîmes,

the Pont du Gard and Avignon – an 80-mile round trip packed with

interest. Nîmes has a complete Roman amphitheatre to rival, even

better, that of Arles. Both were built in 1st century AD and became

residential areas post-empire until they were cleared out in the first

half of the 19th century. As well as an ancient centre Nîmes has

excellent modern architecture by Norman Foster. From Nîmes, you

head to Avignon, stopping en route to admire the 3-tier arches of the

Pont du Gard, part of the 50km Roman aqueduct built to carry water

to Nîmes. In Avignon you’ll have plenty of time to admire the sights

of the magnificent former papal capital – Palais des Papes, Place de

l’Horloge, the ramparts or maybe even dance ‘sur le pont’! After your

time in Avignon you return to Arles.

There is also an optional excursion into the Alpilles hills just 12 miles

from Arles. The day includes a visit to the spectacular hilltop village

of Les-Baux-de-Provence, the extraordinary artistic sound and light

show of Carrières de Lumières in the Les Baux underground limestone

quarry, the beautiful provençal town of St Remy and the clinic at

Saint Paul-de-Mausole where van Gogh painted another series of

masterpieces while a voluntary patient in the asylum.

DAY EIGHT: Free time until departure for the airport and your flight

home.

YOUR HOTEL

BEST WESTERN ATRIUM HHH, Arles (seven nights)

This is a modern hotel built around an old town house. The hotel is centrally

located opposite the Tourist Office. Its 90 rooms are on 4 floors and have

air-conditioning, bath or shower and wc, satellite tv, hairdryer. Rooms

have internal atrium view or a view of the town. Wifi is complimentary

throughout the hotel. There is an airy restaurant with a glass roof and a bar.

(www.hotelatrium.com)

A WALKING HOLIDAY is also available from this hotel. Please ask for a


8 days from £949 April, May & September

The Cinque Terre, Portofino & the Italian Lakes

This Italian holiday takes you to the millionaires’ haunts of Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure and the spectacular

landscapes of the Cinque Terre and Lake Maggiore, perhaps the most impressive of Italy’s sparkling lakes. Along the way

you will travel on the picturesque ‘Three Valleys Railway’ into the heart of Columbus’ maritime city of Genoa, and visit

Pavia, a medieval city with a Visconti castle, and whose cathedral boasts one of Italy’s largest domes. While in Santa

Margherita, you will enjoy a boat trip to Portofino and a train journey through the Cinque Terre.

• 3 nights hb Lake Maggiore, 4 nights hb in Santa Margherita Ligure • Visits to Portofino, the Cinque Terre,

Genoa and Pavia • Journey on the historic Three Valleys Railway

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Milan, transfer to your hotel on Lake Maggiore for

two nights half board accommodation. Transfer times from Malpensa,

Linate and Bergamo are 30 minutes, 1 hour and 1 hour 30 minutes

respectively.

DAY TWO: Free day to explore Lake Maggiore. Why not take a boat

trip on the lake?

DAY THREE: Today you travel south to the Riviera di Levante. Your

first stop is Vercelli, a historic town surrounded by paddy-fields (its

rice is exported worldwide). You then continue south to Casella,

north of Genoa, arriving after lunch to board the ‘Three Valleys Train’.

Since 1929 the red and white carriages of this narrow gauge service

has linked Columbus’ home city with the villages and valleys of its

hinterland. The trip down to the city takes about an hour, and there

are excellent views of the coastline. In Genoa you will see something

of the restored port and old city centre before you complete your

journey by coach to the chic resort of Santa Margherita Ligure, where

you spend four nights on a half board basis.

Santa Margherita lies in a sheltered bay, close to Portofino. Its harbour

is home to many luxury yachts. The journey today is 160 miles.

DAYS FOUR TO SIX: In Santa Margherita with included excursions

by boat to Portofino (half day) and by train to the Spectacular Cinque

Terre (full day).

Portofino: like the millionaires, you travel to the world’s most beautiful

harbour by boat (15-minute trip) from the landing stage just 500m

from your hotel. Portofino’s colourful hotchpotch of fishermen’s

houses embraces its harbour and the luxury craft of the nearby villaowners

– Portofino is the select retreat of Italy’s powerful! Above the

harbour is Brown’s Castle, and there are good views from the church.

You can see why Disney copied it – the original is stunning!

Cinque Terre: the spectacular coastline, hills and villages landscapes

of the Cinque Terre are UNESCO listed and within the National Park,

where the mountains drop almost vertically into the sea. You will

travel by the train from Santa Margherita (the station is 600m from

the hotel). The ‘Five Lands’ are about an hour away, and comprise

the unspoilt traffic-free villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia,

Manarola, and Riomaggiore, which nestle in tiny coves, set below the

ingeniously terraced vineyards that, together with the fishing, gave

the area its livelihood.

DAY SEVEN: You leave Santa Margherita and travel north, following

a slightly different route to take in the cathedral city of Pavia. Pavia

rivalled Milan as the capital of the Lombard kings until the 11th

century, but was then ruled variously by Austrians, Spanish and

French. There were 100 medieval towers, just two remain – but there

is still plenty to see! You arrive at Lake Maggiore in the afternoon, for

one night, again on a half board basis. Total today 152 miles, mainly

motorway.

DAY EIGHT: Free time until your transfer to the airport and your return

flight.

YOUR HOTELS

HOTEL MILAN SPERANZA AU LAC HHHH, Stresa (first two and

last nights)

This four-star hotel is in two adjacent buildings in the centre of Stresa,

overlooking the lake and opposite the boat station. The Speranza has a

pleasant street-front café while the Milan houses the hotel restaurant. All

rooms have bath or shower, wc, hairdryer and satellite tv. Lake view rooms

are available at a supplement. Milan Speranza guests have use of the

swimming pool at the nearby Hotel Regina Palace. (www.milansperanza.it)

HOTEL JOLANDA HHH, Santa Margherita Ligure (four nights)

The Hotel Jolanda is ideally located in a quiet street in the heart of Santa

Margherita, just 200 yards from the pedestrianised town centre. The

boat stop and railway station are 8-10 minutes walk away. Rooms are

comfortably furnished with bath/shower, wc, hairdryer, minibar, safety box,

and satellite tv. There is a garden area, fitness room, safe, spa area and wifi

(charges apply to the last two). (www.hoteljolanda.it)

A WALKING HOLIDAY is also available from these hotels. Please ask

for a copy of our Walking Holidays brochure or visit preferredts.com.



8 days from £849 April, May, June & September

Bordighera - the Italian Riviera & Monte Carlo

The sun-seeking British of the 19th century left their mark all along the Riviera but perhaps nowhere more so than in the

Italian town of Bordighera – famous for its perfect climate, seafront promenade, and palm trees. It was also a favourite

resort of Claude Monet who stayed ten weeks here and painted thirty-five landscapes in Bordighera and the neighbouring

hills. Just a few miles along the coast we find two more popular British haunts – Monte Carlo and Nice.

• 7 nights hb in Bordighera • Excursion to Taggia and San Remo • Excursion to Monte Carlo • Excursion to

Dolceacqua • Walking tour of Bordighera

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Nice and transfer to your hotel (45-minutes) in

Bordighera for seven nights half board accommodation.

Bordighera is a pleasant, typically Ligurian seaside town with a superb

pedestrianized promenade. Walking through the town you become

aware of its British connection with signs to the Museo Biblioteca

Bicknell or to the Giardini Lowe. These are echoes of a past when

British visitors outnumbered the locals by 3 to 2 and had their own

Anglican church, tennis club, theatre, weekly newspaper, banks and

shops. As well as for its idyllic scenery and climate, Bordighera is noted

for the palm trees along the Lungomare (Promenade) from which the

Vatican selects its palms for Palm Sunday.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: On Day 2 there is a late morning walking

tour pointing out the highlights of the town. Free in resort with three

included excursions.

The first included excursion will be to Taggia, another example of a

Ligurian old town, and San Remo, the ‘Pearl of the Riviera of Flowers’,

with its old centre, impressive villas and pleasant market area.

The second included excursion will be to Monte Carlo. No holiday to

the Riviera would be complete without a visit to the Principality of

Monaco. This little country is divided into four areas, only one of which

is truly ‘Monte Carlo’, with its plush hotels and fin-de-siecle Casino (try

and break the bank if you wish, but we don’t recommend it!). Along the

harbour-side, where the Grand Prix cars race each May, are yachts of

incredible opulence; and on the rock above is the Palace where Grace

Kelly lived with Prince Rainier and where they still ‘change the guard’

daily. There is also the Jardin Exotique (entrance not included) where

the 2400 hours of yearly sunshine allow exotic plants and cacti to

flourish, and also a fine Oceanographic Museum.

The third included excursion is to the Nervia Valley. You drive through

Camporosso, a pretty village, and stop in medieval Dolceaqua,

dominated by the Dorias’ Castle. The bridge, over the Nervia river,

was painted by Monet in 1884. You will visit the ‘Visionarium’ – it will

surprise you, we promise! You continue up the valley to Pigna, a pretty

mountain village.

Also available will be an optional excursion to the Villa Rothschild, with

its superb gardens, and Nice, with its famous ‘Promenade des Anglais’.

You travel along the spectacular lower corniche passing Beaulieu to

the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild located on Cap-Ferrat. The Italianate,

pink-coloured property is luxuriously furnished, has splendid sea views

and is encircled by no less than nine splendid gardens, each following

a different theme. After your visit, you continue to Nice for lunch and

free time, returning to the hotel via the even more spectacular middle

corniche in the late afternoon.

Other days: Free to enjoy the delights of Bordighera as others have

done in the past. Your hotel is handily situated for the station, with

services to Ventimiglia, and to San Remo and beyond. On Thursday

there is a market on the seafront near the hotel. There are also local

bus services.

DAY EIGHT: Free time until you depart for the airport. Dependent on

traffic conditions and flight timings, there may be time for some lastminute

shopping in Nice en route.

YOUR HOTEL

HOTEL PARIGI HHHH, Bordighera (seven nights)

This comfortable hotel is family-run and stands right on the seafront

promenade, just a short stroll from the town centre. Rooms have flatscreen

tv with satellite channels, air-conditioning, private bath or shower, wc and

hairdryer. Although the railway line passes 20 metres behind the hotel,

there are very few trains overnight and in any case rooms are doubleglazed.

The holiday price is based on hill view rooms. Side and full sea

view rooms are available at a supplement. (www.hotelparigi.com). Free

one-hour session in the hotel wellness centre.





8 days from £949 May, July, September & October

The Islands & Gardens of Lake Maggiore

This holiday includes a week on Lago Maggiore, Italy’s second largest lake, which stretches north from Lombardy and up

into Switzerland. It lies, sheltered, on the south side of the Alps, making for a mild climate and consequent lush vegetation.

Famed gardens feature Mediterranean and exotic flora, including azaleas, rhododendrons and camelias.

• 7 nights hb Lake Maggiore • Full day excursion by boat to the Borromean Islands • Excursion by boat to

Captain McEacharn’s fabulous Villa Taranto garden • Excursion to Lake Orta

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Milan, transfer to your Lake Maggiore Hotel

for seven nights half board accommodation. Transfer times from

Malpensa, Linate and Bergamo are 45 minutes, 1 ¼ hours and 1 ¾

hours respectively.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: These are spent on Lago Maggiore, where

beautiful villas line the shores. Our hotel is in Stresa, the lake’s main

resort, halfway up the lake and from where boats and steamers

frequently traverse the lake from the landing quay close to the hotel.

The lakeside promenade near the hotel allows for a pleasant stroll to

the pretty town centre - around the main Piazza there is a good range

of shops, bars, and restaurants. As long as it is operating, you will

have the chance to travel high onto Mount Mottarone by cable car –

fabulous views!

We have included three excursions during your stay.

1. The Borromean Islands. Your first excursion features Lake

Maggiore’s three best-known islands, which lie in the bay, a short way

from the shore. Your first island Isola Madre, ‘Mother Island’, has an

impressive villa and gardens with towering palm trees – the tallest in

Italy. You then have free time for lunch on the pleasant quays of Isola

dei Pescatori, the ‘Fishermen’s Island. It is a very short crossing to Isola

Bella, the ‘Beautiful Island’, with its 17th-century palace – you are

following in the holiday footsteps of Goethe, Byron, Stendhal, Wagner

and Hemingway! The formal gardens, patrolled by peacocks, contain

plants from all over the world. Entrance fees and Guide Service on both

Isola Madre and Isola Bella are included.

2. The Villa Taranto Botanic Garden. You take the boat across the

bay to Pallanza. Although supposedly created as an ‘English’ garden,

Villa Taranto’s heritage is very much Scottish – its creator, Captain

McEacharn, was a proud Scot: the Taranto name comes from one of

his Macdonald ancestors, who was given the title ’Duke of Taranto’ by

Napoleon and whose father sped ‘over the sea to Skye’ with Bonnie

Prince Charlie! The entrance to the garden is through ‘Conifer Alley’.

Highlights include the water gardens, the Dahlia Garden and the

herbarium and the fine terraces.

3. Lake Orta. A relaxing trip to one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe:

Lake Orta. Surrounded by lush woodland Orta really is a hidden secret.

There is free time to stroll and admire the quaint cobbled streets of Orta

S. Giulio and for taking a coffee at a café in the picturesque lakeside

piazza. There is also the opportunity for a boat ride to the enchanting

S. Giulio’s Island, where you can visit the 12th-century Basilica and

crypt of S. Giulio (ferry not included). The afternoon continues through

the scenic countryside of the Vergante Hills and along the southern tip

of Lake Maggiore and the towering statue of S. Carlo Borromeo, said to

be the largest in the world, with panoramic views of the lake.

Optional excursions will also be available.

DAY EIGHT: Free time until you depart for the airport for your flight

home.

YOUR HOTEL

HOTEL MILAN SPERANZA AU LAC HHHH, Stresa (seven nights)

This four-star hotel is in two adjacent buildings in the centre of Stresa,

overlooking the lake and opposite the boat station. The Speranza has a

pleasant street-front café while the Milan houses the hotel restaurant. All

rooms have bath or shower, wc, hairdryer and satellite tv. Lake view rooms

are available at a supplement. Milan Speranza guests have use of the

swimming pool at the nearby Hotel Regina Palace. (www.milansperanza.it)

A WALKING HOLIDAY is also available from this hotel. Please ask for a copy of

our Walking Holidays brochure or visit preferredts.com.



8 days from £899 June & September

Lake Iseo & the Camonica Valley

At 15 miles long, it is smaller than its more famous neighbours but just as perfectly-formed! Nestling amid the scenic

mountains at the gorgeous northern end of the lake is the resort of Lovere. There is a full day out on the lake to visit the

appropriately named Monte Isola, ‘Mountain Island’ – Italy’s largest lake-island, which rises a full 420m above Iseo’s

shimmering waters. On another full day excursion, you can enjoy the alpine scenery of the Camonica valley from your train

window, visiting the pretty towns of Edolo and Pisogne which is home to famous prehistoric rock carvings.

• 7 nights hb in Lovere, Lake Iseo • Boat trip down the lake, with time to explore Monte Isola • Full day

excursion in the Camonica valley by boat, train and coach

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Bergamo or Malpensa Airports. Transfer to

your resort of Lovere (40 minutes from Bergamo, 90 minutes from

Malpensa).

Lovere: Set on a bay of Lake Iseo, with a semi-circle of mountains

behind, the setting is wonderful. A member of ‘I Borghi Piu Belli

d’Italia’, ‘Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages’, this pretty little town of 5000

people has Italian-style arcaded streets, but with Swiss-style wooden

overhanging roofs. Along the lakeside are grand old palaces, a modern

yachting marina and a good selection of shops, bars and restaurants.

Climbing up into the old town, you are soon in an old-fashioned Italy

of shady squares and ancient church towers. There is good public

transport for getting around on local buses and a boat service which

links Lovere with Pisogne (15-minute trip), which has a railway station

on the line between Brescia and Edolo.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: At leisure in resort with two included excursions.

The first is a full day cruise on the lake. In the morning you sail south

calling at the little lakeside villages, right down to Iseo town at the

southern end where there is free time for lunch. Retracing its wake,

the boat calls in at Monte Isola where you have a little time to explore.

Monte Isola is also in the list of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages, but there

are in fact 2000 inhabitants in the islands several villages and hamlets.

The ‘island mountain’ reaches 420m above the lake (600m above sea

level), with a fortress on top. You then cruise back to Lovere.

The second included excursion takes you on a full day tour of the

beautiful Camonica valley, by train, coach and boat! You depart by

coach to the Naquane Archaeological Park, 20 miles away. Please

note there is a walk on cobbles mainly uphill from the bus parking

place to the entrance of the Park. Your guide will show the highlights of

the pre-historic rock art of animals and people dating from the stone

age through to the Roman period before you continue to Edolo. Edolo,

the ‘Granite Village’ at the top of the valley, is set amid mountains

reaching 3300m. You have time to stroll the medieval town centre

and have lunch here before taking the train back down the valley to

Pisogne. In Pisogne you visit the medieval tower in the main square

and the church of Santa Maria della Neve. Referred to as the ‘poor

man’s Sistine Chapel’, the church has wonderful frescoes painted by

Romanino between 1532 and 1534. You also have free time in Pisogne

before taking the 15 minute ferry trip back to Lovere.

Optional excursions, including a scenic trip to St Moritz aboard the

Bernina Express Train and a coach trip to Bergamo’s magnificent Citta

Alta and the mountain village of Clusone in the Valle Seriana, will also

be available.

DAY EIGHT: Free time until your departure to the airport. Depending

on flight times, there may be time for a spot of last-minute shopping

en route.

YOUR HOTEL

HOTEL LOVERE HHHH, Lovere, Lake Iseo (seven nights)

This hotel has 55 rooms. Standard rooms have private bath or shower,

no view or balcony, wc, tea/coffee making facilities, telephone, satellite tv

and minibar. Classic rooms with balcony overlooking the hotel forecourt,

and Superior rooms with balcony and partial lake-view are available at

supplements. The hotel has a restaurant, gym, and the restaurant terrace

has a view of the lake. There is also a spa area (charges apply) with a small,

relaxing pool, Sauna, Turkish Bath, Hydrojet, etc. There is a bar adjacent to

the hotel which offers a discount to hotel guests. (www.hotellovere.it)





8 days from £849

May & September

The Tuscan Coast, Lucca & Florence

The Versilia Coast is a favourite holiday destination of Italy’s rich and famous. Your holiday base, Marina di Pietrasanta,

has excellent beaches and a backdrop of the Apuan Alps. Your holiday includes three contrasting excursions: to the mighty

Florence of Dante, Boccaccio and Machiavelli; to the stunningly beautiful ‘Gulf of Poets’ of Byron and Shelley; and a circular

trip by coach and rail through the Apuan Alps and Serchio valley, with an afternoon in the wonderful walled city of Lucca.

• 7 nights hb Marina di Pietrasanta, on the Versilian coast • Excursion to Florence • Excursion to the scenic

Gulf of Poets • Train trip through the Apuan Alps with a visit to Lucca

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Pisa and a short transfer to your hotel for seven

nights half board accommodation in Marina di Pietrasanta.

Marina di Pietrasanta: the more modern beach resort is 3km from the

old town of Pietrasanta, and has shops, bars, restaurants and pier.

The resort centre is 700m from your hotel, and there is a regular bus

service which stops near the hotel to Viareggio and beyond.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: At leisure on the coast, with three included

excursions. You have an included full day trip to Florence where your

guide will show you some of the masterpieces including the Cathedral,

Piazza della Signoria, and Santa Croce – where Galileo insisted to the

end that the earth moved around the sun, rather than vice-versa. You

will also have free time for shopping and sightseeing. Florence is 68

miles away: you will cover the last few miles by local train to get right

into the city centre.

The second trip takes you into the nearby Apuan Alps – the ‘marble

mountains’ – and Lucca. You take the motorway to Aulla (32 miles),

where there is time to explore, before catching the train down the

valley to the exquisite walled town of Lucca (journey time 2 hours).

In Lucca there is free time for lunch, and then a guided walking tour

of the main sights. In the late afternoon, you travel back to your hotel

by coach (25 minutes). Please note that if for any reason the train is

not operating, the excursion will concentrate on Lucca rather than the

valley.

The other included excursion takes you 40 minutes north to the azure

‘Gulf of Poets’, a glorious bay of verdant hills and colourful coastal

villages, of ancient towns huddled around and beneath their castle.

It is a coast rich in history, art, wildlife: the ‘Gulf of Poets’ so named

because so many writers came and sang its praises – Dante and

Petrarch, George Sand and D. H. Lawrence, Byron and Shelley (who

died while sailing from Livorno to the Gulf). You travel by coach to

Portovenere, the ‘Port of Venus’, on the west side of the Gulf (40 miles).

Ferry timetable and weather permitting, you cross back to the east

side of the Gulf by boat to meet your coach and continue to the hotel.

There is also the chance to join an optional excursion to Torre del Lago

Puccini, just half an hour south of your resort. Puccini called this area

“paradise” - he converted an old watchtower by the lake to a villa, now

a museum: the town has added ‘Puccini’ to its name in his honour.

DAY EIGHT: Transfer to Pisa airport and your flight home.

YOUR HOTEL

HOTEL JOSEPH HHH, Marina di Pietrasanta (seven nights)

The Hotel Joseph, recently-refurbished, offers spacious lounge areas, lift,

bar, restaurant, terraces, and outdoor pool area with terrace and fine views

of the Versilia Coast. There is a wellness centre, with treatments available

(charges apply). Bedrooms are in two adjacent buildings, and have shower,

wc, safety deposit box, and wifi. Twin rooms also have balcony. (www.

hoteljoseph.net)





8 days from £879

May & September

Isle of Elba, Siena & the Medieval Cities of Tuscany

Napoleon was famously banished to Elba – and what an extremely nice place to be exiled to! He was there for 300 days.

You spend three nights there before returning from exile to enjoy some of the most scenic landscapes and unspoiled,

walled cities anywhere! We focus on some of the less-discovered Tuscan cities, but you will also have time to visit mighty

Florence - easily accessible from your mainland base – too.

• 3 nights hb on Napoleon’s Isle of Elba • 4 nights bb Tuscany (1 Livorno, 3 Prato) • Visits to Siena and

Volterra • Walking tour of Prato • 2 sightseeing excursions on Elba, with entrance to Napoleon’s Villa Martino

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Pisa. There is a short transfer to Livorno, Tuscany’s

second city, which has a Medici Fortress and mercantile ‘Little Venice’ area,

for one nights bed and breakfast accommodation.

DAY TWO: After breakfast, depart Livorno and head inland to Volterra, 45

miles away, an ancient walled town on a hilltop dominating the rolling

Tuscan countryside, with medieval and Renaissance buildings, Roman

theatre, forum and baths. D.H. Lawrence called Volterra ‘an inland island’;

it has a unique atmosphere and the popular vampire novel ‘New Moon’

(part of the Twilight Saga) was set here – and you can see why!

In the afternoon, you leave Volterra and drive to Piombino, 55 miles away,

to board the roll-on, roll-off ferry to Elba, less than 10 miles offshore – the

crossing takes just under an hour.

You continue the short distance to your hotel in Procchio for 3 nights half

board accommodation. Your hotel is in a quiet location on the beautiful bay

of Procchio on the north coast of the island, seven miles west of Portoferraio.

DAYS THREE AND FOUR: While in Procchio you have two included

excursions:

1 – Half day circular tour of western Elba, including a scenic drive around

the coast, passing through Zanca, Pomonte and Cavoli to Marino di Campo.

2 – Full day tour of eastern Elba, featuring Lacona, Porto Azzurro, Napoleon’s

Villa at San Martino, with time in Portoferraio, Elba’s main town, which has

a scenic harbour setting below its historic hilltop fortress.

DAY FIVE: Today you leave Elba and return to mainland Tuscany. A stop

is made in Siena before continuing to the walled city of Prato where you

spend three nights on bed and breakfast basis (total today 150 miles).

Siena is best known as the city of the Palio Horse race, when the districts

of the city compete in a spectacular bareback horse race – the horse can

win for its district even if riderless at the finish! The race takes place on

the spectacular, shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, betopped by the 100m

high bell tower of the graceful Palazzo Publico. St Catherine of Siena is,

with St Francis, one of Italy’s two patron saints – her head was supposedly

smuggled out of Rome and is stored in the church of St Dominic. Don’t miss

the cathedral, one of Italy’s most stunning Gothic churches.

Prato is just 10 miles from Florence (frequent train services take 25

minutes) and is historic in its own right. Although Prato is an important

modern centre for textiles, the old town within the walls is a world apart – a

lovely place to stroll and enjoy the real Italy. Your hotel is just a few steps

from the town walls, so it’s easy to explore.

DAYS SIX AND SEVEN: There is an included half day walking tour of the old

city of Prato. After the tour, your Tour Director will accompany those who

wish to the equally impressive nearby city of Pistoia, where once again

the old city is close to the station and has a lovely cathedral square. On

the other day, again, your Tour Director will accompany those who wish to

Florence – arrival by train is at the conveniently central Santa Maria Novella

Station, close to the cathedral. The train journey time to both Pistoia and

Florence is approx. 20 minutes and the current fare is 5 euros return.

DAY EIGHT: Free time until your transfer to the airport and your flight

home. Depending on flight times, there may be time for some last minute

shopping/sightseeing en route.

YOUR HOTELS

HOTEL GRAN DUCA HHHH, Livorno (one night)

The first night is spent at the Gran Duca in the centre of Livorno, overlooking

the harbour and just 100m from the Port. It has a restaurant and there

are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. Rooms are air-conditioned with

bath/shower, wc, tv and fridge. (www.granduca.it)

HOTEL BRIGANTINO HHH, Procchio, Elba (three nights)

A pleasant, family-run hotel 250m from the beautiful Procchio beach and

a 15 minute walk to the small town centre. The hotel is set in attractive

grounds and has a bar, lounge, reading room, restaurant and outdoor pool.

Bedrooms have balcony, tv, shower and wc. The hotel has an agreement

with a private area on the beach where sun loungers and parasols are free

to hotel guests (May to September). (www.hotelbrigantino.com)

ART HOTEL MILANO HHHH, Prato (three nights)

The hotel is very handily situated close to medieval centre (the magnificent

13th-century Palazzo Pretorio re-opened in late 2013 after a 20-year

restoration) the other side of the river to the train station. The hotel

has a lobby bar and breakfast room. Bedrooms have air conditioning,

direct dial phone, hairdryer, free wi-fi connection, safe, digital tv.

(www.arthotel-milano.it)





8 days from £899 May & September

Apulia & Royal Caserta

Venture into the southern Adriatic region of Apulia on the heel of Italy and you will be well rewarded in terms of the natural

beauty of the landscapes and the richness of the heritage of a varied history. This holiday includes visits to no less than

five UNESCO World Heritage sites, all very different in character – the conical ‘trulli’ homes of Alberobello, the ancient stone

‘sassi’ houses of the Matera ravines, the Swabian castle of Castel del Monte, Santa Sofia in Benevento, and the Royal Palace

at Caserta. As well as staying in Caserta itself you also spend time in Barletta on the coast in Apulia. Travelling between the

two gives you the opportunity to see the Roman town of Benevento and to enjoy the countryside of the southern Apennines.

• 3 nights hb Caserta, 4 nights hb Barletta • Walking tour of Caserta and entrance to the Royal Palace

• Excursion to Trani and Castel del Monte • Visits to Alberobello, Matera and Benevento

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Naples. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Caserta (30

minutes approx) for one nights half board accommodation.

DAY TWO: Depart for Barletta. Crossing the Apennines, your main stop

today is in the pleasant town of Benevento. It has a compact centre and

enjoyed prominence during three main periods, each of which left its mark

on the town. The Romans left Trajan’s Arch, and Caracalla’s theatre; after

the Romans, the Longobards left the cloistered church of Santa Sofia.

Benevento then became part of the Papal States and this period leaves us

two fine basilicas, Madonna delle Grazie and Saint Bartholomew.

In the afternoon, you continue into Apulia along the motorway, stretches of

which are very scenic as it wends its way through the southern Italian hills

as far as the Adriatic. 135 miles today. Four nights are spent in Barletta on

a half board basis.

DAYS THREE TO FIVE: In Barletta with two included excursions. A full day

excursion includes visits to Apulia’s capital city, Bari, with its 12th-century

cathedral of St Nicholas, a major destination for both Orthodox and Roman

Catholic pilgrimages. Nicholas’ relics were moved here from Turkey in the

11th century. Also called Nicholas the Wonderworker, he was known for

his generous giving and lends his name to the Santa Claus tradition. You

continue to Alberobello, into one of the most unusual landscapes you will

ever see, that of the trulli. These circular white houses have conical slate

roofs and are built without mortar – some say this was done so they could

be easily demolished and rebuilt if the tax collector was coming! In any

event, the thick walls help keep them cool in summer, warm in winter; they

are often decorated with planetary symbols. 146 miles today.

There is also a shorter but equally fascinating included tour to Trani and

Frederick II’s Castel del Monte. Trani is a particularly pleasant maritime town

with a fine cathedral and old quarter right on the azure sea. This was a

crusaders’ port and the Knights Templar built a church here. The geometry

at Castel del Monte is perfect : it consists of eight octagonal towers around

two rectangles which form another octagon – the ‘golden ratio’ is everpresent

as are the magic numbers of Fibonacci – the Pisa mathematician

who visited Frederick’s court. If these ring ‘da Vinci Code’ bells, then why not

add that Frederick (excommunicated twice and a Crusader) and his castle

have also been linked with the Arthurian legend and the Holy Grail! 50 miles

today.

DAY SIX Today you begin to head back towards Naples taking a different

road through Apulia. You go first to Matera, just outside Apulia in

neighbouring Basilicata. In the ravines which cut starkly through the town

are the primitive ‘sassi’ (stone) houses in which half the town’s populace

lived until the 1950’s, when they were forcibly moved to more modern

housing. The suffering of the malaria-ridden, starving people of the ‘sassi’

was immortalised in Carlo Levi’s ‘Christ stopped at Eboli’. From there you

head back to Caserta, passing by Potenza and Salerno, for two nights on a

half board basis. 233 miles today.

DAY SEVEN: Included Caserta walking tour with entrance to the Royal

Palace and its lovely gardens. Known as the Italian Versailles, the palace

has 1,200 rooms and is probably the largest royal palace in the world. It has

been used as a set for several movies, including two of the Star Wars films.

Outside, you can explore the park and formal English garden, with several

impressive water features.

DAY EIGHT: Free time till your transfer to the airport for your flight home.

YOUR HOTELS

HOTEL EUROPA HHHH, Caserta (first and last two nights)

The hotel is centrally situated close to the pedestrian shopping area

and just 200m from the Royal Palace. The hotel has a small lounge bar,

breakfast room and fitness room. Bedrooms are air-conditioned and

have shower, minibar and tv. Dinner is taken in a nearby restaurant.

(www.hoteleuropacaserta.com)

HOTEL ITACA HHHH, Barletta (four nights)

The hotel is a 2-minute walk to the beach, 5 minutes from the Norman castle

and gardens and a 15-minute walk to Barletta’s famous Colossus – a 13ft

bronze statue in the old town. Bedrooms have air-conditioning, hairdryer, tv,

bath or shower, and minibar. The hotel has a lift, restaurant and outdoor pool

(seasonal) and lobby bar. Wifi is free throughout the hotel. Superior rooms are

available at a supplement. (www.itacahotel.it)



8 days from £899

May & September

A Week in Crete - No Single Supplement

This is a truly ‘laid-back’ holiday in Crete but with just the right amount of included visits to give you a flavour of what this

‘fabulous’ island, steeped as it is in Greek Mythology and ancient history, has to offer. From your holiday base in Gouves you

have two included day tours allowing you to really discover the wonderful history of the oldest civilisation in Europe and the

truly beautiful landscapes of this island. The Minoan Palace of Knossos, the open-air museum at Lychnostatis, wine-tasting, an

introduction to Cretan cooking – these are just a few of the highlights for you to enjoy. And when you’re not appreciating the

magnificent Cretan countryside there is plenty of time to relax and enjoy the facilities of your four-star hotel in Gouves.

• 7 nights hb in Kato Gouves in double rooms for single occupancy • Tour of Northern Crete countryside

• Traditional Crete and cooking excursion

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Heraklion, short transfer to your hotel for seven

nights half board accommodation in the resort of Gouves.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: Free in Gouves with two included tours.

The Northern Crete Countryside. An excursion with a visit to Knossos

and wine-tasting! During this tour you will be taken back 4.000 years

to the time of the oldest civilisation in Europe. The Minoan Palace of

Knossos, centre of the Minoan Civilisation, will leave you breathless

as you wonder over the technology and facilities of that period. Then

experience a wonderful drive through the island’s hilly countryside

where the olive groves, orchards and vineyards have changed little

since Minoan times, before arriving at a local wine producer to learn

about winemaking and taste local wines. There is free time for lunch

and to see the day to day life in the traditional village of Archanes. 44

miles today.

Traditional Crete and cooking! After breakfast you visit the open-air

museum at Lychnostatis which offers an insight into authentic Cretan

life. In a guided tour you will marvel at Cretan architecture and the old

traditional lifestyle. You can stroll in the gardens and admire the fruit

trees and the bright coloured flowers. You then travel to a mountain

village for an introduction to Cretan cooking and learn to prepare some

Cretan specialities in the local style. As a reward for your efforts lunch

is included today! If you prefer to leave all your cooking skills at home

and not participate in the cooking workshop, the surroundings are

ideal for walking or a sit-down in a coffee house in the village and

meet the locals. 32 miles today.

As well as the included tours there will be a full-day optional tour

showcasing the history, culture and way of life, both in the mountains

and along the coast. You drive west to the village of Tylissos where

a short walk leads to the excavations of the Minoan settlement with

beautiful views over the vineyards to the mountains. After a guided

tour here, you continue by coach 2500ft up the slope of Mt. Psiloritis

to the market town of Anogia for a short visit. Next stop is the Sfedoni

Cave. A guided walking tour (270m) in this impressive cave reveals

countless stalagmites and stalactites with a variety of shapes and

colours in the labyrinthine chambers of the cave.

Another optional tour takes you to Southern Crete and the outskirts of

Mount Ida. In the village of Assites you discover an ancient technique,

while in Gortys, the Roman capital and stepping stone between East

and West, you see the famous law stones and the amphitheatre. In the

coastal village of Matala, once the place to be for hippies, you may

enjoy a refreshing swim in the Libyan Sea or a leisurely Cretan lunch

at a beach tavern.

DAY EIGHT: Free time until departure for the airport and your flight

home.

YOUR HOTEL

ASTIR BEACH HHHH, Kato Gouves (seven nights)

The hotel is situated on the beach in Kato Gouves on the north coast, 10 miles

from Heraklion airport. Major refurbishment of the public areas including the

restaurant, lobby bar and terrace took place in 2018 along with the addition of

two more swimming pools. The hotel is modern in style and has a reception

area, lounge with satellite tv, bar, spacious restaurant/dining room, two

elevators, a pool bar, a snack bar, and a mini market. All of the 179 rooms

are equipped with bath or shower/wc, hairdryer, direct dial telephone, safe

box (weekly charge), radio, satellite tv, mini-fridge and balcony or terrace. Sea

view rooms are available at a supplement. In the hotel grounds you will find a

large sun terrace and two adult and one children’s freshwater swimming pools.

Sporting facilities include table tennis, and minigolf. There is also a gym and

spa centre with steam bath, sauna and whirlpool. Free wifi in the public areas

and rooms, chargeable LAN access in the bedrooms. (www.astirbeach.gr)

Extend your holiday – extra week at the Astir Beach Hotel.





8 days from £899 May, September & October

Highlights of Crete – from Mirabello to Chania

The stunningly beautiful Bay of Mirabello, and the island of Spinalonga, will be familiar as the spectacular setting of ‘Who pays

the Ferryman?’ and, more recently, Victoria Hislop’s novel ‘The Island’. But Cretan landscapes are much more than that – with

olive groves, vines, sandy beaches, spectacular mountains and picturesque fishing harbours, all carrying tales of a fascinating

history and offering, just as importantly, warm hospitality. Crete, specifically Phaestos, is home to Europe’s oldest civilization,

that of the Minoans. Subsequently Romans, Venetians and Turks are an important part of Cretan tradition, too. This two-centre

holiday will show you a wide variety of scenery and visits, and all within very reasonable travel distances.

• 3 nights hb in Gouves, 4 nights hb in Rethymnon • Excursion to Agios Nikolaos, on the Gulf of Mirabello,

with boat trip and entrance to Spinalonga island • Visits to Eleftherna, Arkadi Monastery and Margarites

• Walking tour of Rethymnon • Excursion to Chania and the Botanical Park & Gardens with lunch

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Heraklion. 20-minute transfer to your hotel in Gouves for three nights half

board accommodation.

DAY TWO: At leisure in Gouves, or you can take an optional excursion in the afternoon to see

the ancient ruins of the Minoan Palace of Malia.

DAY THREE: Full day excursion to the Gulf of Mirabello. This fabulous day begins with a trip

through the spectacular St George ravine to the village of Kritsa, a whitewashed mountain

village with brightly-coloured doors and shutters, famous for its woven handicrafts and its

Byzantine church. You then continue to the picturesque port of Agios Nikolaos. Here you have

free time over lunch to stroll around the Marina and Lake Vouliagmeni. Your trip continues to

the town of Elounda from where you take a 20-minute boat trip across to the Venetian fortress

island of Spinalonga which was a leper colony for the first half of the 20th century. After a

guided tour of the island you return to your hotel. 72 miles today.

DAY FOUR: Today you leave for Rethymnon in the west. First stop today is the remarkable

Eleftherna Museum, Crete’s newest archaeological attraction. Opened in June 2016, this

impressive museum houses exhibits discovered over a thirty year period in the surrounding

area. The next stop is the Arkadi Monastery. There are still hundreds of working monasteries

and convents around Crete and, as well as performing religious, social and educational

functions, monasteries have been an important symbol of Cretan resistance during the

centuries of Turkish rule. Arkadi is the best known because of the massacre which took place

there in 1866. You then have time in the pretty village of Margarites which is famous for its

pottery workshops still using ceramic techniques from the Minoan period. Arrival at your hotel

in Rethymnon, where you have four nights half board accommodation, will be late afternoon.

100 miles today.

Rethymnon has a pleasant beach and resort area, but by contrast with your first centre, is

quite a large town, with 40000 inhabitants, including a sizeable student population. It has an

impressive Venetian fortress and harbour, and some interesting museums.

DAY FIVE: Included morning walking tour of Rethymnon. Walk into town with your guide via

the promenade through the charming old quarter to the Venetian harbour, and then through

narrow streets and squares with Turkish and Venetian architecture. During this pleasant walk

you’ll see in a local workshop how the Cretan musical instrument, the ‘lyra’, is made and, at a

pastry shop, how to make the wafer-thin phyllo dough for traditional pastries.

DAYS SIX AND SEVEN: At leisure in Rethymnon, with an included excursion to explore the

varied landscapes of the west of the island. Your excursion to the west begins with a drive to

Chania. The pearl of Crete, Chania, with its two harbours and historical city centre, is a little

Alexandria in Europe. On a walking tour you see the covered market, the ghetto and Jewish,

Christian, Muslim quarters of the city. The lighthouse of the king of Egypt Mehmet Ali stands

at the entrance of the old city’s harbour. Chania like the whole island of Crete is drenched in

history. From here you have a coach transfer to the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete. Here

you can walk the peaceful trails along the hill slope with herbs, shrubs and trees from all over

the world. But don’t be late for your included lunch in the beautiful restaurant with magnificent

views across to the mountains! 106 miles coach travel today.

There is also the chance to take an optional excursion to Southern Crete. You visit Phaestos,

the second largest Minoan Palace in Crete, on a hill and overlooking the olive trees and

greenhouses of the Messara Plain. Your lunchtime break is at the seaside village of Matala. It

still retains the charm and character of a quiet fishing village, and the laid-back, hippy lifestyle

of the 60’s and 70’s lives on. Here, you can have a dip in the Libyan Sea and still have time

for a leisurely Cretan lunch at a beach tavern. On the way back to your hotel you stop in the

mountain village of Spili to see the Kefalovrisi, a series of 25 Venetian lions heads spraying

water from their mouths.

DAY EIGHT: Free time until your departure for the airport, just over an hour away. Depending

on flight timings, there may be time for some last-minute sightseeing en-route.

YOUR HOTELS

ASTIR BEACH HHHH, Gouves (three nights)

The hotel is situated on the beach in Kato Gouves on the north coast, 10 miles

from Heraklion airport. Major refurbishment of the public areas including the

restaurant, lobby bar and terrace took place in 2018 along with the addition of

two more swimming pools. The hotel is modern in style and has a reception

area, lounge with satellite tv, bar, spacious restaurant/dining room, two

elevators, a pool bar, a snack bar, and a mini market. All of the 179 rooms

are equipped with bath or shower/wc, hairdryer, direct dial telephone, safe

box (weekly charge), radio, satellite tv, mini-fridge and balcony or terrace. Sea

view rooms are available at a supplement. In the hotel grounds you will find a

large sun terrace and two adult and one children’s freshwater swimming pools.

Sporting facilities include table tennis, and minigolf. There is also a gym and

spa centre with steam bath, sauna and whirlpool. Free wifi in the public areas

and rooms, chargeable LAN access in the bedrooms. (www.astirbeach.gr)

THEARTEMIS PALACE HHHH, Rethymnon (four nights)

The hotel is close to the town’s long sandy beach and boulevard, and 20

minutes on foot from the old town of Rethymnon. It consists of 245 wellappointed

and recently renovated rooms. All the rooms are equipped with

satellite tv, direct dial telephone, refrigerator, safety deposit box, bath/

shower, wc and hairdryer. The restaurant offers a variety of Greek and

international specialities. (www.theartemis.gr)





8 days from £899

October

Crete’s Beautiful West

Western Crete, with its beautiful land and seascapes, tranquil countryside and mountain vistas, is a delightful holiday

destination. You’ll enjoy an included trip to Chania and Souda Bay on the north coast. Another trip takes you inland to

a winery and an olive oil farm, while on a tour to the south-west coast you’ll see the Chrisoskalitissa Convent and the

amazing beach at Elafonissi. Your holiday base is the seaside resort of Platanias near Chania.

• 7 nights hb in Platanias • Walking tour of Chania • Visit to Souda Bay WWII cemetery and Roman Aptera

• Excursion to the Gonias Monastery and olive oil and wine tasting • Tour to the west coast

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Chania. 40-minute transfer to your hotel in Platanias

for seven nights half board accommodation.

DAY TWO: At leisure in Platanias. Seven miles west of Chania, Platanias

is a busy resort with a long beach, small harbour and interesting old

quarter with fine views over the coast.

DAYS THREE TO SEVEN: There are three included excursions.

Chania, Souda Bay & Aptera: The tour starts with a 30-minute drive

east to the ancient village of Aptera. The site has been occupied for

nearly 3,500 years and there are remains of a Roman theatre, 12thcentury

monastery and an Ottoman fortress. There are wonderful

views across Souda Bay where you head next for a short visit to the

Allied War Cemetery on the water’s edge, final resting place for 1,500

casualties of the Battle of Crete in 1941. You then continue to Chania

for a tour of Crete’s most pleasant city. During a guided walking tour

you see the covered market, the Venetian harbour with its Turkish

mosque, and the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim quarters of the city.

You then have free time for lunch before returning to Platanias in the

early afternoon. Or you can stay on in Chania and make your way back

on the local bus. Just 34 miles on the coach today.

Gonias Monastery, olive oil and wine: You first visit is a guided tour

of the fortified Gonias Monastery in an ideal spot at the foot of the

Rhodopos Peninsula. Within the walled complex are monks’ cells,

refectory and stores, and a superb collection of icons in the church.

Inland from here is the Vouves olive tree. Estimated to be 4,000 years

old, it still bears fruit and has its own museum! From this ancient

spot you continue to a modern olive oil and wine estate for a tour and

tasting. You have free time for lunch in the pleasant coastal village of

Kolymbari before returning to Platanias. 35 miles today.

The West Coast: This is a scenic full-day excursion down to the extreme

south-west of the island. After travelling west along the coast, you turn

inland and follow the mountain road to Polyrenia from where there are

panoramic views down to the sea. Now it’s just a small village, but you

will see scattered ruins which are evidence of the former importance

of the ancient city of Polyrenia from the Dorian period through to

Roman times. From here your route takes you through green, lush but

spectacular scenery through the Topolia Gorge, and over the mountains

down to the white-painted Chrisoskalitissa Convent perched on a 120

ft. rock above the Libyan Sea. Its name means ‘golden-stepped’, and

if you can manage the 98 steps to the top you will be rewarded with

a fabulous view. It’s then just a ten-minute drive to the pink sand of

Elafonissi where you have free time to grab a snack and wade in the

lagoon. 100 miles today.

During your free time you can take the regular bus into Chania, join an

optional excursion, or just spend time in Platanias.

DAY EIGHT: Free time until your departure for the airport for your

return flight home.

YOUR HOTELS

PORTO PLATANIAS VILLAGE RESORT HHHH, Platanias (seven nights)

The hotel is located in the centre of the cosmopolitan village of Platanias.

Recently renovated, accommodation is in two and three storey buildings.

Rooms have kitchenette with kettle, coffee-maker and fridge, a marble

bathroom with shower and a hairdryer, individually controlled airconditioning,

satellite colour TV, direct dial telephone, and balcony or

veranda. The hotel has an outdoor pool, restaurant and pool bar. The beach

is a 5-minute walk away and can be accessed through the Village Resort’s

sister hotel across the road whose facilities (some at a charge) are also

available for use by Village Resort guests. (www.portoplataniasvillage.gr)



8 days from £849

May & September

The Slovenian Alps, Lake Bled, Trieste & Venice

A tasty combination of Italian cities and coast with the mountains of the Julian Alps in Slovenia. The coast comes in the shape

of the long sandy beaches of Lido di Jesolo . Two Italian port cities – the first is Venice, queen of the Adriatic, and the second is

Trieste, perhaps not as Italian as you might think as it was the major maritime hub for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Kranjska

Gora is your mountain home for a few days – at 2500ft rising to over 9000ft in the Alps near the Austrian and Italian borders.

• 3 nights hb on the Venetian coast, 4 nights hb in the Slovenian Alps • Included excursions to Lake Bled

and to the Carinthian lakes in Austria • Visits to Venice, James Joyce’s Trieste and Udine

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Venice or Treviso airports. Transfer to your hotel (40

minutes from Venice airport, one hour from Treviso) for two nights half board

accommodation in Lido di Jesolo, a resort town with 10 miles of beach.

DAY TWO: After breakfast, you set off for a full day excursion to nearby

Venice. There is a 40-minute coach transfer to Punta Sabbioni for the scenic

boat trip across the lagoon – you arrive close to Piazza San Marco. After a

walking tour with local guide, you will have time to explore the world’s most

romantic city, the city of canals and islands. You return to your hotel, again

by boat and coach, in time for dinner.

DAY THREE: Today you drive east towards the border with the former

Yugoslavia. Your main stop today is Trieste, once the major port of the

Habsburg Austro-Hungarian Empire. While the maritime republic of Venice

was the most important sea-trading centre of late medieval Europe,

Trieste’s docks and dockyards were the outlet to the sea for the mighty

Austrian Empire until WWI. After WWII, it was carved up between Italy and

Yugoslavia, the main city being Italian. The wide avenues, squares and

baroque buildings date from the early 18th century. Your entry into Trieste is

an unusual one: a 25-minute ride on the hybrid tram and funicular railway

from Vila Opicina, which descends 326m, with great views as it goes,

and arrives right in the heart of the old city of fine buildings and spacious

squares. You will have a guided tour of the town – have your photo taken

with the statue of James Joyce (who lived, wrote and drank here for 10

years) – and visit the ornate, beautiful Miramare Castle, seat of Maximilian

from the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and with stunning sea views

– as its name would suggest. You cross into Slovenia and head for the

mountain resort of Kranjska Gora in the Upper Sava Valley, for four nights

half board accommodation. 218 miles today.

DAYS FOUR TO SIX: Free in Kranjska Gora to enjoy the dazzlingly beautiful

valley with two included excursions.

The first excursion is to Lake Bled and the Slovenian capital city of Ljubljana

(or, if you prefer, spend the whole day at Lake Bled). Just half an hour away

from Kranjska Gora is the shimmering magic of the lake. You can spend

the whole day visiting the famous castle and the very pretty 15th-century

church on Bled Island and relaxing. Or, after time for a coffee and a stroll,

you can continue to Slovenia’s capital, with its town hall, cathedral, castle,

parks and old quarter. Ljubljana was a Habsburg city, and evidence of this

period can be seen in its skyline although many buildings were destroyed

in the earthquake of 1895. Nowadays the architecture is a pleasant blend

of Baroque, Art Nouveau and the wonderful buildings and bridges of Jože

Plecnik. After a walking tour and boat ride through the city, you have free

time until you return to Lake Bled and thence to Kranjska Gora. 120 miles

return to Ljubljana, 50 miles return to Lake Bled.

The second excursion is over the border to the Austrian region of Carinthia -

a land of azure lakes, set before a backdrop of alpine splendour and unspoilt

towns and villages. You will see three lakes – Faakersee, Ossiachersee,

and Worthersee, where you will have time to explore the lakeside town of

Velden. 74 miles today.

DAY SEVEN: Today you leave Slovenia for Italy. You cross the border and

head to Udine, an interesting city with a long history. A Roman city in origin,

it stands at a crossroads of languages and cultures: a mix of Italian, Slav and

German elements, with a castle and stunning, marble, Romanesque Duomo.

From there you continue back to Lido di Jesolo for one nights half board

accommodation. 153 miles today.

DAY EIGHT: Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

YOUR HOTELS

HOTEL SALUS HHHH, Lido di Jesolo (first two and last nights)

The hotel is a two-minute walk from the beach and has a bar, restaurant

and lounge and an outdoor pool. Bedrooms have air-conditioning,

satellite tv, minibar, and a bathroom with shower and hairdryer.

(www.hotelsalus.com)

HOTEL KOMPAS HHHH, Kranjska Gora (four nights)

The hotel lies 200 yards from the village centre. It has a restaurant,

lounge, bar, garden, indoor pool, and comfortable modern bedrooms

with cable tv, phone, safety deposit box, hairdryer, and bath/shower

and wc. There is also a spa (charges apply). The hotel is part of the HIT

hotel group and guests are welcome to avail themselves of the facilities

of nearby sister hotels including the wellness centre (charges apply).

(www.hit-alpinea.si/en/kompas-hotel)





8 days from £879 May & August

The Best of the Baltics - Riga, Tallinn & National Parks of Latvia & Estonia

Being 1 ½ times the size of the Benelux countries, Latvia and Estonia have a combined population of under four million, so there is

lots of space for the ‘great outdoors’, much beloved by the locals. This holiday includes a visit to a National Park in both countries.

But where there’s a coast there is trade and the Baltic gives us two of Europe’s most vibrant and colourful capitals. Riga and

Tallinn have a history of being open to the outside world – both were members of the great Hanseatic League, channels for trade

between Eastern and Western Europe, from the 13th century. There’s also the chance to hop across the Baltic to visit Helsinki.

• 3 nights bb Riga, 4 nights bb Tallinn • Visit to the resort of Pärnu • Visit to Sigulda, in the Gauja National Park, with lunch

• Walking tours of Riga and Tallinn • Excursion to Lahemaa National Park, with entrance to Palmse Manor and lunch

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Riga, Latvia. Transfer to your hotel (20-minutes) for one night’s

bed and breakfast accommodation. Riga is a city of contrasts. While there are

hints of WWII damage and Soviet restoration, the UNESCO-protected Old Riga

with fine buildings and a maze of cobbled streets and squares remind us of

its medieval origins and its concentration of art nouveau architecture is unique.

Don’t miss the 13th-century Dome cathedral, the biggest Church in the Baltics,

or the Blackheads’ house, where the tradition of the Christmas tree supposedly

originated – they covered a tree in flowers and then burned it, thankfully that

part didn’t catch on! Nearby is the Art Nouveau centre, with no less than 750

flamboyant twentieth-century buildings, more than anywhere else, festooned

with goddesses and griffins, gargoyles and goblins, plants and flowers – many

the creation of Mikhail Eisenstein, father of the great cinematographer, Sergei.

DAY TWO: Depart after breakfast for Tallinn in Estonia. The main stop today is

the pine-forested Gauja National Park forty miles outside Riga. Your tour in the

park includes the ruins of the medieval castle of Sigulda, the fairy-tale red-brick

castle of Turaida which has not just excellent views but also an interesting range

of attractions in the castle grounds, and Gutman’s cave where your guide will tell

you the tragic love story of the Turaida Rose. After an included lunch in a chalet

restaurant in the park you head north to Tallinn, a further 182 miles away for four

nights bed and breakfast accommodation.

Tallinn: Whereas Riga has a slightly post-Communist feel to it, Tallinn – for all

that it has its superbly pretty old town – feels much more Western. There is some

enormous Russian-built architecture, but the modern business district seems

almost American in its embrace of capitalism, and the Estonians certainly feel

closer to Finland and the west than to anywhere else. Finland, after all, is just

a couple of hours across the Gulf – the Gulf that featured the sailing during

the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Tallinn’s Old Town lies within the city walls, and is

an atmospheric place to stroll. Old merchant houses line the medieval cobbled

streets, and hidden courtyards and impressive churches abound. Not far outside

the old town are some very interesting museums: the futuristic Kumu Art Museum,

the Ethnographic Open Air Museum, with an interesting collection of old cottages

relocated from elsewhere in Estonia, and the impressive new Seaplane Museum,

located in an enormous old Russian hangar. There is also a small KGB museum,

located on the 23rd floor of the old Soviet Hotel – a floor which officially did not

exist, but from where the KGB could keep a close eye on all the foreign guests!

DAYS THREE TO FIVE: At leisure in Tallinn with two included excursions. One is

a half day city tour of Tallinn, partly by coach and partly on foot through the old

town. The other is a full day excursion to Lahemaa. An hour away eastwards

along the northern Baltic coast towards Russia, the Lahemaa National Park (the

first in the Soviet Union when it was designated in 1971) boasts a rich variety of

flora and fauna, as well as fine coastal and rural landscapes. You will also visit

Palmse Manor, with its large estate and varied attractions. Lunch is included in

a thatched tavern. An optional excursion is also available to Helsinki. Finland’s

capital is just two hours across the water. Helsinki has a long waterfront, and

indeed the whole city seems to hover around a series of water-features – lakes,

bays and inlets. There are several interesting museums and some impressive art

nouveau buildings. You will have a walking tour and free time to explore as well.

DAY SIX: Depart Tallinn for Riga. You break the journey in Parnu, Estonia’s

foremost seaside resort. The main street, Ruutli, is pedestrianised with shops

and cafes. Just off Ruutli is St Catherine’s Russian Orthodox church, regarded

as Estonia’s finest baroque church. Built in 1768, it is named after Catherine

the Great and still serves Parnu’s Russian speaking population. After Parnu, you

continue to Riga for two night’s bed and breakfast accommodation. 195 miles

today.

DAY SEVEN: Morning half-day walking tour of old Riga followed by a scenic drive

through the Art Nouveau district of Riga. The rest of the day is free.

DAY EIGHT: Free time until you depart for the airport and your return flight home.

YOUR HOTELS

HOTEL RADISSON BLU DAUGAVA HHHH, Riga (first and last two

nights)

This refurbished hotel stands river-side, just across the ‘stone bridge’

from the old town centre. The hotel has coffee shop, bar, lifts, wifi, gym,

indoor pool and spa (charges may apply) and comfortable bedrooms with

tv (satellite channels), minibar, safe, air-conditioning, hairdryer and bath or

shower and wc. (www.radissonblu.com/hotel-riga)

HOTEL RADISSON BLU OLUMPIA HHHH, Tallinn (four nights)

A 15-minute walk to Tallinn’s old town, the hotel has a bar, restaurant

and café, free wifi, and comfortable bedrooms with air-conditioning, safe,

minibar, hairdryer, tea/coffee, and bath or shower and wc. There is a health

centre with pool and sauna, on the 26th floor (charges may apply). (www.

radissonblu.com/en/olumpiahotel-tallin)

Both hotels have restaurants. However, there are many nearby restaurants

to suit all budgets and English is widely spoken. Naturally, your Tour

Director will provide assistance if required.



8 days from £999

March & November

A Week on Evia – No Single Supplement

This is the chance to enjoy some Greek winter sunshine and culture on Greece’s second largest island – Evia. The island has stunning mountain scenery,

green, fertile plains, and of course, beautiful beaches and coastline. Your holiday base is the Hotel Miramare three miles from the small port of Eretria. The

area is known for its rich agriculture and importance as an ancient military and commercial centre going back to the 9th century BC. As well as having

plenty of time to relax and enjoy your surroundings, there is an included excursion to the north of the island, and another to Athens during your stay.

• 7 nights hb in double rooms for sole use near Eretria • Full-day excursion to Athens with a guided tour of

the Acropolis • Scenic tour of the north of Evia and the spa town of Edipsos

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Athens and transfer to your hotel near Eretria on Evia

for seven nights’ half-board accommodation. Transfer time is around 75

minutes.

Although Evia is an island, it is only 45 yards away from the mainland

at its closest point at Chalkida. However, roads on Evia are few and far

between and the island has largely retained its distinct rural and remote

character, escaping major tourist development, despite its proximity to

Athens. Your hotel is three miles from the centre of Eretria, a small port

twelve miles down the coast from Chalkida. Eretria was a strong military

power and had colonies in Italy and Corfu. Evidence of its rich past has

been revealed by excavations starting in the 1890’s including a theatre,

temple of Dionysus, and mosaics. Eretria’s Archaeological Museum has

a fine collection of ancient pottery and sculpture.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: At leisure in resort with two included excursions.

Athens: Coach transfer to Athens (63 miles). Your day in Athens starts

with a panoramic tour passing by the most important monuments and

landmarks of the city – including the Panathinaikon stadium (the marble

stadium where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896); the former

Royal Palace which is now the Prime Minister’s residence; the Temple

of Zeus; Hadrian’s Arch; the Parliament and the tomb of the unknown

soldier guarded by the colourful Evzones; Schliemann’s’ house; the

Academy, the University, the National Library, and the old Parliament.

The panoramic part of the tour ends at the Acropolis where you have a

guided visit which will include the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike,

the Erechtheion and, of course, the Parthenon. You walk through the

Herodion and Dionysos theatres to the Acropolis Museum for a guided

visit. You then have free time for lunch and to stroll through the cobbled

streets in Plaka at the foot of the Acropolis.

Northern Evia & Edipsos: A spectacular tour through the beautiful

mountain range and forests of Evia to Edipsos, 82 miles away in the

north of the island. On the way, there is a stop at the village of Prokopi,

home to the pilgrimage site of the church of Saint John the Russian. From

there, you drop down to the sea and with superb views of the coastline to

the grand spa town of Edipsos. In Greek myth, the hot baths here were

created by Hephaestus, the God of Fire, for Hercules so he could relax

after his exploits. Roman emperors and generals took the cure here, and

more recently, such luminaries as Winston Churchill, Aristotle Onassis,

and Greta Garbo. Mineral waters with temperatures ranging from 28° to

86°C gush from springs throughout the town, including one on the beach.

You’ll have free time in Edipsos to enjoy a walk in the narrow streets or

on the promenade lined with taverns and coffee shops. To complete the

circular journey, you take the ferry from Edipsos for a pleasant cruise

across the gulf to Arkitsa on the mainland and then take the highway

back to the hotel. Although it is only 180 miles round trip, it is a full day

including a very scenic drive and ferry trip.

In your free time, you can relax and enjoy your surroundings at the

hotel. As well as having pleasant gardens, the hotel has an underground

walkway to the sea. You can hop on the local bus from outside the

hotel for the short trip to Eretria and visit the archaeological sites and

museum, and stroll along the promenade or among the pine trees on the

Pezonisi islet. Or maybe go to the port and take the 20-minute ferry ride

for a couple of euros to Oropos on the mainland. Staying on the bus for

another twenty minutes brings you to Chalkida, the island’s lively capital

where there are good shops in the pedestrian area, a Roman aqueduct,

a former mosque dating back to the 15th century, and an impressive

castle. Going in the other direction on the bus from the hotel three miles

down the coast, you can admire the Byzantine churches in the town of

Amarynthos.

There will also be optional excursions on offer (subject to minimum

numbers as always) including a full-day to Delphi, and a half-day through

the mountains of central and east Evia to Kymi, known as the ‘Balcony of

the Aegean’ because of the panoramic views.

DAY EIGHT: Departure transfer to the airport for your flight home.

YOUR HOTEL

HOTEL MIRAMARE HHHH

A family-owned hotel on the coast three miles from Eretria surrounded by

groves and orchards. The hotel has extensive, lush gardens, two outdoor

pools (not heated), restaurant with panoramic view over the sea, tennis

court, basketball court, and a well-equipped fitness room. Standard

bedrooms are in one of three annexes and have balcony or terrace, satellite

tv, free wifi, safe, fridge, bath/shower, and hairdryer. Deluxe bedrooms in

the main building or in the new Green annexe are available at a supplement.

The picturesque bay in front is only 130 metres away and has easy access

via an underground passage. The local bus service stops in front of the

hotel entrance and goes to Eretria (3miles) and then on to Chalkida (12

miles). There is also an inexpensive taxi service available from the hotel.

The frequent ferry service from Eretria to Oropos on the mainland operates

several times daily. (www.miramare-eretria.gr)



8 days from £749

June & September

Krakow, Zakopane & the High Tatras

Two of Poland’s most spectacular sites, Krakow and Zakopane, are brought together in this holiday of contrasts. The

medieval university city of Krakow, for centuries Poland’s capital, is combined with Zakopane, Poland’s highest city, set

amidst the spectacular Tatra Mountains.

• 3 nights bb in Krakow, 4 nights bb in Zakopane • Walking tours of both cities • Spectacular raft journey

through the Dunajec gorge, in the Pieninski National Park

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Krakow, short transfer to your hotel in Krakow for

three nights bed and breakfast accommodation.

DAYS TWO AND THREE: Free in Krakow with an included half-day

walking tour. Krakow is a very special place to visit. With over a

thousand years of history, it is Poland’s cultural capital and is, of course,

on the UNESCO World Heritage list. In the Middle Ages, Krakow’s walls

had 55 defensive towers. The 14th century main gate survives and is

the starting point of the ‘Royal Road’, which ends at Wawel Castle, and

passes by the Town Square, St. Mary’s Basilica and the Czartoryski

Museum. They claim the museum contains fragments from the grave

of Romeo and Juliet, as well as the chair Shakespeare sat on to write

about them!

Krakow is also a university city – the Jagiellonian, one of Europe’s

oldest, dates from 1364 and boasts many illustrious alumni including

Karol Józef Wojtyła – better known to us as Pope John Paul II.

You can also join an optional excursion to nearby Wieliczka Salt Mine

and Auschwitz. Salt has been mined at Wieliczka since the 13th century.

The result of centuries of mining is a huge network of underground

passages, corridors and chambers whose crowning jewel is Kinga’s

Chapel, 600ft underground and carved entirely out of rock salt – even

the chandeliers are made of salt! From 14th June 1940 until January

1945, Auschwitz Concentration Camp was the site of some of the worst

atrocities of WWII. The visit includes a film showing the liberation of

the camp and the chance to see the infamous Death wall, the national

memorials and the cells where the inmates were held. Over 1.1 million

people are thought to have died at Auschwitz and the visit is both

moving and thought-provoking.

DAY FOUR: Today you travel to Zakopane. It may only be 63 miles from

Krakow by road, but you spend 2-3 hours rafting gently through the

stunning scenery of the Dunajec River Gorge, in the Pieninski National

Park. Two hours from Krakow lies the village of Sromowce, on the

Slovakian border, where you embark your rafts, which are operated

by experienced raftsmen wearing traditional local costume. The gentle

Dunajec River offers sightseeing as you go – you will see the 13th

century Red Monastery and the gorge itself, with its spectacular

limestone cliffs and rock formations. You disembark in the spa town

of Szczawnica, and after some free time, continue to Zakopane

(35 miles), arriving late afternoon for four nights bed and breakfast

accommodation.

DAYS FIVE TO SEVEN: Free in Zakopane, with an included walking

tour. Zakopane lies in the heart of the Tatra Mountains, a mountain

range that many people believe to be among the most beautiful in the

world. The scenery is spectacular and the mountains impressive – they

were shaped by glacial erosion, which helps to explain the magnificent

peaks, lakes and valleys. The Tatra National Park was created in 1955

and hosts abundant flora and fauna, including bears and golden eagles.

You can also join an optional excursion across the border into Slovakia,

Poland’s southern neighbour. You go to Stary Smokovec, from where a

cable car leaves for the mountain town of Hrebienok, 4000ft up and site

of several waterfalls.

DAY EIGHT: Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Depending on

your flight time you may have time for some last minute shopping in

Krakow. Please note: throughout the tour you are on a bed and breakfast

basis. There is a wide variety of lunch and dinner options available in all

price ranges in Krakow and Zakopane and the other places you visit.

YOUR HOTELS

HOTEL WYSPIANSKI HHH, Krakow (three nights)

The hotel is named after the famous Polish artist, poet and playwright,

Stanislaw Wyspianski, who once lived in a house at the site of the hotel. It

is located right in the centre of Krakow, the proverbial stone’s throw from

the main square. Rooms are fully equipped with bath/shower, wc, hairdryer,

satellite tv, telephone and radio. There is also a restaurant and a bar. (www.

hotel-wyspianski.pl)

HOTEL WERSAL HHH, Zakopane (four nights)

The hotel is located in a quiet, yet central, area of Zakopane. It has

42 rooms with bath/shower, wc, hairdryer, satellite tv, radio and

telephone. There is a restaurant offering both traditional Polish

and international cuisine and a bar serving hot and cold drinks.

(www.hotelwersal.pl)





8 days from £879 June & September

Bucharest & Transylvania

The marbled halls of the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest, the charming baroque streets of medieval Brasov, the imposing

pointed towers in Vlad the Impaler’s Sighisoara, the spectacular scenery of the Transylvanian Alps – these are just some of the

highlights of this fascinating tour of Romania. On this holiday you’ll find that the bustling capital Bucharest contrasts superbly

with the fortified churches and forbidding castles of Transylvania, while Brasov will reveal the Saxon heritage of this part of

Romania. There’s also the chance to visit the old cultural centre of Sibiu.

• 3 nights bb in Bucharest and 4 nights bb in Brasov with one dinner • Tour of Bucharest with entrance

to the Palace of Parliament • Excursion to Sighisoara and Prince Charles’ Viscri • Tours of Bran and Peles

castles and Pelisor Palace • Excursion to the fortified churches of Harman and Prejmer

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Bucharest, transfer to your hotel in the centre of the city for two nights bed

and breakfast hotel accommodation. There are plenty of restaurants in downtown Bucharest to

suit all tastes and budgets. Your Tour Director will be on hand to assist.

DAY TWO: Mid-morning walking tour of Bucharest. Romania’s cosmopolitan capital is well

known for its wide boulevards and fine pre-World War I buildings that gave it the name of

Little Paris. The tour will concentrate on the Old Town and the Calea Victoriei - Bucharest’s

most famous avenue which leads to the beautiful Romanian Athenaeum, the Royal Palace

and Revolution Square. Bucharest is also known for its stark Communist-era architecture,

exemplified in Ceausescu’s monster House of the Republic, now known as the Palace of

Parliament. A guided tour will show you some of 1,100 rooms of the world’s largest civilian

administrative building.

DAY THREE: Travel north through the Southern Carpathians to Brasov, stopping en route at

Bran Castle. On a rocky outcrop guarding the entrance to a mountain pass, Bran Castle lives

up to the Gothic fairytale image that Bram Stoker’s Dracula evokes. The castle was built by

the Saxons in the late 14th century to defend Brasov from invasion by the Turks. Inside you’ll

find displays of rich Western European furniture, which Queen Marie, granddaughter of Queen

Victoria, purchased in the 1920s when the castle was used as a royal residence. Continue to

Brasov (126 miles today) for four nights bed and breakfast with dinner in a local restaurant

this evening. Arrival in Brasov will be late afternoon. Your Tour Director will conduct a short

orientation walk of Brasov before dinner.

DAYS FOUR TO SIX: In Brasov. Brasov is a medieval town with ornate Saxon churches and

townhouses. Local legend has it that when the Pied Piper lured away the children from Hamelin

they re-emerged near Brasov’s main square, Piata Sfatului, in the heart of the medieval quarter.

It is one of the finest Baroque squares in Romania. Here you can visit the 15th century Town

Hall, with its quaint Trumpeter’s Tower on top, and the Lutheran Black Church - the largest

Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul with a 6-tonne bell and a huge organ with 4000

pipes. The Romanian School Museum displays some of the first textbooks written in the

Romanian language and printed in Brasov.

There are two included excursions during your stay in Brasov. One is a full day trip to the

birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, Sighisoara 81 miles away. Sighisoara was fortified by the Saxon

guilds – the Blacksmiths’, Butchers’ and Cobblers’ are among the defensive towers which still

survive and the beautifully preserved medieval citadel is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

In the belfry of the imposing Clock Tower which dates back to the 13th century, a drummer

strikes every hour and every day at midnight a different wooden figure emerges. Close to the

Clock Tower you’ll find the house where Vlad Dracul was born. On the return journey to Brasov,

you’ll make a stop at Viscri where the Prince of Wales bought, restored and converted traditional

dwellings into guesthouses.

The second excursion is a pleasant half-day visit nearby to Harman and Prejmer. Under

continuous threat of marauding Mongols and Turks, the Saxons not only fortified their towns,

but the villages as well with defensive works centred around the church. Two fine examples are

in Harman, where the church is surrounded by a 40ft wall with seven towers and Prejmer where

the church defences include bastions, drawbridges and over 270 rooms built into the outer

wall in four storeys as refuge for the village’s families in times of attack. (25-mile round trip).

There is also an optional excursion to Sibiu including lunch, the largest of the Saxon merchant

towns. As well as a trade centre, Sibiu has always been the artistic and cultural capital of

Transylvania. The former wealth of the city is evident in its grand squares, fine buildings and

churches. 180 miles round trip.

DAY SEVEN: Return to Bucharest. The main stop today is the resort of Sinaia in the Bucegi

Mountains 31 miles south of Brasov. Sinaia had a monastery and little else until the 1870’s

when King Carol I built a summer residence here. His ornate Peles Castle, built in German

Renaissance style, is richly decorated with carved wood, tapestries and oriental ceramics. Next

door is the Art Nouveau Pelisor Palace, built by King Carol for his nephew and consort. After a

tour of both the Castle and the Palace you have free time to visit the resort and for lunch before

continuing to Bucharest (a further 90 miles) for your last night on a bed and breakfast basis.

DAY EIGHT: Departure for the airport and your flight home.

YOUR HOTELS

Bucharest. Depending on dates, we use the following centrally located hotels in Bucharest

(see the Dates, Prices and Flight Information booklet). Rooms in all hotels have free wireless

Internet, air-conditioning, and bathroom equipped with bath/shower, and hairdryer.

HOTEL CAPITOL HHHH (www.hotelcapitol.ro/en)

The hotel has a bar and restaurant which is popular with the locals and hotel guests.

HOTEL BERTHELOT HHHH (hotelberthelot.ro/en)

The hotel has a bar and the hotel’s Bel Canto restaurant occasionally has live music in the

evenings.

HOTEL GOLDEN TULIP HHHH (www.goldentulipbucharest.com)

The hotel has a bar on the Calea Victoriei, restaurant and fitness room.

Brasov. In Brasov we use the following hotels, both situated a 15-minute walk from the

Council Square.

HOTEL BELFORT HHH (www.belfort.ro)

Completely renovated in 2017, this modern hotel is at the foot of the Tampa forest park

yet only a 5-minute walk to the main pedestrian shopping street. The hotel has a bar and

lounge Rooms have a balcony, tv, wifi, direct dial telephone, bath or shower, and hairdryer.

HOTEL COROANA BRASOVULUI HHH (www.coroana-brasovului.ro)

This small, friendly and modern hotel is in a quiet position on a pretty square near the Schei Gate.

The hotel has a pleasant breakfast room and cosy English bar. Rooms have tv, wifi, direct dial

telephone, shower and hairdryer.

Dinner at a local restaurant is included on the first night in Brasov.





8 days from £849

June & September

Lithuania – Vilnius, Kaunas & Klaipeda

Lithuania is a land of folklore and legend which, towards the end of the Middle Ages, was one of the largest countries in Europe, stretching from the Baltic

down to the Black Sea, encompassing what is now Belarus and Ukraine. Modern Lithuania is just half the size of England, and this holiday is an exploration

of the country from its Baroque capital, Vilnius, across to Klaipeda on the coast, and the medieval and Art Deco city of Kaunas in the centre. You’ll also travel

down the remarkable Curonian Spit as far as the border with Russian Kaliningrad, and visit the emotive monument of the Hill of Crosses.

• 3 nights bb in Vilnius, 2 nights bb in Klaipeda, 2 nights bb in Kaunas • 3 lunches • City tours of Vilnius, Klaipeda and Kaunas

• Excursion to Trakai Castle • Tour of the Curonian Spit • Visits of the Palanga Botanical Gardens, and the Hill of Crosses

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Vilnius or Kaunas. Transfer to your hotel in Vilnius for three nights’ bed and

breakfast accommodation. Transfer times are 15 minutes from Vilnius airport and 1 hour 15

minutes from Kaunas airport.

DAY TWO: Half-day sight-seeing tour of Vilnius. A panoramic tour by coach includes a visit of the

Baroque Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. This is followed by a walking tour of the atmospheric

Old Town and its countless Baroque buildings. The cobbled streets are a delight to explore. The

colonnaded Cathedral, like St. Peter and St Paul, is built on a former pagan site of worship (Lithuania

was the last country in Europe to convert to Christianity). Entrance is included to Vilnius University.

Housed in a collection of court-yarded precincts, the old university, dating from the 16th century, is

among the world’s top-ranked.

DAY THREE: Half-day excursion to Trakai Castle. Just sixteen miles from Vilnius, set on an island

amid a beautiful wooded lake district, is Trakai Castle – symbol of Lithuania’s former military

dominance. The castle is reached via a 300-metre wooden walkway across the water from the

town of Trakai. The renovated castle was originally built in the 14th and 15th centuries and consists

of defensive walls with red turrets surrounding a huge central keep. After a guided tour, you return

to Vilnius where the afternoon is for you to enjoy shops, cafes and museums of the lively capital.

DAY FOUR: Depart for Klaipeda, 195 miles away. You leave the flatlands of the east and cross rolling

plains on your way to the Baltic Sea. On arrival in Klaipeda you have an included lunch in a local

restaurant before checking-in to your hotel in the early afternoon for two nights’ bed and breakfast

accommodation. In the late afternoon, there is a guided tour of Klaipeda. Both the history and

geography of Klaipeda is complicated. If you sense a Germanic feel to the town, it’s because it was

part of Prussia in its various forms, and then part of Germany until the end of WWI, and re-annexed

by Hitler in 1939. An old Hanseatic port, Klaipeda (or Memel, as it was known) has always been

the region’s major maritime gateway. Although it is still an important industrial hub, the compact

Old Town has a vibrant café scene, restaurants and museums. As for the unusual geography of the

region, you have to wait until tomorrow!

DAY FIVE: Full-day tour of the Curonian Spit. Unique in Europe, the Spit is a 65-mile long, narrow

strip of sand dunes, formed over the millennia by the wind and sea, creating the lagoon between

the coast proper and the Baltic. It stretches from Klaipeda to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad and

is dotted with small resorts and fishing hamlets. The whole peninsula is a UNESCO-listed site. The

top half as far as Nida belongs to Lithuania and is a protected National Park. The day starts with a

ferry hop across to the isthmus for the drive down to Juodkrante, a genteel resort now known for

its sculpture park, the Witches’ Hill. The wooden exhibits portray Lithuanian legend and folklore,

reminding us of the region’s relatively recent pagan past. A short stop is then made by a cormorant

and grey heron colony before continuing to Nida near the Russian border. An old fishing village with

wooden houses, Nida has been a popular seaside retreat since the 19th century. Thomas Mann had

a summer home built here in the 1930’s. The sand dunes around Nida are particularly impressive,

with the Parnidis dune rising to 165 feet. After an included lunch, you have an hour-long cruise on

the lagoon for wonderful views of a wondrous landscape. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

65 miles round trip today.

DAY SIX: Depart Klaipeda for Kaunas. The first stop is Palanga, Lithuania’s largest resort seventeen

miles up the coast. Here you visit the Botanical Gardens, landscaped in 1897 by Edouard Andre

who designed city parks in Paris, Bulgaria, and Madeira – an early masterpiece being Sefton

Park in Liverpool. You’ll also visit the fascinating Amber Museum in the Tyskiewicz Palace in the

Gardens before continuing eastward for an included lunch on your way to the Hill of Crosses. The

traditional folk art of ‘cross-crafting’ in Lithuania has been passed down the generations and you’ll

see many intricately carved crosses as you travel across the country. But nothing can prepare you

for the Hill of Crosses. This mound may have had a mystic significance in the pre-Christian era,

but the first crosses probably started appearing in the 1830’s as a focus for Lithuanian identity and

remembrance. The Russians bulldozed the hill three times during the Soviet occupation, but the

crosses just re-appeared. There are now in excess of 20,000 crosses on the hill. After your visit, you

continue to Kaunas for two nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation. 225 miles today.

DAY SEVEN: Morning city tour including the Old Town and the Ninth Fort. A UNESCO City of Design,

Kaunas has a remarkable mixture of architectural styles ranging from Gothic, Renaissance, and

Baroque through to Modernist and Art Deco. With water on three sides, picturesque Kaunas Old

Town has an impressive Town Hall surrounded by churches, museums and merchants’ houses.

The New Town is bristling with architectural gems from the inter-war years when Kaunas was the

temporary capital. On the outskirts of the city, the Ninth Fort has been reconstructed as a museum.

Built during the occupation by Tsarist Russia, it became a prison and, later, a Nazi death camp.

DAY EIGHT: Departure transfer to the airport for your flight home. Transfer time: 15 minutes to

Kaunas, and 1 ½ hours to Vilnius.

YOUR HOTELS

RADISSON BLU LIETUVA HHHH, Vilnius (three nights)

Situated in the popular Snipiskes area just over the river from the Old Town,

the hotel has a restaurant, lobby bar and rooftop bar with views over the

river to the Old Town, fitness centre and free wifi throughout the hotel.

Bedrooms have bath/shower, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer

and safe. (www.radissonblu.com/en/lietuvahotel-vilnius)

RADISSON BLU KLAIPEDA HHHH, Klaipeda (two nights)

The hotel is set just off the busy Manto Avenue in the New Town. It has

a popular restaurant, lobby bar, fitness centre and free wifi throughout

the hotel. Bedrooms have bath/shower, tea and coffee making facilities,

hairdryer and safe. (www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-klaipeda)

PARK INN by RADISSON HHHH, Kaunas (two nights)

Close to many of the city’s landmarks, museums, and shopping area,

the hotel has a restaurant, bar, spa centre, and free wifi throughout the

hotel. Bedrooms have bath/shower, tea and coffee making facilities, and

hairdryer. (www.parkinn.com/hotel-kaunas)



NO SINGLE

SUPPLEMENT

NOV’19,

FEB ‘20

8 days from £789 February & November 2019, February & March 2020

Cyprus - Aphrodite’s Ancient Isle

An ancient land of mystery, legend, beauty, and love: especially in and around Paphos, your holiday base. On the west coast

of the Akamas Peninsula, Paphos was the island’s capital for 600 years and its visible archaeological legacy has led to the

whole town being placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Effectively parts of the town serve as an open-air museum, with

remarkable mosaics, vaults and caves, the Pillar of St. Paul, the ancient theatre, the Tombs of the Kings and a Roman Agora

are all amongst the sights to see. The area is steeped in Greek myth and legend. The goddess Aphrodite rose from the sea

foam near Paphos and took pity on Pygmalion by bringing to life his statue of the beautiful Galatea – their son was Paphos.

• 7 nights hb in Paphos • Paphos orientation walk • Excursion to Nicosia

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Paphos, transfer to your hotel in Kato Paphos (20

minutes away) where seven nights half board accommodation has

been reserved for you.

Cyprus has a long and varied history. At the crossroads of three

continents, Cyprus was a stopping off point for Crusaders and has been

ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Franks, Venetians, Turks and British.

DAY TWO: Paphos orientation walk: your morning walk starts and

finishes at the hotel, and will give you your bearings not only in the

geography of Paphos, but also its history. You will walk along the sea

front, and pass the ruins of an early Christian basilica en route to the

harbour. Here you will be able to visit the archaeological area (entrance

fee included) with its Roman mosaics. You return to the hotel via the

lighthouse and the Christian catacomb of Solomoni.

DAYS THREE TO SEVEN: In resort in Paphos, with free time to explore

the town and its historic sites and also time to relax and enjoy the hotel’s

facilities. One day is dedicated to the included excursion to Nicosia, the

full day giving you a real taste of this fascinating and charming city.

In the heart of Nicosia is the old city surrounded by walls dating back

to the 16th century. Enclosed in this are countless museums, churches,

monuments, sites of historic interest, narrow streets overlooked by

the balconies of old houses and squares surrounded by cafes, shops

and tavernas. The included tour of the city will take you along the

dividing Green Line and allow you to see the major sights including

the Famagusta Gate and the Archbishop’s Palace. Also whilst in Nicosia

there will be visits to St. John’s Cathedral and the Byzantine Museum,

and time in the picturesque old quarter and shopping centre of Laiki

Yitonia.

There may be other excursions available, into the Troodos Mountains

and to the Bath of Aphrodite (a grotto pool where the goddess is said to

have bathed before her marriage).

Dancing and Bowls: together with the sister hotels nearby, the hotel has

dance leaders and bowling coordinators who will assist with tuition and,

on request, organise events for guests of all abilities. Lawn Bowls rinks

(there may be 20 rinks, indoor and outdoor, all on synthetic surfaces).

A charge (currently 5 euros) is made per session (includes equipment).


flight.

YOUR HOTEL

PIONEER BEACH HOTEL HHHH Paphos (seven nights)

The Pioneer Beach is an impressive 4-star hotel with beautifully appointed

bedrooms, public areas, international buffet style restaurant and colourful

gardens. It is a pleasant 20-minute walk along the seafront to the shopping

area and a further 10 minutes to Paphos harbour, or a short ride on the local

bus. The hotel boasts a freshwater swimming pool with Jacuzzi, an indoor

heated pool with Jacuzzi, indoor and outdoor short mat bowling facilities

and outdoor Green Bowls facilities, and a floodlit tennis court. In the hotel’s

Elixir Spa there is a heated pool, sauna, steam bath, a fully equipped gym

and a hairdressing salon. Bedrooms have balcony, satellite tv, fridge,

minibar, hairdryer, scales, make-up/shaving mirror, bathrobes and slippers,

safety deposit box, ironing facilities, espresso machine as well as tea and

coffee making facilities. (www.pioneer-cbh.com)

Please note that the hotel management reserves the right to change the hotel to

the 4-star Athena Beach, a sister hotel of the Pioneer Beach located along the

seafront half a mile closer to the port area of Paphos. (www.athena-cbh.com)

Extend your holiday – extra week available in Paphos.





8 days from £549 £749 February, March & November 2019, February & March 2020

Tenerife - Island of Contrasts

There are a host of reasons for visiting Tenerife – the largest of the Canaries, which the classicists rightly called ‘the

Fortunate Isles’. Fortunate, too, in having such a wonderful winter and spring climate for visitors from the freezing north!

An island of contrasts – the miles of sun-drenched coastline surround Spain’s highest mountain (over 12000 ft), Mount

Teide. Often snow-capped, the desolate volcanic slopes within Teide’s National Park are a world away from the tropical

vegetation of the green Orotava valley, and the botanical gardens below. You stay in the north part of the island where the

traditional villages and the University town of La Laguna have a totally different feel to the commercial concreted resorts

of the south – and the lush, tropical landscape with banana plantations also contrasts with the arid terrain of the south.

• 7 nights hb on Tenerife • Excursions to La Laguna, the Botanic Garden and Orotava Valley, and Mount Teide

PROGRAMME

DAY ONE: Flight to Tenerife, transfer to your hotel (about one hour

away) for seven nights half board accommodation.

Your holiday base is close to Puerto de la Cruz (with its agreeable

and historical maritime area) and to the verdant Orotava valley, whose

eponymous town boasts the attractive mansions of families who made

their fortune trading with the New World – and then spent fortunes

building fine houses and churches in their home town to show how

successful they were!

Tenerife still has undiscovered corners, like Garachico, out to the west.

Garachico is a typical Canarian village, whose harbour was filled in by

a lava flow in the 18th century – since when, as you stroll the shady

square, you get the impression that, frankly, not a lot has changed! Also

within easy reach is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with Calatrava’s futuristic

new ship-shaped auditorium and a pleasant old quarter: beyond the

town lie the spectacular Anaga mountains.

DAYS TWO TO SEVEN: In resort with three included excursions.

Mount Teide: you will have a scenic drive on Mount Teide, with a stop

to explore the volcanic landscape of the Ucanca plain.

La Laguna: an included excursion will take you to San Cristobal de la

Laguna (to give it its full name). The fine Canarian Mansions scattered

through the town offer the visitor their bright facades and impressive

woodwork, which conceal cool patios and shady gardens. One of them

houses the “Museum of the History of Tenerife” – well worth a look.

This university town has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since

1999; its layout, that of the first non-fortified Spanish colonial town,

served as a model for many towns in the Americas.

The Botanic Garden, with Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava and

its valley. You will see, with a knowledgeable guide, the “Jardin de

Aclimatisación” of La Orotava – the Botanic Garden founded by Royal

Decree in 1788 to house the plants being brought from the New World

by the ‘Discoverers’ who (Columbus included) used Tenerife as a

jumping-off point for their epic voyages. The garden’s role was as a

trial ground for plants and trees that would be of important medical or

economic benefit to Spain as a whole. Designed to a geometric plan, it

has a particularly impressive collection of trees, including date palms

and fig trees, as well as an enormous oriental plane tree (platanus

orientalis), at the base of which the garden’s founder planted a box

of coins and documents. There are also good collections of agave,

hibiscus, orchids, poinsettia and jacaranda. This day will also include a

visit to Orotava town and an orientation of Puerto de la Cruz.


flight.

YOUR HOTEL

BLUE SEA COSTA JARDIN & SPA HHHH,

Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife (seven nights)

The hotel stands on the edge of Puerto de la Cruz, a 25 minute walk to

the seaside promenade (free courtesy bus 6 days a week during the day).

There are views to Mount Teide, the sea, and the Orotava valley from the

hotel’s extensive tropical gardens (1500sqm). Rooms have bath/shower,

wc, hairdryer, satellite tv, safety deposit box (charge applies), minibar, and

balcony or terrace. There is an outdoor pool, spa (charges apply), poolside

bar, entertainment programme, buffet restaurant, and lounge area (limited

free wifi). Prices are based on standard rooms. Rooms with a view of Mount

Teide are available at a supplement.

(www.blueseahotels.com/en)

Extend your holiday – extra week available in our hotel in Tenerife.





GENERAL INFORMATION

HOTELS: Accommodation has been reserved in the hotels mentioned, but we do reserve

the right to substitute similar hotels should circumstances dictate. Please note that at the

discretion of the hotels (and their view of the local climate), lido and pool areas, as well

as air-conditioning, may not be operational, and hotels’ charging policies for access to

spas, safety deposits, wifi, etc are always subject to change. Half-board normally includes

evening dinner and breakfast. We make group bookings in hotels. Unless a hotel insists on

it, we do not reserve tables for Preferred Travel groups at dinner. On the coast in Spain and

Portugal, dinner is normally buffet-style with flexible seating and timing. In some hotels there

will be a set menu at a fixed time for the group at dinner with no or limited choice. Where

there is a limited choice, you may be asked to pre-order courses at breakfast time for that

evening. This format is quite common in Italy and in city hotels in Spain, so please make

sure we are aware of any special dietary requirements. Where house wine is included with

dinner, this will be limited in colour, type and quantity by the hotel! Hotel check-in times are

usually between 2pm and 3pm, check-out times between 10am and 12 noon on the day of

departure. However, times do vary. Therefore, if you check-in immediately after a night flight

this would normally count as one night’s accommodation. Similarly if your return flight is at

night you will normally be required to vacate your room in the morning prior to leaving for

the airport later on. Day rooms are subject to availability/cost and should be arranged locally

with the hotel. Please refer to Clause 19 of our Booking Conditions for further information

regarding hotels.

ITINERARIES: The order of visits described may be subject to change. Where a train or

boat journey features in a programme the journey will be made by road if, for any reason,

the train or boat is not operating. Optional excursions operate at extra cost and are subject

to minimum numbers. Changes may be made to the particulars in this brochure at any time.

GROUP SIZES: Group sizes usually vary from about twenty to fifty people, but they can

be smaller or larger. There are many advantages to travelling in a group in terms of costs,

having someone else doing the driving getting you to interesting places, and the pleasant

company of like-minded people. But we always build in free time in our itineraries as well. All

holidays need minimum numbers to operate – see Clause 6 (a) of our Booking Conditions.

MOBILITY: Please note that in order to get the most from your visits to many of the

attractions mentioned, reasonable amounts of walking will be necessary. The terrain of

archaeological sites may be uneven, and scenic hill towns are....hilly! Please refer to Clause

12 of our booking conditions.

EXTENDED STAYS: Where it is possible to extend your holiday and have an extra week, all

excursions are planned to take place during the first week. Please note that in some cases

during the second week an emergency contact number will be given in lieu of the services

of a local representative. Naturally, your return airport transfer will be arranged for you.

PRICES: These are subject to change - please see Clause 3 of our Booking Conditions.

However, once we have confirmed your booking, your holiday price is guaranteed. Please

note that optional excursions, porterage, drinks with main meals and travel insurance are

not normally included in the holiday price. In some places tourist taxes are being introduced,

which are paid in resort by hotel guests. These are not included in the holiday price and will

have to be paid by you directly to the hotel. We shall let you know if such taxes apply when

you book or as soon as we become aware if they are introduced after you booked.

PAYMENTS BY COMMERCIAL CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD: Please note that all payments

by commercial credit or debit card are subject to a charge of 2% of the payment being made.

CUSTOMER CARE: Our customers can have complete confidence when booking an ATOL

protected holiday with a tour operator which cares about its customers. Our customers

were full of praise for the way our staff looked after them during the ash cloud crisis in 2010

and during various Air Traffic Control strikes since. More recently, when Monarch Airlines

collapsed, none of our customers lost their holiday, and, those already abroad flew home

without any delay. If your homeward flight is disrupted, we will get you home as soon as

possible. If the airline has not made arrangements for accommodation and meals we shall

do so. Please note that in order to offer this service we rely on your cooperation in dealing

with claims for reimbursement from the airline concerned. Please see clause 18 for our

general policy on flight cancellations and delays.

FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENTS: Obviously the departure dates of our holidays are set and

as advertised. Occasionally extra dates will be added due to demand – please look at our

website www.preferredts.com or call us. If you wish to combine two holidays into a longer

break, or e.g. stay behind in your destination country to visit friends, we will try to assist

and arrange special flight arrangements. Please note that for bookings including special

flight arrangements there will be an administration fee of £15 per person, and the deposit

payment (non-refundable) will be £250 per person.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS AND TRAVEL ADVICE: There are no compulsory

health requirements for the countries we visit. For up to date UK government health and

travel advice please visit www.dh.gov.uk/ travellers (020 7210 4850) or check with your

GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic for advice. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office

provides up-to-date travel advice at www.fco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo

EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (EHIC):The EHIC replaced the old E111 in

2006. Your EHIC lets you get state healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.

It will cover you for treatment that is needed to allow you to continue your stay until

your planned return. The card is not an alternative to travel insurance. It will not cover

any private medical healthcare or costs such as mountain rescue in ski resorts, being

flown back to the UK, or lost or stolen property. Therefore, it is important to have both

an EHIC and a valid private travel insurance policy. Most insurers now insist you

hold an EHIC. The EHIC is valid in all European Economic Area (EEA) countries.

The EEA is a free trade zone between countries of the European Union (EU), Iceland,

Norway and Liechtenstein. The regulations on access to healthcare in the EEA also

apply in Switzerland. Applying for an EHIC is free of charge. You can apply online at

www.ehic.org.uk or by phoning the automated service on 0300 3301350. This is information

is subject to change after Brexit.

PASSPORTS/VISAS: You must have a Full British passport for travel to/from the UK.

Currently, for visits to countries in the EU, passports must be valid on the day of return, but

you should give yourself some leeway. Furthermore, requirements for countries outside the

EU vary so we strongly suggest you have 6 months validity from the date of your return to

cover all eventualities – including any changes in passport validity requirements for travel in

the EU following a no-deal Brexit. There are no visa requirements for UK citizens. Nationals

of other countries should consult the appropriate authorities. In case your passport is lost

or stolen overseas, a photocopy of the photograph page will be of help in obtaining an

emergency passport from the Consulate for return travel. Make sure you are insured for the

costs of obtaining an emergency passport. These will be the application fees but may also

include very expensive transport costs getting to/from the Consulate.

YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION: All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays in this

brochure are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied

with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked

(flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see Clause 14 of our booking

conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the

ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate.

PRIVACY POLICY SUMMARY: Please be assured that we have measures in place to

protect the Personal Information we collect from you. Personal Information includes your

name, address, email address, telephone number, date of birth, passport details, and any

other information you provide, for example, a medical condition or dietary requirement.

We collect this information in order to provide the travel arrangements you have booked.

Where necessary, this information will be passed on to the relevant suppliers of your travel

arrangements including, but not limited to, airlines, hotels, land and sea transport companies,

our Tour Directors and Resort Representatives. If you have taken out travel insurance, we

shall pass on your Personal Information to the relevant insurance company to assist with any

claim. We shall only transfer the data we collect from you outside the European Economic

Area if your travel arrangements include such a destination. Your Personal Information will

also be provided to public authorities such as customs or immigration if required by them, or

as required by law. We shall retain your Personal Information in order to deal with post-travel

queries for the minimum periods required by law. We may also send you from time to time

details of our products and services. If you do not want to receive such details in future, tick

the box on the booking form, or just let us know. We shall not share your Personal Information

with our newspaper partners and carefully selected third parties unless you consent by opting

in on the booking form. Our full Privacy Policy can found on our website www.preferredts.com.

You have certain rights under data protection law, for example, to access, correct, or erase

the data we hold about you, or to make a complaint. Details can be found on the Information

Commissioners’ website (www.ico.org.uk), or contact us.

By phone: 0116 279 3929.

By email: mail@preferredts.com

By post: Preferred Travel Services, 41 High Street, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leicester, LE8 0HS.

Online: https://www.preferredts.com/contacts/

Preferred Travel Services is a trading name of High Concepts Ltd.

ISSUED DECEMBER 2018




You can request a booking online at www.preferredts.com. Or make a provisional booking by calling our reservations hotline on 0116 279 3929 or e-mail sales@

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Preferred Travel Services Booking Form

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Please refer to the enclosed ‘Dates and Flight Information’ for details of departure dates, prices and flights.

W3692

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with the brochure. Then COMPLETE THIS BOOKING FORM IN BLOCK CAPITALS

and return it with deposit payment or full payment to Preferred Travel Services, 41

High Street, Kibworth Beauchamp, Leicester, LE8 0HS. Cheques should be made

payable to Preferred Travel Services.

HOLIDAY TITLE.........................................................................................................................................

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TOTAL HOLIDAY COST £.....................

SPECIAL REQUESTS (not guaranteed). You may also wish to advise us here

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www.preferredts.com 31

Issue No.

Escorted Holidays Collection 2019 to March 2020

ABOUT US: Preferred Travel Services is an award

winning, independently owned, friendly company whose

two directors share more than 70 years of travel industry

experience and all this is put to use in designing holidays

which have just the right balance of included visits and

free time to explore on your own. In 2019 we celebrate our

19th birthday. Whichever holiday you choose, you’ll still

have time to visit cities and places of interest in some of

Europe’s most picturesque countryside and beauty spots in

the company of like-minded travellers from all over the UK.

Here are some comments from customers who have travelled with us recently.

We have just returned from Italy. Had a great time. Good food, good

hotels and service. Tour guide Valentina excellent.

Mr & Mrs S, West Kilbride (Cinque Terre & Italian Lakes)

Tour Director Larry - can’t give him enough praise…….His breadth

of knowledge of the history of the area and his amusing stories just

made the trip. We have been on previous trips with you and always

found the guides very knowledgeable. Barcelona and Almunecar

come to mind. Mrs R, Gloucs, (Provence, Arles & Camargue)

Hi - just a brief note to thank all those involved in organising the trip to

Tenerife. Particular thanks to Concha, your company’s rep - she did a

great job throughout the week. We had a very enjoyable time and will

certainly look at using your company again next year.

Mr E, Devon (Tenerife – Island of Contrasts)

Our 9th holiday with PTS. Once again an excellent tour.

Mr & Mrs B, Cheshire (Jaca, Pamplona & Spanish Pyrenees)

Just a quick note to say how much my wife and I enjoyed our holiday

in Andalucía in November. This was our first trip with Preferred Travel

Services and it will most certainly not be the last. Your tour director

Manuel could not have been more helpful. The coach driver Salvador

was also excellent. Our fellow travellers all commented on the holiday

and those who had travelled with you before said that it was normal

for them to expect such service.

Mr & Mrs C, Essex (Eastern Andalucia)

Thought it was an interesting and enjoyable holiday. Good value for

money. Mr & Mrs W, Tyne & Wear (Highlights of Crete)

Maria was warm, funny, approachable and extremely knowledgeable

and enhanced the holiday experience for us. The trip made it possible

for us to reach inaccessible places that we would never have visited

on our own.

Ms M, Pontypridd (Carcassonne, Cathar Country & Catalonia)

Great holiday - loved Elba and Prato was a super city

Mrs H, Stirling (Elba & Tuscany)

I thought the guides and driver were fantastic, for the price an

excellent holiday. Mrs H, South Shields (A Week in Crete)

Overall, a lovely holiday and excellent value for money.

Mrs A, Leicester (Roman Tarragona & Gaudi’s Reus)

John was an excellent ambassador for PTS extremely caring and

helpful to everyone. We have had a wonderful holiday.

Mr & Mrs H, Devon (A Week on the Algarve)

This has been a thoroughly enjoyable holiday……Hotel location

is excellent and we liked wandering around the resort very much

and the tours too (particularly the boat trip on the Guadiana River).

Concha our tour rep was very helpful and works very hard to ensure a

good holiday experience. Mr & Mrs G, Gloucs (Western Andalucia)

PTS PHOTO COMPETITION: Our photo competition introduced in 2017

continues to be a great success with hundreds of high-quality entries, many of

which have been posted on our website. Our third winner of the competition in

June 2018 was Alan Keith for his spectacular shot of Lake Balea in Romania

while on a walking holiday. Thanks to everybody who entered and special thanks

to those entrants with images in this brochure: page 4 – David Dunbar, Loarre

Castle: page 5 - Dennis Walton, Santes Creus; page 21 - Gw Vaughan, Marciana

Marina & page 22, trulli rooftops.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Images in our brochures and website appear courtesy of Turespana;

Fototeca ENIT; Distretto Turistico dei Laghi-Stresa (VB); Foto Archivo Agenciain Liguria; Foto Archivo

Provincia di Imperia – Riviera dei Fiori; Tourism Department of Lassithi; MDLF/R – CAST; Turismo

de Portugal; Turismo y Deporte de Andalucia; Visit Poland; VisitCyprus; Rafael Lopez-Monne; www.

slovenia.info; Miquel Angel Torro/Turismo Costa del Sol/www.visitacostadelsol.com; l’Office de Tourisme

d’Arles; Visit Estonia; Greek National Tourist Office/C_Moustafellou; Bergamo & Lovere Tourist Office/D.

Salvi; Almunecar Tourist Board; Top Tours Romania; Atout France/Paul Palau; Greek National Tourist

Office/Y_Skoulas; Patronat Municipal de Turisme de Tarragona/Alberich Fotografs; www.slovenia.

info/B.Cvetkovic; Turismo de Canarias/Alex Martin Ros; Walk Hike Portugal; Turismo de Canarias/Alex

Bramwell; Associata del Turismo dell’Isola d’Elba/VistElba.info; visitcascais.com/cascaislive; Turismo

de Canarias/Julio Gonzalez; algarvepromtion.pt/Luis da Cruz; DIP Huelva; Ayuntamiento de Pamplona-

Pamplona City Council www.turismodepamplona.es; June Taylor; © www.vilnius-tourism.lt; www.

slovenia.info/Alan Kosmac; www.slovenia.info /Tomo Jesenicnik; www.slovenia.info /Janez Tolar; visit.

tallin; Patronato de Turismo de Cadiz; Incrediblecrete.gr




You can request a booking online at www.preferredts.com. Or make a provisional booking by calling our reservations hotline on 0116 279 3929 or e-mail sales@

preferredts.com and then complete a booking form and return it with the deposit payment of £125 per person (or full balance if applicable) to Preferred Travel

Services, 41 High Street, Kibworth, Leicester, LE8 0HS. Please make cheques payable to Preferred Travel Services.

ESCORTED HOLIDAYS

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