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Welcome to our 2019 Escapes newsletter – we hope to be able to whet your appetite for travel over the coming year with some of our favourite destinations, the best hotels and carefully-crafted tailormade holiday ideas – as well as the latest special offers. If you have yet to make a New Year’s resolution, remember that life is far too short not to treat yourself to a Kirker holiday. For those with a special birthday or anniversary, there is simply no better way to celebrate than with a comfortable hotel, delicious local cuisine, and fascinating art, architecture and museums. See p.11 for some carefully selected ideas, or p.7 for our exclusive offers on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express – book by the end of January for savings of £500 per person. Please don’t forget to use the Kirker Concierge service – many clients tell us that the highlight of their trip was the restaurant recommended by our concierge, or the tickets for a concert, ballet or opera performance. On pages 8-9 you will find the Kirker Concierge’s own top recommendations for 2019 – from restaurants and museums, to the latest exhibitions and major anniversaries, including 500 years since the death of Leonardo da Vinci. Our website kirkerholidays.com offers inspiration and photographs, but we firmly believe that there is no substitute for expert personal advice and our experienced team is here to take full responsibility for the smooth running of every aspect of your holiday – before, during and after you travel. We look forward to hearing from you soon – speak to a Kirker expert today on 020 7593 2283.
Ted Wake - Joint MD & Director of Sales & Marketing PS. Don’t forget, as well as Continental Europe, Kirker’s range of destinations also includes Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Jordan, Israel & Oman – not to mention a number of carefully selected locations within the UK & Ireland (see page 17). Furthermore, our long haul tailor-made programme includes comprehensive brochures for Southern Africa, and India & Sri Lanka – just email travel@kirkerholidays.com to request a copy.
Index Spring Special Offers
2
Spring Sunshine
3
Summer Holidays
4
Classic City Breaks
5
Belmond Hotels
6
Venice SimplonOrient-Express
7
Concierge Highlights
8/9
Rocco Forte
10
Special Occasions
11
Tailor-Made Holidays
12/13
Eurostar
14
River Cruises
15
Personal Favourites
16
The British Isles
17
Cultural Tours
18
Music Holidays
19
Further Afield
20
Prices are per person and include flights or Eurostar, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
Venice
Nani Moncenigo **** Deluxe
Dorsoduro is one of Venice’s most authentic neighbourhoods, and this hotel occupies a 15th century palazzo close to the Accademia Gallery. There are just 26 bedrooms and a peaceful garden. 3 nights for the price of 2 from 6 Mar - 4 Apr - price from £765, saving £100 4 nights for the price of 3 from 14 - 21 Feb, 5 - 15 Apr, 30 Jun - 17 Jul and 21 Jul - 29 Aug - price from £1,058, saving £165 Includes Doge’s Palace, Accademia or Guggenheim tickets and water taxi transfers
Nice
Villa Rivoli *** Superior
Located in the heart of the old town, a short walk from the Promenade des Anglais,Villa Rivoli has 24 bedrooms, some with a small balcony. 3 nights for the price of 2 until 31 Mar - price from £495, saving £88 4 nights for the price of 3 for midweek stays in Apr - price from £665, saving £110 NEW: All Kirker clients receive complimentary entrance to the Musée Matisse
Madrid
Orfila ***** Superior
A member of Relais & Châteaux, this elegant hotel is located in a residential area, five minutes from the Plaza de Colon. There are 32 bedrooms, an excellent restaurant and a charming courtyard garden where meals and afternoon tea are served in fine weather. 4 nights for the price of 3 all year - price from £942, saving £185 Includes entrance tickets to the Prado, Thyssen and Reina Sofia
Speak to an expert: 020
7593 2283
Vienna
Grand Hotel Wien ***** Superior
This hotel stands on the Kärntner Ring and has 205 bedrooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a ‘Grand Café’. Excellent value. Ask the Kirker Concierge for opera details. 3 nights for the price of 2 until 30 Apr - price from £797, saving £197 Includes entrance to the Kunsthistorisches & Leopold Museums
Florence
Antica Torre (boutique private residence)
This beautiful 13th century ‘tower house’ has just seven rooms in the Palazzo Gianfigliazzi, where Kirker clients are accommodated, and these are some of the most stylish and comfortable in town. 3 nights for the price of 2 until 18 Apr and Jul & Aug - price from £694, saving £135 4 nights for the price of 3 from 19 Apr - 30 May - price from £1,068, saving £216 Includes entrance to the Uffizi
All prices shown are per person sharing a double room, include special offers as applicable and are subject to availability. Prices are correct at time of publication: January 2019. For booking conditions please see www.kirkerholidays.com.
Marrakech
Riad Joya **** Deluxe
This excellent boutique riad has just seven suites and is located in the heart of the medina.There is a wonderful roof terrace, a library and a traditional Moroccan hammam. 3 nights for the price of 2 in Jan, Jun, Jul & Aug - price from £697, saving £115 4 nights for the price of 3 in Feb - price from £824, saving £115 Includes a private walking tour
Paris
Royal St. Honoré **** Superior
Located just a few minutes’ walk from the Opera and the Louvre, this hotel has 72 bedrooms and a stylish restaurant with original Louis XVI wood panelling. 3 nights for the price of 2 for Friday arrivals until 31 Mar price from £639, saving £150 3 night price from £835 from 1 Apr onwards Includes a 48hr museum pass, Seine cruise and carnet of Métro tickets