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Western Daily Press, Tuesday, September 10, 2013 WDP-E01-S3
Travel
Get refreshed in style at luxury spas
2 TRAVEL TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 10 2013 WESTERN DAILY PRESS
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Spoil yourself at some of the finest spas in the region Unwind, relax and rejuvenate with a loved one or friend at Bowood Hotel and Spa with a luxurious Tejate spa day – an experience you’re sure to remember. The day (costing £260) combines European and Asian spa philosophies based on Ayurveda, the traditional healing beliefs founded in India. Your visit will include a Dosha
The Bowood swimming pool and hot pool
consultation to determine your holistic health and a Tikita stone massage where you will both receive a hot stone massage using traditional Ayurvedic oils. Then, in a traditional foot ritual, your feet will be cleansed, exfoliated and moisturised. A chilled glass of Champagne and a light lunch is included in the price and, when you aren’t busy being pampered, you are free to enjoy the glass-fronted gym, crystal steam room, rock sauna, aromatherapy showers and the impressive infinity swimming pool and jacuzzi. The Rookery Retreat & Spa in Somerset, set in a converted barn at the 16th century Rookery Manor, is offering an overnight spa package for two for £258. It includes a night in a double or twin room, a 30-minute treatment each (either a neck and shoulder massage or mini facial), breakfast, a light lunch and dinner, full use of the spa facilities, with towel, robe and slippers, plus a gift pack, including personalised voucher and message card. If there’s no time for an overnight stay, you can still escape the stresses of a hectic lifestyle by indulging in a Spa Retreat For Two. Available at one of a range of hotels and spas across the UK, the package (£39) includes a sumptuous afternoon tea. Choose from one of seven hotels and spas, including Barnsdale Hall Hotel, Leicestershire; Hallmark Hotels in Bournemouth, Gloucester and Manchester; Stirling Highland Hotel in Stirlingshire; The Cornwall Hotel Spa and Estate or the Troon Marine in Ayrshire. You’ll enjoy the use of the venue’s spa facilities for the afternoon and also receive an experience gift pack, including personalised voucher and message card. All these spa breaks are by Virgin Experience Breaks.
Jonathon Jones at the Tregothanan tea gardens in Cornwall
Pamper Yourself TEJATE SPA DAY FOR TWO
ONE NIGHT PAMPER BREAK FOR TWO
At Bowood Hotel and Spa
At Rookery Retreat & Spa spa day
£260 for two people
Price includes: • Welcome Dosha consultation • Tikita Stone Massage each using Ayurvedic oils • Cleansing, exfoliation and moisturising foot ritual each • Light lunch and a glass of Champagne each • Cancellation Indemnity
Call us on 0844 472 4583
Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
Quote
BRS
Blissful break
£258 for two people
Price includes: • One night stay in a double or twin room • A 30 minute treatment each • Breakfast, light lunch and dinner • Full use of the spa facilities • Use of towel, robe and slippers • Cancellation Indemnity
SPA RETREAT AND AFTERNOON TEA FOR TWO Choice of seven hotels
50% off
£39
for two people
Price includes: • A choice of seven hotels and spas • An afternoon tea for two • Use of the venue’s spa facilities • Cancellation Indemnity
A wide range of other experiences available
Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline, other operators may vary. Experiences are subject to availability. Any applicable discounts have already been deducted. Postage not included, starts from £2.49. For further terms, please contact Acorne Plc. Acorne is wholly independent of dmg::media and Local World. When you respond, dmg::media, Local World and their Travel partners may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission; please let us know if you are happy for us to do so.
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Cornwall – it is everyone’s cup of tea Join Diamond holidays to uncover some of Cornwall’s highlights, including the only city in the county, the most southerly point of the British mainland and the home of English tea, where you can enjoy an exclusive private garden tour followed by tea and biscuits. Your holiday begins in the fishing village of Padstow, reached via a dramatic coastal road. A charming place to explore, you’ll want to browse the narrow streets or walk out to the headland to take in the magnificent view. The second day is in Falmouth and Lizard Point. At the entrance to the third largest natural harbour in the world, Falmouth is an attractive town full of shops, galleries, restaurants and pubs, many on the picturesque waterfront. There is also the National Maritime Museum and Pendennis Castle to see. From here, you’ll travel along the coast to Lizard Point, the most southerly point in Britain, famed for the local serpentine stone, a unique and colourful green-veined metamorphic rock. St Ives is arguably the most frequented Cornish resort and is as popular with visitors as with its famous artists. Life is centred on the harbour, but there are also four beaches, while the town’s cobbled streets are lined with interesting shops and cafes. There’s also the St Ives Museum and the Tate Gallery. Overlooked by the beautiful St Michael’s Mount, the historic market town of Penzance is arranged around Chapel Street, which counts among its most interesting features the Egyptian House, the Union Hotel and Branwell House. On the seafront is a promenade that’s perfect for a stroll, or take a dip in the open-air seawater swimming pool. The last day is spent at Tregothnan Estate, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the largest private garden and arboretum in Cornwall. A range of teas and herbal infusions are grown here, which you can sample with biscuits in the 19th century summer house.
Landmarks 5 days now from
£444 per person
BERLIN, COLDITZ AND DRESDEN
8 days now from
£970
Departs April to July, September & October 2014 This wonderful value break takes in three of the former East Germany’s most glorious cities - reunified Berlin, newly sparkling Leipzig and stunning Baroque gem Dresden – and visits the famous POW castle at Colditz.
per person
• Return flights to Berlin from breakfast accommodation at the three-star Park Inn Hotel Bristol in Dresden • Return airport-to-hotel transfers • Included tours of Berlin, • Two nights’ bed and breakfast Leipzig and Dresden accommodation at the three- • Guided visit to Colditz star Hotel Tiergarten in Berlin, • The services of a tour per cou * and two nights’ bed and manager ple B
Save
£50
Call us on 0844 472 4655
Quote WDP
The plunging Falls at Niagara, the heart of historic America and all the breath-taking mesmerising magic of New York - ‘the City that Never Sleeps’ – combined in one unforgettable holiday!
Price includes:
Price includes:
ook by
WASHINGTON, NEW YORK AND NIAGARA FALLS
Departs March, May, June, September & October 2014
30 Sep 20 13
• Return flights from London Gatwick and Birmingham • Six nights’ hotel accommodation • Fly to Toronto and travel south to historic Harrisburg • Explore all-powerful Washington, DC, Philadelphia and glittering New York
• Journey through beautiful up-state New York • Gaze in awe at mighty Niagara • Comfortable coach travel • The services of a tour manager
Or visit us www.newmarket.travel/wdp
Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline. You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Operated by Newmarket Air Holidays Ltd. ABTA V7812, ATOL protected 2325. Prices are per person, based on 2 sharing. Subject to availability. Single supplements apply. Terms and conditions apply. These suppliers are independent of Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission. *Book by 30 Sep 2013 for a £25pp discount on 2014 holidays. Quote promotional code 7P9TX5. Offer subject to availability & may be withdrawn at any time. Price shown includes discount
4 TRAVEL TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 10 2013 WESTERN DAILY PRESS
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Winter Sun and Cities ROME CITY BREAK
FLORENCE CITY BREAK
PRAGUE CITY BREAK
Selected departures October to March flying from Bristol
Selected departures October to March flying from Bristol ol
Selected departures October to March flying from Bristol
3 nights from
3 nights from
£149
3 nights from
£159
£139
per person
per person
per person
Visit Prague, the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic and located alongside the Vltava River. Enjoy three-nights in this wonderfully historic city, home to a number of famous cultural attractions - Wenceslas Square, Prague Castle, the Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter, the Lennon Wall and Petřín hill.
Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and it is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance. A UNESCO world heritage site since 1982 is it renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and an ideal choice for a short break.
Our price Includes: • • • •
Marvel at the Colosseum, throw a coin into the Trevi fountain or visit the Vatican where you can wander through St Peter's Basilica and admire Michelangelo's stunning frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Rome is simply one of the most beautifully rich cities in the world to visit to enjoy a three night stay at a centrally located hotel. Departing October November December January February March
Our price Includes: • • • •
Return flights from Bristol Airport Flight tax & fuel supplements 3 nights’ centrally located accommodation Daily breakfast
ALL INCLUSIVE MALTA
Prices from £229 £189 £159 £169 £169 £169
• • • •
Prices from £249 £159 £159 £249 £179 £149
* January departure is for 4 nights in Florence.
Return flights from Bristol Airport Flight tax & fuel supplements 3 nights’ centrally located accommodation Daily breakfast Departing Prices from October £189 November £159 December £179 January* £139 February £139 March £139
FIVE-STAR MADEIRA
Selected departures October to March flying from Bristol ol
7 nights from
£409 per person
Selected departures October to March flying from Bristol
7 nights from
7 nights from
£339
£299
per person
per person
A tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta has often been called an open air museum. The three-star Soreda Hotel offers a traditional warm Maltese welcome with modern facilities located in the peaceful heart of Qawra, the hotel offers guests the ideal place to kick back, relax and bask in the endless hours of island sunshine.
The Algarve is famous for its beaches, friendly hospitality and year round sunshine. Enjoy a week at the three-star Pinhal do Sol Hotel in Quarteira, ideally located in the centre of the Algarve in a magnificent area between Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura. The hotel has a swimming pool, pool bar, restaurant, sun terrace and lounge bar.
Our price Includes:
Our price Includes:
Return flights from Bristol Airport Flight tax & fuel supplements 7 nights’ accommodation Daily breakfast, lunch and evening meals All Inclusive drinks • Luggage Allowance
Departing October November December January February March
Departing October November December January* February March
Our price Includes:
ALL INCLUSIVE ALGARVE
Selected departures October to March flying from Bristol
• • • • •
Return flights from Bristol Airport Flight tax & fuel supplements 3 nights’ centrally located accommodation Daily breakfast
Prices from £469 £389 £339 £379 £399 £399
Call us on 0844 472 4557
• • • • •
Return flights from Bristol Airport Flight tax & fuel supplements 7 nights’ accommodation Daily breakfast, lunch and evening meals All Inclusive drinks • Luggage Allowance
Departing October November December January February March
Prices from £349 £319 £299 £319 £349 £359
The award-winning five-star Pestana Casino Park has fantastic views over Funchal Bay and is just a five minute walk from the charming town centre. Nestled in lush gardens, this delightful five-star hotel is part of the complex that includes Madeira's Casino and Conference Centre. Guests to the Pestana Hotel will enjoy fine dining, excellent service, and a host of on-site leisure facilities including sparkling swimming pools and a SPA with indoor pool, Jacuzzi and sauna. Bed & Breakfast, Half board, Our price Includes: Departing prices from prices from October £539 £779 • Return flights from Bristol Airport November £459 £619 • Flight tax & fuel supplements December £409 £559 • 7 nights’ accommodation January £439 £589 • Choose either daily breakfast February £469 £619 or daily breakfast and evening meal March £479 £619 • Luggage Allowance
Mon - Fri 9am-9pm / Sat 9am-5pm / Sunday 10am-6pm
Quote NORB0909 Expiry date 27 September 2013
Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline. You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Prices “from” act as an indication only and are per person based on 2 sharing a room, subject to availability. Offers do not include transfers, travel insurance or in-flight meals. Where local country hotel taxes are charged, these are payable locally and not included in the price advertised. The image used is for illustration purposes only and does not reflect your actual holiday experience. Luggage allowance may vary, please check at the time of booking The above package holidays are fulfilled by Holiday Gems Ltd, agent number S6886 and ATOL number 3973 (Global Travel Group Ltd), whose booking conditions apply. Hotel rating is that of the supplier and may not be the official rating. We reserve the right to withdraw offers at any time. Travel restrictions, conditions and credit/debit card surcharges apply. Please ask at the time of booking for full details. When it’s gone, it’s gone. Full balance is due 14 weeks prior to departure. These suppliers are independent of Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission.
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WESTERN DAILY PRESS TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 10 2013 TRAVEL 5
A stunning vista of Brunelleschi's Duormo in the Tuscan city of Florence. Italy is a highly recommended destination at this time of the year
Sample some autumn sunshine and culture Florence and Rome are two of the most culturally rich cities in Italy, sharing some of the greatest art and architecture in the world. Why not treat yourself to some winter sun in these wonderful centres? Florence is one of the most popular travel cities in Italy and holds many attractions for the tourist. A Renaissance city in the heart of Tuscany, it has some of Italy's best museums, beautiful cathedrals and churches, and interesting streets and squares with elegant buildings and shops. Its most famous square is
Piazza della Signoria, the heart of the historic centre and a free open-air sculpture exhibit. The Loggia della Signoria holds some important statues including a copy of Michelangelo's David. Modern and old, past and present go side by side, all the time. Whether you are in Rome for three days, three weeks or three months, be prepared to step into the world’s biggest open air museum. You can decide to follow the typical tourist paths or you can be lucky or brave enough to go off the usual tracks.
But whatever you do, don’t miss the Trevi Fountain. Certainly the most famous and photographed fountain in Rome, legend has it that whoever throws a coin into the pond will return to Rome. More than ever anchored to the continent, Portugal still evokes memories of that lost paradise of the great Renaissance navigators. Perched high on the country’s beautiful Sintra Mountain Range, Manuel I’s extravagant palaces hark back to the opulence of those times, full of the magic of that glorious past.
The Algarve, in the south, is a vast garden with Arabic influences that contains some of Europe’s most beautiful beaches along its seaside cliffs. Summertime in Malta is synonymous with outdoor living. There is no shortage of beaches to choose from: some fully-developed resorts offering all the requisite facilities, others more secluded, quieter and more pristine. And, if going to the seaside seems like too much of a challenge, then one can always opt to spend the day by the hotel pool. Either way, one should never forget
to put on plenty of sun-cream, especially on the little ones. But Malta is so much more than just sun and sea. With a rich history dating back thousands of years, the islands offer endless opportunities for sightseeing and exploration. Prehistoric temples, roman ruins, medieval castles and walled cities, formidable forts, splendid churches and wayside chapels... these are just a few of the historical attractions that families can visit for that unique travel-back-in-time experience.
6 TRAVEL TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 10 2013 WESTERN DAILY PRESS
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Foodies’ Delight NICE FLOWER PARADE & THE MENTON LEMON FESTIVAL
AFTERNOON TEA AT THE RITZ
Departing 26 January & 2 February 2014 from Bristol
Departing 21 February 2014
2 days from
5 days from
£199
£599 per person
Regional rail travel available from £39 Join us on the French Riviera for a fiesta of fruit and flowers as we visit two of the region’s most vibrant events. Enjoy floral showers in the city of Nice, and dance in the moonlight to celebrate the sun in the elegant town of Menton.
Price includes: • Return Eurostar from London St Pancras • International to Lille and TGV connection to Nice • Coach transfers as described • Four nights’ half board accommodation in Diano • Marina
• Candlelit dinner • Visit to the Nice Carnival Flower Parade • Visit to the Menton Lemon Festival Moonlit • Parade • Free time in Diano Marina
per person
Afternoon tea in London at The Ritz is an institution in itself and something everyone should try at least once in a lifetime. With our 2 day break to London you can enjoy this worldly pleasure, along with additional excursions that are quintessentially English.
Price includes:
• A glass of Champagne at the Champagne bar St Pancras
• Private coach travel throughout • One night bed and cooked breakfast • Visit to Fortnum and Masons and Harrods
• Free time in London • Services of our tour driver
• Tour Manager escort to The Ritz • Afternoon tea at The Ritz
TORQUAY TURKEY & TINSEL
CORNISH TEA, ST IVES, PADSTOW & FALMOUTH
Departing 13 December 2013 from Bristol
Departing 11 April 2014 from Bristol
4 days from
4 days from
£269
£139
per person
per person
Cornwall is the ideal holiday destination, renowned for its spectacular coastal scenery, delicious local food and award-winning attractions. It is also a place of fascinating myths and legends, which are deeply woven into the Cornish history. Join us as we uncover some of these highlights and visit places featured on the ITV series ‘Cornwall with Caroline Quentin’, including the only city in the county, the most southerly point of the British mainland and the home of English Tea, where you can enjoy an exclusive tour of one of the finest private gardens in the country followed by tea and biscuits.
Christmas doesn’t have to come but once a year when you join our popular Turkey and Tinsel break on the English Riviera. Not only do you spend time relaxing in the beautiful resort of Torquay, which offers a mild climate, palm trees, long sandy beaches and a bustling marina, you also get three nights’ festive food and entertainment in our seaside hotel, along with an exciting range of optional excursions to explore the highlights of the area. As preChristmas holidays go, this one is a real cracker!
The price includes:
• • • • •
• Private coach travel from your local area • Three night stay with three course evening meals and cooked breakfasts • Visits to Padstow, Falmouth, Lizard Point, St Ives and Penzance • Garden Tour and View Tea Plantation at Tregothnan Estate
Call us on
0844 472 4545
Quote
BS
The price includes: Private coach travel from your local area Three nights’ dinner, bed and cooked breakfast including Christmas dinner Christmas programme and nightly entertainment in our hotel Free time in Torquay Visits to Exeter and Exmouth
For more information on Nice Flower Parade visit:
or for information on our other holidays visit:
www.diamondrailholidays.co.uk
www.bs.diamondhols.co.uk
Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline. You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Prices are from, per person, based on two people sharing, are applicable to selected departure dates and may have been rounded up or down to the nearest pound. Any applicable discounts have already been deducted. These holidays and included excursions are subject to availability. Single rooms and regional departures are also subject to availability and a supplement may apply. Prices and holidays are subject to availability and change, some holidays are subject to minimum passenger numbers. Terms and conditions apply. Holidays are operated by various suppliers which are ABTA and/or ATOL bonded where applicable. These suppliers are independent of Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission.
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Incredible Islands 8 days from
13 days from
£699
£1799
per person
POMPEII, CAPRI AND THE BAY OF NAPLES
per person
SRI LANKA
Selected departures October and November 2013 and March to October 2014
Selected departures January to October 2014
The Sorrento peninsula and the Bay of Naples is simply one of the most beautiful corners of Europe, attracting visitors for centuries in search of its outstanding scenery, tranquillity and some of the most wondrous ‘sights’ from throughout history. Add the excellent food and wine, plus the Italians themselves with their legendary love of life, and you have all the ingredients for a wonderful tour.
As soon as you arrive, your senses are overwhelmed by Sri Lanka. This fabled island of spices and gems is a vibrant blend of entrancing Buddhist culture, ancient cities, wildlife, rich lowland jungles - the home of leopards, elephants and monkeys, a mist-shrouded hill country and tropical palm-fringed beaches. The warm tropical air, the colourful wild flowers and the mystique of countless temples await you on this truly wonderful escorted tour.
Price includes:
Price includes:
• Return flights to Naples from Bristol or London Gatwick, other airports also available • Seven nights in a choice of three and four-star hotels in Sorrento with breakfast and dinner • Walking tour of Sorrento, one of Italy’s most beautiful coastal towns • Cruise to the stunning island of Capri, home of the Roman Emperors • Visit to the magnificent volcano of Vesuvius
• Visit to Naples with its Archaeological Museum • Guided tour of Pompeii, a city frozen in time • Tour of the Amalfi coast – one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world • Visit to Ravello – setting for Wagner’s opera Parsifal • Escorted by an experienced tour manager
• Return direct scheduled flights from London Heathrow • Spend three nights relaxing on one of Sri Lanka’s idyllic tropical beaches • Experience superb scenery, paddy fields, rubber and spice plantations, endless coconut groves and exotic wildlife • Visit Kandy, Sri Lanka’s pre-colonial capital and see the Temple of the Tooth • See the stunning Royal Botanical Gardens, created over 150 years ago
• Guided tour of the 5th century Royal Palace and Citadel at Sigiriya Rock • Visit to the Buddhist Monastery of Dambulla and its incredible Cave Temples • Stay in the colonial hill-station of Nuwara Eliya • Visit the famous Pinawella Elephant Orphanage • Take a safari in Yala National Park, famed for its leopards and elephant herds • Visit to a working tea estate • Escorted by an experienced tour manager
8 days from
13 days from
£829
£2899
per person
per person
ROYAL CLIPPER – A MEDITERRANEAN ODYSSEY
SICILY
Departing 1st July 2014
Selected departures October 2013 and April to October 2014
Nothing beats the romance of being at sea on a true ‘Tall Ship’ so we welcome you to come with us aboard the magnificent SPV Royal Clipper - where ultimate relaxation and true pampering in the utmost luxury await you, with a fascinating itinerary that includes a wealth of visits and guided tours to educate and entertain.
Sicily – that beautiful island off the southern-most tip of Italy is one of the few places in Europe that can genuinely be called unspoilt. It has a beauty that is truly breath-taking with remarkably uninhabited countryside, a spectacularly indented coastline and the ever-present snow-capped Mount Etna providing a magnificent backdrop. The Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, Normans, Spanish, French and finally the Italians have conquered it. Their magnificent relics include temples, ancient amphitheatres, churches, monasteries, villas and atmospheric old towns. We visit Palermo - vibrant capital of the island; medieval Siracusa - home of Archimedes; historic Agrigento and Taormina - one of Sicily’s most beautiful villages.
Price includes: • Flight to Venice and return flight from Rome • Superbly appointed cabins, beautifully crafted using teak and marble on the world’s only authentic fivemasted sailing ship • Exquisite fine dining prepared by inspired chefs • Stay in hand-picked hotels in Rome and Venice with hotel upgrade option available • Guided tour of romantic Venice • Sail along the truly breathtaking Dalmatian and Amalfi coasts • Visit to Rovinj, one of the most picturesque ports on the Adriatic • Tour of Dubrovnik, glistening Pearl of the Adriatic
Call us on 0844 472 4605
• Absorb the history of the ancient Greek Amphitheatre in Sicily’s Taormina • Visit Kotor • Tour Corfu’s atmospheric old town • Sail past the Aeolian Islands and Stromboli, the most consistently active volcano in Europe • Visit the stunning island of Capri • Visit to gorgeous Sorrento and guided tour of Pompeii • Guided tour of Rome, home to the ancient world’s mightiest empire, the Vatican and some of the world’s best shopping • Escorted by an experienced tour manager
Quote
BRI
Price includes: • Return flights to Catania from London Gatwick, Manchester or Dublin • Seven nights dinner, bed & breakfast at quality four-star hotels • Guided tour of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples • Visit to Palermo, Sicily’s capital with its medieval and baroque centre • Visit stunning Taormina - one of Italy’s most beautiful and stylish hilltop villages
• Guided tour of Piazza Armerina villa • Visit to Mount Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano • Guided tour of Monreale’s medieval cathedral and cloisters • Guided tour of Siracusa – city of Archimedes • Escorted by an experienced tour manager
Or visit us www.bririviera.co.uk
Request a brochure online: www.rivieratravel.co.uk/brochures
Calls cost 5ppm from a BT landline. You may also be charged a connection fee. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary. Prices are from, per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin unless stated otherwise, and are applicable to selected departure dates. These holidays and included excursions are subject to availability. Single cabins available at a supplement. Some visa costs and local departure taxes may not be included. Prices and holidays are subject to availability and change, some holidays are subject to minimum passenger numbers. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Holidays organised by and are subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel, New Manor, 328 Wetmore Road, Burton upon Trent, Staffs DE14 1SP. ABTA V4744 and ATOL 3430 protected, a company wholly independent of Local World. When you respond, the holiday supplier and Local World may contact you with offers/services that may be of interest. Please give your mobile or email details if you wish to receive such offers by SMS or email. We will not give your details to other companies without your permission.
8 TRAVEL TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 10 2013 WESTERN DAILY PRESS
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Sicily has a spectacularly indented coastline, with sweeping bays and blood-red volcanic rocks plunging into the deep blue sea, as well as charming hilltop villages
Sicily – an island of intrigue and mystery If getting away from the British autumn and into some exotic sunshine appeals to you, these destinations offer everything you could want – and more. Enjoy an escorted tour to the magical island of Sicily, with its breathtaking coastline and charming hilltop villages, the magnificent Valley of the Temples and spectacular Mount Etna. Off the southern-most tip of Italy, Sicily is one of the few places in Europe that genuinely can be called unspoilt. Citrus and olive groves stretch into the distance and abundant pine forests lend the air that
unmistakable Mediterranean aroma. The island has a spectacularly indented coastline, with sweeping bays and blood-red volcanic rocks plunging into the deep blue sea and snow-capped Mount Etna providing a magnificent backdrop. With an enviable climate, a fabulous cuisine plus some of the most accommodating and friendly people you will find anywhere, Sicily is an excellent destination to discover. Gentle waves rhythmically lapping against a wind-driven hull, the smell of the salty spray on the freshening breeze, the huge taut sails majestic-
ally towering above, reflecting the dazzling sun which glints on the clear azure waters before you; a pod of young dolphins playfully dance in the curling bow wave and the backdrop – some of the most outstandingly beautiful coastlines in the world. Nothing beats the romance of being at sea on a true Tall Ship and it’s all waiting for you on this once-in-alifetime cruise into the Mediterranean on the unique and luxurious Royal Clipper. Ships are nothing without their crew and as you would expect on this prestigious craft, from the stewards to the captain, all are consummate
professionals. You will love the informality of life on board too and you will be amazed that even within the confines of the ship you can always find places to be alone if you wish, perhaps catch up on some reading, or as the sun sets, just lean over the teak rail, drink in hand, and reflect how good life can be. Another island experience not to be missed is Sri Lanka. With its warm tropical air, colourful wild flowers and the jungle, the variety of exotic fruits and spices, the beauty of the countryside, it’s not surprising that Marco Polo described it simply as the finest island in the world.
Sri Lanka’s hill country is beautiful. The dense jungle of the lowlands gives way to more open countryside, with charming small villages, extensive lakes and pine-covered hillsides, with a slightly cooler and less humid climate. It was here during the 19th century that the vast tea estates were created by the British. The fertile plains, the colourful towns and villages, the lush forests of the interior with the vast plantations of tea, rubber and coconuts will entrance you while Sri Lanka’s history and traditions will capture your imagination.