Travel Western Daily Press 17 September 2013

Cyprus, so good you’ll want to move there

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Western Daily Press, Tuesday, September 17, 2013

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Travel

2 TRAVEL TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17 2013 WESTERN DAILY PRESS

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Make friends in the north and settle in Cyprus

BY MARCUS DENBY wdnews@b-nm.co.uk For many of us the dream of selling up and moving abroad to sunnier climes and a more relaxed pace of life may only ever be that – just a dream.

But for thousands of Brits, relocating abroad to start a new life is very much a reality – and Northern Cyprus is increasingly becoming a popular choice of destination.

While thousands of Brits holiday in Cyprus every year, most automatically think of the likes of Paphos, Limassol or Ayia Napa in the Greek southern part of the island.

But more and more people are discovering Northern Cyprus, and

‘We help the customer with everything they might want. Our office is a one-stop shop’ Abdelazim Karrar

The rooftop pool, at Colony Hotel, Kyrenia, in Northern Cyprus

about ten thousand British people already live there.

And you only need to look around the Turkish northern part of the country to see how popular it is becoming as a location to move to.

Construction is big business in Northern Cyprus; beautiful houses and villas are being built right across the northern region, and with about 900 estate agents trying to sell you the perfect home – Brits are not short of choice and help if they are looking to buy a property over there.

Many buy houses – the majority of which have them built – to use as holiday homes, but Northern Cyprus is fast identifying itself as a place to relocate permanently, either to find work or enjoy retirement.

And with its beautiful beaches, hot weather, low levels of crime and friendly welcoming people, you can see why.

We stayed in Kyrenia, which is situated on the north coast of Cyprus, bounded to the north by sea and to the south by the greenery of the Besparmak mountain range – both of which offer spectacular views.

Kyrenia’s hive of activity is focused around its town centre, with dozens of shops, and its picturesque cobbled harbour, lined with restaurants and bars and overlooked by Kyrenia Castle which dates back to the time of the Byzantines.

One of the hundreds of estate agents, helping Brits relocate to Northern Cyprus is Sunbeams Estate Agents. This company is a partnership between builder Ali Yemeneci and Abdelazim Karrar, sales and projects manager, and aims to be a ‘one stop shop’ for those wishing to move to the area of Kyrenia or further afield in Northern Cyprus.

The company both builds and sells properties, with Ali Yemeneci, who has 25 years experience, and his construction team building between 50 and 60 houses every year. They pride

New for 2014 7 nights from

£339 per person

CYPRUS FOUR-STAR ALL INCLUSIVE

The sunniest island in the Mediterranean offers an abundance of cultural and sporting activities, beaches and nightlife. The four-star Crown Resorts Horizon Hotel is ideally situated on scenic Coral Bay in Paphos Departing Prices from and you can enjoy a friendly ambience with quality January £339 service, indulge in the dining February £409 and socialising options, relax March £449 at the pool or in the Spa, April £619 revitalise in the gym, or take May £669 part in the many leisure activities available.

June £659

Call us on 0844 472 4557

7 nights from

£409 per person

LANZAROTE FOUR-STAR ALL INCLUSIVE Lanzarote is one of the Canary Island’s best-loved hotspots boasting a wide appeal and plenty of year-round sun. The four-star Rubimar Suites are situated in the delightful Playa Blanca, within easy reach of all the main sights and Departing Prices from attractions, next to Marina January £409 Rubicon and near Playa February £549 Dorada beach. They offer a March £549 spa, indoor and outdoor April £769 swimming pools, sports and fitness facilities, an excellent May £599 restaurant, entertainment June £599 and so much more.

Mon - Fri 9am-9pm / Sat 9am-5pm / Sunday 10am-6pm

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

Quote NORB1609 Expiry date 4 October 2013

Terms & Conditions: 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. All Inclusive drinks normally consist of locally produced alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. 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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themselves on giving the customer exactly what they want, with the majority of people designing their own home with the firm’s architects, and choosing exactly which piece of land on which they want it built.

They offer individually-designed properties, finished to an extremely high specification, and take anything between seven months and a year to complete.

Property prices in Northern Cyprus are low compared to other parts of Europe, and for what we would pay for a nice one bedroom flat in Plymouth, you could buy a three bedroom villa with a swimming pool in Northern Cyprus. And rather than parting with your hard-earned cash or life savings in one go, Sunbeams enable you to pay for your property in five stages as its being built. Once you move into your new home, living costs are much lower than the UK – for example council tax is just £5.00 a month!

Not content with simply building you a stunning property, Sunbeams also offer a wide range of other services through its associated companies to help the move to Northern Cyprus go smoothly.

These include pick up and transfer to and from the airport, hotel accommodation, worldwide removal service, car rental, importing vehicles or buying a car in Northern Cyprus, furnishing your new home, and applying for residency permits.

They also help with applying for work permits and establishing a business in Northern Cyprus, obtaining a local driving licence or driving lessons, sight seeing tours and travel arrangements, and they will even point you in the right direction to learn the language.

Abdelazim Karrar said: “We help the customer with everything they want. Our office is a one stop shop. We do pretty much everything so they don’t need to look anywhere else for anything.”

It is not just Brits who are making new lives for themselves in Northern Cyprus, Germans are also taking advantage of what the area has to offer.

Half of the houses built by Ali Yemeneci are for Brits, whilst 25 per cent are for relocating Germans, and the remainder is for locals.

One couple who are making the relocation dream a reality is Jarra and Karen Brown from Greenbank in Plymouth. They have had a stunning three-bedroom bungalow with a pool, built by Ali Yemeneci on a 1,400 sqm site in the village of Esentepe, half an hour’s drive away from Kyrenia.

Jarra fell in love with Northern Cyprus when he first visited the

country in 1981 when he was working for the UN as a plumber. In 2003 he took Karen there on holiday, and the area had a similar appeal for her. The following year they returned to Northern Cyprus with a view to buying a property there, and after doing plenty of research and with the help of his friends in Cyprus, Jarra found his perfect location – on a hill on the edge of Esentepe with amazing views of both the mountains and the sea. By November 2005, they were proud owners of their dream home in Northern Cyprus.

Jarra, 46, and Karen, 45, have been to Northern Cyprus four times already this year, and are going again at Christmas. They plan to relocate out there permanently in three years time.

Jarra, an MoD policeman, said: “Northern Cyprus is a place you fall in love with. The main attraction is the people without a doubt. We will move over here permanently in three years, I will take early retirement from the police and start the next chapter of our lives in a crime-free environment.

“When I look back, I think would I have done anything differently and the answer is no. Would I recommend it? Yes. Anyone wanting to relocate here should do their research. Take your time, don’t jump in, and find a good builder.”

For more information about Sunbeams Estate Agents, logon to www.sunbeamsestate.com or email Abdelazim Karrar www.info@sunbeamsestate.com.

We travelled to Northern Cyprus on Cyprus Turkish Airlines from Heathrow to Ercan Airport. The flight is six hours, and includes an hour’s stopover in Izmir, Turkey. We stayed at the Mountain View Hotel in Kyrenia.

St Hilarion’s Castle, Cyprus – part of the appeal of the northern part of the island

New for 2014 JAPAN - LAND OF THE RISING SUN

13 days from

Selected departures March to November 2014

Price includes: • Return direct flights from London Heathrow • Stay in hand-picked four-star hotels, with daily breakfast and three meals • See the famous sights of Tokyo - the Meiji shrine, Omotesando Street, Harajuku and the Akihabara electronic town • Visit the stunning Nikko National Park, with its outstanding Shogun-era architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site • Take a scenic boat trip from Tokyo’s traditional Asakusa to the luxury shops of Ginza • Enjoy astonishing views of Mt. Fuji from Lake Kawaguchi and the hot-spring mountain spa resort of Hakone • See the volcanic Owakudani ‘Boiling Valley’ by aerial gondola

Call us on 0844 472 4605

• • • •

Travel at 189 mph on the incomparable bullet trains Reflect on the horrors of war at Hiroshima’s Peace Park and museum Experience the spectacular 300-foot Kegon Falls and Lake Chuzenji Tour Kyoto, former Imperial capital and essence of traditional Japan with wooden houses, geishas, stunning temples and Zen gardens • Guided tour of Nara, Japan’s first capital • Opportunities to stay the night in a ‘Ryokan’, learn origami, traditional flower arranging or Japanese cooking • Escorted by our experienced tour manager

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BRI

£2699 per person

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 room unless stated otherwise, and are applicable to selected departure dates. These holidays and included excursions are subject to availability. Single rooms 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. Image 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.

4 TRAVEL TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17 2013 WESTERN DAILY PRESS

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New for 2014 16 days from

£2199 per person

THAILAND, LAOS AND THE MEKONG Selected departures from January to November 2014 Our fascinating Thailand and Laos tour combines one of Asia’s best-loved destinations with its least well known neighbour with immediate contrasts both apparent and intriguing. After the bright lights of Bangkok, it’s Luang Prabang in Laos - little more than a village by comparison, with quaint French colonial buildings and a charmingly slow pace of life. The beauty of the countryside along the banks of the mighty Mekong has to be seen to be believed as we learn about the many ethnic communities in this remote part of Indochina. We also explore some of the lesser known corners of Thailand - the scenic far north-east (the Golden Triangle) and the haunting remains of the Burma-Thailand railway in the south. And that’s all before spending some wonderfully relaxing days on the beaches of the Gulf of Thailand.

Price includes: • A superb tour combining two of Asia’s most enchanting countries, with amazing scenery, wonderful cultural legacies and some of the world’s most engaging people • Explore the upper reaches of the Mekong in Laos visiting tribal communities on a fascinating two-day boat cruise that’s way off the beaten track • Return direct scheduled flights from London Heathrow • Stay in hand-picked four and five-star hotels, including a charming riverside eco-lodge • Stay and tour the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang in Laos, acknowledged as south east Asia’s best preserved traditional town • Travel through Thailand’s famed scenic and unspoilt Golden Triangle • Spend three nights of sheer luxury at Chiang Rai’s renowned five-star Le Meridien Resort • Stay in vibrant Bangkok visiting the Grand Palace and stunning golden Wat Pho temple • Visit the poignant WWII memorial at Hellfire Pass on Burma’s ‘Death Railway’ travelling by train over the infamous ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’ • Spend three days relaxing on the tropical white beaches of the Gulf of Thailand • Daily breakfast and eight meals included • Escorted by our experienced tour manager

8 days from

8 days from

£889

£1299

per person

LISBON, OPORTO AND THE DOURO VALLEY

per person

SWITZERLAND’S BERNESE OBERLAND

Selected departures April to October 2014

Selected departures May to October 2014

You’ll discover the real Portugal on this tour – a rich and varied country with a proud history that’s admirably reflected in the many fascinating places we visit. Inland Portugal, long overlooked on European itineraries, has only recently being brought to the discerning traveller’s attention. It’s one of the world’s oldest countries, Britain’s longest ally and has been ruled by the Romans, Visigoths, by the remarkable Moors and almost every other race of invaders ever since, with all leaving their legacies.

Spectacular scenery, picture postcard villages, the gentle tinkling of cowbells drifting across lush green pastures, elegant hotels, spotless streets, superb service and a tradition of splendid hospitality… all these delights are yours to enjoy on a journey to the heart of the stunning Swiss Alps.

Price includes: • Return flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Bristol • Seven nights four and five-star accommodation, including a famously luxurious Pousada, with breakfast and four dinners • Guided tour of Lisbon – with its magnificent squares, Baixa and Moorish quarters, cathedral and castle • Visit to Sintra and its Royal Palace – summer residence of the Portuguese monarchy • Visit the astounding Monastery of Jeronimos with its outstanding 16th century stonework

Price includes: • Return flights from London Heathrow • Seven nights four-star superior accommodation in Interlaken, with dinner • Four days of planned touring • Two days free with your own personal itinerary and included Swiss Regional Pass • Breathtakingly beautiful scenery - mountains, lakes and valleys • Travel by a combination of rail, post bus and lake steamer

Call us on 0844 472 4605

• See holy shrine of Fatima • Tour Coimbra University, one of Europe’s oldest seats of learning with its astonishing gilded Baroque library of 300,000 medieval volumes • Guided tour of Oporto, centre of the port wine trade, with a visit to Taylor’s wine lodge • Tour the Douro, one of Europe’s most dramatically beautiful river valleys • Visit the 13th century walled city of Obidos • Escorted by our experienced tour manager

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BRI

• A dramatic mountain railway ride past the majestic Jungfrau, Mönch and Eiger then Kleine Scheidegg and Grindelwald • A visit to Brienz and another breathtaking ride on the Brienz Rothorn cog railway • A spectacular cable car ride to beautiful Lake Oeschinen • A visit to Lucerne and its picturesque waterfront • Escorted by our 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 room unless stated otherwise, and are applicable to selected departure dates. These holidays and included excursions are subject to availability. Single rooms 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.

6 TRAVEL TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17 2013 WESTERN DAILY PRESS

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New for 2014 THE DORDOGNE & THE TRUFFLE TRAIN

Departing 18 May 2014

WINTER SUN- ANDALUCIA & COSTA DEL SOL

Departing 23 January 2014

6 days from

26 days from

£695

£1,420

per person

per person

Rail travel from your local area for £39

63 days from £2,680

Indulge your senses in the beautiful Dordogne region of France. Medieval towns and villages nestle amidst the rolling scenery, fairytale castles pepper the landscape and the river is the life force that ties it all together. Discover intriguing caves hidden and unexplored for centuries, cruise the Dordogne River aboard a traditional boat and hop aboard the Truffle Train for a trip into another era on this holiday of highlights.

Escape the British winter and join us for three or nine weeks on Spain’s sunshine coast!

The price includes:

• Return Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Paris • Return TGV from Paris to Brive • Five nights’ half board accommodation • Visit and entrance to the Caves of Gouffre de Padirac • Visit to Sarlat, Souillac, Rocamadour & Martel • Distillery Tour and tasting in Souillac • A cruise on the Dordogne in a traditional Gabare • A journey on le Truffadou train (The Truffle Train)

LOCH FYNE, THE ISLE OF BUTE & KINTYRE

A MAGNIFICENT WARSHIP, A UNIQUE MUSEUM

Departing 22 March 2014, coach travel from Bristol

per person

0844 472 4545

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BS

4 days from

£269

per person

Join us on this leisurely break as we explore the west coast of Scotland.

See the spectacular scenery of Loch Fyne, which offers a true Highland experience with rugged hills and crystal clear waters; wander the iconic Inveraray Castle; discover the wild and beautiful landscape of the Kintyre Peninsula, and visit Mount Stuart on the peaceful Isle of Bute, an extravagant house fusing history, astrology, art and mythology. Our final day is spent in Scotland’s largest city where you are free to explore or you can see one of the greatest art collections ever created by one person at the Burrell Collection.

Private coach travel from your local area Four nights’ stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast Visit to Loch Fyne, the Kintyre Peninsula and the Isle of Bute Entrance to Inveraray Castle & Gardens Visit to Springbank Whisky Distillery, Kintyre Entrance to Mount Stuart House & Gardens Free time in Glasgow

Departing 14 March 2014, coach travel from Bristol

£129

£369

The price includes:

PARIS & THE CHÂTEAU OF VERSAILLES & VAUX LE VICOMTE

2 days from

5 days from

Call us on

• Eurostar from London St Pancras International to Paris • TGV from Paris to Barcelona • High-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid and from Madrid to Malaga • 21 or 63 nights in Benalmadena • 2 nights in Barcelona and 2 nights in Madrid • Breakfast everyday • Evening meal everyday at the Puerto Marina hotel • Flight from Malaga to London Gatwick • Tour Manager during all train journeys and city stopovers

THE MARY ROSE -

Departing 13 April 2014, coach travel from Bristol

• • • • • • •

The price includes:

The Mary Rose, Henry VIII’s magnificent warship, captured the world’s imagination when she was raised from the seabed in 1982, after laying there for over 400 years. Described as England’s answer to Pompeii, she is the only 16th century warship on display anywhere in the world and this is a wonderful opportunity to see her up close. The £27 million state of the art museum at Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard showcases the Mary Rose in her final stages of conservation, along with many of the 19,000 artefacts discovered with her, and the crew, who have been skilfully brought to life using forensic science. All in all this is a fascinating insight into an extraordinary era.

The price includes:

• • • • •

Private coach travel from your local area One night stay with three course evening meal and cooked breakfast Visit to Winchester Entrance to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to see the Mary Rose Museum Harbour tour by boat

per person

Paris is a truly magical city with so much to see and do. With an included tour and free time to make your own discoveries, you’re sure to fall as in love with the city as countless generations of visitors have before you.

Combined with included visits to the breathtaking Châteaux of Versailles and Vaux le Vicomte, where grandeur reaches another level of sumptuousness, and this is a wonderful short break for anyone fascinated with beautiful buildings and stately gardens.

The price includes: • • • • • • • •

Private coach travel from your local area Return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais Three nights’ bed and continental breakfast Morning tour of Paris Free time in Paris Entrance to the Château of Versailles Entrance to the Château of Vaux le Vicomte Services of a Tour Manager

For more information on Dordogne & Long Stay 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.

WESTERN DAILY PRESS TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17 2013 TRAVEL 5

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THE BEST OF SPRINGTIME HOLLAND

Departing 24, 29 April and 4 May 2014

6 days now from

Save

£694

£50

SATURDAY NIGHT LONDON THEATRE

LONDON THEATRE DINE AND DANCE

Saturday departures, 12 October, 9 & 23 November, and 7 & 21 December 2013

Saturday departures, 26 October, 23 November, 28 December 2013 and 25 January 2014

per person

*

20 by 30 Sept

This very special cruise takes in the glorious Dutch countryside famously ablaze with the colours of spring, and includes the canals and cobblestones of Amsterdam, historic Rotterdam, and picturesque towns and villages.

Price includes: • Return flights to Amsterdam from Bristol • Airport to ship transfers • Five nights’ full board accommodation in a

Call us on

• • • • • •

standard cabin on board MS Olympia (upgrade cabins available) Embark in Amsterdam Calls at Rotterdam, Volendam & Delft See UNESCO-listed windmills and waterways English commentary On-board entertainment Tour Manager services

0844 472 4655 WDP www.newmarket.travel/wdp17124 Request a brochure online: www.newmarketbrochures.co.uk/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 30th Sept 2013 and receive a £25pp discount off 2014 holidays. When booking please quote promotional code 5HDRL9. Offer subject to availability & may be withdrawn at any time. Price shown includes discount.

per person

per person

£140

See one of London’s dazzling West End shows wowing audiences on one of these great value London theatre coach breaks. Choose a top West End show from our fabulous selection of musicals and plays including Billy Elliot, Dirty Dancing, Jersey Boys, Les Misèrables, Mamma Mia!, The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Spamalot, War Horse and Wicked as well as The Bodyguard.

The price includes:

The price includes:

• Overnight stay at a 4-star outer London hotel with full English breakfast • A ticket for a Saturday evening performance of the show of your choice, with up to four different ticket categories available per show • Free time in London for shopping or sightseeing • Return coach travel from Bristol

• Overnight stay at a 4-star outer London hotel with dinner and full English breakfast • After-dinner disco • A ticket for a Saturday matinee performance of the show of your choice, with up to four different ticket categories available per show • Free time in London for shopping or sightseeing • Return coach travel from Bristol

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Quote Or visit us

2 days by Coach from

£130

per couple 13

Book

2 days by Coach from

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0844 472 4569 BRI Or visit us www.bristoleveningpost.theatre.travel

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 standard room unless stated otherwise and may have been rounded up or down to the nearest pound. Any applicable discounts have already been deducted. These holidays are subjected to availability, book by dates may apply. Single rooms 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. These holidays are operated by Omega Events Ltd, ABTA Y590X. This supplier is 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.

Travel EDEN WINTER FESTIVAL

Departing 29 November 2013 from Bristol

AFTERNOON TEA AT THE RITZ

Departing 17 November 2013 from Bristol 3 days from

2 days from

£159

£199

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 break to London, not only do you get the chance to partake in this worldly pleasure, we have also included a glass of bubbly at Europe’s longest champagne bar, as well as visits to the quintessentially English store of Fortnum & Mason and the world’s most famous luxury department store, Harrods.

The price includes:

The price includes:

Call us on 0844 472 4545

BRUSSELS AND BRUGES YORK CHRISTMAS MARKETS CHRISTMAS FAYRE

Departing 13 December 2013

• Private coach travel throughout • One night bed and cooked breakfast • Visit to Fortnum and Masons and Harrods • Tour Manager escort to The Ritz • Afternoon tea at The Ritz • A glass of Champagne at the Champagne bar St Pancras • Free time in London

Quote BS

Or visit www.bristolep.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.

Departing 30 November 2013

3 days from

2 days from

per person

per person

£149

per person

Eden is a dramatic global garden housed in the largest 21st century greenhouse ever built, where plant species from all over the world have been brought together in one spectacular showcase. Our visit will be when the ‘A Time of Gifts’ festival takes place – a magical celebration of light and the giving of time, which makes Eden as vibrant in midwinter as it is in midsummer.

• Private coach travel from your local area • Two nights’ stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast • Visits to Clarks Shopping Village & Bath Christmas Markets • Entrance to the Eden Project

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£89

Visit two of Belgium’s most famous cities and soak up all the magic of their enchanting Christmas markets!

Brussels is flooded with festive cheer as traditional wooden chalets adorn the streets, and you simply couldn’t get a more beautiful setting for a Christmas market than medieval Bruges. Be sure not to miss this great value, festive weekend break.

Get your Christmas shopping off to a flying start with this overnight break to the hugely popular St Nicholas Christmas Fayre in the heart of historic York. The finest crafts, gifts, food, festive fun, musical entertainment, shops and stalls combine to make this a really memorable weekend.

Price includes:

• Coaching throughout the holiday • One night’s bed and Full English breakfast accommodation at a good hotel within coaching distance of York • A visit to York’s St Nicholas Fayre • A visit to Leeds • The services of a tour manager

• Return coach travel and ferry/Eurotunnel crossings • Two nights’ bed and continental breakfast accommodation in a good hotel in the Brussels area • A visit to the Christmas market in Brussels • A visit to the Christmas market in Bruges • The services of a tour manager

Call us on

0844 472 4655

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WDP

Price includes:

Or visit us

www.newmarket.travel/wdp

Request a brochure online: www.newmarketbrochures.co.uk/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 Promotions Ltd. ABTA V787X. Prices are per person, based on two 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.

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WESTERN DAILY PRESS TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17 2013 TRAVEL 7

New for 2014 SAVE £50 PER COUPLE ON ALL 2014 AIR HOLIDAYS TO DESTINATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE UK 18 days now from

£3674 per person

THE BEST OF NEW ZEALAND Departing March to June, September and November 2014, flying from London Heathrow Join this unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most fascinating countries, two separate – and distinct – island masses that offer a compelling mix of natural beauty, diverse cities and colourful, exciting resort towns, enriched by a vibrant Maori culture rooted in the mists of time. Our wonderful escorted tour will include highlights of both islands, with stays in several contrasting places of fascinating interest.

Astonishing sights abound, from the rain-forests and plunging waterfalls of Fjordland, to the alpine beauties of Central Otago, both found in the South Island. The haunting desert landscape of Tongariro National Park - ‘Mordor’ in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ movies - with its trio of brooding volcanoes, and the ancient thermal spa of Rotorua, with its bubbling pools and spouting geysers, are amongst the North Island’s greatest treasures. Throughout, sweeping seascapes, mountain passes, strange, rare wildlife and striking plants and flowers draw the eye, while New Zealand’s cities are havens of rest and relaxation peopled by the friendly Kiwis who are as keen to share their country’s beauties as they are to enjoy them themselves.

For further information visit: www.newmarket.travel/wdp18384

Price includes: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Spend two nights close to Christchurch Visit coastal gem Kaikoura Mount Cook Village sits beneath New Zealand’s highest peak Enjoy the exhilaration and stunning setting of famous Queenstown The journey north to Fox Glacier is spectacular Discover Abel Tasman National Park – lunch included Wellington is a cosmopolitan, welcoming capital Tongariro National Park’s brooding volcanoes served as dark ‘Mordor’ Spend two nights in fabled Rotorua Waitomo’s caves – and glow-worms – are world-famous Enjoy a tour of vibrant Auckland Colourful Paihia is gateway to the spectacular far north Journey to breathtaking Cape Reinga Return flights to Christchurch, returning from Auckland 14 nights’ room-only accommodation in good quality hotels Inter-island ferry journey Air-conditioned coach travel and transfers Services of a friendly, professional tour manager

LAKE BLED AND LJUBLJANA

8 days now from

£554

Departing April to September 2014, flying from Birmingham London Heathrow and London Gatwick Based close to the shores of one of Europe’s most beautiful and most celebrated lakes, this wonderful holiday, in addition to a guided introduction to the delights of Bled, includes a visit to Slovenia’s charming capital, and there’s chance to join some fascinating excursions to discover more of Slovenia and beautiful neighbouring Austrian Carinthia.

Price includes:

Set at the foot of the Julian Alps, Lake Bled, surrounded by forested slopes and with its idyllic offshore island crowned by an exquisite Baroque church, is a treasure. The resort itself offers everything that one would wish for in an international holiday destination, with a host of shops, restaurants and shoreside bars catering to all tastes and pockets. Join our friendly tour manager for a walking tour to get to know the town and its surroundings.

Laid-back Ljubljana is one of Europe’s most delightful capitals, a Baroque gem straddling the River Ljubljanica, with its shady, willow-lined banks. Several elegant bridges span the river as it flows through the exquisite Old Town, the focal point of which is the 18th century St Nicholas Cathedral. A walkabout city, Ljubljana offers new delights at every turn, and your visit here will be one of the highlights of the holiday.

14 days now from

£2674 per person

For further information visit: www.newmarket.travel/wdp18340

HIGHLIGHTS OF ARGENTINA, IGUAZÚ FALLS AND RIO Departing 30 April, 24 September and 1 October 2014, flying from London Heathrow This wonderful escorted tour to two of South America’s most engaging, enthralling and colourful countries takes in two of the continent’s most beautiful and absorbing cities, and one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, with five nights in elegant Buenos Aires and four more in pulsating Rio de Janeiro bookending a two-night stay by the plunging cascades of Iguazú Falls.

The tour begins in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, the ‘Paris of the Americas’, a cultural delight exuding history, elegance and Spanish charm through every pore.

Walk in the footsteps of Eva Perón, take in the sights of ‘BA’s’ microcentro heart, enjoy some of the America’s best food, and – if it’s your pleasure – ‘shop ‘til you drop’ at bargain prices. Accommodation in BA’s most elegant neighbourhood, included guided introductions to the main sights, a traditional lunch and opportunities to join several exciting optional tours will all enrich your stay in this wonderful city.

The natural wonders of Iguazú’s 275 separate falls, at a point where three countries meet, will come in blissful contrast to BA, with the chance to cross to the Brazilian side of the torrent on an optional tour.

The tour ends in heart-stopping, glorious Rio, stunningly set beneath the Sugar Loaf Mountain, and fringed by the fabled golden beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, basking in the warmth of the sun by day, and dancing to the rhythm of Samba by night. An included tour taking in Sugar Loaf’s famous cable car, and the chance to climb to the top of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue for the most aweinspiring view of all, complete this wonderful South American ‘journey of a lifetime’.

Call us on 0844 472 4655 Quote WDP Or visit us www.newmarket.travel/wdp11364

per person

• Return flights to Venice • Comfortable coach transfers and travel • Seven nights’bed & breakfast accommodation in the three-star Hotel Krim, Lake Bled • Walking tour of Bled • Guided visit to Ljubljana • One suitcase allowance per person • The services of a friendly, professional tour manager

Alternatively, for your free brochure, tick brochure(s) required, complete the coupon and send to: Newmarket Holidays, FREEPOST KT2720, Worcester Park, KT4 8BR (NO STAMP REQUIRED)

The Best of New Zealand – NZA Lake Bled and Ljubljana – UCU Highlights of Argentina, Iguazú Falls and Rio – KAB

Price includes: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

The first five nights are spent in gloriously elegant Buenos Aires An guided tour introduces the Argentine capital Learn about the Peronist era on an included ‘Evita’ tour Fly to majestic, magnificent Iguazú Falls for two nights Explore both Argentine and Brazilian sides of the Falls Train journey to UNESCO-listed Devil’s Throat Unbelievable, unforgettable Rio de Janeiro for five nights Enjoy a guided tour of the Brazilian capital Take a cable car ride to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain Return flights to Buenos Aires, returning from Rio de Janeiro Internal flights 11 nights’ bed and breakfast accommodation in good quality hotels Air-conditioned coach travel and transfers Services of a friendly, professional tour manager

For further information visit: www.newmarket.travel/wdp18380 Name ..................................................................

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8 TRAVEL TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17 2013 WESTERN DAILY PRESS

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The scenic views over St Peter Port with Cornet Castle in the background, on the Channel Island of Guernsey. Below, the Balmoral cruise ship, cannons being fired at at Cornet Castle in Guernsey relaxing in the market square at St Peter Port in Guernsey PICTURES: VISITGUERNSEY/PA

A fascinating double act in a weekend at sea Packing France and Guernsey into a weekend visit may sound ambitious, but on a mini cruise it’s a breeze, says Jeremy Gates The wide blue bay is a vision of paradise in the early morning sun: golden sand, a gentle breeze and the curving beach almost to myself, apart from a few children fishing for crabs among granite rocks on the foreshore.

Then I look in the other direction along the shore to see the face of conflict: a massive concrete bunker, presenting a narrow slit towards the waves and built to resist bombardment from ships or flamethrowers flailing up the beach.

It all looks in such immaculate working order that I half expect a blonde, fresh-faced Hans to open the hatch door and ask politely if he could possibly go home please.

Now I understand why our Fred Olsen cruise liner Balmoral stirred so much interest with an onshore expedition on the Channel Island of Guern-

sey entitled “The German Occupation – with the chance to explore and photograph a German gun emplacement”.

If you like gun emplacements, Guernsey’s collection is among the world’s finest: many boast a brand new coat of Dulux, and Castle Cornet, bastion of the English Crown for 800 years, fires an 18th century cannon each day.

A gentler Fred Olsen outing offered a cycle tour of the island, taking in some of its 27 (mostly sandy) beaches and bays. With a speed limit of 35mph, Guernsey has drivers so careful that even amateur cyclists can amble along country roads with confidence.

Cruise ships make about 120 visits a year to Guernsey. It’s a grand sight when you pull back cabin curtains to see the capital, St Peter Port, basking in the sun.

There’s plenty to see in a few hours onshore: beaches and bays, the house where the French novelist Victor Hugo polished the final version of Les Miserables between visits from his mistress, fine seafood, and so many bits, bobs

and bunkers which the Germans left behind.

Driving into St Peter Port, Visit Guernsey guide Viv Wenman points to the long slit in a solid stone wall at a road junction: the invaders popped a machine gun through the gap to deter resistance, and locals have preserved the slit for over 70 years.

We rounded off our visit with a splendid Sunday lunch at La Fregate restaurant (amazing value at £26 per head), enjoyed on the terrace of a hillside vantage point which looked down on Balmoral at anchor in the wide blue bay beneath us.

We reached Guernsey on the second day of our whistlestop weekend cruise – which began in Southampton on a Friday afternoon which saw seven cruise ships going down the Solent on the evening tide.

Thirty-six hours later, as we chugged into St Peter Port, mums were slapping sunblock on the foreheads of toddlers still wiping sleep from their eyes. Maybe I wasn’t the only one thinking that keeping up with 1,300 other passengers can be hard work!

Fred Olsen’s fleet of four ships has a reputation in the cruise world for its care of older travellers, especially over-60s. But when I checked in by stepping gingerly between the push chairs, I realised its weekend cruises attract a wider age group.

Family reunions linking the generations, hen parties/girly weekenders, even a male voice choir from Hampshire in matching pullovers due to perform in Normandy – all sorts and age groups turned out for this one! Some are drawn by

the fame of the ship: Balmoral, largest ship in Olsen’s fleet, starred this summer in a TV show – The Cruise: A Life at Sea in six episodes on BBC Two. At 43,500 tonnes, she’s smaller than Dover-Calais ferries, but belongs to an era when cruise ships were proper ships, rather than floating hotels.

On promenade deck, groups gather before breakfast to cover four laps for a measured mile. You can stretch in yoga, Pilates and exercise to music – each costing £5 per class.

It’s very traditional compared to “freestyle” cruising, but great fun too. To celebrate birthdays at dinner, the waiters form an impromptu orchestra and serenade passengers on their ukuleles.

Fred Olsen acquired the ship in 2007 and added 60 more cabins. But the elegance of the open lounges and central atrium remains – and the library, one of the biggest afloat, is the perfect spot to find a comfy chair for a relaxing zizz, with great views of the sea.

The views are even better from the Observatory Lounge, above the bridge at the front of the ship. A great spot for a drink before or after dinner, as a pianist tinkles melodies on the grand piano.

Our cabin had good sea views beyond the line of lifeboats, rather than a balcony – but a settee and oodles of living space beyond the bed.

And the bathroom was big enough to include a bath where you could actually sit down, rather than one of those rather narrow shower cubicles with a plastic tray and curtain which are standard on new superliners.

Prior to visiting Guernsey, our boat made a stop in Honfleur, an historic and beautifully preserved town on the Seine estuary of Northern France, where Parisians come at weekends to escape the hassles of the capital.

The town’s impressive art gallery is a tribute to eminent local artist Eugene Boudin and fellow Impressionists, including Monet, who flourished on this stretch of the Normandy coast.

But the most unusual museum here is The Maisons Satie, a strange mixture of sights, sounds and funny machines arranged as a musical and visual tribute to composer Erik Satie, born in Honfleur in 1866.

If the weather is good, Honfleur and Guernsey make a fascinating double act. If it’s possible to arrive in Southampton on a Monday morning with a spring in your step, you probably need to arrive on Balmoral, with those ukulele serenades still ringing in your ears.

TRAVEL FACTS – GUERNSEY

Jeremy Gates was a guest of Fred Olsen Cruises (www.fredolsencruises.com; 0800 0355 150) which offers a variety of mini-cruises. On December 6, Fred Olsen’s Black Watch will operate a four-night Paris & Bruges voyage ex-Dover (to Rouen and Zeebrugge) from £399 per person.

For more information on Guernsey, or to book a tour, visit www.visitguernsey.com or call 0800 028 5353.