Travel Western Daily Press 24 September 2013

Western Daily Press, Tuesday, September 24, 2013

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Cast off for a little Italian luxury

1

Travel

2 TRAVEL TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24 2013 WESTERN DAILY PRESS

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A break from tradition with day trip gifts Barry Island is a relatively short jaunt over the Severn crossing and down the M4 to just past Cardiff. But it’s acquired national recognition thanks to the huge success of the Gavin & Stacey TV sitcom.

So, if you’re a fan, why not take a trip and wallow in this wonderful show by going to see “what’s occurring” in Barry Island in this Gavin & Stacey Tour for Two with Dave’s Coaches.

Take a seat on the original vehicle used by Dave in the TV show as you visit numerous locations including Stacey’s home and the church where Nessa nearly gets married.

See the amusement arcade where Nessa works while you enjoy a range of discounts from several vendors on the Barry Island seafront. Don’t forget your camera, as there will be plenty of photo opportunities.

On arrival at the meeting location in Barry Island, you will be greeted by your guide before embarking on a three

The hit BBC series Gavin & Stacey was partly set in Barry – and this tour shows you where

hour tour of the area. You’ll be shown round Gwen and Stacey’s home by the real owner of the property (available only on weekends), and go inside the church where Neil is christened and where Vanessa ‘Shanessa’ Jenkins almost gets married to ‘Dave Coaches’.

See where Nessa works as a mime artist and stop off at the caravan where Nessa and Dave live.

You’ll receive a 20 per cent discount on hot food purchased at Boofy’s during the tour (opening hours dependent on season) and be in with a chance to win a prize with a Gavin & Stacey quiz along the way.

Like Dave, maybe you rate yourself a good driver.

Then why not book yourself on to our challenging 4x4 driving experience?

This course is both fun and serious skills acquisition all rolled into one. Your instructor will soon have you driving off-road like an expert, and you’ll certainly regard 4WD vehicles with new respect in future.

Or how about going off-road and up a tree? You can with Go Ape, the multi-award winning Tree Top forest adventure.

Head to one of the 28 UK forest adventures for two to three hours in the trees, taking on Zip Wires, Tarzan Swings, Rope Ladders and a variety of High-Wire Crossings, all set in the UK’s most beautiful woodlands.

You’ll be kitted out with harnesses, pulleys and Karabiners, provided with a detailed safety brief with training and then let loose into the forest canopy to roam free. Life is so much more fun when you’re jumping off a tree top platform into a cargo net.

Give someone the gift of going wild in the forest with a trip to a Go Ape centre

Christmas Presents GAVIN AND STACEY TOUR

INTRODUCTORY OFF ROAD DRIVING

for Two with Dave’s Coaches

TV favourite

£46

for two people

Price includes: • Find out ‘what’s occurring’ in Barry Island! • 3 hour

tour with professional guide aboard Dave’s original vehicle from the TV show • Your chance to win a prize with a Gavin and Stacey quiz along the way • Visit numerous locations including Stacey’s home and Nessa’s amusement arcade • Cancellation indemnity •

Call us on 0844 472 4583

Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

TREE TOP ADVENTURE FOR TWO WITH GO APE

4x4 challenge

Quote

BRS

“Arrrh-a-arrrh-a-arrrhhhh!” all terrain

woodland fun

for one person

for two people

£139 Price includes: • Tackle side slopes, steep inclines and rutted tracks in this challenging 4x4 driving experience • Learn to drive off-road like an expert in a small group • 45 minutes to 1 hour - training from a qualified instructor and hands-on driving • Choice of 24 locations across the UK • Cancellation Indemnity

£64

Price includes: • Multi-award winning Tree Top forest adventure in

beautiful woodlands • Choice of 28 beautiful woodland locations • Two to three hour adventure - Zip Wires, Tarzan Swings, Rope Ladders and High-Wire Crossings • Full safety briefing and kit hire • 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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Add some sparkle to your Christmas trip If you’re hankering after more than a smattering of snow this Christmas, consider a trip to Germany, for some real festive sparkle.

Christmas spent in a hotel is increasing in popularity, and this trip to Hanover and the Alps Enjoy a warm festive welcome, and all the modern comforts and amenities, at a fourstar, lakeside hotel in historic Hanover.

See delightful, Unesco-listed towns, the exquisite peaks and valleys of the Harz Mountains, and the Renaissance wonders of the Pied Piper’s Hamelin, for a wonderful Christmas to remember.

Travelling by comfortable coach, you’ll leave the local area today to make your way to the Channel port. You’ll continue on to your overnight hotel, where dinner will be served upon arrival.

Continue on into Germany’s beautiful Lower Saxony region, making a visit to the legendary town of Hamelin, of “Pied Piper” fame. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the beautiful Christmas Market set amongst the old town’s maze of half-timbered houses.

You’ll continue on to Hanover and the Courtyard Hotel overlooking beautiful Maschsee, on the southern reaches of the city. Enjoy dinner in the hotel this evening.

Spend another day travelling through the beautiful wintry landscape of the Harz Mountains National Park, you’ll visit spectacular Goslar.

Unesco-listed, it was once richly endowed by silver mining and boasts a glorious central Markt and the stunning Kaiserpfalz – Europe’s largest Romanesque palace.

A Christmas Forest of beautiful spruce trees, and another Christmas market – one of the most traditional in Germany – add to the fairy-tale scene.

From Christmas markets to sights such as the new town hall, and the wonder of the Harz mountains in winter, Hanover has plenty for the festive season. Or try a visit to Venice after Christmas Day on the shore of Lake Garda

You’ll also visit Wernigerode, with its famous hunting lodge and its chocolate-box houses, during this memorable Christmas Eve tour.

On Christmas Day itself, take a tour of Hanover, with its lovingly restored Altstadt, its baroque Herrenhausen Gardens and its connections with the British throne. Then return to the hotel to enjoy a relaxing day, with a special festive dinner accompanied by music. Perhaps take the opportunity to burn off a few calories with a stroll along the Maschsee’s promenade.

The nearby city of Bremen, setting for the Grimm Brothers’ tale of the Town Musicians offers an ideal destination for a tour, should you fancy it.

The return journey will take you back through Germany to a comfortable overnight hotel, where dinner will be served, before boarding the coach the next day top continue to the Channel port, and home, in time to make the most of the New Year.

If Germany is not to your fancy, then how about Christmas on the picturesque shores of Italy’s largest and most spectacular lake, its waters backed by the wooded slopes of craggy mountains and fringed by stylish, elegant resorts, completing a perfect picture-postcard scene that has drawn visitors for the last hundred years.

Historic Trento, in the shadow of Monte Bondone, is home to a variety of atmospheric Christmas Markets – perfect for last-minute Christmas shopping.

And nearby “fair Verona“, the historic backdrop for the tragic tale of Juliet and her Romeo, is home to the opera season held yearly in its Roman amphitheatre.

No trip to Lake Garda would be complete without visiting Venice, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and perhaps even more so in the winter.

Christmas 7 days from

£689 per person

FAIRY-TALE GERMAN CHRISTMAS

Departing 22 December 2013

Join us for a Christmas to remember on a festive holiday that combines a stay in a welcoming four-star Hanover hotel with some delightful, picture-postcard towns and villages in the beautiful Harz Mountains.

6 days from

£645 per person

Price includes: • Return coach travel and Channel crossings • Two nights’ en route hotel half-board accommodation • Four nights’ half-board accommodation at the four-star Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Hanover • Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus • Welcome drink • Visits to Hamelin, Hanover, Goslar and the Harz Mountains • The services of a tour manager

Call us on 0844 472 4655

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CHRISTMAS IN LAKE GARDA

Departing 22 December 2013

Join us for an unforgettable festive-tide holiday on the picturesque shores of Italy’s largest and most spectacular lake.

Price includes: • Return flights to Italy from London Gatwick and Luton • Five nights’ half-board accommodation at the three-star Royal Hotel Riva del Garda (upgrade to the four-star Hotel Savoy Palace available for a supplement) • Christmas Day Dinner • A gift from Santa Claus and entertainment on Christmas Day • Return airport to hotel transfers • One suitcase allowance per person • 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 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.

4 TRAVEL TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24 2013 WESTERN DAILY PRESS

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Christmas CHRISTMAS IN TORQUAY

LINCOLN CHRISTMAS MARKET

Departing 23 December 2013 from Bristol

Departing 7 December 2013 from Bristol 5 days from

2 days from

£379

£100

per person

Spend this Christmas relaxing in a Mediterranean style resort without having to jet off abroad! Our 5 day break takes you to the English Riviera, renowned for its signature palm trees and exceptionally mild climate, where everything is arranged for the perfect Christmas. From our base in the beautiful resort of Torquay you can enjoy a range of included excursions, along with a host of festive fun in our hotel.

The price includes:

• Private coach travel from your local area • Four nights’ stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast • Sherry reception and Bucks Fizz reception • Traditional Christmas Lunch • Two afternoon cream teas • Entertainment on three evenings • Free time to relax and explore Torquay • Visits to Exmouth, Paignton, Dartmouth and Buckfast Abbey River Exe Cruise with mulled wine and mince pies

MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKETS & THE TRAFFORD CENTRE

Departing 23 November 2013 from Bristol

per person

We invite you to join us on this fantastic two day break visiting one of the country’s most famous Christmas markets and one of Europe’s leading indoor shopping centre. Not just any old market, Lincoln is a unique festive experience - a time when choirs, bands, carol singers and performers mingle amongst brightly coloured stalls filled with unique gifts and fayre. Set in a cobbled square in the shadow of the majestic 11th century Cathedral, the Norman Castle and timber framed buildings, it makes the task of Christmas shopping a real pleasure; and with a visit to Meadowhall Shopping Centre also included, you will find everything you need for friends and family this Christmas.

The price includes:

• Private coach travel from your local area • One night stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast • Visit to Meadowhall Shopping Centre • Visit to Lincoln Christmas Market

YORK ST NICHOLAS FAYRE

Departing 30 November 2013 from Bristol

2 days from

2 days from

£85

£100

per person

per person

Allow us to transport you to shopping heaven and back as we spend two days visiting the best parts of Manchester for some retail therapy. On our first day we visit one of the biggest shopping centres in the whole of Europe, the superb Trafford Centre, which houses all the major high street department stores, along with a 20-screen UCI cinema complex and innumerable food outlets and restaurants. On our second day you can browse twinkling stalls and soak up the wonderful atmosphere in Manchester when it comes alive with its Christmas Markets, which are considered amongst the best in the UK and Europe.

The St Nicholas Fayre is one of the most popular Christmas markets in the UK. Held each year in the heart of York, this beautiful city comes alive with bustling stalls offering a wealth of gifts, crafts, food and drink, whilst all around you the smell of roasting chestnuts and the angelic voices of carol singers fills the air. With a visit to the delightful small Yorkshire village of Haworth also included, this memorable weekend of Yuletide cheer will put you in the very best of festive moods. So join us as we step back in time, and re-live the run up to Christmas as depicted in those fabulous Victorian style Christmas cards!

The price includes:

The price includes:

• Private coach travel from your local area • One night bed and cooked breakfast • Visit to the Trafford Centre • Free time in Manchester

JOHN RUTTER’S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

• Private coach travel from your local area • One-night stay with three-course evening meal and cooked breakfast • Visits to York St Nicholas Fayre and Haworth

LEEDS CASTLE CHRISTMAS FAIR AND CANTERBURY MARKETS

Departing 7 December 2013 from Bristol

Departing 12 December 2013 from Bristol

2 days from

2 days from

£109

£119

per person

The music of Christmas time would not be complete without that of renowned composer and conductor John Rutter.

Join him as he brings together the beautiful voices of the choir and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to raise the roof of the Royal Albert Hall with a glittering selection of Christmas carols, choral pieces and orchestral works. With the chance to visit the Hyde Park Winter Wonderland as well, this is a wonderful opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit.

The price includes:

• Private coach travel from your local area • One night stay with three course evening meal & cooked breakfast • A ticket to John Rutter’s Christmas Celebration Concert at The Royal Albert Hall • Visit to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

Call us on

0844 472 4545

Quote

BS

per person

New for 2013, this 2 day break takes you to ‘The Loveliest Castle in the World’ at a time when it is adorned with Christmas decorations, with the addition of a traditional Christmas Market. Leeds Castle enjoys a picturesque location, on a natural lake surrounded by 500 acres of parkland, and is full of history and heritage. During our visit you can browse the Christmas stalls which sell a delightful range of gifts as well as explore the magnificent state rooms and enjoy the festive decor, whilst taking a glimpse into the castles fascinating past. We also visit the beautiful medieval city of Canterbury when it hosts its own quaint Christmas Market. All in all this is the perfect opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit.

The price includes:

• Private coach travel from your local area • One-night stay with three-course evening meal and cooked breakfast • Visit to Canterbury • Entrance to Leeds Castle and Grounds

Or visit us

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.

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WESTERN DAILY PRESS TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24 2013 TRAVEL 5

Cruising to an even better deal this week Cruising may be the fastest growing sector of the travel industry – with more than 1.7 million Britons taking a cruise every year – but that doesn’t mean the big cruise companies are happy just floating along; they are working hard to keep their customers keen.

National Cruise Week, running until Sunday, is the prime example of this, with some great special offers being promoted for trips in 2014.

Apulia, Lecce and Vieste, are three destinations which don’t immediately spring to mind when it comes to visiting Italy.

Which is why they fit perfectly into our Undiscovered Italy eight-day trip on Page 7.

Apulia is one of the most fertile regions of Italy, producing more olive oil than the rest of the country combined, along with most of its fish, 80 per cent of Europe’s pasta and more wine than Germany.

This productivity and the resultant wealth has attracted attention from a host of envious invaders throughout history, with all leaving remarkably evident footprints.

It is this which makes Apulia delightfully different. It was colonised by the ancient Greeks in the 8th century BC; then came the Romans, then the Byzantines, followed by the Saracens, the Normans, the Spanish and the Bourbons. It finally became Italian in 1861.

Here in the deep, south-east of Italy, nature and history are powerful influences.

The locals still wink cheekily at authority and the relaxed and communal way of life is in harmony with the sunny dry climate. There remains a deep rooted and historic suspicion of rule from afar, engendering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for ‘getting away from it all’ so why not join us and explore this hidden gem.

Everyone, on the other hand has heard of Rome, but our five-day ancient and baroque themed visit gives it a different emphasis.

Rome was, is, and probably always will be, one of the world’s most compelling cities, with probably more to see here than in any other capital on Earth, boasting an uninterrupted recorded history for upwards of 2,500 years.

Or you can visit Florence, Italy’s finest renaissance city and enjoy the rural charm of Tuscany.

The region embodies much that Italy is famous for, possessing more historical monuments than any other country, let alone province, on Earth.

Its cities, Florence – arguably the finest city of the Renaissance – Siena and Pisa, together with smaller towns and medieval villages such as Lucca and San Gimignano, house

some of the world’s finest artistic treasures.

Combine this with the haunting beauty of the countryside, an enviable climate, one of the world’s great cuisines, and of course, with the Italians themselves, and you have all the ingredients for a superb holiday.

Or how about the more dramatic scenery of the Italian lakes and mountains?

We have a trip which takes in Lake Como, St Moritz and the Bernina Express, one of Europe’s most scenic train journeys through the Swiss Alps.

And the good news is you can fly from Bristol.

Alternatively you can visit Lake Garda, Venice and Verona, flying from London Gatwick.

Once there, enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Italian lakes and Venice, one of the most unique cities on earth on our escorted tour.

If you fancy going further afield, there are savings to be had, too. Hurtigruten reckons passengers could save £3,000 with an early discount of 30 per cent on Antarctica voyages in 2014. Another, Holland America, has savings of up to £1,500 on European and the Far East.

Andrew Davies, of Telfordbased agency GoCruise, urges people to make the most of these fantastic early bookings – particularly families who are confined to certain dates of school holidays, or those who want to be away for Christmas and New Year. He points out that in 2013, many companies offered big discounts to fill ships up ahead of their departure: “But my hunch is that supply and demand in cruising is gradually finding a balance.

So while some discounts were massive this year, the margin will come down in 2014.”

It may be strange thinking is that ‘late deals’ always mean better value. But with cruises, it clearly isn’t the case.

Director of Cruise Nation, Stephen Boardman, agrees: “If you see an offer in Cruise Week where the price looks good, I’d advise you to book now.”

A popular Cruise Nation package for May-September 2014 has four days in Hawaii, seven on an Alaska cruise, an Amtrak train journey from Seattle to Los Angeles and the return flight from LA, starting at £1,599 for an inside cabin.

North London-based Jetline Cruises also specialises in building general holiday packages around a cruise. In Cruise Week, it is promoting a 13night package from £1,339, with three nights in Las Vegas, a two-night Grand Canyon ranch holiday, three nights in Beverly Hills and a four-night mini-cruise to the Mexican Riviera, available from November until April 2014.

Take advantage of our cruise offers over the page and others that are around for National Cruise Week, with destinations including Lake Garda, above, and, clockwise from below left, the sights of Florence, the majesty of Antarctica, the history of Rome, beaches of Apulia, Italy, such as that at Torre dell'Orso, and even Los Angeles

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Cruising $7 In 5 o clu n de bo s ar up d s to pe nd *

10 nights from

Cruise ship facilities & amenities • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

17 Dining Choices 10 Bars & Lounges Casino Library& Reading Room Nightclub Swimming Pool 1 Children’s pool 4 Hot Tubs Spa & Fitness Centre Children Clubs Theatre Golf Driving Nets Hairdresser and Beauty Salon Jogging & Walking Track

£539 per person

MOROCCO & CANARIES CRUISE

Discover cruising with this wonderful winter cruise around Spain and the Canary Islands. Enjoy the cultural city of Barcelona with a one night pre cruise stay at a centrally located hotel; visit the Olympic Stadium and the Sagrada Familia, before you embark Norwegian Spirit on this wonderful wintersun cruise. As you cruise from port to port along stunning coastlines, Norwegian Spirit has plenty to keep you entertained day and night with exciting nightclubs, award-winning restaurants, a grand casino, swimming pools, a pampering spa and so much more

Day 1 – Barcelona

Enjoy 1 night pre cruise hotel stay in the cultural city of Barcelona the second largest city in Spain after Madrid and the capital of Catalonia and is home to one of the most famous boulevards in the world - La Rambla.

Day 2 – Embarkation Norwegian Spirit

After breakfast you will still have time before you board your cruise to enjoy Barcelona. Visit some of Gaudi’s famous architectural works’ including Park Guell and the Segrada Familia or watch the famous dancing fountains. Wander down the famous Las Ramblas, marvel at Gaudi’s architecture or simply enjoy the culture in a pavement cafe.

Day 3 Relaxing day at Sea

Day 6 – Funchal (Madeira)

Funchal has been an Atlantic stop-off since the days of the Portuguese navigators, who called here for water before the long voyage west. Today, you’re more likely to be topping up with a glass of Madeira wine before setting off to explore the beautiful Botanical Gardens, the sheer sea cliffs and the mountainous interior with its lush valleys and terraced hillsides.

Day 7 – Arrecife Lanzarote

Home to lunar landscapes and charming villages, the volcanic island of Lanzarote explodes with life. Relax in beach resorts like Puerto Carmen and experience the volcanic terrain of Timanfaya National Park's Fire Mountains.

Spend a day at sea and really soak up your surroundings on board your ultimate cruise.

Decadence and complete comfort is available via the many services and facilities you will have the chance to experience.

Day 8 – At Sea

Day 4 – Casablanca, Morocco

Day 9- Granada (Malaga)

Just like the famous film, a visit to the city of Casablanca could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Stroll around its Moorish architecture and whitewashed buildings and see the magnificent Hassan II mosque.

Day 5 – Relaxing day at Sea

Spend time sunbathing on the sun deck under the clear skies, enjoy a cocktail or two aboard your floating home, whatever your preference, now is the time to lap it up.

Stopping off at Granada in Malaga allows you to spend time exploring the magnificent Alhambra Palace for its Moorish art and grand designs. This is the highlight of the vacation attracting over two million visitors per year. Guided tours throughout Granada are an excellent way to really get into the heart of this amazing region.

Day 10 - At Sea

Still time to enjoy the wide choice of facilities onboard Norwegian Spirit.

Day 11- Barcelona

Disembark Norwegian Spirit for your return flight home to the UK or ask about extending your stay in Barcelona.

Prices from November 2013 December 2013 February 2014 March 2014 April 2014

Inside Outside Balcony Stateroom Stateroom Stateroom £559 £599 £699 £539 £579 £659 £659 £709 £799 £649 £699 £799 £939 £1079 £1199

Our price includes: • • • • •

Return flights from Bristol Airport to Barcelona Luggage allowance, flight and port tax 9 nights full board on Norwegian Spirit 1 night stay in Barcelona hotel with breakfast Up to $75 on board spend per stateroom

Relax on-board Norwegian Sprit as you cruise to Madeira.

Call us on 0844 472 4557

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

Quote NORB2309 Expiry date 11 October 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. Please note departures on 30 November, 27 December, 19 February, 27 March - Madeira port of call will be replaced with Tenerife. Offers do not include transfers, gratuities or shore excursions.

Hotel rating is that of the supplier and may not be the official rating. * Up to $75 dollars on board spend is per stateroom for selected 2013/2014 sailings. Discretionary service charge applies for speciality restaurants and selected entertainment. 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 24 2013 TRAVEL 7

La Dolce Vita 5 days from

£549 per person

ROME - ANCIENT & BAROQUE

Selected departures in November 2013 and April to November 2014

With an uninterrupted recorded history of more than 2,500 years, no other city seems to have managed to combine a heritage of classical antiquities and medieval buildings - from Renaissance palaces to intricate Baroque piazzas – quite as well as Rome. The grandeur of the Colosseum and the Vatican, the magnificence of St. Peter’s, the fine collection of art and artefacts stored in the Villa Borghese, the sheer brilliance of the Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain and flamboyant Baroque buildings – the list is endless. Combine all this with worldclass cuisine and the Italian lifestyle and you have an unbeatable destination for a tour.

Price includes: • Return flights to Rome from Bristol, East Midlands, Manchester or Birmingham, other regional airports are available • Four nights’ bed and breakfast in a centrally located four-star hotel • Guided tours of Rome (Baroque and Ancient) • Timed visit to the Villa Borghese • Escorted by an experienced tour manager

8 days from

£619 per person

LAKE GARDA, VENICE & VERONA

Selected departures October 2013 and April to October 2014

This tour is a wonderful blend of some of the finest sights in northern Italy. Firstly Lake Garda, where waves lap gently on the shingle shoreline, with its background of the snow-capped Dolomite mountains; then Venice, a unique city full of cultural delights such as the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Grand Canal; lastly, Verona, one of the most romantic cities you will ever find and so appropriate as the setting for Romeo and Juliet.

8 days from

£859 per person

Price includes:

£799 per person

LAKE COMO, ST MORITZ & THE BERNINA EXPRESS Selected departures October 2013 and April to October 2014

• Return flights from Bristol, East Midlands or Manchester, other regional airports available • Seven nights bed and breakfast staying in three-star superior and four-star hotels, including four dinners • Stay in central Florence and the enchanting medieval town of Volterra • Guided tour of Florence – pearl of the Renaissance • Reserved, timed visit to the Uffizi, one of the finest art galleries in the world • Visit to San Gimignano • Guided tour of Siena, one of the finest medieval cities • Visit to Pisa – home of the leaning tower • Escorted by an experienced tour manager

8 days from

£879 per person

On this wonderfully varied tour we explore Lake Como, one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, plus some stunning icons of northern Italy and Switzerland: the amazing Lakes of Maggiore and Lugano, the majestic Alps surrounding St Moritz and a fantastic rail journey on the Bernina Express.

Price includes:

• Return flights from Bristol, Birmingham or East Midlands, other airports available • Seven nights half-board, staying in four-star accommodation • Visit to St Moritz in the heart of the Swiss Alps • Travel on the stunning Bernina Express, one of the world’s most spectacular railway journeys • Visit to Lake Maggiore and Lugano • Guided tour of medieval Bergamo • Lake cruise to stunning Bellagio, acknowledged as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy • Private visit to the enchanting Villa del Balbianello and its memorable gardens • Escorted by an experienced tour manager

Call us on 0844 472 4605

Quote

BRI

For the first three nights you will stay in central Florence where you will enjoy a guided tour and a reserved, timed entry to the Uffizi art gallery. Pisa and Lucca are the next destinations before spending three nights in Volterra, with its stunning views over the Tuscan countryside. We also visit medieval San Gimignano and Siena. Tuscany is one of Europe’s most alluring regions, a charming mix of Renaissance cities, vineyards, olive groves, spectacular ancient castles and beautiful hill towns, oozing charm.

Price includes:

• Return flights from Bristol, Manchester or Birmingham, other airports available • Seven nights in a choice of excellent quality three or four-star hotels with breakfast and dinner • Tour of beautiful Lake Garda – Italy’s largest lake • Guided sightseeing tour of Verona - the city of Romeo and Juliet • Tour of the Dolomites - with their dramatic alpine scenery • Guided sightseeing tour of Venice, perhaps the most unique city on earth • Escorted by an experienced tour manager

8 days from

FLORENCE AND TUSCANY

Selected departures October 2013 and April to October 2014

APULIA, LECCE & VIESTE

Selected departures April to October 2014 Colonised by the ancient Greeks in the 8th century BC; then came the Romans, Byzantines followed by the Saracens, Normans, Spanish and Bourbons before finally becoming Italian in 1861. See some of the most fascinating cities, villages, unusual sights and scenery that you will find anywhere and most importantly it remains genuinely unspoilt.

Price includes: • Return flights from London Gatwick • Seven nights four-star accommodation with breakfast and dinner • Guided tour of Lecce • Visit to Alberobello, home to the unique ‘trulli’ houses • Guided tour of Matera, the amazing cave village and UNESCO world heritage site • Visit to Bari’s old town, once home to ancient Greeks, Saracens and Normans • Visit to Castel del Monte, one of Italy’s finest medieval castles • Stay in ancient Vieste’s delightful old town • Drive along the Gargano coast • Tour the beautiful national park and Crusader church of Monte St Angelo, where the Archangel St Michael appeared • Escorted by an experienced tour manager

Or visit us www.bririviera.co.uk

Request a brochure online: www.rivieratravel.co.uk/brochures

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8 TRAVEL TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24 2013 WESTERN DAILY PRESS

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A taste of luxury on vineyard cruise First-time cruiser Jennifer Pegler raises her glass to a wine-themed trip around Europe It was about six months ago, at a friend’s dinner party, when I exposed myself as a wine ignoramus. Conversation was flowing far more easily than the cheap bottle of plonk I’d picked up, when I made the embarrassing admission that Lambrini was my favourite choice of tipple and I couldn’t name a French wine.

So when the opportunity arose to join a wine-themed cruise around Europe, I jumped at the chance to soak up some knowledge, along with a few fine vintages along the way.

As first-timers, my husband and I weren’t quite sure what to expect, but as soon as we set foot on the 694-person Azamara Quest, we were struck by her luxury and opulence.

By the time she pulled out of a grey Southampton, we had already found the Windows bar, a place that became our favourite hangout. The attentive Indonesian bar manager Metz mixed us some cocktails from the complimentary menu to toast our journey.

As is standard on most cruises, food was included in our package, but unusually, so was a large selection of alcohol.

No sooner were our drinks finished than Metz was asking if we wanted more – and already knew our names, even though we hadn’t told him. In fact, throughout our stay nearly every member of staff greeted us with “hello Mr and Mrs Pegler” as they passed.

It was indicative of the faultless service we would experience throughout our 12-night journey through St Peter Port in Guernsey, Bordeaux, St Jean de Luz, in the south of France, Bilbao, Lisbon and ending in Seville.

Smaller than the average liner, the Quest can dock much closer to the heart of destinations, stopping at less-visited ports. There are no giant shopping centres, cinemas or bowling alleys on board, and few families with young children – the cruises are aimed at mature members of society seeking considerable luxury.

Another plus point was overnight stays at many of the stops, giving you time to experience a place. I was also relieved to discover the boat operates a relaxed dress code.

After a calm night’s sailing we woke up in Guernsey’s capital, St Peter Port. The bustling, shop-lined cobbled streets, decked with bunting, have an unmistakably Gallic feel.

That evening, we had the choice of eating in the formal Discoveries restaurant, with its fine dining five-course offering; or the Windows Cafe, a buffet-style, more casual place, which had a themed menu from around the world.

There are also two speciality restaurants: Prime C, specialising in steak, and seafood eatery Aqualina. You pay a

The pool deck on Azamara Quest cruise ship, which took Jennifer Pegler down the French Atlantic coast, stopping in the vineyards of Bordeaux, before a trip to Bilbao, below left, and up the Guadalquivir River into Seville. An early stop in St Peter Port, Guernsey, was an easy introduction to the Gallic feel supplement for the speciality dining, but in return you get food rivalling the top restaurants and first-class service from extra-attentive waiters.

Our next stop was Bordeaux, and excitement was building among for the ‘Azamazing Evening’, a French-themed cocktail party at an 18th century former stock exchange, Palais de la Bourse.

French waiters welcomed us with a selection of the region’s finest wines, and chefs prepared crepes and waffles in homage to the region’s gastronomy.

A French singer paid tribute to the likes of Edith Piaf and can-can girls took to the stage, as we sipped our wine.

It was just the start of our exploration of Bordeaux’s culture. The following day we

were booked on a tour of the famous wine estate Chateau Margaux, one of the many tours Azamara offers to give a taste of each stop.

The coach meandered through rolling vineyards to Chateau Giscours, one of the Margaux estate’s premier cru producers. Charismatic guide Helen greeted us at the grand house and took us through the history of the vineyard, which dates back to the 14th century, and the unique growing conditions of the region.

After a tour of the cellars and a look at the distillation vats, we finally got to the tasting. She coached us to swill the 2002 red, smelling for scents we might recognise – berries, coriander and grass – and finally I rolled it across my tongue; it was beautiful.

The memories of the cheap

claret that scarred me during my student days were replaced with something in its own league. Never again would I ignorantly say I don’t like French wine.

While the Azamazing Evening and vineyard experience of Bordeaux were highlights of the cruise, they didn’t overshadow the rest of our journey.

We travelled along the French coast to St Jean de Luz, situated in the shadow of the Pyrenees and lined with golden sandy beaches. Here we took the opportunity to swim and sunbathe as it was the only stop on the journey that would allow that holiday beach action.

A short stop in Bilbao allowed us just enough time to experience the show-stopping Guggenheim Museum, then after a day at sea we eventually pulled into Lisbon.

We passed restaurants selling sardines, and tourist shops filled with locally-made tiles, as we climbed steps to reach a viewing platform in the Alfama district.

As we stood high above the terracotta roofs of houses, we could see the Azamara Quest in all her glory. Tourists posed to have their photos taken against the backdrop; we felt so privileged to be staying on such an impressive vessel.

Our journey into Seville, down the relatively narrow Guadalquivir River, also demonstrated the advantage of travelling on a smaller, vessel and locals looked on in amazement.

Strolling along streets framed by orange trees, we drooled over various tapas bars, each spraying mist from their awnings to cool down their roasting patrons. We couldn’t resist stopping for a glass of Rioja and some Iberian cured ham.

We finished our journey by visiting Catedral de Santa Maria de la Sede, where Christopher Columbus is buried (or parts of him are, at least).

He discovered the New World, while we had been visiting the Old, and we couldn’t have chosen a more luxurious and relaxing way to do it than on the Azamara Quest.

Travel facts Jennifer Pegler was a guest of Azamara Club Cruises (www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk; 0844 493 4016) who offer the Azamara Journey on a 14-night Food And Wine Fly/Cruise from £3,018 per person (based on two sharing an interior stateroom).

Price includes return flight from London Heathrow, transfers and a 14-night cruise departing from Southampton and calling at St. Peter Port (Channel Islands), Nantes (Loire Valley, France), Bordeaux (France), St. Jean de Luz (France), Bilbao (Spain) and Porto (Portugal), before arriving into Lisbon (Portugal) for the flight home. The cruise also includes selected drinks and meals. Price based on August 20, 2014 departure.