Kirker summer newsletter 2015

SUMMER OF FERS F O R D I S C E R N I N G T R AV E L L E R S Now that we have finally cast our votes in the election, it is time to focus on the most important decision of the year – where to escape this summer. We have selected a range of our favourite destinations and most attractive offers – including some excellent hotels with stylish summer swimming pools – to tempt you away from your humdrum daily routine for a few rejuvenating days of warm sunshine, delicious al fresco dining, fine regional wines and fascinating art and architecture.

Whether you are seeking a tranquil rural retreat, a stimulating short break to a European city or perhaps a summer music festival, we would be delighted to create the perfect itinerary tailor-made to your personal requirements. We are also experts at planning family holidays including the right balance of relaxation, activities, and perhaps a morning in the company of one of our expert guides to make sure that all members of the party come home with lasting memories.

Finally – if you have already booked your summer holiday, don’t forget to plan ahead now for an autumn short break, perhaps over half term in October, turn to the back page for some inspiration.

Please contact your local independent travel agent for a quotation.

Ted Wake - Joint MD & Director of Sales & Marketing Prices are per person and include flights or Eurostar, return transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge.

Florence

Villa la Massa ***** Deluxe

This 16th century residence is set within extensive gardens on the banks of the River Arno.There is an excellent riverside restaurant, a heated outdoor summer swimming pool, bicycles for exploring the beautiful surroundings, and a hotel shuttle transports guests to the heart of Florence in just 15 minutes.

3 nights for the price of 2 from 13 July - 30 August - price from £799, saving £198 4 nights for the price of 3 until 12 July & 31 August onwards - price from £1,098, saving £226 Includes entrance tickets to the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia or Bargello

Lake Maggiore Grand Hotel Majestic **** Deluxe

This hotel is close to the town of Pallanza with wonderful views of the lake and mountains.

Many of the 80 bedrooms have lake views and balconies.

There is a panoramic terrace, a gastronomic restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, a tennis court and a small private beach. The town and ferry port are 10 minutes’ walk away.

7 nights for the price of 6 all year - price from £1,190, saving £125

Bruges

Heritage **** Superior

The privately owned Heritage is a charming Relais & Châteaux property with an excellent location just 100 metres from the Market Square and the city centre. The hotel is housed in an attractive classical building dating from 1869 and has an outstanding fine dining restaurant – booking is essential (closed 19 Jul-13 Aug).

3 nights for the price of 2 for midweek stays in July - price from £399, saving £100 (transfers not included)

Loire Valley

Le Choiseul **** Superior

Le Choiseul is located below the ramparts of the famous Château d’Ambois. Made up of three elegant private residences dating from the 16th and 18th centuries, it is set in perfectly manicured gardens. There are 32 bedrooms and a gastronomic restaurant. The gardens are home to an attractive summer swimming pool. Car hire is also available if required.

4 nights for the price of 3 all year - price from £746, saving £120

Grand Hotel Parker’s **** Deluxe

This elegant hotel has 82 bedrooms and a rooftop restaurant and bar, both offering spectacular views of the Gulf of Naples.There is a vineyard where wine-tasting can be arranged and a spa offering unique treatments.

3 night price from £798 in May and June 3 nights for the price of 2 in July & August - price from £598, saving £75

Rome

Gran Melia Villa Agrippina ***** Deluxe

This stylish property is located just five minutes’ walk from the Vatican and close to the atmospheric streets of Trastevere. Although dating back many centuries, the building has been completely restored in a contemporary style.There is a wonderful heated outdoor swimming pool, a spa with outdoor jacuzzi and landscaped gardens which make this the perfect retreat during the summer months.

3 night price from £929 in July 4 nights for the price of 3 in August - price from £895, saving £180

Includes entrance tickets to the Vatican museum & Sistine Chapel

Includes a 72hr museum pass

Published May 2015

Naples

To book or request a brochure please contact your independent travel agent

Summer City Breaks

A number of Kirker hotels in city centres offer excellent value for money in the summer, and it can be a wonderful time to enjoy a morning’s sightseeing followed by an al fresco lunch or an afternoon by the hotel swimming pool. Whilst the madding crowd heads off to the beach, discerning travellers will be welcomed with open arms at air-conditioned restaurants and museums – but it is important to take expert advice as some restaurants may have different opening hours. Cities such as St Petersburg, Istanbul and Lisbon offer wonderful summer palaces which are at their best from May to September. Speak to the Kirker Concierge for advice on private guided excursions.

Prices are per person and include flights or Eurostar, return transfers or car hire, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge.

Venice

St. Regis San Clemente Palace ***** Deluxe

Recently reopened, the San Clemente offers the rare Venetian quality of open space. Located in the Venetian lagoon with wonderful views of the city, the former monastery surrounds four large courtyards and has vast corridors, several restaurants and 205 bedrooms. The beautiful tree-filled park has a large summer swimming pool and two tennis courts. The island is 15 minutes from St. Mark’s Square from where the hotel operates a complimentary shuttle service.

3 nights for the price of 2 all year - price from £975, saving £220 Includes Doge’s Palace, Accademia or Guggenheim tickets and water taxi transfers

Bilbao

Marseille

Melia *****

The Melia is a few minutes’ walk from three of the city’s best museums; the Guggenheim, the Museum of Fine Arts and the new Maritime Museum. There are 211 bedrooms, a small heated outdoor pool, a popular café bar and a good restaurant.

3 nights for the price of 2 from 1 July - 31 August - price from £417, saving £66 Includes entrance tickets to the Guggenheim Museum

Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port ***** Superior

The Sofitel has a great position between the forts at the entrance to the Old Port and the scenic backdrop of Marseille.

There are 134 marine-inspired rooms, a gastronomic restaurant with panoramic views, a stylish lounge bar and an outdoor swimming pool.

4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 June - 31 December - price from £549, saving £105 Includes direct Eurostar from London to Marseille

Istanbul

Four Seasons Sultanahmet ***** Deluxe

The Four Seasons is a former bastille which has been transformed into a stylish hotel with just 65 sumptuous bedrooms. Set around an attractive courtyard garden (where breakfast, drinks and meals are served in summer), the public rooms are beautifully furnished. There is a restaurant, bar, a winter garden and a health club. The hotel is located in a quiet street, yet only a few minutes’ walk from the Blue Mosque, Aghia Sofia and the Topkapi Palace. This very comfortable hotel is the perfect location for discerning travellers and is undoubtedly the best hotel in the city.

4 nights for the price of 3 in June - price from £1,298, saving £310 Includes a Turkish visa

Madrid

Tryp Ambassador ****

Monaco

Fairmont ***** Superior

The Ambassador is situated in the heart of Madrid, 10 minutes’ walk from the Royal Palace and the Opera House. The public rooms, all decorated in an attractive Madrid town house style, include a large lounge with glass roof, a bar and restaurant.

There are 163 bedrooms.

3 night price from £623 until 30 June 3 nights for the price of 2 in July & August - price from £517, saving £60

Located a short walk from Casino Square, the famous hairpin turn of the Grand Prix circuit is directly in front of the hotel. Some of the 600 rooms have terraces and panoramic sea views. Facilities include a spa, an outdoor heated swimming pool (open all year) and two restaurants.

4 nights for the price of 3 until 23 July & 30 Aug - 21 Sep - price from £773, saving £180

Includes Prado, Thyssen or Reina Sofia museum tickets

Includes one way car transfer and return helicopter transfer

Lisbon

Bairro Alto *****

The Bairro Alto is a classy contemporary hotel on one of the city’s prettiest squares. The decoration throughout is stylish and blends beautifully with the historic features of the building. The 55 bedrooms have distinctive colour schemes of amber, ochre and red and marble bathrooms. There is a Portuguese inspired restaurant, two bars and a fitness centre as well as a wonderful summer roof terrace.

3 nights for the price of 2 from 1 July - 31 August - price from £673, saving £140

Includes 48hr Lisboa Card giving complimentary entrance to a wide range of museums and attractions

St. Petersburg

Angleterre **** Superior

The Angleterre offers comfortable and stylish accommodation in a superb location in the heart of the city. Recently refurbished, its 192 bedrooms are comfortable and well furnished. Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily in the ‘Borsalino’ brasserie where there is live music most evenings. Other facilities include a fitness centre, small plunge pool and a sauna. Our holidays to Russia currently offer outstanding value for money.

4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 July 22 October - price from £1,095, saving £90 Includes a Russian visa

TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN WORLDcontact TRAVEL ON 01684 562406 or malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk for reservations please your independent travel agent

Rural Retreats

For many, the allure of a summer holiday lies in warm sunshine, fresh air and rolling countryside scenery, and perhaps a refreshing open-air swimming pool. We have selected some of our favourite rural destinations from the hills of Tuscany to the lavender fields of Provence, as well as an elegant retreat in Normandy and one of our favourite Spanish properties, located in the Ribera del Duero wine region, just outside Salamanca.

Prices are per person and include flights, return transfers or car hire, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge.

Veneto Countryside Villa Cordevigo ***** Deluxe

Provence

Crillon le Brave ***** Deluxe

Close to Lake Garda and just half an hour from Verona,Villa Cordevigo is a handsome country hotel with a wealth of art and history. The 23 bedrooms are housed in a 16th century Venetian villa, and each is decorated with period furniture and paintings. There is a chapel dating from the 1400s, a spectacular summer swimming pool, an impressive spa and chef Giuseppe D’Aquino’s excellent Michelin-starred restaurant, Oseleta. The surrounding countryside is home to famous vineyards, ancient castles and Romanesque churches.

4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 May - 30 September - price from £686, saving £108

In the heart of the Côtes du Ventoux vineyards, Crillon le Brave is one of our favourite hotels in France. Perched at the top of the village, the hotel offers wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. It has just 32 bedrooms all decorated in a contemporary Provençal style, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a small spa and an exceptional kitchen.

Buffet breakfast and an informal bistro-style lunch are served in the hotel’s lounge bar or on the terrace; dinner is served in the elegant restaurant or outside on the terrace which overlooks the serene, picturesque valley.

Lake Iseo

Tuscany

L’Albereta ***** Deluxe

Iseo is a lovely, small lake between Como and Garda and 50 miles from Verona. L’Albereta is a 15 minute drive from the lake into the Franciacorta wine growing region. It’s the former country residence of a noble family and is set in delightful gardens. The main draw is the wonderful restaurant of celebrated chef Gualtiero Marchesi. There is an indoor swimming pool, a large and state-of-the-art spa and tennis court.

3 nights for the price of 2 from 16 June 30 September - price from £839, saving £200 Includes a complimentary winery tour & wine tasting

Normandy

Château La Chenevière **** Deluxe

The 18th century Château La Chenevière had a major role to play as a forward command post for the German and subsequently British armies in World War II, due to its location on the main road from Bayeux to Arromanches. A hotel since 1988, there are now 29 rooms, a heated outdoor swimming pool in the gardens, a tennis court, a bar and a gastronomic restaurant. Bicycles are available for guests to explore the idyllic Normandy countryside, and the hotel’s grounds include 12 hectares with a walled garden, vegetable plots and delightful rose gardens.

4 nights for the price of 3 all year - price from £648, saving £154

4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 May - 12 October - price from £959, saving £170

Borgo Scopeto Relais **** Superior

The rolling vineyards and iconic cypress trees of Tuscany are intrinsic elements of the beautiful landscape. Set against a dramatic backdrop of rolling Chianti countryside and overlooking the city of Siena, this beautiful historic property has retained a unique ambience of peace and tranquillity. The excellent facilities include two summer swimming pools, tennis courts and a wellness centre, whilst the surrounding countryside is perfect for walking and cycling.

The excellent restaurant serves local Tuscan specialities including wines and olive oil from the hotel’s own estate.

6 nights for the price of 5 all year - price from £945, saving £110

Salamanca

Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Spa **** Deluxe

Zorita is a stylish hotel and spa located on the Tormes river, 10 minutes from the historic city of Salamanca and two hours west of Madrid.

Thick stone walls and magnificent oak beams contrast beautifully with contemporary design in the 40 bedrooms, a number of which have balconies overlooking the river. As well as a fine dining restaurant, there is a wonderful bodega for wine-tasting and an organic farm which produces delicious ingredients for the kitchens. There is an impressive spa in the old mill and a summer swimming pool.

4 nights for the price of 3 all year - price from £598, saving £78

TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN WORLDcontact TRAVEL on 01684 562406 or malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk for reservations please your independent travel agent

Coast & Islands There are few better places to enjoy a relaxing summer holiday, than from a terrace overlooking the sea at one of our favourite coast or island hotels. Whether you are looking for a tranquil escape with spectacular sea views, or a family holiday with swimming pools, gardens and a sandy beach, we would be delighted to make a personal recommendation and secure a room with that perfect sea view.

Prices are per person and include flights, return transfers or car hire, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge.

Ischia, Amalfi Coast

San Montano Resort & Spa **** Superior

The San Montano enjoys an unmatched location, high on Monte Vico above the small resort of Lacco Ameno, with panoramic views out across the Bay of Naples to Vesuvius and Capri from the hotel’s many terraces. There are 73 bedrooms, a restaurant, a comfortable bar and plenty of quiet corners throughout the gardens. The hotel has two large outdoor swimming pools, one of which is heated by a volcanic spring and there is a string of small pools and jacuzzis, each at a different temperature from the next. A shuttle bus operates on request to a private beach and to the centre of Lacco Ameno.

7 nights for the price of 6 until 27 July - price from £1,265, saving £149

Gozo

Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz ***** Superior

Malta’s tranquil sister island Gozo offers a relaxed pace of life and idylic sandy beaches. Located on the edge of the pretty village of San Lawrenz, the hotel is surrounded by extensive gardens where the two outdoor swimming pools are located. Also overlooking the picturesque grounds are the terraces of the hotel’s fine dining and trattoria-style restaurants, pool bar and poolside restaurant. Each of the 122 rooms is decorated in a Mediterranean style and has a private balcony overlooking the valley of San Lawrenze or the gardens.

7 nights for the price of 6 until 31 October - price from £1,270, saving £134

Madeira

Essaouira, Morocco

Situated over 1,000 feet above sea level, the Quinta do Estreito is a modern hotel located in the heart of Madeira’s principal wine growing region. It is surrounded by landscaped gardens and tropical plants and has some of the most spectacular views over the island’s southern coast.

The 48 stylish bedrooms have wood flooring, marble bathrooms, sea views and large balconies. There is a gastronomic restaurant, and two bars, a sun terrace and heated outdoor swimming pool. Outstanding value for money.

During the warm summer, Essaouira offers a refreshing breeze and wide sandy beach – and new direct flights from Gatwick make it an ideal destination for a short break. L’Heure Bleue is a luxurious riad set in the heart of the medina and a short walk from the port.

Without doubt, this is the most elegant hotel in town and is furnished throughout with taste and restraint. There are 35 bedrooms, all superbly decorated in a contemporary, yet distinctly Moroccan style. One of the few places in Essaouira to have a solarium and heated swimming pool on its terrace as well as a billiard room, it also offers a varied menu which combines French and Moroccan cuisine.

Quinta Do Estreito **** Superior

7 nights for the price of 6 from 1 June - 31 July - price from £849, saving £55

Ravello

Villa Cimbrone ***** Deluxe

The Villa Cimbrone is one of the region’s loveliest familyowned hotels, and its 19 antique furnished bedrooms all have wonderful views of either the spectacular coast or the elegant Cimbrone gardens.

There are several beautiful public lounges, a large outdoor summer swimming pool and a recommended restaurant.

3 night price from £1,098 5 nights for the price of 4 in September - price from £1,699, saving £310

L’Heure Bleue *****

4 nights for the price of 3 all year - price from £799, saving £95

Estoril

Palacio Estoril ***** Deluxe

Located close to the Casino and the beach, the Palacio Estoril offers 160 spacious rooms, some with a partial view towards the Bay of Cascais. Guests can relax on the terrace whilst enjoying the views of the gardens and swimming pool, or visit the ‘Bar Estoril’ which is renowned for its charm and stylish ambience.There is a restaurant offering Portuguese and international cuisine.

7 nights for the price of 6 until 31 October - price from £1,149, saving £130

Palermo

Grand Hotel Villa Igeia ***** Superior

Perfect for the summer, this Liberty style property is just 10 minutes’ taxi ride from the heart of mediaeval Palermo, in an idyllic setting overlooking the bay. The restaurant is excellent and there are jasmine scented gardens and a summer swimming pool as well as a sea bathing platform. For those with an interest in the fascinating history of Sicily, don’t forget to ask the Kirker Concierge about excursions to the Norman cathedral of Monreale.

4 nights for the price of 3 until 30 September - price from £778, saving £115

contact your independent travel agent TOfor BOOKreservations CONTACT MALVERNplease WORLD TRAVEL on 01684 562406 or malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk

Summer Music Festivals During the summer months our programme of escorted music holidays includes visits to a number of wonderful music festivals, from chamber music and the world’s finest orchestras in Austria to open-air opera in the Arena di Verona. All of our escorted holidays include a full programme of sightseeing as well as concert tickets and are accompanied by an expert Tour Lecturer.

Prices include flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, meals as described, a full programme of sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer. Prices based on two sharing, single supplements available on request.

THE MACERATA OPERA FESTIVAL

THE SCHUBERTIADE FESTIVAL

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 29 JULY Last year, the Macerata Opera Festival celebrated its fiftieth anniversary having firmly re-established its position as one of Europe’s top opera festivals over the past few years. Performances take place in the Arena Sferisterio and include La Bohème by Puccini, Rigoletto by Verdi and the perennially popular double bill Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana and Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci.

During the tour we explore the beautiful and unspoilt Le Marche region of Italy. One day will be spent in Urbino where we will see the important picture collection in the Palazzo Ducale and another in Ascoli Piceno. In Macerata we will visit the small museum devoted to the tenor Beniamino Gigli who was born here and see works by Lorenzo Lotto at the Villa Colloredo-Mels.

Price from £1,895 for five nights including all dinners and second category tickets for three operas.

Macerata

SCHWARZENBERG: A 7 NIGHT HOLIDAY | 21 AUGUST HOHENEMS: A 6 NIGHT HOLIDAY | 1 OCTOBER The Festival takes place in both Hohenems, where it began in 1976, and in Schwarzenberg where a beautiful concert hall was built in the alpine meadows to accommodate a steadily increasing audience.

We stay in the delightful Voralberg village of Hittisau and our tour itinerary will include a drive through the Voralberg Moutains, a wine and cheese tasting and a visit to Lindau on the shores of Lake Constance.

OPERA AT THE ARENA DI VERONA

THE GRAFENEGG MUSIC FESTIVAL

FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 24 JUNE, & 3 SEPTEMBER The history of opera in the vast Roman arena in the centre of Verona dates back to 10 August 1913 when Verdi’s Aida was performed there in a monumental production. The season runs from June to September each year attracting thousands of people to every performance.

We stay at the centrally located 4* Hotel Palazzo Victoria, an impressive 14th century palace at the Porta Borsari, one of the city’s ancient gates. This year’s opera include Aida and Nabucco with an opportunity to attend optional performances of Tosca, and Il barbiere di Siviglia, depending on the chosen date.

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 2 SEPTEMBER The Grafenegg Festival has established itself as one of Europe’s most prestigious festivals and this year offers the opportunity to enjoy two of the world’s greatest orchestras, Sir Simon Rattle’s Berlin Philharmonic and the Vienna Philharmonic, in one holiday.

Concerts are held in the architecturally dramatic Wolkenturm, the ‘Tower of Clouds’ in the grounds of the country estate of the grand Metternich family. Staying at the 4* Steigenberger Hotel set Wolkenturm amongst the famous Grüner-Veltliner vineyards, we will also enjoy day trips to the picturesque village of Dürnstein, the Benedictine Abbey at Melk perched high above the Danube, and a panoramic tour of Vienna. In addition, we visit the pretty town of Tulln on the Danube to see the birthplace of Egon Schiele (1890 - 1918).

Prices from £1,848 for four nights including two dinners and tickets for two performances with First Category seats

Arena di Verona

KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL AT SEA TO THE CANARY ISLANDS, MADEIRA & LISBON A TWELVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 31 AUGUST Avonmouth - Funchal, Madeira - Santa Cruz, Tenerife Las Palmas, Gran Canaria - Arrecife, Lanzarote - Lisbon - Avonmouth Featuring: Elaine Padmore, former Director of The Royal Opera; singers from The Royal Opera’s prestigious Jette Parker Young Artists Programme; Gary Matthewman, piano; The Ruisi String Quartet; Simon Rowland-Jones, viola & Nelly Miricioiu, soprano Each of the three Canary Islands we visit has its own distinctive personality and landscape – Fred Olsen’s Black Watch will stop in the capital city of each of them, Santa Cruz, Las Palmas and Arrecife.

The final port of call is Lisbon, one of Europe’s most intimate and welcoming capital cities.

Prices from £1,990 per person for twelve nights including a full programme of concerts, talks and interviews, full board throughout and two private drinks parties

Price from £2,069 (Schwarzenberg), £1,839 (Hohenems), including five (Hohenems), or eight (Schwarzenberg) concerts and a pass valid for travel on all local buses Schwarzenberg

Price from £1,998 for five nights including four dinners, one lunch and three concerts.

WAGNER’S RING CYCLE IN SOFIA A SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 3 JULY The Sofia Opera celebrated the bicentenary of Wagner’s birth in 2013 with critically acclaimed performances of the composer’s Der Ring des Nibelungen. Such was the demand that the company decided to repeat the Cycle in 2015.

With performances on alternate days, visitors can not only enjoy Sofia but also venture out of the capital and spend one night in Plovdiv, a historic town with much Ottoman style architecture and impressive Roman sites. Based at the 4* Crystal Palace Hotel, the itinerary includes a half day tour of Sofia and the National Historical Museum.We shall also visit two Byzantine Churches, the Alexander Nevsky Memorial Cathedral, Rila and Bachkovo Monasteries, and the church at Boyana.

Price from £1,645 per person for seven nights including six dinners, six lunches Alexander Nevsky cathedral and tickets for four operas

for reservations please contact your independent travel agent

TO BOOK CONTACT MALVERN WORLD TRAVEL on 01684 562406 or malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk

Autumn Short Breaks

For those who prefer to travel later in the year, now is the best time to plan your autumn short break, whether it is a short city break or an opportunity for late summer warmth. Destinations such as Seville and Morocco are perfect for some balmy autumn sunshine, whilst the summer weather extends into September even on the Italian Riviera, Costa Brava and the Côte d’Azur.

Prices are per person and include flights, return transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge.

Seville

Las Casas De La Juderia **** Superior

Built in the typical Andalucian/ Moorish style, the hotel is located in the old quarter of the Barrio Santa Cruz, about five minutes’ walk from the cathedral and Alcazar Palace. There are 118 well furnished bedrooms, a delightful lounge and a summer swimming pool.

4 nights for the price of 3 from 14 June - 3 September - price from £476, saving £60

Costa Brava

San Jorge, Platja D’aro **** Superior

The San Jorge is a modern hotel in a great location amongst pine trees and overlooking two coves on the Costa Brava. It is a modern, whitewashed building with a summer swimming pool and a spa. Stunning sea views can be experienced from the restaurant with its large summer terrace and from a number of the 119 bedrooms.

4 nights for the price of 3 from 13 September - 24 October - price from £459, saving £50

Florence

Relais Santa Croce ***** Deluxe

A recent restoration has returned this hotel to its original splendour.

All 24 bedrooms are beautifully decorated with a combination of antique and designer elements; many overlook the Florence skyline.

The elegant ‘Guelfi e Ghibellini’ restaurant combines traditional Tuscan recipes with contemporary flair.

3 nights for the price of 2 from 1 August - 3 September - price from £785, saving £148 4 nights for the price of 3 from 4 September onwards - price from £997, saving £178 Includes Uffizi Gallery, Accademia or Bargello tickets

Berlin

De Rome ***** Deluxe

The De Rome is located in the heart of Berlin, not far from the Brandenburg Gate. It has 146 bedrooms, a restaurant serving Italian cuisine, a popular bar and a rooftop terrace with excellent views over the famous Bebelplatz. The historic building dates back to 1889 and the former jewel vault has been transformed into a stunning and extensive spa with a 20 metre indoor swimming pool.

3 nights for the price of 2 all year for arrivals on a Sunday - price from £729, saving £160

San Remo

Royal ***** Deluxe

On the Italian Riviera dei Fiori, just one hour from Nice, San Remo has fashionable shops and restaurants facing a long sandy beach.The privately-owned Royal has grand public rooms and 126 bedrooms, many with balconies and sea views. Clients have complimentary use of a private beach.The main restaurant has lovely sea views and there is an additional summer restaurant for al fresco candlelit dining in the park.

There is a large heated seawater swimming pool open until October and a luxurious spa.

4 nights for the price of 3 from 17 August - 23 November - price from £799, saving £130

CÔTE D’AZUR

Prague

Le Mas de Pierre **** Deluxe

Hotel Paris *****

Set in its own gardens just 3km from picturesque St. Paul-deVence, this hotel combines luxury with traditional Provençal style. There are 48 rooms, all with private terrace or balcony, a gourmet restaurant and an outdoor heated pool.

4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 September - 31 October - price from £897, saving £200

In the heart of the atmospheric old town, the Paris is one of the few hotels in Prague where all the public rooms are still in the original Art Nouveau style. All of the 86 rooms have been renovated and are more contemporary in style.

3 nights for the price of 2 all year - price from £669, saving £135 Includes a 3 hour walking tour

Morocco

The Capaldi **** Superior

45 minutes’ drive from Marrakech, this hotel sits between the Agafay Desert and the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. There are 23 bedrooms, an excellent restaurant, an atmospheric roof terrace, two large swimming pools and a spa with traditional hammam.

4 nights for the price of 3 all year for stays in Prestige rooms - price from £782, saving £71

Includes a 72hr museum card

To book or request a brochure please contact your independent travel agent

Agents details:

01684 562406 Malvern World Travel, 44 Somers Park Avenue, Malvern, WR14 1SD malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk www.malvernworldtravel.co.uk

Published May 2015. Terms and conditions apply. Prices are per person based on 2 sharing.

Subject to availability.