Newsletter autumn 2015 mwt version

Take Six - Autumn Offers f o r

d i s c e r n i n g

t r a v e l l e r s

Offers for Autumn & Winter 2015 Autumn is the perfect time for a short break, and we have selected some of our favourite destinations for the coming months. As the summer fades, an escape to the warmer climates of southern Europe brings the prospect of delicious al fresco dinners, a chance to explore historic cities in the company of an expert private guide, and a new season of exhibitions and opera. Don’t forget to speak to the Kirker Concierge who would be delighted to arrange a walking tour with a local expert, exhibition, opera or concert tickets, or to book a table at a recommended restaurant.

We have selected the best relaxing holidays and cultural city breaks for September and October, inspired by some of our favourite hotels and destinations. However, if you are planning to escape later in the year, turn to the back page for some winter holiday inspiration.

For those who enjoy travelling with a small group of like-minded companions we have also included some of our most popular escorted Cultural Tours & Music Holidays to Italy, Holland, Tenerife, Cyprus, Cuba and St Petersburg.

Pleasecontact contactour ourpreferred preferredTravel Travel AgentPartner Partner, Malvern World Travel Please WORLD TRAVEL Please contact youror local independentAgent travel agent forMALVERN a quotation. on 01684 562406 emailmalvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk for more on 01684 562406 or email malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk for more details or to book any our Autumn and Winter offers information or toofbook any Autumn or Winter offer.

Ted Wake - Joint MD & Director of Sales & Marketing

Six of the Best Classic City Breaks Prices are per person and include flights (Eurostar for Paris), transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing, and the services of the Kirker Concierge to book concert, opera and ballet tickets or reserve a table for a delicious dinner.

Lisbon

Berlin

The De Rome is located in the heart of Berlin, not far from the Brandenburg Gate. It has 146 bedrooms, a restaurant and the ‘Bebel’ bar with its excellent views over the famous Bebelplatz. The 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 for Sunday arrivals from 1 September onwards - price from £738, saving £160 Includes a 72 hour museum card

Valencia

Lapa Palace ***** Deluxe

De Rome ***** Deluxe

The Westin *****

A restored building dating from 1917, the Westin has two restaurants, a spa with indoor plunge pool, sauna and Hammam and garden.

Excellent value.

Set in beautiful landscaped gardens, this luxurious hotel has indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, health spa, a gastronomic restaurant, a bar and 109 individually decorated rooms. Located in a smart residential district to the west of the city centre.

3 night price from £968 from 1 September onwards

4 nights for the price of 3 for midweek stays all year - price from £675, saving £88

Includes a 48 hour Lisboa Card

Venice

Centurion Palace *****

The Centurion is located on the Grand Canal, a few steps from the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute.

Behind a magnfiicent Gothic façade you’ll find a stylish modern hotel - the 50 bedrooms are all individually furnished with bold colours and modern art; there is an atmospheric courtyard and a restaurant with a terrace on the water’s edge.

4 nights for the price of 3 for Sunday or Monday arrivals until 31 October - price from £974, saving £180

Includes a guaranteed entrance ticket to the city of Arts and sciences

Paris

Le Sénat *** Deluxe

Built in the 19th century, Le Sénat it is located next to the Luxembourg Gardens.

Decorated in a contemporary style, many of the 41 bedrooms have balconies or terraces with impressive views across the city.

The hotel has a breakfast room, a cosy bar and a small courtyard.

3 nights for the price of 2 from 4 September - price from £628, saving £67

Includes Doge’s Palace, Accademia or Guggenheim tickets and water taxi transfers

Includes 48 hour museum pass, Seine cruise & Métro tickets

To book or request a brochure please contact your independent travel agent Published August 2015

01684 562406 or malvernworldtravel@hotmail.co.uk

Bordeaux

Grand Hotel de Bordeaux ***** Deluxe

Opposite the Grand Théâtre, this fine hotel has 150 bedrooms, a restaurant and brasserie with a large terrace and spa with rooftop swimming pool.

3 night price from £899 from 1 September - 19 October 3 nights for the price of 2 from 20 31 Oct - price from £682, saving £120 Ask the Kirker Concierge for details of wine tasting and vineyard visits

Index

Six of the Best...

City Breaks Autumn Sunshine Private Homes Olympic Cities Vineyards Sea Views Cultural Tours & Music Holidays Winter Holidays

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Six of the Best for Autumn Sunshine As temperatures decline in the UK, Southern Europe offers tempting destinations to escape for a few days of restorative sunshine, al fresco lunches, relaxing swimming pools and an evening drink on a garden terrace. These are some of our favourite destinations in Italy, France, Spain, Malta and Turkey to enjoy warm autumn holidays and winter short breaks, but do speak to your independent travel agent to discuss your personal requirements – or perhaps to plan a longer holiday to South Africa, India or Sri Lanka.

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.

Mallorca Son Brull *****

A lovingly restored 18th century monastery located in 30 hectares of landscaped grounds in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains.

There are 23 bedrooms, a wooden decked terrace with a summer swimming pool and a spa with a heated indoor/outdoor pool. Son Brull is less than 10 minutes’ drive from the thriving market town of Pollensa, and the beaches of Cala Sant Vicenc and Puerto Pollensa are 15 minutes’ drive away.

3 night price from £1,095 until 3 October 5 nights for the price of 4 from 4 October - 30 November - price from £1,194, saving £195 in October - price from £869, saving £130 in November

Malta

Xara Palace, Mdina **** Deluxe

Located in the ancient capital city of Mdina, the 17th century Xara Palace has been meticulously restored. A member of Relais & Châteaux, there are just 17 bedrooms furnished with original antiques, some with outstanding panoramic views over the city and the countryside.The ‘De Mondion’ rooftop restaurant (closed Sundays) is regarded by many as one of the best on the island and is a must for anyone travelling to Malta.

Informal dining is offered at the hotel’s trattoria-style restaurant with tables available outside in the quiet square.

3 night price from £849 until 30 October 3 night price from £640 from 1 November

Alaçati, Turkey

Aix-en-Provence

Just an hour from Izmir airport, on Turkey’s Aegean Coast, Alaçati is a charming village with cobbled streets and nearby sandy beaches.The Incirli Ev has been run by the delightful Poshor family since 2006.

Eight comfortable rooms surround the tranquil bougainvillea-draped courtyard with a 150 year old fig tree which gives the hotel its name – Fig Tree House. Breakfast including homemade jams, is served in the courtyard or in the cosy library. A scenic ten minute stroll takes guests to the centre of Alaçati.

A family-owned 18th century country house, Le Pigonnet has 48 bedrooms, decorated in a typical Provençal style. The tranquil gardens inspired Cézanne, who painted the ‘Montagne Sainte-Victoire’ from a shady corner here in 1890. There is also a heated outdoor swimming pool open until October, and a highly regarded gastronomic restaurant ‘Le Riviera’.

3 night price from £859 in September & October 3 night price from £719 in November & December Price includes flights to Marseille or why not try Eurostar’s new direct service to the South of France? It takes just 6h 27mins from London St. Pancras International: prices available on request

Incirli Ev (A boutique guest house)

3 night price from £698 until 30 September 3 night price from £648 from 1 October

Rome

Gran Melia Villa Agrippina ***** Deluxe

This historic property is just five minutes’ walk from the Vatican. The building has been completely restored in a contemporary style, and there is a wonderful heated outdoor swimming pool, a spa with outdoor jacuzzi and landscaped gardens which make this the perfect retreat during the warmer summer and autumn months.

3 night price from £899 in September & October 3 nights for the price of 2 from 1 November 27 December - price from £698, saving £160

Includes entrance tickets to the Vatican museum & Sistine Chapel or Villa Borghese

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Le Pigonnet **** Superior

Rota, Andalucia

Duque de Najera **** Superior

In the heart of Rota’s walled old town, close to the fishing port and overlooking the bay of Cadiz, the Duque de Najera is a charming, traditional hotel with 92 comfortable rooms. The restaurant specialises in seafood and Mediterranean cuisine which can be enjoyed on the outside terrace in fine weather and in summer the hotel has a tapas bar as well as a bar beside the outdoor swimming pool.

3 night price from £533 until 30 October 3 night price from £419 from 1 November Upgrade to half board from only £15 per day

for reservations please contact your independent travel agent

Six of the Best Private Homes A number of our favourite places to stay are former private homes which have been carefully converted into small boutique hotels, often still managed by the owners. Each room is different and furnished with a unique collection of individual pieces, whilst the friendly, yet attentive, personal service creates an informal atmosphere.

Also perfect for private parties – ask your independent travel agent for an exclusive use quotation.

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.

Rome

Villa Spalletti Trivelli **** Deluxe

This beautiful patrician villa is located in the heart of the city, yet has a remarkable oasis-like atmosphere. The Quirinale Palace is opposite and the Trevi Fountain is only five minutes’ walk away. It is decorated with exquisite furniture, tapestries and paintings from the Spalletti Trivelli family’s collection. There are just 12 bedrooms, decorated in a classical style but with all the modern comforts you would expect. The elegant drawing room has a complimentary bar; there is a wellness centre and a splendid Italian garden.Villa Spalletti Trivelli was recently voted one of the top 50 hotels in the world by The Telegraph.

Seville

Casa No 7 (a deluxe bed and breakfast)

Owned by the charming Gonzalo del Rio (a member of the Gonzalez-Gordon sherry family), the Casa – built in 1847 – is a delightful townhouse hotel with just six beautifully appointed bedrooms, well-equipped bathrooms and fine soft furnishings (no televisions). Located in the heart of the old part of the city, a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral, this is a real Spanish home, with antiques and works of art to make guests feel relaxed and comfortable.

3 night price from £1,175 in September & October 3 night price from £989 in November

3 night price from £665

Includes entrance tickets to the Vatican museum & Sistine Chapel or Villa Borghese

Île de Ré

De Toiras ***** Deluxe

This former 17th century boat owner’s house is located in the island’s main town of St. Martin and overlooks the picturesque harbour. A member of Relais & Châteaux, it is classically and elegantly furnished in a Parisien townhouse style with luxurious fabrics and sumptuous antique furniture. Its 20 bedrooms all give a wonderful feeling of space.

There is a gastronomic restaurant open for dinner, and where dishes are cooked to order at breakfast, overlooking a pretty courtyard garden. Guests are free to use the outdoor swimming pool and gardens of its sister hotel,Villa Clarisse.

4 nights for the price of 3 in September - price from £649, saving £120 3 nights for the price of 2 from 27 September onwards - price from £498, saving £108

Florence

Antica Torre (a boutique private residence)

This beautiful property dates from the 13th century and stands on via Tornabuoni, a few minutes’ walk from the Duomo. It is considered one of Florence’s most historic ‘tower houses’ and has preserved many architectural features, including two magnificent roof terraces where you can enjoy breakfast or an evening aperitif whilst taking in the panoramic views of the city. The seven renovated rooms in the Palazzo Gianfigliazzi include several with views over the Arno.

4 nights for the price of 3 in September and October - price from £897, saving £158 3 nights for the price of 2 from 1 November - price from £692, saving £120 Includes entrance tickets to the Uffizi Gallery, Academia or Bargello

Juan-les-Pins

Belles Rives **** Deluxe

In the 1920’s, this delightful villa was the private home of F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda who did much to transform a sleepy fishing village into the glamorous haven that Juan-Les-Pins is today.

It was opened as a hotel in 1929 by the Estene family who still run it today. There are 43 bedrooms, an elegant restaurant and a small private sandy beach. Guests may use the pool at their sister hotel the Juana.

4 nights for the price of 3 from 30 August - 26 September - price from £849, saving £160 3 nights for the price of 2 from 27 September - 31 October - price from £496, saving £80

Tuscany

Relais La Suvera (a historic country villa)

Located on a hillside 18 miles west of Siena and close to the towns of Volterra and San Gimignano, La Suvera is a beautiful relais dating back to the middle ages. It is decorated with an extraordinary collection of antiques including ancient manuscripts, tapestries and paintings by Ingres. The 25 bedrooms are set around a peaceful courtyard shaded by chestnut trees. The heated summer swimming pool and tennis court are set in beautiful landscaped grounds with statues, fountains and cypress trees. There are two restaurants and a health centre.

5 nights for the price of 4 until 30 September - price from £1,123, saving £185 4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 October - price from £826, saving £148

for reservations please contact your independent travel agent

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Six of the Best Olympic Cities Since their revival in Athens at the end of the 19th century, the Olympic Games have become one of the world’s most important events, bringing investment, international sporting stars and the eyes of the world to a different city every four years. Visitors today can often still see signs of the redevelopment spurred by an Olympic bid, from Athens’ Panathenaic Stadium, restored in 1896, to Barcelona’s Montjuic Park which hosted the events of 1992.

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.

Paris

Paris was the first city after Athens to host a modern Olympic Games, as part of the 1900 Exposition Universelle, in a contest which included croquet, cricket, tug of war, and swimming in the River Seine.

Westminster **** Deluxe

With an excellent location on the prestigious Rue de la Paix, this historic hotel offers 102 rooms, all furnished in the Louis XV style with original furniture, paintings and antiques.There is a bar and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

3 night price from £866 from 1 September - 16 October 3 nights for the price of 2 from 17 31 October - price from £595, saving £165

Includes 48 hour museum pass, Seine cruise & Metro tickets

Turin

In 2006, the Winter Olympics brought the spotlight onto this historic north Italian city, which sits in the foothills of the Alps, and is also home to several world-class museums and a number of excellent restaurants.

Golden Palace **** Deluxe

Turin’s first deluxe hotel opened in 2006 in time for the Winter Olympics. Behind a modern stone façade, the hotel tastefully combines contemporary design with Art Deco furnishings and also celebrates Turin’s Olympic links. The ‘Winner’ restaurant offers delicious Piemontese and Italian cuisine, while the ‘Time’ bar is the perfect venue for cocktails and a light snack. The 195 bedrooms are furnished with light, contemporary colours.

7 nights for the price of 6 all year - price from £751, saving £62 3 night price from £568 Includes 72 hour Torino Card

Athens

The spiritual home of the Olympics, Athens’ Panathenaic Stadium which hosted events in both 1896 and 2004, is the only stadium in the world to be built entirely of marble, and also one of the oldest, dating back to the 6th century BC.

Grande Bretagne ***** Deluxe

Dating back to 1872, this prestigious hotel is the most luxurious in Athens. All 327 rooms are beautifully furnished in a traditional style, with original artwork and antique furniture. The hotel has a fabulous outdoor swimming pool, a spa and a fitness centre. Located fairly close to the old quarter of Plaka, it overlooks Constitution Square, with its traditional taverns, coffee shops and flea markets.

3 night price from £926 Includes Acropolis Museum tickets

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Barcelona

The 1992 Olympics took place across the Catalan city, with the Olympic Village set on the hillside of the verdant Montjuïc, which today remains one of Barcelona’s most attractive green spaces.

Miramar ***** Superior

The Miramar has a unique location on Montjuic hill, overlooking the city and a short taxi drive from the port. With over 8,000 square metres of gardens and an outdoor summer swimming pool, this is the perfect hotel for the summer months. All 75 bedrooms are stylishly furnished and most have their own terrace with views overlooking the gardens, the city or the sea. The spa and fitness centre is one of Barcelona’s best and has a sauna, Turkish bath and a heated indoor swimming pool.

3 night price from £730 in September & October

Rome

Classical Rome made an impressive setting for the 1960 Olympics, with marathon contestants running along the Appian Way to finish under the Arch of Constantine, and wrestling bouts taking place in the Roman Forum.

Capo d’Africa **** Superior

Located five minutes’ walk from the Colosseum, the Capo d’Africa is truly in the heart of ancient Rome. All 65 bedrooms are furnished with great taste in a very comfortable contemporary style. The attractive bar serves drinks and light snacks throughout the day, whilst a full buffet breakfast is available in the breakfast room on the third floor where you will also find a large summer terrace and solarium.

4 nights for the price of 3 all year - price from £736, saving £120 Includes entrance tickets to the Vatican museum & Sistne Chapel or Villa Borghese

Amsterdam

Amsterdam hosted the first Olympics to include a parade of nations and the lighting of an Olympic Flame in 1928 – notable medal winners included a future Norwegian king and Johnny Weissmuller, who achieved even greater fame as Tarzan.

The Grand Amsterdam ***** Deluxe

Formerly Amsterdam’s town hall, no expense has been spared in the decoration of the Grand’s elegant lounges, brasserie and 177 bedrooms.

The hotel has a restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and fitness room.

3 nights for the price of 21/2 for weekend stays all year - price from £815, saving £96 3 nights for the price of 2 from 6 November - 31 March - price from £676, saving £170 Includes entrance tickets to the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum

for reservations please contact your independent travel agent

Six of the Best Vineyards From Burgundy to Chianti and Sicily to La Rioja, one of the highlights of a holiday in Europe is an opportunity to visit a world-class wine-producer for a tasting, especially during the September harvest season. Many Kirker hotels are ideally situated for visiting vineyards, whilst a number of our favourite properties have their own wine estates. Ask one of our experts for more information on the wine regions in Italy, Spain and France and don’t forget that the Kirker Concierge can arrange cellar visits and wine tastings.

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

Chianti

Borgo Scopeto Relais **** Superior Set against a dramatic backdrop of rolling Chianti countryside, overlooking Siena, the 58 bedrooms offer spectacular views and facilities include two summer swimming pools, a restaurant and tennis courts, whilst the surrounding countryside is perfect for walking and cycling. Ask for details of wine tasting in the hotel’s own winery.

6 nights for the price of 5 from 1 September - 17 October - price from £1,135, saving £125

Jerez

Villa Jerez **** Superior

We are delighted to feature this charming hotel which is within walking distance of the old town, the Royal School of Equestrian Art and the iconic and lesser known boutique sherry bodegas.

Overlooking beautifully manicured gardens and an outdoor swimming pool, the hotel gives its guests a sense of staying in a private villa with cosy lounges and an attractive bar and restaurant serving Italian and Mediterranean cuisine; all leading onto the terrace and lawn beyond. The 18 bedrooms face the gardens or the pool and are individually decorated in a classical manor house style.

3 night price from £458

Burgundy

Château de Gilly **** Superior

Surrounded by the great wines of Burgundy, between Dijon and Beaune, Gilly has preserved its authentic 14th and 16th century character, reflected in its moats, gardens and vaulted dining room.

The 48 rooms and suites in the château and its two outbuildings of the same era are elaborately decorated and have preserved the tradition and character of this historical building. Many overlook the gardens, outdoor tennis court and summer swimming pool. There is a gastronomic restaurant in the original vaulted wine cellars and a brasserie with a terrace for summer dining.

4 nights for the price of 3 until 26 September - price from £697, saving £108 3 nights for the price of 2 from 27 September - price from £498, saving £91

Ribera del Duero

Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Spa **** Deluxe Zorita is a stylish hotel and spa located in the heart of one of Spain’s principal wine growing regions, Ribera del Duero, 10 minutes from the historic city of Salamanca. The hotel has thick stone walls and magnificent oak beams, which contrast beautifully with contemporary design in the 40 bedrooms. 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 £668, saving £66

La Rioja

Marques de Riscal ***** Deluxe

This is no ordinary hotel, designed by world renowned architect Frank Gehry of Guggenheim fame, it is situated within the vineyards of the Marques de Riscal’s 150 year old estate in the Rioja region of northern Spain. The design signifies the flow of wine and this theme continues through the hotel, particularly the Vinotherapie Spa which offers a variety of ‘wine therapy’ massages and treatments. Many of the bedrooms have large bay windows overlooking the vineyards and town of Elciego. There is a superb gastronomic restaurant and tours of the winery take place three times a day.

3 nights for the price of 2 for midweek stays all year - price from £629, saving £150

Salina, Sicily

Capofaro Resort **** Deluxe

An archipelago of active volcanic islands, the Aeolians are clustered just off the northeast corner of Sicily. This wonderful boutique retreat located just outside the main town of Santa Marina has a magnificent location on the cliffs of Salina. The hotel is situated in seven hectares of working Malvasia vineyard and overlooks the lighthouse (or Faro) from which it takes its name. There is a bar, an al fresco restaurant and an infinity swimming pool, whilst the 20 bedrooms all offer private terraces with spectacular views.

4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 September 15 October - price from £940, saving £102

for reservations please contact your independent travel agent

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Six of the Best Sea Views One of life’s great pleasures comes from drawing back the curtains of your hotel room to reveal a panoramic view of the sparkling sea below. Kirker’s range of recommended hotels includes a number of wonderful coastal properties which offer spectacular sea views, and al fresco terraces on which to relax over breakfast, dinner or an early evening aperitif.

Prices are based on rooms with a sea view – alternative rooms types available on request.

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

Elba

Villa Ottone **** Deluxe

The fascinating island of Elba is 10 miles off the Tuscan coast and is reached by ferry from Piombino. The privately-owned Villa Ottone is hidden away along the coast from Portoferraio, within its own treefilled park. It has 75 bedrooms, swimming pool, private beach and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those seeking peace and tranquillity, yet is also perfectly located for exploring the rest of the island.

3 night price from £989 including private transfers and ferry tickets

Cascais

Albatroz **** Superior

30 minutes from Lisbon, Cascais is an elegant seaside town with fine restaurants and two sandy beaches. The Albatroz has a wonderful location between the beaches. The 50 rooms are decorated with fine Portuguese furnishings and artwork and many have wonderful sea views. Light meals are served in the bar or on the terrace overlooking the bay and the highly regarded gastronomic restaurant offers delicious seafood. There is a pleasantly furnished and relaxing lounge and a salt water summer swimming pool.

3 night price from £884 in September 4 nights for the price of 3 in October - price from £845, saving £145

Greece

Grace Mykonos *****

This intimate, boutique hotel is located just north of Mykonos town, above the protected sandy beaches of Agios Stefanos and with spectacular views over the vivid blue Aegean Sea. It has just 31 bedrooms, decorated in brilliant white and accented with contemporary materials, fabrics and design – some have their own private plunge pools (supplement available on request). There is a gym, a spa and an outdoor swimming pool and sun deck with adjoining bar serving cocktails.

7 nights for the price of 6 from 7 September - price from £1,920, saving £255

Sicily

Verdura Resort ***** Deluxe

This Rocco Forte property is the most luxurious resort Sicily has seen.

Situated on the sea, 30 kilometres from the ancient Greek temples at Agrigento, it has 203 bedrooms, two 18 hole golf courses and a 9 hole course. There are several restaurants that cater for all tastes from fine dining to midday snacks on the private beach. The Health Club has five Thalassotherapy pools and there is also a large outdoor swimming pool and all guests have access to the private pebble beach.

Madeira

Quinta Bela Sao Tiago ****

This stylish hotel is located just five minutes’ walk from the heart of the old town. It is surrounded by five hectares of gardens with its own banana plantation and orchard and there are 62 air-conditioned bedrooms with balconies, all of which enjoy views of the bay. There is a restaurant and also a cocktail bar, which leads to the terrace overlooking the swimming pool, town and the ocean, where breakfast can be taken in fine weather.

Complimentary room upgrade for stays in September - 3 night price from £729 7 nights for the price of 6 in October - price from £998, saving £80

Biarritz

Radisson Blu **** Superior

The Radisson Blu is a stylish and modern hotel close to the centre of Biarritz and overlooking the Bay of Biscay. Its 150 rooms are all comfortable and many have views of the town and ocean. The main restaurant offers Basque and modern international cuisine. During the summer months, the roof terrace with its panoramic views, opens for evening cocktails in the bar and lighter, more casual dining is available al fresco at the rooftop restaurant. There is also a lobby bar, a rooftop outdoor summer swimming pool as well as a small spa.

3 night price from £649

4 nights for the price of 3 from 5 September - price from £1,140, saving £195

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3 nights for the price of 2 from 1 November - 31 December price from £449, saving £82 (valid for stays in city view rooms only)

for reservations please contact your independent travel agent

Six of the Best Cultural Tours & Music Holidays Our escorted Cultural Tours & Music Holidays consist of small exclusive groups in the company of an expert lecturer and are designed for those with an interest in history, art, gardens, architecture and music. For a copy of our dedicated brochure please speak to your independent travel agent.

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.

CYPRUS – THE ISLAND OF APHRODITE

IMAGES OF CUBA

AN EIGHT NIGHT HOLIDAY | 27 OCTOBER 2015 Cyprus, in common with many islands of the Mediterranean, has a long and fascinating history of conquest by Roman, Arab,Venetian and Ottoman rulers, each of which left a distinct legacy. Our tour includes both north and south Cyprus, and will visit Roman ruins at Famagusta and Salamis, Byzantine churches and monasteries and crusader castles at Kyrenia and Kolossi as well as the most important museums and galleries in Nicosia.

Late October is the perfect time to enjoy the island’s mild autumn climate.

A SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 14 JANUARY 2016 Based in Havana and Trinidad, we will explore the island’s cultural highlights, including the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the National Art Schools of Cuba (a grandiose project, dreamed up by Fidel and Che), and the Cuban National Ballet School. The tour is led by an expert local guide and will be escorted by one of Kirker’s most popular and experienced tour leaders, Siân Walters, who is passionate about Cuba. She studied History of Art at Selwyn College, Cambridge and, in a former career, was a profesional dancer.

Price from £1,998 for eight nights including six dinners and four lunches.

ART GALLERIES OF HOLLAND FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAYS 25 OCTOBER 2015, 17 APRIL & 19 JUNE 2016 Our tour begins with Amsterdam’s great trio of art museums – the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. We also visit the Hermitage, where treasures from the vast St. Petersburg collection are on display. The Hague’s Mauritshuis gallery has also been renovated recently, and here we will see important works by Vermeer.

We also visit the Kröller-Müller Museum near Arnhem. Amongst its rich collection of 19th and 20th century paintings are over 90 works by Van Gogh. Our tour is based at the at the 4* NH Museums Quarter Hotel.

Price from £1,378 for five nights including three dinners.

WINTER IN ST. PETERSBURG FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAYS 26 NOVEMBER & 23 DECEMBER 2015 Our holiday will include a full day sightseeing tour with visits to the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Church of the Spilled Blood, the Russian Museum and St Isaac’s Cathedral. A full day will be devoted to the Hermitage with some time to explore this treasure trove independently.

We will discover the legacy of Russia’s Tsars at three of St Petersburg’s imperial summer residences – the Catherine, Pavlovsk and Alexander Palaces. A visit to the matchless collection at the Fabergé Museum housed in the Shuvalov Palace. There will also be some free time for independent exploration.

Price from £1,498 for four nights including four dinners, one lunch and Russian visa service (supplements may apply for fast track or non-UK passport holders).

Price from £3,186 for seven nights including all dinners and five lunches.

THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL, TENERIFE A SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 30 JANUARY 2016 Christopher Monckton, one of Kirker’s most popular tour leaders, will lead our new Kirker Music Festival to the unspoilt and beautiful island of Tenerife.

Marcia Crayford, violin; Simon Rowland-Jones, viola; Moray Welsh, cello and Paul Janes, piano, will join us for a series of private concerts and there will also be an opportunity to attend a performance given as part of the annual Canary Islands Festival in Santiago Calatrava’s spectacular concert hall, the Auditorio de Tenerife overlooking the sea.

Our programme of sightseeing will also include perfectly preserved villages with colourful painted houses, pretty squares and churches, lush sub-tropical gardens and dramatic mountain drives.

Price from £2,395 for seven nights including seven dinners, four at Casa Abaco.

OPERA AT LA FENICE, VENICE FOUR NIGHT ESCORTED HOLIDAYS

26 October 2015, 25 January, 17 March & 11 April 2016 La Fenice is one of the world’s most historic opera houses. Originally built in 1790 it has twice burned down, and was reopened in 2003.

Our holiday will be based at the 4* Deluxe Monaco & Grand Hotel.

There will be three guided walking tours, with visits to the Accademia and the Ca’ Rezzonico. We will also visit a number of important churches. Operas being performed include La traviata, Tosca and Die Zauberflöte.

Price from £1,768 for four nights including two dinners and one first category opera ticket.

for reservations please contact your independent travel agent

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Winter Holidays Now is the perfect time to start planning a winter escape and Kirker offers a wide range of fascinating destinations for the winter months. Whether it is a short break to one of the atmospheric European Christmas markets, a holiday over the festive period itself, or perhaps a tailor-made holiday to search for the Northern Lights in Iceland or Scandinavia – your independent travel agent will help to plan the perfect solution to your winter wanderlust.

Northern Lights This winter is again expected to offer excellent conditions for viewing the spectacle of the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights. The best destinations to spot the phenomenon are northern Scandinavia and Iceland, where Kirker’s excellent local guides will give you the highest possible chance of seeing the lights in action. Our range of accommodation includes comfortable city hotels, rustic cabins and lodges, the spectacular Ice Hotel in Lapland and Hurtigruten ships on the Norwegian coast. Speak to your independent travel agent for a tailor-made quotation.

Borg **** Superior, Reykjavik This stylish Art Deco hotel overlooks the central square and has a quirky contemporary twist. Its ‘Silfur’ restaurant has an outstanding reputation and is one of Reykjavik’s most popular dining venues. The 56 rooms are decorated to a very high standard.

Price from £1,197 per person including return flights, return private transfers, 3 nights accommodation with breakfast, Hunt for the Northern Lights excursion, full day ‘super jeep’ excursion to the Golden Circle with an English-speaking driver/ guide, Kirker Guide Notes and the services of the Kirker Concierge to arrange private guided tours, or to reserve a table at a recommended restaurant.

Christmas Markets Kirker offers a range of short breaks to Europe’s most atmospheric Christmas Markets which take place across Central and Eastern Europe from late November onwards. Popular destinations include Berlin, Munich, Prague and Budapest, and there are also wonderful markets accessible by Eurostar in Bruges, Paris, Brussels and Lille. Speak to your independent travel agent for more details of market opening dates to request a copy of our Christmas Markets mini-brochure.

K+K Maria Theresia **** Superior, Vienna From 14 November until Christmas Eve,Vienna’s town hall square hosts an atmospheric market with carol-singing choirs, festive delicacies and hand-crafted gifts. This excellent hotel is the perfect base, with contemporary furnishings and warm hospitality. There is a bright breakfast room, a lounge and bar, 123 bedrooms and a wellness centre. The Volkstheatre, Museums Quartier and the town hall square with its Christmas Market are less than 15 minutes’ walk.

4 nights for the price of 3 for Sunday arrivals from 1 November - 23 December - price from £599, saving £75, including flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge.

CHRISTMAS IN DRESDEN A FIVE NIGHT ESCORTED HOLIDAY | 22 DECEMBER 2015

Our new Christmas holiday includes two performances at the Semper Opera – Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker on Christmas Day and Humperdinck’s Hansel und Gretel on Boxing Day. There will also be visits to Meissen, the Frauenkirche, the Green Vaults and the Zwinger Gallery whose collection of Old Masters was assembled by The Elector of Saxony, Augustus the Strong and his son, Augustus III. We stay at the 4* Hotel Steigenberger de Saxe in the heart of Dresden, and will have a special Christmas lunch at the Kempinski Taschenbergpalais Hotel.

Price £1,940 per person for five nights including return flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, three dinners, two lunches, first category tickets for two performances, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of a local guide and the Kirker Tour Leader.

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

Subject to availability.