S02 TB0802 News 1_Layout 1 06/02/2013 12:14 Page 8
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ileen orker E w e m o as h th? What h p to this mon u n e be
UST RECENTLY, along with a number of my Travel Counsellor colleagues, I was given the opportunity to preview the “ View from the Shard” in London before its official opening to the public on 1st February. This new landmark building at 310m (1,016ft) high is the tallest building in Western Europe and the viewing platforms on floors 69 and 72 offer the very best views of the London skyline. Despite the fact that it was a dull overcast day when I visited, the views were still very good. You get the most amazing 360 degrees, 64km (40-mile) view of the city and beyond. At level 72, the highest public viewing level, you are exposed to the elements but surprisingly on a very cold January day it wasn’t as cold up there as I’d thought and I spent some considerable time excitably picking out recognisable buildings. Famous landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London and even Tower 42 and the Gherkin are all totally dwarfed by the Shard. It was just possible to make out the Wembley Arch and the Thames Barrier in the distance and I found it fascinating to see the railway lines cutting their way through South London into London Bridge Station below. Work is still taking place on the Shard and when it’s finally completed, it will have offices, luxury apartments and restaurants as well as a new ShangriLa Hotel on the 34th-52nd floor. The area around London Bridge has had a major revamp in recent years and now has some really good places to eat, drink and shop dotted around unique historical locations such as Butler’s Wharf, Hay’s Galleria, Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral. The “View from the Shard” promises to be a very popular tourist attraction and booking in advance is recommended as well as being cheaper. Visitors get a timed entry but can stay as long as they like. London is one of the most wonderful cities in the world and I really enjoyed this unique opportunity of seeing it as I’d never seen it before.
J
Olympic adds new Greece & Cyprus hotels in Summer Sun 2013 brochure OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS has launched its second edition Summer Sun 2013 brochure with new hotel and self-catering properties in Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and other popular summer sun destinations. New Cyprus product includes the So White Boutique Suites and So Nice Boutique suites, sister four-star properties with high-quality bungalow suites located close to Agia Napa. Major renovations on Cyprus for this year include the rebirth of the Apollonia Beach Hotel in Limassol in April, as the Royal Apollonia Beach Hotel following an upgrade of its 205rooms and public areas. The Alexander The Great Beach Hotel in Paphos will also re-open next month following a major reworking of the swimming pool area, the public rooms and the 202-guest rooms and bathrooms. Also in Paphos, the Louis King Jason Apartments has completed its two-year makeover, while on Crete, the Louis Creta Princess Hotel on Maleme Bay will soon feature a new water park, a renovated kids’ pool and a new playground. Early bookers (before April 30) are offered discounts of up to £3,890 per person at selected hotels, while discounts for single travellers at a range of properties are also available. Two weeks for the price of one are also offered at selected properties and group bookings qualify for up to one free place in 15. Prices lead in at £239 per person for a seven-night selfcatering holiday at a selection of Corfu apartments, with 14night holidays leading in at £289. For details call 0844-499 4449 or visit www.olympicholidays.com
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WEBSCLUSIVES ●
WIN A FAM TRIP TO FLORIDA! Have you ever dreamt of year-round sunshine, soft sand and clear waters? If so, now is your chance to experience this by winning a place on one of Funway’s fantastic FAM trips to the Florida beaches, travelling in May/June! For more details, go to www.travelbulletin.co.uk/funway
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Make sure you complete this week’s Crossword, sponsored by Jet2holidays, for the chance to win £50 in Love2Shop vouchers. Just fill in the Crossword on Page 11 of this edition, and then submit the mystery location along with your contact details via our website on www.travelbulletin.co.uk/competitions.
All this and more at: by EILEEN SAUNDERS of Travel Counsellors To respond to any of Eileen’s comments email jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk
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