Take 6 - Special Offers and Short Breaks for Autumn & Winter 2018

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Autumn is my favourite time of year to escape for a revitalising short break – whether it is late summer sunshine, delicious cuisine and fine wines, a night at the opera, or a new exhibition – perhaps Tintoretto in Venice, Bruegel in Vienna, Picasso in Paris, Dutch Masters in The Hague or Leonardo in Florence, we have selected some of the very best destinations to tempt you. From classic cities to relaxing countryside hotels, there should be something to inspire you to travel in the coming months.

Looking further ahead, we have also included ideas for Christmas holidays – now is the time to book if you would like to escape the usual festive routine – and a selection of our favourite destinations where you can enjoy restorative winter sunshine; from Israel, Jordan and Oman, to India, Sri Lanka and South Africa. We have also selected some of the best Cultural Tours & Music Holidays, including several in early 2019, and six personal favourites chosen by members of the Kirker team.

We look forward to hearing from you soon – call 020 7593 2283 to speak to an expert.

Ted Wake - Joint MD & Director of Sales & Marketing

Budapest

P.S. If you have a special occasion approaching next year, see the back page for six of the best ways to celebrate in style.

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

Copenhagen

71 Nyhavn **** Superior This famous hotel has a fabulous location right on the historical Nyhavn harbour which is lined with bars, cafés and restaurants with al fresco tables overlooking the canal.

The hotel is housed within two former warehouses and there are 130 rooms in total, a cosy lobby bar and a new Asian restaurant.

Stockholm

Nobis ***** Superior Two historic buildings on Stockholm’s finest square, the Nobis combines tradition with a contemporary Scandinavian aesthetic, there are 201 modern bedrooms and several restaurants.

A stylish lounge with 25 metre high ceilings is at the heart of the hotel.

3 night price from £788

4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 October - 28 December - price from £896, saving £120

3 night price from £994

Includes entrance to the Rijksmuseum

Includes a 3hr private walking tour

Classic Cities Rural Retreats Autumn Sunshine Exhibitions Wine Regions Alternative City Breaks Personal Favourites Winter Sunshine Christmas Holidays Cultural Tours Special Occasions

3 night price from £680 from 1 September - 31 October including a complimentary dinner 3 nights for the price of 2 from 1 November - 30 March 2019 - price from £493, saving £97 AD

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All prices shown are per person sharing a double room, include special offers as applicable and are subject to availability.

Prices are correct at time of publication: August 2018. For booking conditions please see www.kirkerholidays.com.

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Includes a 48hr museum pass, Seine cruise and carnet of Métro tickets

Six of the Best...

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3 nights for the price of 2 from 22 October 29 December - price from £743, saving £208

Index

Perugia

Brufani Palace **** Deluxe This historic hotel is located in the heart of mediaeval Perugia, one of Umbria’s most beautiful hill towns.

The spacious halls have high, painted ceilings, original parquet floors, great stone fireplaces, grand chandeliers and antique furniture. The 94 rooms and suites are all traditional in style and have the atmosphere of an old fashioned town house.

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Paris

Pavillon de la Reine **** Deluxe This historic, ivy-clad property is located in the heart of the Marais district, between the Musée Picasso and the Opéra Bastille. The hotel has 54 beautifully furnished rooms overlooking tranquil courtyards just off the elegant Place des Vosges, within a few steps of independent bookshops, stylish boutiques, and some of the Kirker Concierge’s favourite Parisian bistros.

Speak to an expert: 020

Budapest

The Prestige **** Superior Housed within a 19th century neo-classical town house, at the heart of this hotel is an impressive inner courtyard where balconies look down onto the spacious lobby. There are 85 bedrooms and a Michelinstarred restaurant.

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Amsterdam

NH Collection Doelen ***** Superior Dating from the 17th century, the Doelen stands in a central location where the Kloveniersburgwal canal meets the Amstel River. The 81 bedrooms are filled with light and some enjoy picturesque canal views.

The breakfast room and restaurant overlook the Amstel.

4 nights for the price of 3 for Sunday arrivals from 18 September - 10 December price from £997, saving £210

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Six of the Best Rural Retreats

We have selected six of our favourite rural retreats for the autumn, including some exceptional special offers, particularly during October. The Chianti region of Tuscany is perhaps one of the most beautiful countryside areas in Europe, but we can also recommend less well-known destinations including two unique castle hotels in Austria and Slovenia, whilst Puglia, Mallorca and the Costa Brava offer warm autumn sunshine and delicious cuisine, without their summer crowds.

Prices are per person and include flights, car hire, accommodation with breakfast, and the services of the Kirker Concierge.

Please note that outdoor swimming pools are weather dependent and may close during October. Please check at the time of reservation.

Puglia

Chianti

Villa San Martino **** Deluxe

Borgo Scopeto Relais **** Superior

This small, privately-owned hotel is located 90 minutes from Bari airport and just a few minutes’ by taxi from the old town of Martina Franca and sits amongst mature gardens. There are just 23 bedrooms, all decorated with local antiques and custom-made silks and damasks.

Some are in the main villa and others are in the annexe by the beautiful swimming pool.

There is an Oriental style wellness centre and a restaurant serving variations on typical regional cuisine.

Set against a dramatic backdrop of rolling countryside and overlooking the city of Siena, this property is the perfect place to escape to for peace and tranquillity. The 58 bedrooms are scattered among eight buildings, all of which offer spectacular views and are decorated in warm colours. ‘La Tinaia’ serves a variety of cuisine including olive oil produced on the estate and wines from their own vineyard.There are two outdoor swimming pools, two tennis courts and a small wellness centre offering a wide range of treatments. Ask for details of wine tasting in the hotel’s own winery.

4 nights for the price of 3 from 26 August 28 December - price from £695, saving £79

Salzkammergut

4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 - 14 October - price from £899, saving £154 3 nights for the price of 2 from 15 - 31 October - price from £696, saving £133

Slovenia

Schloss Fuschl ***** Deluxe

Castle Otocec ***** Superior

This romantic castle lies in its own parkland and has beautiful views of the peaceful Fuschlsee and its surrounding mountains, but is just 30 minutes from Salzburg. Facilities include a luxury spa designed in a ‘Fin de Siecle’ style with indoor pools and an outdoor sauna. The gastronomic restaurant serves superb Eurasian cuisine, whilst the 16th century vaulted ‘Schloss Bar & Restaurant’ serves Austrian specialities.

The ‘Vinotek’ vaulted cellar has an extensive selection including rare Bordeaux and Austrian wines.

The Schloss Fuschl has 94 rooms plus six private lakeside cottages and all are beautifully furnished.

This stylish Relais & Châteaux property is located in a fascinating historic castle on an island in the middle of the Krka river. The 12th century building has been beautifully and sympathetically restored using expert craftsmen with a great flair for combining traditional materials with striking contemporary design. Located just one hour from both Ljubljana and Zagreb, guests should stay for three nights and be sure to book a table at their gastronomic restaurant. All 16 rooms have modern bathrooms and river or garden views. Why not combine with a few nights in Ljubljana or Zagreb?

Speak to an expert for a tailor-made itinerary.

5 nights for the price of 4 until 31 October - price from £1,198, saving £200

Mallorca

3 night price from £698

Costa Brava

Mar I Vent ***

Mas de Torrent ***** Deluxe

This small, traditional hotel has been run by three generations of the Vives family since 1931 and is located in the delightful small village of Banyalbufar in the Tramuntana Mountains, approximately 45 minutes from Palma. The 29 rooms are simply furnished in traditional style and all have balconies and views of the sea. There is a large terrace and swimming pool and a restaurant which is open every day for dinner.

This is a friendly and affordable base from which to explore the most picturesque parts of the island.

Located in the Emporda region of the Costa Brava in a delightful rural setting, this is one of Spain’s most beautiful countryside hotels. It is perfectly situated as a base to explore the beaches of Aiguablava and Palafrugell which are 10 kilometres away, and Barcelona is an hour.

A member of Relais & Châteaux, it is made up of the main building which is a restored 18th century farmhouse and five further buildings.

There are 39 bedrooms, many have terraces and seven have private swimming pools. The gastronomic restaurant is among the best in the region and there is an additional informal restaurant on the terrace by the swimming pool.

3 night price from £629

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4 nights for the price of 3 for Sunday arrivals from 1 October - price from £954, saving £182

Expert advice & reservations: telephone 020 7593 2283,

Six of the Best for Autumn Sunshine

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, Portugal, Greece, Malta – and Gibraltar – to enjoy late summer sun and warm autumn holidays.

Prices are per person and include flights or Eurostar, private transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing (except Gibraltar and Crete), and the services of the Kirker Concierge to book private guides, concert, opera and ballet tickets or reserve a table for dinner.

Please note that outdoor swimming pools are weather dependent and may close during October. Please check at the time of reservation.

Madeira

Casa Velha Do Palheiro ***** Built in the early 19th century, the Casa Velha is a luxurious country house hotel set in subtropical gardens in the hills east of Funchal.

Access to the famous Blandy’s garden surrounding their private residence is a rare treat for garden enthusiasts. A member of Relais & Châteaux, there are 37 bedrooms situated within three separate buildings. The intimate restaurant serves traditional Portuguese dishes and there is also a lighter menu served in the bar. In addition to the award-winning golf course, there are tennis and badminton courts, a heated outdoor swimming pool and a spa with an indoor pool.

3 night price from £795

Valletta

Sicily

Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay **** Superior

In a truly unique position in the Baia delle Sirene, the Grand Hotel Atlantis Bay is built into the cliffs providing guests in all of the 83 rooms with views of the sea from their private balcony or terrace.

The hotel is decorated in Mediterranean style with maritime features playing on the seafront location. Guests can swim from a platform in the private bay or in the outdoor seawater swimming pool. The restaurant offers fresh seafood and local flavours with wonderful views from the veranda, shared with the piano bar. Treatments are available in the recently added spa. The cable car to the centre of Taormina is only a few minutes away.

5 nights for the price of 4 from 23 September - 10 November - price from £1,380, saving £235 including half board

Capri

The Phoenicia **** Deluxe

Caesar Augustus ***** Deluxe

Situated at the gateway to Valletta, The Phoenicia has a majestic setting overlooking Marsamxetto Harbour and reopened in Summer 2017 after a painstaking renovation. Guests are footsteps away from St. John’s Cathedral, with its Caravaggio masterpiece, the Grand Master’s Palace and the War Museum. The 136 bedrooms are pleasantly furnished, some have harbour views and all have recently been renovated in a comfortable, contemporary style. The Phoenicia has a wonderful Colonial feel with its large domed Palm Court lounge, fine dining restaurant, brasserie and veranda bar overlooking the lush terraced gardens and outdoor heated swimming pool below.

Perched on the cliff, 300 metres above the sea in Anacapri, this privatelyowned hotel commands one of the most spectacular views on the island.

When the Romans established a private home on this site, they took immense trouble to choose the location. The property is a member of Relais & Châteaux and is now one of the best small hotels in Capri with 45 rooms in the main hotel, plus 10 suites in the villa. There is a two Michelin-starred restaurant and another with one Michelin-star, a stylish infinity swimming pool, and terrace offering wonderful views of the sunset across the Bay of Naples.

3 night price from £797

Gibraltar

3 nights for the price of 2 during October - price from £1,198, saving £300 Includes ferry crossing and private car transfers

Crete

The Rock **** Deluxe

Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites ***** Superior

Dating back to the 1930s, yet recently refurbished, The Rock has retained its Art Deco design, Colonial interiors and relaxed Mediterranean feel. The 104 bedrooms all have views taking in the Spanish mainland and the Straits, with Africa and the Pillars of Hercules visible on the horizon. The restaurant has a wisteria adorned summer terrace and the light and spacious lobby lounge bar and terrace is open for drinks, light meals and afternoon tea.

The hotel’s large outdoor swimming pool is located in its own secluded garden.

This privately-owned hotel consists of 18 stylish villas with their own private pool and 10 luxurious suites. It is a member of ‘Small Luxury Hotels’ and stands on the hillside, overlooking the gulf of Mirabello, 70 kilometres from Heraklion airport. The traditional fishing village of Elounda is 2 kilometres away. The one and two bedroom suites feature elegant furnishings and each has a balcony or terrace with sea or garden views. The two and three bedroom villas have a comfortable living room with working fireplace and kitchen. The hotel has an excellent restaurant and a bar which overlooks the glorious infinity swimming pool.

3 night price from £596 Includes a private walking tour with an expert local guide

5 nights for the price of 4 until 31 October: - price £1,429 in September, saving £195 - price from £998 in October, saving £125

email travel@kirkerholidays.com or visit www.kirkerholidays.com

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Six of the Best Exhibitions If you need a reason to treat yourself to a short break this autumn, one of the latest exhibitions is sure to inspire you.

The Kirker Concierge has hand-picked his recommendations below – including major shows devoted to Leonardo, Tintoretto, Bruegel and Picasso – but we would be delighted to arrange tickets to any museum or art gallery of your choice, and don’t forget to ask about a private tour with an expert Kirker guide, the best way to appreciate any museum collection.

Prices are per person and include flights or Eurostar, return transfers, accommodation with breakfast, entrance to the exhibitions described, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge to book concert, ballet or opera tickets as required.

Kunsthistorisches - Vienna

Mauritshuis - The Hague

To mark the 450th anniversary of one of the greatest Flemish painters, Vienna will host the world’s first exhibition dedicated to Pieter Bruegel the Elder this autumn. Featuring international loans to complement the Habsburg collection of 12 Bruegel panels, this promises to be one of the outstanding exhibitions of recent years.

Peaking in the 18th century, British landowners enthusiastically collected Dutch paintings to display in their country houses. This unique exhibition brings together the finest masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age from National Trust properties across England.

‘Bruegel’ 2 October 2018 – 13 January 2019

Grand Hotel Wien ***** Superior

The Tower of Babel, after 1563?

Pieter Bruegel the Elder

This fine hotel stands on the Karntner Ring and has 205 bedrooms, a Michelinstarred rooftop restaurant and a Viennese ‘Grand Café’.

3 nights for the price of 2 and a complimentary room upgrade from 28 Oct - 25 Nov & 3 Jan 31 Mar 2019 - price from £795, saving £208

Des Indes ***** Deluxe Located on a leafy square in the heart of the city, just 30 minutes from Amsterdam airport, this famous hotel was built in 1858 for King William III’s personal advisor. There are 92 bedrooms, a lounge bar and restaurant, and a spa with an indoor swimming pool.

3 night price from £876

Includes entrance to the Kunsthistorisches Museums

Includes entrance to the Mauritshuis

Doge’s Palace - Venice

Paris - Musée d’Orsay & Musée Picasso

‘Tintoretto 1519-1594’ 7 September 2018 – 6 January 2019

Celebrating 500 years since the birth of the Venetian painter Jacopo Tintoretto, the Doge’s Palace has brought together 50 paintings from New York, London, Paris, Madrid, Vienna and Berlin to complement his famous cycles visible in their original position.

Doge’s Palace

American Dinesen *** Superior In spite of its name, this characterful hotel is a stylish 3* property that has been a Kirker favourite for over 25 years. With just 27 rooms it is located two minutes’ walk from the Accademia Bridge, overlooking a picturesque canal.

3 night price from £859

‘Picasso’ September 2018 – January 2019

Two simultaneous exhibitions in Paris celebrate Pablo Picasso this autumn: at the Musée d’Orsay, “Picasso. Blue and Rose” (18 Sep 2018 - 6 Jan 2019) will bring together works from the period 1900-1906 alongside those of contemporaries including Degas, Toulouse-Lautrec and Gauguin. Meanwhile “Masterpieces” (4 September – 13 January 2019) showcases the artist’s famous later works at the Musée Picasso.

Le Sénat *** Deluxe

Located in St. Germain-des-Prés, Le Sénat is a stylish boutique hotel located next to the Luxembourg Gardens. There are 41 bedrooms, many have balconies or terraces with impressive views across the city, and a cosy bar.

3 night price from £698 in September & October

Includes water taxi transfers & entrance to the Doge’s Palace

Includes a 48hr Museum Pass, Seine cruise and carnet of metro tickets

Diva Museum - Antwerp

Florence - Uffizi Gallery

More than 80% of the world’s diamond trade passes through Antwerp, and the city has now unveiled a compact but innovative museum dedicated to diamonds, silverwork and jewellery – why not also visit the Cathedral of Our Lady, home to three magnificent Rubens paintings.

T’Sandt **** Superior In the heart of the historic city centre, walking distance from the museum, the T’Sandt is a 17th century mansion with 29 rooms decorated in a classical style with light colours and fabrics.

Armband, 1860 © Dominique Provost

3 night price from £506

Includes entrance to the Diva Museum

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‘Dutch Masters from British Country Houses’ 11 October 2018 – 6 January 2019

‘Leonardo da Vinci’ 29 October 2018 – 20 January 2019

This summer the Uffizi unveiled new rooms devoted to Michelangelo, Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci, including his recently-restored Adoration of the Magi. To mark the 500th anniversary of Leonardo’s death in 2019, his 72 page Codex Leicester, containing sketches and notes on water and the environment, has been loaned from the personal collection of Bill Gates.

Degli Orafi **** Superior

This beautiful hotel is located just a few steps from the Uffizi Gallery and has 42 rooms, a bar and terrace with panoramic views of the city.

4 nights for the price of 3 in September & October - price from £1,066, saving £205 3 nights for the price of 2 in November & December - price from £723, saving £136 Includes entrance to the Uffizi Gallery

Expert advice & reservations: telephone 020 7593 2283,

Six of the Best Wine Regions Whether you are an expert oenophile or an enthusiastic amateur, a visit to one of our wine hotels can be the perfect way to unwind. October is the grape harvest season in most parts of Europe, so there is no better time to experience the atmosphere of a vineyard in full swing – and we have selected some of the best hotels, in regions from Champagne, Rioja and Provence, to Valpolicella, the Douro Valley and the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily.

Prices are per person and include flights or Eurostar, car hire, accommodation with breakfast, and the services of the Kirker Concierge.

The Douro Valley

Valpolicella

This charming property is one of the oldest and most scenic wineries in the Douro region and is located on the northern side of the river just under two hours by car from Oporto. In the original manor house, as well as six bedrooms (there are just 11 in total) you will find two large living rooms with a bar, wine shop and the hotel’s renowned restaurant. There is a swimming pool, walking and cycling trails, and guests can explore the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process – and of course, sample the local red, white and port wines.

Close to Lake Garda and just half an hour from Verona the Valpolicella wine region produces the sought-after Amarone, amid countryside dotted with castles and Romanesque churches. This handsome country hotel has 23 bedrooms, a chapel dating from the 1400s and a swimming pool. It also produces its own wines which can be enjoyed in the tasting room or chef Giuseppe D’Aquino’s Michelin starred restaurant, Oseleta

Quinta Nova Luxury Winery House **** Deluxe

3 night price from £876 including a vineyard tour and wine tasting

La Rioja

Eguren Ugarte **** Deluxe

Spain’s most prestigious wine region, La Rioja is also a fascinating destination for a short break, with spectacular natural scenery, picturesque traditional villages, and – of course – excellent wineries, many of which are open to visitors. Eguren Ugarte is a family-run winery dating from 1870 and is one of the most well-respected in La Rioja. The hotel has an unusual exposed–brick design complete with a lookout tower and a 2,000 metre network of underground cellars.

Furnished in a modern style, the 21 rooms provide panoramic views of the vineyards, and there are two restaurants including the gastronomic ‘Victorino Eguren’ where advance reservations are essential.

3 night price from £646 including a complimentary wine tour and tasting

Sicily

Monaci delle Terre Nere (a superior country house hotel)

Lovingly converted into a boutique hotel on the lower slopes of Mount Etna, this estate was originally a Saint Anne’s monastery; the name ‘Monaci delle Terre Nere’ means ‘the monks of the black soil’.

As well as the views to the peak of Etna to the west, several terraces face the Straits of Messina to the east. There are 20 bedrooms, spread over several small buildings, and the acclaimed restaurant uses food produced on the surrounding farm and the wine is mostly Sicilian; the chef is happy to offer cookery lessons to extol the virtues of their methods. Enjoy a walk through the wine estate with the expert sommelier, before returning to relax in the small infinity swimming pool.

3 night price from £834

Villa Cordevigo *****

4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 October 31 December - price from £639, saving £122

Reims

Grand Hôtel des Templiers **** Superior

Now just 45 minutes by train from Paris, Reims is the gateway to the Champagne region and also a historic city in its own right, with a splendid cathedral where the kings of France were once crowned.

The Grand Hôtel des Templiers is a charming little hotel located in the centre of Reims, just a short walk from the cathedral, and tastefully decorated throughout with antiques. The 17 bedrooms continue the 19th century appeal and are attractively decorated with period furniture and bold print wall coverings.

There is a lounge bar and an indoor swimming pool with sauna and hammam.

Speak to the Kirker Concierge for details of champagne tours in the surrounding countryside, or nearby Epernay.

3 nights for the price of 2 from 1 October 31 December - price from £599, saving £125

Aix-en-Provence Le Pigonnet **** Deluxe

Famous for its delicious rosé wines, Provence is also home to some excellent red wines, and the best base from which to explore the region is Cézanne’s beloved Aix-en-Provence. A delightful familyowned hotel, Le Pigonnet is an 18th century Provençale country house, surrounded by tranquil gardens yet just 800 metres from the Cours Mirabeau in the centre of the city. The gardens were an inspiration to Cézanne who painted one of his views of ‘Montagne Sainte-Victoire’ here in 1890. The gastronomic restaurant, ‘La table du Pigonnet’ has an excellent reputation and there is a charming lounge with an open fire, a champagne bar and 48 bedrooms decorated in a typical Provençal style.

3 nights for the price of 2 until 31 December - price from £787, saving £154 Includes a half day wine tour of the Côtes de Provence region.

email travel@kirkerholidays.com or visit www.kirkerholidays.com

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Six of the Best Alternative City Breaks For those in search of a new destination to explore, we can highly recommend some of the less-visited cities in Europe where you can walk through authentic neighbourhoods, visit blissfully quiet museums, and enjoy delicious local cuisine in restaurants where locals still outnumber tourists. Some of these cities possess art, architecture and vibrant cultural scenes to rival their more famous neighbours – but the locals have simply kept their secret more effectively.

Prices are per person and include flights or Eurostar, private transfers (except Ghent), accommodation with breakfast, and the services of the Kirker Concierge to book private guides, concert, opera and ballet tickets or reserve a table for dinner.

Ghent

Harmony **** Deluve One of the great art cities of Northern Europe – don’t miss Van Eyck’s ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ at St Bavo’s Cathedral – Ghent is just 45 minutes by train from Brussels and offers the discerning visitor an array of galleries, museums and excellent restaurants. The privately-owned Harmony is an intimate and luxurious hotel located on a quiet canal in the oldest neighbourhood in Ghent. The two historic buildings that make up the hotel stand either side of a tranquil courtyard garden where drinks are served in fine weather. There are just 40 bedrooms, many have views of the canal or the rooftops, and a stylish bar.

3 night price from £521

Ferrara

Montpellier

Grand Hotel du Midi **** Superior A lively, authentic French city which offers autumn sunshine, the excellent Musée Fabré – don’t miss the works by local impressionist Frédéric Bazille – and a host of vibrant local bars and restaurants which spill out onto its atmospheric squares and streets. The location of this newly restored hotel could not be better – next door to the Opera house and the iconic Place de la Comédie. The original Art Deco façade has been retained, whilst the lobby, lounge, breakfast room and 44 rooms have all been renovated in a modern style with classical touches.

3 night price from £632

Zagreb

Ferrara ****

The walled city of Ferrara is just 40 minutes from Bologna airport, and an hour by train from Florence, yet few visitors venture as far as this perfectly-formed Renaissance masterpiece. Under the patronage of the powerful Este dynasty, Ferrara gained spectacular monuments and the Hotel Ferrara is ideally situated to explore them. The 14th century Castello Estense is virtually next door; Teatro Communale, the cathedral and the Museum of Natural History are also close by. There are 58 bedrooms and all are comfortably furnished in a modern style – some have a direct view of the castle.

Esplanade ***** Deluxe

One of Europe’s least well-known capitals, Zagreb was long part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and then the greater Yugoslavia, before being reborn as Croatia’s seat of government. It is a wonderful short break destination with grand architecture still reminiscent of Vienna and Budapest – this Art Nouveau landmark was built in 1925 for discerning travellers disembarking from the Paris to Istanbul OrientExpress. The hotel has 208 rooms, a large terrace for alfresco dining (which becomes a picturesque ice rink in winter), an excellent restaurant, brasserie and the atmospheric ‘Esplanade 1925’ bar.

3 night price from £693

Trieste

Savoia Excelsior Palace ***** Superior

A fascinating alternative to nearby Venice, Trieste has a distinctly central European air, with historic bookshops, grand cafés and elegant boulevards. Set in a prime position on the waterfront, this 19th century hotel is the best in town. It has 144 comfortable rooms, spacious public areas decorated in Belle Epoque style and an excellent location adjacent to Piazza dell’Unita d’Italia where many of Trieste’s museums are located, you can achieve everything on a discerning traveller’s wish list within easy walking distance. There is also a bar and an excellent restaurant.

3 night price from £598

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3 night price from £736

Coimbra

Quinta das Lagrimas **** Deluxe

Located between Lisbon and Oporto, Coimbra is a charming university town with Roman origins and a UNESCO-protected mediaeval city centre. Quinta das Lagrimas is set in its own wooded estate, a 15 minute walk across the river from the old town, and combines an 18th century royal retreat with some more modern additions – a total of 54 bedrooms. The restaurant serves delicious dishes using local ingredients and there is a second restaurant next to the Bamboo Garden Spa that serves lighter Mediterranean lunches. There is an outdoor swimming pool and a golf academy with par three course and driving range.

3 night price from £773, saving £92

Expert advice & reservations: telephone 020 7593 2283,

Six of the Best Personal Favourites Our expert reservations consultants regularly travel to a wide range of destinations to visit hotels, and research museums, galleries and restaurants so that we can offer the most up-to-date advice and recommendations. For the latest destination reports visit www.kirkerholidays.com, or call us for first hand advice.

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.

Lisbon

Lake Orta

by Reuben Singer

by Daniel French

reuben.singer@kirkerholidays.com Swirling black and white patterns adorn the intricately cobbled pavements along the bustling Avenida Liberdade, which divides the city neatly in two. My first trip to Lisbon was in winter, and even occasional rain could not dampen the appeal – it simply meant that we spent more time enjoying wonderfully fresh seafood and local wine in the restaurants and exploring museums such as the fabulous Gulbenkian Collection. This is a city so full of life all year round – I cannot wait to start planning my next visit – and will make a day trip to Sintra and Cascais.

3 night price from £618 in winter, staying at the Lisboa Plaza (4* Superior)

Andalucia

by Andrea Horvath andrea.horvath@kirkerholidays.com Most people stay in Granada and Seville, but Cordoba, is a ‘must-see’ if you are looking for the real Andalucia. I stayed at the Hotel Palacio del Bailio, a 16th century building with Roman ruins still visible beneath the courtyard. It is about 15 minutes to the Mezquita – the largest temple built in Muslim Spain. Step into its lovely courtyard with orange and cypress trees, and then, entering the vast chamber, you are surrounded by more than 850 columns and arches.Visit in the morning as it is much quieter – and from 08:30-10:00 entry is free – but do treat yourself to a private Kirker guide.

3 nights for the price of 2 from 4 November - 20 December at the Palacio del Bailio, Córdoba (4* Deluxe) - price from £724, saving £122

Vienna

by Murray Mitchell murray.mitchell@kirkerholidays.com We headed straight for the Schönbrunn Palace, the former Habsburg summer residence, sometimes called the Austrian Versailles. It has 1,441 rooms, and whilst only a fraction of them are open, it’s enough to get an impression – every surface is covered with a combination of gold leaf, frescoes, enamel and crystal chandeliers. Not bad for a hunting lodge. It really is not to be missed when planning a trip to Vienna. There can be long queues here though, even early in the morning, so it is vital to ask the Kirker Concierge to book fast-track tickets in advance.

3 night price from £748, staying at the Hotel Imperial (5* Deluxe)

daniel.french@kirkerholidays.com The real gem of the Italian Lakes has to be Lake Orta. Those in the know will stay at Casa Fantini, a new jewel in the town of Pella, where local restaurants spill out along the cobbled streets overlooking the lake. We recommend the rooms with large balconies and a view of Isola San Giulio and its Benedictine monastery but even outside of summer you can enjoy the views from the windows of the spacious suites.

With only eleven rooms, Casa Fantini is definitely one to book well in advance but please keep this treasure to yourself...

4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 October onwards at the Casa Fantini (5* Deluxe) - price from £960, saving £164

Paris

by Barbara Janicka barbara.janicka@kirkerholidays.com Le Pont Royal is located in St Germain-des-Prés – a famous Parisian haunt of Hemingway, Miller and Sartre. The hotel is still popular, not just for the Signature bar – that has long attracted popular writers and intellectuals, but also for Joel Robuchon’s restaurant (2 Michelin stars – don’t forget to ask the Kirker Concierge to book a table before you travel). And what a surprise it was for me to discover that the author of one of my favourite childhood books lived here (if you like “The Little Prince” you will know who I mean).

3 nights for the price of 2 from 1 November - 31 March 2019 at the Pont Royal (4* Superior) - price from £679, saving £170

île de Ré

by Enrique Novella enrique.novella@kirkerholidays.com My abiding memory of the Ile de Ré is of sandy beaches coming into view whilst crossing the bridge from La Rochelle. Hotel De Toiras provides the perfect base, with its courtyard restaurant, elegant rooms and the fishing harbour of Saint-Martin-deRé on your doorstep. Although you can explore the island by foot, the best way is by bicycle: your route might take in the coastal path past oyster fishermen and return through rambling vineyards – but make sure you allow a pit-stop for an ice cream at La Martinière, there is a queue in all seasons.

3 nights for the price of 2 from 24 September - 26 October at the Hotel De Toiras (5* Deluxe) - price from £635, saving £166

email travel@kirkerholidays.com or visit www.kirkerholidays.com

7

Six of the Best for Winter Sunshine

Now is the perfect time to plan your winter escape – and don’t forget that Kirker offers a range of destinations beyond the fringes of Europe where you can enjoy warm sunshine all year round. Many Kirker clients believe it is essential to have at least one holiday planned in advance to help them elude the winter blues, whether it is a tailor-made tour of India or an escorted Cultural Tour with a group of like-minded individuals.

All prices include flights, accommodation with breakfast and private transfers with air-conditioned vehicles and English-speaking drivers.

See itinerary or speak to a Kirker expert for further details.

India - the Palaces of Rajasthan India is an intoxicating destination, and one which is too vast to see in one trip – or even one lifetime – but Rajasthan is undoubtedly the best place to start. Our tailor-made itinerary takes in some of the most impressive palaces in the north of the country, set amid landscapes of dramatic plains and placid lakes. In the company of your private driver and expert local guides in each destination, you will learn about the maharajas who ruled this region, the dominion of the British Raj, and the development of the modern nation in a fascinating tour of India’s cultural heart. Beginning in Delhi, Kirker’s suggested Rajasthan itinerary continues to the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Rajasthani cities, Agra for the Taj Mahal, Jaipur and Udaipur – but our experts can create tailor-made itineraries throughout the subcontinent, so please do speak to an expert or request a copy of our dedicated India & Sri Lanka brochure for more information.

Price from £3,489 per person for 11 nights including flights

Taj Mahal

For expert advice and a tailor-made quotation please call 020 7593 2287 or email ben.williams@kirkerholidays.com or giles.binnie@kirkerholidays.com

Sri Lanka Winter is the perfect time to visit Sri Lanka, when the south-west of the island experiences its warm and dry season. Whilst it makes an excellent destination for a relaxing beach holiday, Sri Lanka truly rewards those who take the time to explore further afield, with relatively small distances making a tailor-made holiday comfortable even in ten days. Beginning with the majestic temples and ruins of the Cultural Triangle, our recommended itinerary will take you also to the former royal capital, Kandy, and then by train to the picturesque tea plantations around Nuwara Eliya – and there is still time for a few days to unwind on the south-west coast at Mirissa before flying home. From November to April this is Sri Lanka’s whalewatching capital – ask one of our experts about arranging a day trip to see blue whales, sperm whales, fin whales and dolphins.

Price from £2,197 per person for 9 nights including flights For expert advice and a tailor-made quotation please call 020 7593 2287 or email murray.mitchell@kirkerholidays.com or patrick.millar@kirkerholidays.com

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Edwin Lutyens’ wonderfullydesigned New Delhi

• The iconic Taj Mahal in Agra • Jaipur and its magnificent Red Fort and Palace of the Winds

• The ‘Blue City’ of Jodhpur and Umaid Bhawan Palace

• The ‘Lake City’ of Udaipur,

surrounded by the Aravalli Hills

• Dramatic landscapes and remote villages in rural Rajasthan

• Delicious Indian cuisine

including Rajasthani specialities such as Dal baati

HIGHLIGHTS:

• The ancient ruins and towering

Buddhist ‘stupas’ of Pollonaruwa

• The astonishing rock fortress of Sigiriya

• Kandy’s resplendent Temple

of the Tooth, an important destination for pilgrims • Scenic rail journey on the historic jungle train to Nuwara Eliya • A visit to one of the traditional Ceylon tea plantations • Relaxing on the Indian Ocean beaches at Mirissa – perhaps including a whale-watching excursion

Nuwara Eliya

Israel The birthplace of three of the world’s major religions, Jerusalem is one of the world’s most culturally important cities. Our tailor-made Israel itinerary includes three nights in the Old City, giving you time to explore the ancient streets and iconic monuments such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. From Jerusalem you will travel north to the Sea of Galilee, staying in the 2,000 year old city of Tiberias on the shores of the lake, before finishing with a two night stay in cosmopolitan Tel Aviv – where you can relax on the sandy beach and enjoy a delicious al fresco dinner overlooking the Mediterranean. Why not stay on and visit the south of the country? Ask for a quotation to include travel through the Negev Desert to the clifftop Roman ruins at Masada, and onwards to the Red Sea resort of Eilat.

Price from £1,977 per person for 7 nights including flights For expert advice and a tailor-made quotation please call 020 7593 2283 or email ignacio.foley@kirkerholidays.com or ben.williams@kirkerholidays.com

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Jerusalem’s historic old town

with its fascinating layers of history on every corner • Iconic monuments such as The Dome of the Rock and Church of the Holy Sepulchre • The Roman city of Tiberias and nearby ruins of Capernaum • The tranquil shores of the Sea of Galilee • Bauhaus architecture and Mediterranean bars and restaurants in Tel Aviv • Tel Aviv’s ancient cobbled quarter, Jaffa

Jerusalem

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Expert advice & reservations: telephone 020 7593 2283,

Six of the Best for Winter Sunshine We have selected six itineraries to wide-ranging destinations including the majestic palaces of Rajasthan, the temples and tea plantations of Sri Lanka, the ancient cities and Mediterranean beaches of Israel, the mountains, dunes and lush oases of Oman and the winelands in South Africa. In addition, we can highly recommend joining our escorted Cultural Tour to Jordan – in the company or TE Lawrence expert Dr Neil Faulkner.

Oman

HIGHLIGHTS:

For those in search of guaranteed winter sunshine, as well as strikingly beautiful desert landscapes, fascinating historic forts and villages, and a surprising diversity of wildlife, Oman is the perfect destination. This ten day tailor-made itinerary combines ancient forts at Nizwa and Nakdal, the crystal clear waters of Wadi Bani Khalid, and opportunities to spot endangered green turtles and dolphins in the Indian Ocean. Accommodation is at a range of 4* hotels, and includes one night staying at a Desert Camp in the dunes. For those with more time to spare, ask about extending your holiday by a few days to relax on one of the sandy beaches near Muscat.

Price from £4,635 per person for 10 nights including flights For expert advice and a tailor-made quotation please call 020 7593 2283 or email dominic.rossi@kirkerholidays.com or ignacio.foley@kirkerholidays.com Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

• Muscat, the historic Omani capital, with its vast Grand Mosque and new Opera House

• A visit to the traditional Barka fish market and

16th century Nakhal fort • Panoramic mountain drives including Snake Canyon • Jebel Akhdar, the ‘green mountain’, rising to more than 3,000m – visit in spring to see the magnificent damask rose farms in full bloom • Nizwa Fort and the Nizwa Souq where you will see traditional Omani Daggers (khanjar), copper and silver jewellery • Wadi Bani Khalid, a desert valley with a pool of crystal clear waters • Ras AI Hadd Turtle Reserve, world renowned for important nesting sites of the endangered green turtle, Chelonia mydas

South Africa’s Winelands

HIGHLIGHTS:

Whilst we head into autumn and winter, South Africa is enjoying the southern hemisphere spring and summer, but there is very little time difference from the UK, which means even a short break in Cape Town can be a relaxing prospect. The Western Cape of South Africa is the country’s gastronomic heart and the location of the renowned Winelands around the Cape Peninsula and the historic university town of Stellenbosch. Our recommended itinerary combines a four night stay in the charming Vineyard hotel, in the leafy Newlands suburb of cosmopolitan Cape Town, followed by a drive through the Winelands where you will stay for three nights at the Oude Werf in Stellenbosch – the perfect base from which to explore the wine routes around Franschoek and Paarl.

Prices from £2,480 per person for 7 nights including flights For expert advice and a tailor-made quotation please call 020 7593 2289 or email ben.williams@kirkerholidays.com or ignacio.foley@kirkerholidays.com

• The vibrant bars, restaurants and cafés of Cape

Town, set to one of the most iconic backdrops to any city in the world, Table Mountain • Visit the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, or take a day trip to the infamous Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent almost two decades in captivity • Attractive Cape Dutch architecture and delicious cuisine in the excellent restaurants of Stellenbosch • Drive one of the excellent wine routes through the vineyards of Stellenbosch, Wellington or Franschoek • Explore the rare fynbos landscape of the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve

Winelands

Jordan – The Land of TE Lawrence:

HIGHLIGHTS:

An eight night Kirker Cultural Tour departing 29 November 2018 The sight of the Great Treasury of Petra is one of the most thrilling travel experiences you will encounter, but there is much more to Jordan than Petra. The remarkable site at Jerash reminds us that Jordan was once a prosperous Roman province, and the architecture of numerous churches and castles hints at the country’s Byzantine and Umayyad periods. After the recent success of his latest book on the history of T.E. Lawrence in the region, archaeologist and historian Dr Neil Faulkner will lead our escorted Cultural Tour to Jordan. As well as retracing some of Lawrence’s steps in Aqaba and Wadi Rum – home of the ‘Seven Pillars of Wisdom’ – we will explore the country’s incredibly well-preserved ancient sites.

Price from £2,997 for 8 nights including eight dinners, all sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities and the services of the Kirker Tour Leader and a local guide.

For those who prefer to travel independently, we would be delighted to create a tailor-made itinerary. Please speak to a Kirker expert for a quotation on 020 7593 2283.

• The Jordanian capital Amman, a vibrant and fascinating city with an ancient past

• Jerash, one of the region’s best-preserved Roman cities

• The crusader castle of Shobek, built in 1115 • Petra – the glowing sandstone kingdom of the Nabatean civilisation

• Wadi Rum, the unique rock formations in the

desert, described by Lawrence as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom • Aqaba, a popular resort on the Red Sea which was once an Ottoman stronghold

Petra

email travel@kirkerholidays.com or visit www.kirkerholidays.com

9

Six of the Best Christmas Holidays Spending Christmas Day in the comfort of a stylish hotel can be the perfect way to break with your normal festive routine – we have selected three of our favourites below.

For those who prefer to travel with a group of like-minded travellers, our three escorted Christmas holidays include art, music, and fine Christmas dinners in spectacular settings.

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.

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.

Tailor-Made Holidays

Escorted Cultural Tours

Marrakech

Villa Des Orangers *****

Villa Des Orangers is a stylish oasis to which you can retreat after a morning of exploring the old city. Located on the edge of the historic medina, within easy walking distance of the souks, the Koutoubia Mosque and the famous Djemaa el Fna Square, this is one of our favourite boutique hotels. A member of Relais & Châteaux, it has an excellent restaurant which serves Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes and there are 27 beautifully furnished bedrooms. Guests can also enjoy a spa with traditional hammam and a 16 metre heated pool in the courtyard below.

4 nights for the price of 3 from 20 November 20 December - price from £1,198, saving £225 3 night price from £1,203 over Christmas Includes a private walking tour with an expert local guide

Berlin

De Rome **** Deluxe

Rocco Forte’s Hotel De Rome is located in the heart of historic East Berlin, close to Museum Island, Gendarmenmarkt and the elegant shops and restaurants of Friedrichstraße. The Brandenburg Gate is 15 minutes’ walk away. Interior design in the 145 stylish bedrooms has been overseen by Olga Polizzi. There is an excellent Italian restaurant and bar ‘La Banca’ and a rooftop terrace offering outstanding views over Bebelplatz. The jewel vault has been transformed into a spectacular spa with a 20 metre indoor swimming pool.

3 nights for the price of 2 for arrivals on 23 December - price from £772, saving £185 Includes a 72hr Museum Card

Prague

Hotel Paris *****

Opposite the Municipal House, in the heart of the atmospheric Old Town, the Paris is one of Prague’s best known traditional hotels and one of the few where all the public rooms are still in the original Art Nouveau style. These include a magnificent restaurant, a grand staircase, lounge and the famous ‘Café de Paris’. All of the 86 rooms have been renovated and are more contemporary in style. A wellness centre offers a Jacuzzi, sauna and solarium.

3 nights for the price of 2 for arrivals on 23 December - price from £996, saving £185 Includes a five course Christmas Day lunch at the hotel’s Sarah Bernhardt restaurant.

Includes a 3hr private walking tour with an expert local guide

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CHRISTMAS IN ROME A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY |22 DECEMBER 2018

The Eternal City is the perfect place to spend Christmas, and at this time of year it is also blissfully free from crowds, so we will explore the great galleries, religious buildings and ancient architecture in relative peace. We will stay at the 5* Grand Hotel de la Minerve, located in the heart of Rome, with a roof terrace which overlooks the dome of the Pantheon. There will be visits to the Forum, the church of Santa Maria Antiqua, and the Colosseum – perhaps the most famous of all Classical monuments. A morning will be spent at the the Galleria Borghese in the Borghese Gardens and we will also visit the Pantheon. A Christmas Day lunch is included at a carefully selected local restaurant.

Price from £2,096 per person (single supp. £428) for five nights including Christmas Day lunch and four dinners.

CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY |22 DECEMBER 2018

Vienna is at its best at Christmas time, when exquisitely decorated shop windows and elegant festive lights brighten up the medieval streets in the city centre. We include a performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at the Vienna State Opera on Christmas Day. Our holiday is based at the 5* Ritz-Carlton in the centre of Vienna. We shall enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of the Ring, and visits will be made to the Belvedere Palace, where we see Klimt’s The Kiss (1908), and the Kunsthistorisches Museum, one of the world’s greatest art collections.

Christmas lunch is included at Vienna’s grandest and most historic hotel, the fabled Sacher.

Price from £2,577 per person (single supp. £478) for five nights including two dinners, Christmas Day lunch and a ticket for the performance as described.

CHRISTMAS IN PARIS A FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY |23 DECEMBER 2018

Christmas is an excellent time to visit Paris with most of its cultural attractions open as usual, a packed programme at the opera houses and festive decorations with the inimitable flair and style for which the city is famous. Based at the 5* Grand Hôtel du Palais Royal, our holiday includes a performance of Cinderella at the Opéra Bastille on Christmas Day, as well as a tour of the original Paris opera house, the Palais Garnier. We will also go to the Musée Jacquemart-André to see the impressive art collection of Edouard André and his wife Nélie, displayed in the sumptuous house where they lived. Another private collection of 18th century art is included at the Musée Cognacq-Jay, home of the founder of the grand department store La Samaritaine.

Price from £1,976 per person (single supp. £498) for four nights including two dinners, two lunches (including Christmas Day) and a ticket for the performance as described.

Expert advice & reservations: telephone 020 7593 2283,

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 call 020 7593 2284 or email culturaltours@kirkerholidays.com.

Prices are per person based on two sharing a room and 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.

THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL IN TENERIFE A SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 12 JANUARY 2019

For our fourth exclusive music festival on the island of Tenerife, we will present a series of six concerts featuring the Gould Piano Trio, pianists Benjamin Frith and Mark Risi, soprano Ilona Domnich and violist Simon Rowland-Jones. Staying at the 5* Hotel Botanico, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, we shall also enjoy a programme of fascinating excursions. Highlights include the Sitio Litro Orchid Garden, a cable car journey to the peak of Mount Teide and a visit to the primeval cloud forest of the Anaga Mountains. We will also visit historic and picturesque villages along the spectacular north coast.

Price from £2,698 (single supp. £375) for seven nights including six dinners and six private concerts.

THE KIRKER SPRING MUSIC FESTIVAL AT THE HOTEL TRESANTON, ST. MAWES A THREE NIGHT HOLIDAY |11 MARCH 2019

Our annual visit to Olga Polizzi’s fabled Hotel Tresanton in St Mawes combines a relaxing spring escape in Cornwall, with a series of worldclass chamber music recitals. Performances in 2019 will be given by the Castalian String Quartet in the Old Methodist Hall, and include works by Schumann, Haydn and Beethoven. There will also be a series of musical talks and a visit to the private garden at Lamorran, inspired

by Lady Walton’s garden on the island of Ischia. Dinner is included each evening at the excellent Tresanton restaurant which overlooks the sea and is lit by candles in the evening.

Price from £1,175 (single supp. £265) for three nights including three dinners and three concerts.

THE CANARY ISLANDS & MADEIRA

MÁLAGA – PICASSO & BEYOND

A FOURTEEN NIGHT MUSIC CRUISE | 28 FEBRUARY 2019

SIX NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 6 NOVEMBER 2018 & 27 APRIL 2019

with Katherine Broderick soprano; the Piatti String Quartet; Matthew Hunt, clarinet and Adam Walker, principal flautist of the London Symphony Orchestra Join Kirker’s Music Festival at Sea on Fred. Olsen’s Black Watch, combining winter sunshine, fascinating shore excursions and a series of exclusive concerts on board. We shall visit La Coruña, a vibrant and colourful port, before reaching the Canary Islands where we stop at Santa Cruz, with the striking concert hall designed by Calatrava on the seafront. We sail across to nearby Gran Canaria and visit Las Palmas, before calling at the unspoiled island of La Palma. Our final island is Madeira, before reaching Lisbon on the banks of the majestic River Tagus.

In the last decade Malaga has emerged as one of the most exciting cultural destinations in Europe, with a profusion of new art museums.

Our tour includes visits to Picasso’s birthplace, and the wonderful collection of Spanish painting at the Museo Carmen Thyssen.

We also explore the city’s new outposts of the Pompidou Centre and St Petersburg’s Russian Museum, and make day trips to Granada and its Alhambra Palace and Ronda.

Price from £2,345 per person for an inside cabin or £4,210 per person for a Superior Suite including full-board, private drinks parties, all concerts, plus exclusive talks and interviews.

THE METROPOLITAN OPERA & ART GALLERIES OF NEW YORK FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAYS | 25 NOVEMBER 2018 & 2 MARCH 2019

Enjoy three star-studded performances at the Metropolitan Opera featuring some of the world’s greatest opera singers including Ailyn Pérez, Anna Netrebko and Pretty Yende as well as a backstage tour of the Met. In addition to the opera we will visit museums and galleries including the Whitney, the Metropolitan and MOMA, where we enjoy a private visit before the crowds arrive. We stay at the Hotel Empire (4*), located just across the street from the Lincoln Center, and a couple of minutes’ walk from the Met. Price from £2,980 (Nov, single supp. £548) or £2,659 (Mar, single supp. £330) including accommodation on a room only basis, tickets to three operas and two dinners.

Price from £1,798 (November, single supp. £379) or £1,954 (April, single supp. £398) for six nights including three dinners and two lunches.

THE GRANDEUR OF ROME A SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 29 OCTOBER 2018 & 19 MAY 2019

We start our holiday with a visit to the Pantheon, the best preserved building of ancient Rome, before going to the Campo de’Fiori, the Theatre of Marcellus, the Piazza del Campidoglio and the Capitoline Museum. Art collections at the Galleria Doria Pamphilj, the Galleria Borghese and the Vatican Museums are all included. In Tivoli we visit Hadrian’s Villa and the fabled and fanciful gardens of the Villa d’Este.

Crowning all this is a visit to the Sistine Chapel where the full majesty of Michelangelo’s sublime achievement can be enjoyed. Our base for the duration is the 4* Hotel Marcella Royal.

Price from £2,249 (October, single supp. £398) or £2,198 (May, single supp. £398) for seven nights including one lunch and four dinners.

email travel@kirkerholidays.com or visit www.kirkerholidays.com

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Six of the Best for 2019 Special Occasions Whether it is a landmark birthday or anniversary, or simply a chance to escape from your hum-drum routine, a few days away can be a perfect opportunity to celebrate, relax and to recharge the batteries. We have selected six of the best holidays to mark a special occasion next year – all are best booked in advance so now is the perfect time to speak to a Kirker expert – call 020 7593 2283 or email travel@kirkerholidays.com.

Prices are per person and include flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast as described and the services of the Kirker Concierge.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express The ultimate way to celebrate a special occasion in style, the world’s most famous train does not just travel between London and Venice…

Alternative routes include Venice to Vienna, London to Berlin, or even Paris to Istanbul, a five day odyssey in the spirit of the original Orient Express journey – including four capital cities.

Price from £3,047 for a three night holiday including private water taxi transfers, two nights in a Venice hotel and one night on board the Venice SimplonOrient-Express from Venice to London.

Speak to an expert for details of alternative routes including Paris to Istanbul.

Sweden For those who enjoy a winter adventure, the Ice Hotel in Swedish Lapland is the perfect destination. Constructed from blocks of frozen river water during December, the Ice Hotel is best visited during March, when the days have lengthened and you can enjoy dogsledding, snowmobiling or a gentle ride in a reindeer sleigh during the day, whilst keeping your eyes open for the spectacular Northern Lights in the evenings – this is one of the world’s best locations to see the Aurora.

Price from £1,096 per person for a three night holiday including accommodation for one night in a cold room and two nights in a warm room. Ask the Kirker Concierge about activities and excursions.

Leonardo in the Loire 2019 marks 500 years since Leonardo da Vinci died whilst at his residence in the Loire Valley, where he had been working for King Francis I at the Château d’Amboise. Le Choiseul is an elegant boutique hotel located below the ramparts of the castle itself, and 500 metres from Leonardo’s former residence, Clos Lucé, which is now a museum housing reconstructions of some of his inventions as well as a reproduction of the Mona Lisa, which Leonardo brought with him to the house.

Price from £796 per person, including car hire for the duration and three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at Le Choiseul.

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parma • lucca • NAPLEs • ravenna • MODENA • FERRARA • vicenza • trieste • LAKES: COMO • GARDA • MAGGIORE • iseo • ORTA

PARIS • LILLE • CHAMPAGNE • NORMANDY • BRITTANY • BIARRITZ • ÎLE DE RÉ • ST. JEAN-DE-LUZ • BORDEAUX • ST. EMILION

COUNTRYSIDE: PUGLIA • TUSCANY • UMBRIA • veneto • basilicata • south tyrol • COAST: AMALFI COAST • LIGURIAN RIVIERA

CHARENTES • DORDOGNE • LOIRE VALLEY • BURGUNDY • LYON • STRASBOURG • ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS • CARCASSONNE • MONTPELLIER

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After a lengthy period of closure, the Royal Champagne once again offers visitors to France’s most famous wine region a fittingly luxurious place to stay. Set in protected countryside lined with vineyards, between the key champagne towns of Epernay and Reims, the hotel offers 49 extremely comfortable rooms, a fully-equipped spa with indoor swimming pool, and a gastronomic restaurant where chef Jean-Denis Rieubland prepares menus paired with fine champagnes.

Price from £1,245 per person including Eurostar and rail via Paris, and car hire for the duration. Speak to the Kirker Concierge about wine-tasting guided visits to the champagne houses.

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Royal Champagne ***** Deluxe

For more holiday ideas visit our website www.kirkerholidays.com

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CULTURAL TOURS & MUSIC HOLIDAYS

To see the best of the French countryside in style and comfort, we highly recommend a holiday on board a luxury hotel barge. Choose from itineraries in Burgundy, Champagne, Bordeaux or the Midi, and enjoy delicious local food and wine as you gently glide through the rural landscape. Each barge carries four to twelve passengers, and a private charter is an excellent way to celebrate with a group of close friends and family.

Price from £2,898 for an eight night holiday including two nights in a Kirker hotel in Paris and six nights on board a luxury hotel barge on the Burgundy canal, with all meals and drinks.

Champagne

Le Choiseul **** Superior

F O R

At the heart of Italy’s most famous coastline, the Maison la Minervetta is one of our favourite hotels in Italy, but with just 12 rooms, you need to plan at least six months in advance. Set on a clifftop overlooking a beach and fishing harbour below – where you will find several excellent seafood restaurants – it is just ten minutes from the centre of Sorrento. Each room is carefully designed and decorated by husband and wife team Eugenia and Marco, and Kirker clients can be sure of a very warm welcome.

Price from £878 per person for a three night holiday.

European Waterways

Ice Hotel

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Amalfi Coast

Maison La Minervetta **** (a deluxe boutique hotel)

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MUSIC

CULTURAL TOURS: ALBANIA • CZECH REPUBLIC • denmark • FRANCE • greece • iceland • italy • JAPAN • Jordan The Netherlands • Portugal • Russia • south africa • Spain EXCLUSIVE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVALS: alfriston • eastbourne • ischia • leipzig • london • MALLORCA northamptonshire • suffolk • TENERIFE • music cruises • venice ESCORTED Holidays TO LEADING MUSIC FESTIVALS & events: BADEN–BaDEN • BerliN • BONN • buxton • cheltenham • dresden GRAFENEGG • hamburg • helsinki, sweden • La FENICE, VENICE • LA SCALA, MILAN • LEIPZIG • north Norfolk • parma

SOUTH AFRICA: CAPE TOWN THE GARDEN ROUTE

THE WINELANDS

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KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

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CHOBE & SAVUTE

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Granada • Málaga • Córdoba • Baeza • jerez • cÁdiz • rotA • La CoruÑa • Santiago de Compostela Vitoria–gasteiz • Bilbao • San Sebastian • Santander • La Rioja • Pamplona • Madrid • Toledo • Avila Salamanca • Segovia • LEÓN • Mallorca • Tenerife • La Gomera

HERMANUS AND THE OVERBERG COAST

EASTERN CAPE GAME RESERVES

BOTSWANA: THE OKAVANGO DELTA

spain: Barcelona • costa brava • Girona • Valencia • Denia • El Saler • Jávea • seville • AndaluciaN Countryside

portugal: lisbon • cascais • sintra • estoril • oporto • coimbra • the douro valley • amarante • the algarve • madeira

TA I L O R - M A D E H O L I D AY S i n o u t s ta n d i n g l o c at i o n s

THE ZULU AND BOER WAR BATTLEFIELDS

s hort b r e a k s & ta i lor – m a de hol i d ay s

NIMES • AIX-EN-PROVENCE • ARLES • AVIGNON • THE LUBERON • MARSEILLE • ORANGE • NICE • CANNES • EZE • menton villefranche-sur-mer • haut-du-caGnes • mougins • JUAN-LES-PINS • ST. JEAN-CAP-FERRAT • VENCE • MONACO • CORSICA

KWAZULU–NATAL •

MADIKWE

VICTORIA FALLS

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luxury trains

Mauritius

P R I VAT E TA I LOR –M A D E I T I N E R A R I E S INDIA: DELHI • RAJASTHAN • KERALA • TAMIL NADU • HIMALAYAn foothills

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GOA • MUMBAI • karnataka

SPECIAL INTEREST: national parks • HERITAGE HOTELS • COLONIAL HISTORY • luxury TRAIN JOURNEYS • WALKING TOURS SRI LANKA: BUDDHIST CITIES • COLONIAL TOWNS • NATIONAL PARKS • TEA PLANTATIONS • BOUTIQUE HOTELS THE MALDIVES: LUXURY RESORTS

pesaro • prague • puccini festival • rome • rosendal • THREE CHOIRS • vienna • verona • wexford

Published August 2018. Terms and conditions apply. Prices are per person based on 2 sharing. Subject to availability.

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