Travelling brochure

d n a t r o h s s i e g.

Lif i b s i d l r o w e th ?

Are yo

ur

enjo o t y d ea

y it

TRAVELLING

d n a t r o h s s i . g Life i b s i d l r o the w A

ead r u o y re

y to

t? enjoy i

TRAVELLING

F

rom weekend city breaks to weeks of lounging by the beach in the European sunshine, we have hand-picked the best Europe holiday deals available on the internet. You can choose from Europe city breaks, on the continent, beach holidays, cultural escapes and so much more. With the luxury accommodation sorted you will have nothing to do but enjoy. A long weekend dedicated to relaxation, fitness and pampering can make a real difference to your health and wellbeing, and it’s a great alternative to a city break. Choose from a variety of destinations – including

Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, UK and Germany – and a range of tour packages designed to rejuvenate, energise, improve culture and knowledge.

Travelling negotiates exclusive rates for luxury hand-picked spa hotels and spa breaks at up to 70% off the price you’d pay by booking anywhere else. We’ll give you access to rates for spa weekends and retreats you won’t be able to find anywhere else - that’s a guarantee.

How have we done it? Well, even the most luxurious hotels out there don’t like having empty rooms.

What are you waiting for?

TRAVELLING

contents

8

20

GREECE

SPAIN

12

24

ITALY

GERMANY

16

28

FRANCE

UK

GREECE Athens, Corintho, Santorini, Mykonos, Creta, Kos & Thessaloniki Parthenon, Athens

G

reece is, of course, the land of ancient sites and architectural treasures -- the Acropolis in Athens, the amphitheater of Epidaurus, and the reconstructed palace at Knossos among the best known.

But Greece is much more: It offers age-old spectacular natural sights, like - from Santorini’s caldera to the gray pinnacles of rock of the Meteora -- and modern diversions ranging from elegant museums to luxury resorts. It can be bewildering to plan your trip with so many options vying for your attention. Take us along and we’ll help you figure it out. We’ve explored the archaeological sites.

T

here are few truly perfect cruise-ship destinations in the world, and the Greek isles are one of them. Who can argue with jagged islands crowned by whitewashed villages and harbors of stunning blue sea lapping up against charming beaches and ancient city walls? The sea approach to places like Santorini and Rhodes is really hard to beat. Cruising in Greece is all about gorgeous scenery, ancient historic sites, delicious Mediterranean food, and lots of local

9

culture. You don’t have to worry about ferry schedules, driving a car, or changing hotel rooms. You get on the ship, you unpack once, and the vessel is your floating hotel. It’s your familiar retreat after a long day of touring or a place to kick back and bask in the Greek sun. Among the most beautiful regions to cruise in all the world, the seas are relatively calm and the islands are individual in character, offering travelers a satisfying mix of local culture, stunning scenery, and ancient and medieval

ruins to explore.

Most Greek island itineraries highlight the region’s history with optional guided shore excursions that take in the major sights, spicing up the vacation brew with other, less history-minded excursions such as visits to beaches, meals at local restaurants, and fishing or sailing excursions.

Of course, you can choose to get off the ship at each port of call and head off on your own to explore the sights, hit the beach, or checK the nearest taverna.

Corfu

Athens

Crete

Parthenon, Athens

Athens Once the cradle of civilization, Athens and its port of Piraeus offer you a diverse selection of historic locations to visit.

Before you leave, make sure to get to the Acropolis and also the important historic monuments.

10

Corfu

Mikonos Corfu holds a traditional warmth and charm; walk through the centre of the ‘old’ town, ‘new’ town, or discover the monuments and giant obelisk at the old Venetian fortress of Palaio Frourio, there is plenty to do.

Mikonos

Crete, Greece’s largest island, is known for its varied terrain, which ranges from fine-sand beaches at Elafonisi to the White Mountains. Mt. Ida, the tallest of the range, is home to the Ideon Cave, which was the birthplace of Zeus, according to Greek mythology.

Santorini

Santorini Modern Mykonos is known for its open and lively atmosphere, where the party starts early and goes until late. Whilst its reputation may be one of energy, there is much more to Mykonos than that.

Crete

Considered by most to be one of the most visually impressive Greek islands; traditional architecture, beaches, vineyards, great local food, shopping (and donkeys) await you in Santorini. That’s a full day!

GREECE

TRAVELLING

Athens & Peloponeso

Athens & Islands

Greek Islands

6 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 3 Stars

8 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 3 Stars

11 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 4 Stars

£710 per person

£910 per person

£1.210 per person

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

Venice - Italy, Kotor - Montenegro, Corfu Greece, Athens (Piraeus) - Greece, Chania (Souda) - Crete - Greece, Argostoli - Greece, Venice - Italy

Venice - Italy, Dubrovnik - Croatia, Rhodes - Greece, Kusadasi (Ephesus) - Turkey, Split Croatia, Venice - Italy

Athens - Piraeus - Mikonos - Crete - Santorini Kos - Rhodes - Kusadasi - Ios - Piraeus - Athens

Once the cradle of civilization, Athens and its port of Piraeus offer you a diverse selection of historic locations to visit. Before you leave, make sure to get to the Acropolis and also the important historic monuments of the Parthenon, Theatre of Dionysus and Daphni Monastery.

Because of its geographical position, Greece was a crossroad of civilisations that had left their traces everywhere: the architecture of the museums and settlements, miniature art, daily life, nutritional customs and in all forms of popular art in the various regions of the country.

Because of its geographical position, Greece was a crossroad of civilisations that had left their traces everywhere: the architecture of the museums and settlements, miniature art, daily life, nutritional customs and in all forms of popular art in the various regions of the country.

11

ITALY Rome, Naples, Florence, Bologna, Verona, Venezia and Milan Rome

I

t was once said that all roads lead to Rome, and if you want to experience Italy at its most iconic, that holds true to this day. Witness the indelible footprint of the very heart of the Roman Empire in the landmarks and culture of Italy’s capital city, not to mention the religious significance of the walled enclave of Vatican City. It may come as a surprise that Rome’s population makes it the fourth-largest city in the European Union, accounting for around three million of Italy’s 60 million residents, which goes some way towards explaining the cosmopolitan atmosphere. Venice is a must-see for anyone with a passion for Italian culture.

I

talian holidays allow you to explore the world’s most historical and spiritual sites, the universally adored cuisine and a passionate nation. Food, drink and fashion. In ancient Rome you can gaze at Michelangelo’s magnificent Sistine Chapel ceiling or explore the Colosseum where gladiators once fought.

Delight yourself and relax in the most beautiful beaches of Capri and Riviera Amalfitana. Enjoy the pitoresque city of Naples, explore the tragic ruins of Pompeii and eat the best

pizza in the world.

In Florence, feast your eyes on intricate Renaissance art or browse the jewellery shops along the Ponte Vecchio, the bridge dating back to 1345. Pose in Pisa for the essential holiday snap standing against the famous leaning tower or lick some of the most sensational gelato under the Mediterranean sun.

In Verona, all the glamour of a lovely city with so much to visit as the Arena Romana and Juliet`s House. Explore the magnificence vineyards

around the city and drink the great valpolicella red wine. In breathtaking Venice explore the canals on foot or by the uniquely Venetian gondolas; visit St Mark’s Square or the Doge’s Palace. With many fascinating sights and stunning landscapes, cruises to Italy certainly have plenty to see and do.

Finish in great style visiting one of the most elegant cities in the world, Milan, the Italian creative heart and business headquarter that has so much to see. Time to eat and shop in the Italian way.

13

Verona Milan

Venice Bologna

Florence Perugia Rome Naples

Rome

Florence Rome, The Eternal City is packed with highlights and certainly a popular destination on a cruise to Italy. Why not visit St Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum, the Forum, the Pantheon and Circus Maximus.

14

Naples

Milano Naples, a city in southern Italy, sits on the Bay of Naples.

Nearby is Mount Vesuvius, the still-active volcano that destroyed nearby Roman town Pompeii. Dating to the 2nd millennium B.C., Naples has centuries of important art and architecture.

Venice

Florence/Pisa, Birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is overflowing with artistic treasures in the Galleria dell’Accademia including the spellbinding statue of David. In Pisa don’t miss the extraordinarily angled leaning tower.

Venice Milan, a metropolis in Italy’s northern Lombardy region, is a global capital of fashion and design. Home to the national stock exchange, it’s a financial hub also known for its highend restaurants and shops. centuries of art and culture.

Queen of the Adriatic and city of romance, Venice is simply like no other city in the world and one not to miss on a cruise to Italy. Wander through the enchanting narrow streets, or take a gondola ride and gaze upon Venice’s incredible sights.

ITALY

TRAVELLING

Tuscany

Rome - Milan

Magic Veneto

7 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 3 Stars

9 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 4 Stars

9 Nights Plane + bus Hotel Stars

£850 per person

£1.190 per person

£1.250 per person

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

Rome - Siena - Montereggio - Arezzo - San Gimignano - Florence - Chianti - Pisa - Lucca Rome

Rome - Perugia - Siena - Florence - San Gimignano - Pisa - Bologna - Verona - Lago di Garda - Milan

Milan - Brescia - Verona - Lago di Garda Valpollicela - Vicenza - Padova - Venice - Milan

Stretching from the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the western border of the Apennine Mountains, Tuscany really is at the heart of Italy.

The region boasts home to some outstanding cities including Florence, Siena, Pistoia, Prato and Pisa-the difficult decision really is where to start. The gorgeous province offers unlimited mountain paths and hills to explore.

Italy has a wonderful range of destinations that appeal to all tastes, ranging from fascinating cities to stunning lakeside locations. The capital city Rome is an historically important world city, especially as the centre of ancient Rome and the Roman Catholic Church. Explore and wonder in lovely Italian cities of Milan and Verona, Bologna and Florece, Naples and Capri!

Holidays to Veneto extend beyond the city of Venice. This part of Italy, otherwise known as the Venetian Riviera, also offers up beaches, mountain ranges and scenes from Shakespeare.

Venice is the first place most people think of when you mention Veneto. What you might not know, is Venice is just a canapé in Veneto’s multi-course meal of sights. There is much more!

15

FRANCE Paris, Reims, Lyon, Nice, Marseille, Carcassone and Bordeaux Nice

F

amed artists, writers, gourmands, and bon vivants have all been put under France’s intoxicating spell. And travelers can still relish the same enchanting attractions, from Matisse’s coastal villages to Hemingway’s Parisian cafés to Marie-Antoinette’s pastoral escape inside Versailles. France is a gastronomic wonderland, an artistic mecca, and a historical pop-up book. Vineyards blanket the wine regions, cathedrals crown the cities, and sandy beaches drape the coastline. With all these riches, you may start plotting your return visit before you even return home.

F

rance has something for everyone. It is a country of diversity and each region has its own look and feel. Whether you want the sun and beaches of Cote d’Azur, history in Dunkirk, the art and architecture of Avignon or a romantic break to Paris, France has it all to offer.

The romance and fashion capital, Paris, is a must-see city. The River Seine runs through the heart of Paris, and you can take a tour, on a ‘hop-on-hopoff boat-bus’, of the major attractions in Paris, including

Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower and museé de Louvre which homes 5 centuries of paintings, sculptures and artefacts from all over Europe. Lyon? The city boasts vibrant cultural life, exceptional art museums, superb shopping and a lively clubbing scene. For a more relaxed holiday in Lyon, visit the old town with its history, beautiful parks, romantic riverside paths and a diverse and delicious dining scene. If you’re looking for sun visit the famed French Riviera, the Mediterranean coast dotted with splendid

towns. Nice is perhaps the most popular of the French Riviera destinations and loved by holiday makers year round. The pebbled shores are perfect for those looking to relax in the sun and the romantic old town offers markets, antiques and festivals.

Whilst on your holiday in France why not visit the vineyards of Burgundy, or the famous chateau in Versailles.

Everyone can have their perfect holiday in France, whether it is a city break or seaside holiday.

17

Paris

Reims

Lavanda fields, Grasse

Loire Valley

Paris

Bordeaux Paris is a major European city and a global center for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture. Its 19th-century cityscape is crisscrossed by wide boulevards and the River Seine. Has landmarks as the Eiffel Tower and the Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral.

18

Nice

Marseille Nice, capital of the AlpesMaritimes department on the French Riviera, sits on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges. Founded by the Greeks and later a retreat for 19thcentury European elite, the city has also long attracted artists.

Lyon Bordeaux, hub of the famed wine-growing region, is a port city on the Garonne River in southwestern France.

It’s known for its Gothic Cathédrale Saint-André, 18thto 19th-century mansions and notable art museums such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux.

Marseille, a port city in southern France, has been a crossroads of immigration and trade since its founding by the Greeks circa 600 B.C. At its heart is the Vieux-Port (Old Port), where fishmongers sell their catch along the boatlined quay.

Bordeaux Carcassone

Nice

Marseille

Reims Reims is a city in northeastern historical ChampagneArdenne region. It’s the capital of the Champagne region, and many of the wine headquartered there offer tastings and cellar tours. For more than 1,000 years, French kings were crowned.

FRANCE

TRAVELLING

Paris & Reims

Cote D`Azur

Loire Valley

6 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 4 Stars

7 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 4 Stars

7 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 4 Stars

£950 per person

£1.290 per person

£1.350 per person

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

Paris - Versailles - Reims

Marseille - Avignon - Carcassone - Toulon Saint Tropez - Cannes - Nice - Castellane - Eze - Monaco

Nantes - Saumur - Tours - Amboise - Blois Orléans - Chenonceau Castle - Cheverny Castle - Chambord Castle - Amboise Castle

Whether you’re looking to embark on a romantic getaway or simply wanting to explore one of Europe’s most popular destinations, Paris makes for an ideal mini-holiday. The city’s maze of cobbled backstreets and grand, sweeping avenues are a delight to explore. In addition to some of the Notre Dame and many more - be sure to explore the Left Bank by night, where great dining and entertainment options abound.

The Côte d’Azur polarizes opinion like few places in France. To some it remains the most glamorous of all Mediterranean playgrounds; to others, it’s an overdeveloped victim of its own hype. Yet at its best – in the gaps between the urban sprawl, on the islands, in the remarkable beauty of the hills, the impossibly blue water after which the coast is named and in the special light that drew so many artists to paint here .

Often referred to as ‘Garden of France’ the Loire Valley is a colourful tapestry of vineyards, flowers and rolling green hills dotted with hundreds of castles and chateaux. Whilst on holiday in the Loire Valley, marvel at the famous medieval cathedral of Chartres or Chambord, the largest of the Loire Valley castles. Historic cities such as Orleans, Bourges and Tours have much to tempt holiday visitors.

19

SPAIN Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Sevilla, Malaga, Almeria, Valencia and Barcelona Cordoba

R

enowned for the decisive input it has had in developing so many countries across the globe, Spain has spread its language and culture far beyond Europe’s borders. From a visitor’s perspective, it is a country valued for its strong artistic inclination, enduring religious principles and ethos based on a merger of audacity and romanticism.

An equally significant part of its character is the passion for celebration, which makes it welcoming to foreigners seeking to broaden their cultural experience.

T

he 19th-century European writers and painters had mythologized Spain as the quintessential romantic country. It was the land of Moors and Gypsies, of swirling flamenco skirts and narrow-hipped matadors.

It was the land of such legendary heroes as El Cid, such wise fools as Don Quijote, and of kings with such names as Pedro the Cruel and Alfonso the Wise.

Hemingway’s contribution was to give that romance both a macho gloss and an air of tragic loss.

The funny thing is that it’s all still true—it’s just not the whole truth. In fact, flamenco is enjoying a renaissance, and if some parts of the country have turned thumbs-down on bullfighting, many Spaniards are still obsessed with matadors. As the old Saturday Night Live routine goes, Franco is still dead.

But Spain is very much alive.

Having exported its talent during Franco’s dictatorship, Spain jumped straight from the 19th century to the 21st. A flamenco beat still drives it, but Spain is now

a country of high-speed trains and cutting-edge Web technology, of a radical avant-garde in food and art alike, of vibrant modern metropolises like Barcelona, Bilbao, and Madrid that can hold their own on the world stage.

The country continues to evolve and its allures continue to multiply.

Ultimately, your own experiences are the last word on Spain. Or, as a friend once said, “The sun not only rises. The moon comes out and the night is young.”

21

Bilbao

Zaragoza

Barcelona

Madrid

Toledo

Toledo

Valencia

Madrid

Cordoba Almeria Cadiz

Madrid is a city of elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks. It’s renowned for its rich repositories of European art as Prado Museum. Its heart is Plaza Mayor, and nearby is the baroque Royal Palace and Armory.

Malaga

22

Cordoba

Barcelona

Valencia This beautiful city in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia was an important Roman city and a major Islamic center in the Middle Ages. It’s best known for La Mezquita, an immense mosque dating from 784 A.D., featuring older Byzantine mosaics.

The cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is known for its art and architecture. The fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí dot the city and Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró.

Sevilla The port city of Valencia lies on Spain’s southeastern coast, where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea. It’s known for its City of Arts and Sciences. Valencia also has several beaches, including some within nearby Albufera Park, a wetlands reserve with a lake and walking trails.

Sevilla is famous for flamenco dancing, particularly in its Triana neighborhood. Major landmakrs include the ornate Alcázar castle complex, built during the Moorish Almohad dynasty, and the 18th-century Plaza de Toros bullring. The Gothic Cathedral is the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb.

SPAIN

TRAVELLING

Madrid & Toledo

Magic Andaluzia

Amada Barcelona!

5 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 3 Stars

7 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 3 Stars

7 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 4 Stars

£750 per person

£890 per person

£950 per person

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

Madrid - Toledo - Segovia - Madrid

Granada - Seville - Cordoba - Malaga - Ronda Malaga - Antequera

Parc Guell - Montjuïc - Sagrada Familia Cathdral - Barcelona Camp Nou Stadium - Barrio Gotico Barceloneta - Las Ramblas - Picasso Museum

Discover all that Madrid has to offer, including art, architecture, culture and history. Combine two of Madrid’s most popular excursions in one trip, starting with an exploration of some of the city’s most interesting attractions by luxury coach, including the Plaza Mayor, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and the UNESCO-listed cities of Segovia and Avila on this day trip from Madrid.

Beautiful Andalucia is rich in history and culture.An exceptional place in Europe for its scenery and landscape, it for some of the most breathtaking architecture and fantastic cities. Its variety of scenery leads it often to be referred to as a mini-continent. of Andalucia and their amazing monuments and palaces in small select groups. Our tours include visits to the Alhambra in Granada and the Mesquita in Cordoba.

Delve into the architectural beauty and rich history of Barcelona on a comprehensive full- or half-day tour of the Catalonian capital. With an expert guide, visit some of the city’s most iconic sights and enjoy skip-the-line access to Gaudi’s modernist masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia.

Ascend to Montjuïc Hill to enjoy sweeping vistas of Barcelona’s metropolitan sprawl and stroll the streets of the Gothic Quarter.

23

10

GERMANY Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Dresden and Leipzig River Rhein

A

holiday to Germany promises to be a memorable experience, even for seasoned travellers. Germany is a country of contrasts, and that’s what makes it so interesting. The scenery begs to be photographed with mountain ranges, winding rivers and huge forests. For example The Black Forest east of the Rhine is an impressive 160km long and 50km wide. Germany also has a wonderful mix of vibrant modern cities and quaint traditional villages to discover.

T

he 19th-century European writers and painters had mythologized Spain as the quintessential romantic country. It was the land of Moors and Gypsies, of swirling flamenco skirts and narrow-hipped matadors.

It was the land of such legendary heroes as El Cid, such wise fools as Don Quijote, and of kings with such names as Pedro the Cruel and Alfonso the Wise.

Hemingway’s contribution was to give that romance both a macho gloss and an air of tragic loss.

The funny thing is that it’s all still true—it’s just not the whole truth. In fact, flamenco is enjoying a renaissance, and if some parts of the country have turned thumbs-down on bullfighting, many Spaniards are still obsessed with matadors. As the old Saturday Night Live routine goes, Franco is still dead.

But Spain is very much alive.

Having exported its talent during Franco’s dictatorship, Spain jumped straight from the 19th century to the 21st. A flamenco beat still drives it, but Spain is now

a country of high-speed trains and cutting-edge Web technology, of a radical avant-garde in food and art alike, of vibrant modern metropolises like Barcelona, Bilbao, and Madrid that can hold their own on the world stage.

The country continues to evolve and its allures continue to multiply.

Ultimately, your own experiences are the last word on Spain. Or, as a friend once said, “The sun not only rises. The moon comes out and the night is young.”

25

Hamburg

Hannover

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria

Berlin

26

Dresden

Cologne

Dresden has a long history as the capital and royal residence for the Electors and Kings of Saxony, who for centuries furnished the city with cultural and artistic splendour. The city was known as the Jewel Box, because of its baroque and rococo city centre.

Hambug

Dresden

Frankfurt

Munich Germany’s capital, dates to the 13th century. Reminders of the city’s turbulent 20thcentury history include its Holocaust memorial and the Berlin Wall’s graffitied remains. Divided during the Cold War, its 18th-century Brandenburg Gate is a landmark.

Leipzig

Berlin

Stuttgart Bavaria’s capital, is home to centuries-old buildings and numerous museums. The city is known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration and its beer halls, including the famed Hofbräuhaus. In the Altstadt, central Marienplatz square contains landmarks such as Neues Rathaus.

a major port city in northern Germany, is connected to the North Sea by the Elbe River.

It’s crossed by hundreds of canals, and also contains large areas of parkland.

Near its core, Inner Alster lake is dotted with boats and surrounded by cafes.

Munich

Cologne Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city spanning the Rhine River in western Germany, is the region’s cultural hub.

A landmark of High Gothic architecture set amid reconstructed old town, the twin-spired Cologne Cathedral is also known for its gilded medieval reliquary.

GERMANY

TRAVELLING

Hamburg & Berlin

Frankfurt + Rhein River

Munich & Neuschwanstein

6 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 3 Stars

7 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 3 Stars

4 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 4 Stars

£950 per person

£1.290 per person

£850 per person

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

Hamburg - Hannover - Berlin - Dresden

Oberlahnstein - Oblenzs - Frankfurt - Cologne

Munich - Neuschwanstein Castle - Lindrhof

The Elbufer Tour with the red double-deckers follows the banks of the Elbe along the elegant Elbchaussee to the “Treppenviertel” district in Blankenese where you can walk, enjoy fine views of the Elbe and welcome in the big ships. You can then take a small boat across the Elbe to the “Altes Land” followed by a guided tour through Europe’s largest fruit growing region. The return journey takes you across the “Köhlbrandbrücke” where you will get a wonderful view of the city and the port.

See the best of Frankfurt by land and water on this combo city tour and steamboat cruise on the historic Rhine River! Enjoy a guided morning coach trip through the Frankfurt City, where you’ll see landmarks like St Paul’s Church, Frankfurt Cathedral, Goethe House and Hauptwache Plaza, and on to the UNESCO-listed Rhine Valley for breathtaking natural vistas.

You’ll break for lunch before your afternoon sightseeing cruise, and conclude your day with a fun wine-tasting session.

Wind through Munich’s bustling neighborhoods and parks on a fun and educational Segway tour! On the self-balancing device, you’ll follow an expert guide through pristine gardens and vibrant markets, past famous residences and some of the city’s great museums. Along the way, take pictures, stop at favorite sites, and hear fascinating facts and stories about this contemporary city with ancient roots.

Add a bit of legend a with a full-day trip to Neuschwanstein and Linderhof from Munich.

27

United Kingdom London, Canterbury, Cambridge, Liverpool, Manchester, York, Edinburgh, Bristol & Bath Edinburgh

A

holiday to Germany promises to be a memorable experience, even for seasoned travellers. Germany is a country of contrasts, and that’s what makes it so interesting. The scenery begs to be photographed with mountain ranges, winding rivers and huge forests. For example The Black Forest east of the Rhine is an impressive 160km long and 50km wide. Germany also has a wonderful mix of vibrant modern cities and quaint traditional villages to discover.

T

he 19th-century European writers and painters had mythologized Spain as the quintessential romantic country. It was the land of Moors and Gypsies, of swirling flamenco skirts and narrow-hipped matadors.

It was the land of such legendary heroes as El Cid, such wise fools as Don Quijote, and of kings with such names as Pedro the Cruel and Alfonso the Wise.

Hemingway’s contribution was to give that romance both a macho gloss and an air of tragic loss.

The funny thing is that it’s all still true—it’s just not the whole truth. In fact, flamenco is enjoying a renaissance, and if some parts of the country have turned thumbs-down on bullfighting, many Spaniards are still obsessed with matadors. As the old Saturday Night Live routine goes, Franco is still dead.

But Spain is very much alive.

Having exported its talent during Franco’s dictatorship, Spain jumped straight from the 19th century to the 21st. A flamenco beat still drives it, but Spain is now

a country of high-speed trains and cutting-edge Web technology, of a radical avant-garde in food and art alike, of vibrant modern metropolises like Barcelona, Bilbao, and Madrid that can hold their own on the world stage.

The country continues to evolve and its allures continue to multiply.

Ultimately, your own experiences are the last word on Spain. Or, as a friend once said, “The sun not only rises. The moon comes out and the night is young.”

29

Edinburgh York

Big Ben and Parliament, London

London

30

Liverpool

Liverpool

Manchester London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is a 21stcentury city with history stretching back to Roman times. At its centre stand the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower and Westminster Abbey, site of British monarch coronations.

The maritime city in northwest, where the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea. A key trade and migration port and it’s also, famously, the hometown of The Beatles.

Ferries cruise the waterfront, where the iconic mercantile buildings known as the “Three Graces”.

Oxford

This major city in the northwest of England has a rich industrial heritage.

The Castlefield conservation area’s 18th-century canal system recalls the city’s days as a textile powerhouse, and visitors can trace this history at the interactive Museum of Science & Industry.

Oxford, a city in central southern England, revolves around its prestigious university, established in the 12th century. The architecture of its 38 colleges in the city’s medieval center led poet Matthew Arnold to nickname it the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’.

Manchester Cambridge

London Bristol Bath

Canterbury

Bath A town set in the rolling countryside of southwest England, known for its natural hot springs and 18th-century Georgian architecture.

Bath Abbey, noted for its fan-vaulting, tower and large stained-glass windows. The museum at the site of the original Roman-era Baths

United Kingdom

TRAVELLING

London & Canterbury

Liverpool & Manchester

Bath & Bristol

8 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 4Stars

6 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 4 Stars

6 Nights Plane + bus Hotel 3 Stars

£1.250 per person

£990 per person

£950 per person

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

London - Canterbury - Margate - Hastings Brighton

Liverpool - Chester - Manchester

London - Stonehenge - Salisbury - Costwolds Bath - Bristol

A full day tour of London. See Westminster Abbey, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and enjoy guided tours of St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.

Includes entrance to St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, and a Thames River Cruise.

The ancient city of Canterbury has been the centre of Christian worship for almost 1,700 years. Its greatest treasure is the cathedral.

Canterbury became the centre of one of the most important medieval pilgrimages in Europe.

Liverpool is home to a city of culture, people and heritage. It hosts a huge range of attractions, is well known for its world class sport venues and events and musical heritage. There is definitely always something to do no matter what your interest with its large collection of galleries, museums, history and cultural attractions.

YManchester is known for one of the UK’s most iconic cities. It is famous for it’s music, culture and sport.

See Stonehenge, the enigmatic mysterious prehistoric monument constructed thousands of years ago, and explore Salisbury Cathedral with the Magna Carta, and a guided walk around the medieval part of Salisbury. The beautiful city of Bath, where you can see some of the magnificent Georgian architecture such as the Royal Crescent and Pulteney Bridge. You can visit attractions such as the Roman Baths and then visit the lovely Bristol, the harbour and many more.

31

WORLD THE EXPLORE VELLING WITH TRA Are y

dy to ou rea

enjoy i

t?

44 074 3636 1000 travelling.com TRAVELLING