24 CLONDALKIN gazette 18 October 2012
Gazette
& OUT ABOUT fast TRAVEL
Wing your way to a superb Turkey break
HAVING been crowned Destination Of The Year 2012 at the recent Food and Travel Reader Awards, Istanbul is now regarded as one of Europe’s top city-break destinations, with more than eight million visitors annually. To celebrate, Turkish Airlines have released some great offers on flights from Dublin to Istanbul, offering Irish tourists the perfect excuse to experience the wonder of Turkey’s largest city, with flights from just €179 return, including taxes and charges. The offer is available for a limited time only, and is valid until November 30. Travel must be undertaken between November 1 and April 30, 2013, with the offer not valid between December 28 and January 13. For further information or to make a booking, see www.turkishairlines.com.
Uniquely, Istanbul straddles two continents
It’s all plain sailing on a delightful cruise FOR anyone who fancies a bit of sunshine rather than bracing themselves for the Irish winter weather, perhaps a pre-Christmas cruise could be just the thing to warm your spirits? Thomas Cook offers the perfect getaway in the run up to the festive season, with five-star cruise experiences to exotic destinations around the world. For example, why not avail of a 13-night cruise around the Canary Islands, from €1,099 per person, departing on November 22? Ports of call include Southampton, Madeira, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Lisbon and Vigo. Alternatively, you could take a seven-night Mediterranean Cruise on board the MSC Splendida, from just €469, calling on Barcelona, La Goulette, Palermo, Civitavecchia, Genoa, Marseille and returning to Barcelona. Prices are based on two adults sharing, with all taxes, charges and flights included. To book, call Thomas Cook Cruise at 01 514 0337, visit your nearest travel agent, or see www. thomascookcruise.ie.
dubai: something for everyone in this glittering arabian jewel
Desert your blues with a spectacular city’s charm THERE seems to be a common misconception when it comes to traveling to Dubai – any Irish tourists under the illusion that they’re in for a hectic, long-haul journey to a purely Vegasstyle destination could be pleasantly disappointed. In fact, discovering Dubai has become more popular as not just a romantic honeymoon spot, a shopping mecca and modern business hub, but as a universal draw and an ideal spot for families looking for the perfect destination.
natalie burke nburke@gazettegroup.com
There aren’t too many places in the world where you can ski in the middle of the desert, or take a stroll through a city made for, and by, children. Whether it’s taking a camel ride in the desert, riding a water-rapid at one of the world’s best waterparks, or sharing dinner with a local fam-
ily, Dubai is one destination that combines fun, culture and relaxation. For example, you could take the kids to visit Aquaventure – a 42-acre waterpark overflowing with speed-slides, river rapids and lush tropical landscapes, or enjoy one of life’s most memorable moments by swimming with a dolphin at Dolphin Bay. If it’s adrenaline and a bit of adventure you’re seeking, explore the mysterious ruins of the Lost Chambers, or visit the first ever SEGA Repub-
From desert treks to state-of-the-art aquariums and indoor skiing, Dubai has utterly transformed its desert location into an area that’s full of diverse activities
At 321m, the iconic, five-star luxury hotel Burj Al Arab
lic theme park, with nine heart-stopping attractions and 250 amusement games. To immerse yourself in a bit of culture, discover the “real” Dubai on an Arabic desert safari by taking a camel ride, or speed through the dunes in a 4X4, or take the chance to learn about the Emerati culture and religion with a visit to the Jumeirah Mosque – the only mosque open to the public in Dubai. Children (and you) will love the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – the largest suspended aquarium in the world, housing more than 33,000 aquatic animals – while a visit to see KidZania (a city made for children) will let your kids live their grown-up dreams. Take one of the world’s fastest elevators to the 124th floor of the Burj
Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, to steal the city’s greatest view, and be sure to catch sight of the world’s largest dancing fountain at the Burj Khalifa Lake. With more than 6,000 superlights, the fountain is visible from more than 20 miles away, making it the brightest spot in the Middle East. Rising from the Arabian Gulf on the crescent of the iconic Palm Island is the spectacular resort of Atlantis, one of Dubai’s most soughtafter hotels. Inspired by the ocean, everything about Atlantis is larger than life. Designed to exhilarate, the resort is a luxurious but family-friendly holiday haven. The resort’s stunning beach invites guests to relax in the sunshine, whilst the spa promises complete rejuvena-