With its mix of culture, scenery and luxury, it’s no wonder Sicily is now Britons’ second favourite region in Italy.

It’s known as the football kicked by Italy’s boot, and although only two miles separates Sicily from the tip of the Italian mainland the fascinating island is a world apart.

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean and Italy’s southernmost outpost, has a unique history, landscape, seriously laid-back lifestyle and even a language of its own. Greek temples are just part of a rich heritage, and the Spanish, Arabs and French have all left their mark.

Sightseeing highlights include the Valle dei Templi (Valley of Temples) at Agrigento, the beautiful city of Taormina with its ancient cliff-side Greek theatre, the Unesco-listed city of Syracuse, and the capital Palermo with its ornate Baroque architecture.

Another attraction is the Villa Romana del Casale archaeological site in Piazza Armerina, famous for its mosaics of Roman girls in ‘bikinis’, which recently reopened followed a period of restoration.

Dominating the natural scenery is Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano. But don’t let that deter clients as it’s not considered dangerous. Many farms and vineyards are on the rich soil of its slopes and locals are used to seeing it smouldering and glowing in the background. In winter you can even ski on it!

Sicily is ideal for repeat visitors to Italy looking for something different, and for culture vultures wanting to experience a traditional Italian way of life. Accommodation ranges from self-catering and family-run B&Bs to luxury five-star properties.

While Tuscany clearly remains Britons’ favourite region in Italy, Sicily has risen from third place to second, according to the Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy.

Vicki Wye, product manager at Cosmos Tours & Cruises, says: “For those who have done the popular tourist areas of mainland Italy, Sicily offers something a little different. Our leisurely eight-day Discover Sicily product leading in at £805 sits midway between a full-on classic touring itinerary and a beach resort holiday with stays in just two hotels but with the bonus of lots of sightseeing.”

Sicily’s airline gateways are Palermo, Catania and, more recently, Trapani, served by scheduled, charter and no-frills airlines from London and Manchester. For independent travellers, ferries run from Genoa, Livorno, Civitavecchia, Naples and other Italian ports.

Product update

First Choice has added Sicily to its 2011 programme. Sarah Dawson, product executive for Italy at Tui UK and Ireland, says: “We’ve expanded the range of Italian destinations as Italy is proving to be very popular with customers. We have three new properties in Sicily in fantastic locations, available half-board and all-inclusive. This includes the four-sun-rated Premier Acacia Resort, which is exclusive to First Choice.”

Kirker’s cultural tours programme features Sicily for the first time since 2008. The nine-night Enigmatic Island itinerary is based in Palermo, Agrigento and Syracuse, and includes visits to Palermo’s Norman Royal Palace and Archaeological Museum, and major Greek and Roman sites such as the Valley of the Temples. The tour costs from £2,120 half-board, with departures in May and October, and includes entrance fees and the services of a tour lecturer.

Belleair Holidays' Sicily programme has three new properties for this year: Taormina’s Hotel Andromaco Palace, the Grande Albergo Alfeo in Syracusa and Sant Alphio Garden in Giardini Naxos. For clients seeking flexible breaks, agents can also book accommodation-only holidays at its hotels, villas and apartments.

Sunvil Discovery’s new products for 2011 include Residence Galati and Hotel II Mulino, both in Capo d’Orlando and leading in from £402 and £593 a week respectively, and Taormina’s Hotel Villa Paradiso, from £668.

For self-catering, Interhome features more than 200 villas and apartments in Sicily and the neighbouring island of Lipari. One of its 24 new properties for summer 2011 include a four-star villa with pool in Lipari that sleeps eight and leads in at £2,260 a week.

Essential Italy has also expanded its portfolio of villas, apartments and hotels. It includes family-run B&B Giuggiulena, built on the side of a craggy rock face in the historic Greek town of Syracusa, where all the rooms have balconies and prices lead in at £76 a night.

Palazzo Hedone (above), a palatial villa sleeping up to 24 in the Unesco-listed town of Scicli, is among the new properties added by luxury villa specialist Think Sicily. The property, with a heated pool, private chef, beach house and daily maid service, ranges in price from £7,250 a week for 12 people to £13,020 for 24. And Cottages to Castles recently contracted 11 properties, including Casa delle Mandorla, which sleeps up to four and has a swimming pool, and leads in at £1,480 a week in high season.

Hotels update

Extensive renovation work has continued at the Taormina sister properties of Grand Hotel Timeo and Villa Sant Andrea, now owned by Orient-Express. Villa Sant Andrea has a new infinity pool overlooking the Bay of Mazzaro, while the pool restaurant at Grand Hotel Timeo has been extended.

The five-star Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa, part of the NH Hotel Group, opened last summer. It’s new to Citalia’s range this year.

Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, part of The Rocco Forte Collection, recently launched a Tennis Academy.

What's new

• Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa: Created from three historic buildings, including an old convent, in Palermo
• NH Capo dei Greci: Resort and spa overlooking Taormina Bay
• Grand Hotel Villa Itria: Part of the Ora group’s luxury collection, the hotel is situated in the countryside with views of Mount Etna
• La Plage Resort: Five-star bungalows and rooms on the Taormina coast
• Torre Don Virgilio Resort: Luxury rural living near the baroque town of Modica
• Maurice Messegue Wellness Centre: Spa complex at Parco Augusto near Messina

Sample product

Belleair has seven nights’ B&B at the three-star Hotel Andromaco Palace in Taormina from £579 for travel in May or June, including British Airways flights from Gatwick and transfers.

Page & Moy has a seven-night half-board guided tour called Highlights of Ancient Sicily, which includes excursions to Syracusa and Palermo. The tour costs from £925 for travel between June and September and includes BA flights from Gatwick.

Interhome offers seven nights’ self-catering at the four-bedroom Villa i Magazzini in Scopello on the north-west coast of Sicily from £2,642 for travel in July, excluding flights. The villa sleeps up to eight and has a private pool.

source: www.travelweekly.co.uk

 

What could be better than shopping in Barcelona one day and bronzing on Majorca's golden beaches the next? Or perhaps you fancy island hopping round the Caribbean, feeling the powdery white sand between your toes and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters. Hays Travel specialise in luxury cruises with first-class accommodation, a wealth of amenities, and round the clock entertainment.

                     Overview

Whether you're seeking a Mediterranean cruise featuring ancient cities, magnificent museums and idyllic beaches or a Caribbean cruise of the tropical islands with picture-perfect beaches and cloudless skies, we offer a wide choice of cruises to suit all tastes and budgets. Our cruise liners offer the very best in cruise comfort, with luxurious health and beauty spas, state-of-the-art gyms, elegant bars, cafes, fine restaurants, and a wealth of activities including: swimming pools, tennis courts, golf simulators, mini golf, children's play areas, excellent shopping, libraries and glitzy casinos.

Whether the aim of your cruise holiday is to relax and revitalise or to try your hand at a wealth of activities, our cruises can cater to your every need. All our accommodation is spacious and comfortable with air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. Other in-room facilities can include: TVs, radios, Internet, safes, direct-dial phones, refrigerators, minibars, tea and coffee facilities and hair dryers.

 

 

            For more details or  to book call: 01823 478305 today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                        Caribbean Cruising

 

A cruise in the Caribbean islands is a picture-perfect paradise combining white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, sparkling turquoise waters, tropical climates, and breathtaking sunsets. Popular destinations for Caribbean cruises include: the pretty coral island of Barbados with its British-style seaside towns, cricket games and colonial architecture; the verdant island of St Lucia with its lush mountains and dense rainforests; the stunning 870-mile golden coastline of the Dominican Republic; the 365 beaches of Antigua with its world-class scuba diving and evening entertainment; and the natural beauty of Tobago with its abundance of wildlife and traditional fishing villages.

Caribbean cruises offer an abundance of activities. Scuba diving and snorkelling are particularly popular, as the warm, crystal-clear waters are home to untouched coral reefs teeming with marine life. Swimming with dolphins is something most people only dream of, but a Caribbean cruise offers this experience of a lifetime. The islands also boast world-class championship golf courses. Sailing is massively popular, and tourists can hire sailboats and catamarans.

Caribbean cruises also feature a range of on-land excursions, including exploring ancient cities and busy ports, browsing local markets for souvenirs, and visiting an abundance of historic museums and monuments. Caribbean cuisine features curried meat dishes, freshly caught seafood, and delicious desserts with coconut, vanilla and fruit. Nightlife in the Caribbean offers something for everyone, with numerous chilled-out beach bars, rum punch, breathtaking sunsets, relaxing reggae rhythms, live shows, glitzy casinos and late night drinking and dancing.

           For more details or to book call: 01823 478305 today

 

                                    Mediterranean Cruising  

 

Cruises in the Mediterranean combine golden sandy beaches, charming harbours, picturesque fishing villages and a rich history. A cruise in the Mediterranean suits all tastes due to its diverse range of attractions, from its sun-drenched beaches to historical cities. The Mediterranean has long been a favourite destination for cruise liners. You can be browsing the designer boutiques in Barcelona one day and sipping cappuccinos in the Italian Riviera the next.

Popular destinations for Mediterranean cruises include: the cosmopolitan city of Barcelona with its Gaudi architecture, excellent shopping and vibrant nightlife; the Majorcan capital of Palma with its fine restaurants and beautiful medieval buildings; the vibrant city of Naples, set at the foot of Mount Vesuvius, with its Baroque architecture; the Renaissance city of Florence with its picturesque squares, historic churches and wealth of museums; the Greek capital of Athens with its abundance of ancient sights; the stylish Monte Carlo with its glitzy casinos and designer boutiques; the Portuguese capital of Lisbon with its Romanesque cathedral; the golden sandy beaches of the Greek Islands; and the legendary nightlife of the Balearics.

Whether you're looking for a fun-packed family break or romantic retreat, cruises in the Mediterranean appeal to everyone. Excursions combine: exploring historic cities and world-renowned landmarks, strolling along ancient streets, visiting magnificent museums, soaking up the sun on the golden sandy beaches, trying your hand at a wealth of water sports, sampling the local cuisine, haggling at local markets, and enjoying the vibrant nightlife.

         For more details or to book call: 0800 408 4229 today

Paris
Depart:
Luton

Dates / Times:
Departing 04/04/2011
Returning 07/04/2011
Duration:
3 Nights

Staying in:
Magic Circus
Star Rating:
4

Room Type:
Standard
Board Basis:
BB

Description:
Magic Circus Hotel is located outside the Disneyland® Resort Paris, just 10 minutes away by free shuttle bus from the Disney® Parks (3 km.) and only 30 km from Paris City.
The hotel offers a reception, restaurant, bar, conference facilities and meeting rooms with high speed internet access (with extra charge). The leisure facilities include billiards, video games, indoor heating pool, children´s indoor heating pool and fitness & wellness centre.
The hotel rooms are equipped with bathroom with bathtub, air conditioning, high speed internet access (with extra charge), tea & coffee making facilities, TV, telephone and safety box.
Price correct as at Wednesday 5th January, please click below for Live Pricing.

To book this offer call us on 01823 478305 and quote reference no: 153046-HAY

Prices are subject to change and availability. Hays Travel reserve the right to withdraw promotional prices at any time. All prices are based on maximum occupancy in standard rooms.

 

 

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Smile...and book with confidence

Hays Travel is the UK's largest independently owned travel agent with over 30 years experience. Fully government licensed and ATOL bonded you can rest assured that your holiday and your money is in safe hands.

We specialise in providing affordable holidays and excellent customer service. Our independence means you can trust us to offer the most extensive range of low cost travel opportunities; from all inclusive, long haul and luxury getaways to late deals, ski holidays, cruises and packages.

For more information or to book call: 0800 408 4048

Tokyo’s Narita airport has been closed and tsunami alerts issued along the Pacific coast this morning as an 8.9-magnitude earthquake hit the country.

At least 32 people have been killed and many buried in landslides. Four million homes are without power.

A 33ft tsunami has hit the northeastern coast of Japan carrying cars and buildings through the streets.

A tsunami warning has been issued to cover most of the Pacific including Hawaii, US west coast, Alaska and South America. Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand were also on alert.

The US West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Centre said that any tsunami generated by the earthquake off the coast of Japan would hit Hawaii at around 2.45am (12.45pm GMT) and the US West Coast at 7.45am (3.45pm GMT).

Reports claimed holidaymakers in Waikiki were being urged to move to the upper floor of buildings in case a tsunami hits.

"Earthquakes of this size are known to generate tsunamis potentially dangerous to coasts outside the source region," the US National Weather Service said.

Reports suggest the Japan quake was 100 times more powerful than the one that hit Christchurch in New Zealand last month.

Both BA and Virgin Atlantic have cancelled their daily scheduled flights today as a precautionary measure as the situation develops.

A Virgin service from Tokyo left the country before the quake hit and is due back in the UK this evening.

 

source: www.travelweekly.co.uk

 

Barely 10 miles of sparkling Mediterranean waters separate the islands of Corsica and Sardinia but despite the proximity, the two offer distinct, unique holiday experiences. One is Italian and the other is French, for a start, but the differences don’t end there.

It’s not for nothing that Corsica is known as the Island of Beauty. It’s home to a wild coastline, mountainous national parks, pine forests, fishing villages and ancient walled towns such as Calvi.

Sun seekers head south to Porte Vecchio, its hillside location overlooks a picturesque bay, and during spring and early summer, the island’s famous blanket of shrubs, maquis, is in full bloom. Corsica’s railway is another draw, covering 180 miles from lively Bastia on the east coast to seaside town Ajaccio on the west. Hikers often stop at Vizzavona village for the GR20, one of Europe’s best walking routes.

Beaches are what Sardinia does best, and holidaymakers attracted to the high-end accommodation and restaurants of the famous Costa Smeralda in the northeast find respite in the resort of Santa Teresa di Gallura. The northwest coast around Alghero offers equally alluring family-friendly white sand beaches and beyond the coast lie traditional villages, forest-covered hillsides, fine cuisine and the lively capital, Cagliari.

Other sights include Sardinia’s mystical stone fortresses, or nuraghi, which dot the island; the archaeological gems at Nuoro; medieval Bosa and the archipelago of La Maddalena.

Choosing between the two islands can be hard. Amandine Blanchard, product manager at Corsican Places and Sardinian Places, says: “Corsica is more unspoilt, greener and more mountainous, which makes it more spectacular. It’s full of character, authentic seaside resorts and has better walking opportunities.

“Sardinia has more beaches – about 240. There are more festivals on the island, a welcoming Italian feel and it’s richer in archaeological sites.” If you’re still in doubt, a number of operators offer both as part of a twin-centre break.

What’s new in Corsica?

Corsica is offered by several operators including Thomson, First Choice and Mark Warner. Specialist operator Corsican Places offers the largest accommodation options to the UK market and its collection features more than 130 products, many exclusive to them.

The majority are self-catering properties near the coast, but they also offer rural properties and hotels, with 25 new ones selected for 2011. They initially specialised in northern Corsica, but they have now expanded to the south of the island and the new brochure includes handy Beach and Family Guides.

 

New properties include the Bergerie Olivella (pictured above) and Bergerie Murtetu, part of the operator’s Premium Collection in Olmeto on the west coast. There are also family-friendly properties such as the traditional Casa Monica villa in Palavesa, outside Porto Vecchio, and Marina Serena, which consists of five modern villas, and is a short drive from Palombaggia and Porto Vecchio. New hotels include the three-star Hotel Costa Salina near Porto Vecchio’s lively harbour.

Rail specialist Ffestiniog Travel has added Corsica to its escorted programme this year with a rail tour through the island’s verdant interior, passing dramatic gorges and waterfalls. Corsica’s single-track railway, which climbs to its highest point at Vizzavona from sea level, is one of Europe’s most picturesque.

General manager Gina Warren says: “It’s an unusual way to see Corsica, offering amazing scenery, especially between Corte and Bocognano, which is part of the tour.” The operator also offers tailor-made rail journeys in Corsica.

What’s new in Sardinia?

Hilton made its Sardinian debut last year with the opening of the Doubletree by Hilton Olbia-Sardini in the northeastern Gallura region, close to Olbia’s historic port. Its leisure amenities include a heated outdoor pool, spa and links to the Robert Trent Jones-designed Pevero Golf Club. Opening in April, La Maddalena Hotel & Yacht Club is in the national park archipelago between Sardinia and Corsica.

This summer will also see the return of the Austin Healey and Will Greenwood Rugby Academy at the family-friendly Forte Village Resort after it launched last year. This complements the Chelsea Soccer School and Five-Star Tennis Academy.

Specialist operator Sardinian Places, specialising in northeast/northwest Sardinia, launched its new brochure in January, featuring nine new properties. While the focus remains on detached countryside villas with private grounds and a pool within easy driving distance of the coast, it is expanding to seafront properties. New this year is the Residence Riva Azzurra, a 21-apartment beachside complex in Cannigione. Plus, for the first time, the brochure features package prices alongside accommodation-only prices.

In addition to these, the operator added two more properties in late February. Both Villa Pineta, a three-bedroom property sleeping six, and Villa Le Saline, a converted three-bedroom traditional-style Sardinian farm-house with a pool, sleeping six, are located in the northeast.

Cresta Holidays has also expanded its Sardinian portfolio, adding five new hotels near the resorts of Palau and Isola Rossa in the north, in addition to those in Baia Sardinia and Porto Cervo. The selection includes self-catering Lantana Residence, Forte Village Resort, and resort and spa properties such as the Pullman Timi Ama, and Valle dell’Erica Resort Thalasso & Spa.

Family specialist Mark Warner has added the traditional, family-run Hotel Perdepera, where half of the 120 rooms are now reserved for Mark Warner guests. New properties in Sardinian specialist Sardatur’s latest, 100-page brochure include the re-opened Monteturri Resort Relais on the east coast and the new Casai Resort on the southwest’s ‘island within the island’ Sant’Antioco.

Managing director Gianni Bonuglia says: “With more flights and accommodation available, Sardinia is ideal for a family holiday; romantic getaway; culinary, historical or cultural tour; or to relax.” The lead-in brochure price is £430 for a seven-night stay at Riviera Hotel in San Pietro in May including return flights to Cagliari, bed-and-breakfast accommodation and transfers.

Other companies featuring the island include Just Sardinia, which sells about 10%-15% of its product through the trade. New this year is the Residence Riva Azzurra. Kirker Holidays, whose options includes the Superior Su Gologone near Gennargentu National Park. Kirker can also arrange tailor-made holidays to both Sardinia and Corsica.

Getting there

With more low-cost airlines flying to Corsica, access has become easier. Last summer Corsican Places launched a new weekly charter flight from Stansted to Calvi, with Ryanair adding a service from Stansted to Figari, on the southern tip of Corsica and Bmibaby adding summer-only flights to Bastia from East Midlands.

Low-cost and charter flights have also been key to Sardinia’s success. Ryanair’s routes to Alghero and Cagliari are well established and in May 2010 Bmibaby launched summer-only flights to Alghero from East Midlands airport, with easyJet launching a Stansted-Cagliari service.

Having enjoyed great success with its British Airways chartered flights from Heathrow, Edinburgh and Manchester to Cagliari, Sardatur is launching a new weekly Heathrow-Olbia flight for the summer starting on May 21. Sardatur’s Gianni Bonuglia says: “This will considerably open up the market to the north/northeast region, making it more accessible and affordable to the British market.”

Ahead of the move, Sardatur has added 12 new properties, ranging from self-catering villas to five-star deluxe hotels.

Sample product

Corsican Places offers seven nights at Casa Anna, a two-bedroom apartment in Calvi Citadel from £349, based on four sharing. Price includes return flights from Stansted to Calvi, taxes and transfers, an early booking offer discount of £50 per person and is based on May 22 departures.

Cresta Holidays has a seven-night half-board package based on two sharing at the Resort Le Dune & Spa at Badesi Mare near Isola Rossa, Sardinia from £539. Price includes flights from Gatwick to Olbia with easyJet, an early booking discount and is based on departures from May 14-June 17.

source: www.travelweekly.co.uk

 

This exclusive offer is limited and can only be booked by calling 01823 478305

This luxury hotel is located on the 'golden mile' of Jumeirah Beach, alongside the Jumeirah Beach Residence and "The Walk", which offers a unique shopping and dining experience with its wide beachfront boulevard of shops and restaurants. 

Suitable For...

Families:

Honeymoon:

Couples:

Young:

The hotel is also only minutes away from two of the city's largest malls, the indoor ski-slope, the Emirates golf club, the Wild Wadi water park, Internet City, Media City, as well as the commercial area of Jebel Ali.

Flights available from Newcastle, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Heathrow and Gatwick

 

Flight
Duration

7 Hours

Time
Diff.

+ 4 Hours

Average
Temp

35 oC

Currency

UAE Dirham

 

 

Reference No:
141258-HAY

Deal Ref:
200167

Depart:
Manchester

Destination:
Flaine

Dates / Times:
Departing 19/03/2011
Returning 26/03/2011

Duration:
7 nights

 

Rating:

3 Star

Room Type:

Standard

Staying In:

La Foret Apts

Board Basis:

SC

Description:

Facilities:

Water Activities:

From £119

Prices quoted are per person (unless otherwise stated) and based on maximum occupancy...

To book this offer, note reference number and call...
01823 478305

Offers are subject to availability.

Destination:
Barcelona
Depart:
Luton

Dates / Times:
Departing 11/10/2011
Returning 14/10/2011
Duration:
3 Nights

Staying in:
Medicis Hotel
Star Rating:
4

Room Type:
Standard
Board Basis:
BB

Description:
The Hotel Medicis in Barcelona offers an unbeatable location beside the Sagrada Família and the Sant Pau Hospital, the Modernism centre.
Refurbished on 2007, is amodern and functional hotel with services such as Breakfast Buffet included and free Wireless Connection to meet all you need.
Best choice in Barcelona, for those who know and enjoy a friendly atmosphere and personalized 24 hours front desk with an affordable price.
The Hotel Medicis has 29 fully equipped rooms for your relax and comfortably.
Price correct as at Friday 11th February, please click below for Live Pricing.

To book this offer call us on 01823 478305

and quote reference no: 129486-HAY

Prices are subject to change and availability. Hays Travel reserve the right to withdraw promotional prices at any time. All prices are based on maximum occupancy in standard rooms.

 

 

Smile...and book with confidence

Hays Travel is the UK's largest independently owned travel agent with over 30 years experience. Fully government licensed and ATOL bonded you can rest assured that your holiday and your money is in safe hands.

We specialise in providing affordable holidays and excellent customer service. Our independence means you can trust us to offer the most extensive range of low cost travel opportunities; from all inclusive, long haul and luxury getaways to late deals, ski holidays, cruises and packages.

For more information or to book call:

01823 478305