Krakow City Breaks - An Overview

WHEN TO VISIT:If you are planning a holiday in Krakow, Poland, the best months to visit are during the summer when average daytime temperatures are around 22 degrees centigrade [although the occasional heat wave can mean that temperatures shoot up to 30 degrees].  

Late spring through to the early summer are pleasantly warm with temperatures of around 20 degrees and it can be relatively mild during the autumn.   If you visit Krakow during the winter then be prepared for snow and freezing temperatures.

CURRENCY:Polish Zloty  £1 = 5.00 Zloty [February 2012]

VISA:Not required by UK citizens

GETTING THERE:Flying time is approximately 2 hours from the UK

Interested in a Krakow city break?  Then give us a call or take a look at our Krakow hotels.

A Cracking Competition - Win Easter Goodies

Win a "Rocky Road to Caramel" extra thick 500g Easter egg from Hotel Chocolat.

Prize Description
Both half-shells are cast in mellow 40% milk chocolate, with one half-shell studded with crispy puffed rice, cookies and chocolate chunks. The other half-shell with a layer of caramel chocolate over a base of milk chocolate. And inside the dreaminess continues – with praline with cookies, liquid caramel and silky smooth milk chocolate ganache along with solid bunnies and chicks cast in milk and caramel chocolate and more.


Just answer the following question. All correct entries will be placed in a draw to be held on 30 March 2012. Last entry 29 March and the winner will be notified by email.

Question: What is the capital of Italy?
[a] Rome [b] Paris [c] Madrid

Just send your answser in an email to info@coronaholidays.co.uk for a chance to win.
GOOD LUCK !

February Competition Winner

Congratulations to Wendy Warren from Leicestershire who was drawn from all the correct entries received in our February competition.

Wendy correctly identified that The River Amazon was located in South America and has won a £30 Amazon Gift Certificate.

Our March competition is due our next week - some easter goodies are up for grabs!

Lloret de Mar Gets Tough on Alcotourism

If you about to go on your holiday in Lloret de Mar in the Costa Brava, then you may be benefitting from 2 new laws just passed by the town council. 

One relates to behaviour in public places and the other relates to civic order and respecting fellow citizens which are both in an attempt to curb alcotourism in the resort and the banning of the consumption of alcoholic beverages in the streets.

Amongst other activities being banned are pub and disco crawls, "balconing" [jumping from balconies into swimming pools], sleeping in cars at night and going shirtless when not on the beach.

So, if you think a holiday in Lloret de Mar is for you, then just give us a call.

Las Fallas Festival in Valencia

If you are on your holidays in Valencia during the period 15-19 March 2012 then you are in for a great time as Valencia's largest annual fiesta and one of the best-known in Spain - Las Fallas - is due to take place.

A Fallas is a huge creation made of papier-mache which are paraded around the town, and neibourhoods compete to produce the best Fallas.   They can depict anything from cartoon characters, politicians, buxom ladies, animals, etc.   Each Fallas has a mini-version known as a Ninot. Each evening, firecrackers blast our over Plaza de l'Ajuntament and bullfights are held.

On the 18th March a statue of Mare de Deu dels Desemparats [Mary of the Helpless], patron saint of the city, is honoured with a spectacular offering of flowers.

At the end of the festival, huge bonfires take place where all the models are placed on the bonfires with the only exception of the winning Fallas which is saved from the flames [only the Ninot is saved - the large scale version is still placed into the fire].

Dating back to the Middle Ages, when carpenters used to light a bonfire in honour of Sant Josep, their patron saint.  Gradually, effigies were thrown into the fire, but nowadays the creations take all year to build.

If you want to find out more about Las Fallas, there are two museums devoted to the festival:
Museu Faller/Museo Fallero:
Located in Plaza Monteoliverte 4
Open Tuesday-Saturday 10:30-15:00 and Sunday / Bank Holidays 10:00-15:00

Museu del Gremi d'Artistes Fallers / Museo del Gremio Artistas Fallers [showing how the Fallas are made]
Located in Avenida San Jose Artesano
Open Monday-Saturday 10:00-14:00 and 16:00-19:00 and Sunday 10:00-14:00

If you would like to experience Las Fallas and need hotel accommodation in Valencia, just give us a call, or take a look at our hotels in Valencia.

Easyjet to fly to Iceland from Luton

It has been announced that EasyJet is to commence flying from Luton to Reykjavik three times a week on a year-round schedule. 

More than 8,000 seats have been sold in advsnce of the first flight on the 27 March 2012.  Tickets for flights from October will go on sale in March.

Reykjavik is the most notherly capital in the world and an original choice for a stylish city break in Iceland. The name means "Smoky Bay" after the steam clouds which rise from it geothermal springs. Discover the land of fire and ice with active geysers and bubbling mud pools alongside thundering waterfalls.

Peseta Makes Comeback in Spanish Village

A village south-east of Madrid - Villamayor de Santiago - has taken steps to reintroduce Spain's old currency, the peseta, in an effort to boost the local economy.

Since re-introducing the peseta in January,  locals have spent nearly 6000 euros worth of pesetas. When the scheme end in February, the old currency will be taken to the Bank of Spain and exchanged for euros and then distributed to the business which have taken part.

Pesetas can still be exchanged at the Bank of Spain for euros.

Newcastle Airport Has New Onsite Hotel

Travellers from Newcastle Airport can now benefit from a stay at a new onsite hotel - the DoubleTree by Hilton Newcastle International Airport Hotel has just officially opened following a multi-million pount investment by the Cairn Hotel Group.

Just a few metres from the airport terminal, the glass fronted building has been designed for both business and leisure travellers.  The hotel offers a choice of 179 en-suite rooms, each with flat panel TV, free high speed internet access and soundproof windows.  Facilities include car parking, function rooms, a fitness suite and a choice of dining options and 24-hour room service.

If you would like to book a night at this hotel before your flight leaves Newcastle, just give Corona Holiday a call.

The Donkeys of Guimar

If you are on your holiday in Tenerife on the 24 February, 2012 and are near the resort of Guimar, then this is the place to be for the annual Donkeys of Guimar [Las Burras de Guimar] street performance which marks the end of Carnival time in Tenerife.  This eerie street theatre show is held in the Plaza de San Pedrom Arriba and portrays the common believe that on this night, all witches change into donkeys - everything is very light-hearted and admission is free.

During the day, why not take a look at the Piramides de Guimar [Guimar Pyramids] - Built by the native Guanches, they were long dismissed as piles of stones heaped by farmers clearing the land. However, closer inspection by archeologists revealed three pyramidal constructions, each at least 100 metres long and made of carefully squared stones.

An ideal hotel in Guimar would be the Rural Finca Salamanca Hotel.

Arts Hotel in Barcelona - New Spa Treatments

The 5 Star Arts Hotel in Barcelona has recently introduced new treatments designed by the Spa by Six Senses Spas.  New "slow life" treatments include the hot-stone chocolate massage and lavender massage.

Six Senses Spas are considered to be one of the best companies in the world offering an extensive selection of exquisite beauty treatments and massages.  Facilities and services include:

* Split-level area on floor 43, with spectacular views and terraces
* A total of eight treatment rooms, several with natural light and all with chromotherapy
* Separate ladies and gentlemen’s changing facilities including saunas and Klafs colour therapy steam rooms, vitality pools and ice fountains.

If you would like to stay at the Arts Hotel and take a short city break in Barcelona then just give us a call and we can send a quotation.   Alternatively you can carry out an online search from our description of the Arts Hotel.

Extra 13,000 Seats from Newcastle with Easyjet

It has been announced that Easyjet will be increasing capacity on 8 routes from Newcastle.

An extra 13,000 seats are being made available for passsengers with the introduction of an Airbus A320 later this year.  The extra capacity will be on routes to:
Malta [MLA]
Mallorca [PMI]
Paris [CDG]
Bristol [BRS]
Alicante [ALC]
Malaga [AGP]
Barcelona [BCN]
Belfast [BFS]

Top 3 Water Parks for Family Days Out

One of the most popular days out in the summer for families is a visit to a water park.   Here's our top 3 places to go for a proper dunking:

SIAM PARK IN TENERIFE
Siam Park is located in the resort of Costa Adeje, Tenerife, which is just a 10 minute drive from Playa de las Americas.  It is one of the largest water park in Europe and has the general appearance of the ancient kingdom of Siam in Thailand with slides set amidst tropical vegetation.   Ride highlights include:
Tower of Power - a 28 metre almost vertical drop.
The Dragon - spins riders in a 4-man raft
The Volcano - a whirling crater
It also has a great man-made beach, a wave pool which features 3 metre high artificial waves together with a selection of bars and restaurants to keep the whole family amused. 

WESTERN WORLD IN MALLORCA
Located in the popular resort of Magalluf in Mallorca, this water park has been inspired by the wild west and has an excellent range of rides, pools and rivers.  Ride hightlights include:
The Beast - a kamikaze slide with a vertical drop
Wild River Rapids
Kids' WaterlandWestern World is centrally located just minutes from the main hotels in Magalluf.  A complimentary bus service runs from Magaluf, Santa Ponsa and Paguera.

WATERWORLD IN CYPRUS
Located in the popular resort of Ayia Napa, Cyprus, the park has an ancient Greek theme this is an award winning park and the largest on the island of Cyprus.  Ride highlights include:
Drop Atlantis - the only water ride in the world which features light, sound and visual effects
Fall of Icarus - a boomerang ride
Mount Olympus - a 75 metre vertical drop
Thunderbold - new for 2012 with sharp twists and a steep drop 

Ryanair Announces New Routes from Liverpool

It has been recently announced that Ryanair will be adding 2 new destinations to its network of routes from Liverpool John Lennon Airport [LPL] for the summer schedule with services operating to Barcelona [BCN] and Almeria [LEI].

Flights will commence on 25 March and will take the number of destinations served by Ryanair to 40. 

It is expected that the flight to Barcelona will prove very popular, especially for passengers wishing to take a city break to Barcelona. 

AVRO Adds New Departures

AVRO has announced an increase in their 2012 programme with new regional departures.  The new routes with Monarch start in March with flights to:

ITALY
Milan and Venice from Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester up to 6 times per week.
Rome from Luton and Birmingham up to 5 times per week
Verona from Manchester up to 5 times per week

CROATIA
Dubrovnik from Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester up to 3 times per week

GREECE
Heraklion in Crete from East Midlands and Newcastle [East Midlands on Tuesdays from 22 May to 25 September and Newcastle on Tuesdays from May to November]
Corfu from East Midlands and Newcastle on Mondays from 21 May to 24 September

W Hotels Open New Hotel in Paris

W Hotels is to open its first property in Paris on Valentine's Day - 14 February 2012 - which will be located opposted the Opera Garnier.

This new hotel - The W Paris Opera - is a 5-story hotel located in the Opera area of Paris in an elegant 1870s Haussmann era building. It will have 91 guest room, including 20 suites and two Extreme WOW Suites.

Situated between the famous department stores in Paris, Galeries Lafayette and Le Printempts with the exclusive boutiques of the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore nearby.  This means that world class restaurants and museums are just a stroll away.

New Flights from Cardiff Announced

It has been announced that the Spanish budget carrier "Vueling" is expanding its network from Cardiff with two more routes this coming summer.

The airline will serve Alicante and Palma three times per week from 22 June in addition to Barcelona flights which start from 27 March.

New Attractions to Book in Paris

If you are due to go on your holidays to Paris, then you may like to pre-book some attraction tickets before you travel.  12 new tours have been added to this popular city including bike, segway and walking tours which offer an alternative means of exploring the city. 
For example, you could book a bike tour of Monet's Gardens, Paris Segway Tour by Day, Paris World War II Walking Tour, Paris Bike Tour and Paris Segway Tour by Night.

For more details just take a look at our Worldwide Attractions on our Travel Extras page.

BMIBABY Announces New Routes

BMIBABY has recently announced it will be launching 2 new sunshine routes this year and also increase frequency to some its most popular destinations.

The airline will offer new flights from East Midlands to Catania in Sicily and from Belfast City Airport to Mahon in Menorca as part of its summer 2012 programme.

Belfast to Mahon will commence on 15 June with twice weekly flights on Monday and Friday until 24 September. 

East Midlands to Catania will operate once a week on a Sunday from 27 Mary until 30 September.

The increase in frequency will affect:
Belfast City to Palma in Mallorca, and Faro in Portugal and Alicante in Spain.
East Midlands to Barcelona and Murcia in Spain and to Malta.

New Routes for 2012

AVRO has recently announced new routes for 2012 to include Dubrovnik in Croatia and Milan, Rome, Venice and Verona in Italy.    Each will commence with departures in March.

Flights to Milan and Venice will depart from Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester up to 6 times per week.

Flights to Rome with operate from Luton and Birmingham up to 5 times per week and to Verona from Manchester.

Flights to Dubrovnik will operate from Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester up to 3 times per week.

Recently, Monarch have reported that Dubrovnik had seen fantastic demand for 2012.

Additionally, AVRO has announded further expansion to its Spanish flying programme for summer 2012 with year-round flights from both Gatwick and Manchester to Barcelona with flights operating up to 6 times per week from Manchester and 11 times per week from Gatwick. 

Win - Benidorm Series 1,2, and 3 on DVD

For a chance to win series 1, 2 and 3 of the popular "Benidorm" TV programme just enter our January competition by answering the following question:

Question:  Where is the resort of Benidorm?
Answer:  [a] Spain   [b] France   [c] Italy

Send your answer in an email to newsletter@coronaholidays.co.uk

All correct entries will be placed into a draw to be held on the 1 February 2012 and the winner will be notified by email. 
Good Luck !

December Competition Winner

Congratulations to Joan Clark from Glasgow who was drawn from all the correct entries received for our December competition.

Joan correctly identified that Brazil is a South American country and has won Zumba Fitness for Ninento Wii which is currently on its way.

Watch this space for our January competition which will be out tomorrow!

New Terminal at Leeds Bradford Airport

Leeds Bradford Airport [LBA] has announced the commencement of works on the next major stage of its passenger terminal development, with an £11 million construction project to deliver new facilities and an improved passenger experience.

The development will provide a 65% increase in airside space over 2 floors, creating a new departure lounge, a new range of upgraded food and beverage offers, a major walk through Tax and Duty Free store and additional retail units.   The Yorkshire Premier Lounge will be enlarged and developed, while the security search zone will also be expanded, along with all boarding gate areas.

Work is scheduled for completion in summer 2012.

Get to Know ... Rialto Bridge in Venice

Take a holiday in Venice and you are sure to wonder about the history of the Rialto Bridge.  It's history goes back to the year 1181 when the ponte de Moneta was the only bridge to span the Grande Canal. Unfortunately this bridge collapsed and was replaced by a wooden bridge in 1255 and was subsequently destroyed by a fire in 1310 and eventually collapsed in 1524.

Following this, the Venetian authorities sought to build a stone bridge and invited people such as Michelangelo to design such a structure. They finally decided on a design by the aptly named Antonio da Ponte, and the new bridge was completed in 1591.

The new bridge was made of Istrian stone and spans 28m and has arcades of shops on either side.  Across the bridge are 12 Renaissance arches and a centrally positioned portal. The Rialto Bridge has since been a vital part of Venice and is a hub of activity.

Take a look at our offers in Venice, or how about a Valentine's Break next February?

Algarve's First Six Star Hotel

Quinta do Lago is to shortly benefit from The Algarve's first six star hotel - Hlton Resort & Spa.  Due to open in spring 2012 the resort will feature 164 guestrooms and suites designed to reflect a contemporary Portuguese style and the grounds will include themed gardens, swimming pools and lakes, a spa, health clubs, restaurants and bars.

Quinta do Lago in The Algarve is set amidst woodlands and near sandy beaches. It is also on the edge of a nature reserve [Ria Formosa Natural Park] and is also famous for its year-round championship golf courses, tennis and water sports.

Life in Quinta do Lago can be as active and varied as you wish. The golf clubs and 4 magnificent courses are a focal point although there is a wide variety of other sporting and leisure activities such as tennis, sunbathing, swimming, windsurfing on the lake, sailing, fishing and horse riding.

Win "Zumba Fitness" for Nintendo Wii

Start 2012 with the latest dance-fitness craze from South America - ZUMBA.

For a chance to win Zumba Fitness for the Nintendo Wii, which features 30 dynamic Zumba routines and a Zumba Fitness belt, just answer the following question:

Question :   Which of the following is a South American country?
Answer :  [a] Brazil [b] Italy [c] New Zealand

Send your answer in an email to:  newsletter@coronaholidays.co.uk

All correct entries received will be placed into a draw to be held on the 4 January 2012 [closing date 3 January 2012] and the winner will be notifed by email. GOOD LUCK !!

CONTRATULATIONS to the winner of our November competition, Robert Mountfound from Edinburgh who correctly identified that "amigo" is Spanish for "friend".  Robert was drawn from all the correct entries received and has been sent the complete series of "Friends" on DVD [15th Anniversary Collector's Edition which includes extended episodes, extra special features and an all new episode guide]

Take a City Break with a Christmas Market

With Christmas just around the corner, its a great time to take a City Break with a Christmas Market.

We have some great offers available to the following cities.

Barelona in Spain - this year sees the 225th anniversary of the Fira de Santa Lucia and comprises more than 270 stands from which you can purchase gifts including lights, baubles, candles, decorations, etc.   

Bruges in Belgium - a medieval setting, the market is around an open-air ice rink.  The market comprises around 30 stalls, but with lots of other things to see and do in Bruges, this city makes a welcome break. 

Brussels in Belgium - located by the illuminated Grand Place with around 240 stalls selling local specialities including decorations, gifts and Christmas seasonal food and drink.  Don't forget to take a look at the towering Christmas tree and listen to the many choirs and Christmas concerts. 

Cologne in Germany - start at the illuminated Gothic Cathedral and visit the various Christmas markets on Neumarkt, Alter Markt, Fairytale Christmas Market, Floating Market, Medieval Market and the Cologne Harbour Market right in front of the famous Chocolate Museum.

Prague in Czech Republic - a few Christmas markets to choose from, all within a few minutes' walk of each other.  The most popular ones are in Wenceslas Square and the Old Town.  Listen to street performers, carol singers and orchestras as they take to the streets.  Buy some interesting stocking fillers as well as sampling some traditional foods.

Vienna in Austria - the festive markets date back to the 13th century and Vienna now has 25 Christmas markets.  One of the highlights is the "Magic of Advent" which is at the Vienna Christmas market in City Hall Square.  Up to 150 decorated stalls sell everything from decorations and traditional handicrafts to gingerbread hearts and berry punch.

Take a look at some of our Christmas City Breaks and decide which Christmas Market is for you.

Grab a Break in the Canaries Before Christmas

Looking to get away before the festive seasons is upon on?   We have some great offers available for 7 and 14 nights from all the major UK airports to the Canary Islands.

Below are a few examples of the many we currently have to offer.

Club Caleta Dorada in Fuerteventura ...
Just £199 per person self catering for 7 Nights

Blue Sea Los Fiscos in Lanzarote ...
Just £269 per person all inclusive for 7 Nights

Be Live Playa La Arena in Tenerife ...
Just £389 per person all inclusive for 7 Nights

La Florida in Lanzarote ...
Just £245 per person self catering for 14 Nights

If you would like to see more of our offers just visit our Canaries Before Christmas page.

Free Competition - Win Friends Complete DVD Set

Great competition for November - a chance to win this 15th Anniversary Collector's Edition which includes extended episodes, extra special features and an all new episode guide ... all in time for Christmas.

All you have to do is answer a simple question.  All correct entries receive this month will be placed into a draw to be held on the 1 December.

Question:
What is Spanish for "friend"?

Answer:[a]  Amigo    [b]  Hola     [c] Adios

Send your answer in an email to newsletter@coronaholidays.co.uk
The winner will be notified by email on the 1 December 2011
GOOD LUCK !

Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque - Pool Maintenance

We have been advised that there will be maintenance work in progress at the 5 Star Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque in Costa Adeje, Tenerife.

From the 14 November 2011 through to the 2 December 2011 there will be maintenance carried out to the children's pool and the swimming pool next to the Bernegal Restaurant.   During this period the hotel will be providing an alternative children's zone which will include pool facilities.

The use of the other swimming pools at the Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque will not be affected.

Isla de Lobos Swim

Swimmers annually brave Atlantic waters during the popular Isla de Lobos challenge. Participants race over the 3.4km stretch from Punta Marrajo beach on the outlying island of Lobos to Playa Muelle Chico harbour beach in the resort of Corralejo in Fuerteventura.

The race is due to start at midday on the 16 October, so if you are in the resort of Corralejo then head to the harbour to see the swimmers arrive.