Murano Glass from Venice

Murano in Venice, Italy

Some people, when thinking of what to buy as a souvenir of their Venice city break, may think of Murano glass. Other people will never of heard of Murano, and will perhaps wonder if they are missing out on a well-kept secret of this popular Italian city.

What, or where, is Murano? Murano is , in fact, a small series of islands which lie approximately 1.5km north of Venice and each of the islands are joined by bridges. The whole area is only 1.5km wide and has around 5,000 inhabitants. Sometimes considered to be a miniature version of Venice, Murano even has its own Grande Canal.

Visit the City of Champions on a Berlin City Break

Brandenburg Gate - Berlin

With Germany having won the 2014 World Cup, it is a good time to think about a Berlin city break and we have brought you our top 3 things to do in the capital of Germany.

1. Brandenburg Gate
Believe it or not, Brandenburg Gate dates back to 1791 and is Berlin's most famous symbol in the city.  Modelled on the Acropolis in Athens, the structure was designed by Carl Gotthard Langhans and built between 1788 and 1791 although the final touches were not completed until 1795.  Atop the structure is the famous sculpture of a chariot drawn by 4 horses. 

Top 10 Free Things to do in Madrid

So many things to see, so little time!  The majority of people visiting Madrid, the capital of Spain, come here for a short break, and can often be overwhelmed by the number of places, and sights to see around the city.  Here are our top 10 free things to see whilst you are on your city break in Madrid.

1. Palacio Real
Madrid's famous Royal Palace.  More than half the state apartments are open to the public where you will be able to see silk wall hangings, frescoes and wonderful antiques and art treasures.   On the first Wednesday of each month from October to June you can see the changing of the guard ceremony. Entrance is normally approximately 8 euros per person, but free to EU citizens on Wednesdays [don't forget your passport as proof].

Galicia's Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is tucked away in the most north-westerly part of mainland Spain and is considered the centre of the area of Galicia, and was declared a World Heritage Site back in 1985.   This fascinating city has [to list just a few]:

• 1 cathedral
• 12 convents and monasteries
• 18 monumental fountains
• 19 stately houses and city palaces
• 25 modernist buildings
• 27 historic churches
• 110 stone gargoyles
• 9 baroque squares
• 15 cloisters

The Amstel Bridges of Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Blauwbrug

Amsterdam's canals are fairly narrow and contain many low bridges which prevents anything more than pleasure boats using the waterways around this popular city.  However the Amstel [the river that runs through Amsterdam] still plays an important commercial role, carrying coal and grain-laden ships and barges to the port of Amsterdam.  Amstel originates from the river’s old name of Aeme stelle – meaning “area abound with water” in Dutch.   It is well worth a walk along the river to see the barges and the workings of the famous double-leaf drawbridges when you are on your city break in Amsterdam.

Top 10 Destinations in Spain

If you are planning a visit to Spain, but are wondering where the most popular destinations are, TripAdvisor have put together the Travellers' Choice and come up with the top 10 destinations in Spain during 2013 to provide some inspiration for your next holiday.

Set out below are the destination in order of preference together with a short description of what you can expect from your holiday.

1.  BARCELONA, SPAIN

Barcelona is located on the northeast coast of Spain in the region of Catalonia.  Probably the most popular attraction here is Las Ramblas where you can stroll down the mile-long promenade and be entertainment by street performers, meander around the market stalls, take a break in one of the many cafes and bars and then end up at one of he beaches this city has to offer.  Other places are Gaudi's Parc Guell, Sagrada Familia and for the sports enthusiast Nou Camp stadium.

Charles Bridge in Prague

No city break in Prague - the capital of the Czech Republic - is complete without a visit to Pragues' oldest bridge, namely Charles Bridge [known locally as Karluv most].

Dating back to 1357, the sandstone bridge was built for King Charles IV in order to link the left and right sections of the city and today's main attraction is the fact that it is completely pedestrianised and visitors are able to walk from one end to the other without having to watch for traffic.

Spend Time in Prague Watching the Astronomical Clock



Astronomical Clock in Prague

 

William Penn once said "Time is what we want most, but what we use worst". Why not spend at least some of your time on your holiday in Prague looking at the medieval Astronomical Clock on the southern wall of the Old Town Hall - one of the most photographed sights in this fascinating city.

The Astronomical Clock [known as the Orloj] is, in fact, the star attraction of the Old Town Hall located in the Old Town Square. Installed as far back as 1401, the clock was not up and fully running until 1572. Legend says that the original clockmaker was blinded on the orders of the Prague Councillors in order that he could never repeat his work of art elsewhere.  However, in an act of revenge, he broke the clock and it was unable to be repaired for more than 100 years. Today, it is said that if the clock is neglected then the whole of the city of Prague will suffer.

The Top 10 Things to do in Barcelona

The Top 10 Things to do in Barcelona

Hans Christian Anderson, when visiting Barcelona in 1862 said : "We crossed spacious streets, with buildings resembling palaces, in La Rambla promenade; the shops were well illuminated and there was movement and life ... I did not decide to go to sleep, even though I wished to, so I would rise early and contemplate, in daylight, this city unknown to me: Barcelona, capital of Catalonia"

 

So, that was over 150 years ago. Today, there is a vast selection of things to do in Barcelona, but we have selected our Top 10 to give you just a taste of what the most popular city in Spain has to offer.

A Holiday in the Exciting City of Bilbao, Spain

Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao

What was once seen as an industrial blot on the Spanish landscape, Bilbao has transformed itself into an exciting, and vibrant city. The Guggenheim Museum was undoubtedly the catalyst to Bilbao's renewal and the city is now a bustling place to see with an excellent range of bars, restaurants, shops and architecture.

Bilbao [known locally as Bilbo] can be found on the eastern side of the north coast of Spain, about 70km west of San Sebastian. The airport is located just 9km north of Bilbao. There are many attractions worth visiting in this interesting city, and we have shown below our top 6 ideas that will keep you occupied during your break.

St Mark's Square in Venice - A Few Highlights

Venice - The city that floats in a world of its own

With 150 canals, 400 bridges, palaces and elegant squares, Venice is sometimes referred to as the most romantic city in the world.  America writer - Fran Lebowitz - said of Venice "If you read a lot, nothing is as great as you've imagined.  Venice is - Venice is better".

Venice is divided into 6 districts with Piazza San Marco [St Mark's Square] being the most popular place to start as it is in the centre of Venice.

So join us as we explore just a few of the highlights of St Mark's Square, and also recommend 2 different hotels in which to stay so that you can be near to the Square.

New Flights to Santiago de Compostela from London

It used to be that flights were only available from London Stansted to the popular city of Santiago de Compostela.  However, we have just learned that Easyjet will be introducing new flights from London Gatwick to Santiago de Compostela starting 18 June 2013.   With more flights operating three times a week, there is no better time to plan a short city break to this city.

Santiago de Compostela - Galicia - Spain

So why would you choose to visit this city?  Steeped in history, Santiago de Compostela is possibly best known as being a place of pilgrimage, with people from all over Europe flocking to the city each year on foot, and to the city's cathedral standing on the Praza do Obradoiro. This cathedral was built in honour of St James [one of Christ's apostles] whose body was supposedly discovered here.

However, if history is not of particular interest to you then you can while away your time doing some retail therapy in the shopping zone for that all important souvenir of your holiday in this lovely city.  With jetware and silverware being the local crafts, you will find plenty of items to choose from, with jewellery being the most popular.   The shops around the cathedral offer a particularly good selection with the opportunity of purchasing jewellery associated with St James.  For more traditional gifts, head to the Old Quarter where you will find craft shops selling goods such as ceramic tiles, lace, and other local crafts. 

As for the evening, Santiago de Compostela is well known for its seafood and you will have plenty of restaurants to choose from that will suit all pockets.   Cheap local dishes can be found, as well as more expensive, upmarket restaurants where menus can be on the pricey side.  Don't forget some Galician wine to accompany your meal  - look out for Ribeiro [red and white] and Albarino [white].

So, you have decided to visit this lovely city.  Now you will need to arrange your hotel in Santiago de Compostela.  We can recommend the 5 star NH Obradoiro Hotel - a modern, centrally located hotel.

Fly from London Gatwick on the 20 July for 3 nights and stay at the NH Obradoiro on bed and breakfast for £344 per person.   Alternatively, visit in September  [14th for 3 nights] for as little as £289 per person including flights from London Gatwick.

If you would like us to arrange your holiday to Santiago de Compostela, then give us a call on Freephone 0800 5 677688 [or you will need to dial 01582 421117 from a mobile] and we will be delighted to talk to you.

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.

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.

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 opposite 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 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.

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?

5 Star Offer in Dubrovnik

Have you seen our ad in today's The Times?

We have a great offer to the popular city of Dubrovnik in Croatia at the 5 Star Rixos Libertas Dubrovnik Hotel.   Stay on Bed and Breakfast for 3 nights from the 20 August in a twin classic room for just £414 per person including flights from Luton.

Other dates and UK airports are available - just give us a call or send an enquiry and we will be delighted to provide you with a quotation.

Five Star Fino in Jerez

For those who already know and love Madrid and Barcelona, we suggest a stay in the Andalucian city of Jerez - famed as the sherry capital of the world.  We have a 3 night break departing on 27 March from Stansted and includes an executive room at the 5 Star Prestige Palmera Plaza Hotel from only £179 per person [as featured in this week's The Times].
"Jerez" is the Spanish word for sherry and a tour of the sherry making bodegas of the city is usually top of the list.  The famed dancing horses are put through their paces for visitors a couple of times a week at The Royal Andalucian School of Equestrian Art and the art of the flamenco dance is similarly protected and promoted within the city.  Beyond these famous sights, Jerez is a delight to explore.  There is evidence of its Moorish origins in the Alcazaba Fortress and it has a charming old town with beautiful palm-lined squares.

The 5 star Prestige Palmera Plaza Hotel offers an oasis of calm and luxury in the midst of the city, surrounded by large gardens and with plenty of top-flight features.  It even has its own golf course.

Interested?  Just give us a call on 0800 5 677688 or 01582 421117 or send an enquiry and we will get straight back to you.

Santiago de Compostela - Best for History

As featured in this week's Woman's Own magazine, we have a 3 night break on B&B at the luxurious AC Palacio del Carmen in Santiago de Compostela.   The hotel is a converted convent - a reasonably priced five-star with a Turkish bath and sauna and 3 nights will be from £217 per person including flights from Stansted and transfers.

Santiago de Compostela is the Galician capital in north-west Spain and is best known as a holy site for pilgrims who have been visiting the shrine of St James since medieval times.  Pilgrim or not, anyone can appreciate the cathedral's imposing towers and ornate architecture.  Four historic squares surround the cathedral, including the magnificent Plaza del Obradoiro, home to impressive buildings including the Hostal do Reis Catolicos.  The city has a range of museums covering everything from natural history to modern art. Dine at upmarket Casa Marcelo on Rua Hortas or less pricy Casa Rosalia on Rua do Franco.

Interested?  Give us a call on 0800 5677688 or send us an enquiry.