Visit the Madeira Flower Festival 2014

 



Love flowers?  Then you'll love the Madeira Flower Festival held in Funchal!

This year, the Festival is being held from the 1-7 May with the 2 main parades taking place on the 3rd and 4th.  The theme this year is "Madeira - The Route of Flowers" and, as always, will be spectacle of colours, aromas, music and entertainment.

Held every spring after Easter, probably the 2 main attractions for the Festival are the Children's Parade and Main Parade.

Spanish Grand Prix 2014

With the Spanish Grand Prix in Catalunya on its way, you may like to travel to Barcelona to see this exciting spectacle as well as stay for a while and relax in a hotel.

Taking place between the 9-11 May 2014, the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo is the venue for this annual event.  The timetable for the event is:

Carnival Time in Tenerife

We are fast approaching carnival season - a popular time for people to go to Tenerife, and in particular on a Santa Cruz de Tenerife holiday.  2013 sees Carnival taking place from the 6-17 February and this year's theme is Bollywood.

The main carnival take place in the capital - Santa Cruz de Tenerife and is often compared to similar extravaganzas in Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans.

Barcelona Christmas Market 2012

The Barcelona Christmas Market 2012 is being held from the 25 November to the 23 December 2012.

Known as the Fira de Santa Lucia Christmas market, this takes place in the Plaza de la Seu outside Barcelona Cathedral. The Christmas Market in Barcelona comprises more than 270 stands from which you can purchase gifts - the most famous of which will be nativity figurines. The market dates from 1786 and today, in addition to traditional gifts, you can see musical parades and shows … all against a backdrop of 30 miles of Christmas lights.

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.

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.

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.

Barcelona 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.

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.

Swan Lake and Don Quijote in Palma

In Palma de Mallorca on the 12 or 13 August?   The Moscow Ballet will be performing Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake at the Palma Auditorium on the 12th and also Don Quijote on the 13th.

Performances start at 21:00.

Charcoal Burning in Vilaflor, Tenerife

Every year, the lovely town of Vilaflor in Tenerife invites 3 of their senior citizens to build a charcoal burner and make charcoal in the traditional manner. 

The event was original started as a method of promoting the local potatoes and the event has become more and more popular each year.  Among other things were potatoe sculptures, a potato poem and potato prints.  A top chef and the local restaurants took part in the event and different menus using the humble potato were put together. 

The importance of the potato crop to Vilaflor and the history and importance of the charcoal burners was related and the food tasting was washed down with a glass or two of local wine.  Make a nopte in your diary as next year the event will probably be moved to May.

Kiteboarding in El Medano, Tenerife

The Master Cup PKRA [Professional Kiteboard Riders Association] and Spanish Championship for kiteboarding is being held from the 9-13 August 2011 in El Medano, Tenerife.

Some 150 sports stars from around the world will compete in two different disciplines - namely freestyle and race - and will include the top 20 in the world.

The event, officially launched at the Arenas del Mar Hotel in El Medano, will provide a free spectacle along the popular coast of El Medano.

The event schedule is:
Monday 8 August : Registration at the Event Site and opening ceremony

Tuesday 9 August
10:30 - Riders Meeting at the Beach
11:30 to 16:00 - First possible start of Master Cup Trials or Main event

Wednesday 10 August, Thursday 11 August and Friday 12 August
10:30 - Riders Meeting at the Beach
11:00 to 18:00 - PKRA Master Cup Round Robin

Saturday 13 August
10:30 - Riders Meeting at the Beach
11:00 to 16:00 - PKRA Master Cup Round Robin Finals
TBC - Awards Ceremony

The Kitemasters will be judged taking into consideration both old school and new school tricks, rewarding the rider who can perform both tricks in the most oustanding style and fashion. 

If you are interested in attending as a spectactor, we have lots of accommodation availalbe in El Medano - just give us a call on 0800 5 677688 or send an enquiry.

... ...

La Piedra Fair in Binnisalem, Mallorca

If you are on your Mallorca holidays and would like to visit La Piedra Fair on the 28/29 May 2011, then head for Binissalem [approximately 25-30km from Palma on the Ma-13 towards Alcudia]. 

Since 2004, the town of Binissalem has been hosting the La Piedra and Artesania Fair [Stone and Craft Fair]which is organised by Fira de Maig - a group that presents exhibitions from companies dedicted to working in stone which is a traditional Balearic occupation..  Present will be quarrymen, layers and experts in marble.

The fair will feature exhibitions of how stone is worked, guided tours to see some of the most symbolic houses, and ending in a traditional fieuada which is assisted by the sponsorship of a number of restaurants. 

3 Nights in Festive Tallinn

Estonia's capital - Tallinn - is this year's European city of culture, has an early summer celebration each year with its Old Town Days festival.  A 3 night stay in this fairy-tale like city is on offer from Corona Holidays departing Luton on 29 May and with 4 star hotel accommodation at the Bern Hotel in the midst of the festivities - from £234 per person on bed and breakfast based on 2 sharing a double/twin room.

From 28 May - 5 June, Tallinn's picturesque Old Town, one of the best preserved medieval city centres in Europe, is filled with market stalls selling local handicrafts and traditional Estonian food and street entertainment including medieval themed events.  There is also a host of concerts, theatre and dance performances around the area.  Away from the maze of alleyways and squares that is the Old Town, Tallinn has a cosmopolitan flavour with contemporary attractins including designer shops and a wide choice of places to party.

The 4 star Bern Hotel places you at the centre of the Old Town and offers modern boutique-style accommodation within a traditional building.  The rooms are spacious and there is a good restaurant.

Mallorca Rocks

Dizzee Rascal, Madness and Fatboy Slim are among the big-name acts lined up to perform at Mallorca Rocks and Ibiza Rocks this summer.  The party hotels have released their full programme of outdoor gigs.  BBC Radio 1 DJ, Zane Lowe, is taking on the role of music director for the brand.

London-based indie rock band - the Vaccines - who released their debut album this week, will perform at both hotels.  Others set to appear include the Wombats, dance punk trio Friendly Fires and Tinie Tempah.  Scotting rockers Biffy Clyro, who picked up an NME award last month, are also returning to the Rocks hotels this summer.

Plan B will kick-start the programme on 31 May at Mallorce and 1 June in Ibiza. 

Take a look at the Mallorca Rocks, or give us a call if you would like us to arrange flight and accommodation for you.

Mallorca International Classic Car Rally

Mallorca's International Classic Car Rally is an event which attracts rally teams and car enthusiasts from all over Europe with vintage vehicles racing along a 600km route with 14 stages, including a scenic coastal section.  There are 2 stages on Thursday evening and 6 stages on each of Friday and Saturday.

Held from the 10-12 March 2011, this is the 7th Rally and this year has a total of 76 teams.  The departure ceremony will be held at the Plaza de las Golondrinas with new sections beeing introduced for participants along the west coast of Mallorca. 

Prizes are awarded for the best presented cars.

Las Fallas Festival in Valencia

Las Fallas Festival in Valencia is not for the faint hearted.  It kicks off in March with much sound and fury in celebration of both the end of winter and St Joseph's feast day.  A stay in the city to join in the fun can be booked with us - flying from London Stansted on 17 March and with 2 nights in a well-placed 4 star hotel, at a price of £307 per person.

Whilst renowned for its bold, futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia keeps in touch very much with its history and traditions.  At 2pm on every day of the festival [15-19 March] firecrackers are set off, with neighbouring groups competing for the most impressive volley.  Displayed on every corner all over the city are huge, colourful paper-mache sculptures.  In the final stages these are paraded through the streets and finish up in a blaze of glory in a grand finale complete with fireworks.

The 4 star Melia Valencia Hotel is adjacent to the City of Arts and Sciences and offers an excellent spa, including a dynamic pool and Turkish Bath, a terrace and garden and highly rated cuisine.  All the attractions of the city, traditional and modern, are easily accessible. 

The price from £307 is per person based on two sharing 2 nights accommodation on a room only basis and includes return from London Stansted. 

2011 Spanish Grand Prix - Catalunya

See the exciting Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya, in Montmelo [approximately 20km (12 miles) northwest of Barcelona] which is being held from the 20-22 May 2011. 

You will find the best drivers in the world competing in one of the most important races in the calendar.


TIMETABLE FOR 3 DAYS:
FRIDAY 20 May 2011
10:00 - 11:30 : Practice Session 1
14:00 - 15:30 : Practice Session 2

SATURDAY 21 May 2011
11:00 - 12:00 : Practice Session 3
14:00 : Qualifying

SUNDAY 22 May 2011
14:00 Race Day
We have 12 hotels available for either 2 or 3 nights [3 and 4 star] and you can also choose from the following grandstand options: Grandstands B&G, Grandstand J and Pelouse

We have set out below some examples of our hotels: Prices include hotel accommodation and entrance tickets to the Montmelo circuit with Pelouse tickets ... other options are available - just click on the hotel name.

Rosa Nautica Hotel [3 Star] - from £167 per person for 2 nights [Half Board]
Alhambra Hotel [3 Star] - from £174 per person for 2 nights [Half Board]
Oasis Park Hotel [4 Star] - from £216 per person for 3 nights [Half Board]

For a full list of our hotels click here.  If you would like to request further details then just call us on 0800 5 677688 or complete our enquiry form and we will get back to you.

Las Palmas 2011 Carnival - Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria's "party of the year" is the Las Palmas Carnival which is due to start on the 15 February and last through to the 12 March 2011.

As well a flamboyant parades and all-night parties, there are local competitions in Parque Santa Catalina to elect the best chorus group, drag queen and carnival queen. 

A long-standing tradition on the island of Gran Canaria [although General Franco did his best to spoil the party until his death in 1975], many event are fancy dress parties and beauty pageants in which a carnival queen and drag queen are elected.  Each year, the costumes become more extravagant and competition is fierce.

You will find that carnivals on the Canary Islands tend to last longer than those on the mainland and usually stop on Ash Wednesday.  Celebrations in Las Palmas continue until the "day of mourning" for the symbol of the carnival - the sardine.  A huge sardine is marched through the streets as everyone follows in funeral costume.  The following day, the sardine is buried on the beach to fireworks, bonfires and all-night parties.  For more details, visit http://www.lpacarnaval.com/

Tenerife's Almond Blossom Walk

If you are on your holidays in Tenerife during the months of January and February, you will undoubtedly notice that hundreds of almond trees start to flower around the paths created by the volcanic lava flow during the 1909 Chinvero eruption.  The white and blue almond blossoms are a unique phenomena which occurs during the winter.

On February 6th, the first walk will leave from Hotel Rural Senorio del Valle [located next to the Santiago del Teide town hall] at 08:30 and will pass through El Valle de Arriba and head in the direction of Los Baldios and reaching El Calvario where legend has it Cristo del Valle stopped the lava that threatened to engulf their houses.  After El Calvario, you will pass through the Reserva Forestal del Chinvero until finally reaching Arguayo.

This walk is a 6km route and last for approximately 4 hours, after which there is a conference which will discuss the need to maintain this kind of tradition.

If you would like to take part on this walk, it is recommended that you wear the appropriate clothing and walking shoes and to take water and food.  A camera would also be recommended - especially if you would like to take part in the photographic competition.

To register for the walk on the 6th, please telephone 0034 922 863127 [extention 234] - Registation is 5 euros.  Further walks are being held on the 7th, 13th and 14th [registration is on telephone 0034 922 127938.

Canary Islands Music Festival

January 2011 sees the start of the 27th Canary Islands Music Festival .... so why not spend a week on a holiday in Gran Canaria and gently see the New Year in with the magical voice of Nancy Fabiola Herrera, one of the world's most sought after mezzo-sopranos.  We have a 7 night break starting the 12 January at the 3 star Marinasol Aparthotel in San Agustin for £233 per person, based on two people sharing a one bedroom apartment on self-catering including return flights from Gatwick. 

The Canary Islands Music Festival is the only music festival held in Europe during the winter, and includes a programme of international acts and classical music world premieres.  Proving that there is more to Gran Canaria than a warm winter climate and beautiful beaches, Las Palmas [the capital] actually boasts the oldest private music socieity in the whole of Spain and was founded to organise concerts.  Choose from a performance by Florianer Sangerknaben, the Orchestra Sinfonica de Tenerife or Nancy Fabiola Herrera accompanied by pianist Ruben Fernandez Aguirre.  Performances take place on Sunday 16 January or Monday 17 January [tickets are not included in the cost of your holiday and cost from 15 euros ... see www.festivaldecanarias.com

The 3 Star Marinasol Aparthotel is located in San Agustin, 80m from Morro Besudo beach and 1km from the heard of San Agustin with its shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs.  It is possible to walk along the seafront into livlier Playa del Ingles.  The hotel is 22km from Las Palmas airport and 38km from Teatro Perez Galdos - the venue for the Gran Canaria concerts.       If you're looking for accommodation nearer to the venue, just give us a call or send an enquiry and we will provide you with a quotation.