Take Six - Autumn Offers

Transcription

Take Six - Autumn Offers
Take Six - Autumn Offers
f o r
d i s c e r n i n g
t r a v e l l e r s
Offers for Late Summer & Autumn 2015
Autumn is the perfect time for a short break, and we have selected some of our favourite destinations for the coming months including some excellent
offers for August departures. As the summer fades, an escape to the warmer climates of southern Europe brings the prospect of delicious al fresco dinners,
a chance to explore historic cities in the company of an expert private guide, and a new season of exhibitions
and opera. Don’t forget to speak to the Kirker Concierge who would be delighted to arrange a
walking tour with a local expert, exhibition, opera or concert tickets, or to recommend and book a
restaurant for a delicious dinner.
We have selected the autumn’s best relaxing holidays and cultural city breaks, inspired by some
of our favourite hotels and personal experiences and Europe’s finest gardens, best vineyards
and most perfectly-preserved mediaeval cities.
For those who enjoy travelling with a small group of like-minded companions we have
included some of our most popular escorted Cultural Tours & Music Holidays to Italy,
Cyprus, Cuba and St Petersburg, as well as opera holidays in Milan, Venice and New York.
Please contact your local independent travel agent for a quotation.
Ted Wake - Joint MD & Director of Sales & Marketing
BRITISH AIRWAYS SPECIAL OFFER:
Book by 31 July and enjoy an upgrade to British Airways Club Europe on selected routes from
Gatwick, Heathrow and London City from only £50 per person per way, saving up to £300.
Six of the Best Classic City Breaks
Prices are per person and include flights (Eurostar for Paris), transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and
sightseeing, and the services of the Kirker Concierge to book concert, opera and ballet tickets or reserve a table for a delicious dinner.
Berlin
Lisbon
De Rome ***** Deluxe
Lapa Palace
***** Deluxe
Close to the Brandenburg Gate,
the De Rome has 145 bedrooms, a
restaurant, and a bar with views over
the famous Bebelplatz. The former
jewel vault has been transformed into
a spa with an indoor swimming pool.
3 nights for the price of 2 until
31 August - price from £695, saving £150
3 nights for the price of 2 for Sunday
arrivals from 1 September onwards
- price from £738, saving £160
Set in landscaped gardens,
this luxurious hotel has an
outdoor heated swimming
pool, gastronomic restaurant,
bar and 109 rooms.
4 nights for the price of 3
until 31 August - price from
£994, saving £175
3 night price from £968
from 1 September onwards
Includes a 72 hour museum card
Includes a 48 hour Lisboa Card
The Centurion is located on the Grand Canal, a few
steps from the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute.
Behind a magnfiicent Gothic façade you’ll find a stylish
modern hotel - the 50 bedrooms are all individually
furnished with bold colours and modern art; there is an
atmospheric courtyard and a restaurant with a terrace
on the water’s edge.
Includes a guaranteed entrance
ticket to the city of Arts and
sciences
Le Sénat
*** Deluxe
Next to the
Luxembourg Gardens, Le
Sénat has 41 contemporary
bedrooms, a cosy bar and a
small courtyard. Great value.
3 nights for the price of 2 from
1 Aug - 3 Sep - price from
£489, saving £100
3 nights for the price of 2 from
4 Sep onwards - price from
£628, saving £67
4 nights for the price of 3
for Sunday or Monday
arrivals from
27 August - 31 October
- price from £974,
saving £180
Includes Doge’s Palace, Accademia or Guggenheim tickets and
water taxi transfers
Published July 2015
Paris
A restored building dating
from 1917, the Westin has
two restaurants, a spa with
indoor plunge pool, sauna
and Hammam and garden.
Excellent value.
4 nights for the price of 3 for
midweek stays all year
- price from £675, saving £88
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Venice
Centurion Palace *****
Valencia
The Westin *****
Bordeaux
Grand Hotel de Bordeaux
***** Deluxe
Opposite the Grand Théâtre, this fine
hotel has 150 bedrooms, a restaurant
and brasserie with a large terrace and
spa with rooftop swimming pool.
3 nights for the price of 2 until
31 Aug & 20 - 31 Oct
- price from £682, saving £120
3 night price from £899 from
1 Sep - 19 Oct
Ask the Kirker Concierge for details of
wine tasting and vineyard visits
Index
Six of the Best...
City Breaks
Autumn Sunshine
Private Homes
Exhibitions
Mediaeval Cities
Gardens
Olympic Cities
Vineyards
Sea Views
Cultural Tours
Music Holidays
Personal Favourites
Includes 48 hour museum pass,
Seine cruise & Métro tickets
For more information, please contact:
To book or request a brochure please
Wendy Harper (Lisburn) [email protected] | 02892 635206
contact
yourHoward
independent
travel agent
Jennifer
Ford (Belfast
Street) [email protected]
| 028 90279985
Simon O’Neill (Holywood) [email protected] | 02890 426969
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Six of the Best for Autumn Sunshine
As temperatures decline in the UK, Southern Europe offers tempting destinations to escape for a few days of restorative sunshine,
al fresco lunches, relaxing swimming pools and an evening drink on a garden terrace. These are some of our favourite destinations in
Italy, France, Spain, Malta and Turkey to enjoy late summer sun, warm autumn holidays and winter short breaks.
Prices are per person and include flights, return transfers or car hire, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants,
museums and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
Mallorca
Son Brull *****
A lovingly restored 18th century monastery located in 30 hectares
of landscaped grounds in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains.
There are 23 bedrooms, a wooden decked terrace with a summer
swimming pool and a spa with a heated indoor/outdoor pool. Son
Brull is less than 10 minutes’ drive from the thriving market town of
Pollensa, and the beaches of Cala Sant Vicenc and Puerto Pollensa are
15 minutes’ drive away.
3 night price from £1,095 until
3 October
5 nights for the price of 4 from
4 October - 30 November
- price from £1,194, saving
£195 in October
- price from £869, saving
£130 in November
Malta
Xara Palace, Mdina **** Deluxe
Located in the ancient capital city of Mdina, the 17th century Xara
Palace has been meticulously restored. A member of Relais & Châteaux,
there are just 17 bedrooms furnished with original antiques, some with
outstanding panoramic views over the city and the countryside.The ‘De
Mondion’ rooftop restaurant (closed Sundays) is regarded by many as
one of the best on the island and is a must for anyone travelling to Malta.
Informal dining is offered at the hotel’s
trattoria-style restaurant with tables
available outside in the quiet square.
3 night price from £849 until
30 October
3 night price from £640 from
1 November
Alaçati, Turkey
Aix-en-Provence
Just an hour from Izmir airport, on Turkey’s Aegean Coast, Alaçati is a
charming village with cobbled streets and nearby sandy beaches.The
Incirli Ev has been run by the delightful Poshor family since 2006.
Eight comfortable rooms surround the tranquil bougainvillea-draped
courtyard with a 150 year old fig tree which gives the hotel its name
– Fig Tree House. Breakfast including homemade jams, is served in the
courtyard or in the cosy library. A scenic ten minute stroll takes guests to
the centre of Alaçati.
A family-owned 18th century country house, Le Pigonnet has 48
bedrooms, decorated in a typical Provençal style. The tranquil gardens
inspired Cézanne, who painted the ‘Montagne Sainte-Victoire’ from a
shady corner here in 1890. There is also a heated outdoor swimming
pool open until October, and a highly regarded gastronomic restaurant
‘Le Riviera’.
3 night price from £859 in September
& October
3 night price from £719 in November
& December
Price includes flights to Marseille or
why not try Eurostar’s new direct service
to the South of France? It takes just
6h 27mins from London St. Pancras
International: prices available on request
Incirli Ev (A boutique guest house)
3 night price from £698
until 30 September
3 night price from £648
from 1 October
Rome
Gran Melia Villa Agrippina ***** Deluxe
This historic property is just five minutes’ walk from the Vatican. The
building has been completely restored in a contemporary style, and
there is a wonderful heated outdoor swimming pool, a spa with
outdoor jacuzzi and landscaped gardens which make this the perfect
retreat during the warmer summer and autumn months.
4 nights for the price of 3
until 31 August - price from
£897, saving £184
3 night price from £899 in
September & October
3 nights for the price of 2
from 1 November 27 December - price from
£698, saving £160
Includes entrance tickets to the Vatican museum & Sistine Chapel or
Villa Borghese
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Le Pigonnet **** Superior
Rota, Andalucia
Duque de Najera **** Superior
In the heart of Rota’s walled old town, close to the fishing port and
overlooking the bay of Cadiz, the Duque de Najera is a charming,
traditional hotel with 92 comfortable rooms. The restaurant specialises
in seafood and Mediterranean cuisine which can be enjoyed on the
outside terrace in fine weather and in summer the hotel has a tapas bar
as well as a bar beside the outdoor swimming pool.
3 night price from
£533 until
30 October
3 night price from
£419 from
1 November
Upgrade to half
board from only
£15 per day
for reservations please contact your independent travel agent
Six of the Best Private Homes
A number of our favourite places to stay are former private homes which have been carefully converted into small boutique hotels,
often still managed by the owners. Each room is different and furnished with a unique collection of individual pieces, whilst the
friendly, yet attentive, personal service creates an informal atmosphere. Also perfect for private parties – ask your independent
travel agent for an exclusive use quotation.
Prices are per person and include flights, return transfers or car hire, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants,
museums and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
Rome
Villa Spalletti Trivelli **** Deluxe
This beautiful patrician villa is located in the heart of the city, yet has a
remarkable oasis-like atmosphere. The Quirinale Palace is opposite and
the Trevi Fountain is only five minutes’ walk away. It is decorated with
exquisite furniture, tapestries and paintings from the Spalletti Trivelli
family’s collection. There are just 12 bedrooms, decorated in a classical
style but with all the modern comforts you would expect. The elegant
drawing room has a complimentary bar; there is a wellness centre and
a splendid Italian garden.Villa Spalletti Trivelli
was recently voted one of the top 50 hotels
in the world by The Telegraph.
3 night price from £1,175 in September
& October
3 night price from £989 in August &
November
Seville
Casa No 7 (a deluxe bed and breakfast)
Owned by the charming Gonzalo del Rio (a member of the
Gonzalez-Gordon sherry family), the Casa – built in 1847 – is
a delightful townhouse hotel with just six beautifully appointed
bedrooms, well-equipped bathrooms and fine soft furnishings (no
televisions). Located in the heart of the old part of the city, a few
minutes’ walk from the cathedral, this is a real Spanish home, with
antiques and works of art to make guests feel relaxed and comfortable.
3 night price from £665
Includes entrance tickets to the Vatican
museum & Sistine Chapel or Villa Borghese
Île de Ré
De Toiras ***** Deluxe
This former 17th century boat owner’s house is located in the island’s
main town of St. Martin and overlooks the picturesque harbour. A
member of Relais & Châteaux, it is classically and elegantly furnished
in a Parisien townhouse style with luxurious fabrics and sumptuous
antique furniture. Its 20 bedrooms all give a wonderful feeling of space.
There is a gastronomic restaurant open for dinner, and where dishes
are cooked to order at breakfast, overlooking
a pretty courtyard garden. Guests are free
to use the outdoor swimming pool and
gardens of its sister hotel,Villa Clarisse.
3 night price from £838 in August
4 nights for the price of 3 in September
- price from £649, saving £120
3 nights for the price of 2 from 27 September
onwards - price from £498, saving £108
Florence
Antica Torre (a boutique private residence)
This beautiful property dates from the 13th century and stands on via
Tornabuoni, a few minutes’ walk from the Duomo. It is considered
one of Florence’s most historic ‘tower houses’ and has preserved many
architectural features, including two magnificent roof terraces where
you can enjoy breakfast or an evening aperitif whilst taking in the
panoramic views of the city. The seven renovated rooms in the Palazzo
Gianfigliazzi include several with views over the Arno.
3 nights for the price of 2 until
31 August and from 1 November
- price from £692, saving £120
4 nights for the price of 3 in
September and October
- price from £897, saving £158
Includes entrance tickets to the Uffizi Gallery, Academia or Bargello
Juan-les-Pins
Belles Rives **** Deluxe
In the 1920’s, this delightful villa was the private home of F. Scott
Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda who did much to transform a sleepy
fishing village into the glamorous haven that Juan-Les-Pins is today.
It was opened as a hotel in 1929 by the Estene family who still run it
today. There are 43 bedrooms, an elegant restaurant and a small private
sandy beach. Guests may use the pool at their sister hotel the Juana.
3 night price from £1,139 in
August
4 nights for the price of 3 from
30 August - 26 September
- price from £849,
saving £160
3 nights for the price of 2 from
27 September - 31 October
- price from £496, saving £80
Tuscany
Relais La Suvera (a historic country villa)
Located on a hillside 18 miles west of Siena and close to the towns of
Volterra and San Gimignano, La Suvera is a beautiful relais dating back
to the middle ages. It is decorated with an extraordinary collection
of antiques including ancient manuscripts, tapestries and paintings by
Ingres. The 25 bedrooms are set around a peaceful courtyard shaded
by chestnut trees. The heated summer swimming pool and tennis
court are set in beautiful landscaped
grounds with statues, fountains and
cypress trees. There are two restaurants
and a health centre.
5 nights for the price of 4 until
30 September - price from £1,123,
saving £185
4 nights for the price of 3 from
1 October - price from £826,
saving £148
for reservations please contact your independent travel agent
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Six of the Best Exhibitions
This autumn brings a selection of excellent new exhibitions to venues across Europe, from the famous Uffizi Gallery in Florence
to the gardens of Amsterdam’s recently refurbished Rijksmuseum. There are also major exhibitions of paintings in Paris, Berlin and
Vienna, as well as an exhibition marking the bicentenary of the Battle of Waterloo in Brussels. Ask your independent travel agent for
further details of opening hours and tickets.
Prices are per person and include flights, return transfers, accommodation with breakfast, entrance to the exhibitions described, Kirker Guide
Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
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Paris
“Picasso.Mania”, Grand Palais
7 October - 29 February 2016
This major new exhibition shows Picasso’s masterpieces including
Les Demoiselles d’Avignon and Guernica alongside contemporary
works by David Hockney, Jasper Johns and Roy Lichtenstein.
Pont Royal **** Superior
In the artistic heart of the Left
Bank, this traditional hotel has 75
comfortable bedrooms, a small
Japanese garden and Joel Robuchon’s
popular restaurant ‘L’Atelier’.
3 nights for the price of 2 from 1 November - 31 March
- price from £579, saving £140
3 night price from £774 in September & October
Includes 48 hour museum pass, Seine cruise, Metro tickets & timed entrance
to the Picasso.Mania exhibition at the Grand Palais
The formal gardens surrounding Amsterdam’s restored Rijksmuseum are
currently hosting a unique display of 21 sculptures by the Catalan artist
Joan Miró, including bronze casts and assemblies of objects from nature.
Owl ***
Don’t miss the final weeks of this excellent display of works by one of
Florence’s Renaissance masters, whose depictions of classical mythology
led Florentine painting down a new path towards naturalism.
Degli Orafi **** Superior
Located a few steps from the Uffizi Museum overlooking the River
Arno, this hotel is housed in one of Florence’s most attractive ancient
residences. All 42 rooms are furnished in Florentine style, many with
wonderful river and city views. There is an attractive bar and terrace
with panoramic views of the city
and Florentine hills across the river.
3 night price from £880
Brussels
“Waterloo 1815/2015: Europe Challenged”
Royal Museum of the Armed Forces
Until 31 October 2015
In the bicentenary year of the Battle of Waterloo, the excellent military
museum in Brussels traces the build-up to and fall-out from the clash
through period uniforms, eyewitness stories and images of the battlefield.
The Owl is located five minutes’ from the
Leidseplein, the Rijksmuseum and the Van
Gogh Museum. It has a bar, TV lounge, terrace
garden and 34 simply furnished rooms. This
is an excellent value for money hotel in a
convenient location for exploring the galleries
and museums of Amsterdam.
3 night price from £596
Oiseau Lunaire, 1966
Joan Miró
Amigo ***** Deluxe
Located behind the Grand’Place
and City Hall, the Amigo has 173
beautifully designed bedrooms, a
bar, a wonderful Italian restaurant
‘Bocconi’, and a comfortable lobby
lounge.
3 nights for the price of 2 for Friday
arrivals all year
- price from £496, saving £180
Includes entrance tickets to the Rijksmuseum or
Van Gogh Museum
Berlin
“Impressionism - Expressionism”, Alte Nationalgalerie
Until 20 September 2015
Hosted by one of the first galleries in the world to show Impressionist
paintings, this exhibition contrasts two of the 20th century’s most
influential art movements through their treatment of a range of themes
from still-life to bathers and ‘premonitions of war’.
Vienna
“Rembrandt – Titan – Bellotto: Spirit and Splendor of the
Dresden Picture Gallery”, Winter Palace
Until 8 November 2015
A spectacular collection of 100 works by Rembrandt, Titian, Bernardo
Bellotto, Anthony van Dyck, and Antoine Watteau graces the walls of the
elegant baroque Winter Palace of Prince Eugene of Savoy.
Art’otel Berlin Mitte **** Superior
The Art’otel has 109 rooms, decorated with character and style. Art
lovers will enjoy the works
by George Baselitz, whilst
architects and designers will
be impressed by what Johanne
Nalbach has made of the
interior.
3 night price from £598
Cows, Yellow/Red/Green, 1912
Franz Marc
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Includes a 72 hour museum card
Includes entrance tickets to the
Uffizi including the Piero di
Cosimo exhibition
Liberation of Andromeda (1510-15)
Piero di Cosimo
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Amsterdam
“Miro in the Rijksmuseum Gardens”
Until 11 October 2015
Florence
“Piero di Cosimo”, Uffizi Gallery
Until 27 September 2015
Altstadt **** (a superior boutique hotel)
Portrait of a Lady in
White, Tiziano Vecellio,
1555
The Alstadt is 10 minutes’ walk from the
Volkstheater and the spectacular Museum
Quartier. There is an attractive bar, 42 comfortable
rooms and an Andy Warhol print in the lobby
along with many other works of art throughout
this delightful first class pensione-style hotel.
3 night price from £646
Ask the Kirker Concierge for opera details
Includes a Vienna Masterticket and entrance tickets to the exhibition at the
Belvedere Winter Palace
for reservations please contact your independent travel agent
Six of the Best Mediaeval Cities
One of the great pleasures of a European city break comes from exploring beautifully preserved historic city centres, with cobbled
streets, gothic churches and traditional bars and restaurants. We have selected six of the best mediaeval cities below, and don’t forget to
speak to your independent travel agent to arrange a walking tour with an expert local guide – an essential experience to get the most
from your time in a new city.
Prices are per person and include flights, return transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and
sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
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Bruges
When the industrial revolution bypassed Bruges it left
one of Northern Europe’s most perfectly preserved mediaeval
city centres untouched, providing modern visitors with a unique
cityscape of canals, townhouses and churches.
The Pand **** Deluxe
A beautifully restored 18th century mansion located just two minutes’
walk from the Market Square. The 24 individually furnished rooms
include 11 Junior Suites decorated with Ralph Lauren fabrics.
There is a cosy bar, a stylish lounge and
an attractive breakfast room where a
champagne breakfast is served and hot
dishes are prepared on the AGA.
3 nights for the price of 2 for midweek
stays until 31 October
- price from £475, saving £135
(transfers not included)
Includes a 72 hour museum pass
Siena
In contrast to its neighbour and fierce rival Florence, Siena’s architecture
is distinctly mediaeval, with intact city walls still encircling the city and
the imposing Palazzo Pubblico which faces onto the Piazza del Campo
where the Palio races take place.
Grand Hotel Continental ***** Deluxe
Located in the heart of Siena, close to Piazza del Campo, this 17th
century palace was built in 1600 by Pope Alexander Vll. An impressive,
traditional lobby leads to a covered courtyard, now a stylish and
contemporary bar/restaurant.There is a stunning first floor salon with
outstanding 17th century painted ceilings and
walls. Many of the 69 spacious bedrooms
and suites also have original frescoes.
3 night price from £988 until
18 October
3 nights for the price of 2 from
19 October onwards
- price from £894, saving £160
Avignon
Prague
Despite a turbulent 20th century, Prague’s historic centre remains
remarkably intact, with some of the most romantic gothic towers, spires
and turrets in Europe, as well as the iconic Charles Bridge. Ask the
Kirker Concierge for details of opera and ballet.
Hotel Paris *****
In the heart of the atmospheric old town, the Paris is one of the few
hotels in Prague where all the public rooms are
still in the original Art Nouveau style. All
of the 86 rooms have been renovated
recently and are more contemporary
in style.
3 nights for the price of 2 all year
- price from £618, saving £130
Includes a three hour walking tour
with an expert local guide
Barcelona
A city with many different sides, Barcelona is famous for its modern and
art nouveau architecture, but the labyrinthine Barri Gòtic is at the heart
of the old city and retains distinctive gothic façades and even remnants of
the Roman city.
Duquesa De Cardona **** Superior
This grand, 19th century building overlooks the colourful yacht
marina in the heart of the Gothic centre, a short walk from the
‘Ramblas’. The 44 rooms are all decorated in a contemporary style and
the rooftop solarium, with its summer plunge pool, gives a wonderful
panorama of the harbour and city.
3 night price from £649 for midweek stays
in September and October, saving £60
4 nights for the price of 3 from
2 November - price from £639,
saving £100
Ask the Kirker Concierge for pre-booked
tickets for the Miró and Picasso Museums
Krakow
The residence of seven popes during
the 14th century, Avignon’s Palais de
Papes is the largest mediaeval gothic
building in Europe, and one of the
world’s most impressive fortresses.
Mercifully spared from much of the destruction wrought by WWII,
Krakow’s mediaeval old town is centred around one of Europe’s largest
town squares, a wonderful open space, which thrives with al fresco
restaurants, bars and cafés.
De L’Horloge *** Superior
This traditional hotel is located in the mediaeval heart of Krakow and
has welcomed guests, who have included Tsar Alexander I and Franz
Liszt since the end of the 17th century.The 54 bedrooms and suites are
comfortable and well furnished. A glass-covered patio
houses the ‘Amarone’ Italian restaurant. More typical
dishes are available at the ‘Pod Roza’ restaurant.
Jazz and classical music concerts take place most
weekends.
3 night price from £595
Ask the Kirker Concierge for details about
Auschwitz tours
Situated right in the heart of the
city, this attractive hotel has a 19th century façade and is decorated
throughout with real style. There are 67 bedrooms, some with terraces
overlooking the Palais de Papes, an attractive lounge and a pleasant
conservatory style breakfast room.
3 night price from £754 in September
4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 October - 31 December
- price from £698, saving £101
Price includes flights to Avignon or why not try Eurostar’s new direct service
to the South of France? It takes just 5h 49mins from London St. Pancras
International: prices available on request
Pod Roza **** Superior
for reservations please contact your independent travel agent
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Six of the Best Gardens
Warm sunshine combined with a kaleidoscope of colour make the autumn a wonderful time to explore some of the horticultural
highlights of Europe. The mild climate of regions such as Andalucia and the subtropical island of Tenerife provides a generous and
long period of autumn colour, along with warm daytime temperatures, well into November.
Prices are per person and include flights, return transfers or car hire, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants,
museums and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
St. Petersburg
Astoria ***** Deluxe
With wonderful views of St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Mariinsky
Palace, the hotel is within easy walking distance of the shopping
on the Nevsky Prospect and the Hermitage Museum. The 188
comfortable bedrooms are furnished in the contemporary style that is
synonymous with Rocco Forte Hotels. We highly recommend a visit
to the summer palaces of the Tsars, with their extensive gardens – at
Peterhof the spectacular fountains
(operating until early October)
are a highlight.
3 nights for the price of 2 from
23 March - 31 October
- price from £849,
saving £85
Ask the Kirker Concierge for
details of ballet performances
Includes Russian Visa service
Ravello
Villa Cimbrone ***** Deluxe
During the ownership of the Beckett family, many of England’s
leading literary lights came to stay here, from Vita Sackville-West
who helped to create the spectacular gardens, to Virginia Woolfe,
TS Eliot and DH Lawrence. All were attracted by Ravello’s glorious
panoramic views. Since the 12th century, the Villa Cimbrone has been
transformed from a monastery to a private villa and finally to a small
luxury hotel. It is now one of the region’s loveliest family-owned
hotels, and its 19 antique furnished bedrooms all have wonderful views
of either the spectacular coast or
the elegant Cimbrone gardens.
There are several beautiful public
lounges, a large outdoor summer
swimming pool and a very highly
regarded restaurant.
5 nights for the price of 4 all year
- price from £1,189, saving £180
Tenerife
Botanico *****
Situated in the harbour town of Puerto de la Cruz, within six acres of
lush landscaped gardens, the Botanico is the perfect place to relax
and unwind. The property was originally built in a rather uninspiring
modern style, but the 252 rooms are beautifully furnished and all
have balconies. There is an excellent spa complex offering a range of
treatments and programs and four restaurants, including an Asian fine
dining experience. The hotel also has one main outdoor swimming
pool and one indoor swimming pool within the spa complex.
3 night price from £924
We highly recommend a private
tour with an expert local guide
to explore Tenerife’s fascinating
volcanic landscape and unique
flora.
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Lake Maggiore
Grand Hotel Majestic **** Deluxe
This delightful hotel is set in formal gardens close to the town
of Pallanza and the formal gardens of the Villa Taranto and Isola
Bella. It has 80 bedrooms, many with wonderful views of the lake
and mountains beyond. Light meals and drinks are served on the
panoramic terrace and the gastronomic restaurant offers freshly caught
fish and other delicious
dishes. There is an indoor
swimming pool, a tennis
court and a small private
beach. The town and ferry
port are ten minutes’ walk
away.
5 nights for the price of 4 from
23 August - 17 October
- price from £818,
saving £92
Granada
Guadalupe *** Superior
The Guadalupe is a popular and attractive hotel in a great location
– immediately opposite the Alhambra and its Generalife gardens.
Originally constructed in the early 14th century by the emir’s of
Al Andalus, the Generalife gardens are a
UNESCO protected network of mosaic
paths, water channels and cypress trees.
The hotel has 58 simply furnished but
comfortable bedrooms (including
16 in another building nearby), a
spacious lobby, bar and a restaurant.
4 nights for the price of 3 all year
- price from £645,
saving £55
Includes Granada card which offers complimentary entrance to the
Alhambra and the Generalife
Nice
Le Grimaldi ****
The Côte d’Azur is blessed with a benevolent micro-climate, which
means that botanical gardens thrive from Menton to Antibes and
beyond. There is no better base from which to explore them all than
Nice, with its coastal rail links. In the centre of town, five minutes’
walk from the Promenade des Anglais and 15 minutes from the Flower
Market and the old town, the Grimaldi is a family-run hotel with 46
bedrooms and a bar.
3 night price from £559 in September
3 night price from £478 in October
Ask the Kirker Concierge for details
of entrance tickets and private tours of
local gardens including Val Rahmeh
Botanical Garden in Menton and the
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in
St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
for reservations please contact your independent travel agent
Six of the Best Olympic Cities
Since their revival in Athens at the end of the 19th century, the Olympic Games have become one of the world’s most important
events, bringing investment, international sporting stars and the eyes of the world to a different city every four years. Visitors today
can often still see signs of the redevelopment spurred by an Olympic bid, from Athens’ Panathenaic Stadium, restored in 1896, to
Barcelona’s Montjuic Park which hosted the events of 1992.
Prices are per person and include flights, return transfers or car hire, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants,
museums and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
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Paris
Paris was the first city after Athens to host a modern
Olympic Games, as part of the 1900 Exposition
Universelle, in a contest which included croquet, cricket, tug of
war, and swimming in the River Seine.
Westminster **** Deluxe
With an excellent location on the prestigious Rue de la Paix, this
historic hotel offers 102 rooms, all furnished in the Louis XV style
with original furniture, paintings and antiques.There is a bar and a
Michelin-starred restaurant.
3 nights for the price of 2 until
31 August & 17 - 31 October
- price from £595, saving £165
3 night price from £866 from
1 September - 16 October
Includes 48 hour museum pass,
Seine cruise & Metro tickets
Turin
In 2006, the Winter Olympics brought the spotlight onto this historic
north Italian city, which sits in the foothills of the Alps, and is also home
to several world-class museums and a number of excellent restaurants.
Golden Palace **** Deluxe
Turin’s first deluxe hotel opened in 2006 in time for the Winter
Olympics. Behind a modern stone façade, the hotel tastefully
combines contemporary design with Art Deco furnishings and
also celebrates Turin’s Olympic links. The ‘Winner’ restaurant offers
delicious Piemontese and Italian cuisine, while the ‘Time’ bar is the
perfect venue for cocktails and a light
snack. The 195 bedrooms are furnished
with light, contemporary colours.
7 nights for the price of 6 all year
- price from £751, saving £62
3 night price from £568
Includes 72 hour Torino Card
Athens
The spiritual home of the Olympics, Athens’ Panathenaic Stadium which
hosted events in both 1896 and 2004, is the only stadium in the world to
be built entirely of marble, and also one of the oldest, dating back to the
6th century BC.
Grande Bretagne ***** Deluxe
Dating back to 1872, this prestigious hotel is the most luxurious in
Athens. All 327 rooms are beautifully furnished in a traditional style,
with original artwork and antique
furniture. The hotel has a fabulous
outdoor swimming pool, a spa and
a fitness centre. Located fairly close to
the old quarter of Plaka, it overlooks
Constitution Square, with its traditional
taverns, coffee shops and flea markets.
3 night price from £926
Includes Acropolis Museum tickets
Barcelona
The 1992 Olympics took place across the Catalan city, with the Olympic
Village set on the hillside of the verdant Montjuïc, which today remains
one of Barcelona’s most attractive green spaces.
Miramar ***** Superior
The Miramar has a unique location on Montjuic hill, overlooking
the city and a short taxi drive from the port. With over 8,000 square
metres of gardens and an outdoor summer swimming pool, this
is the perfect hotel for the summer months. All 75 bedrooms are
stylishly furnished and most have
their own terrace with views
overlooking the gardens, the city
or the sea. The spa and fitness
centre is one of Barcelona’s best
and has a sauna, Turkish bath and
a heated indoor swimming pool.
3 night price from £730 in
September & October
Rome
Classical Rome made an impressive setting for the 1960 Olympics, with
marathon contestants running along the Appian Way to finish under the Arch
of Constantine, and wrestling bouts taking place in the Roman Forum.
Capo d’Africa **** Superior
Located five minutes’ walk from the Colosseum, the Capo d’Africa is
truly in the heart of ancient Rome. All 65 bedrooms are furnished with
great taste in a very comfortable contemporary style. The attractive bar
serves drinks and light snacks throughout
the day, whilst a full buffet breakfast
is available in the breakfast room on
the third floor where you will also
find a large summer terrace and
solarium.
4 nights for the price of 3 all year
- price from £736, saving £120
Includes entrance tickets to the Vatican museum & Sistne Chapel or
Villa Borghese
Amsterdam
Amsterdam hosted the first Olympics to include a parade of nations and
the lighting of an Olympic Flame in 1928 – notable medal winners
included a future Norwegian king and Johnny Weissmuller, who achieved
even greater fame as Tarzan.
The Grand Amsterdam ***** Deluxe
Formerly Amsterdam’s town hall, no expense has been spared in the
decoration of the Grand’s elegant lounges, brasserie and 177 bedrooms.
The hotel has a restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and
fitness room.
3 nights for the price of 21/2 for
weekend stays all year
- price from £815, saving £96
3 nights for the price of 2 from
6 November - 31 March
- price from £676, saving £170
Includes entrance tickets to the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum
for reservations please contact your independent travel agent
7
Six of the Best Vineyards
From Burgundy to Chianti and the Aeolian Islands to La Rioja, one of the highlights of a holiday in Europe is an opportunity to visit
a world-class wine-producer for a tasting. Many Kirker hotels are ideally situated for visiting vineyards and sampling vintages, whilst a
number of our favourite properties have their own wine estates. Speak to your independent travel agent for more information on the wine
regions in Italy, Spain and France and don’t forget that the Kirker Concierge can arrange for private cellar visits and wine tastings.
Prices are per person and include flights (rail and Eurostar tickets for Burgundy), return transfers or car hire, accommodation with breakfast,
Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
Chianti
Borgo Scopeto Relais **** Superior
Set against a dramatic backdrop of rolling Chianti countryside,
overlooking Siena, the 58 bedrooms offer spectacular views and
facilities include two summer swimming pools, a restaurant and
tennis courts, whilst the surrounding countryside is perfect for walking
and cycling. Ask for details of wine tasting in the hotel’s own winery.
6 nights for the price of 5 until
16 August & 1 September 17 October - price from
£1,135, saving £125
4 nights for the price of 3 from
17 August - 31 August
- price from £779,
saving £110
Jerez
Villa Jerez **** Superior
We are delighted to feature this charming hotel which is within
walking distance of the old town, the Royal School of Equestrian
Art and the iconic and lesser known boutique sherry bodegas.
Overlooking beautifully manicured gardens and an outdoor
swimming pool, the hotel gives its guests a sense of staying in a
private villa with cosy lounges and an attractive bar and restaurant
serving Italian and Mediterranean cuisine; all leading onto the terrace
and lawn beyond. The 18 bedrooms face the gardens or the pool and
are individually decorated in a
classical manor house style.
3 night price from £458
Burgundy
Château de Gilly **** Superior
Surrounded by the great wines of Burgundy, between Dijon and
Beaune, Gilly has preserved its authentic 14th and 16th century
character, reflected in its moats, gardens and vaulted dining room.
The 48 rooms and suites in the château and its two outbuildings
of the same era are elaborately decorated and have preserved the
tradition and character of this historical building. Many overlook the
gardens, outdoor tennis court and summer swimming pool. There
is a gastronomic restaurant in the original vaulted wine cellars and
a brasserie with a terrace for
summer dining.
4 nights for the price of 3 until
26 September - price from £697,
saving £108
3 nights for the price of 2 from
27 September - price from £498,
saving £91
8
Ribera del Duero
Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Spa **** Deluxe
Zorita is a stylish hotel and spa located in the heart of one of Spain’s
principal wine growing regions, Ribera del Duero, 10 minutes from
the historic city of Salamanca. The hotel has thick stone walls and
magnificent oak beams, which contrast beautifully with contemporary
design in the 40 bedrooms. As well as a fine dining restaurant, there
is a wonderful bodega for wine-tasting and an organic farm which
produces delicious ingredients for the kitchens. There is an impressive
spa in the old mill and a summer swimming pool.
4 nights for the price of 3 all
year - price from £668,
saving £66
La Rioja
Marques de Riscal ***** Deluxe
This is no ordinary hotel, designed by world renowned architect
Frank Gehry of Guggenheim fame, it is situated within the vineyards
of the Marques de Riscal’s 150 year old estate in the Rioja region of
northern Spain. The design signifies the flow of wine and this theme
continues through the hotel, particularly the Vinotherapie Spa which
offers a variety of ‘wine therapy’ massages and treatments. Many of
the bedrooms have large bay windows overlooking the vineyards and
town of Elciego. There is a superb gastronomic restaurant and tours of
the winery take place three times a day.
3 nights for the price of 2 for
midweek stays all year
- price from £629, saving £150
Salina, Sicily
Capofaro Resort **** Deluxe
An archipelago of active volcanic islands, the Aeolians are clustered
just off the northeast corner of Sicily. This wonderful boutique retreat
located just outside the main town of Santa Marina has a magnificent
location on the cliffs of Salina. The hotel is situated in seven hectares
of working Malvasia vineyard and overlooks the lighthouse (or Faro)
from which it takes its name. There is a bar, an a lfresco restaurant
and an infinity swimming pool, whilst the 20 bedrooms all offer
private terraces with spectacular views.
4 nights for the price of 3
from 1 September 15 October - price from
£940, saving £102
for reservations please contact your independent travel agent
Six of the Best Sea Views
One of life’s great pleasures comes from drawing back the curtains of your hotel room to reveal a panoramic view of the sparkling
sea below. Kirker’s range of recommended hotels includes a number of wonderful coastal properties which offer spectacular sea views,
and al fresco terraces on which to relax over breakfast, dinner or an early evening aperitif. Prices are based on rooms with a sea view
– alternative rooms types available on request.
Prices are per person and include flights, return transfers or car hire, accommodation in sea view rooms with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to
restaurants, museums and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
Elba
Villa Ottone **** Deluxe
The fascinating island of Elba is 10 miles off the Tuscan coast and is
reached by ferry from Piombino. The privately-owned Villa Ottone is
hidden away along the coast from Portoferraio, within its own treefilled park. It has 75 bedrooms, swimming pool, private beach and a
relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those seeking peace and tranquillity, yet
is also perfectly located for exploring the rest of the island.
3 night price from £989
including private transfers and
ferry tickets
Cascais
Albatroz **** Superior
30 minutes from Lisbon, Cascais is an elegant seaside town with fine
restaurants and two sandy beaches. The Albatroz has a wonderful
location between the beaches. The 50 rooms are decorated with fine
Portuguese furnishings and artwork and many have wonderful sea
views. Light meals are served in the bar or on the terrace overlooking
the bay and the highly regarded gastronomic restaurant offers delicious
seafood. There is a pleasantly
furnished and relaxing
lounge and a salt water
summer swimming pool.
3 night price from £884 in
August & September
4 nights for the price of 3
in October - price from £845,
saving £145
Greece
Grace Mykonos *****
This intimate, boutique hotel is located just north of Mykonos
town, above the protected sandy beaches of Agios Stefanos and
with spectacular views over the vivid blue Aegean Sea. It has just
31 bedrooms, decorated in brilliant white and accented with
contemporary materials, fabrics and design – some have their own
private plunge pools (supplement available on request). There is a gym,
a spa and an outdoor swimming pool and sun deck with adjoining
bar serving cocktails.
7 nights for the price of 6
from 7 September - price from
£1,920, saving £255
Sicily
Verdura Resort ***** Deluxe
This Rocco Forte property is the most luxurious resort Sicily has seen.
Situated on the sea, 30 kilometres from the ancient Greek temples
at Agrigento, it has 203 bedrooms, two 18 hole golf courses and a
9 hole course. There are several restaurants that cater for all tastes
from fine dining to midday snacks on the private beach. The Health
Club has five Thalassotherapy pools and there is also a large outdoor
swimming pool and all
guests have access to the
private pebble beach.
3 night price from £1,548 in
August
4 nights for the price of 3
from 5 September
- price from £1,140,
saving £195
Madeira
Quinta Bela Sao Tiago ****
This stylish hotel is located just five minutes’ walk from the heart
of the old town. It is surrounded by five hectares of gardens with its
own banana plantation and orchard and there are 62 air-conditioned
bedrooms with balconies, all of which enjoy views of the bay. There
is a restaurant and also a cocktail bar, which leads to the terrace
overlooking the swimming pool, town and the ocean where breakfast
can be taken in fine weather.
Complimentary room upgrade
for stays in September
- 3 night price from £729
7 nights for the price of 6 in
October - price from £998,
saving £80
Biarritz
Radisson Blu **** Superior
The Radisson Blu is a stylish and modern hotel close to the centre
of Biarritz and overlooking the Bay of Biscay. Its 150 rooms are all
comfortable and many have views of the town and ocean. The main
restaurant offers Basque and modern international cuisine. During the
summer months, the roof terrace with its panoramic views, opens for
evening cocktails in the bar and lighter, more casual dining is available
al fresco at the rooftop restaurant. There is also a lobby bar, a rooftop
outdoor summer swimming
pool as well as a small spa.
3 night price from £649
3 nights for the price of 2 from
1 November - 31 December price from £449, saving £82
(valid for stays in city view
rooms only)
for reservations please contact your independent travel agent
9
Six of the Best Cultural Tours
Our escorted Cultural Tours & Music Holidays consist of small exclusive groups in the company of an expert lecturer and are
designed for those with an interest in history, art, gardens, architecture and music.
For a copy of our dedicated brochure please speak to your independent travel agent.
Prices include flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, meals as described, a full programme of sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities
and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer. Prices based on two sharing, single supplements available on request.
CYPRUS – THE ISLAND OF APHRODITE
IMAGES OF CUBA
AN EIGHT NIGHT HOLIDAY | 27 OCTOBER 2015
Cyprus, in common with many islands of the Mediterranean, has a
long and fascinating history of conquest by Roman, Arab,Venetian
and Ottoman rulers, each of which left a distinct legacy. Our tour
includes both north and south Cyprus, and will visit Roman ruins
at Famagusta and Salamis, Byzantine churches and monasteries and
crusader castles at Kyrenia and Kolossi as well as the most important
museums and galleries in Nicosia.
Late October is the perfect time
to enjoy the island’s mild autumn
climate.
A SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 14 JANUARY 2016
Based in Havana and Trinidad, we will explore the island’s cultural
highlights, including the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes, the National
Art Schools of Cuba (a grandiose project, dreamed up by Fidel and
Che), and the Cuban National Ballet School. The tour is led by
an expert local guide and will be escorted by one of Kirker’s most
popular and experienced tour leaders, Siân Walters, who is passionate
about Cuba. She studied History
of Art at Selwyn College,
Cambridge and, in a former
career, was a profesional
dancer.
Price from £1,998 for eight
nights including six dinners and
four lunches.
CHRISTMAS IN VIENNA
A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 22 DECEMBER 2015
Two performances at the Vienna State Opera (one opera and one ballet)
are included during our tour: La Cenerentola by Rossini, a sparkling
version of the story of Cinderella and her Prince, and on Christmas Day
itself, La fille mal gardée, Sir Frederick Ashton’s romantic and muchloved ballet. There will also be visits to the city’s finest museums and
galleries, including the Belvedere and the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
We stay at the 5* Deluxe Ritz Carlton located on Vienna’s famous
Ring.
Price from £2,159 for five
nights including two dinners,
Christmas Day lunch and
second category tickets for two
performances at the Vienna
State Opera.
ART GALLERIES OF HOLLAND
FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAYS
24 AUGUST & 25 OCTOBER 2015
17 APRIL & 19 JUNE 2016
Our tour begins with Amsterdam’s great trio of art museums – the
Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk Museum and the Van Gogh Museum. We
also visit the Hermitage, where treasures from the vast St. Petersburg
collection are on display. The Hague’s Mauritshuis gallery has also been
renovated recently, and here we will see important works by Vermeer.
We also visit the Kröller-Müller Museum near Arnhem. Amongst
its rich collection of 19th and 20th
century paintings are over 90 works
by Van Gogh. Our tour is based
at the at the 4* NH Museums
Quarter Hotel.
Price from £1,378 for five nights
including three dinners.
Price from £3,186 for seven
nights including all dinners
and five lunches.
ART, MUSIC & GASTRONOMY IN
EMILIA-ROMAGNA
A SIX NIGHT HOLIDAY | 15 OCTOBER 2015
Based in the historic city of Parma, our tour will explore three of
Italy’s most inextricable qualities; art, food and music. We will visit the
birthplace of Verdi in Roncole and see his house at Busseto, travel to
the home of the finest luthiers since Stradivarius in Cremona, and enjoy
the region’s wonderful cuisine and some of its most exceptional art and
architecture in Parma itself. Our holiday also
coincides with Parma’s Verdi Festival, and
there will be opportunities to attend
optional performances of Otello,
Rigoletto and the rare early work
Il corsaro.
Price from £1,794 for six nights
including three dinners and three
lunches.
WINTER IN ST. PETERSBURG
FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAYS
26 NOVEMBER & 23 DECEMBER 2015
Our holiday will include a full day sightseeing tour with visits to the
Peter and Paul Fortress, the Church of the Spilled Blood, the Russian
Museum and St Isaac’s Cathedral. A full day will be devoted to the
Hermitage with some time to explore this treasure trove independently.
We will discover the legacy of Russia’s Tsars at three of St Petersburg’s
imperial summer residences – the Catherine, Pavlovsk and Alexander
Palaces. A visit to the matchless collection
at the Fabergé Museum housed in the
Shuvalov Palace. There will also be some
free time for independent exploration.
Price from £1,498 for four nights including
four dinners, one lunch and Russian visa
service (supplements may apply for fast
track or non-UK passport holders).
10 for reservations please contact your independent travel agent
Six of the Best Music holidays
We offer a broad range of music holidays including opera and concerts - and are delighted to highlight six of our favourites here.
Some, such as the Ischia Music Festival and Music Cruises, are run exclusively for Kirker clients, whilst others include sought-after
tickets at a famous opera house or a unique festival venue.
Prices include flights, transfers, accommodation with breakfast, meals as described, a full programme of sightseeing, entrance fees and gratuities
and the services of the Kirker Tour Lecturer. Prices based on two sharing, single supplements available on request.
THE METROPOLITAN OPERA & GALLERIES
AND MUSEUMS OF NEW YORK
FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAYS
3 OCTOBER 2015 & 8 MARCH 2016
Enjoy three star studded performances at the Metropolitan Opera
featuring singers including Jonas Kaufmann, Anna Netrebko and Placido
Domingo as well as a backstage tour of the Met.
In addition to the three performances we will visit the city’s greatest
museums and galleries including the Whitney Museum of American
Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and MOMA. We will also see
one of the world’s finest private collections at the Frick and the
library of J P Morgan. We stay at the 4*
Affinia 50 Hotel between Lexington
and Third Avenues on East 50th
Street.
Price from £2,690 for five nights
including three tickets in the stalls and
two dinners.
CHAMBER MUSIC IN ALFRISTON
A THREE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 1 DECEMBER 2015
Join the Arcadia String Quartet from Romania for three superb concerts
during our chamber music weekend at Deans Place Country Hotel in
historic Alfriston. This picturesque village has a wonderful location in the
Cuckmere Valley – the heart of the Sussex Downs.
Alfriston is fast becoming a favourite destination with our clients and
in 2015 we will be presenting our fifth consecutive season of chamber
music concerts which are enhanced by a series of open workshops
hosted by Simon Rowland-Jones.
We stay at Deans Place Hotel in
the heart of this historic and
picturesque Sussex village.
Price from £798 for three
nights including all dinners,
three concerts and three talks.
THE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVAL, TENERIFE
THE KIRKER ISCHIA MUSIC FESTIVAL
A SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 30 JANUARY 2016
Christopher Monckton, one of Kirker’s most popular tour leaders, will
lead our new Kirker Music Festival to the unspoilt and beautiful island
of Tenerife.
Marcia Crayford, violin; Simon Rowland-Jones, viola; Moray Welsh, cello
and Paul Janes, piano, will join us for a series of private concerts and there
will also be an opportunity to attend a performance given as part of the
annual Canary Islands Festival in Santiago Calatrava’s spectacular concert
hall, the Auditorio de Tenerife overlooking the sea.
Our programme of sightseeing will also
include perfectly preserved villages with
colourful painted houses, pretty squares
and churches, lush sub-tropical gardens
and dramatic mountain drives.
A SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 12 OCTOBER 2015
Join pianist Jeremy Young on the idyllic island of Ischia for six exclusive
concerts at La Mortella, the former home of Sir William & Lady Walton.
Jeremy will perform with tenor Paul Nilon, The Sacconi Quartet and
violist Simon Rowland-Jones, and we will also enjoy one concert given as
part of the Walton Trust’s series.
Our concerts are held in the lovely concert hall overlooking the garden,
next to the villa where the Waltons lived. We stay at the 4* Albergo San
Montano in the small resort of Lacco
Ameno, a few minutes’ drive from La
Mortella with spectacular views of
the Bay of Naples.
Price from £2,395 for seven
nights including seven dinners, four
at Casa Abaco.
Price from £2,098 for seven nights
including all dinners and seven
concerts.
OPERA AT LA FENICE, VENICE
LA SCALA, MILAN
FOUR NIGHT ESCORTED HOLIDAYS
FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAYS
21 September & 26 October 2015
25 January, 17 March & 11 April 2016
La Fenice is one of the world’s most historic opera houses. Originally
built in 1790 it has twice burned down, and was reopened in 2003.
Our holiday will be based at the 4* Deluxe Monaco & Grand Hotel.
There will be three guided walking tours, with visits to the Accademia
and the Ca’ Rezzonico. We will also visit a
number of important churches. Operas
being performed include La traviata,
Tosca and Die Zauberflöte.
Price from £1,768 for four
nights including two dinners
and one first category opera
ticket.
6 & 22 August & 12 October 2015
Join one of our four night escorted holidays to Milan and enjoy a night
at the opera along with visits to the Cathedral, Milan’s major art gallery
- the Brera, and Leonardo’s The Last Supper at Santa Maria delle
Grazie. La Scala has an unmatched history and a uniquely distinguished
Orchestra and Chorus - conducted by the legendary Daniel Barenboim.
Operas being performed during 2015 include
Il barbiere de Siviglia, La bohème and
L’elisir d’amore. We will be staying at the
very comfortable 4* Hotel de la Ville
in the heart of Milan and just a short
walk from La Scala and the Cathedral.
Price from £1,638 for four nights
including two dinners and one opera
ticket.
for reservations please contact your independent travel agent 11
Six of the Best Personal Favourites
Our expert reservations staff regularly travel to a wide range of destinations to visit hotels, research museums, galleries and
restaurants so that we can offer the most up-to-date advice and recommendations.
Prices are per person and include flights, return transfers, accommodation with breakfast, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and
sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge.
Sunil Metcalfe San Sebastian
The perfect crescent-shaped bay of Playa de
la Concha has been providing swimmers with
calm waters and a sandy beach ever since Queen
Maria Cristina journeyed through here from
Austria to Madrid. The hotel that bears her name
doesn’t disappoint, and it’s just five minutes’ walk
to the pintxos bars serving some of the finest most innovative tapas in
the Parte Vieja (Old Town).
3 night price from £789 staying at the 5* Maria Cristina
Lucy Quinn - Bologna
Bologna is known for its culinary traditions, its
endless arcades and its famous two towers – a
‘mere’ 498 steps lead to the top and some of the
most spectacular views in Italy. It is also a perfect
base from which to explore cities such as Modena,
Faenza or Ravenna – a former Roman city with
6th century basilicas and churches. The hotel
Novecento, in the heart of the city, is just few
minutes’ walk from some of our favourite local restaurants.
4 nights for the price of 3 all year staying at the 4* Superior Novecento,
price from £758 saving £120
Edward Coltart Provence
One of my favourite regions in France, the
Luberon area of Provence is a landscape of
rolling lavender fields, ancient hilltop towns,
and vineyards as far as the eye can see. Whether
you come here to explore towns and villages,
visit wine cellars or simply relax and take in the
scenery and the warm autumn breeze, I could not recommend a holiday
in Provence highly enough.
4 nights for the price of 3 staying at the 5* Deluxe Crillon le Brave
until 12 October - price from £978, saving £174
3 nights for the price of 2 from 13 October - 20 November including
dinner with wine on the first night and guaranteed room upgrade at time
of booking - price from £758, saving £150
Kathryn Irons - Warsaw
The old town of Warsaw has been painstakingly
rebuilt since 1945, and has architectural examples
of almost all European styles from gothic to
renaissance and baroque. Towering over the new
town is the impressive Centre of Culture and
Science, a gift from the Soviet Union in the ‘50’s,
whilst famous son Chopin is immortalised in a
statue within Lazienki Park, where concerts are
held during the summer.
3 night price from £595 staying at the 4* Deluxe Regina
Alex Carey - Cordoba
Having lived in Seville, I was struck by how the
Moorish heritage of Andalusia intertwines with
the strongly Catholic traditions of the region –
and the best example of this is in Cordoba, the
former capital of Al-Andalus. A visit to Cordoba
is not complete without seeing the Mezquita, a
spectacular mosque with a catholic cathedral built
right in the heart of it.
4 nights for the price of 3 staying at the 5* Superior Palacio del Bailio
all year - price from £797, saving £95
Pat Bellieni - Lake Garda
Just 40 minutes’ drive from Verona, Lake Garda
rolls out to the horizon like an inland sea,
surrounding the mediaeval citadel of Sirmione,
which stands guard on a peninsula at the southern
end of the lake. By far the best way to travel
around the lake is on the efficient network of
ferries, which offer the most spectacular views
across the water to the lakeside towns and villages
which cling to the shores. Sirmione is the departure point for ferries
to all parts of the lake, including the fast catamaran all the way to Riva
at the northernmost edge. The Hotel Olivi makes the perfect base to
explore the lake by ferry, returning in the afternoon to enjoy the shops,
restaurants and bars of Sirmione.
3 night price from £743 staying at the 4* Hotel Olivi
EUROSTAR™ STANDARD PREMIER UPGRADE
Book before 1 September 2015 and travel in Standard Premier ✻ (first class)
For more information please contact:
For all Kirker clients who book before 1 September we are delighted to offer a complimentary upgrade to
Eurostar’s Standard Premier class, which offers the comfort of first-class style seating and a light meal with
a drink served at your seat – ✻valid for travel between 15 July and 13 September. This is an excellent way to
start your journey to Paris, Lille, Brussels or Bruges in style.
Wendy Harper (Lisburn) [email protected] | 02892 635206
To book or request a| 028
brochure
please
Jennifer
90279985
Agents
details: Ford (Belfast Howard Street) [email protected]
contact your independent
travel agent
Simon Thomas O’Neill (Holywood) [email protected]
| 02890 426969
www.oasis-travel.co.uk
Published July 2015. Terms and conditions apply. Prices are per person based on 2 sharing.
Subject to availability.