Check out this week’s selection of holiday offers, late availability and ideas from Travel PR.
Under £200 pp:
One night, a royal retreat – stay at Hartwell House (see above image) for £123 pp: Pride of Britain Hotels (0800 089 3929) offers 40% savings on Royal Rooms at Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire, once home to the exiled King Louis XVIII of France. As well as a rich royal history, the hotel has warming open fires and 90 acres of parkland. An overnight stay in a Royal Room costs £246 total/£123 pp including full English breakfast and use of the spa. Valid until 28 February on selected dates.
For another history-laden trip, join Roger Hermiston and Eileen Wise on their journey along the Wye Valley.
Go now:
Four nights, Marrakech from £1,148 pp: AITO* member Kirker Holidays (020 7593 2283) offers four nights for the price of three at the five-star Villa Des Orangers, a stylish winter sun retreat, close to the medina and Djemaa el Fna square, with swimming pool, roof terrace, spa and Moroccan hammam. The price is from £1,148 pp (two sharing) including flights (Gatwick), private transfers, B&B, Kirker Guide Notes and the services of the Kirker Concierge. Valid on stays until 8 March.
Go soon:
Seven nights, walking holidays for singles in Spain’s sunniest region from £975 pp: Solos (0844 371 8860) offers a sociable week walking in spectacular Almeria, one of Spain’s least-known provinces. Departing 3 March, the price is from £975 pp including flights (Gatwick) direct to Almeria, transfers, half-board in a twin or double room for sole use at the three-star Hotel Naturaleza Rodalquilar in Cabo de Gata Natural Park, five guided walks and Solos Tour Leader.
Holiday ideas:
Restorative yoga retreat by inspiring US duo:
New for 2018 is an inspiring, sun-filled yoga retreat (25 August-1 September) in rural Tuscany with American yoga teachers Amy Rogg and Joanne Brohmer. Mixing candlelit yoga sessions with silent meditation and yoga on location in olive groves and a convent, the fun-filled course will reduce anxiety and nourish mind, body and spirit. The price of £1,560 pp (two sharing) includes tuition, seven nights’ full-board accommodation, with delicious Italian cuisine (think Florentine salads, Roman beef stew, tiramisu) and meals at local restaurants, transfers and an excursion to Lucca. Flights (Pisa) extra. Contact The Watermill at Posara on 020 7193 6246.
For more wellness further away from home, join Mark Bibby Jackson at the Kamalaya in Koh Samui.
Follow the Big Cats to India – Tiger watching and more:
Inspired by the BBC’s ‘Big Cats’ series to track these magnificent species for yourself? Wildlife specialist Naturetrek’s range of big cat tours does just that. With a 100% success rate of Tiger sightings on over 80 tours to date, India – Tiger Direct takes travellers straight into the heart of tiger country on a nine-day safari that combines Pench and Kanha Tiger Reserves. Enjoy morning and evening game drives, where Leopard sightings – as well as Wild Boar and Sloth Bear – are highly possible, too. The price is from £2,495 pp (two sharing) including flights (regional departures), accommodation, all meals & naturalist tour leader. Departs April, Nov & Dec. Call AITO* member Naturetrek on 01962 733051.
Glimpse the Golden Age of Rail Travel -The Balkans by Private Train:
Immerse yourself in the majesty of Old Europe on this special 40th anniversary tour. Travelling by rail from Hungary to Croatia in a private Pullman Car on the luxurious Continental Classic Express, explore the heartland of once-mighty empires. Take a panoramic journey through the Sargan pass, marvel at Belgrade’s Art Deco architecture, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Skadar, and much more. Departing 17 May, The Balkans by Private Train costs from £3,895 pp (two sharing) including BA flights (London) to Budapest /from Dubrovnik, transfers, nine nights’ B&B, four lunches, five dinners, rail travel, excursions, and the services of guides & local representatives. Call Jules Verne on 020 3553 3722.
*AITO is the Association of Independent Tour Operators: more than 120 specialist travel companies providing an unrivalled collection of holiday ideas that cover every corner of the world. Consumers booking with AITO can be assured of high-quality holidays and excellent personal service. Visit www.aito.com for further information.
