Holiday | Charlotte's VVeb

Poland Your Way – Culinary Course

16/04/201306/03/2017 by Charlotte J

I recently did a bit of consulting for an UK-based tour operator, Poland Your Way, for the launch of its Polish culinary course. The operator has launched this fabulous package for enthusiastic gourmands interested in learning more about Poland, its cuisine and culture. Travellers have the option of staying for three or four nights, with accommodation and courses provided at a country manor hotel, close to the historic city of Krakow.

The hotel, Sierakow Manor, was once a 19th-century Polish nobleman’s home but it has been lovingly restored, offering a perfect mix of historical elegance and modern comfort. During the day, guests will gain an understanding of Polish culinary traditions, local ingredients and cooking techniques. Classes and demonstrations will be run for English speakers. The groups will be relatively small, with a maximum of 12 people per class.

Some common dishes you’ll get to know include pierogi (dumplings), uszka (a smaller version of pierogi), barszcz (beetroot soup), golabki (stuffed cabbage leaves) and bigos (hunter’s stew). The hotel also produces a range of traditional pickles and jams, as well as stocking a range of local produce such as honey, cheeses and beers. All items are available for sale for guests to take home.

Each evening guests will enjoy a three-course dinner of traditional Polish food, with wine or Polish beers. On one night, there will be a tutored vodka tasting experience, comprising of eight varieties.

If you stay for the fourth night, you also have the option to enjoy an excursion into Krakow, a guided city tour and an optional lunch in the historic Kazimierz district.

3 nights £505 per person (sharing twin or double room). Non-cooking partner, £355, includes all meals and the vodka tasting. £100 single supplement.

4 nights £655 per person (sharing twin or double room). Non-cooking partner £505, includes all maels and the vodka tastking. £130 single supplement.

Poland Your Way can also arrange optional extra excursions for those who want to extend their stay futher.

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Walking with Bears in Slovakia

22/03/201106/03/2017 by Charlotte J

I’ve written about similar trips before so was excited to hear that the UK’s leading trekking holidays company, Walks Worldwide, is now working closely with conservation group, Projekt Medved, and has created a unique trip called ‘Walking with Bears’ in the High Tatras mountains of Slovakia.

The High Tatras are the highest mountains in the Carpathian Arc which stretch from Romania to the Czech Republic. The range is small in area but they are very steep and provide the only High Alpine environment in Europe north of the Alps. There are a number of well-marked tourist trails but the highlight of this new trip are the days spent off the trail, following animal tracks and ancient smuggling paths in the company of guides who know the region and wildlife inside out.

This trekking holiday with a big difference, provides the chance to walk not only in a spectacular mountain area populated by bears, but with the intention of seeking the mighty beasts on foot! The tour actually begins in Poland and initially follows recognised way-marked trails across the High Tatras, descending into Slovakia. On reaching the Ticha, the group will be joined by a Park Ranger who will take the group ‘off piste’ and walk among the mountains and valleys in an area where tourists are normally forbidden. This unique opportunity is restricted to a maximum group size of eight people in order to minimise disturbance. Walking is graded as demanding, hiking at altitude in mountainous terrain for up to 9 hours per day.

The one-off trip departs on Sunday 14 August and costs from £985 pp (land only). This includes ground transportation, 7 nights’ accommodation, most meals and the services of and expert walking and wildlife guide. Call 0845 301 4737 or visit www.walksworldwide.com

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Visit Zagreb’s Time Machine

10/03/201106/03/2017 by Charlotte J

This year there will be some spectacular sights to behold in Croatia’s capital, Zagreb with the return of the Time Machine event on 23rd April to 24th September. During the event participants will dress up as distinctive characters to celebrate the culture and heritage of the city.

People visiting Zagreb should head to the Upper Town to see an unusual figures, from singers of old parlour ballads to peasant women from the village of Sestine. There will also be waltz and tango music at the pavilion in Zringjevac Park which is a great way to join in with the celebrations. Book your trip now!

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Hilton Opens First Doubletree in Istanbul

03/03/201106/03/2017 by Charlotte J

Istanbul being one of our favourite destinations we were pleased to hear that Hilton has opened its first Doubletree property in the city where East meets West. The 171-room hotel is located on Ordu Street, in the city’s old town and is the nearest hotel to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Facilities include, four function rooms, the largest holding up to 200 guests, as well as a 24-hour business centre, gym, and spa facilities including a whirlpool, sauna, Turkish bath and steam bath. The hotel also offers two restaurants: The Terrace serving “a la carte international cuisine with traditional Turkish favourites”, and the casual dining Old Town, where breakfast is also served.

A property in the Moda district of the city is also set to join the Doubletree brand later this year, with reservations being taken from 1st May 2011.

For more information visit hilton.com

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Celebrate Slovenia’s Jubilee Year

16/02/201106/03/2017 by Charlotte J

This year, 2011, marks the 20 year anniversary of Slovenia’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia. There is no better time to visit this jewel in Eastern Europe’s crown. The whole year will see many special events, the adoption of new visions for development and a huge celebration to which the whole world is invited. A very special part in these gatherings will be played by Slovenian expatriates and their descendants – the biggest such gathering in Slovenian territory is planned for early July.

This year the Slovenian Tourist board plans to make it easier for Slovenians, their descendants and friends to visit Slovenia, through numerous special offers and discounts. To ensure that Slovenians, their descendants and friends throughout the world know about these offers, details are posted on the Slovenia.info website. The website, which posts special tourist deals and packages for expatriates, emigrants and their nearest and dearest, has also organised a forum for impression of relatives and former citizens. The Slovenian Tourist Board has even put together the special packages in cooperation with a range of tour operators, and will be continuously updating them. We can’t wait to get there, neither should you!

For more information visit www.slovenia.info – book a deal now!

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Luxury for Less in Hungary

10/02/201106/03/2017 by Charlotte J

Those looking to enjoy a luxurious break without the price tag should look no further than Hungary, a destination which offers visitors the chance to holiday in the lap of luxury at a fraction of the cost of other European capitals. With several deluxe properties in and around the vibrant capital Budapest, visitors can choose from trendy design-led hotels, to historic city dwellings as a luxurious base from which to explore the city and its surroundings.

Whether it’s enjoying a deluxe spa break in spring or experiencing the city’s gastronomic highlights in summer, Budapest offers an abundance of unique cultural experiences as well as outstanding value for the luxury market.

Here’s a few of our favourites to consider…

Lánchíd 19 Hotel 4* Design By The Danube
Named after Budapest’s famed “Chain Bridge” which spans the Danube, the Lánchíd 19 is a contemporary highlight in a neighbourhood of predominantly 19th century architecture, highlighting the modern and traditional contrasts which characterise much of Budapest. Situated at the feet of the Buda Royal Castle, the hotel is ideally located for exploring the city on foot. The hotel itself offers stunning vistas from all its rooms, though little can match the majestic views across Margaret Island and the Danube from Panorama Suite, which comes at a fraction of the price of similar suites in other European capitals. Even the standard rooms offer stunning river views from one side of the hotel, or look out on to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Buda Royal Castle on the other.

Rooms at the Lánchíd 19 cost from €89 per night, based on two people sharing and including breakfast. The Panorama Suite costs from €316 per night, including breakfast. For more information visit www.lanchid19hotel.hu.

Danubius Grand Hotel, Margitsziget 4* Traditional Spa Luxury on Margaret Island
The Danubius Grand Hotel lies literally in the heart of the Danube, on Margaret Island, and is the island’s original spa hotel. Retaining its turn-of-the-century ambience, style and elegance, the Danubius Grand is the perfect location from which to explore the nearby historical sights and city-centre shops, or just to relax and enjoy the luxurious spa facilities.

Two nights’ bed and breakfast at the Danubius Grand Hotel is available from €182, with three nights from €264. Prices are based on two people sharing. For more information visit www.danubiushotels.com.

Continental Hotel Zara 4* City Centre Luxury in Budapest
This new hotel is located in Budapest’s downtown, with 272 rooms from standard to suites, offering guests a luxurious and relaxed environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. Built on the site of the legendary Hungária Spa, the hotel is near to the city’s Jewish quarter, which will enthrall and excite visitors with its atmospheric streets, and unique blend of fantastic restaurants and retro bars.

A superior room with breakfast at the Continental Hotel Zara costs from €75 per night, based on two people sharing. For more information visit www.continentalhotelzara.com

For more information on Hungary visit www.gotohungary.co.uk

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Austria’s Coolest Bar at Hotel Alpina in Obergurgl

09/02/201106/03/2017 by Charlotte J

I recently visited the Ice Bar in London’s West End but was bitterly disappointed. However, when I came across Austria’s coolest bar at Hotel Alpina in Obergurgl, I realised that the Austrians really know what they’re doing. What may look like a big snowy hill turns out to be a wonderful world of ice! In front of the spa area of the Hotel Alpina in Obergurgl, a team of civil engineers from the Vienna University of Technology (TU Vienna) have built a superb ice dome of 10 metres diameter, using an ingenious construction method.

The research group, supervised by Prof. Kollegger of the Institute of Structural Engineering, is looking into ways of building large-scale, stable domes made of ice. Following a thorough preparation and research phase, a new ice dome construction method is now being put to the test in Obergurgl – a world first.

There’s a lot of technical stuff I could tell you about but to be honest, if you’re that interested, you’ll find it elsewhere. What is important to know is that this unusual venue is the best place to head after a day of skiing for a lovely cocktail. Although, be warned, it is probably wise to leave the cocktail dress in the hotel wardrobe!

Find out more about Austria on the Austrian Tourist Information website.

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Pampering Post-Slovenia’s Kurent Festival

08/02/201106/03/2017 by Charlotte J

Fancy experiencing some traditional Slovene culture? Then why not head to the Kurent Festival in Ptuj this spring? The festival is held between the 26th February and 8th March. This annual event is one of the most significant of the calendar of Slovenia; it banishes winter and embraces spring.

This year, specialist tour operator, Just Slovenia is offering a five-night trip incorporating Ptuj during the annual Kurent Festival, followed by a luxury spa break in Bled’s Grand Toplice Hotel – one of Slovenia’s most grand venues which has welcomed international figureheads including, Prince Charles and President Clinton.

What happens at the festival? Kurenti, dressed in distinctive sheepskin costumes adorned with feathers, horns ribbons and cow bells, parade through the streets, clanging instruments to ward off evil spirits. Many musical and artistic events, street theatre, a masked ball and weekend carnival parades take place, with revellers smashing clay pots on the ground to bring good luck and health.

After all the excitement in Ptuj, visitors will then travel to the beautiful alpine town of Lake Bled to stay at the luxury Grand Toplice Hotel, where they will enjoy a two-day spa-package. This comprises four treatments: a massage bath plus a glass of sparkling wine; a whole-body massage with the addition of warm herbs; exfoliation and facial massage; reflexology foot massage, plus use of swimming pool and saunas.

Just Slovenia

Tel: 01373 814230

www.justslovenia.co.uk

Based on travel in late February or early March, the Kurent break includes two nights’ accommodation at the Garni Mitra Hotel in the centre of historic Ptuj, followed by three nights at the Grand Toplice Hotel overlooking Lake Bled. The price of £755 per person, based on two sharing, includes return flights from Stansted, car hire, five nights’ bed and breakfast, plus the two-day spa package.

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Last Minute Valentines Break to Kissing Hill in Tallinn

07/02/201106/03/2017 by Charlotte J

Tallinn is arguably one of the most picturesque and romantic cities in Europe. There is an abundance of chic cafes, gourmet restaurants, and a backdrop including 13th century church spires, red slate roofs and cobbled streets. However, what makes this place THE destination to visit this Valentine’s Day is the fact that it boasts its very own Kissing Hill! This place is one of the most private spots in town, surrounded by trees and dotted with benches. This is just the place for a loving glance, coy smile and passionate embrace!

Book a last minute two-night break with Regent Holidays (Tel: 0845 277 3317; Website: www.regent-holidays.co.uk). Prices from £289 per person, based on two sharing a double room on bed and breakfast basis in the three star l’Ermitage Hotel, including return flights in economy class from London Gatwick with Estonian Air, sparkling wine on arrival and flowers and candles in your room.

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Plan Some Last Minute Romance in the Czech Republic

01/02/201106/03/2017 by Charlotte J

Wondering where to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one? If you have time to take a trip then why not visit the Czech Republic? If you love history or like to indulge in luxury, you could spend St. Valentine’s Day in one of the Czech and Moravian chateaux. Enjoy a fairytale romance at Loučeň chateau located about 50 kilometres from Prague offering exquisite suites for couples in love; or soak up the historical atmosphere cuddled by a fireplace with your loved one and being served breakfast directly to your apartment in one of the suites the baroque chateau of Jemniště, not far from Prague.

Alternatively, you can both be pampered at the hunting chateau of Mcely, situated in Central Bohemia near the town of Mladá Boleslav. Here they will serve a special Valentine’s Day menu. The chef working at the chateau of Mcely cooks according to old recipes of the first owners of the house, the family of Thurn-Taxis, and the restaurant ranks among the top ten restaurants in the Czech Republic. The chateau’s other indulgent specialties also feature a pearl massage.

While lovers of old cinematography will definitely feel at home at the hotel Chateau Kotěra in the town of Ratiboř near Kolín. The hotel was built and decorated in the second decade of the 20th century by the founder of Czech modern architecture, Jan Kotěra, and offers a Valentine’s Day package for couples in love. It includes a three-course dinner with a quality wine, a bottle of sparkling wine and a flower for the lady.

Sounds good to me! I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed to be whisked away imminently!