Take 6 - Spring & Summer Offers 2016

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Includes entrance tickets to the Sagrada Família Take Six Spring & Summer Offers 2016 for discerning travellers All prices shown are per person sharing a double room, include special offers as applicable and are subject to availability. Prices are correct at time of publication: March 2016. For booking conditions please see www.kirkerholidays.com. Speak to an expert: 020 7593 2283 Includes a 3hr walking tour Includes a 72hr museum pass Includes a 72hr museum card Includes 48hr museum pass, Seine cruise & Métro tickets Includes Doge’s Palace, Accademia or Guggenheim tickets and water taxi transfers Berlin De Rome ***** Deluxe Close to the Museum Island, 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 for Sunday arrivals - price from £698, saving £150 Venice Palazzo Sant’Angelo **** Superior Located between the Rialto and Accademia Bridges, the Sant’Angelo is a grand Venetian palazzo, lovingly transformed into a charming boutique hotel with 28 bedrooms, some of which overlook the Grand Canal. All the rooms are decorated in a rich, traditional Venetian style and have luxurious Italian Carrara marble bathrooms with hydromassage baths. 3 nights for the price of 2 until 28 April & 3 July - 31 August - price from £639, saving £105 3 night price from £859 in May & June Prices are per person and include flights or Eurostar, 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. Six of the Best Classic City Breaks Paris Westminster **** Deluxe With a wonderful location close to the Place Vendôme, this is one of the oldest hotels in Paris. Its 102 rooms are all furnished in the Louis XV style. Original furniture, paintings and antiques adorn the bedrooms, elegant lounge and Michelin-star restaurant. Ask for details of performances at the Opéra Bastille or the Palais Garnier. 3 nights for the price of 2 for weekend stays until 9 June - price from £597, saving £165 Barcelona Sixty Two **** Superior Located on the Passeig de Gracia, between Gaudi’s magnificent landmarks, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, Sixty Two has 45 contemporary bedrooms and a stylish lounge and breakfast room where hot dishes are cooked to order at no extra charge and where complimentary tea and coffee is served during the day. 4 nights for the price of 3 until 30 April & 1 Jul - 30 Aug - price from £569, saving £85 3 night price from £625 in May & June Prague Hotel Paris ***** In the heart of the 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 £697, saving £145 Index Six of the Best... Classic Cities Summer Hideaways Rooms with a View City Swimming Pools Wine Tasting Roof Terraces Exhibitions Music Festivals Royal Palaces Roman Cities Cities of Two Halves Personal Favourites 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Bruges Casselbergh **** Deluxe Located in the centre of Bruges, the Casselbergh is made up of three historical residences and an additional new wing. It combines modern luxury with the charm of 18th century Bruges. 3 nights for the price of 2 all year - price from £398, saving £110 Excludes transfers Late spring and early summer offer wonderful opportunities to enjoy a short break to a classic European city or perhaps a relaxing countryside location – and we have selected some of our favourite destinations for this time of year. Whether you prefer exploring royal palaces and Roman ruins, discovering the latest art exhibitions, enjoying a delicious al fresco dinner, or sampling fine wines in a picturesque vineyard, we would be delighted to help create an itinerary to suit your own personal requirements. As the weather warms up across the continent, we also recommend the best city hotels with swimming pools and roof terraces, the rooms with the most memorable views, and a selection of relaxing summer hideaways to escape the madding crowd. We look forward to hearing from you soon – 020 7593 2283. Ted Wake - Joint MD & Director of Sales & Marketing

description

Our favourite 'six of the best' short break holidays throughout Europe and beyond. City breaks, summer hideaways, ancient history and the best exhibitions during spring and summer.

Transcript of Take 6 - Spring & Summer Offers 2016

Page 1: Take 6 - Spring & Summer Offers 2016

Includes entrance tickets to the Sagrada Família

Take Six Spring & Summer Offers 2016

f o r d i s c e r n i n g t r a v e l l e r s

All prices shown are per person sharing a double room, include special offers as applicable and are subject to availability. Prices are correct at time of publication: March 2016. For booking conditions please see www.kirkerholidays.com.

Speak to an expert: 020 7593 2283

Includes a 3hr walking tourIncludes a 72hr museum passIncludes a 72hr museum card

Includes 48hr museum pass, Seine cruise & Métro tickets

Includes Doge’s Palace, Accademia or Guggenheim tickets and water taxi transfers

BerlinDe Rome ***** DeluxeClose to the Museum Island, 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 for Sunday arrivals - price from

£698, saving £150

VenicePalazzo Sant’Angelo **** Superior

Located between the Rialto and Accademia Bridges, the Sant’Angelo is a grand Venetian palazzo, lovingly transformed into a charming boutique hotel with 28 bedrooms, some of which overlook the Grand Canal. All the rooms are decorated in a rich, traditional Venetian style and have luxurious Italian Carrara marble bathrooms with hydromassage baths.

3 nights for the price of 2 until 28 April & 3 July - 31 August - price from

£639, saving £105

3 night price from £859 in May & June

Prices are per person and include flights or Eurostar, 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.

Six of the Best Classic City Breaks

ParisWestminster **** Deluxe

With a wonderful location close to the Place Vendôme, this is one of the oldest hotels in Paris. Its 102 rooms are all furnished in the Louis XV style. Original furniture, paintings and antiques adorn the bedrooms, elegant lounge and Michelin-star restaurant. Ask for details of performances at the Opéra Bastille or the Palais Garnier.

3 nights for the price of 2 for weekend stays until 9 June - price from £597,

saving £165

BarcelonaSixty Two **** Superior

Located on the Passeig de Gracia, between Gaudi’s magnificent landmarks, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, Sixty Two has 45 contemporary bedrooms and a stylish lounge and breakfast room where hot dishes are cooked to order at no extra charge and where complimentary tea and coffee is served during the day.

4 nights for the price of 3 until 30 April & 1 Jul - 30 Aug - price from £569, saving £85

3 night price from £625 in May & June

PragueHotel Paris *****

In the heart of the 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 £697,

saving £145

IndexSix of the Best...

Classic Cities Summer Hideaways Rooms with a View City Swimming Pools Wine Tasting Roof Terraces Exhibitions Music Festivals Royal Palaces Roman Cities Cities of Two Halves

Personal Favourites

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

BrugesCasselbergh **** DeluxeLocated in the centre of Bruges, the Casselbergh is made up of three historical residences and an additional new wing. It combines modern luxury with the charm of 18th century Bruges.

3 nights for the price of 2 all year - price from £398,

saving £110

Excludes transfers

Late spring and early summer offer wonderful opportunities to enjoy a short break to a classic European city or perhaps a relaxing countryside location – and we have selected some of our favourite destinations for this time of year. Whether you prefer exploring royal palaces and Roman ruins, discovering the latest art exhibitions, enjoying a delicious al fresco dinner, or sampling fine wines in a picturesque vineyard, we would be delighted to help create an itinerary to suit your own personal requirements.

As the weather warms up across the continent, we also recommend the best city hotels with swimming pools and roof terraces, the rooms with the most memorable views, and a selection of relaxing summer hideaways to escape the madding crowd.

We look forward to hearing from you soon – 020 7593 2283.

Ted Wake - Joint MD & Director of Sales & Marketing

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for expert advice & reservations call 020 7593 22832

Six of the Best Summer HideawaysFor those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy peace and quiet this summer, we would be delighted to recommend a hotel off the beaten tourist track. Europe’s coastlines attract throngs of tourists but they tend to head to the same resorts. Venture inland and you

will find unspoilt scenery, warm hospitality and a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.

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.

SardiniaSu Gologone **** Superior

This charming, rustic hotel offers a refreshing alternative to the island’s busy coastal resorts. Located on the edge of the Gennargentu National Park, this is the ideal place to enjoy unspoilt mountain scenery. There are many shepherds’ trails that lead from the hotel and can be explored on foot, horseback or bicycle. There are 68 bedrooms, an excellent restaurant, several wonderful and relaxing terraces and a large heated swimming pool. Prices include half-board. The seaside resort of Cala Gonone is 12 miles away and offers some of the islands most

picturesque beaches; Olbia airport can be reached in an hour and 15 minutes.

3 night price from £699 until 17 June

3 night price from £898 from 18 June - 19 August

MallorcaGran Hotel Son Net *****

The Son Net stands in the Tramuntana mountains overlooking theunspoilt village of Puigpunyent. The ancient manor house has 31bedrooms, many overlooking the village and the hotel’s 100ft summerswimming pool – but we particularly recommend the wonderfulsuites, some of which have their own private garden and swimmingpool. The Oleum restaurant is one of the best on the island whilst themore informal ‘El Gazebo’, in the rose and citrus gardens by the pool,

serves fresh meat and fish dishes.

3 night price from £798 in June

3 night price from £886 in July & August

TuscanyLe Fontanelle ***** Deluxe

The position of Le Fontanelle on a hillside overlooking one of the most peaceful and unspoilt valleys in Chianti is wonderful – it is one of the most serene environments that we have come across and is the perfect place to unwind and to experience exceptional service. The botanical gardens offer plenty of space and with just 25 bedrooms, the property never feels crowded. There are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a superb gastronomic restaurant and an al fresco restaurant serving light lunches. The hotel is located just 15 miles north of Siena and 70 miles from Florence.

3 night price from £987

7 nights for the price of 6 from 1 May - 30 September

- price from £1,698, saving £205

VeronaRelais Fra’Lorenzo

A superior country house hotelNestled in the Torrecille hills above Verona, this charming palazzo has the feel of a quiet country cottage. The gates open to reveal a large lawn with panoramic views over the city of Verona. There are only seven bedrooms and three apartments, all of which feature elegant furnishings and original beamed ceilings. Amongst the ancient olive trees in the gardens you’ll find a salt-water swimming pool. A selection of light dishes is available for lunch and dinner. On foot, it is 10 minutes to

Ponte Pietra and the city walls and a further 20 minutes to Piazza Bra in the centre.

3 night price from£745 from 1 May - 23 June

3 night price from £870 from 24 June - 3 September

Aix-en-ProvenceLe Pigonnet **** Superior

A classical Provençal city, Aix has broad avenues, tempting cafés and wonderful markets. It is the perfect base to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Luberon. A delightful family-owned hotel, Le Pigonnet is an 18th century country house, surrounded by tranquil gardens yet is just 800 metres from the city centre. The gardens, with their cypress trees, umbrella pines, fountains and flower-filled borders were an inspiration to Paul Cézanne who sat in a corner and painted his famous work,

‘Montagne Sainte-Victoire’ in 1890. There is an outdoor swimming pool, a gastronomic restaurant, a champagne bar and 48 bedrooms decorated in typical Provençal style.

3 night price from £798 in May, June & August

Southern BrittanyDomaine de la Bretesche *****

Rural Brittany is the perfect place for a peaceful and relaxing summer holiday. As you approach this majestic 15th century moated castle, you are struck by its immaculately manicured 200 hectares of grounds and the beautifully restored buildings. The hotel, a member of Relais & Châteaux, forms part of the castle’s former stable block and outbuildings and has 31 bedrooms overlooking the castle or courtyard. There is a contemporary brasserie, a gastronomic Michelin-starred

restaurant and a stylish bar, located in the original stable block. Leisure facilities include a spa, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a tennis court as well as an 18-hole and a 9-hole golf course.

3 nights for the price of 2 - price from £624, saving £110

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www.kirkerholidays.com 3

Includes Russian visa service

Includes Doge’s Palace, Accademia or Guggenheim tickets and water taxi transfers

Six of the Best Rooms With a ViewA great holiday experience is all about finding the perfect excuse to indulge yourself so that you come home feeling inspired and re-energised – and a great view from your hotel room is an excellent way to start every day. We are delighted to recommend some

of our favourite hotels with exceptional views.

Prices are per person and include flights, return transfers, accommodation with breakfast staying in a room with a view, Kirker Guide Notes to restaurants, museums and sightseeing and the services of the Kirker Concierge.

VeniceLondra Palace **** Deluxe

Small, luxurious and located right on the waterfront; just a few steps from St. Mark’s Square, the Londra Palace is one of our favourite

hotels in Venice. Kirker clients are given rooms which guarantee a sublime view of San Giorgio and the Lagoon. It has a bar, a comfortable lounge, a restaurant, the ‘Do Leoni’ with a terrace and 53 bedrooms which are amongst the finest in the city.

4 nights for the price of 3 until 30 April & 1 - 31 July - price from £1,055,

saving £252

3 night price from £1,189 from 1 May - 30 June

Lake MaggioreGrand Hotel Majestic **** Deluxe

With its formal gardens and fine old villas, Pallanza is the most beautiful town on Lake Maggiore. This delightful, privately owned hotel has a majestic setting on the shores of the lake with wonderful views of the mountains and the picturesque island of San Giovanni. Recently renovated, it has an indoor swimming pool, a tennis court

and a small private beach. The town is a short walk away and from there you can explore the famous Borromeo Islands by ferry.

5 nights for the price of 4 until 21 July

14 April - 26 May - price from £898, saving £130

27 May - 21 July - price from £953, saving £130

St. PetersburgAstoria ***** Deluxe

Restored to its original glory by Rocco Forte Hotels, the Astoria is perfectly located opposite the burnished dome of St Isaac’s Cathedral, and within walking distance of the Winter Palace. Our prices include rooms with views of the cathedral. The Astoria Café serves a delicious combination of European and Russian cuisine in the Art Deco dining room. The Kirker Concierge can arrange private walking tours with

expert local guides, opera and ballet tickets and a table at one of the city’s growing range of excellent restaurants.

4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 April - 5 May - price from

£1,198, saving £158

3 night price from £1,389 from 6 May - 15 July

VallettaPhoenicia **** Deluxe

Situated at the gateway to Valletta, The Phoenicia has a majestic setting overlooking Marsamxetto Harbour and guests are steps away from St. John’s Cathedral, with its Caravaggio masterpiece, the Grand Master’s Palace and the War Museum. This famous hotel reopens on 1 June following a complete restoration of all 136 rooms, the classical façade, public areas, grounds and terraces. There will be a new outdoor infinity pool with sweeping views of the harbour and the same view can be enjoyed from many of the bedrooms – our price is based on a Harbour View room.

3 night price from £885

JerseyAtlantic **** Deluxe

This privately-owned hotel has an unbeatable location on the west coast, perched above St. Ouen’s Bay. The 50 bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and our price is based on those overlooking the ocean. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court and gardens, and the ‘Ocean’ restaurant has a Michelin star and serves delicious cuisine in the elegant dining room and on the summer terrace. There is also a bar and several lounges and a health club with

indoor swimming pool.

4 nights for the price of 3 until 12 May - price from £658,

saving £142

5 nights for the price of 4 from 13 May - 30 June - price from

£938, saving £176

Ask about ferry crossings from Poole to Jersey

PortoPestana Vintage Porto **** Superior

This excellent hotel dates back to the 16th century. Indeed, many of the buildings in the Praca de Ribeira district of central Oporto have origins in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, and the area is now designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Douro River runs immediately in front of the Pestana Vintage Porto and many of the 104 rooms have magnificent views of the port wine houses on the opposite bank.

3 night price from £719 in April & July

3 night price from £798 from 1 May - 30 June

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for expert advice & reservations call 020 7593 22834

Includes tickets to the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia or BargelloIncludes tickets for the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel or Villa Borghese

Six of the Best City Hotels With Summer Swimming Pools

After a busy few hours of sightseeing, perhaps with an expert local guide, what better way to spend your spring or summer afternoons than by relaxing in peaceful surroundings and cooling off in a refreshing swimming pool? In many Kirker cities we

include several hotels with pools - here’s a selection of some of our favourites.

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.

RomeAldrovandi Villa Borghese ***** Superior

Formerly a 19th century villa, The Aldrovandi is located in the exclusive Parioli district of the city and is the perfect place to relax after a busy morning of sightseeing. The hotel has 108 bedrooms with views of either the beautiful Borghese Gardens, the grand villas of the surrounding area or the hotel’s garden and its large summer swimming pool. The restaurant ‘Assaje’ serves lunch and dinner on the

terrace by the pool in spring and summer.

3 night price from £898 until 30 April &

1 July - 4 September

3 night price from £1,024 during May & June

FlorenceGrand Hotel Villa Medici ***** Superior

This patrician 18th century palace is located three minutes from the River Arno and about 15 minutes’ walk from the cathedral, with several restaurants and fashionable boutiques close by. Furnishings are an attractive mix of classical Florentine and contemporary style and complement the fine lounge, bar and excellent restaurant. The 100 bedrooms have all been renovated; some overlook the hotel’s private

garden with its summer swimming pool which is a lovely spot for an afternoon siesta.

4 nights for the price of 3 from 16 April - 17 July - price from £998,

saving £183

MarrakechVilla Des Orangers *****

This stylish, boutique hotel is located close to the medina and offers guests a magical oasis-like quality where you can relax away from the madding crowd. A member of Relais & Châteaux, this is a Kirker favourite; it has been beautifully restored with great taste and the original elegant Islamic features highlight the astonishing skill of the craftsmen who created the exquisite plasterwork around the colonnaded courtyards. There is a swimming pool and sun terrace where the excellent restaurant serves dinner by candlelight and a complimentary light lunch is served in one of the courtyards. There

are 27 bedrooms, a spa and another small rooftop swimming pool.

3 night price from £945 from 1 April - 11 June

3 nights for the price of 2 from 12 June - 12 September - price from £769,

saving £190

PalmaSan Francesc *****

This historic manor house with its beautiful façade dates from 1880 and is located in Palma’s old town. The sympathetic restoration preserves the original features of the building including terraces, courtyards and antique furnishings and these, together with the latest contemporary design result in a quiet, spacious sanctuary in the heart of the most atmospheric part of the city. A highlight is the large panoramic terrace with summer swimming pool and magnificent

views of the Church of San Francesc. There are 42 bedrooms and a restaurant located in the former stables with direct access to the delightful garden.

3 night price from £848 until 28 April

3 night price from £896 from 29 April - 31 August

Taormina, SicilyBelmond Villa Sant’Andrea ***** Deluxe

This famous hotel has an excellent location on the shore overlooking Mazarro Bay and has recently been completely restored to its original splendour. Although many guests enjoy sea bathing from the private beach, a wonderful heated swimming pool has been added. The hotel is surrounded by subtropical gardens and there is an excellent restaurant with a terrace where guests can enjoy the view across the bay. There are 60 elegant bedrooms overlooking the gardens or the bay. Taormina town can be reached in a few minutes by cable car (or complimentary shuttle).

3 night price from £844 from 8 April - 19 May

3 night price from £1,140 from 20 May -

30 June

CarcassonneDe La Cité ***** Deluxe

The largest mediaeval fortified city in the world has a spectacular position on the crown of a hill. The ancient watch towers dominate the Languedoc landscape against a backdrop of vineyards and the Pyrennean Mountains. The De La Cité is one of our favourite hotels in France and certainly one of the most dramatically situated. The original beamed ceilings, stained glass windows, wood panelling and floral tapestries have been retained and the hotel is situated in its own gardens with an outdoor summer swimming pool. There are 64

beautifully decorated bedrooms, a library and a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant.

3 night price from £698 until 31 May

3 night price from £830 from 1 - 30 June

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www.kirkerholidays.com 5

Six of the Best Hotels for Wine TastingWhether you are a committed oenophile or an enthusiastic amateur, there is no better way to spend a relaxing few days than

amid the vines of one of Europe’s great wine regions. A number of our favourite countryside properties not only provide excellent bases from which to visit the best known wine producers of Chianti, Burgundy and Bordeaux, but they also produce their own

wines and can arrange private tutorials and wine-tasting classes.

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.

Ribera Del DueroHacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Spa **** Deluxe

Located just outside the historic city of Salamanca, in the heart of one of Spain’s principal wine regions, Ribera del Duero, Zorita was formerly a 14th century Dominican monastery. Now a stylish hotel, perfect for lovers of wine, fine food, outstanding views and relaxation, its thick stone walls and magnificent oak beams 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, an impressive spa in the old mill and a summer plunge pool. Salamanca is 10 minutes’ away and Madrid two hours.

3 night price from £698 from 3 May - 31 October

The VenetoVilla Cordevigo *****

Close to Lake Garda and just half an hour from Verona, Villa Cordevigo is a handsome country hotel with 23 bedrooms in a 16th century Venetian villa. There is a chapel dating from the 1400s, a spectacular summer swimming pool, and the hotel produces its own wines which can be enjoyed in the tasting room or chef Giuseppe D’Aquino’s excellent Michelin-starred restaurant, Oseleta. The surrounding countryside is home to famous vineyards, ancient castles

and Romanesque churches.

3 night price from £784 in May & June

3 night price from £898 in July

Kirker clients will enjoy a welcome dinner at Oseleta

BordeauxLe Saint James ***** Superior

The pretty village of Bouliac, nicknamed ‘the balcony of Bordeaux’ with its picture-postcard square and church lies on a hill above the city of Bordeaux, the capital of French wine production. The hotel combines an 18th century farmhouse with modern wings inspired by the tobacco drying barns of the region. The 18 strikingly modern

rooms all enjoy the sublime views and wonderful light. There is a vineyard where delightful red wine is produced and a state-of-the-art cooking school. The Michelin-starred restaurant offers spectacular views of the city and river below.

4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 April - 23 June - price from £883, saving £180.

Includes a complimentary introductory wine-tasting

ChiantiCastello la Leccia **** Superior

This is a beautifully restored ancient hamlet which has a spectacular elevated position at the end of an avenue of cypress trees and panoramic views of the Val d’Elsa, taking in Siena, San Gimignano and the Alps. The 12 large and elegant suites all have wonderful views of the surrounding vineyards, olive groves and summer swimming pool. The restaurant serves a light lunch and an à la carte dinner every day by the Italian Garden. The wine cellars have also been restored and the estate produces Sangiovese Chianti Classico as well as small quantities

of Malvasia Nera, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot.

3 night price from £759 from 22 - 30 April

3 night price from £779 from 1 May - 30 September

PortoThe Yeatman ***** Deluxe

This smart and stylish ‘wine hotel’ opened in 2010 and presides over a large area of Porto’s ‘Gaia’ district amongst the city’s port cellars. It is built high into the hillside in terraces mirroring the vineyards of the nearby Douro valley and has magnificent views of the charming

old town. All 82 rooms have a large private balcony with river and city views and the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, outdoor and indoor pools and spa all share the panorama. From the ‘Vinotherapy’ spa to the decanter shaped infinity pool the focus here is definitely wine and we highly recommend a tasting at Dick’s Bar with wines from The Yeatman’s award-winning cellars.

3 night price from £683 in April

3 night price from £840 from 1 May - 31 October

BurgundyChâteau de Gilly **** Superior

A former residence of Cistercian Monks, Gilly is located in the village of Vougeot in the heart of the Grand Cru wine producing countryside between Dijon and Beaune. Most of the wine produced here comes from one walled Grand Cru vineyard, Clos de Vougeot which dates from 1336. The hotel has preserved its authentic 14th and 16th century character reflected in its moats, gardens, vaulted dining room and 48 elaborately decorated rooms. There is a gracious drawing room

with snooker table, a gastronomic restaurant in the restored cellars, a brasserie, a tennis court and a summer swimming pool.

3 night price from £836 from 1 - 29 April

3 night price from £935 from 30 April - 15 October

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for expert advice & reservations call 020 7593 22836

Includes entrance to the Kunsthistorisches and Leopold museumsIncludes a three hour private walking tour

Includes a 48hr museum pass, Seine cruise and a carnet of five Metro tickets

Includes tickets for the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel or Villa Borghese Includes tickets to the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia or Bargello

Six of the Best Roof TerracesDuring the warmer months there is no better way to relax after a busy day of sightseeing than by enjoying a cool drink on a roof terrace as the sun sets over the rooftops of central Paris or the gothic spires of Prague. We have selected some of our favourite hotels

which have exceptional rooftop retreats from which to reflect on the world below, but speak to one of our experts for their own personal recommendation, or even a room with a private balcony.

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.

RomeGrand Hotel De La Minerve ***** Superior

This fine hotel has one of the best locations in Rome; in the heart of the historical city centre, overlooking the 2,000 year old Roman Pantheon and just five minutes’ walk from the Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain. Breakfast is served on the magnificent rooftop terrace with its panoramic views over the rooftops of the Eternal City and is the perfect place to start your day. Return here in the evenings and enjoy delicious cuisine by candlelight whilst gazing at the illuminated

monuments of Rome.

4 nights for the price of 3 for Sunday arrivals until 17 July

- price from £969, saving £184 until 30 April & from 1 - 17 July

- price from £1,059, saving £213 from 1 May - 30 June

FlorenceAntica Torre di via Tornabuoni 1

A boutique residenceThis beautiful property dates from the 13th century and stands on via Tornabuoni, a few minutes’ walk from the Duomo. It is considered to be one of mediaeval Florence’s most historic ‘tower houses’ and has two magnificent roof terraces where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. The renovated rooms in the Palazzo Gianfigliazzi, where Kirker clients will be accommodated are some of the most stylish and

comfortable in Florence.

4 nights for the price of 3 until 17 July & 1 September -

27 October - price from £979, saving £170

3 nights for the price of 2 from 18 July - 31 August

- price from £697 saving £120

PragueAria ***** Deluxe

This wonderful boutique hotel is located two minutes’ walk from Charles Bridge and overlooks the beautiful Vrtbovska Gardens. The Aria is a celebration of music and this theme resonates throughout the hotel with rooms dedicated to a particular artist or composer. The hotel has a music library where the Aria’s Musical Director is on hand to offer recommendations on the city’s numerous concerts and opera performances. The winter garden lounge has a grand piano, a fountain and an open fireplace and the large rooftop terrace has some of the city’s most spectacular views.

4 nights for the price of 3 until 30 April & 1 July - 31 August - price from £698, saving £112

3 night price from £748 from 1 May - 30 June

ViennaThe Ritz-Carlton ***** Superior

The Ritz-Carlton consists of four historic Palais from the 19th century which have been extensively renovated to create a luxurious, contemporary design hotel. The 202 rooms and suites are spacious and modern. Austrian steak is available at ‘Dstrikt’ whilst the lobby lounge is ideal for a traditional Austrian coffee. In the summer the rooftop terrace and bar offer spectacular views over the city’s illuminated spires and domes.

3 nights for the price of 2 from 1 - 30 April - price from £775,

saving £1783 night price from £1,039 from

1 May - 30 June

4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 July - 31 August

- price from £955, saving £178

ParisRaphael *****

This famous hotel, located close to the Arc de Triomphe, is one of the few remaining privately-owned luxury hotels in Paris. The 83 bedrooms are classically furnished, many with antiques and silks or hand-painted panels. The long, impressive panelled lobby has beautiful paintings including an original Turner. The cocktail bar is one of the most fashionable in Paris. A beautiful roof garden offers a sensational 360 degree panorama of the city; in summer, breakfast, lunch, evening cocktails and dinner are served here.

3 nights for the price of 2 for stays including a Sunday night from 1 April -

12 May & 11 July - 31 August - price from £845, saving £108

3 night price from £1,598 from 13 May - 10 July

MalagaMolina Lario **** Superior

Located in the heart of Málaga’s old town, Molina Lario is opposite the cathedral and within walking distance of the port and the Picasso museum. It consists of two 19th century buildings whose façades have been lovingly restored and a more modern wing centred on an internal courtyard. Many of the 103 bedrooms have balconies and city views. In the warmer months from spring to autumn, the rooftop terrace with small outdoor plunge pool and bar is a wonderful place to unwind after a day’s sightseeing whilst enjoying unrivalled panoramic city views.

3 night price from £584 from 1 April - 30 June

4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 July - 31 August

- price from £630, saving £74

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Includes ‘Paseo del Arte’ pass offering entrance to the exhibition at the Prado as well as the Thyssen and the Reina Sofia museums

Includes 48hr museum pass, Seine cruise, Métro tickets & entrance to the exhibition Includes entrance to the Schönbrunn Palace and the exhibition

Includes tickets to the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia or Bargello as well as timed entrance to the exhibition

Includes ‘Passport to Monte-Carlo’, helicopter transfers on arrival or departure, and entrance tickets to the exhibiton

Includes Russian visa service and entrance to the Hermitage including the exhibition – ask for details of private guided tours

Six of the Best ExhibitionsThis year promises major exhibitions of works by artists from Hieronymus Bosch to Francis Bacon, as well as a whole series of events in Vienna marking the centenary of the death of Emperor Franz Josef. There is something new happening every month, so

now is the time to plan your diary for the rest of the year.

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.

Madrid“Bosch – The Centenary Exhibition” at the Prado

31 May - 11 SeptemberThis major exhibition marking 500 years since Hieronymus Bosch’s death

will feature over 60 works in the Prado’s dedicated Jerónimos building, including the outstanding triptych of the Temptation of Saint Anthony.

De las Letras **** SuperiorLocated on the Grand Via, this stylish hotel has a terrace with wonderful views, a popular restaurant and 103 comfortable bedrooms.

3 night price from £639 from 31 May - 30 June

4 nights for the price of 3 from 11 July - 31 August

- price from £595, saving £72

St Petersburg“Catherine the Great and Stanislaw August: Two

Enlightened Monarchs” at the Hermitage Museum until 21 May

In the grand Nicholas Hall of the Winter Palace, this exhibition features over 150 works of fine art from the personal collections of Catherine the

Great of Russia and King Stanislaw August of Poland.

Hotel Angleterre **** Superior The Angleterre offers comfortable and stylish accommodation in a superb location in the heart of the city. There are 192 bedrooms, a brasserie, a fitness centre, small plunge pool and a sauna.

4 nights for the price of 3 from 1 April - 5 May - price from £996, saving £85

3 night price from £1,109 from 6 May - 15 July

Monaco“Francis Bacon, Monaco and French Culture” at the Grimaldi Forum – 2 July - 4 September

Bacon was undoubtedly one of the finest British painters of the 20th century and spent some of his formative years in Monaco. This fascinating

exhibition is a great opportunity to see some of his major triptychs as well as a number of rarely seen pieces.

Columbus **** SuperiorLocated in the quiet harbour of Fontvielle, the Columbus hotel has real substance to accompany its unquestionable style. The breakfast room has a terrace overlooking the Princess Grace Rose Garden and there is a gym and a private beach a short distance away.

3 night price from £789

Florence“From Kandinsky to Pollock. The Art of the Guggenheim Collections” at the Palazzo Strozzi – 19 March - 24 JulyFeaturing artists such as Kandinsky, Picasso, Pollock and Rothko this

exciting exhibition will bring together over 100 pieces of 20th century art from Peggy and Solomon Guggenheim’s huge collection.

Helvetia e Bristol ***** SuperiorThis characterful, traditional hotel is run by our good friend Stefano Venturi and has a perfect location in the heart of Florence - Palazzo Strozzi where the exhibition is being staged is just across the road. There are just 67 bedrooms including some beautiful suites.

4 nights for the price of 3 from 25 March - 30 April & 10 - 31 July - price from £958,

saving £180

ParisL’Atelier en Plein Air – The Impressionists in Normandy

at the Musée Jacquemart-André - until 25 JulyThis delightful new exhibition at one of Paris’ most beguiling galleries –

the private home of collectors Édouard André and Nélie Jacquemart – includes works by Monet, Turner, Renoir and Signac.

Royal ****An attractive 19th century building, the Royal has a wonderful location on the Avenue de Friedland, a stones’ throw from the museum, as well as the Arc de Triomphe. The 58 bedrooms are all

furnished in a classical style and there is a spacious lobby lounge with a bar.

4 nights for the price of 3 - price from £689,

saving £130

Vienna“Emperor Franz Josef: Man & Monarch”

at the Schönbrunn Palace – 16 March - 27 November2016 marks the centenary of the death of the great Habsburg Emperor Franz Josef. The focus of this exhibition at the Schönbrunn Palace will be on his life as a monarch and it is worth spending the whole day there

enjoying the other state rooms and magnificent gardens.

Altstadt **** SuperiorThe Altstadt is 10 minutes’ walk from the Volkstheater and the spectacular Museum Quartier, with an attractive bar, 42 comfortable rooms and many works of art throughout.

3 night price from £598

Francis Bacon: Portrait of Michel Leiris, 1976.

© The Estate of Francis Bacon.

Schönbrunn Palace

Port-en-BessinPaul Signac

Page 8: Take 6 - Spring & Summer Offers 2016

for expert advice & reservations call 020 7593 22838

Six of the Best Music FestivalsWhilst the major concert halls and opera houses close down for the summer, their star performers head the bill at an array of music festivals from al fresco opera in Italy to Kirker’s own exclusive chamber music festivals on the Mediterranean islands of Mallorca and Ischia. The ambience of a world-class performance in the open air on a warm summer evening is a unique experience that

should not be missed.

THE SIBELIUS FESTIVALA FOUR NIGHT HOLIDAY | 7 SEPTEMBER 2016After the 150th birthday celebrations in 2015, the Sibelius Festival

will return to its usual long-weekend format. Under the direction of its new Principal Conductor, the Russian Dima Slobodeniouk, the Lahti

Symphony Orchestra will play each of the three all-Sibelius programmes.

Familiarity and discovery are the themes in the 2016 festival and all three concerts will include a symphony alongside more rarely performed pieces. We stay at the centrally located 4* Sokos Hotel Lahden Seuruhuone for the duration of the tour and the sightseeing programme will include excursions that follow the composer’s life with visits to his birthplace in Hämeenlinna and his grave at Ainola, as well as a panoramic tour of Helsinki.

Price from £1,668 for five nights including four dinners, three lunches

and tickets for three concerts.

THE GRAFENEGG MUSIC FESTIVALA FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 7 SEPTEMBER 2016

This year the Festival ends with performances by three great European orchestras, including the Vienna Philharmonic with whom Festival director

and pianist Rudolf Buchbinder will perform all five Beethoven piano concertos in a single day – a veritable tour de force.

Concerts are held in the architecturally dramatic Wolkenturm, in the grounds of the Metternich estate. Staying at the 4* Steigenberger Hotel set amongst the Grüner-Veltliner vineyards, we will also enjoy day trips to the picturesque village of Dürnstein, the Benedictine Abbey at Melk, and a panoramic tour of Vienna.

Price from £2,286 for five nights including five dinners, one lunch and tickets and

programmes for five concerts.

THE ROSSINI OPERA FESTIVAL IN PESARO

A FIVE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 16 AUGUST 2016The Rossini Opera Festival has been held every summer in Pesaro where

the composer was born on 29 February 1792. This year the festival includes performances of La donna del lago, Il turco in Italia and Ciro in Babilonia.

We stay at the 4* Hotel Savoy in the centre of Pesaro, a few minutes’ stroll from the Teatro Rossini. There will be two excursions during the holiday: a visit to the hill-top town of Urbino where we see the important picture collection of the Duke of Urbino in the Ducal

Palace; and to Ravenna, the last capital of the Western Roman Empire. Here we see spectacular mosaics at the Mausoleum of Galla Placida, at San Vitale and at Sant’Apollinare Nuovo.

Price from £1,993 for five nights including three dinners and tickets for

three operas and one recital.

CHAMBER MUSIC IN ALFRISTONA THREE NIGHT HOLIDAY | 28 NOVEMBER 2016Join the Busch Ensemble 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 2016 we will be presenting our sixth consecutive season of chamber music concerts. This year the concerts will each be preceded by one

of a series of open workshops hosted by Simon Rowland-Jones. We stay at the charming 3* Deans

Place Hotel in the heart of the village.

Price from £798 for three nights including all dinners,

three concerts and three talks.

THE KIRKER ISCHIA MUSIC FESTIVALA SEVEN NIGHT HOLIDAY | 10 OCTOBER 2016Join the Doric String Quartet on the idyllic island of Ischia for six

exclusive concerts at La Mortella, the former home of Sir William & Lady Walton. 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. We include a guided tour of the garden at La Mortella and a half-day sightseeing tour of Ischia.

Price from £2,148 for seven nights including all dinners and seven

concerts.

BUXTON OPERA FESTIVALFOUR NIGHT HOLIDAYS |7 & 18 JULY 2016

Buxton Festival offers a varied and imaginative selection of operatic rarities. The line-up for 2016 includes Tamerlano by Handel, Leonore

by Beethoven, his single opera which later became known as Fidelio, and Bellini’s bel-canto take on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet – I Capuleti

e I Montecchi.

Buxton is one of the most picturesque festival venues, surrounded by Derbyshire’s glorious Peak District. Opened in 1903, this 900 seat theatre was designed by Frank Matcham on a very different scale from the architect’s London theatres – the Palladium and the Coliseum. We shall visit two great country houses – Renishaw, the seat of the Sitwell family, and Hardwick Hall the most glorious Elizabethan house built in the last decade of the 16th century for the formidable Bess of Hardwick.

Price from £1,136 for four nights including all dinners and first category tickets for three operas.

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.

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www.kirkerholidays.com 9

Includes entrance to the Doge’s Palace

Six of the Best Royal PalacesFrom Venice to Versailles, Europe’s rulers have lavished vast fortunes on spectacular monuments to their power, designed to awe subjects, courtiers and foreign visitors alike. Many of these royal palaces have now become carefully-preserved museums housing

impressive art collections and showing off the finest skills of architects, sculptors, craftsmen and horticulturalists.

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.

Includes entrance to the Kunsthistorisches and Leopold museums and the Schönbrunn Palace

Includes entrance tickets to the Prado, Thyssen or Reina Sofia museums as well as the Royal Palace

Includes 48hr museum pass, Seine cruise & Métro tickets, plus a public excursion to Versailles and its gardens

DresdenAugustus the Strong, inspired by a visit to Versailles, commissioned the

extravagant Rococo Zwinger, and it is now host to Dresden’s exceptional Porcelain Collection and the Old Master paintings of the Gemäldegalerie.

Kempinski Hotel Taschenbergpalais ***** DeluxeThis magnificent hotel is located opposite the Zwinger Palace and the Semper Opera House. Facilities include a gourmet restaurant, bar and the traditional ‘Sophienkeller’. In addition to 213 impeccably furnished

bedrooms, the hotel has a stunning indoor swimming pool.

4 nights for the price of 3 for midweek stays until 30 April &

1 July - 31 August - price from £979, saving £179

VersaillesThe ultimate expression of the extravagance of the Ancien Régime, Louis XIV’s palace at Versailles is adorned with spectacular gilded interiors, and

the immaculate gardens and fountains extend for 800 hectares.

Le Sénat *** DeluxeLe Sénat was built in the 19th century and is located next to the French Senate and the Luxembourg Gardens. Many of the 41 bedrooms have balconies or terraces with impressive views across the city. There is a breakfast room, a cosy bar and a small courtyard.

Sunday nights half price until 16 July - price from £599,

saving £69

3 nights for the price of 2 from 17 July - 4 September

- price from £549, saving £97

MadridEurope’s largest royal palace, the Palacio Real is still the official residence of the Spanish royal family. The lavish interiors contain a huge collection

of important objects and works of art, from paintings by Caravaggio, Velázquez and Goya to the Armoury and a Stradivarius string quintet.

Petit Palace Londres *** SuperiorThe Londres is located in the heart of the historical centre of the city. The Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen museums are within easy walking

distance, as are the Opera House and Royal Palace. There are 57 bedrooms, many with a small balcony overlooking the street.

3 night price from £625

ViennaDesigned as a wedding gift for Marisa Theresia of Austria, the vast

Schönbrunn Palace with its glorious gardens, was the summer residence of the Hapsburg rulers for over 150 years. Visitors this summer will enjoy a new exhibition marking the centenary of the death of the great Emperor

Franz Josef who was born and died here.

Grand Hotel Wien ***** SuperiorThis fine hotel stands on the Karntner Ring in the centre of Vienna. A member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’, there are 205 traditionally furnished rooms and suites. The rooftop restaurant is famous for its gourmet French and Viennese dishes. There is also a Japanese restaurant and a cafe where delicious coffees and pastries are served.

3 nights for the price of 2 until 31 May - price from £679, saving £178

SintraThe elegant town of Sintra in the hills above Lisbon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by a unique collection of royal

palaces in diverse architectural styles from mediaeval castles to Rococo mansions and the Romantic, eccentric Pena Palace.

Tivoli Palacio De Seteais ***** SuperiorThis neo-Classical palace dates from the 18th century and is surrounded by extensive, landscaped grounds with wonderful views over the plains, the Palacio de Pena and the Castelo dos Mouros. There

are 30 characterful bedrooms, a restaurant with a large terrace overlooking the gardens, and an intimate bar. There is also a tennis court and a large summer swimming pool.

4 nights for the price of 3½ all year - price from £728,

saving £56

VeniceAlthough not strictly royal, the palace of Venice’s ruling Doges is a vast gothic masterpiece which dominates St Mark’s Square. The interiors are just as impressive as the façade, with great canvases by Venetian masters

such as Tintoretto adorning the former council chambers.

Ruzzini Palace **** SuperiorThis attractive 16th century residence is located on the grand square of Campo Santa Maria Formosa and has 28 bedrooms – some of which have original Venetian mosaic floors and great views of a small canal or the Campo.

4 nights for the price of 3 for Sunday & Monday arrivals until 30 April & 27 June - 31 August - price from £698, saving £100

3 night price from £838 from 1 May - 26 June

Includes entrance to the Zwinger museums with a private expert guide

Emperor Franz Joseph I

Page 10: Take 6 - Spring & Summer Offers 2016

for expert advice & reservations call 020 7593 228310

Includes a half day private excursion to Volubilis with an expert local guide

Includes a half day tour with an expert local guide

Includes a 4 hour private tour of Syracuse with an expert local guideIncludes private transfers to Pompeii and a private tour with an expert

local guide

Six of the Best Roman CitiesSpreading throughout the Mediterranean and beyond, the Roman Empire left impressive legacies wherever it reached. Remnants survive throughout the region in the form of vast feats of civil engineering, imposing public buildings, dazzling mosaic decoration,

and even whole streets, neighbourhoods and cities which allow us to appreciate the scale of Roman ingenuity and skill.

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.

Pompeii & HerculaneumIn the shadow of Mt Vesuvius on the Bay of Naples, the neighbouring cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum offer a unique glimpse of life in the Roman Empire, as it was before they were buried by ash in 79 AD.

Grand Hotel Parker’s **** DeluxeThe Parker’s is the perfect base from which to explore both cities, as well as the exceptional Archaeological Museum in Naples where many of the finest treasures have been preserved. The 82 bedrooms are

elegantly decorated and views from the deluxe rooms as well as the rooftop bar and restaurant take in the

Bay of Naples and Mt Vesuvius beyond.

3 nights for the price of 2 in July & August

- price from £759, saving £100

SyracuseAn important Greek colony before becoming part of Rome, Syracuse is

home to impressive ruins, including a well-preserved Greek theatre, many of which were reused and renovated by Roman, Byzantine and Norman

rulers in later generations.

Des Etrangers **** SuperiorLocated at the top end of the treelined promenade, overlooking the marina and famous Arethusa Fountain, the hotel is within Ortigia

island’s fascinating historical centre that forms the heart of Syracuse. The hotel’s designers are proud of their use of contemporary furnishings blended with original architectural features. There is a spa with indoor pool, 91 rooms and a beautiful rooftop restaurant.

4 nights for the price of 3 all year - price from £838, saving £100

ArlesOne of the most important cities in the later Roman Empire, Arles spans the river Rhone in Provence and is home to a 4th century obelisk and one

of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the Mediterranean.

Grand Hotel Nord-Pinus *** SuperiorThis iconic hotel is located in the heart of Arles, overlooking the Place du Forum. The 24 rooms and two apartments are all individually decorated with an eclectic mix of antique, Art Deco and modern furniture. There is a comfortable salon with leather sofas, adorned with old black and white photographs from a bygone age and a bar. Enjoy

the restaurant’s al fresco fayre with its tables spilling onto the town square in fine weather;

both the restaurant and wine bar are open from the middle of May until October.

3 night price from £839

RavennaThe last capital of the Western Roman Empire, Ravenna is a charming small town which boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage monuments dating from the 5th and 6th century AD, including some of the most

spectacular Byzantine mosaics anywhere in the world.

Santa Maria in Foris ****This privately-owned hotel is situated just a few minutes’ walk from the main historic monuments in Ravenna. A recent renovation has transformed it from a simple guesthouse into a stylish property offering 13 bedrooms (no twins) all with the latest technology; some suites can accommodate a family of four, or two couples. There is a terrace where breakfast is served in fine weather, a garden, a library and several lounges – perfect places to relax after a day exploring Ravenna.

3 night price from £697

VolubilisSet on a plain 90 minutes from the city of Fes in northern Morocco,

Volubilis grew into a wealthy Roman colony in the 1st and 2nd century AD. The extensive remains include a splendid Triumphal arch, and some

magnificent mosaics in the villas of wealthy merchants.

Le Riad Fez **** DeluxeThis elegant riad has 26 bedrooms located around three different patios and each is furnished with great care, some in a traditional style and others more contemporary. There is a swimming pool, a hammam and a roof terrace where drinks and meals may be taken whilst enjoying the wonderful views of the medina. Located at the edge of the medina, Le Riad Fez is ideally situated for exploring this wonderful city.

3 night price from £939

SegoviaThe Roman aqueduct of Segovia, just 30 minutes by train from Madrid,

is one of the best-preserved in the world. Composed of 167 arches spanning over 800 metres and still functioning today, it surpasses the city’s fairy-tale castle and gothic cathedral as the definitive symbol of Segovia.

Palacio San Facundo ****Located in the centre of the old town, a few minutes walk from the Plaza Mayor and the cathedral, this historic Segovian palace dates back to the 16th century and has been converted into a comfortable 4* hotel. There is a charming covered courtyard where ancient columns

from the old mansion still remain – the café is located here and serves breakfast and light meals. There are 33 comfortable bedrooms and secure car parking on site.

3 night price from £829

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Includes a private walking tour of the medina with an expert local guideIncludes a Granada card

Includes 48hr museum pass, Seine cruise & Métro tickets

Includes a 72 hour museum card

Six of the Best Cities of Two HalvesSome cities are formed of two very distinct halves, separated by history, geography or politics, but each an integral part of the whole. We have selected some of the best examples where visitors will appreciate the difference in atmosphere, architecture and

ambience whilst walking through the streets.

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.

BerlinSplit into two halves for much of the 20th century, Berlin is now united, yet the legacy of the DDR is still visible in the East. As well as walking

alongside remnants of the wall, visitors can pass through Checkpoint Charlie, and climb to the top of the iconic Fernsehturm.

Honigmond **** SuperiorThe privately-owned Honigmond is situated on a quiet residential street, a 15 minute walk from the Museum Island. The restored building dates from 1895 and its 36 comfortable and classically furnished rooms include historic features such as ornate stucco ceilings

and parquet flooring. There is a coffee house and restaurant where breakfast is served, which offers an intimate

atmosphere and traditional cuisine.

3 night price from £659

BudapestOriginally two separate settlements, mediaeval Buda with its steep and winding cobbled streets is strikingly distinct from the broad boulevards of 19th century Pest. Explore Buda’s castle before crossing the Chain Bridge

to relax in one of Pest’s grand cafés.

Palazzo Zichy **** SuperiorThe wide avenues of Budapest’s historic Palace Quarter are home to atmospheric cafés, grand architecture and one of Europe’s best value opera houses. This fine boutique hotel is in the heart of the city and

has undergone a complete renovation to restore its elegant architecture with a light contemporary style in the 80 state-of-the-art bedrooms.

3 night price from £499

4 nights for the price of 3 until 30 April, saving £62

GranadaThe ochre walls of Granada’s impressive Alhambra Palace tower over the city from its high rocky perch above the city. This setting made the palace

and its gardens an exclusive retreat from the mêlée of the city for its Moorish rulers.

Casa Morisca *** SuperiorWith its excellent location in the Moorish Albayzin district of Granada, this former 15th century townhouse is now a charming family-run hotel. As you enter from the pretty cobbled street, you are greeted by a beautiful Moorish courtyard overlooked by the galleries of the upper floors. The 14 bedrooms are all beautifully decorated in a traditional style. Breakfast is served in the vaulted basement and there is a small terrace garden with views of the Alhambra above.

3 night price from £768

MarrakechWhilst the medina of Marrakech is a warren of souks, alleys, palaces and riads alive with the colour and scent of exotic spices, beyond its walls lies the Palmeraie – an oasis of fruit orchards, palm trees and olive groves

which covers 54 square miles.

Jardins De La Medina **** DeluxeThe discreet entrance door and reception hall give no clue to the delightful courtyard gardens of this charming hotel. There is a restaurant and a characterful bar – both with an outside terrace overlooking the gardens. There is a fitness centre, a hammam and beauty salon, 36 bedrooms and a heated swimming pool surrounded by tall palm trees and exotic plants.

3 night price from £699 in April & May

4 nights for the price of 3 from 18 June - 1 August

- price from £592, saving £90

DubrovnikThe immaculately restored Old Town of Dubrovnik is a perfect walled city, with pedestrianised marble streets and red tiled roofs. However, for those visiting in the summer, the coastline beyond the city provides a haven of

lush foliage, beaches and panoramic sea views.

Villa Dubrovnik ***** DeluxeThis private and luxurious boutique hotel is nestled into a cliff face overlooking the Adriatic. The 56 rooms all have sea views and private terraces. There are two restaurants; a fine dining option and a summer rooftop lounge bar. In addition, the hotel has an indoor pool and a

rocky beach terrace. Just 15 minutes’ walk or a very short ride by a complimentary speed boat takes clients directly into the old city centre in summer.

3 night price from £997 in April

3 night price from £1,298 in May

3 night price from £1,399 in June

ParisSeparated by the River Seine, the Left Bank escaped Haussmann’s

comprehensive rebuilding programme of the 1850s and 1860s in which grand avenues came to define the city centre. It is here that some of the

atmosphere of mediaeval Paris can still be imagined.

Pont Royal **** SuperiorIn the artistic heart of the Left Bank, this traditional hotel is surrounded by designer shops, art galleries, cafés and restaurants. The hotel has 75 comfortable bedrooms, a small Japanese garden and Joel Robuchon’s popular restaurant ‘L’Atelier’.

3 nights for the price of 2 in April & 12 July - 31 August

- price from £749, saving £160

3 night price from £749 in May & June

Page 12: Take 6 - Spring & Summer Offers 2016

Six of the Best Personal Favourites

Marcus Freeman - Norway

Norway is blessed with stunning scenery, and the Lofoten archipelago encapsulates the best of its steep mountains, dramatic fjords, sweeping beaches and wonderful wildlife. High above the arctic circle, it is excellent for the Northern Lights in winter and, from late May to mid-July, the phenomenon of the midnight sun. Stay

in a traditional ‘Rorbu’ fisherman’s cabin to explore the islands – we ventured out on a RIB safari for a close encounter with the white-tailed sea eagle, and rode Icelandic horses along snowy beaches. The best way to visit Lofoten is as part of a tailor-made holiday including a stay in Oslo, Tromsø, or perhaps a voyage on a Hurtigruten cruise. Speak to an expert for a tailor-made quotation including the Lofoten Islands.

Daniel French - The Hague

When most people think of Holland they think of Amsterdam’s canals, cyclists and the refurbished Rijksmuseum. A natural alternative however, or an easy addition to a short break in Amsterdam, is the short trip through windmill-dotted countryside to The Hague and the Mauritshuis Museum.

A relaxed afternoon or even a day or two to explore the quiet canals, leafy streets, and Vermeer masterpieces from the comfort of the stately Des Indes hotel makes for a rewarding and refreshing short break.

3 night price from £889 staying at the 5* Deluxe Des Indes hotel

Isabel Whitley - Paris

Any visit to Paris is incomplete without a visit to at least one of the city’s great galleries. I recommend the Musée d’Orsay, originally a train station it now houses works by Monet, Degas and Courbet (to name but a few). With the Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe on its doorstep, the boutique Hotel Balzac (4*

Deluxe) combines Parisian romance and classical luxury, and with the addition of three Michelin-star restaurant ‘Pierre Gagnaire’ for me this hotel really ticks all the boxes.

3 night price from £874 - Kirker clients staying before 8 May or between 11 July - 4 September will receive a room upgrade and bottle of

champagne on arrival.

Sarah Collins - Florence

Although I’d visited as a child, marvelling at Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Venus, it was wonderful to come back to Florence and learn more about its vibrant history from Francesca, our excellent local guide. In the Uffizi Gallery we had a private tour – essential to make the most of your time here – and

learnt not only about the magnificent paintings, but about the history of the building itself, the iconic Medici family and the enigmatic Vasari corridor (which is still only accessible to a select few - ask the Kirker Concierge for details).

3 night price from £649 staying at the 4* Superior Hotel Degli Orafi

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. For the latest destination reports visit

www.kirkerholidays.com or call us for first hand advice.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.

Published April 2016. Terms and conditions apply. Prices are per person based on 2 sharing. Subject to availability.

Ellie Seaton - Douro Valley

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Douro Valley not only provides spectacular scenery, but also offers plenty of opportunities to taste the famous port wine. I would thoroughly recommend visiting one of the historic port estates for a tasting and tour – the Kirker Concierge will arrange a visit. I stayed at

the Six Senses Douro Valley, which is a wonderful spa retreat nestled amongst the vineyards – an idyllic base from which to explore the region, or simply a place to relax and unwind just two hours from the city of Oporto.

3 night price from £789 staying at the 5* Deluxe Six Senses Douro Valley

Popi Hatzimihail - Rome

From the ancient Republic to the papal rule of the Renaissance, each era has left its own impression on Rome in the form of great monuments, statues and buildings. This year being the Holy Year, announced by the Pope, the city has undergone some major improvements. Buildings have been restored

to their former glory, roads surrounding the Colosseum are now pedestrianised and many of its famous cobble-stoned streets have been carefully re-laid stone by stone.

3 night price from £558 staying at the 4* Marcella Royal

I T A L YF O R D I S C E R N I N G T R A V E L L E R S

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 – D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

s h o r t b r e a k s & t a i l o r – m a d e h o l i d a y s

CITIES: VENICE • FLORENCE • ROME • MILAN • genoa • ASSISI • PERUGIA • PISA • SIENA • turin • BOLOGNA • VERONA • padua • mantua

parma • lucca • NAPLEs • ravenna • MODENA • FERRARA • vicenza • trieste • LAKES: COMO • GARDA • MAGGIORE • iseo • ORTA • LUGANO

COUNTRYSIDE: PUGLIA • TUSCANY • UMBRIA • veneto • basilicata • south tyrol • COAST: AMALFI COAST • LIGURIAN RIVIERA

ISLANDS: CAPRi • elba • ISCHIA • SICILY • SARDINIA

CELEBRATING

30 YEARS

HOLIDA

YS

FO

R D

ISCERNING TR

AV

EL

LE

RS

1 9 8 6 – 2 0 1 6

F R A N C EF O R D I S C E R N I N G T R A V E L L E R S

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 – D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

s h o r t b r e a k s & t a i l o r – m a d e h o l i d a y s

PARIS • LILLE • CHAMPAGNE • NORMANDY • BRITTANY • BIARRITZ • ÎLE DE RÉ • ST. JEAN-DE-LUZ • BORDEAUX • ST. EMILION

CHARENTES • DORDOGNE • LOIRE VALLEY • BURGUNDY • LYON • STRASBOURG • ÉVIAN-LES-BAINS • CARCASSONNE • MONTPELLIER

NIMES • AIX-EN-PROVENCE • ARLES • AVIGNON • THE LUBERON • MARSEILLE • ORANGE • NICE • CANNES • EZE • menton

villefranche-sur-mer • haut-du-caGnes • mougins • JUAN-LES-PINS • ST. JEAN-CAP-FERRAT • VENCE • MONACO • CORSICA

CELEBRATING

30 YEARS

HOLIDA

YS

FO

R D

ISCERNING TR

AV

EL

LE

RS

1 9 8 6 – 2 0 1 6

S P A I NF O R D I S C E R N I N G T R A V E L L E R S

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 – D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

s h o r t b r e a k s & t a i l o r – m a d e h o l i d a y s

Barcelona • costa brava • Girona • Valencia • Denia • El Saler • Jávea • seville • AndaluciaN Countryside

Granada • Málaga • Córdoba • Baeza • jerez • cÁdiz • rotA • La CoruÑa • Santiago de Compostela

Vitoria–gasteiz • Bilbao • San Sebastian • Santander • La Rioja • Pamplona • Madrid • Toledo • Avila

Salamanca • Segovia • LEÓN • Mallorca • Tenerife • La Gomera

CELEBRATING

30 YEARS

HOLIDA

YS

FO

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ISCERNING TR

AV

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1 9 8 6 – 2 0 1 6

BC_0085/1015_Spain_2015to2016:Spain 27/10/15 11:48 Page 1

SOUTHERN AFRICAF O R D I S C E R N I N G T R A V E L L E R S

J U N E 2 0 1 5 – J U N E 2 0 1 6

TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS in outstanding locations

SOUTH AFRICA: CAPE TOWN • THE WINELANDS • HERMANUS AND THE OVERBERG COAST

THE GARDEN ROUTE • EASTERN CAPE GAME RESERVES • KWAZULU–NATAL

THE ZULU AND BOER WAR BATTLEFIELDS • KRUGER NATIONAL PARK • MADIKWE • luxury trains

BOTSWANA: THE OKAVANGO DELTA • CHOBE & SAVUTE • Mauritius

zAMBIA: VICTORIA FALLS • NATIONAL PARKS

I N D I AS R I L A N K A , T H E M A L D I V E S & N e p a l

F O R D I S C E R N I N G T R A V E L L E R S

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 – M A R C H 2 0 1 7

P R I V A T E T A I L O R - M A D E I T I N E R A R I E S

INDIA: DELHI • RAJASTHAN • KERALA • TAMIL NADU • HIMALAYAS • GOA • MUMBAI • karnataka

SPECIAL INTEREST: WILDLIFE • HERITAGE HOTELS • COLONIAL HISTORY • luxury TRAIN JOURNEYS • WALKING TOURS

THE MALDIVES: LUXURY RESORTS • SRI LANKA: BUDDHIST CITIES • COLONIAL TOWNS • NATIONAL PARKS

TEA PLANTATIONS • BOUTIQUE HOTELS • NEPAL: KATHMANDU • WILDLIFE • WALKING

CELEBRATING

30 YEARS

HOLIDA

YS

FO

R D

ISCERNING TR

AV

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RS

1 9 8 6 – 2 0 1 6

BC_0083/0915_India_2015to2017:India 9/10/15 11:15 Page 1

ITALY • FRANCE • SPAIN • HOLLAND • BELGIUM • PORTUGAL • GERMANY • CZECH REPUBLIC • HUNGARY • SWITZERLAND

POLAND • AUSTRIA • NORWAY • DENMARK • SWEDEN • ICELAND • FINLAND • RUSSIA • ESTONIA

LATVIA • LITHUANIA • IRELAND • TURKEY • GREECE • CYPRUS • CROATIA • SLOVENIA • MALTA • MOROCCO

EGYPT • ISRAEL • JORDAN • OMAN • USA • CUBA • UNITED KINGDOM

S H O R T B R E A K S & T A I L O R – M A D E H O L I D A Y S

S HORT B R E A K SF O R D I S C E R N I N G T R A V E L L E R S

E U R O P E A N D B E Y O N D • D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 5 – D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 6

CELEBRATING

30 YEARS

HOLIDA

YS

FO

R D

ISCERNING TR

AV

EL

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RS

1 9 8 6 – 2 0 1 6

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C U L T U R A L T O U R S& M U S I C H O L I D A Y SF O R D I S C E R N I N G T R A V E L L E R S

A R T • A R C H I T E C T U R E • G A R D E N S • A R C H A E O L O G Y • H I S T O R Y • M U S I C

CULTURAL TOURS: ALBANIA • BELGIUM • BULGARIA • cUBa • CZECH REPUBLIC • ENGLAND • FRANCE •holland

italy • JAPAN • morocco • POland • PORTUGAL • Russia • Spain • TURKEY

EXCLUSIVE KIRKER MUSIC FESTIVALS: ischia • MALLORCA • music cruises • SALAMANCA • suffolk • cornwall • TENERIFE

ESCORTED Holidays TO LEADING MUSIC FESTIVALS & events: BADEN–BaDEN • BONN • BUDAPEST • dresden • GRAFENEGG

La FENICE, VENICE • LA SCALA, MILAN • LEIPZIG • malta baroque • new york • north Norfolk

puccini festival • Schubertiade • SIBELIUS • THREE CHOIRS, gloucester • VERONA • vienna

2 0 1 6

CELEBRATING

30 YEARS

HOLIDA

YS

FO

R D

ISCERNING TR

AV

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1 9 8 6 – 2 0 1 6

Speak to an expert: 020 7593 2283 For more holiday ideas visit our website

www.kirkerholidays.com