Mythology and Minoans Everything's Coming up Roses Roman Holiday

THE MAGAZINE OF ABERCROMBIE & KENT EUROPE SPRING 2016

Mythology and Minoans Spellbound by Crete’s magical aura Everything’s coming up Roses Get lost in Europe’s horticultural heritage Roman Holiday Journey the length and breadth of Italy Clan Warfare Tips for a hassle-free family holiday Competition Time Win two nights in Dresden Contents

CALENDAR AN INTRODUCTION TO ITALY 4 The top festivals and events taking 10 A guide to distinguish the key place across Europe in the first half Italian destinations of 2016 5 12 Bringing You The A&K Difference. From the Managing Director A&K Europe

Established over 25 years ago, A&K Europe now has offices in Florence, With 2016 now gathering Moscow, St Petersburg, The Cotswolds and a Regional Director in Madrid. momentum we are delighted to INTRODUCING: A&K RUSSIA We cover the following destinations: Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, bring to you the second edition Meet the Russia team and hear their great Key Servicesgels of A&K Europe’s exclusive Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, recommendations for travel in Russia CRETE: THE UNSUNG ISLAND Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, magazine, ‘The Insider’. Travel Consultant Harriet relays her time Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Turkmenistan, UK, Uzbekistan. For the UK this is the year of plus YOUR FRIEND IN LISBON spent exploring the Greek island of Crete anniversaries. From eminent Our Guardian Angel in Lisbon, horticulturalists to influential Frederica, shares her love of this SPECIAL OFFERS playwrights we have some vibrant city Top hotel offers for 2016 big name celebrations; we’re 13 Private Yacht already poised to pop the LANCELOT’S LANSCAPES HAND-PICKED HOTELS Charters bubbly and toast the Queen’s England’s most impressive grand Our latest recommendations and hotel 90th birthday in May. 6 14 estates and Europe’s horticultural news from across Europe What’s more, we can’t wait to hot-spots Guardian soak up some sun and culture UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP in Italy or Crete – and neither 16 Some of A&K’s innovative tours and Angels TOURS experiences MICE will you when you read what our 8 consultants have to say about Gastronomic Ireland and Croatia’s these fabulous destinations. Be UNESCO Heritage THE ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL sure to check out our handy 17 Special openings and access to Palaces tips for travelling with children, and Royal residences travel suggestions from our team in Russia and our expanding NEW SHORE EXCURSIONS shore excursion itineraries. 18 Private day tours for cruise clients in European ports We look forward to Concierge Private Shore hearing from you soon. PEDAL POWER Rail Excursions 19 Changing lives in Zambia with A&K 9 Europe’s mammoth philanthropy project

Carla Martindale plus Special Managing Director, Win 2 luxury Interest A&K Europe nights in Dresden

Groups Cover Photograph: Insider Dubrovnik Photographer: Helen Jackson Access FIT Design: Chris Kear Contributors: Hester Parsons, Nikki Vercesi, Harriet Fisher, Frederica Bastide Duarte, [email protected] A&K Russia Team [email protected] 2 www.akdmc.com www.akdmc.com 3 4 www.akdmc.com [email protected] AUG JUL JUN MAY APR CALENDAR SPRING&SUMMER2016 sea knots at the sailing school. sea knotsatthesailingschool. classes insailingtechniques,including learningtotie on display. Become apro-sailor inadaywithmaster special sports, cultural eventsspecial sports, andgastronomy. Elysées inParis, festivals, art alongwithcolourful marked by parade agrand uptheChamps military Bastille Day iscelebrated allover France andis Bastille Day –France horses processions, dancers andmusicians. torememberparty withtheatricalperformances, willjointogethertostage abirthday entertainers are planning a momentous celebration. International and Windsor Castle years ofagethisMay turns agrand 90 Her Royal Highness London, England Celebrations – II 90thBirthday Queen Elizabeth vibrant river offlowers. geometric patterns,creating theimpression ofa Christi. Heapsofpetals are arranged incolourful religious procession duringthefeastofCorpus floral carpetiscreated alongthe takenroute by the range ofwork. will beshowcasing a Milan various galleries status-quo. Across that challengethe and piecesofwork exhibiting instillations art, contemporary of modernand push theboundaries fairaimsto This art –Milan,Italy MiArt di Rome ahuge town ofGenzano Each year inthe Italy Genzano diRome, Genzano – Infiorata di sailing yachts will be sailing yachts willbe vessels andfast the sea.Bigsailing living inacity by A celebration of Petersburg, Russia Sea Festival –St International St Petersburg rides and culinary delights. rides andculinary enjoy theabundanceofbeertents,fairground excitement. Localsdontheirlederhosen’s and event bringstogethertradition, funand Also referred this toas‘LittleOktoberfest’ Frühlingsfest –Munich,Germany sure tobeanactforalltastes. from comedytomimethere’sperformers; is graced withshows from world-wide intimate atmosphere thisninedayfestival a friendlyand festival. With for thisversatile incredible setting Prague isan Republic Prague, Czech Fringe Festival – Some oftheworld’s finestcurators and opera, classical musicanddance. oftheatre, performances wonderful intheworld.arts Visitors canenjoy said tobethebestfestival ofperforming The Edinburgh InternationalFestival is Edinburgh, Scotland Edinburgh InternationalFestival – companies inHungary. of theatre featuring thebestdirectors and stages from music,danceandtheworld onopen-air a range ofperformances for over 50years. Audiences canenjoy This monthlongevent hasbeenheld Szentendre, Hungary Szentendre SummerFestival – Bachata; alively andenergetic event. dancing whichincludesCuban,Salsaand and thesquares. Joininorwatch the entire town willbedancinginthestreets than theCroatian SalsaFestival. The sea, look no further sea, looknofurther the soundsof beats mixed with If you enjoy Latin Croatia Festival –Rovinj, Summer Salsa celebration. cultural important to partake inthis gather performers free ofcharge. theatre andmovies –all completely festival withmusic, every summer; Lake Geneva, onanincredible puts Lausanne, situated onthebanksof Switzerland Lausanne City Festival –Lausanne, for oneanother! hammer todeclare theirattraction each otherwithaplasticinflatable The festival invites gueststohit celebration tothestreets ofPorto. bring colourand decorations parades and costumed Watch onas – Porto, Portugal Sao JoaoFestival famous hard cheese. year dedicatedtothisworld- Reggio Emiliahostsafestival every commune intheProvince of world. Casina, a cheeses inthe the most ancient cheese isoneof Parmesan – Casina,Italy Cheese Festival Parmesan fabrics, carpetsandUzbek ceramics. The markets have anabundanceof backdrop ofmedieval mausoleums. A traditional folkfestival withthe Uzbekistan Silk andSpiceFestival –Bukhara, Awards are attendedby thousands. and associated GoldenMask Theshow performances. both drama andmusicaltheatre takes placeinMoscow thatincludes An all-Russian theatre festival which Golden Mask–Moscow, Russia

and parksofLisbonhave been properly taken care ofandare now wonderful weekly inLisbon,whichmeansitisdifficultto keep track. Themanygardens What’s new inLisbon? Excellent restaurants andcaféshave beenopening jacarandas infullbloomMayandJune. must, preferably we andthe onasunnyday(whichfortunately have somanyof) regretting quickly!SeeingLisbonfrom notdoingthatvery theTagus River isa shoes:thecobblestonedstreetscomfortable andsteepesthillswillhave you Top tip/recommendation for visitingLisbon? toptipistowear Anabsolutely these experiences memorable. beyond themere professional linkandentertherealm of friendship thatmakes a permanentimpression Iwould onme,but sayitisthatmomentwhenwe go been quiteafew memorable experiences withmany lovely peoplewhohave left Most memorable experience withanA&K client? Over theyears, there have them! are genuinelycurioustotry experience toshow andshare bestdelicacieswithpeoplewho someofourvery Favourite andwhy? tour Nodoubtsthere: thefoodtour!Itissuchasplendid has beengreat funandpretty successful andIintendtokeep thingsthatway! welcome them properly!) This yeara walking I started food tour of Lisbon, which in highspiritstotheirhotels(having madesure isready thattheentire to country andtours offer? doyou What services Iensure thatourclientsarrive safelyand A&K, untilmysonswere bornandIdecidedtobecometheirfulltimeGA! teacheratthesame timethatIwas aGuardian and art a practicing Angelfor artist andspecialisedinDrawingArts forthefollowing 5years. SoinitiallyIwas actually School next totheCastelodeSãoJorge inLisbon,where Istudied alltheFine Britishunderthesunforfollowingeverything 14years. Ithenwent toanArt we lived attheageoffour. There Ilearntpretty muchallthere istoknow about born, decidedtoenrol meintheEnglishschoolaround thecornerfrom where Lisbon andCascais–whowere marriedwithinayear and,years laterwhenIwas Portuguese gentlemanonthethencalledCosta doSol–thecoastbetween background?What isyour IamthedaughterofaFrench touristewhometa beingwritteninitalics underneath. Angel part read onmycard Coordinator, thatIwas aCustomerService theGuardian Angel sincetheSeptemberof1997, whenIwas stillastudent andonecould How longhave beenaGuardian you Angelfor A&K? Ihave beenaGuardian GUARDIAN ANGELINLISBON,PORTUGAL. INTERVIEW WITHFREDERICA BASTIDE DUARTE. A&KEUROPE’S in Lisbon Your friendabroad places togoforwalks oreven drinksinthemanyrecently opened kiosks. Contact: [email protected] his studio. in artist Russian famous a meet museums before opening hours or Enjoy access to some world-class Manager, St. Petersburg Malyshev Sergey skyscrapers to the rise clouds. Hills and see the spires of Stalin’s observation deck on Sparrow View Moscow from the Coordinator, Moscow Zarema Afanasyeva Operations cities of Russia. Railway and see all the main luxurious Trans-Siberian adventurous journey on the an Consultant, Moscow Take Anna Potapova Tour [email protected] ManagerNatalia General Odinochkina fountains and elegant embankments. Petersburg with its numerous palaces, the most romantic time to explore St. Visit in June during the White Nights – A&K Russia Introducing: [email protected] guidebooks. some exciting stories not found in with one of our local guides for Moscow around tour walking a Coordinator, Moscow Take Kate Operations Savushkina and the vodka Kings. vodka’s traditions dining origin, Museum give will an insight into A guided tour of the Vodka Coordinator, St. Petersburg Katya Masyutina Operations museums are quiet. and there are fewer tourists the so winter. It’s low season at the hotels the during beautiful is Russia Executive, Moscow Palashenko Sergey churches, monasteries and houses. horse carriage to admire ancient trip to Suzdal and take awalk or Supervisor, MoscowEnjoy a Consultant and Operations Team Katya Rozhnova Tour Operations www.akdmc.com Travel 5 With events and festivals happening throughout 2016, now is the ideal time to explore some of England’s most prominent gardens and horticultural events:

RHS Chelsea Flower Show, London: 24th-28th May One of the most internationally recognised garden events in the annual horticultural calendar.

National Gardens Festival Weekend, across England: June Two day event across England where visitors have exclusive access to gardens which are not open any other time of the year.

RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, Surrey: 5th-10th July This year Hampton Court will put on a particularly special summer flower show, in homage to ‘Capability’, which will include two new Show Garden categories.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

PETERHOF, RUSSIA Lancelot’s Landscapes Bloomin’ Marvellous Japanese bridge and water lily pond; Monet’s greatest source of inspiration. Elegant wisteria and weeping willows create a tranquil setting that 2016 marks the 300th Blenheim Palace will be holding Hampton Court Palace became Top 4 European Gardens encompasses the same ethereal nature of Monet’s anniversary of the birth a talk ‘Capability Brown: a favourite royal residence after most famous work. of the eminent British Visionary or Vandal’ throughout being confiscated by Henry VIII Keukenhof – The Netherlands Spring’s the season Villa d’Este, Tivoli – Italy A short way out of Rome landscape gardener 2016, which will critique some of from Cardinal Wolsey in the to catch Holland’s version of the greatest show is the UNESCO listed Villa d’Este; the palatial villa Lancelot ‘Capability’ the more radical ideas Capability 16th-century. You can visit the on earth: the bulb fields in bloom. Bulb season in of the powerful Cardinal Ippoloto d’Este. The 16th- Brown. A revolutionary adopted, in order to achieve his Great Hall, the Tudor Kitchens, Holland begins in late March – if the weather is century villa was designed as a monument to power of his time, Lancelot desired vision. You can learn and the Royal Tennis Court on seasonable – and continues through much of May. and excess, its construction involved demolishing (nicknamed ‘Capability’ how Capability implemented his which Henry played. As well as The town of Lisse is one of three main bulb towns of a monastery and diverting an entire river to feed as he often proclaimed plans at Blenheim Palace for the the attractive ornamental gardens, Holland. On the grounds of the neo-gothic castle, the 80 tumbling fountains in the gardens. Whilst that his clients’ grounds 4th Duke, and to what extent with its famous maze, you can de Keukenhof, lies the famous Keukenhof Gardens, the interior is hugely impressive, the stupendous KEUKENHOF, THE NETHERLANDS had ‘great capabilities’) the current layout resembles his see the largest vine in England. Holland’s most colourful garden-park and home gardens are a phenomenal example of Italianate overthrew the original design. Capability was appointed the to Holland’s most vibrant springtime attractions – gardens, much copied in noble and regal palaces conventional garden Chatsworth House is the home Royal Gardener in 1764 and in fields of tulips, daffodils and hyacinth. Professional across Europe. The Villa incorporates lakes, designs of 18th-century of the Duke of Devonshire 1768 planted The Great Vine; you bulb growers have used their skill and imagination fountains, terraces, baths, temples and gardens. England. In their place and is renowned for its fine art can still buy the black grapes that to showcase a range of flowers that covers a total Peterhof – Russia After his victory over the he fashioned a new landscape- collection and exquisite formal it produces every September in area of 70 acres with as many as 5-6 million bulbs Swedes at Poltava in 1709, Peter the Great decided orientated style which appeared gardens; it is rightly considered the palace shops. in blossom. to build a palace ‘befitting of the very highest of to bring the fields and hills of the one of the most impressive Giverny – France In 1883 Impressionist painter monarchs’ and a visit to Versailles in 1717 furthered GIVERNY, FRANCE countryside right up to the doors stately homes in Europe. It is VILLA D’ESTE, TIVOLI Claude Monet moved into the house where he had these ambitions. Over 5000 labourers, serfs and of the grand houses. here that Pride and Prejudice was worked with Renoir, Sisley and Manet. The Clos soldiers were employed in the creation of this To this day large country filmed; Chatsworth was used as Normand garden that gently slopes away from magnificent estate that was officially opened in estates across England are Pemberley, the residence of Mr the house is a riot of colour and informal planting 1723. The park features numerous palaces, summer defined by his vision – Blenheim Darcy. It is believed that Jane which the artist designed himself. Divided into houses and pavilions; a prominent highlight is the Palace, Chatsworth House, Austen actually based her idea flower beds and paths the Clos Normand is a joyous Grand Cascade, a delightful sequence of 37 gilded Warwick Castle and Hampton of Pemberley on Chatsworth sensory overload as huge volumes of flowers burst bronze sculptures, 64 fountains and 142 water jets Court Palace – all attest to the House. Also filmed here was from the ground, hang overhead and trial across descending from the terraces of the Great Palace to hefty impact that Capability had the recent movie The Duchess in pathways. The Water Garden contains the famous the Marine Canal and the sea. on Britain’s scenic identity. which Keira Knightly starred.

[email protected] [email protected] 6 www.akdmc.com www.akdmc.com 7 At the Destination

ê An A&K Guardian Angel will be happy to assist with airport procedures ê Don’t plan too much on day one, particularly if your party are jetlagged Croatia’s UNESCO Gastronomic Ireland ê Build in time for rests and Heritage spontaneity at your destination ê Ask your A&K Tour Consultant Ireland boasts a remarkably to allow for later starts to the A rich and varied offering diverse culinary heritage. On days in your itinerary, giving of built heritage, a swath of this tour you can discover the you time to organise the family enticing coastline and authentic traditional technique for smoking ê Resist changing hotels every Mediterranean lifestyle combine salmon and uncover some of night to make Croatia a top all-round the country’s best artisanal ê Most hotels offer: highchairs, Special Interest destination. With seven UNESCO cheese makers. You will have An A&K Guide to baby baths, toiletries, and extra World Heritage Site’s, varying the opportunity to tour Ireland’s beds free of charge, ask your from National Parks to Palaces, famous whiskey distilleries, learn A&K Tour Consultant to find Groups Croatia packs a mighty cultural the origins of Irish coffee, and Travelling with Children out about all relevant amenities punch for such a small country. sample real Guinness. ê Many hotels provide games consoles and DVD players on DAY 1 Arrive Zagreb DAY 1 Arrive Dublin Before You Travel The Journey request Our comprehensive services for special interest groups DAY 2 Zagreb & Croatian Castle Country ê Welcome dinner at Restaurant Patrick ê Walking tour of Zagreb, Croatia’s Guilbaud, Ireland’s only two-Michelin-stars ê For fussy eaters, let children try ensure seamless ground operations and distinct, architecturally impressive capital restaurant ê Check passports are in date, ê Allow for plenty of time, this adult dishes and always bring creative proposals. Our Tour Directors are the best in ê Discover the Croatian highlands, dotted DAY 2 Culinary Dublin Tour, Guinness many children’s passports only compensates for emergencies supplies of food they like as a with castles dating back to the 12th-century Storehouse and The Irish House Party last 5 years, so allow time to get and the many toilet stops! back-up their field, with specialised knowledge ranging from art DAY 3 Transfer to Split via Plitvice ê Walking food tour of Dublin, which ê Explore the limestone karst scenery and includes visits to a cheese store, traditional expired passports renewed ê Travel well-equipped; bring ê Give your child their own to architecture, from history to nature. Whatever your waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes (UNESCO butcher, Guinness Storehouse and Old ê Ask your A&K Tour Consultant your child’s favourite books, camera to encourage them to interests, we can tailor-make a proposal to suit you. Natural Heritage Site) Jameson Distillery to research hotels with free, crayons and small toys; observe their surroundings and DAY 4 Split Sightseeing Tour ê Three course dinner and traditional live focus on what interests them. Take a look at some examples: ê See Split’s Palace of the Emperor entertainment at The Irish House Party good quality wi-fi and of course entertainment is key Diocletian (UNESCO Heritage Site) DAY 3 Dublin to Galway for hotels with special family ê Bring extra clothes for those This will not only help with ê Explore Split’s charming piazzas and ê Boat cruise to Lough Ree Lake from the inspired offers unexpected emergencies entertainment but you may be promenades ruins of Clonmacnoise, one of the most ê Let A&K book interconnecting ê Ensuring a window seat surprised at the results from DAY 5 Krka Waterfalls, Sibenik & Trogir important medieval monastic sites in ê Boat ride to the isle of Visovac from Krka Europe or larger family rooms for your can help to keep children their view Waterfalls National Park DAY 4 Connemara Smokehouse, Errisberg party entertained ê Encourage your children ê Walking tour of Trogir (UNESCO House and Moran’s Oyster Cottage ê Consider booking a serviced ê Give your child the opportunity to draw and collect items/ Heritage Site) ê Visit to Connemara Smokehouse, where apartment for your family to run off steam before postcards from the places they DAY 6 Ferry to Hvar the proprietors will demonstrate how ê ê Visit Stari Grad, the oldest town on Hvar salmon is prepared for the delicate Ask your A&K Tour Consultant boarding the plane; most have visited with many historic monuments smoking process With its diverse landscapes, for recommendations of airports have kids zones ê Where possible make sure that ê Sample local wines from the Mali Plavac ê Lunch at Errisbeg House, home to Richard climates and cultures there child friendly restaurants and ê Have plenty of spontaneous interactive/hands-on activities grape at a historic winery 7th Duke de Stacpoole are features of Europe that babysitting facilities family games ready in the event are included in your itinerary DAY 7 Hvar Town Sightseeing Tour ê Dinner at Moran’s Oyster Cottage ê Walking tour of Hvar Town, best known for including the famous oysters reared in appeal to every generation. For ê If you have fussy eaters, of delays ê A&K Tour Consultants are its medieval buildings Galway Bay grandparents we can include consider requesting sample ê Give babies and small children experts at matching families DAY 8 Pakleni Islands DAY 5 Scone-Making Class at Rathbaun tours that cover heritage and menus in advance drinks when taking off and with appropriate child friendly ê Relax and swim in the hidden coves around Farm and Irish Coffee architecture; parents can indulge in ê Involve your child/ teenager landing to help with painful local guides, endeavouring to the Pakleni Islands ê Private scone-making class at Rathbaun DAY 9 Transfer to Dubrovnik via Ston Farm wine tasting and culinary courses with planning the holiday, keep ears due to the pressure change cater for all your needs. ê Boat ride around the bay of Mali Ston ê Masterclass in making proper Irish coffee and there is, of course, plenty the whole family happy ê Bring audiobooks or download where oysters have been cultivated for using Irish whiskey and fresh local cream to entertain the youngest in the ê For long-haul overnight flights some popular and easy to use centuries DAY 6 Artisanal Cheeses and Local Fishing clan, who thrive on activities and book aeroplane seats with space children’s’ apps onto your tablet ê Tasting of oysters and locally produced Industry wine ê Sample artisanal cheeses in a West Cork excitement… a scavenger hunt in for a bassinet cot and extra leg beforehand (many of these are DAY 10 Dubrovnik Sightseeing Tour factory a museum, ice cream making or room for restless children free). Tablets are ê Walking tour of Dubrovnik, (UNESCO ê Lunch of freshly caught fish at meeting a real-life cosmonaut. ê Pack first-aid kits, paracetamol the best toy Heritage Site) including the Franciscan and Castletownbere, the leading port in Ireland We have an experienced team Dominican Monasteries for white fish-landing based medicines, anti- for space ê Meet the Rector of Dubrovnik’s Rector’s DAY 7 Ballymaloe Cookery School of consultants waiting to help plan histamine for any unexpected economy. Palace to hear about the city’s past ê Prepare quality dishes at Ballymaloe, the tours all over Europe to suit the allergies and sterilizing tablets DAY 11 Montenegro Sightseeing Tour most celebrated cookery school in Ireland entire family. In addition to planning for cleaning bottles ê Visit Kotor (UNESCO Heritage Site) and ê Explore Cork’s English Market, ironically and advising we’ve also put ê the fortress of Sveti Ivan one of the most noted food markets in Teach your child some local DAY 12 Dubrovnik at Leisure Ireland together some hints and tips for words or phrases, show older DAY 13 Depart Dubrovnik. DAY 8 Depart Cork. travelling with younger members children maps and guides to of the family, to help ensure every where you are staying aspect of your holiday runs as For more information contact [email protected] ê Make sure you are prepared for [email protected] smoothly as possible. the new climate 8 www.akdmc.com

PUGLIA

back to Roman times Roman to back

olive mill which dates dates which mill olive

Visit an underground underground an Visit

Locorotondo

Martina Franca and and MartinaFranca

Alberobello, Alberobello,

Insider Access Insider

A&K Recommended A&K

Tours Tours

A&K Recommended Recommended A&K

Baroque architecture architecture Baroque

Food, beaches and and beaches Food,

Famous for Famous

PUGLIA

ing t tas vinegar

Balsamic Balsamic

mamma at home at mamma

Tortellini making with a real real a with making Tortellini

Ferrari driving experience driving Ferrari

Prosciutto di Parma tasting Parma di Prosciutto

Climbing a tower in Bologna in tower a Climbing

Gourmet food tour food Gourmet

Music tour of Verdi’s birthplace Verdi’s of tour Music

A&K Recommended Insider Access Access Insider Recommended A&K

A&K Recommended Tours Recommended A&K

lasagne alla bolognese – and the Motor Valley Motor the and – bolognese alla lasagne

Tradional cuisine – tagliatelle al ragù and ragù al tagliatelle – cuisine Tradional

Famous for for Famous

AREA

SURROUNDING SURROUNDING

BOLOGNA & & BOLOGNA

Picnic in the Chianti Shire Chianti the in Picnic

Pienza’s underground tour underground Pienza’s

Vintage cars Vintage

Vespa tour Vespa

White truffle hunting truffle White

Montalcino and Pienza cheeses Pienza and Montalcino

Costa degli Etruschi wine route wine Etruschi degli Costa

A&K Recommended Insider Access Insider Recommended A&K

A&K Recommended Tours Recommended A&K

peppery extra-virgin olive oil olive pepperyextra-virgin

wines such as Chianti Classico and the areas areas the and Classico Chianti as such wines

Medieval villages and gastro delights – red red – delights gastro and villages Medieval

Famous for Famous

NY TUSCA

the Grand Canal Grand the

Tea with a Countess in her palace facing facing palace her in Countess a with Tea

and lunch and

Lagoon islands with Venissa wine tasting tasting wine Venissa with islands Lagoon

hunt

The Riddles of Venice – a half day treasure treasure day half a – Venice of Riddles The

Private secret gardens tour gardens secret Private

Dinner on a pirates galleon pirates a on Dinner

Bacari tour Bacari

Venetian mask-making workshop mask-making Venetian

A&K Recommended Insider Access Insider Recommended A&K

A&K Recommended Tours Recommended A&K

Piazzo san Marco, canals and gondolas and canals Marco, san Piazzo

Famous for Famous

ICE VEN

icily

laboratory

Make your own perfume own private a in your Make

Leonardo da Vinci da Leonardo

Masterpieces of the Uffizi and the genius of of genius the and Uffizi the of Masterpieces

Restoration workshop visit visit workshop Restoration

Cooking class with market tour tour market with class Cooking

Private fresco class fresco Private

A&K Recommended Insider Access Insider Recommended A&K

A&K Recommended Tour Recommended A&K

Renaissance

History; it’s considered the birthplace the the of considered History;it’s

Famous for Famous

ENCE FLOR

Venice

Perfume lesson Perfume

Limoncello liquor demonstration liquor Limoncello

Mozzarella making class making Mozzarella

Acrobatic pizza making pizza Acrobatic

and lunch in Ravello in lunch and

Helicopter excursion over the Amalfi Coast Coast Amalfi the over excursion Helicopter

boat boat

Amalfi Coast and Capri island by private private by island Capri and Coast Amalfi

vineyard visit and wine tasting wine and visit vineyard

Full day Pompeii and Vesuvius tour with with tour Vesuvius and Pompeii day Full

Mozzarella tasting Mozzarella

Salerno Coast and Paestrum with Buffalo with Paestrum and Coast Salerno

A&K Recommended Insider Access Insider Recommended A&K

A&K Recommended Tours Recommended A&K

Picturesque coastline Picturesque

Famous for Famous

AMALFI COAST AMALFI

ome

Sailing on Lake Garda Lake on Sailing

Comancina (Lake Como) (Lake Comancina

Lunch with coffee ceremony at Isola Isola at coffee with Lunch ceremony

Lake Como private lake cruise lake private Como Lake

Hiking Castel Vezio Castel Hiking

A&K Recommended Insider Access Insider Recommended A&K

A&K Recommended Tours Recommended A&K

transfixed by the beauty of the lakes the of beauty the by transfixed

Poets such as Wordsworth and Byron were were Byron and Wordsworth as such Poets

Famous for Famous

THE LAKES THE

ologna

TUSCANY

Florence

he Lakes he

lan

Salt museum in Trapani in museum Salt

Farmhouse visit with olive oil tasting oil olive with visit Farmhouse

Sicilian puppets theatre show theatre puppets Sicilian

Special pastry Special Erice in making

class with lunch in a small fishermen’s village fishermen’s small a in lunch with class

Valley of temples visit followed by cooking cooking by followed visit temples of Valley

Aperitif in the Roman ruins Roman the in Aperitif

Castel Sant’Angelo secret passages passages secret Sant’Angelo Castel

Private tour of Palazzo Colonna Palazzo of tour Private

Vatican Papal Audience Papal Vatican

Vespa tour of Rome of tour Vespa

A&K Recommended Insider Access Insider Recommended A&K

A&K Recommended Tour Recommended A&K

Segesta and Valley of Temples in Agrigento in Temples of Valley and Segesta

cheese and almond paste, Greek Temples of of Temples Greek paste, almond and cheese

Sicilian pastries, mainly prepared with ricotta ricotta with prepared mainly pastries, Sicilian

Famous for Famous

SICILY

A&K Recommended Insider Access Insider Recommended A&K

A&K Recommended Tour Recommended A&K

Chapel

The Colosseum and Michelangelo’s Sistine Sistine Michelangelo’s and Colosseum The

Famous for Famous

ROME

LIGURIA

The The

nque Terre nque

e boat e

ardinia

our of Italy of our

lunch with the shepherd the with lunch

Cheese making at a local farm with typical typical with farm local a at making Cheese

Sardinian speciality meats tour tour meats speciality Sardinian

Sardinian wines and spirits tour spirits and wines Sardinian

Visit to Cervara Abbey Cervara to Visit

Pesto and Focaccia cooking lesson cooking Focaccia and Pesto

Cinque Terre by privat by Terre Cinque

Vintage tram tour tram Vintage

Navigli by boat by Navigli

Private visit to an iconic fashion atelier fashion iconic an to visit Private

Shopping

Visit to the Duomo terraces terraces Duomo the to Visit

A&K Recommended Insider Access Insider Recommended A&K

A&K Recommended Tour Recommended A&K

Folk traditions and beaches and traditions Folk

Famous for Famous

SARDINIA

A&K Recommended Insider Access Access Insider Recommended A&K

A&K Recommended Tour Recommended A&K

Stunning Portofino and Ci and Portofino Stunning

Famous for Famous

RIVIERA

LIGURIA/ ITALIAN ITALIAN LIGURIA/

A&K Recommended Insider Access Insider Recommended A&K

A&K Recommended Tours Recommended A&K

Last Supper Supper Last

High fashion and Leonardo da Vinci’s Vinci’s da Leonardo and fashion High

Famous for Famous

MILAN

[email protected] T Special Offers TOP HOTEL OFFERS FOR 2016

By Harriet Fisher, Travel Consultant, A&K ITALY ITALY ITALY CROATIA Europe

Crete: The Unsung Island The Hotel Hassler Roma in Rome Venice’s Gritti Palace invites The Hotel Danieli in Venice is The Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik will be reducing its rates between guests to stay 3 nights for the offering a family package for has reduced its rates until 27th BY HARRIET FISHER, TRAVEL EXECUTIVE, A&K EUROPE 11th July – 29th December 2016 price of 2 for stays between stays until 31st October 2016. December 2016 for all stays (blackout dates apply) for a 3 1st April – 31st October 2016 booked by 31st March 2016. night minimum stay. (blackout dates apply). Crete, the land of legend and the your return to the mainland, it is largest island in Greece is a place lovely to take a stroll through the of magic and myth, of rural picturesque streets of Plaka, filled countryside, undulating olive with flowers, tavernas and shops CROATIA RUSSIA RUSSIA FRANCE groves, soaring mountains and selling handmade wares; it makes beautiful beaches. I was lucky a stark contrast to the island you enough to visit this idyll with my have left behind. colleague in May, to explore the Often overlooked and island and to fall in love with the overshadowed by other myths, the welcoming, generous prominent Greek islands, Crete is locals, the wonderful cuisine and a charming and rural destination The Regent Esplanade hotel in Hotel Astoria – A Rocco Forte The Intercontinental Moscow Paris’ Prince de Galles Hotel is the stunning countryside. with a lot to offer. I would not Zagreb is offering guests reduced Hotel – in St Petersburg welcomes Tverskaya is offering an early offering a reduction on its rates From the cave of Zeus’s hesitate to recommend this rates until 31st December 2016. guests to stay 4 nights but only booking discount when the until 31st October 2016 for a 5 birth, the Minator’s labyrinth beautiful haven to all. pay for 3 for stays between 1st booking is made 7 days prior to night minimum stay. at Knossos to the former April 2016 – 31st March 2017 travel for stays between 1st April leper colony on the island of (blackout dates apply). 2016 – 31st March 2017. Spinalonga, Crete holds many historical, archaeological and ‘…a place of magic and myth, scenic treasures and surprises. FRANCE BELGIUM GERMANY GREECE Dreamy villages lie scattered among the mountains whilst of rural countryside, undulating the shoreline contrasts this with striking, vibrant cities such as Chania. The beauty of the Venetian harbour at this former olive groves, soaring Chateau La Cheneviere in Hotel Amigo – A Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome – A Rocco Forte The Elounda Beach Hotel & capital city of Crete is enough to Port-en-Bessin in the lower Hotel – is offering guests 3 nights Hotel – invites guests to stay 3 Villas in Crete is offering an take one’s breath away. Clustered Normandy region, invites guests for the price of 2 for stays between nights but only pay for 2 until early booking discount when a here are narrow, winding streets mountains and to stay 4 nights but only pay for 1st January – 27th December 2016 31st December 2016. (blackout booking is made by 31st May filled with tavernas, shops, cafes 3, until 30th November 2016. (blackout dates apply). dates apply). 2016 for stays between 16th and monuments both ancient April – 31st October 2016. and modern. beautiful beaches.’ A special moment was our visit to the former leper PORTUGAL SPAIN UK UK colony of Spinalonga. In use My personal highlight was when strolling the medieval, narrow, from 1903 right up to 1957 the bustling and winding streets of Rethymnon. Full of character the old island can be reached by boat town holds a mix of architecture and history, cultural influences and styles ranging from the mainland and remains from Venetian to Ottoman Empire. From here we ducked inside through a heavy wooden door to hauntingly in sight as you travel be greeted by a family of traditional Filo pastry makers. the coastline. As you wander Speaking no English we communicated through our guide and what an experience awaited us! The last among the ruined streets of this The Lapa Palace in Lisbon is The Silken Gran Hotel Domine in The Royal Crescent in Bath is The Milestone in London will be place in the country to make the pastry using time old methods, it was a real pleasure to watch this aged couple former community it is easy to offering guests 4 nights for the Bilbao is reducing its rates until offering a complimentary room offering guests a complimentary imagine the lives of those isolated and their grown son at work. In this still, quiet room delicious delicacies are hand-crafted and sold at the market price of 3 for stays between 1st 31st October 2016 for a 2 night upgrade until 31st December afternoon tea for a 2 night in this remote place. Spurned by (another must see in the city). This experience was such a treat in more than one sense of the word. It was a true July – 31st August 2016. minimum stay. 2016. minimum stay between 1st society these remarkable people privilege to meet these friendly and warm people who welcomed us with open arms and smiles that crossed all September – 30th November 2016. created a life, a functioning language barriers. settlement against all odds. Upon

[email protected] [email protected] 12 www.akdmc.com www.akdmc.com 13 Hand-picked Hotels

The Marylebone Hotel, UK

Situated in London’s ultra-fashionable Marylebone village, The Marylebone is a hotel full of character and charm perfectly located to explore this vibrant area’s unique boutiques, restaurants and buzzing cafes. Set between the beautiful townhouses of Welbeck Street and trendy Marylebone Lane, the hotel comprises 257 guest rooms, with 44 suites that include the three new London Suites where you can experience some of the finest views across London. The three signature suites offer unrivalled scenes over the rooftops and chimney pots of Marylebone and Mayfair all the way to The Shard and beyond. The stylish, large and modern suites in the heart of the city feature huge, all weather terraces with retractable roofs and luxurious interiors. The Ashford Castle, Ireland Hotel Savoy, A Rocco Forte Hotel, Italy new suites encapsulate everything that a modern traveller loves about Marylebone – London’s most glamorous urban village. This 13th-century castle is located just 45 minutes from Galway city. Once Uniquely located on Piazza della Repubblica in the heart of the Estate of Lord Ardilaun and the Guinness family, Ashford opened Florence’s city centre, Hotel Savoy is a place that instantly as a luxury hotel in 1939, making it the oldest castle hotel in Ireland and attunes you to the culture of the city, and puts you right at the recently voted the Best Hotel in the World by Virtuoso Awards 2015. heart of things. Refined with contemporary style, the 102-room The Ritz-Carlton Moscow, Russia In 2013 Ashford was bought by the Tollman family of the Red Hotel Savoy has been recently refurbished: a redesigned Lobby Carnation collection, who began a loving restoration project resulting in a will welcome guests in a cosy and intimate atmosphere, which Located just off the Red Square, next to the Kremlin, in the heart of the ‘Palace inside a Castle’. The Castle offers 82 bespoke bedrooms, a 32 seated perfectly reflects the Rocco Forte family flair. All the 14 suites have cultural centre of Russia’s capital, The Ritz-Carlton Moscow features cinema, multiple dining options, library, Billiard’s Room, Cigar Terrace, been renewed with joyful colours combined with authentic Italian the largest guest rooms and suites providing cutting edge technological state of the art Spa, beautiful public lounges and 21st-century technology fabrics, Florentine patterns and motives, in light of the recent amenities. The hotel offers a string of luxurious amenities including throughout. The Ashford Estate offers an array of activities including restyling of the Presidential Suite, the Repubblica Suite. For a truly world-class dining options – O2 Lounge with summer terrace on the Orvis fly fishing, Ireland’s first school of Falconry, cruising on Lough memorable dining experience with genuine flavours and tradition, 12th floor with breathtaking panoramic views over the Kremlin and Corrib, horseback riding, archery, kayaking, zip-wiring and clay pigeon guests can indulge in healthy reinventions of Tuscan classics by Red Square, Café Russe presents international cuisine, pan-Asian shooting; making it the most comprehensive resort in Ireland. Fulvio Pierangelini at “Irene”, the newly Florentine bistro. restaurant Novikov Restaurant & Bar – a beauty salon, barber, fitness centre and spacious full-service The Ritz-Carlton Spa featuring 14 treatment rooms, as well as a heated indoor pool, hot tub, sauna and steam rooms. With more than 1,100 square metres of space including the Ballroom accommodating events of up to 700 guests, The Ritz- Carlton Moscow will welcome guests in style.

The Yeatman, a member of Relais & Châteaux, Portugal

At the ceremony for the prestigious World Travel Awards in Sardinia, The Yeatman was bestowed its latest international accolade: Best Boutique Hotel in Portugal. The Yeatman was honoured for its premium facilities, wide selection of services and breath-taking panoramic views. The quality of its wine experience and gastronomy were central to winning the prize with its extensive wine cellar holding the largest collection of Portuguese wines in the world; Vedema Resort & Mystique, Santorini, Greece Hotel La Perouse, France as well as its Michelin-star restaurant led by Chef Ricardo Costa. The Yeatman’s Caudalie Spa was highlighted for the quality of its These Luxury Collection Resorts are both located on the stunning The most surprising address, superb and ideally located on the treatments and vinotherapy. island of Santorini. Both properties draw stylistic inspiration from the famous Promenade des Anglais, the Hotel La Perouse is the place Jan-Erik Ringertz (General Manager) stated that ‘this distinction traditional character of the Greek islands, with refined and relaxing to be. An intimate and quiet luxury oasis built on the castle hill reflects not simply the quality of the hotel and our services, but the interiors that use natural materials. The 39 suites and villas at Mystique overlooking the Baie des Anges that offers an unrivalled view. Just a differentiating experience that The Yeatman provides its guests. From are built into the cliffs of Oia, a town known for its white-washed walls, short walk from the Old Town and Nice Port, the Hotel La Perouse the enchanting views over the city of Porto to the sensory experience photographic blue domes and windmills. The Resort includes three provides an authentic Mediterranean setting. The hotel features an surrounding food and wine, The Yeatman’s role is to share the best and outdoor infinity pools with captivating views across the Aegean Caldera. outdoor swimming pool, sauna, panoramic solarium and Jacuzzi, most authentic experience of Porto with all its visitors.’ Vedema Resort lies in the traditional village of Megalohori. At the heart restaurant and cocktail bar. The charming Restaurant Le Patio, with of the property is the original 400 year old winery, which has been the shade of centenary lemon trees, is the perfect place to taste the converted into the unique Canava Wine Bar where you can enjoy wine fresh and tasty Mediterranean cuisine proposed by the chef. tastings. The Alati Restaurant produces an excellent seafood menu, sourced fresh from the Aegean Sea. [email protected] [email protected] 14 www.akdmc.com www.akdmc.com 15 PALACE OF VERSAILLES The Royal Seal of Approval

Queen Elizabeth II will be celebrating her 90th birthday this year with various events occurring across the country, including a huge street party stretching the length of London’s Mall and an equestrian-themed party at Windsor Castle. Europe is renowned for its monarchical history; famous battles, plots and stories of intrigue. The many palaces and royal residences that have acted as the backdrops to key historical events display sumptuous interiors, elegant furnishings and imposing architecture, all of which can be discovered Venice – Secret Passages of the Doge’s Palace on a tour with A&K. In many instances we can give you private access to some of the most impressive royal locations in Europe, lifting the curtain on Gain special access to the Doge’s Palace with your expert guide, where you the eccentricities of those that once lived and worked within their walls can enjoy the secret passageways of this spectacular royal residence. Once Unique the home to Venice’s rulers and to the offices of State, it was also where countless prisoners were held captive and tortured. Visit the underground People Point of View London – Exclusive Private Tour of Kensington Palace dungeon of the Doge’s Palace and see what it was like to be a prisoner Perspectives under the Doge’s rule. A fascinating maze of cells are linked by corridors Dubrovnik – Game of Thrones Barcelona – Explore the City in Learn the royal history of this fascinating building, viewing tapestries, art and and staircases on both sides of the canal. Famous inmate Casanova made a At A&K Europe our tours seek to uncover viewpoints and Tour with a Local Actress a Sidecar garments along the way. Explore the Queen’s State Apartments and King’s dramatic escape across the rooftop in 1756. perspectives that reveal to clients the true essence of a destination, The Dalmatian city of Embark on a Night Rider tour State Apartments; walking through the very rooms that monarchs once even for those who may be return visitors. We achieve this by Dubrovnik and surrounding at night to see the illuminated occupied. You are able to visualise the young Queen Victoria walking down St Petersburg – Amber Workshop at Catherine’s Palace facilitating introductions with local people, accessing a famous areas served as the stunning highlights of Barcelona. Motor the stairs to meet Prince Albert for the first time. place in a unique way or discovering an unusual point of view. backdrop for the filming around the city in a motorcycle You have the unique chance to see the workshops in Catherine’s Palace location of ‘Kings Landing’ in sidecar, which were brought London – Private View of the Crown Jewels where masters rebuilt the world-famous Amber Room panels. Meticulously, the Game of Thrones series. into Europe during World War each panel is designed and fitted with Baltic amber, an exacting process Follow in the footsteps of the Places II. Cruise down the glamorous Explore the Tower of London where the Yeomen Warders guard the that takes decades to complete each piece of wall decoration. Observe stories along with your expert avenues and see the city’s dazzling Crown Jewels and the medieval palace. View the splendour completed panels, works in progress and designs for future pieces, all with local guide, Ana, who also Paris – Behind the Scenes of the gardens. Your guide leads glistening lights and sights in a of the Crown Jewels away from the busy visitor day with a private the amber masters as exclusive guides. worked as an ‘extra’ actress for Eiffel Tower you through the charming city that doesn’t sleep. viewing. Inside the Treasury feast your eyes on the unique display four seasons. An exclusive private guided Magnolia Garden, the Path of Venice – Special Visit to of Coronation regalia including the splendid Coronation robes, Paris – Versailles Private After-Hours Visit Moscow – Home visit tour of the backstage of the Roses and the Path of Aromatic Tessiture Bevilacqua & the magnificent Imperial State Crown and the world’s largest, A truly authentic experience Eiffel Tower, which includes Herbs. Admire the ruins of Gondola Yard top-quality cut diamond, set in the Sovereign’s Sceptre. The Situated to the west of Paris, Versailles is the location of the vast palace awaits you at the home of the original Machinery the imperial theatre and the For over a century, working on Jewel House Wardens will be on hand to share their wealth of that was constructed in the 17th-century for Louis XIV, the ‘Sun King’. Vadim and Svetlana Galonen, Room located underground; panoramic view extending out Luigi’s Bevilacqua silk looms, knowledge and bring the regalia’s extraordinary past to life. Housing up to 4,000 people, the palace was the glory of his reign and was a couple born and raised in the WWII Military bunker to the sea. highly-skilled hands transform the epicentre of political power in France at the time. You have the highly Moscow. Vadim Galonen underneath Champ de Mars Moscow – Backstage Tour at precious yarns into prestigious exclusive opportunity to visit the Palace of Versailles on a completely private comes from a family of Moscow used for radio transmissions the Bolshoi Theatre velvets and brocades destined to basis. During your tour, with a palace-accredited specialist, explore the nobility. His father Yury and the Technical Gallery which This exclusive access takes you furnish Royal palaces, residences King’s Bedchamber, the Queen’s Bedchamber, the Royal Chapel, the Royal Galonen was an outstanding offers a spectacular view of the literally behind-the-scenes and theatres all over the world. Opera and the opulent Grand Apartments. scientist and a close friend of Esplanade. All these areas are off of the world-famous Bolshoi During this privately-guided visit the famous dissident scientist limits to normal visitors. Theatre. A theatre guide takes you have special access to the Granada – Helicopter Flight over the Alhambra Andrey Sakharov. The couple, Rome – The Gardens of Castel you around the backstage atelier. Continue on to the Squero who live close to the Kremlin, Gandolfo: the Pope’s Summer areas unseen by the public and (Gondola yard), where you will See the Alhambra from above with a sensational excursion in a private speak fluent English and will be Residence recounts the history of the see the place where the typical helicopter flight. You will gain a stunning view of Granada and the Alhambra delighted to share their personal Visit the magnificent and secret theatre and explains the Tsar’s Venetian boats are produced in the spectacular surroundings of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, stories of life in Russia. Pope’s Gardens which overlook Box protocol. Additionally, visit and learn the history of Venetian which are still covered in snow until the beginning of summer. Admire the Amsterdam – Insider Tour of the lake of Castel Gandolfo. the theatre’s museum and a gondolas through the centuries. exquisite Generalife palace and gardens including its Pavillon de Chasse the Red Light District Explore the wonderful rehearsal hall where you might Athens Area – Private Cooking (Hunting Lodge), the unique palace of Charles V, the maze of narrow and See a different perspective of harmony of nature and art at be able to see dancers warming Class in Authentic Village paved alleyways of the Albaicin district and the great Cathedral of Granada Amsterdam’s most talked about these previously up and musicians After buying ingredients at the situated at the heart of the historic centre of the town. topic on a private tour of the inaccessible practicing. local market you will prepare Red Light District. Your guide your lunch before sitting down is a former sex worker who to enjoy your labours in a relaxed now runs a charity dedicated to setting. You will get a real feel for gaining more rights and respect the preparation and enjoyment of for the city’s sex workers. authentic Greek food.

[email protected] [email protected] 16 www.akdmc.com www.akdmc.com 17 New Shore Excursions

We have recently expanded the shore excursion ports that we cover across Europe to include Scandinavia, the Baltics, Croatia, Slovenia and additional ports in Italy. Time is a precious commodity for cruise-line guests who may only dock in each port for a day at a time. All our Empowering the people of Zambia with donated bikes www.akphilanthropy.org new half and full day tours are designed to provide guests with real experiences and a depth of Italy understanding that expands their appreciation of a destination, even when time is short. Below A&K Europe’s latest philanthropy they were no longer using, but had containers and the whole thing was benefits have included the creation is a taste of what we can offer in some of these new destinations: project involved the Cheltenham been reluctant to just throw away. smartened up with a lick of paint. of jobs, empowerment of women, Port: Naples Tour: Food Tour of Naples (4 hours) office partnering with the NGO Donating was the perfect way of The decision was made that the generation of income for a rural ê Take a food walking tour in one of Naples’ best Wheels of Change, a charity solving this dilemma, and through 5 people selected for mechanics community and providing people food markets, including the chance to sample who aim to empower people in it one community was helping training and to run the bike with affordable mobility. some delicious local specialities. Italy developing countries by providing another community, over 5000 shop should all be women. They ê Discover the most picturesque corners of Naples bicycles and establishing small bike miles away. named the shop ‘Chipego’ which historic city centre. Sights include the Greek Port: Bari Tour: Locorotondo & Alberobello A BIKE IS 3 TIMES sales and repair businesses. By the final weekend of bike is the Tonga word for ‘Gift’ and FASTER THAN ruins of Bellini square, the street of music and (4 hours) After acquiring an old 40 foot collecting we were hard pressed to immediately set to work learning WALKING San Gregorio Armeno street, famous for shops ê Start in Locorotondo where you will see the shipping container we waited with keep track of all the two wheeled bike mechanic skills and what was selling nativity scenes. architecture typical of the region with its historical baited breath on the morning of donations descending upon us, but required to successfully run the A HEALTHCARE ê Stop for a wine tasting in one of the city’s most centre containing whitewashed, stone buildings with the first donation weekend, the on the final afternoon we closed bike shop. WORKER CAN VISIT 4 famous wine shops before lunch in one of the cave-like interiors, narrow streets and churches. TIMES MORE PEOPLE empty container ready to be filled the doors on over 270 bikes. On the 16th September the AN HOUR ON A BIKE world’s oldest pizzerias. Not to be missed is ê Visit Alberobello (UNESCO World Heritage Site). with bikes. The local Cheltenham After a number of weeks waiting ‘Chipego’ Bike Shop officially THAN ON FOOT the pizza fritta – the original pizza and unique The city was founded in the 15th-century and its trullo community rose to the challenge in a state of high anticipation news opened for business. A special to Naples – a deep fried pizza filled with buildings – small whitewashed houses with cone admirably; people were able to give reached us that the Cheltenham ceremony marked the occasion, SECONDARY ricotta cheese. shaped roofs – are one of Puglia’s iconic images. a second lease of life to something container had safely reached its final which the Mayor of Livingstone SCHOOLS ARE FEW AND FAR destination in Zambia, and a similar and local dignitaries attended. The BETWEEN. WITH A container from the US office wasn’t day included speeches, singing BIKE A STUDENT far behind. The village of Nakatindi and cultural dancing. 15 of the bikes CAN PURSUE Denmark AN EDUCATION was chosen for the project, as were donated to the Nakatindi BEYOND 8TH GRADE A&K Philanthropy already worked Heath Committee, allowing the Port: Copenhagen Tour: In the Footsteps of closely with this community. The caregivers to visit far more patients Hans Christian Andersen (4 hours) A GIRL WITH A BIKE dust had barely settled before each day, and thus greatly improve IN THE FAMILY IS 70% ê Start at the Little Mermaid statue; Andersen’s work started in earnest; a roof the vital healthcare service they MORE LIKELY TO most popular fairy-tale character and now was constructed over both the provide. 5 bikes were also donated ATTEND SCHOOL Copenhagen’s most cherished landmark. to an HIV awareness campaign. Norway Croatia ê Follow the poet through some of his many In the last few months the A PERSON CAN different addresses in the city, including those CARRY 5 TIMES project has really taken off and will MORE WEIGHT ON A Port: Oslo Tour: Vikings & Norwegian Explorers Port: Split Tour: Krka Waterfalls along the colourful canal. Competition Time continue to grow as it becomes BIKE THAN ON FOOT (3 hours) & Trogir (8 hours) increasingly self-sufficient. Its many ê Start at Bygdøy, the Viking Ships Museum. ê Visit the Krka Waterfalls Marvel at the fine artistry of three graceful Viking National Park. You will tour How Well Do You Know Europe? ships, which are the best preserved in existence. the area of the waterfalls and ê Visit the Kon Tiki Museum. Housed here is the take a boat ride to the isle of Test your European knowledge and enter our competition for the chance Simply answer the following question: balsa raft used by Thor Heyerdahl during his Visovac to visit the Franciscan to win a 2 night stay at Kempinski Taschenbergpalais in Dresden, Which European city am I in? 1947 voyage from Peru to Polynesia. Monastery. Germany. This exclusive prize invites the lucky winner and a guest to stay ê Home to Phoenix Park – the largest urban park in Europe ê Lastly see the ship of Fram, an expedition ship ê Continue to Trogir, a for 2 nights with complimentary buffet breakfast. ê With over 1,000 pubs to drink in famed for its journeys farther south and north picturesque medieval town, Sitting on the banks of the River Elbe, Dresden is an attractive town with ê One of the fastest growing tourist destinations in Europe than any other vessel of its time. Built in 1892, the including a visit to the Cathedral cobbled streets and beautiful buildings. Located in the heart of Dresden is ê Where 10 million glasses of Guinness are produced daily. ship was used by many explorers on expeditions of St. Lawrence with its the Kempinski Taschenbergpalais, built in the 18th-century by the Saxon to the Arctic and the South Pole. magnificent Romanesque portal. king August the Strong. The hotel offers a variety of fantastic dining options, including a patisserie and extensive cocktail list. The hotel is a beautiful combination of historic glory, contemporary elegance and modern design. Latvia

Port: Riga Tour: Full-day tour of Riga (8 hours) ê Discover the history of Old Riga Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) on a walking tour and admire the medieval architecture along the myriad of streets where you can find Answers by email please to the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Town Square. [email protected] by ê Explore Riga Central Market. As one of the largest markets in Eastern Europe, you can 31st March 2016, the winner really get a flavour of Latvian culture and tradition from the countless stalls selling a wide will be drawn from the correct assortment of traditional food. entries and notified thereafter.

[email protected] [email protected] 18 www.akdmc.com www.akdmc.com 19 Meet the Key Contacts from our 3 Offices Natalia Odinochkina General Manager, A&K Russia [email protected]

Carla Martindale Katya Rozhnova Managing Director, A&K Europe Tour Consultant and Operations Team Supervisor, A&K Russia [email protected] [email protected]

Jon Bennett Anna Potapova Director of Sales and Business Development, A&K Europe Travel Consultant, A&K Russia [email protected] [email protected]

Marcela King Sergey Malyshev A&K Office Manager, Individuals Department, Third Party Division, A&K Europe Operations Manager, A&K Russia [email protected] [email protected]

Joscelyn Stockwell Travel Executive, Individuals Department, Third Party Division, A&K Europe [email protected]

FINLAND

NORWAY SWEDEN St. Petersburg

SCOTLAND ESESTTONIAONIA KAZAKHSTAN LATVIA LATVIA Moscow IRELAND DENMARK LITHUANIA KAZAKHSTAN UK & IRELAND LITHUANIA RUSSIA RUSSIA WALES Cheltenham BELARUS NETHERLANDS ATLANTIC GERMANY POLAND BELG. UZBEKISTAN OCEAN LUX. CZECH REP. SLOVAKIA MOLDOVA FRANCE SWITZ. AUSTRIA CASPIAN TURKMENISTAN HUNGARY TURKMENISTAN SEA SLOVENIA ROMANIA CRBOSNIA-OATIA GEORGIA PORTUGAL HERZEGOVINA BLACK SEA AZERBAZERAIJBAIJANAN Florence SERBIA ARMENIA MadridANDORRA BULGARIA ARMENIA MONTKO. S. SPAIN ITALY MACEDONIA ALBANIA TURKEY GREECE IRAN Luca Poddi Country Manager, A&K Italy & Croatia MOROCCO SYRIA MALTA [email protected] CYPRUS TUNISIA LEBANON IRAQ MEDITERRANEAN SEA Lara Rossi KUWAIT Travel Consultant, A&K Italy & Croatia [email protected]

Jason Browe Travel Consultant, A&K Italy & Croatia [email protected]

Francesca Strignano [email protected] Travel Consultant, A&K Italy & Croatia [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]